<p>Hi, I am self-studying only for the Physics C: Mechanics test. I am currently enrolled in Calculus BC (just finished all AB material 3 weeks ago). I just started about a week ago and am finishing up motion in one dimension. Is this too late to start?</p>
<p>Also, which and how should I use a textbook? I plan on becoming a physicist, so it is very important that I not only get a 5 on the exam, but master the subject material.</p>
<p>I am primarily using Halliday and Resnick (Fundamentals of Physics). I also have University Physics and Serway on hand, but have not used them.</p>
<p>I have a few problems with H&R. First of all, my approach to using the textbook is to do all the odd numbered problems (not questions or the general problems, but the ones which have dots next to them) for each chapter. When I do this however, I find that each problem has various problems within itself (ie. a-f), and it takes too much time; I also get 90% of the problems correct, and feel that I know the material just by reading it. My question is if my approach is practical, and how many problems I really need to do to solidify the material? For those of you who took Physics C: Mechanics or self-studied, how many problems did you usually do per chapter?</p>
<p>I am also open to alternative methods, including completely switching textbooks.</p>
<p>No, but I do have a lot of very general knowledge in physics; I am confident that I can understand the physics concepts and math required without much difficulty. The problem is how should I study and whether it’s too late to start. If the latter is true, then I am still willing to work as hard as possible to finish my self-study by May.</p>
<p>Hey, I’m also self studying for AP Physics C (both Mechanics and E&M). I’ve only started studying recently so I’m in a bit of hurry. I’m also using H&R and don’t know how many questions I should do because there are just way too many. So, how are you doing it now? Are you just doing the first 50 odd questions and then moving on?</p>
<p>I have got so bogged down with school and other EC’s that I haven’t been able to open my physics book for almost 3 weeks now. I am currently finishing up Ch. 4 however (so another 11 to go because I only want to do Mechanics). I hope I can finish by the end of March. As per your question, I didn’t really decide how I would use the book. I think that I’m probably going to do every other odd for chapters that are easy or not so important (ie. Ch. 3) and every odd for important or hard chapters (ie. Ch. 5). And I mean the section problems (with the dots in front of them), and not the General Problems.</p>