How-Study-Series Miniseries: PHYS 259
Why did the capacitor kiss the diode? It couldn't resist-or.
It’s the last midterm (god bless)! Physics: Electricity and Magnetism is a broad course that covers many foundational concepts such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism that will be crucial in upper years. The exam is 20 multiple choice questions and covers everything from weeks 1 to 6; students are provided a formula sheet. In this mini-article, we'll share some effective study tips to help you succeed from a 259 PASS leader.
Reminder: The 259 PASS Midterm Review Session is on 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Monday March 13rd in SB 103.
Exam Date: Tuesday, March 14th 7:00 - 9:00 pm
⚙️ How do you Study for Engineering Physics?
How did you prepare for this exam in first-year?
One should focus on two keys to gaining competency in a course:Technical understanding: Figure out why it makes sense to learn topics taught in the course and what the topics truly entail. Go into as much detail as you can manage.
Efficient problem solving: Economize effort. Practicing similar types of problems before exams is important for getting familiar with the types of questions on the exam and doing them by yourself. While practice may not make perfect, it gets close.
Also, do not cram! Start preparing as soon as you can. Most of your preparation is done when the exam is a week away or during every week's lectures and sessions. Studying so close to the exam can stress you out and force you to doubt your preexisting knowledge.
How did you approach memorization and retention of information?
Physics has the beauty of not requiring wrote learning or memorization. Science always utilizes the process of building off of what is already known. It is more crucial to understand in physics how new results are derived from older results. Memorizing formulas doesn't help, it’s better to understand what each value means and how each variable is related.How did you manage your time and stay motivated when studying? Was procrastination a challenge?
Procrastination is a problem for everyone, but I find that starting is the hardest part. What works for me is surrounding myself with people that inspire me to work hard; once you begin, it is usually easier to continue working instead of getting distracted. If you do find yourself getting distracted often, it might be a sign that you need a break.
Is there a study technique you recommend NOT using for this course?
Continuing to study when there are only a few hours left. Just relax, get physics off your mind, and walk in there well-rested with a confidence in your preparation.Are there any major tips or strategies you would recommend to students struggling with this subject?
If you feel that you are struggling to learn using the class content, find alternative resources! There are videos online, The Wileyplus textbook has many practice problems and video lessons, and finally there are PASS/ review sessions to clarify concepts! Find what works for you.
📚 Valuable Resources for Physics:
Physics II lectures by Dr. Shankar (higher level, but good for grasping concepts)
We are Showboat has great review videos for each course concept
Lecture notes and weekly review recordings on D2L
Old class activities, WileyPlus quizzes, Tophat questions and old midterms!
📎Last Minute Exam Tips:
Get comfortable using the formula sheet available on D2L
Be sure to know what each variable means and when to use each formula.
Be sure you review the theory and key vocabulary from the notes
When working with electric fields, its always relative to a (+) test point!
Positive charges move in the direction aligned with the electric field
All charges move from regions of high electric potential energy to low energy.
Remember in conductors - the electric field inside is zero and the electrical field lines are always perpendicular to the surface.
When looking at a complicated system of charges, look for vectors that cancel out or can be simplified.
VERIFY AXES! When looking at a diagram, double check each plane.
Review the hand rules and get comfortable with taking cross products.
Show your work, its easier to go back and identify any potential calculation errors if you write out some steps when solving problems.
As, always don’t forget to breathe. You got this :)
Thank you so much for reading, we hope you found this this article to be informative and enjoyable. Wishing you the best of luck with your exams!
- T.T.E Team