When it comes to physics, students can’t wait to get rid of the subject because it is packed with so much math and theories. But the truth is that physics is as interesting as other science subjects. The physics field has allowed many industries to succeed and has played a huge part in the world we live in today. If you think about it, no technology is possible without physics.

Now, let’s come back to the point. Today’s blog will uncover 15 super simple ways to be better at physics. After you’re done reading the topic, you will feel much more confident.

15 Tips to Learn Physics Better

1. Ace the Basics

As you already know, this science subject is based on theories through which all other concepts are connected. This means that whatever physics problem you will solve in a GCSE exam will use the key principles and basic concepts of the subject.

The biggest mistake a physics student can make is memorizing difficult problems. Doing this only makes them assume that physics is the hardest subject ever. Therefore, it is advised to master the basics first in order to know how all concepts are connected.

So, what’s the best way to know the basics? Make a mind map! This trick links a subject’s concepts. What’s more, you need to retain the core physics equations. Here are some examples:

• Average speed: Total distance / Total time
• Density: Mass of the body / volume of the body
• Work = Displacement x force
• Force = Mass x acceleration
• Momentum = Mass x velocity

You should also know how these equations work and are applied. This is how students can easily solve complicated physics problems. 

2. Know How Key Equations Were Made

Once you have memorized the basic physics equations, the next step is knowing how and why they work. Basically, students should know how core equations are derived.

Knowing this will show the relationship between the equations in any grade. After learning how to derive the equations, you will know how to use them in solving problems.

3. Improve Your Math Skills

Physics has a close relation to math and numbers. This means that if you are poor in math, you can’t expect your physics grades to be any different. So, start with math first if you want to be praised by your physics teacher.

You can also study physics and math side-by-side. Either hire a credible tutor or join a study group. This will help you in knowing what and how to learn physics. Remember to give attention to the following math topics:

• Geometry for physics problems related to volume, area, and more.
• Algebra for basic physics equations.
• Trigonometry for angled systems, rotation problems, and force diagrams.

4. Always Keep an Eye For Small Details

Every physics problem is an example of a real-world situation, and these simplify how things operate to understand the situation. But this also means that the forces that influence the problem’s answer will be intentionally removed, like volume and friction.

In the majority of cases, the tutor will ignore the details in order to test your knowledge. This further proves the fact that students need to memorize minor details to guarantee a correct answer.

5. Simplify the Situations

In physics, it is not rare to understand a problem because of how difficult it is. But regardless of the problem, try to simplify it as much as possible. This can happen when you have another look at the problem and analyze it.

Soon enough, it will seem easier. Bring the problem to a familiar situation by simplifying it. If you find it hard to remain calm, dissect the problem by writing it down and making sections out of it. Solve each section and take your time.

Sometimes, physics problems also add details that are not needed for solutions. So, if you want to be better at solving physics problems, learn how to recognize important details only.

Tip: Write the relevant constants and equations and assign every part of the necessary details to the suitable variables. 

6. Always Double-Check Your Answers

At the end of every problem, give yourself time to double-check the solution. On average, leave half an hour in exam time to go through all your answers. Students in higher grades are aware that almost all physics problems include multiple mathematical calculations. If you make a mistake in even one calculation, you can’t get a correct answer. So, if you don’t want to lose the chances of a good grade, always double-check your answers.

Luckily, students can also use common sense to guess an answer. For instance, if you have to find the momentum of a forward-moving object, the answer can’t be negative.

7. Be Attentive in Class

Regardless of how your school teacher or tutor gives lectures, physics is a dull subject. It is so common for students to be distracted. But remember that when your mind wanders off, you will skip critical information.

Read these tips to have a longer attention span in physics classes:

• Read before your physics class to know the overall idea of the topic.
• Take important notes during lectures.
• Ask specific questions to clear your understanding.
• Ask your teacher if the lesson can be recorded so that you can hear it later.

8. Use Every Source of Physics Help Available

If you find physics challenging, don’t make yourself alone. Try all help sources that are accessible to you. Every student deserves maximum guidance to score good grades. Yes, some options cost money, but there are plenty of free resources available. Try these:

• Try MTS online physics tuition. Our personalized and one-on-one lessons will improve your grades.
• Schedule an after-school consultation with your physics teacher.
• Use third-party resources, such as physics websites, libraries, or YouTube lectures.
• Join a physics study group.

9. Take Time for Revision

Are you performing poorly on practice or mock exams? It means that you are not investing time in revision. Yes, mock exams don’t hold as much weightage as the real exam, but they are excellent at recognizing weak areas.

Don’t only focus on weaknesses because all topics should be revised. Many students put revision at the end of their priorities and end up missing difficult topics. Revision actually starts after each class when you see your notes.

Tip: You can also ask your peers what revision tricks they follow.

10. Always Review Class Notes

Don’t be one of those students who only open their textbooks when it’s time for exam revision. Try reading the class notes before the next class begins. This habit will ensure smooth memorization of everything that has been taught during lectures.

Tip: Don’t spend too much time on note review because it will be hard to retain the concepts. Therefore, only review your class notes before the next lecture and before hitting the bed.

11. Make It Fun!

A huge possible reason why you are lacking as a physics student is low enthusiasm to focus and grow. Poor motivation usually happens due to the fear of doing well and the exam burden. Very few students have fun learning physics.

Think about your favorite subject in which you score high grades. You will see how you make the subject fun. So add technology to your study sessions and make your learning methods interesting.

12. Keep Up the Momentum

Try to keep up, and if you fall behind, recover quickly. As stated earlier, physics spreads upwards and outwards from key theories and concepts. If you’re unaware or weak in just one topic, your course will be harder to understand.

Therefore, be very disciplined towards this subject. Always keep up with the daily study, regular practice, assigned homework, and review previous topics so that they remain fresh in your mind. Try these useful tips for improving your physics grades:

• Invest some time daily to go over older topics discussed in lectures. There are online apps available that provide automatic reviews or summaries of lessons and notes. Your daily revision time should be 15 to 30 minutes. 
• Read the book chapters before the class begins and note down the main points so you are mentally prepared to learn that content. This will improve your attention and interest towards the lesson.
• If you’re weak in a topic, reach out to your nerd friend, teacher, or seniors. Don’t delay asking the question right away because whatever knowledge is built on that topic will also be unclear.
• Practice the problems in your textbook and make sure that you know them on a conceptual level. Plus, revisit those problems periodically to practice again. You can also practice problems based on the same topic and level from the internet.

13. Adopt a Conceptual Approach

Whether you’re learning the basics of dimensions or finding out an answer, conceptual learning will divide knowledge into digestible bits. Always be clear on the core concepts, but draw the bigger picture at the back of your mind. Merge concepts in a solid understanding of the current problem.

Don’t ever forget that physics is constructed on these conceptual building blocks. The universe and physical world’s laws are used to study all topics. Good grades are impossible to achieve without having a firm understanding of the fundamentals. Moreover, you should have enough knowledge to know how and when to apply these laws to solve a problem.

So stop having tough times with your physics course and use conceptual building blocks. Whenever you get confused, it will be easy to go back a few steps.

Also Read: Laws of Reflection

14. Have a Solid Grip on SI Units

Most students run away from the SI units, but they aren’t as complicated as they seem. These units matter more than you think. For example, if you forget an SI unit after solving a numerical or write a wrong one, it will impact your grades.

See this basic SI unit table that you should memorize:

15. Focus on Illustrations

Visual learning never does harm and increases productivity. Physics theories and concepts can be learned through images, graphs, doodles, or illustrations. Not only this, visual learning sticks information longer in the brain. Consider this visual, for example:

Wrapping it Up

The above 15 tips are helpful in learning physics quickly and productively. Physics is a compulsory subject for many students all over the world, and it deserves undivided attention throughout the course. And with so much technology in today’s era, there are loads of online tools and practice tests to know your understanding. Even the students who dislike physics or find it boring will see it differently after following the above tips.