Preparing for calculus-based Physics

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>I've been thinking about this for a while, or maybe I've been looking at this differently from the way I should have. This semester, I'm taking Calc I, next semester, Calc II follows. Next fall, I'm planning on taking Physics I followed II (calculus-based), and I'm not sure how "hard" these courses are. I feel very confident about my math skills, although I'd like to know how much of a transition this would be. </p>

<p>The last time I took a physics course was in high school (algebra-based) of course. I never did bad in any of those math-related course so far, but would you guys recommend taking General Physics I before calculus-based physics? This would mean that I'd lose 4 credit hours, obviously, and that may affect my overall tuition, since I might be graduating in less than 4 years. </p>

<p>Since I feel very opposed to taking a physics course before another physics course, do you have any other suggestions on how to prepare? Sample problems, very good textbooks that are not hard to look over, etc. Are the problems posed in the course similar to Calc I problems? The course description states that Calc I is a pre-requisite or could be taken concurrently, meaning that after Calc II, I probably shouldn't have any problems, right? </p>

<p>Also, the textbook we will be using is the one written by Douglas C. Giancoli (Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 4th edition). Is the book easy to read and how much content does it over (physics I and II?)</p>

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<p>Personally, I don’t see the need for such preparation. Calculus-based physics just has calculus in it. Meaning, you’ll have to take a derivative here or integrate something there, but the difference between algebra-based physics and calculus-based physics isn’t large. The only difference is calculus. The physics is still the same. </p>

<p>Just take physics I after you’ve taken calculus I and you’ll be fine.</p>

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<p>I would recommend taking Calc 1 first. Many schools will allow you to take calc 1 and physics 1 concurrently, but I think you’d be much better off having already taken calc 1. That way you aren’t trying to learn the calculus concepts while you’re trying to use them in physics. </p>

<p>Taking a lower level physics course before you go into calculus based physics isn’t necessary. It’s beneficial to a degree, but by no means necessary.</p>

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<p>^The OP’s in Calc 1 now.</p>

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<p>Whoops,I misread that. You should be fine to start calculus based physics next semester then. Just make sure to get a solid understanding of the calculus.</p>