<p>I am in physics right now, and I literally don't understand anything, and I have no idea why I'm even passing. I usually get 100s on my homework assignments, but she gives us the answers so I know when I need to try again. Her tests are a lot harder than the homework she gives, and they're weighted 60%. I've never been good at science, but I also never have been a C student which is unfortunately my current situation.</p>
<p>I think that the problem is that I can plug information into formulas just fine, but when it comes to understanding what I'm doing and why I'm doing it I just get so confused. </p>
<p>Does anybody have any advice at all? A tip to visualizing problems? I really am confused and I'm really worried for my grade in the class.</p>
<p>The teacher always says that we don’t need to study, so I usually just read over my notes and practice some of the old homework assignments before I take the test.</p>
<p>One of the things that I didn’t understand was when we were decomposing vectors on an inclined plane. I didn’t get why we were doing what we were doing (creating triangles and using SOHCAHTOA to find normal force and force of gravity). I also don’t understand a lot of conceptual things, like how the force of gravity can be different than actual gravity.</p>
<p>Well the vectors on the inclined plane are changed for this reason: the “normal” force is always perpendicular to whichever surface an object is on, but the force of gravity always points directly downward (into the center of the earth). On flat ground, the normal force points directly up and the force of gravity points directly down, naturally canceling one another out. This changes on an inclined plane because gravity still points directly downwards, but the normal force is now at an angle compared to the force of gravity. For this reason, you must make triangles to put the components of the normal force in terms of the force of gravity.</p>
<p>Also, I’m confused as to what you mean when you say “the force of gravity is different from gravity”.</p>
<p>There are a lot of YouTube videos that deal with high school physics concepts, if hearing someone explain something works better for you than reading it off a page.</p>
<p>Wow I’m learning the exact same thing you are right now lol. I’m in Phys first honors with a 92. I don’t get most of the force stuff right now but it clears up in my head later. Do you guys, by any chance, know the difference between my class and any AP Physics class?</p>
<p>AP Physics is supposed to be a college-level class, so it’s taught at a higher level, with a college textbook. AP Physics B is algebra/trigonometry-based and AP Physics C is calculus-based. There are two AP Physics C tests (Mechanics and E&M).
The College Board is working on converting AP Physics B to AP Physics 1 and 2 (two classes/tests instead of just one), but I’m not sure when they’re actually starting it. AP Physics C will stay the same.</p>
<p>Ahh I see, so the main difference is math @halcyonheather? In terms of which one correlates to where you are currently placed into?</p>
<p>Our class is for those who have never had experience in Physics, and that are taking Algebra 1 or Geo (some of us are in Alg 2). </p>
<p>The book we have is Conceptual Physics by Paul Hewitt. Not much problem or math solving at all, just theoretical and hypothetical thinking. So far, we’ve been doing motion, vectors, force (new), and all that type of stuff. Learning so much it’s ridiculous that I couldn’t figure out some basic concepts before. </p>
<p>Does the SAT II Physics test cover all realms (AP Physics B and C)?</p>
<p>Regular or honors physics is a high-school-level class, and it’s generally algebra-based. AP Physics B (soon to be Physics 1 and 2) is also algebra-based, but it’s supposed to be a college-level class. AP Physics B doesn’t usually require any previous physics experience, just algebra and trigonometry. </p>
<p>Physics C is calculus-based, so you’d need some knowledge of Calculus AB stuff, but I think it can be taken concurrently with Calculus AB. Some high schools require that you’ve had a previous physics class. </p>
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<p>No, there’s no calculus on it.
The College Board’s recommended preparation is a year of high school physics, though you would probably be better prepared if you took it after taking AP Physics B.</p>
<p>Hmm… I guess a better question to ask is: What differences lie between AP Phy B and Honors Physics that better prepares you for that SAT II? The reason I ask is that in almost every Ivy Chance thread, I see the Physics: 800 haha.</p>
<p>well, as far as the difference between honors and ap physics…shouldn’t you just check with your school? the honors physics at my school has trig and some calc, but it’s still considered intro, so it really varies.</p>
<p>my physics teacher is one that is sarcastic to the point where we can’t believe any word he says excluding lectures, they also don’t respect initiative. I feel if I ask, my teacher will ridicule me as he does to many students and not give me an answer</p>