<p>I've changed my major a few times, starting off in engineering then to business and now back to engineering. </p>
<p>I've never taken physics before and this year I have to take College Physics I to start and then university physics. </p>
<p>I have heard the the College Physics professors at my school are terrible because they are too smart to teach it. </p>
<p>What would be the best way to get a head start on learning physics?</p>
<p>Physics 1 is the standard introductory physics class. I'd suggest getting a copy of the syllabus, reading over the textbook, reviewing past notes/lectures or using the MIT OCW lectures.</p>
<p>Purchase an AP Physics C book from barrons and use it. It's quick, condensed, and gets straight to the point so you can build a firm foundation going into Physics. It's also a lot cheaper than buying a college textbook just to prepare yourself for the course.</p>
<p>Final cost: ~$25.00 and you'll get a giant leg up, as long as you don't just read it and expect to master (although reading should be fine if you just want some familiarity going into the class as opposed to general knowledge).</p>
<p>I heard physics is mostly just plugging numbers into equations, I'm probably wrong but I wouldn'y know.</p>
<p>Well, thats one way to look at it, but you should probably learn the concepts behind the equations. Like, it might just be useful to know that acceleration is the first derivative of velocity, and the second derivative of a position function.</p>
<p>Yea bobba, if you look at it that way then you won't really learn anything at all</p>
<p>Algebra based physics might be more plug and chug, but calculus-based physics most certainly isn't. You are not provided any formula sheets and need to derive your own equations. Examples are using the KE=(1/2)(mv^2) to derive moment of inertias for a number of different types of objects and also using that one equation to derive harmonic oscillation equations; basically, calculus-based physics is the calculus behind how the equations are derived, so you are supposed to focus on the calculus to come up with the equation as opposed to grabbing stuff from an equation sheet.</p>
<p>It comes down to which type of physics course you are talking about. Algebra, you are given equations since you aren't responsible for calculus and deriving equations, whereas calculus-based physics is a whole lot more involved. (for a problem, you first start with algebraic manipulation, relations, then dive into integral calculus to come up with pertinent equations).</p>
<p>Although AP Physics C is supposed to be the calc-based physics test, it is no where near the level of calculus that college level calc-based physics touches upon. I don't recall too many double/triple integrals in AP Physics C, but that is used a lot in calc-based physics in college, especially once you enter E&M.</p>
<p>The best way to get better at physics is to practice... on your own. Get a good textbook on physics if you can and read the sections you are interested in (or just follow an introductory college physics course's curriculum). Make sure you read them carefully, look at and understand all the pictures and diagrams, and really really understand where all the equations are coming for. With pencil in hand, derive the equations that you come across on your own...
And then just do as many problems as you can, and definitely try the harder problems. Try to get help from a friend or teacher at school to solve problems you get stuck on, or post them on forums like <www.physicsforums.com>.
The key to learning physics is "understanding," and always expecting something new, different from anything you have seen before. Its all about problem solving, so memorization won't help you, knowing what all the jargon means won't help you. You just have to understand what's going on... you'll get a distinct feeling inside you when you have truly understood a problem or concept. Wait for that feeling.
Additionally, look here for online lectures
Free</a> Online Course Materials | MIT OpenCourseWare
I'm pretty sure they have video lectures plus class materials for all the basic physics courses. The lecturers are also top-class. Just do all this over the summer and you'll be far ahead of the game.</www.physicsforums.com></p>
<p>I heard that calc based physics is actually easier than algebra based physics. I already know a little calc and am not looking forward to doing algebra based physics at my high school.</p>
<p>Thats not really true. Algebra-based physics is a very very small part of physics... its not really even physics, in my opinion. They are usually offered in high school and tend to be taught very poorly. Good physics teachers for the high school level are extremely difficult to find... at my school the physics teacher was like the Dark Arts teacher from Harry Potter.... they changed 'em every friggin year!</p>
<p>However, I do agree that algebra is really much more annoying than calculus.</p>
<p>First thing you need to do is ignore all the advice already given to you and the advice that will follow my post. On the first day of class the instructor will give you a syllabus. Buy the textbook that is listed on that syllabus. Next do everything on the list below.</p>
<ol>
<li>Attend all lectures</li>
<li>Do all homework assignments.</li>
<li>Do not fall behind. (Don't be lazy)</li>
<li>Do not memorize the steps on how to do a problem..instead learn the concepts.</li>
<li>If your instructor is following the textbook do not take notes. Just pay attention.</li>
<li>At the end of the chapter you are studying you will find problems. Do them ALL. (Buy the solutions manual)</li>
</ol>
<p>
[quote]
5. If your instructor is following the textbook do not take notes. Just pay attention.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>This really depends a lot from one person to another. I have a really hard time learning juts by listening to a lecture, I always have to take notes or else my attention will start to drift.</p>
<p>get 3000 Solved Problems in Physics....and well, solve problems.</p>