Physics indeed carries substantial calculations. It involves several concepts that have formulas that you should master. However, if you are deficient in math, it is possible to study physics and perform your best. You can have an easy time with your physics exam despite your challenging math skills.
Do not give up on having a good grade in physics because math is a nightmare to you. Physics is more than math. It has the theoretical part that can boost your physics grade if you put effort. Therefore, study physics using the right techniques to overcome your math shortcoming. You will have a smile on your face when the exam results are out.
Mathematics Concepts Required to Understand Physics
It is not a must to be a genius in math to study and perform well in physics. However, the following math skills help you understand physics better;
1. Algebra
It is a fundamental concept useful in physics and math problem-solving. It introduces you to variables and constants in equations. Also, it helps you to solve linear and quadratic equations. Linear algebra requires you to map three-dimensional spaces.
Also, algebra helps in understanding analytic geometry. Hence, you can get to know objects such as spheres and planes using algebraic equations. As a result, you will find it easy to solve physics problems with algebra calculations.
2. Trigonometry
Trigonometry is a branch of math that involves the study of properties of space and forms. In physics, you learn about objects and their motion in space and time. Some of the physics concepts that require these math skills include similarity, symmetry, and analytic geometry.
You can solve simple calculations involved in right triangles through trigonometry as you dive deeper into functions such as sin, cos, and tan. As a result, you can solve physics concepts that involve vector quantities.
3. Calculus
Without understanding calculus, it can be hard to get the concept of heat, electricity, light, and dynamics in physics. With calculus, you can solve several physics equations that require math skills.
To learn calculus quickly, start with the simple variable and then move to multivariable. The math skill is crucial in physics because you handle directional derivatives and other concepts in three-dimensional space. As a result, the concept helps you to develop the problem-solving skills required in physics.
4. Differential Equation
It is a cornerstone of many physics concepts. To understand differential equations, you require algebra and calculus knowledge. You will use the concept in solving physics problems such as oscillation.
Tips to Help You Study Physics when You Have Challenging Math Skills
1. Overcome Your Fear of Math
The first step to have an easy physics study time with lousy math skills is to do away with the anxiety. When you sit down to study physics and find some calculations, get rid of the mentality of ‘you are not a math person.’ Take that attitude away to be able to have adequate study time.
Once you overcome that fear, it will help you try out some necessary physic calculations. Even if you don’t finish the calculation to the end, at least you will have tried something. When you keep on working on the calculations step by step, you will improve.
Second, getting off the negativity towards math because you are not a champion gives you peace while studying. It makes you cool down when going through physics questions that have math calculations. As a result, you will pay attention to theories that have calculations. You won’t ignore those calculations during your physics study time.
Finally, you will have the confidence to approach math problems in physics. You will challenge yourself to see what you can do in physics questions with a calculation. As a result, you will make it in the end.
2. Practice a Lot
The practice is what keeps you moving. Even in your best subjects, you need to keep practicing to achieve a good grade. Therefore, you need to apply the same in physics concepts that require math skills-keep practicing.
The best way to practice is to start with the basic calculation. Start with simple physics calculations such as mass, density, volume, force, and pressure. Keep doing those calculations over and over again until your master them at your fingertips.
Once you master the basics, move on to complex physics math calculations. It can be hard at first, but with persistence and determination, you will make it. You can break the complex calculations into smaller parts. Work them out in bits to completion.
Therefore, please do not sit back with your demanding math skills; practice to perfect them. It is a matter of hard work and time, and you will be able to study physics concepts with math calculations efficiently.
3. Relate the Concepts with Calculations
Most of the physics calculations are derived from concepts. Therefore, pay attention to the theories that come along with math formulas. For example, the second Newton’s law of motion states that the rate of change of momentum of an object is directly proportional to the force applied. When you get this concept well, it will be easier to relate to its formula, force (F) =ma.
Therefore, master the concepts well to be able to know their formulas. Try to come up with the relationship between a physics concept and its math while studying physics. It will help you not think of physics and its calculations as two separate things while studying.
When you relate physics theories with their math calculation, the math anxiety in you will not creep in. You will enjoy studying both physics theories and calculations.
4. Handle Calculations as Normal Part of Physics
It will be easier to work out physics calculations if you handle them the same way as theories. Please do not keep them as two separate things because you will overlook the physics questions with math calculations. As a result, you will not revise appropriately for your exam.
Find extra resources such as past papers or textbooks that have solved physics questions with math calculations. Use these materials to learn how to solve physics problems. Such resources will help you to interrelate physics concepts and formulas.
5. Teach Others
To ease your physics studies when you have challenging math skills, teach others. You can join a discussion group where you will be helping one another—purpose to support one another in physics problems that require math knowledge.
During the discussion, do not fear to engage. Try to solve a few questions even if you don’t know all the formulas to apply. As you teach the rest, they will correct you where you go wrong. As a result, you will learn how to solve physics problems. It will become easy for you to master the formulas.
6. Visualize the Concepts
When going through a physics theory, try and visualize it. Draw diagrams to demonstrate what you understand. As you come up with the sketches, it will be easier to remember the formulas involved in a particular theory.
For instance, if you are studying Newton’s third law of motion that states that if an object A exerts a force on object B, then object B must exert a force of equal magnitude and opposite direction on object A. If you sketch a diagram to demonstrate this law, it will be easier to remember its formula. Despite your challenging math skills, you will have the formula once you draw an illustration.
5. Play Some Math Games
You can have fun while improving your math skills to make your physics learning simple. Download and play math games on the internet that allows you to build your confidence in math. For example, DragonBox 5+ builds your algebra skills. When you play the game, you become familiar with algebra equations. As a result, you will have an easy time-solving physics problems that require algebra math knowledge.
6. Enroll for Physics and Math Tuition
One of the best decisions you can make in studying physics with demanding math skills is to sign up for tuition. Search for a private tutor to help you in both physics and math. It will be easier for you to improve your skills in math.
The physics math tutor will help you do away with the pesky math anxiety in you. This is because you will have time to practice your math skills with guidance. Where you will get stuck, your best physics tutor will offer help.
Therefore, search for a tuition center that offers physics and maths tuition in Singapore. With your commitment and the help of a tutor, you will overcome your challenging math skills.
You can perform well in physics despite being challenged in math. When you overcome the fear of math and put effort, you will make it. Incorporate study tips that help you solve physics problem that requires math skills. In the end, you will have your best grade in physics.