Do I really need calculus for physics?

Question

Back in high school, my counselor refused to let me take physics without taking pre-calculus. Now that I'm in college, I need to take physics for my intended major. I intend to take calculus, but is it okay if I take both classes at the same time or do you recommend I take calculus first before taking a physics class?

Answer 1

No clue where physics 101 is taught without using calc. If there is such a school, I would not want my degree from there.

Physics 101 is mainly about dynamics and kinematics; both disciplines require calc to have a real understanding of the physics involved.

Just the simple kinematics of the SUVAT equations has its basis in calculus. SUVAT stands for distance, initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration, and time. And the two velocities and acceleration are best defined by calculus.

And dynamics, the stuff based on Newton's equations, is filled with calc defined physics. For example, the change in momentum over time is described by dp/dt = d(mv)/dt = dm/dt v + m dv/dt; and that's all calculus.

Physics can be tough; it'd be especially tough without command of calculus. I recommend you take calc first; then take physics; I think you'll be glad you did.

Answer 2

There is a calculus based physics (usually required for engineering and physics majors) and non-calculus based physics for biology majors.

If you understand derivatives and the beginnings of integrals you'll be fine with the start of calculus based physics which will be probably be Newtonian physics based particle motion (all the mass of an object acting from a single point).

Colleges will be set up for taking the classes at an appropriate time too so talk to the physics department and ask them if you've got the correct pre-requisites.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Many concepts in physics are impossible to give a true definition without calculus as a background. Instructors who teach non-calculus physics are stuck just "waving their hands" to get you to get an idea. It typically helps if you know what a derivative is and what an integral is, prior to entering physics. In general, you won't need to do much tedious calculus, as that isn't the point of the class. The point of the class is to teach you physics with trying to be as general as possible, and that unfortunately needs calculus as a background. If you can do integrals and derivatives of just the simple polynomial functions...you should be good for calculus based physics. If you aren't accustomed to these terms yet, I suggest you watch the video Calculus in 20 minutes from thinkwell video lectures. If you can master what he teaches you in 20 minutes, you should be good for calculus based physics.

Answer 4

If the content of the physics course is mechanics, it's generally OK to take calculus and physics at the same time. You may need to read/study ahead occassionally, but it's not usually a problem.

Note that your high school counselor's advice was very good...pre-calc is absolutely necessary for any physics.

Answer 5

Usually, people take calculus and Freshman physics at the same time. Universities are trying to teach Physics topics in such order that you are ahead enough on your calculus.

Answer 6

They can be done at the same time. It's done all the time. However if I had a choice back then, I would have done the math first. At least you had the Pre Calc...

Answer 7

You can take then concurrently, Physics teachers usually assume there is little or no calculus expose in Freshman year

Answer 8

Taking them at the same time should be sufficient, if you are starting at the first class in each discipline.