Why Is Physics So Hard to Learn?

Physics can be challenging due to its abstract concepts, mathematical nature, and the need for critical thinking. Understanding fundamental principles requires effort and practice. This article will explore why physics is a demanding subject and how real-world applications can make it more accessible.

Abstract Concepts and Mathematical Nature

Physics often involves understanding abstract concepts and applying mathematical principles. Concepts such as gravity, motion, and energy are the vocabulary of physics. Just as learning a new language requires understanding its grammar and vocabulary, physics requires grappling with equations and principles that govern the behavior of objects in the physical world.

Challenging Intuition with Critical Thinking

Physics challenges our intuition because the behavior of objects in the physical world often doesn't align with our everyday experiences. For example, imagine trying to describe how an object moves, interacts, and the forces behind it. It's like learning a new language where the rules are mathematical equations and the vocabulary is made up of abstract concepts.

Breaking Down Complex Ideas

Breaking down complex ideas into simpler parts using real-world examples can make physics more accessible. By seeing how fundamental principles apply in practical situations, students can better understand and retain the material. Additionally, finding engaging resources like videos or interactive simulations can make the learning process more enjoyable and easier to grasp.

My Personal Experience with Physics

When I took physics in high school, it was dull and mostly about memorizing equations. But when I took it again in college, it was taught with calculus, and it made a lot more sense. Newton and Leibniz had to invent calculus to explain physics properly, highlighting the evolution of the subject and how it became more understandable with advanced mathematical tools.

Real-World Applications of Physics

The funny thing is that physics isn't difficult at all; you use it every day. Consider playing catch. To successfully catch a ball thrown at you, you must make extremely complex calculations in mere fractions of a second. Here's how it works:

You take your experiential or observational knowledge of the ball's size, shape, mass, and density. You make observational calculations of speed, trajectory, and the force imparted by the thrower. You calculate the point in space where your body, specifically your hands, will need to be to intercept the ball's trajectory. You also calculate the oppositional force needed to interrupt its forward momentum and secure your grip on it.

You do all this in the blink of an eye, in your head! And if you fail to catch the ball, you instinctively understand that you have miscalculated somewhere on this attempt but have gained more accurate data for the next attempt. That's physics in action!

The same concepts apply to everything from climbing or descending stairs, opening or closing doors, or driving. And consider things done in a mirror like brushing your hair. Now you're negotiating the placement of a brush based on an inverted reflection! The complicated part comes in learning how to express or communicate all of those calculations in writing, such that they can be applied to find solutions to other problems. But now that you know you are capable of making such calculations, how intimidating can it really be to learn how to express them?

By understanding that physics is not just a theoretical discipline but a practical one that we use daily, the fear and intimidation associated with learning physics can be significantly reduced. This practical approach makes physics more relatable and easier to grasp.