Short training

How to succeed in physics

By: Desta N.
How to Succeed in Physics

Akkamiin Fiiziksiin
Milkaa’uun Danda’ama

By: Desta N.
 Interest to learn physics
(Fedhii Fiiziksii Barachuuf Qabdu)
You can lead a horse to water but you
can’t force them to drink.

We can not make you learn physics. All

By: Desta N.
 How you know Physics
Physics is:
 a challenging subject ─ it’s a combination of
math and science that can be difficult.
But despite its challenging nature, with a few basic
tips and a little practice there’s no reason you can’t
succeed.

By: Desta N.
Physics isn’t only math; it requires conceptual
understanding too!
 physics requires practical knowledge of
math as well as a broader conceptual
understanding of physics principles.
 It has broad fundamental principles, under
which smaller principles and equations can
be organized take some time to think
about which broad principles organize your
course.
By: Desta N.
When faced with a problem to solve:
 think about how this specific problem
relates to the overall structure of the topics
and the concepts being tested.
 once you understand the conceptual
material and principles behind the
problem, try to solve the problem
algebraically.
 Only after solving algebraically should you
plug in numerical values.

By: Desta N.
Physics builds on itself: Make sure you know the
basics and don’t get behind!
 physics builds on itself, and it can be hard to
understand upper level physics if you don’t
understand the basics.
 If you don’t put in the time when the
material is easy, you’ll be behind when it
gets more difficult.
Getting behind in progressive topic can make your
life twice as difficult as putting in the effort
initially, so make sure you’re doing a little bit of
review each day so you don’t get behind.

By: Desta N.
Go to class
 simply attending!
 Class is a rare time when you can have an
expert explain the material to you so make
sure to take advantage of this expertise.
 In lecture, you’ll be able to learn the
material and get a sense of what’s
important to your teacher (and what’s likely
to be on the exam!)
 In recitation, you’ll get the opportunity to
practice problems, apply what you learned
in lecture, and ask questions.
By: Desta N.
Before class: Prepare!
 Your job begins before arriving to class.
Make sure that by the time you arrive in lecture
you have read over previous lecture notes & text
book.
 If you’ve reviewed the material before
you get to class, lecture will simply
reinforce what you’ve already reviewed.

By: Desta N.
During class: Be an active learner in class
Going to class doesn’t just mean being present.
 Take detailed notes and write down any
questions you have that you can’t ask in
class.
 Review your notes within 24 hours after class
to solidify the information you learned.
 You have to actively interact in lecture or
recitation, they which are an important way
to increase your problem solving skills and
understanding.

By: Desta N.
After class: Practice, practice, practice!
Problem solving is crucial to your success in physics,
and the best way to prepare is to practice.
 The more practice problems you complete, the better
your understanding of the material.
 As you are solving practice problems, do as much as
you can on your own, then check your work with your
teacher, or solution manual to make sure you’re
approaching the problem in the correct way.
 Checking your work and getting feedback is crucial ─
you don’t want to practice solving the problems
incorrectly.
 While practicing, be sure to focus specifically on how
to set up problems, since this is often one of the
trickiest parts of physics problems.;
By: Desta N.
 think about which physics principle, law, or
equation to use.
 attempt to define the system and choose a
reference frame if relevant.
 If your set-up doesn’t match the solution setup,
be sure to follow up with your teacher.

By: Desta N.
Don’t just memorize
- you shouldn’t be learning everything through
rote memorization.
Understanding the governing principles behind the
equations will not only help you know when to use
each equation, but will also help you remember them
for long-term retention.
Your exams most likely won’t have the exact same
problems as the practice problems, but, they will have
similar questions. Try to prepare for this by
introducing how the practice problems will be
adjusted and solving these new similar problems.

By: Desta N.
For example:
─ What if the charges were equal instead of unequal?
─ What if the object, instead of sliding down the slope,
was pushed up the slope?
─ What if the surface was not frictionless?
─ What if the object moved in a vertical circle instead
of a horizontal circle?
─ What if the electrically charged object was not
spherical, but cylindrical?
─ What if the object was a metal instead of an insulator?
─ What if the space was filled with the dielectric instead
of a vacuum?

By: Desta N.
Don’t work alone/Discuss the material
Studying with peers is perhaps one of the most
effective ways to learn and process course
material and concepts.
Everyone has different strengths, and working in
groups can be an effective way to utilize
everyone’s personal skills and learn from each other.
 be sure to discuss what you’ve learned with friends
or the teacher in order to solidify what you have
learned in class and make sure you have a strong
understanding of the conceptual knowledge. If
you’re confused, make sure to clarify concepts
before moving forward.
By: Desta N.
Read the Textbook
Along with class time, your textbook is one of
your best resources.
In order to make the most out of your textbook,
plan sufficient time to read actively, making
sure that you understand how everything you’re
reading relates to the broad principles and
explain everything in your own words.

By: Desta N.
Exam Preparation
Start early ─ it may not be possible to learn all the
material in one night.
- complete practice problems on your own,
(without looking at other people’s work or
the solution manual) you will be able to
judge as to whether you can complete the
problems without assistance.
 Also, remember to contact your teacher with any
questions that arise during your practice.
Finally, complete any practice exams provided by
your teacher. Take these exams under test conditions
(timed, without notes) to get a feel for how you will
perform on test day
By: Desta N.
“IF YOU CAN’T EXPLAIN IT SIMPLY,
YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND IT WELL
ENOUGH” Richard Feynman

By: Desta N.
Test-taking strategies
First of all, relax and try not to panic.
 read the questions carefully and underline or circle
important information.
 think about the concepts and basic principles that
are behind the question.
 write down relevant equations and provided
constants.
Simply writing down relevant equations and constants
can get you significant partial credit even if you are
unsure how to solve the problem.
 when you reach a final answer remember to stop
for a few seconds and think about whether that
answer makes physical sense.
If you know the answer is supposed to be less than one,
and you get twenty, go back and check your work.
 Finally, make sure you budget your time. If you’re
stuck on a question, move on and try the next one.
 Have confidence in yourself and in what you have
learned.
 when you know you have prepared adequately, the
confidence will come naturally.

By: Desta N.
Get help when you need it!
You need help and you’re not sure what to do
and who to ask. If you have questions, there
are a variety of sources you can go to:
your teacher
your peers
different guides, etc

By: Desta N.