Whenever I talk to most students about physics, do you know what is the first thing they say? PHYSICS IS HARD! However, have you ever noticed they don't really know the exact reason why is physics so hard?
Physics is a science subject that is always considered hard, even more than mathematics, chemistry, or calculus. Moreover, physics students delay and avoid studying it as much as they can. Sometimes studying for long hours trying to make sense of the content, physics concepts, and numerical does not help either; you just fail to understand.
However, you should know that it is not the subject that is difficult, it is the way you study. After all, there are countless people who specialize in physics; for example, your physics teachers.
If they can nail the subject without any difficulty, why can't you? Trust me; basic physics concepts are extremely easy, only if you build your confidence in the subject.
So, are you a student curious to know why is physics so hard and how to improve your command of the subject? Don't worry. We are here to give answers to all your questions!
Reasons Why Students Think Physics Is Hard
Most students find learning physics hard and boring, rightfully so. But have you ever tried to figure out what are those factors that affect your learning process? I bet no. Well, we will solve the confusion for you. Here are some most known and common reasons why learning physics is hard:
- Physics requires enhanced problem-solving skills.
- Students need to have very critical thinking while practicing certain concepts of physics.
- Solving physics equations, problems, and numerical also requires a strong command of mathematics.
- Students need to have a very clear understanding of theorems and the laws of physics.
- Physics is very abstract.
- Students need to have very good drawing skills to draw and interpret graphs and diagrams.
- Physics is a very cumulative subject. You will have to clear all the previous concepts to understand the future topics and concepts. Why? Because every topic in physics is linked with each other.
- Students also need to enhance their problem-solving skills to solve problems, numerical, and equations.
- The subject contains very complex concepts and sometimes acts like an experimental science.
- The calculations and formulas in physics problems can become pretty boring and serious.
- Concepts like potential energy, kinetic energy, vector quantities, scalar quantities, and hand rules are very difficult and confusing.
- It is a very complex and complicated combination of computer science, mathematics, and basic science.
- Students have to learn and memorize countless laws and definitions.
- You also have to use concepts like geometry, algebra, and calculus to solve physics problems.
- Students will often need to transfer graphs into mathematical forms.
What Is The Main Reason For Students Finding Physics Hard?
Apart from all the reasons mentioned above, the main cause of students finding physics hard is the teaching strategies used in schools and other institutions. Teaching physics is as difficult as learning introductory physics; teachers need to use creative strategies to keep students engaged and interested.
Instead of just focusing on teaching students the theoretical concepts and overloading their brains with too much complex knowledge, teachers should make physics fun for them. They should relate the concepts with real-life examples for students to thoroughly understand. Moreover, teachers and educators should assignments with sufficient time limits so that they don't think of them as a burden.
How Can Students Enjoy Learning Physics? 8 Effective Tips!
Now that we know all the reasons why is physics so hard, it is time to talk about how to make the subject interesting and enjoyable. Remember when we said it is not the subject that is difficult, it is the way of studying and teaching. So, are you curious to know about the effective ways of studying physics? We have done the hard work for you. Read on!
Focus On Concepts
If you really want to learn and understand physics without any difficulties, you have to get your concepts straight. The foundation of physics is set on the basis of a lot of laws and concepts. One concept or one law can help you in a dozen of chapters on the subject.
Therefore, it is important to focus on those concepts and have a clear understanding of them. For clearing the concepts, you can take the help of certified teachers, tutors, or anyone with a physics degree. You can even take the help of several online resources and lectures to have a better understanding of the concepts.
Understand All Terms and Definitions
Again, physics is full of terms and definitions; velocity, speed, area, volume, momentum, force, and much more. To learn physics without any difficulties, you need to know and understand the definitions of all these terms. You should also know the difference between these terms.
Trust me; most of the difficulties students find in learning and understanding physics are because of not knowing the meanings of the basic terms in physics.
Avoid Rote Learning
Rote learning is the most deceiving thing ever, and the worst enemy of a student. This type of learning makes you think that you understand the concepts, but in reality, you don't. Therefore, avoid rote learning as much as you can. Instead, focus on what you are trying to learn, and pay attention with an open, clear, and fresh mind. You can also start preparing a lot early before your actual exam or stress to avoid feeling the need for rote learning.
Practice And Practice
Practice never go waste, especially in the case of physics and mathematics. The more physics numerical, equations, and problems you solve, the more you will find them easy and fun to do. Moreover, practicing will also help you in enhancing your problem-solving skills and conceptual understanding, both at the same time. Practicing physics problems and problems will make you perfect, and you will have the idea of solving each type of question.
Be An Active Listener
Trust me; most of the learning and knowledgeable information you get is during the class and lectures. Therefore, it is extremely important to never miss any lecture and actively listen to what your teachers are saying. The more attentive you are, the better will be your understanding. It is also essential to make notes in class of what you are listening to and learning. These notes can help you with a better understanding of concepts in the future, and it will be quick for you to find something in your notebook for future reference. Not to forget, taking notes can also help you memorize the concepts better.
Write What You Learn
Just like taking notes can help you memorize the concepts, writing what you are learning can also make the concepts sit in your mind. All you need to do is keep a notebook and pen with you during study sessions, and write things that you are trying to learn. For example, learn a definition, then close your book, and write in. After that, do the same with other things. Trust me; after doing this, you will notice you are memorizing those faster and conveniently. Moreover, writing while learning will also help you to never forget what you learned.
Improve Your Math Skills
One reason why you might find physics hard and boring is that it contains a lot of math-related stuff. Now obviously, Math is the least favorite subject of students, right? However, you will have to improve your math skills if you want to ace the subject of physics. For this, you can take the help of teachers, friends, or private t. No, we are not saying that the whole physics depends on mathematics; they are just a few branches. Here is a list of all the math concepts you need to improve and practice to ace physics:
- Algebra - for equations in physics
- Geometry - to have an understanding of equations like are, volume, etc.
- Trigonometry: to understand, graphs, angles, etc.
Prepare Well For Exams
If you are someone who leaves everything for the last minute during exam season, you really need to stop. It is always advised to always start preparing in advance for exams, at least 2 or 3 months before. Last-minute cramming and absorbing the whole syllabus the night before an exam is impossible, and you will definitely forget whatever you will learn the next morning.
However, if you start preparing early, you will have the time to carefully analyze and understand the concepts, assess yourself, and see what areas you need to work on more. Start preparing early also gives you plenty of time to resolve all your doubts with the teachers or tutors. Moreover, we would also recommend you solve as many physics past papers and practice papers as you can.
A Brief Of All The Study Tips
For your convenience and quick learning, here is a brief and short summary of all the study tips related to the basic physics we mentioned above:
- Learn arithmetic concepts like algebra, calculus, and trigonometry.
- Learn all the laws of physics by heart.
- Know and understand all the definitions instead of just memorizing them.
- Don't do rote learning.
- Visualize what you learn.
- Practice the problems, numerical, diagrams, and equations as much as you can.
- Never miss your classes or take notes.
- Always start preparing at least 2 or 3 months before exams.
Conclusion
Physics is a challenging subject, and we totally understand that. However, remember that nothing is impossible in this world; not even learning physics. You just need to trust and believe in yourself and stay committed and motivated. Also, remember to focus on the basics first and then move to the complex and difficult concepts.
I hope this post gave the answer to your question, "Why is physics so hard?", and you also understand how to get rid of this situation. If you still think you need help with physics, you can always hire a private
tutor from our website. Our team of highly skilled and professional tutors will clear away all your concepts and doubts with their expertise. So, what are you waiting for? Your perfect physics tutor is just a click away!
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