<p>Just realize that intro physics 1 and 2 are both nothing but vector addition; maybe a few dot products or cross products, but mostly addition and scaling. Then the exceptions for each formula they conveniently derive for you using calculus (the thing they told you was a pre-req) :P</p>
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Wow BCE..91--I do not think your S needed all that math to get an A in Physics I. Don't scare everyone.
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<p>Possibly not, but perhaps the teachers of prob and stats had a problem solving methodology that came in handy for doing certain types of physics problems.</p>
<p>The more techniques you have (and can call upon on demand) for problem solving, the better off you'll be in general.</p>
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I think that physics is the subject which is the most dependant on how you think, to some physics is al but impossible and to others it is not hard at all, even more so than maths.
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<p>My biggest problem in elementary mechanics wasn't the math. I didn't always realize when a certain type of force acted upon an object, for example. So all the math I did was correct, but I would occasionally give incorrect answers because I had not accounted for everything that was needed to solve the problems. BTW, I got a B in the class.</p>
<p>Physics I and II are pretty simple as long as you read and get a decent understanding of the concepts. You can relate a lot of the stuff to real life things you have experienced, so that helps. Make sure you practice a lot of problems. I studied for tests by doing problems, not studying concepts.</p>
<p>Modern Physics on the other hand is a whole other animal...quantum mechanics and relativity completely go against pretty much every intuition you ever had about the world. I have never seen so many blank states in a classroom at once.</p>
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My biggest problem in elementary mechanics wasn't the math. I didn't always realize when a certain type of force acted upon an object, for example. So all the math I did was correct, but I would occasionally give incorrect answers because I had not accounted for everything that was needed to solve the problems. BTW, I got a B in the class.
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That was my point, people in general have a harder time understanding the concepts of physics than the concept of math in my experience.</p>
<p>My best advice is to try and pick a worthy prof. I took Physics 1 and 2 at a community college and got A's, not so much because it was easier but the prof was awesome. I loved going to class each day. Transferred to a big Uni and took Physics and had a very rough time. The prof was a hard baller and weeded out most of the kids. I ended up with a D+ meaning I passed but have to get a C or better for engineering. Luckily I'm a geology major so a D+ is considered passing. So again if you get a prof that works for you it will make a big difference. Granted I knew some kids that barely came to class and still walked away with Bs.</p>