Study methods

Often beginners are concerned that they do not "understand" a particular concept. Understanding is certainly the goal you should work toward, but if you make it a prerequisite to solving a problem, you will be greatly handicapped. Real understanding will require years of intense study, so in the meantime be satisfied with gradually deepening your ability to solve new problems with insight and to explain the phenomena around you more comprehensively. Every chapter contains dozens of problems to ensure a variety of questions and answers. Every problem has been completely solved for your convenience. It is recommended that you read the question and use its illustration (if present) to aid you in your solution. Work out the problem on a piece of paper, Being sure to include the basic equation and any other information used to derive your answer. When you feel confident, check your solution with that below the question. Even if you find that you have to memorize solutions, do that, but keep coming back to that problem and similar ones until you start to recognize a pattern. Soon the logic will be yours and you will be able to extend it to new situations.

Don't underestimate the value of drill and practice, it is necessary for mastery in any field. The important thing is to check your work frequently so you always practice correct methods. Then there will be a logic behind your steps that will hold everything together once you recognize it. This method of learning isn't as strange as it sounds. You used it when you learned to talk, repeating meaningless collections of meaningless symbols until gradually you saw that there was an underlying logic. The logic of physics is enormously simpler than the logic of the English language. Since everyone can learn to talk, everyone can learn the laws behind physics. At times it will seem frustrating and unproductive, but stay with it and you will have a new world opened to you. If you find that something doesn't make sense, post a message to our Physics message board. Another visitor may understand the concept and be willing to help you. A physics teacher will also periodically read the message board and provide answers.

Personal Guide

While reading the chapters, you might spot Professor Physics. Mr. Physics, as we like to call him, is you guide through the web site. He will often offer useful hints throughout each chapter. Take note of what he says, as he is the all the wise one.

Mr. Physics

Symbols used within solutions

When working through the problems, you may notice strange symbols that you haven't seen before. Never fear, these are letters of the Greek alphabet! Physicists often use Greek letters or other symbols to ease the communication of their solutions. The following is a table of symbols used throughout the site. Note that some symbols may differ from their Greek equivalents. This is not intentional, but is due to the symbols in the current ASCII system.