How do you guys study for physics exams?

<p>Basically title. I have a physics final in a few weeks and I currently have a B-, and I would really like to bring my grade up to at least a B flat or a B + but I just don't know how.</p>

<p>I am good with math and the math involved in physics is easy. What kills me is finding out what formulas to use or which law applies to situation. I do the homework but don't do as much reading. I try and make sure I understand the laws and then go to Khan Academy for more help.</p>

<p>But how do you guys study for physics? Do you guys have to read the book a lot or just keep doing problems all day?</p>

<p>

Think you just answered your own question there, sport.</p>

<p>I re-do all of my previous tests, quizzes, and homeworks.</p>

<p>I just bribe the teacher to get an A.</p>

<p>same as with any class. I remember studying for my chemistry exam my freshman year. I literally did every homework problem for the semester in a day. Literally took me all day. I got an A on my exam. </p>

<p>Thats with any subject. Some you just “grasp” better than others. Physics is one where you have to have basic concepts down to extend to other problems.</p>

<p>Let me just say that repetition is meaningless if you don’t understand the basics of what you are repeating. Make sure you understand the basics, specifically the formulae and where they come from and why they are there. If you don’t know that, you can repeat a problem a hundred times and you may be able to reproduce that problem, but you still won’t know what you are doing.</p>

<p>@CloudyCloud, one thing you could try is studying the canonical form for a particular type of problem (kinematics, etc.) and then note how the form changes for specific instances of problems (e.g. when the object starts at rest, is dropped from some height to Earth, is/is not frictionless or massive). An understanding of the underlying calculus could help, if you have the time and inclination to study it. (If this is calculus-based physics, it’s essential that you understand the calculus that’s required to set up the problems.)</p>

<p>Also, I’d advise going to the teacher/professor, if you have not already done so, and ask what you can do to improve your grade. Perhaps the professor can recommend certain practice material, or may know of a study group you can join.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Adderall, lots of water.</p>