Still having trouble with Physics. Help!

[betterfuture]

I am new here and would just want a piece of advice from anyone willing to help out.

I have been doing some physics problems out of the EK 1001 Physics book and have trouble with understanding the answers for their problems. My questions was how should I approach these problems? I mean should I recopy the question onto a separate page and work it out or what? I am having a tough enough time already with physics let alone the confusing explanations for the EK 1001 books.

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[Ad2b]

With physics, you have to understand how the variables work with each other. If you can get to that point, everything from gen chem to orgo to biochem is easier.

For instance, on my final there was some question that had a mass, some velocity and something else, maybe torque?

Anyway, the way I figured it out was:

F=ma
F= N = kg*m/s^2
m = kg
a = v/t

then I wrote the velocity equations out, and the looked at my variables to see how the pieces fit together. It was a flow chart - don't have this, use that.

Also, I make sure every variable is converted into its SI unit first. If the answer choice is a multiple of that at the end (say kg = mg) that's an easy conversion... but for the whole problem, I stay with SI.

Last, I try to make sure I'm looking at my answer choice and asking, "Does that make sense???" If it does, at a gut level, then I move on; if not, then I double check my work.

I got an A+ in physics 1 using the above. It was a struggle at first and what I've outlined came from the professor himself...

 

[betterfuture]

Thanks for the few pointers. I get physics, it's just sometimes the finer details I wish I could understand which is impossible if you can't ask them directly and get an answer back which makes sense.

Some of the explanations in the EK 1001 book don't explain well or explain in a way which confuses me more, which again, makes it even more difficult.

 

[Ad2b]

I'd suggest posting the questions on here - people are around to help.

 

[betterfuture]

Thank you.

 

[docsmall]

Hey betterfuture,

I am right there with you. I am having a hard time with Physics. I am finding myself making little mistakes or seeing variable and not knowing which direction to go with them. I am using TBR for content/passages and the EK1001. You ARE NOT ALONE my friend. I started watching Khan Academy and sometimes I will see something that I guess the other book assumed I knew already and a light bulb goes off. When are you taking the test?

 

[betterfuture]

Hey betterfuture,

I am right there with you. I am having a hard time with Physics. I am finding myself making little mistakes or seeing variable and not knowing which direction to go with them. I am using TBR for content/passages and the EK1001. You ARE NOT ALONE my friend. I started watching Khan Academy and sometimes I will see something that I guess the other book assumed I knew already and a light bulb goes off. When are you taking the test?

Hey there. I am glad someone feels my pain. The problem with me is that physics is easy, but like sometimes there are minute details that throw me off. Khan Academy is great; I use it as a supplement.

This is my 3rd time attempting the MCAT. So in a way, I have slowly started understanding physics and can quickly remember equations and stuff. I have started doing the EK 1001 Physics but the explanations don't make me understand why the answers are correct for the questions.

I am going to take the MCAT probably in July. My biggest problems so far are physics, chemistry. So right now I am doing full content review and then afterwards, start the daily practice. What about you?

 

[aldol16]

If you know the equations and underlying concepts, content review is not going to help you much. You're having a problem with applying known concepts to passages and problems. Which means you should be getting more practice with the latter.

 

[betterfuture]

While that is true, I have just recently started reviewing/studying for the MCAT. I want to refresh my brain first before directly hitting the practice questions.

 

[metoo]

Hey there. I am glad someone feels my pain. The problem with me is that physics is easy, but like sometimes there are minute details that throw me off. Khan Academy is great; I use it as a supplement.

This is my 3rd time attempting the MCAT. So in a way, I have slowly started understanding physics and can quickly remember equations and stuff. I have started doing the EK 1001 Physics but the explanations don't make me understand why the answers are correct for the questions.

I am going to take the MCAT probably in July. My biggest problems so far are physics, chemistry. So right now I am doing full content review and then afterwards, start the daily practice. What about you?

You and I are the same. I will be taking the MCAT for the 3rd time and physics/chemistry suck. Good luck to the both of us.

 

[betterfuture]

You and I are the same. I will be taking the MCAT for the 3rd time and physics/chemistry suck. Good luck to the both of us.

And to you as well.

 

[docsmall]

Hey there. I am glad someone feels my pain. The problem with me is that physics is easy, but like sometimes there are minute details that throw me off. Khan Academy is great; I use it as a supplement.

This is my 3rd time attempting the MCAT. So in a way, I have slowly started understanding physics and can quickly remember equations and stuff. I have started doing the EK 1001 Physics but the explanations don't make me understand why the answers are correct for the questions.

I am going to take the MCAT probably in July. My biggest problems so far are physics, chemistry. So right now I am doing full content review and then afterwards, start the daily practice. What about you?

Have you looked at TBR passages? They are great at explaining why you got something wrong or right.

I am taking it June 2nd...pretty much studying all day everyday with some breaks here and there

 

[betterfuture]

Unfortunately, I am limited to the different types of MCAT prep material I have, and as of right now, I only have Kaplan and EK. Though, I have an immense amount of unused study material so I cannot complain.

I was planning on purchasing TPR for their Psychology/Sociology book as I have heard it is does a good job with regards to unfamiliar terms and concepts. Psychology is a close second when it comes to difficulty on the MCAT, in my point of view.

 

[aldol16]

No one test prep company has everything when it comes to psych/soc. Khan Academy actually does a really good job with psych/soc, so I've heard. Keeps it concise and to the point.

 

[betterfuture]

No one test prep company has everything when it comes to psych/soc. Khan Academy actually does a really good job with psych/soc, so I've heard. Keeps it concise and to the point.

Yes, using every possible resource is the best way to grasp psych/soc I think. That is why I am trying to go for atleast 3-4 sources for this particular subject, including Khan Academy. What sources did you/have you used while prepping for the Behavioral Science section?

 

[aldol16]

Yes, using every possible resource is the best way to grasp psych/soc I think. That is why I am trying to go for atleast 3-4 sources for this particular subject, including Khan Academy. What sources did you/have you used while prepping for the Behavioral Science section?

In terms of content review, I only have Kaplan and whatever Khan Academy videos I want to use. I think the most important thing for psych/soc is to get a feel for the practice passages. In terms of practice, I will get the AAMC FLs and have the Section Bank, along with the 3 free FLs that come with the Kaplan books.

 

[Nucleophile1]

It sounds like you don't understand the concepts behind the problems. For each problem that you struggle with, identify which topic it is and then go read about that topic or watch a video on it. Then come back to the problem and try it again. There are lots of practice problems available online so you can try those as well if the EK 1001 questions are still too hard. Physics is one of the tougher topics for me as well and I have found the Berkeley review books provide good explanations for the problems.

 

[betterfuture]

It sounds like you don't understand the concepts behind the problems. For each problem that you struggle with, identify which topic it is and then go read about that topic or watch a video on it. Then come back to the problem and try it again. There are lots of practice problems available online so you can try those as well if the EK 1001 questions are still too hard. Physics is one of the tougher topics for me as well and I have found the Berkeley review books provide good explanations for the problems.

Honestly, I think I have a problem with APPLYING the concepts with real world situations. Like since the new MCAT has made the section Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems now makes it a little challenging for me since I cannot seem to understand the integration of Phys in a biological system. For example with Thermodynamics or Electrostatics. They apply these topics into a biological system and ask questions, where I am stuck halfway guessing on what part functions as which variable in the equations.

 

[TheRealCookieMonster]

I am new here and would just want a piece of advice from anyone willing to help out.

I have been doing some physics problems out of the EK 1001 Physics book and have trouble with understanding the answers for their problems. My questions was how should I approach these problems? I mean should I recopy the question onto a separate page and work it out or what? I am having a tough enough time already with physics let alone the confusing explanations for the EK 1001 books.

Hey there.
This test is all about applying knowledge and critical thinking. If you want to feel well prepared I suggest you simply practice and when you get a question wrong look the subject up on the khan academy (ie watch the video and do problems). Everything you need to know is on the AAMC, khan Academy, and Google Search. Believe me I disliked physics and it was my lowest section score but still mastered it. The only reason you need test prep materials is for even more practice. My 2 cents xo.

 

[betterfuture]

Hey there.
This test is all about applying knowledge and critical thinking. If you want to feel well prepared I suggest you simply practice and when you get a question wrong look the subject up on the khan academy (ie watch the video and do problems). Everything you need to know is on the AAMC, khan Academy, and Google Search. Believe me I disliked physics and it was my lowest section score but still mastered it. The only reason you need test prep materials is for even more practice. My 2 cents xo.

Thank you

 

[DrDej]

Hey there.
This test is all about applying knowledge and critical thinking. If you want to feel well prepared I suggest you simply practice and when you get a question wrong look the subject up on the khan academy (ie watch the video and do problems). Everything you need to know is on the AAMC, khan Academy, and Google Search. Believe me I disliked physics and it was my lowest section score but still mastered it. The only reason you need test prep materials is for even more practice. My 2 cents xo.

Do you think the TBR section goes too in depth for the physics portion? Haven't taken a physics course in ages, so this section is extremely tough for me to grasp at the moment. Not sure, if I should focus on EK (supplemented with khan) to limit material and trust that what they focus on is whats most important or if I should dive into TBR's sea of content? Any thoughts/help appreciated!

 

[TheRealCookieMonster]

Do you think the TBR section goes too in depth for the physics portion? Haven't taken a physics course in ages, so this section is extremely tough for me to grasp at the moment. Not sure, if I should focus on EK (supplemented with khan) to limit material and trust that what they focus on is whats most important or if I should dive into TBR's sea of content? Any thoughts/help appreciated!

If you're restarting physics Khan Academy is a great way to get the basics down. Start by doing their end of section questions and then go back and do some review. There's a reason physics is a 3 quarter 15 credit series, content review is slow and doesn't stick as well as questions. Also the library should have princton review or kaplan books. End of chapter or section questions are a good place to find where you need the most work.

 

[gunsandroes]

If you're restarting physics Khan Academy is a great way to get the basics down. Start by doing their end of section questions and then go back and do some review. There's a reason physics is a 3 quarter 15 credit series, content review is slow and doesn't stick as well as questions. Also the library should have princton review or kaplan books. End of chapter or section questions are a good place to find where you need the most work.

That's super helpful to know! Are the end of questions for physics the same thing as the passages? What did you think about the usefulness of the passages?

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

Do you think the TBR section goes too in depth for the physics portion?

Start with a realistic perspective of how much time you have and how much work you need to do. The reality is that if you were to remove all of the sample questions and corresponding explanations from the BR Physics books, the first book would be 52 pages long and the second book would be 61 pages long. So you are talking about 113 pages of reading and review in terms of content. Some of this includes strategies, tips, and applications.

I know our chemistry and physics books look daunting in terms of thickness, but that thickness is due to over 75% of the material being sample questions, passages, questions, or answer explanations. There really isn't that much content if you take a closer look. And while I'm obviously biased, I love the shortcuts, especially for lenses & mirrors, buoyancy, series & parallel circuits, and free fall. The goal in reviewing anything is to (1) have effective ways to understand and recall the concepts and applications and (2) become a better multiple-choice test taker in terms of logic and timing. If BR books can do that for you, then dive in and get as much as you can.

 

[TheRealCookieMonster]

That's super helpful to know! Are the end of questions for physics the same thing as the passages? What did you think about the usefulness of the passages?

No they're different. Both are helpful. They were good. I think KA did a better job with bio, biochem, psych, and soc. But the passages for physics were still good practice.

 

[kitkat13]

No they're different. Both are helpful. They were good. I think KA did a better job with bio, biochem, psych, and soc. But the passages for physics were still good practice.

Were the physics/chem passages not reflective of the real exam?

 

[TheRealCookieMonster]

Were the physics/chem passages not reflective of the real exam?

They were just not the same. I could tell they were different and written by someone different, and the scores are not reflective. AAMC material is the only practice I did that reflected the actual exam. Nothing else was even close compared to the AAMC. Which makes sense.