physics 3/4 2011

[funkyducky]

Hey VNers,
I did physics 1/2 this year, and I'm contemplating dropping it next year, since I've already got 6 subjects, and physics is my worst subject.
My arguments for not dropping it are that I absolutely LOVE learning physics, and that it might be good to have 7 subjects, so that I have something to fall back on if I do epically badly in one subject.
My arguments for dropping it are that I HATEHATEHATE physics exams and tests and, like I already mentioned, it is my worst subject. My teacher teaches the concepts well (and the physics concepts are the part I love...I can spend hours watching physics docos/reading physics books) but it seems like when we get tests, I haven't learnt how to apply the knowledge that I've learnt. Also, being a seventh subject, it might be an unecessary bit of extra workload. Without physics, I'm going to have a fairly empty timetable and a lot of spare time, so I'd be able to have a more relaxed, "slow and steady" approach to studying, rather than being overworked.
Dilemma! Anyone got any advice?

PS. Sorry for the wall of text.

[Chavi]

Generally careers counselors will tell you to take 'subjects that you enjoy' - and this is indeed the most crucial part in subject selection.
You have a real thirst for the subject, and you have the potential to excel. Personally Physics was always 'lagging behind' as my fall-back 6th subject - but only after final exams did I realize how much I loved learning the concepts and the subject material (and incidentally I feel that I have performed better in the November exam with less work, than I did in the June exam with heaps of study)

I think that you should definitely take it! Not only is it a great subject - but you've clearly indicated that you enjoy it. Besides - all that stuff about 'applying your knowledge' assumes that you have the knowledge to begin with (which you do). The rest is simply exam technique - something you must acquire for every subject - not just Physics.

Also, on a side note - having heaps of frees during the day can actually be detrimental. You may think now 'ok - heaps of time to study at school' - but in reality, most of the kids I know who had heaps of frees lost motivation really early on, procrastinating - and ended up performing much worse than they could have. Having a full timetable is far better - because you will actually end up using the few frees that you actually do have to work - and this is a great motivator for all subjects.

So yes!!! Definitely take Physics!!! I highly recommend it.

[darren94]

why not drop it for something like further? it'll probably give you a better score while refraining from doing your head in..
just my 2 centss

[Killerkob]

Generally careers counselors will tell you to take 'subjects that you enjoy' - and this is indeed the most crucial part in subject selection.
You have a real thirst for the subject, and you have the potential to excel. Personally Physics was always 'lagging behind' as my fall-back 6th subject - but only after final exams did I realize how much I loved learning the concepts and the subject material (and incidentally I feel that I have performed better in the November exam with less work, than I did in the June exam with heaps of study)

I think that you should definitely take it! Not only is it a great subject - but you've clearly indicated that you enjoy it. Besides - all that stuff about 'applying your knowledge' assumes that you have the knowledge to begin with (which you do). The rest is simply exam technique - something you must acquire for every subject - not just Physics.

Also, on a side note - having heaps of frees during the day can actually be detrimental. You may think now 'ok - heaps of time to study at school' - but in reality, most of the kids I know who had heaps of frees lost motivation really early on, procrastinating - and ended up performing much worse than they could have. Having a full timetable is far better - because you will actually end up using the few frees that you actually do have to work - and this is a great motivator for all subjects.

So yes!!! Definitely take Physics!!! I highly recommend it.

+1 As I couldn't have worded it better.

[funkyducky]

why not drop it for something like further? it'll probably give you a better score while refraining from doing your head in..
just my 2 centss

I'm already doing Uni Maths + Spesh. If I were to drop physics, I wouldn't take up anything as a replacement, as I have enough on my plate as it is.

[golden]

Are Coulombs (and related topics) covered in Units 3 or 4?

[Chavi]

Are Coulombs (and related topics) covered in Units 3 or 4?

Yes - but most of it is assumed knowledge. You won't go into it in depth - you will go into charges, diodes, more complicated circuits (unit 3) and then Electric power, power transmission, AC/DC power in Unit 4

[schnappy]

Ha, this sounds like me and chemistry (and math). I'm still going to do it though... hope for the best.

Not once this year did I see the quantity of charge come up in a context that you needed to know what a coulomb is. You need the electron charge to convert between units of energy (eV and J), but other than that it didn't come up at all. I doubt most people even know how the conversion between eV and J works, it's still one of the things that pops into my head and I really have to think about to understand.

If I was in your position where you already have a plate load of subjects, then is there a reason to keep the subject? Get an electronic copy of a textbook and read through the concepts right now, and you'll have experienced what you wanted in 3/4 physics anyway.

To be honest, I think many teachers don't really 'teach' how to do questions very well. They're all good at explaining things but I often have trouble, like you with physics, actually using the information given to answer questions.

[funkyducky]

^ thanks. I think you're right. Where can I get a pdf/flash copy of the textbook?

[pi]

I think there is one on here:

<removed>

[funkyducky]

thanks a lot! I'll start taking a look through it, maybe that'll satisfy my physics craving without actually taking vce3/4 physics

[funkyducky]

Does anyone possibly have a copy of the jacaranda studyon book? I wanna look through it, but I don't want to buy it as I'm still not sure if I should take physics or not.

[funkyducky]

UPDATE: I told myself that I'd see how I did on the unit 2 exam to decide whether I should do physics next year or not. Physics ended up being my best exam... but it was a really easy exam, and the physics teachers at my school aren't great. Now I'm more indecisive than ever. Help?

[iNerd]

UPDATE: I told myself that I'd see how I did on the unit 2 exam to decide whether I should do physics next year or not. Physics ended up being my best exam... but it was a really easy exam, and the physics teachers at my school aren't great. Now I'm more indecisive than ever. Help?

Due to your lack of self-confidence, I would drop it.

[pi]

UPDATE: I told myself that I'd see how I did on the unit 2 exam to decide whether I should do physics next year or not. Physics ended up being my best exam... but it was a really easy exam, and the physics teachers at my school aren't great. Now I'm more indecisive than ever. Help?

Due to your lack of self-confidence, I would drop it.

You're a very considerate and understanding person iNerd. Great life skill.

Funkyducky, I was in a similar position to you regarding physics (choosing between that and eco: http://vcenotes.com/forum/index.php/topic,31355.0.html), I chose physics.

Maybe you found physics easy because you are good at it! If you think that you were only good because the exam was easy, you will remain indecisive. Physics teachers in my school are also terrible, but with a good textbook, good mind-set, good organisation and good help from places like VN, I would go with physics.

Good luck!