This is probably a dumb question given how vague it is. I’m struggling with physics but I’m doing really well in calculus 2. I guess I just want advice on how to do better in physics. I’ll be the first to admit that I just don’t know how to properly study for a science class. How should I study better for physics?
How have you been studying for problem-solving based courses previously? You can’t get through physics on memory; you really have to work through a lot of problems to get your head around it. Have you been to office hours and/or tutoring? Is there an upper-year student that is willing to give you study tips? It’s hard to give advice on how to improve if we don’t have the base state.
As for Calc 2 vs physics, it sounds like the profs you have, probably have two different styles of teaching such that the Calc 2 makes sense to you but the physics doesn’t and you’re not sure where to start when trying to study. If that’s the case, google the name of the topic or type of problem that you’re trying to solve or learn to solve. You will find many YouTube videos and blog articles about basic concepts and these can be really helpful if the problem in the course is a style mismatch.
Because, AP Physics teaches mechanics using algebra instead of using calculus. If they were actually teaching supposedly college-level physics in the same way that they teach it in college, you would be doing much better in physics.
PS - how good were you at algebra?
Looks like the OP is in college, based on other posts. But the OP did not mention which kind of physics s/he is taking (calculus-based physics for physics majors or non-calculus or light calculus physics for biology majors).
People who are good at physics are generally also good at math, but the converse often isn’t true. Physics requires more than a good understanding of math. To be good in physics, one needs good physical intuitions, curiosity of why everything happens the way it does and the ability to fully understand it, in addition to the abilities to abstract, to reason logically that physics shares with math.
I’m at a community college taking calculus based physics, not high school. Sorry if I didn’t make that clear.
AP Physics C teaches Mechanics, and all other topics, using Calculus.
Go to your physics office hours and ask for help.