Basic Physics

Principle 1

Memorize only the fundamental equations

Principle 2

To understand a new equation, first use the equations above to substitute more fundamental (i.e. simpler) variables for more complex ones. Keep working up and right through this list of equations until you’ve expressed the new equation in terms of variables that you fully understand. Examine the equation that results – it describes the same physics as the original but in easier to understand terms.

Principle 3

If you forget one of the equations above, work to remember what variables are in it. Then find the arrangement of them that has the same combination of units for each term. All valid physical equations share this trait. You can also use this principle to determine the units of any variable. To keep life simple, pick the simplest possible system of units and stick with it (mass in kilograms, distance in meters, time in seconds).

Principle 4

Never try to remember isolated facts. Instead, strive to tie each new fact into a network of facts as was done when I ordered the equation list above so that each new variable was defined in terms of variables found to its right or above. Tie each new fact into your network as completely as possible when you first encounter it. Build other links to it as they occur to you. All the real insight you get from a 3-credit science course should fit comfortably on the front of 3 sheets of paper – express only the key facts and the links between them. Build and study these sheets in preparation for all exams.

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This page was last updated by George Young on August 21, 2013