Memorizing Formulas

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AriAstronomer
Posts: 76
Joined: Thu May 12, 2011 4:53 pm

Memorizing Formulas

Post by AriAstronomer » Thu May 12, 2011 4:57 pm

Hey everyone,
How indepth do I need to be memorizing formulas? Let's say, for instance, there is a moment of intertia problem, am I going to be expected to memorize the various moments (sphere, hollow sphere, rod, cylinder, etc.)?

Thanks,
Ari

physguy
Posts: 12
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2011 3:15 pm

Re: Memorizing Formulas

Post by physguy » Thu May 12, 2011 6:36 pm

Yes, you'll need to know those. However, the recent exams have given you those on the front formula sheet.

Honestly, this test is all about memorizing formulas. Basic ones, you'll need to know the whole formula. Harder and more complicated formulas, you'll only need to know the general characteristics of the equation.

For example you'll only need to know the hydrogen energy levels go like 1/n^2.

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quizivex
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Joined: Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:13 am

Re: Memorizing Formulas

Post by quizivex » Fri May 13, 2011 12:15 pm

physguy wrote:Honestly, this test is all about memorizing formulas.
If all they have to do is memorize formulas, isn't it funny how so many students still struggle with the test? There aren't that many formulas in physics.

AriAstronomer
Posts: 76
Joined: Thu May 12, 2011 4:53 pm

Re: Memorizing Formulas

Post by AriAstronomer » Fri May 13, 2011 2:31 pm

Thanks for the advice guys, I appreciate it.

physguy
Posts: 12
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2011 3:15 pm

Re: Memorizing Formulas

Post by physguy » Fri May 13, 2011 2:39 pm

quizivex wrote:
physguy wrote:Honestly, this test is all about memorizing formulas.
If all they have to do is memorize formulas, isn't it funny how so many students still struggle with the test? There aren't that many formulas in physics.
Depends on how much you memorize vs. derive. You only get 1.7 minutes (I think) a problem. Sure, you could start with Maxwell's equations and derive the rest of E&M from there. Not suggested though. But you're right in that a good portion of the test can't be answered from simple memorization.

That said, I used these to study:

http://www.phys.cwru.edu/flashCards/

Those and the practice tests were an excellent study combination. Much better I think than re-reading intro textbooks.

AriAstronomer
Posts: 76
Joined: Thu May 12, 2011 4:53 pm

Re: Memorizing Formulas

Post by AriAstronomer » Fri May 13, 2011 3:55 pm

Hmmm, very interesting...
I think I'll shoot them an email and ask for some flash cards, thanks a bunch!

Ari



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