Unable to do well in physics.Help? (1 Viewer)

[ek102]

Hello,im currently doing physics as one of my preliminary subjects in year 11 and right now im finding it very difficult. Im not sure about the reason, the math is quite simple and usually im able to solve simple physics questions but whenever when we're introduced to a new concept i immediately get confused, i don't think i find physics hard but its generally more frustrating for me, and im not able to enjoy it like i do for other subjects. For the first physics test i got under 50%, and i had studied 2-3 hours for the past week on it even though i was somewhat reluctant to work on it, i had to due to a test coming up. Im unsure what to do, during the holidays im planning to put most of my time into physics as well as math but the way i revise and study physics seems ineffective.

 

[eyeseeyou]

Ask the BOS user "Fizzy_cyst" who offers physics tutoring of his own. Maybe he could help

 

[astroman]

Physics in prelim is pretty math heavy but the math is usually straightforward, once you understand the math, all it boils down to in the exams is plugging in the numbers to equations. If you aren't already, do past papers and get them checked by your teachers, if your teachers don't help, get a tutor or go to another teacher that will help.

 

[Drongoski]

Of the school sciences: Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Physics is usually the hardest. For the NSW HSC, because Physics has been dumbed down, some people may find Chemistry harder. Generally Biology will be the easiest of the 3. Understanding physics need a higher level of intellect in my opinion. So one may find physics, when encountered for the 1st time, hard. In my own mind, I always consider a physicist as smarter than a chemist and even a mathematician. Biology does not require as much intellect.

Since you are currently finding it hard, studying it 10 hours a day may not help. You may need a good teacher/tutor to explain the concepts to you and to guide you. Even understanding and applying Newton's 3 laws of motion can be hard for many, when encountering them for the 1st time.

 

[ek102]

Thanks ideas help alot

 

[cookie_dough]

... usually im able to solve simple physics questions but whenever when we're introduced to a new concept i immediately get confused, i don't think i find physics hard but its generally more frustrating for me, and im not able to enjoy it like i do for other subjects. For the first physics test i got under 50%, and i had studied 2-3 hours for the past week on it even though i was somewhat reluctant to work on it, i had to due to a test coming up. Im unsure what to do, during the holidays im planning to put most of my time into physics as well as math but the way i revise and study physics seems ineffective.

yes some things in physics take time to wrap your head around. I agree because sometimes i sit in class feeling SUPER dumb, yet i work really hard to maintain my top 5 ranking (with no tutoring). The thing is, if you can't understand something, don't stop until you can. Just google it, read about it until it makes sense. If you freak out every time you see something you think looks hard you will never to well because 1. you will doubt yourself 2. you cannot work properly if your panicking 3. you start to hate physics because it makes you feel crappy meaning you wont put in the effort. And yes feeling dumb is frustrating, but when you spend time on understanding everything and you do well, it is really rewarding. And dont be afraid to feel dumb because that moment when you finally understand something complicated is the best.
Just think that once you put in the work, you will understand it. I think your revision may be effective, but its getting bogged down with your approach to Physics
Make sure you are consistently reviewing information as it is being taught, not in the week before the test.

 

[ek102]

That is awesome advice, I'm starting to pay a lot more attention in physics class now, and will begin to revise everyday.

 

[Nailgun]

I don't really understand what you're struggling with
Why are you losing marks in the exam? Are your answers just flat out wrong, or not detailed enough or what
Like what is holding you back

 

[ek102]

Yes my answers were completely wrong, I studied from a jacaranda physics textbook that I found very hard to work on and didn't exactly study for the test very well. I believe I've found my solution now looking back I couldn't understand half the things the teacher was saying even staying back 30 minutes after school to try and get help. Then basically ignored it because it was so frustrating, I think I'm fine now, doing it frequently gets in in my head better than doing it in the last week.

 

[leehuan]

a) How often do you ask questions when you're stuck
b) In what way do you word your questions when you're stuck
c) When an answer is explained, what do you actually process. Are you processing nothing or blocking it out by any chance

b) split up:
1. Do you try to sequence your questions in a logical manner, i.e. like a progression
2. Do you focus on any finer details

 

[Nailgun]

Yes my answers were completely wrong, I studied from a jacaranda physics textbook that I found very hard to work on and didn't exactly study for the test very well. I believe I've found my solution now looking back I couldn't understand half the things the teacher was saying even staying back 30 minutes after school to try and get help. Then basically ignored it because it was so frustrating, I think I'm fine now, doing it frequently gets in in my head better than doing it in the last week.

physics in focus is a lot more concise
i find that videos tend to help me understand things a lot better sometimes
try youtube?