ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Physics => Topic started by: TheOverAchiever on January 27, 2013, 07:53:36 pm

Title: How to succeed in Physics
Post by: TheOverAchiever on January 27, 2013, 07:53:36 pm
Hi, i was just wanted to know some of the strategies that last years physics 3&4 students had that helped them achieve a great score in physics to help me and all others who view this to also do well this year :).
Title: Re: How to succeed in Physics
Post by: brenden on January 27, 2013, 08:08:06 pm
Have a sick as cheat sheet.
Title: Re: How to succeed in Physics
Post by: TheOverAchiever on January 27, 2013, 09:46:46 pm
Hahahaha :P, i was hoping for tips to have a greater understanding of the syllabus. But that to is a good tip :D
Title: Re: How to succeed in Physics
Post by: paulsterio on January 30, 2013, 08:34:25 pm
Having a good cheat sheet will help you with the exam, but to be honest, if you know what you're doing, you won't need one. I can do physics papers without needing to refer to a cheat sheet or the supplied formula sheet these days, so that goes to show that you should be understanding things, rather than rote memorising.

My tip for success would be to aim to understand intricate details, such that if I were to ask you questions, you'd be able to answer anything I ask (on the syllabus of course). A lot of students do well at memorising repetitive questions and answers and/or put it on their cheat sheet, but that's not going to help you when I ask you a question which requires an understanding of the concepts at play.
Title: Re: How to succeed in Physics
Post by: availn on January 30, 2013, 08:57:44 pm
Make sure you understand the theory well, especially in unit 4. Just know which formula to use and when.

Also, if someone called Pie comes along and tells you that you don't need to do anything to succeed in physics, don't listen to him. I'm sure you'll do better if you study than if you don't :P
Title: Re: How to succeed in Physics
Post by: pi on January 31, 2013, 07:24:25 am
Also, if someone called Pie comes along and tells you that you don't need to do anything to succeed in physics, don't listen to him. I'm sure you'll do better if you study than if you don't :P

No idea who "Pie" is lol.

But if you're aiming low 40s all you need is a decent cheatsheet. Any higher then maybe do some prac exams, I still wouldn't consult the textbook though.
Title: Re: How to succeed in Physics
Post by: slay3r on February 01, 2013, 01:12:02 am
umm, sleep... wake up. do half a practice exam 15 minutes before the exam, have cheatsheet that is 1/8 of a page long and forget to take it into the exam..  = bam 47. solllliddddd.
Title: Re: How to succeed in Physics
Post by: InsaneMcFries on February 02, 2013, 03:56:44 pm
It's fair to say pi I think you have created an army of VCE Physics-hating students!

But seriously to succeed in VCE Physics the cheat sheet can guarantee you a lot of marks if you understand the mathematics you are using and why. The theory is important to know and some of the content can be fun and easy to use as there are numerous questions that are identical throughout each practice exam, so once you understand a question type, you have guaranteed marks basically.
Title: Re: How to succeed in Physics
Post by: paulsterio on February 02, 2013, 10:24:36 pm
But seriously to succeed in VCE Physics the cheat sheet can guarantee you a lot of marks if you understand the mathematics you are using and why. The theory is important to know and some of the content can be fun and easy to use as there are numerous questions that are identical throughout each practice exam, so once you understand a question type, you have guaranteed marks basically.

I disagree, this method builds up students who can seemingly answer a lot of exam questions but are still full of misconceptions such as thinking that the normal reaction force and weight force are action-reaction pairs.

I don't like the concept of a cheat-sheet in general. But like I say, if you learn things properly, you will be rewarded for it.