Some people say that Physics is one of the easiest A Level subjects to score in, and the easiest one out of the three sciences: Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Like math, physics is very calculations-based, and there is little room for error once you are familiar with the formulae and how to apply them.
However, do you feel like you are an exception? Perhaps physics feels like the most difficult subject to you, and you have trouble understanding the concepts and how to apply the formulae to solve problems. Physics can especially be a struggle for those who are not so fluent in math.
Well, we think everyone has a good chance of excelling in physics as long as they have the right study approach. Maybe you just haven’t met a H2 Physics Tuition teacher that is able to explain the concepts in the way that suits your learning style. Or maybe you still don’t know the common strategies for tackling physics problems.
Not to worry, because we are here to share some of these tips on how to improve your performance in physics!
1. Visualise the problem
Many of the questions that deal with kinematics, forces, and dynamics can be visualised more easily with drawings. If the question setter is kind enough, they might provide a diagram in the question. However, not all questions will have diagrams and even those with diagrams may not contain all the information you need (e.g. direction of friction).
It’s always a good idea to sketch out the situation and label all the forces and/or motions that are relevant. For more complex questions, the visualisation would be helpful for breaking up the question into more manageable parts to analyse, and reduces the likelihood of you missing out on some variables.
2. Get good at math
It’s not new information that A Level Physics requires you to do a lot of math! That’s why it’s important to ensure you have a good foundation of mathematical concepts. If you haven’t been catching up with your math, you should start from there to build up your confidence in both math and physics.
Some of the mathematical topics that are relevant in physics are:
- Geometry: Make sure you know your basic geometry like how to calculate areas, volume (including for shapes like circles and cylinders)
- Algebra: You should be familiar with working with unknown variables by now. Don’t rule out the need to use simple algebraic manipulations in your physics calculations.
- Calculus: Understanding concepts like gradient, differentiation, derivatives, and integration will help you grasp the relations between closely related concepts, for example: speed, velocity, and acceleration. These concepts are also frequently presented in graphical form.
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric calculations are sometimes required for questions involving forces, rotations, and angled systems
3. Work backwards
Don’t know how to start solving a question? Simplify it! Some information are distractors or simply unnecessary to solve the question (or part of the question). Here’s a very general strategy for solving most physics calculation questions:
1) Determine what the question is asking for.
E.g. Is the question asking for potential difference? Resistance? Power? Current?
2) Think of the formulae that include the measurement you want to arrive at.
E.g. If the question is asking for potential difference, the relevant formulae are:
V=W/Q
R=V/I
P=VI
3a) Reread the question and highlight the information you have. Choose a formulae that links the information you have and the answer you want to get.
E.g. If you have values for resistance and current, you can use R=V/I to obtain the value for V (potential difference).
b) If you don’t have enough information to complete any formula, repeat the brainstorming process to find a linking formulae.
E.g. Let’s say you want to look for V but you only have the values for power and resistance.
You can use either R=V/I or P=VI, but you are missing I (current).
Now you want to look for I. Use Step 1 to recall formulae with I.
R=V/I
I=DQ/Dt
P = I^2 x R
Viola! The last formulae uses P and R, which is what you have. You can use that formulae to look for I.
Now that you have I, you can use either R=V/I or P=VI to obtain V.
As you can see, we have approached the question with the bare minimum information. This makes the problem seem less intimidating. Sometimes the context of the question is not that important. However, you should always still read the question carefully to check if there are any context-specific details to take note of.
4. Develop a healthy passion for physics
You may be finding it difficult to study for physics because you simply don’t like it, find it boring, or your teacher may be teaching in a way that is not engaging for you. Well, we truly believe that studying gets easier when you discover a passion or at least an appreciation for what you are learning.
Try motivating yourself by watching science-related TV shows and movies (Big Bang Theory, anyone?) or reading up on the physics concepts behind some of the things that fascinate you (e.g. anything from astronomy to computers). Find a tutor that uses hands-on experiments or engaging visuals in their classes to illustrate physics concepts. Make studying a more involved process for yourself by creating a quiz game for yourself or to play with friends.
5. Join a tuition class
Going for tuition should not be a last resort! In fact, it can be a good way to pace yourself and ensure you are on track for every topic. It is important to review each topic you have learnt and make sure you don’t have any lingering doubts or misconceptions, and tuition is a good way to do that.
A good quality JC tuition centre in Singapore should be led by an experienced tutor who has access to quality practice questions and answers. In Future Academy’s group JC Physics Tuition classes, you are also able to consult your tutor any time you have questions, and benefit from their clear explanations and advice.
Conclusion
We believe that lack of intelligence or talent is not the main reason for students who don’t do well in physics in JC. So, don’t tell yourself that you are not smart or not cut out for physics – try the above tips first and see how it works for you! You might just be surprised at the results and discover a newfound confidence for physics!
Our Future Academy physics tutors are also here to support you in this time of rigorous studying. As a student of Future Academy, you will get advice from experienced educators, specially curated class materials and practice worksheets, the option to attend class online or onsite as per your convenience, and experience learning in a safe, conducive, and enjoyable environment. Contact us today to reserve your spot!