Experiencing "Ah-Ha" Moments in Intro Physics

[1irishman]

"Ah-Ha experience." I've been struggling with intro physics for several weeks now, because it's been 19years since I've even looked at Physics. What I do find however, is that I'm starting to catch on quicker and i find myself having these "ah ha experiences" when it comes to conceptualizing things that i could not previously imagine. It seems as though things are getting somewhat easier for me on some small level. Hard to explain, I guess what I am wondering is ...do any of you out there know what I mean by this "ah ha experience?"
Is practice and repetition, repeated exposure to the same types of problems etc the key to understanding physics intro, and/or physics in general?

 

[lisab]

I completely understand it! It used to happen to me from time to time...what a great feeling, that you're making forward progress.

And yes, it's all about practice, practice, practice. The more you solve problems, the more the concepts embed themselves in your brain...and at some point, you will become one with the collective .

 

[Mene]

I can definitely relate to your experience of having "ah-ha" moments in intro physics. It is completely normal to struggle with a subject that you haven't studied in a long time, especially one as complex as physics. However, the fact that you are starting to catch on and have these "ah-ha" experiences is a good sign that you are making progress.

In my opinion, practice and repetition are key to understanding physics, both in intro courses and in general. Physics is a subject that requires not only a strong conceptual understanding, but also the ability to apply that understanding to solve problems. So, the more you practice and expose yourself to different types of problems, the better you will become at understanding and solving them.

Additionally, I would also encourage you to seek out resources such as textbooks, online tutorials, or study groups to supplement your learning. Sometimes, hearing explanations from different sources can help solidify your understanding of a concept.

Remember that learning physics takes time and effort, but don't get discouraged. Keep practicing and seeking out help when needed, and you will continue to have those "ah-ha" moments that will lead to a deeper understanding of the subject. Good luck!