AP Physics advice!

<p>We're doing chapter 11 in Giancoli Physics 6E on Vibrations and Waves. There are tons and i mean tons! of equations that you have to know. Memorizing isn't the hard part but it's really hard to apply them to different problems. I am really struggling with this chapter. Any advice??</p>

<p>wow my dumb class is only on Chapter 8/9. This sucks I'm gonna have to self study hardcore before the AP exam to get my 5 =[</p>

<p>oo good ole vibrations and waves...ill give you the biggest helpful hint of your life...screw the equations for about 2 days and focus on the definition of each type of problem/word associations to the problem...cuz if you dont know what the word really means, how can you associate the equation to the problem am i right?....trust me im on waves and stuff in my physics class...but im taking physics C(self studying actually) so i dont really have to worry about it....trust me though, study and understand the definition of the constant uses of the words, and youll get perfect understanding of each concept, which will then flow into your head when u start solving word-problems. Hope that Helps.</p>

<p>we use a different book, but we're also only doing the equivalent of chapters 8/9</p>

<p>so basically instead of focusing on the equations try to understand how to derive them?</p>

<p>pretty much, i mean if you dont understand some key terms, whats the point of logically using the equation when you dont really have a solid grasp of the concept....for instance, waves and vibrations tend to be in constant motion, 24/7, if in a vacuum...thats where all these equations come from...that how we have constants...i mean simple words like "closed air column" or "a uniformly vibrated harmonic motion" tend to confuse people, therefore affecting the choice of the equations...that why i said you should study some examples of questions and how they word the question so next time, you'll be prepared for the types of variations of word problems the exam will throw at you..</p>

<p>Our Physics B class has finished all of classical mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, waves/sound, and electricity/magnetism. Hopsefully we finish light + modern before Christmas.</p>

<p>Our Physics C has finished and are already taking practice exams.</p>

<p>yeah for waves, knowing how to derive the wave equations is really helpful.</p>

<p>Wow, Apostrophe, you guys must have sped through that stuff hardcore.
Our Physics C class is on chapter 9, but that's because we're stressing the mechanics part over E&M, going very in-depth into the material.</p>

<p>We have in-class debates over answers all the time =) Especially during the first two weeks of school when the teacher didn't have an answer guide yet. Just one reason why I love Physics C.</p>

<p>Vivi, PhysB vets are taking the PhysC course: that means mech can be almost fully ignored, cept for the rotational/angular stuff. The class is also strong in math. We've got a Calc 4 JR, Calc 2 JR, and Calc 2 Sophomore in the class. Some of these guys could take Engineering courses in College already, way before graduating high school.</p>