Waves... sound, doppler and optics.

[mikil100]

So I just finished EK physics, and I can confidently say this is by far my weakest subject.. particularly Fluids, electricity, and the last chapter--Waves.

In the last test I got a "123" which is my lowest score of any to date. Do you guys have any advice for tackling sound problems or problems with optics and light? I'm having a hard time grasping these topics in particular. What are you guys doing for them?

I don't want to spend an excess amount of time studying the rules for lenses when the chances of them even showing up is minuscule. I have a small part of me saying I would be much better off spending my time studying chemistry/psych/biology which are represented much more in the exam.

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[ElectricNoogie]

You are correct in that traditionally, optics/light was not a heavy hitter on the MCAT but you cannot know for sure. For optics, yes there is a bunch of material to learn, but you should do what you've been doing in the other sciences, learn the basics first and then tie these topics into other, MCAT tested topics that are related. Light/sound are good topics to tie together because they both can and are tested as waves. For example the doppler effect applies to both light (the red shift) and sound (ambulance sirens). Don't think of these topics as discrete areas to be memorized but rather integrated concepts that play a role in 2 human senses.

The eye has even shown up on the new AAMC materials so it is still worth knowing. Find some reliable practice passages that contain these topics then do them. Being more active (i.e. doing MCAT questions) with this material is the best way to have it stick AND reinforce the kind of thinking needed for the exam.

Good luck!

 

[DrHart]

Ugh this stuff is the scum of physics. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Know the big formulas: A1v1=A2v2, (1/f) = (1/do) + (1/di), c=λf, etc.
With the new MCAT there are bigger fish to fry in my opinion. This stuff was crap for me too though.