<p>The title explains it all... Last semester I took physics 1 and got a C+ (my lowest grade). This semester I'm dealing with the same crap that I did last semester. I get 100% on the homework and do good on quizzes. But the test kill me. This semester I'm taking differential equations, linear algebra, computer science 1, and writing. I'm fine with all those classes but physics has been killing me. I know how important physics is, I'm either going to be a computer or electrical engineer. </p>
<p>Part is my fault, but the other half... I have a teacher who writes the test the day before their given, has errors on the test, messes up equations all the time up on the board during lectures, and just plain makes everything complicated. I expected an awesome physics teacher coming into college, but I got the exact opposite.</p>
<p>I'm a freshman and I don't know what to do. After the first test I probably have a c- or worse. I have another test and final in the class so I could try for at least a solid C or drop the class.</p>
<p>Bad profs happen. That is why you have the book… Unless you have Tipler then you may just want to quit as that is the worst book I have ever seen.</p>
<p>The thing is that took 18 credits this semester ( and the last ) expecting a physics teacher who would engrave physics in my head, not throw a bunch of puzzle pieces in my head that have nothing in common with each other. It feels like the teacher is giving out 10 different puzzle sets, mixing up all the pieces, then saying put the puzzle together. I got an A-in engineering last semester so I know its not all me.</p>
<p>But yes I have no choice but to read the physics book non stop (not literally)</p>
<p>Anyone have any tips for learning physics 2? (I really need to have this material down for my engineering interest)</p>
<p>Have you checked out [Khan</a> Academy](<a href=“http://www.khanacademy.org/]Khan”>http://www.khanacademy.org/) ? Looks like he finished the physics 2 stuff recently and has everything from capacitance to optics. He finished them at the end of last semester so I didn’t get a chance to use them, but I imagine it would of been very helpful.</p>
<p>I know about Khan, he’s an amazing guy and teacher who explains everything very well. I didn’t know that he had physics two material up, so thank you a lot for letting me know that. I’ll probably watch every physics 2 video during spring break (not exactly what I planned on doing, but o well…)</p>
<p>Last time I checked Khan’s physics videos were algebra/trig based. I would recommend getting Physics (5th edition) by HRK and teaching yourself the material. It’s very good at explaining concepts.</p>
<p>Totally agree with meteman on this one. A physics class takes up a lot of time and you need to maximize the studying for this class alone. Use every resource you can to make it through this class. Study groups, tutoring, different books, videos, etc. Specifically, physics 2, is known at my school as a weed out class. But we have to take Calc 2 and physics 2 at the same time. You’re well ahead of the math so you have all the tools you need to succeed.</p>
<p>I understand where you’re coming from on the tests too. I am always well prepared for my physics tests. Even with this confidence I still felt that the teacher could think of something difficult to ask on the test and always did. Either way, good luck.</p>
<p>Try to get a hold of sample or previous tests. Take these tests in conditions similar to real testing conditions so you can gauge how well you know the material and what you need to study.</p>
<p>I vouch for buying two textbooks for this course. Physics by HRK I believe was already mentioned and I will second that recommendation. However, Physics II is a class that requires serious time to master the concepts and problem solving tecniques. I spend hours reading the book, learning the concepts, pictorially understanding concepts, and going through the corresponding chapter in my other textbook before I even attempt to solve any sort of problem. It is not helpful to just merely understand how to solve the problems by just knowing what equations to use when or using a solutions manual. The professors for this course are usually very difficult, and they have high expectations, but they can be met with a solid foundation. Other tidbits I would recommend is understanding units extremely well, this will help on the exam especially when you are asking yourself if the answer even makes sense. Try the practice test study method if it is available. Go to tutoring services if offered. Ultimately, with work in this course an A can be achieved, but the reason this is considered a weed out class at many schools is because people simply will not put in the amount of work necessary to understand what they are doing. </p>
<p>It seems to me like you are doing work, but need to exercise some more resources that may help for the exams in particular. Where that help is found is up to you to figure out because it may be different from school to school.</p>
<p>Actually, if your 4-year schedule was not going to suffer, you could have taken Physics II after either your Electric Circuits course or your Differential Equations course. That would have made the electric circuits portion of Physics II much easier.</p>