How to succeed in Physics 110

G. E. Matthews

How to learn physics

• Attend and participate in class.  Think about what is going on, and ask questions if you do not understand.
• Stay up to date on homework.
• Labs collectively count more than some tests.  Here is an opportunity to raise your average!
• Get together with others to discuss the concepts of this course.

How to do well on tests

Many students are responsible in the above ways, but still do not perform well on the tests.

As I have met with students that did not do well on Physics 110 tests, a common pattern has emerged.  Most of these students understand the material better than they were able to show on the tests.  Many know and understand the material, but have trouble calling up the equations they need in the limited time of the test.

Here are some guidelines that will help you better show on the test just how much physics you know.  They work for me!

• Prepare a condensed set of notes with only key equations, which should include just about all those from the end of each chapter.
• When you work homework, you should be able to do every problem starting with an equation in your condensed notes. Develop the discipline of first writing than equation down and showing all manipulations.
• Be sure you know and understand any equation or principle with a name, e.g., Bernoulli's principle, conservation of energy, Newton's Laws.
• Make a list of all demonstrations: what happened?  What physical principles did it illustrate?
• The last hour of studying, look only at your condensed notes. Try to find 30 minutes before the test to look at them some more. When you get the test, first write all the equations down.
• If you follow these guidelines, you should do well in the course.
  

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