Thanks! The video above is approx. 180+ equations specific to physics. Collectively I have approx. 2000 equations and/or facts memorized for the MCAT total.
Process specific to Physics:
- Purchased and/or borrowed four different MCAT Physics Review books.
- Copied all equations, minus duplicates from all four authors, directly onto flash cards.
- I organized the flash cards in an order that made the most sense to me, i.e. topic, then equation order for that specific topic.
- Labelled each card with a number, 1-180, thus preventing me from messing up the order before I construct my memory palace/loci.
- Defined a path in my apartment, and systematically placed each equation on something and/or created an odd association.
BTW, I tried my best to maintain the equation as a whole and not break it down into individual words. I tried this initially, but it took way too much time.
Example:
I walk up to my door, where I see #1 (d=vt=1/2(Vi + V)t painted on my front door in red paint.
Next, I grab my door handle where I immediately burn my hand. As I look at my palm, I see #2 (Vf = Vi + at) charred into my skin.
As soon as I open the door, my door alarm goes off. Instead of punching in the regular code, the alarm keypad will only accept #3 (d=Vit+1/2at^2) as a valid entry.
Excited I entered the correct code, the alarm initiated a bunch of flash cards to fall from the ceiling, where each card had #4 (d=Vft-1/2at^2) in pen. The card “fell” from the sky.
Knowing my wife loves it when I clean, I grab the broom from the washer closet (right next to the entry door) and sweep the cards off the floor. Hidden under the cards I see #5 (vf^2 = vi^2 +2ad) etched into the laminate flooring!
Next, I decided to check the washer for dirty clothes. As expected, I find three individual shirts in need of a wash: red, white and blue. The red one has #6 one it (t = sq 2d/a), the white one has #7 (v = sq 2ad) and the blue one has #8 on it (d = -vi2/a.
As you can tell, I’m not breaking each variable into a specific word or thing. Rather, I’m simply able to link the whole equation on an object.
In college, I’d study/prepare in the same room I was expected to take an exam. However, I’d place the equations on specific objects in the room. Therefore, during a closed book physic test, for example, if I could not remember a specific concept (thus an underlying concept as defined by a specific equation), I’d survey the room briefly until I “see” that specific equation.
Funny story, one time during a proctored exam, the teacher asked me why I had a blank look on my face every once in a while during the test. I didn’t want to get into the details, but I responded by telling him I placed an equation on the end of his nose, which helped me remember how his comb over reminded me of cilia in the respiratory tract. He was extremely confused and/or concerned, but didn’t press me on it because I always had the highest grade in the class. Ha!
Now that I have “filed” the equations away in a systematic way, given a specific problem, I step into my palace and analyze each specific formula until I have all but one or two unknowns left. Next, as someone who subscribes to Occam’s Razor, I generally go for the easiest and or most logical equation.
I’ve tutored numerous kids from all backgrounds in both Physics and Chemistry. From my experience, the hardest part of these two courses is knowing understanding in words what underlying equation the author is trying to present. Otherwise, you’ll stare at four or five variables, not know exactly how to start, and get discourage and/or confused or defeated.
For me, linking the equations around the room and/or my apartment enables me to confidently example each equation, review the unknowns, and look any ambiguity left by the author.
Hope this helps?
P.S. It might seem overkill, but taking equations from four different authors really helps! Sometimes you’ll see an equation presented one way vs. another way. Because of this, especially on the MCAT, if it is a simple question concerning Fbouy and they ask you what happens to the pressure of something if the area of a golf ball doubles, you may forget that F = P1 x A1, where area of a sphere equals 4pir^2. Therefore, it is all about proportions. . .
Or, for instance Power.
Power = W/t, because work equals F x d, Power = Fd/t, where F x (d/t) = F x v (where v = velocity).
From my experience, the author will give you a change in velocity, and the force, and then ask a question specific to power. Well, if you cannot or do not remember the above, then you’ll stare into the book with anger, when F x v = W/t!
