Q&A for How to Pass a Physics Exam

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  • Question
    What's a good way to practice problems that might be on the test?
    Sean Alexander, MS
    Academic Tutor
    Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University.
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Give yourself a mini practice exam. Do 5 questions that you think will be on the test and see how you do. Grade it like an actual test, then repeat until you're able to get 3 or more questions right on your own.
  • Question
    How can I study for physics in one day?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    If you don’t already have a good grasp of the concepts, there’s only so much you’ll be able to do in one day! Review your notes and make sure you understand the key ideas for the exam. If possible, memorize any formulae that you might find particularly helpful. You can also try taking a practice quiz or test to check your understanding of the material.
  • Question
    Is physics really that difficult?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, physics is one of the most challenging subjects in the sciences. However, it helps to have a good grasp of mathematics.
  • Question
    How can I study for 16 hours a day?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Ultimately, studying for that long will be counterproductive. You’ll just end up tired and burnt out, which will make it much harder to absorb new information. If you absolutely must cram for that long, make sure to break it up with plenty of breaks to walk around, have a snack, and sip some water. If possible, switch between subjects so you don’t get burnt out on any one thing.
  • Question
    How can I study every important point if I don't have enough time to grasp every point?
    Community Answer
    Take each point one at a time, and try to remember key words. That will help you recall and form whole answers.
  • Question
    What do I need to study?
    Community Answer
    Do as many practice problems as you can. The textbooks usually have them after each chapter, but ask your professor for extra problems. Your professor can tell you what you need to know how to do.
  • Question
    I understand all of the material before the exam but in the examination I forget everything. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    This is probably because you are very nervous about the exam and feel that you will fail. Get rid of this negative energy by telling yourself you can do this. Be confident and you will ace your exams.
  • Question
    How can I prepare for a physics exam in 12 hours?
    Community Answer
    Memorize the formulas, go through chapter summaries, and study any notes you think are important, but don't expect miracles if you're only starting to study 12 hours in advance.
  • Question
    Why do some people understand the concept immediately after being taught while others do not?
    Community Answer
    Every brain is different, including learning capabilities and natural talents. For some people, math and science are simple and straightforward; for others, they are very complex and confusing, meaning those people have to work harder to understand the material.
  • Question
    Why am I forgetting physics after revising?
    Community Answer
    This is likely because you aren't studying with the goal of understanding. Avoid trying to memorize topics you don't understand, actually work to understand them and you'll remember easier.
  • Question
    How do I pass my physics exams with an A if I have three weeks to study?
    Community Answer
    Three weeks is ample time to study for an exam. Figure out how much you'll need to know, and set aside enough time each day to study for it.
  • Question
    How do I deal with exam stress?
    Community Answer
    Be calm and keep telling yourself that you are the best. Doing this will help you stay relaxed. Don't get nervous, and take a few deep breaths before the exam.
  • Question
    How much time should I spend studying physics?
    Community Answer
    Spend at least one hour per day.
  • Question
    How do you pass without studying?
    Community Answer
    Be curious! If you have a formula chart on the test, the homework you already do for the class should be enough practice to do moderately well in most situations, if you approach it with the right attitude. When you are curious about how the universe works, not only is physics fun, but it drives you to seek extra understanding as you do your homework. You will want to ask yourself and the teacher questions to fill any relevant holes in your understanding. You may desire to derive equations on your own, just because it helps you understand.
  • Question
    How can I cram for a physics exam?
    Community Answer
    Don't cram. Study from a few weeks before. Keep reviewing every lesson you have learned. Before the night of the test, give a quick review of your physics notes, and then make sure you get a sufficient amount of sleep (at least 8 hours).
  • Question
    How do I study two lessons of physics in a day?
    Community Answer
    Study one in the morning and the other in the evening.
  • Question
    How can I prepare in just two days?
    Community Answer
    Mark the important topics of each chapters and start working on them. Once they are are done, move towards multiple choice and then do the rest.
  • Question
    I am struggling with numerical. How should I prepare?
    Community Answer
    Practice numerical response questions many times beforehand. Practice and keep practicing until you have it down. If you need extra help, asking the teacher would be another way to get help.
  • Question
    What would the growth of $200,000.00 at 4% interest be for 22 years?
    Community Answer
    If you're asking about "simple" interest, you would convert 4% to a decimal, multiply it by 22, and multiply that by 200,000. That would give you how much the money grew (not what it grew to). If you're dealing with "compound" interest, the process is more complicated and involves an exponential equation.
  • Question
    How many questions do you have to get right in order to get a passing grade?
    Community Answer
    Well, it depends on the number of questions and how your teacher weighs each question/response. In general, you need to get about 70% of questions right in order to pass.
  • Question
    How can I learn physics for my IGCSE?
    GEttinger
    Community Answer
    Visit the Cambridge Assesment website and download the syllabus for the most current IGCSE. There, it will explain the format of the test and the types of physics questions that may be on the exam.
  • Question
    What are the best textbooks to use?
    GEttinger
    Community Answer
    Use the textbook that is issued to you by your teacher in class. If you're taking an entrance exam that contains physics, purchase a book that was written for that specific test and review the chapters that include physics problems.
  • Question
    How can I study and prepare for an exam fast if it is in a few days?
    Community Answer
    Starting before would have been helpful, but a few days is better than one. First, go through your notes and sort out which topics you need to focus more on and start on those, then tackle your recent topics. Make notes from your class notes so that last-minute revision for everything is in one place. Use Post-Its and practice problems with equations given.
  • Question
    What are some good study guides for a 10th grader to use to pass physics?
    Community Answer
    Use Cliff's Notes for physics, take good notes in class and see if there is a study guide for your textbook online.
  • Question
    How would I know which formula to use in kinematics?
    Community Answer
    Check on the given information and see how you can use it. Sometimes, you need to more than one rule and different topics.
  • Question
    How do I grasp concepts in physics?
    Community Answer
    Read the topic and break it into parts. Now, try to visualize or understand it, relating is the best way to do so. After proper understanding, it's time to apply. So, solve some application based questions. Try from simpler examples to advanced level. This way you will master the concept. Have patience, and review the material until you understand it.
  • Question
    I find science and math quite difficult. What should I do?
    Corinaa
    Community Answer
    Science and math are school subjects that you should practice consistently in order to understand them. You can't learn math or science only by reading theory. You must solve many exercises, because they help you understand the theory itself and how to put it into practice. Try to work on these subjects for a little while every day, and if you still have trouble, consider hiring a tutor.
  • Question
    How do I prepare numericals? Is a diagram important for numericals, or is it optional?
    Community Answer
    Even though it isn't compulsory, a diagram will surely help you understand the concept better. You can also prepare numerical by practicing until you understand.
  • Question
    Can I pass a physics exam if I only have a week left to study?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can do so by managing your time wisely, especially if you have a lot of exams to study for. Make yourself a study schedule in order to organize your time well. It really depends on your lesson in physics though. If you need to memorize a few formulas, it will probably take you 3 or 4 days to do so.
  • Question
    Can I study physics before writing?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can do it in whichever order you prefer.
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