Best way to study for Physics Exams

[BenUstudent]

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I everyone, I am in regular Trig based Physics. I have a exam next week and this is the first class I had in my undergrad that does not provide U with a equation sheet with the exam. So to sum up what would be most effective way to rremember all of the equations and for a givien problem which equation to use (because there could be 2-3 different equations that could be used)

 

[Tin Man]

Actually, almost all of the equations used in physics can be found through a little algebra. The very basic ones (ie, the ones that can't be broken down much further) are the ones that are important. F=MA, V=V_0 +at, that sort of thing. Most of the equations bigger than that you should be able to find algebraically.

But to be honest, if you're going through physics the right way, you shouldn't need to be actively memorizing formulas. You should be picking it up through diffusion by working a ton a problems.

 

[time md]

Working tons of examples is the beat method. It also helped me to understand how the equations were derived.

 

[Trexate]

Snort 2 capsules of Adderall and pull an all-nighter. Let me know how it goes...

 

[akinetopsia]

Practice problems... practice problems.

Draw diagrams, write the initial "knowns" and look carefully at how the problems are worded. Some problems give you more info than you need so be careful about that. Be careful in being consistent with your +/- depending on how you frame the problem in your coordinate system.

For example, if it's a projectile motion problem and they say someone throws a softball and when they release it their hand is 2m off the ground, then you can set your origin for x,y at the level of their hand and assume up is positive and down is negative, and remember that when the ball lands it will be at -2m in the y direction (since the origin/release point was 2m off the ground and it's set as 0,0 or the origin). That make sense?

When in doubt, draw a picture... it may help you understand.

As far as equations go, there really aren't many to remember. Notice when certain terms are 0 (like initial velocity) and they'll cancel out some terms in the equations you use.

F=ma like other people have said, remember Newtons are kg.m/s^2, velocity is always m/s, and acceleration is always m/s^2. A lot of force problems you have to figure out acceleration first. If it's your first test though, I'm guessing you'll cover velocity problems, acceleration problems, possibly instantaneous, free-fall, vectors and some range/projectile motion. There really aren't many equations to remember in there.

 

[MedicineMike]

I just had a physics test last week and i was freaking out about it. We did get to make an equation sheet though (thank gah).

But do what i do....Study, practice practice practice!...OH, and pray for a big curve!! 12-15 point curve on my test! ha

 

[BenUstudent]

Thanks everyone 4 your input, and Trexate I think Ill stick to the regular 4 ~6 cans of Red Bull, that usually does the trick for me 🙂

 

[Baller MD]

Understand the concepts and where the equations come from. Best way to get this is by reading a good physics book.

Memorizing equations is enough to get you a passing grade but not to do well, IMO.