Physics is the science that studies all the "physical" aspects of the universe (mechanical, electrical, energetic and so on). It is a difficult subject to learn, but by studying with constancy and concentration you can be able to master it. The most important factor in learning any subject is the right attitude. Passionate about studying!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Study
Step 1. Find a quiet place to study
Physics is a difficult subject to master and external distractions only make it worse. By getting rid of any sources of inattention and finding a quiet place, you can concentrate more easily.
Libraries are perfect places to learn because they are quiet and offer access to information sources
Step 2. Read several books and texts
Even if you have an "official" book suggested by the teacher, there are hundreds of texts on this subject; another work may offer a different point of view on the same subject and make it more understandable for you.
- Go to the library and find information on the topic you are having difficulty with by consulting different texts.
- Read various explanations to find the one that helps you understand the concept.
Step 3. Ask questions
If you don't understand something, ask someone to help you. Discuss physics problems with other students or teachers; if there is a topic that is not clear to you, don't be afraid to ask questions.
- Ask often and immediately for more clarification. Physics is a subject that develops on itself: if you do not internalize the basic concepts, you will not be able to understand the subsequent ones.
- If you run into serious difficulties, get help from a tutor.
Step 4. Try taking online lessons
On the web you can find several free courseware that help you in your studies; interactive forms and problems are a perfect way to lay a solid foundation in this matter.
- Look for programs offered by universities.
- You can also search online resources like YouTube if you need instructional videos explaining how to solve particular physics problems. These can be especially useful if you need to visualize to learn, since they often offer contextualized images.
Step 5. Develop a daily study routine
Setting a fixed time to study helps you keep up and make progress every day. When you get used to programming, dedicating that particular moment to books becomes an automatism.
- Try to devote at least an hour to studying every day.
- Ask friends and family not to bother you at that particular time.
Part 2 of 3: Solving Practical Problems
Step 1. Learn the formulas by heart
There are several mathematical formulas in physics, and although you can research them every time, it is much easier to solve problems if you are able to write them without consulting the texts.
- For example, in the formula F = m * a 'F' represents Force, 'm' represents mass and 'a' represents acceleration.
- Use flashcards to memorize this information.
Step 2. Write down all known information
The first step in solving a problem is to write all the known data provided by the statement; sometimes, there is information that is not really necessary to arrive at the solution.
- Reread the text and identify the variables that are important to unravel the problem.
- Determine what the request is described in the statement. Many times, the problem does not pose a direct question, but you have to understand what the crux of the matter is starting from the information provided.
Step 3. Draw graphs to visualize the problem
Physics is a very "visual" subject: drawing diagrams is of great help to understand how to arrive at the solution.
- Force diagrams are very common and allow you to determine the intensity, direction and direction of the vector quantity.
- Graphs are essential for problems involving electricity and magnetism.
Step 4. Determine the correct equation to solve the problem
Many questions can be completed through numerous equations. Once you have written the known data and identified the request for the statement, you can establish the mathematical process necessary to solve the problem.
If you haven't learned all the formulas by heart yet, prepare a summary sheet with the basic equations
Step 5. Practice solving several problems
The best way to master a new subject is to practice. Start with simple questions and try to solve all those necessary to internalize the concept; gradually move on to the more complex ones as you master the subject.
- The textbook should propose several exercises with their solutions on the back.
- Always check the work with the answers given by the texts, to make sure you solve the problems correctly.
- Practice with friends; if you have great difficulty with a concept, you can try to study in a group.
Part 3 of 3: Explain the Topics
Step 1. Explain a concept to another person
If you have truly internalized a topic, you should be able to easily explain it to someone else using terms they can understand; Furthermore, teaching a subject allows you to improve your own learning and ability to remember.
- Try explaining physics to friends or your parents.
- If you are having difficulty, review the topic in more detail.
Step 2. Organize a study group
This type of group is useful for several reasons. It often happens that you are able to understand some topics better than your classmates, that you can explain them to them and vice versa; such study groups are perfect for learning, explaining and having fun with the school subject.
Establish a time that suits all members and stick to it
Step 3. Offer to become a tutor or assistant to the professor
This way, you have multiple opportunities to teach physics to others. By helping other students, you improve your understanding of the subject at the same time.
- Ask your university's mentoring center for more information to find teaching opportunities.
- You can also become an online tutor.
Advice
- Don't be discouraged right away. Learning a new subject requires time and patience.
- Keep up with the schedule, don't wait until the last minute to study everything.
- Take notes as you read and write important terms or questions in the margins of the text.
