No student is dumb; however, some subjects, including physics, can be a challenge to some students. You will find them in many institutions waiting to drop the subjects with claims that it has complex principles and mathematical problems they can’t understand. However, this should never be the case; physics is one of the most interesting sciences that has played a big role in helping us to understand the universe and progress in technological advances. If you are one of the students struggling to improve your grades in physics, don’t worry. Here are some proven simple hacks to help you shine in the subject.
Table of Contents
1. Master the basics
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Physics builds itself from its basic theories and principles. Everything you study at the higher education level is based on the simple concepts and principles you learned in your first class. However, many students who say the subject is hard to make the mistake of cramming complex problems without understanding their basic concepts. This article recommends you digest the foundation theories and concepts first so that you can easily understand the advanced principles and their relationship. You can create a mind map to help you relate different concepts and equations. The trick is to master simple equations and their applications. This will give you a connection map to their multifaceted levels. For instance,
Force- Mass X Acceleration
Momentum = Mass X Velocity.
With such equations in mind, you can easily relate to their next connection.
2. Understand how the Basic Equations were created.
Upon cramming the basic equations, you need to know why and how they were generated. This will help you understand every part of the equation and its derivation and know how to solve simple problems.
3. Account for every detail, however small it is.
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Take every problem as a representation of the issues that occur in the real world. Solving the problem means making the condition easier to handle. Nevertheless, the forces meant to bring the answer, such as friction and drag, may be omitted. During a test, your instructor will mostly omit some details to see if you understood the problem. For this reason, you need to memorize and master every small detail that will help to give you the required answer.
4. Improve your skills in math
Both Physics and Mathematics are interrelated. Physics integrates many elements of mathematics. If you are good at handling mathematics and formulas, you will have an easier path to tackling most physics problems. Try to study mathematics alongside the subject. This will help you to save time and manage the formulas more easily. You don’t have to strangle your mind when you can hire a tutor from sweetstudy or join a study group to help you navigate through the problem. Here are some of the topics in mathematics that will prepare you to handle some fundamental physics problems.
- Algebra for simple equations
- Trigonometry for angled systems problems, force diagrams, and rotation problems.
- Geometry for the area, and volume, among others.
In short, we can say mathematics is the main language used in physics; hence, to understand the subject, you must be good at the language.
5. Use drawings
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Naturally, human brains are more attracted to graphics and drawings than words and equations; where possible, use brains to illustrate and memorize the concept for your exams. Drawings will help you to remember the idea and relate it to the physics question in your exam.
6. Use several sources of physics.
If you are having a challenge with the subject, you need to diversify your resources. This way, you will likely get an easier approach to the same problem that will help you understand the problem. Some extra resources may cost you more, such as seeking a consultation group, hiring a private tutor, and enrolling for physic tuition services. Still, there are many other free resources online. However, be sure to use approved resources to avoid misinformation.
7. Be attentive in class.
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Before hiring a physics tutor, you need to pay more attention in class as the teacher explains the concepts. Some of the instructors are very good at explaining hard concepts. They use simple illustrations that you can relate to crack the problem.
If you are struggling to concentrate in class, here are some of th hacks to keep your mind in class.
- Take short notes when the instructor is teaching
- Engage the teacher with questions and answers
- Read ahead of the class to understand what the teacher is teaching.
- If need be, record the instructor as he is teaching
8. Review your notes and create enough time for revision.
Most students revise only when there is an exam. This is not advisable; your mind cannot hold a full semester’s workload in a single day. The most recommended way to revise is to review your previous class notes before the next class. This way, you can retain the little you read and connect to the next class. The more times to read something, the easier it will be for you to remember the concepts. If you can adopt a habit of reading the subject every day before you get to bed, you will easily master the principles and equations in your course work and hence have an easy time during your exam. If you have hired a physics tutor, request them to expound on the challenging parts of the unit. Create a timetable to keep you disciplined with your study routine. Where you encounter problems during the revision, seek clarifications from your instructor.
In conclusion, physics is not an easy subject; you must practice the concepts and seek other study hacks to succeed. Improve your attitude towards the subject and believe you can do better because many have done it. Observe your study time management and apply all the tips to help you love the subject. Physics is one of the most interesting technical subjects if you have the motivation and willpower to learn it. Create a healthy study routine and double-check your answers during the exam to ensure that you have answered the required questions.
