Physics has never been a favorite subject of the majority. In fact, students who take on the subject are normally seen as bright students. Through effort and consistency, anyone can excel in physics, and that is why we put together the following overview of 5 things you should expect to learn about physics in school.
It requires mathematical skills
If you are a physics enthusiast, you already know that it goes hand in hand with mathematics. If you are planning to take on physics in college, then your mathematical skills have to be on point. This does not necessarily mean that you should be conversant with anything mathematics, you just need the interest and good grades. Regardless of what you want to specialize in physics, ensure that you fit as many mathematics lessons as you can to your schedule. This will make it easy for you to easily understand different physics topics.
It requires technical knowledge
Anyone in the physics field will tell you that technical knowledge is a plus if you want to study physics. Basic computer skills especially the spreadsheets are necessary for any aspiring or physics student. You need to familiarize yourself with the spreadsheet: learn how to perform different functions, how to create charts and graphs and so on. In addition to computer skills, basic knowledge of how different machines work will go a long way to help improve your know-how in physics.
It requires a lot of problem-solving
Whether you want to indulge in quantum physics, kinematics or electrostatics etc, you have to be an excellent problem solver. A lot of people are not good problem solvers, and this is one of the major reasons they shy away from physics. Some people are naturally good problem solvers and easily get out of difficult situations through their skills. If you are not good at solving problems, keep on practicing your mathematical skills and find more ways to improve on those skills.
You have to be good at scientific reasoning
In addition to being a good problem solver, you need to be able to apply logical and scientific reasoning in order to properly tackle a problem. Engage more in scientific stuff, from taking more science lessons to participating in science fairs as well as debates, and so on. This will help expand your scientific knowledge to be able to apply it into reasoning when solving problems. Feed your mind with anything that will train you to look for patterns and be able to organize data to arrive at a solution.
You need good study habits
Good study habits like paying attention in class, doing your homework, adding ‘missing’ and meaningful information to class notes, and revising your work are what you need to be a good physicist. As you begin your physics course work, things may be a little simpler but even so, train yourself these good habits and you will thank yourself later when things get tougher.
