<p>I would like to know about everyone's experiences in the physics courses. I have just started Phys I, and it is interesting so far, but also a bit intimidating. Vectors seem to be a bit complicated as we are working in 3D and it involves many equations. The units on position, velocity, acceleration are alright.</p>
<p>I just want to know if more people tend to like Phys I better or vice-versa, and what your comments are about the classes.</p>
<p>Physics 1 is nice because you can visualize almost everything. You'll become more comfortable with vectors as time goes on. Everything in 2D is a logical extension from 1D and going to 3D is the same. (Think about how you extend the equation of a circle to the 3D analogue of sphere.) Physics 2 is somewhat more mathematical and abstract in that things are often harder to visualize. Physics 2 isn't that bad though. Just remember that most 2D problems in Physics (and in general when working with vectors) can be dealt with as two * independent * 1D problems.</p>
<p>What is this Physics 1 and 2 that you people speak of? Do you mean mechanics (Physics 1) and electricity and magnetism (Physics 2)?</p>
<p>Difficulty of the physics courses I took
Mechanics < Thermal < E&M</p>
<p>The most enjoyable physics courses I took
Thermal < Mechanics < E&M</p>
<p>physics 1 is the easiest. I took physics 1 last semester and I'm taking physics 2 and 3 simultaneously this semester.</p>
<p>What is Physics 2 like so far?</p>
<p>E&M is very difficult only in the beginning. When you get to concepts like phasors or magnetic fields, the material isn't that hard to grasp.</p>
<p>Not to derail this thread... but are Physics I and II calculus based? Do you integrate functions/equations, take partial derivatives, derive equations, and all that crap?</p>
<p>I'm not in college yet, but from what I've seen in highschool, E&M is a lot harder. With Mechanics, everything is concrete and laid out, and there is a "common sense" aspect of it since you can visualize everything. With E&M you have things you can't see (like magnetic and electric fields)</p>
<p>Averagedesi-</p>
<p>I can't imagine teaching physics without the use of calculus--both of my undergraduate physics courses made heavy use of calculus. </p>
<p>To second and third what everyone else said, E&M will mess you up.</p>
<p>Oh man, now I'm worried.</p>
<p>Physics 1 and 2 are ridiculously easy</p>