If you are looking for tips and tricks on learning Physics better and with ease at the high school level, then you must be facing problems with the subject, right? Relax! You are not the only one. There are thousands like you, who literally dread Physics. But this compulsory subject from the science stream can be a fascinating study of natural sciences, if you can delve deep into its concepts and enjoy it.
There are three groups of Physics learners, who can be categorized in these broad groups, such as –
- Students, who are studying it at the high school level.
- Extensive studies by the students of engineering.
- Non-student learners, who learn Physics simply for its cultural and educational value.
Amongst them, the high school students find it most difficult to learn Physics. This is because, at this level, Physics is all about the basics, the formulas, theories, laws and rules. But, learning them is probably most important as they will determine, whether you can understand the larger concepts taught in higher study courses.
Here are some easy and simple tricks that will help you to learn and memorize Physics better.
- Organize your syllabi:
Physics itself is a very organized subject. All you need to do is, go through your lessons, chapters and topics that you have to study for the day. Assign time for each chapter or topic and start with the easy ones first. This will increase your confidence level and interest to study further.
- Understand and learn:
Never try to memorize things that you haven’t understood. You will surely forget them in a day or two. But, if you try and figure out the concept, the units, measurements and other factors and their relationship with each other, it will be easier for you to learn them. Even applications of those formulas become easier with understanding. I always try and go a little deep into the history of a certain topic or concept or how a formula came into being. It helps me to study with more interest.
- Make points:
It is very obvious that you cannot remember everything that you read and learn. Hence, if you jot down the basic points amongst them, it will be better for you to remember them. Even in the later times, you do not always have to open a book or other study materials. Just go through your class notes. The bullets, highlights and your own hand-written points will help a spark to run through your brain to remember what you learned.
- Practice makes you perfect:
A significant portion of Physics consists of Mathematics. Ask yourself, why have you learned about the formulas? They need application, right? You should indulge in a great deal of practice for applying your Physics rules, laws and formulas through Mathematical problems.
- Use visual and verbal aids:
Either side of our brains helps in comprehending verbal and visual materials. In that case, learning only by reading can make it dull, boring and not let both the sides of the brain perform. If you use flashcards, projects, draw pictures and diagrams, they aid in better learning.
- Ask a tutor:
It is very likely that you will experience some or the other problem, while learning Physics on your own. In that case, rather than continuing you further studies without clearing your doubt is not a good idea. You can ask a tutor or a senior or a teacher to help you. There are online helps available, where skilled tutors can give you a detailed and thorough knowledge of the topic that you are facing a problem in.
Memorize the basic concepts and constants:
There are a few constants that are often and most frequently used in Physics, regardless of what chapter you are learning. You should memorize them. They are –
- Speed of light: 3 × 108 meters/second
- Gravity (on earth): 9.81 meters/second2
- Avogadro’s number: 6.02 × 1023 per mole
- Molar gas constant: 8.32 Joules/(mole × Kelvin)
- Planck’s Constant: 6.63 × 10-34 Joules × seconds
Keep the basic equations in mind:
Although you will have to learn numerous formulas and solve big problems, there are a few formulas and equations that must be kept in mind. Even big problems can be solved with these simple formulas and equations. The ones that you cannot afford to forget are –
- Acceleration = Change in velocity/Change in time
- Velocity = Change in position/Change in time
- Force = Mass × acceleration
- Current velocity = Initial velocity + (Acceleration × time)
- Work = Displacement × force
- Kinetic energy = (1/2) Mass × velocity2
- Momentum = Mass × velocity
- Power = Change in work/Change in time
Some general tips to keep in mind:
You have now known about the tips and tricks that can be helpful for you, when you plan to learn Physics better at a high school level. But, along with these, there are a few other factors that you must keep in mind. These are –
- Start today!
Study your lessons every day and do not procrastinate. The more you hinder, the more you will forget. Learning the chapters on the very day when you have been taught about them at school, will be most effective.
- Suitable place:
Find a noise free and suitable place to study.
- No distractions:
Get rid of any kind of distractions. Keep off from television, music or video games. The process of learning is hindered and delayed, if you do more than one task at a time. The brain takes time to register.
- Revise:
Revise as often as you can, to keep the learnt topics fresh in mind.
- Do not over study:
The last, but not least important factor that you need to keep in mind is not to take things too seriously. Over study can ruin the fun of studying and make things boring.
If you follow these tips, you will certainly be able to learn Physics at high school level with ease. Just be enthusiastic about it. Do not start with a preconceived notion that Physics is difficult. Be confident and you will do well!