Learning Equations

[Uafl112]

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I wanna spend today writing down all the equations that I think ill need to know and going over their concepts. Does anyone know a good method to memorize equations?

 

[ar00n]

I think that's the wrong approach for the MCAT - what if on the exam you blank out on a formula and end up remembering it wrong? It's best to go through problems sans-formula sheet and learn to use them. This will give you a better understanding of how variables are related and in the end you'll actually have to memorize less material.

For example, let's take the equations for frequency and period for a simple harmonic oscillator. It's easy enough to remember that the equation for period is 2πsqrt(something) and you should know that the variables m and k are important in this case. Now in case you forget what's under that square root, you could think about how these variables might affect the motion of your oscillator. Intuitively, increasing the spring constant k would decrease the period and likewise, increasing m would increase the period. So, you have 2π sqrt(m/k). What's the frequency then? Well, using your knowledge, you'd probably figure out that it's just the reciprocal of that. After some period of usage, you'll find that you won't even need to go through this thought process again. You should think about pendulums this way too - if anything, they're even easier since you can't easily change gravity.

Looking at units can also really help if you're having difficulty keeping track of your formulas. A good example of this would be electric field, electric force and electric potential.

 

[mbaumann1123]

Actually I spent a day deriving all the units for each physics equation, and by the end I had such a better grasp on how to intuitively use them if that makes sense. Like for example start with deriving units for the newton, newtons are the unit for force and the equation for force is F=ma so the units for newton are (kg)(m/s/s)= (kg*m/s^2). That's a simple example but if you work through all the derived units then back through the equations, they will stick in your mind and you'll be able to answer questions even if you forget an equation because you know how to derive the units. I'm sure this is something you and everyone else has heard a million times, but I was amazed by how much I retained after actually working them through by hand. TPR has a huge list of derived units and equations in their book, Kaplan has an equations sheet as well. chads videos review notes have them derived also

 

[mbaumann1123]

Oh now I see the poster above me already told you to do that! Sorry for the repeat!

 

[Spinach Dip]

Flashcards: the key to memorizing numerous unrelated bits of information.