How do you study physics?
Physics is a doing subject, not a reading one. Understand the concept first, then solve problems with it. Redo the ones you got wrong. Learn which formula fits which kind of situation, not just the formula itself. Then practice under a timer so exam pressure is normal. Rereading worked examples feels like studying but barely helps.
The trap in physics is the worked example. You read it, it makes sense, you feel ready. Then you face a blank problem and freeze. Following someone else's solution is not the same skill as building your own. So get the concept clear, then close the book and solve.
Most of physics is pattern recognition. A problem says "object on a slope" and you should already reach for forces and friction. A problem says "collision" and you reach for momentum. That link, situation to formula, is the real thing you are learning. Build it by doing many problems, not by staring at the formula sheet.
The problems you get wrong are the gold. Mark them, figure out the exact step where it broke, then redo the whole thing from scratch a day later. If you can't redo it cold, you haven't learned it yet.
- 1Learn the concept first. Be able to say in plain words what the formula means and when it applies.
- 2Solve problems yourself with the book closed. Start easy, then go harder.
- 3For each problem, ask what situation it is and which formula that situation calls for.
- 4Mark every problem you miss. Redo it from scratch a day or two later, no peeking.
- 5Once you can solve a set, do a batch under a timer so exam speed feels normal.
- 6Space it out. Come back to old problem types every few days instead of cramming.