How to Read a Physics Text

Let's face it:  physics books can be tough to read.  Actually, the same can be said for all types of technical information.  It is easy to fall into the trap of reading technical material without really internalizing the important ideas.

Fortunately, there is safety net that will allow you to determine whether or not you are learning the right things:  it's good old fashioned homework.  If after you read a chapter you find that you cannot work all of the homework problems, chances are that you have fallen into that trap somewhere along the line.

Here is an approach that virtually guarantees success:  read each chapter at least three times.  

1. On your first reading, you should be able to work some of the homework problems, and if you have read carefully you should be able to score well on the reading quiz.   
2. Now read the chapter again, paying particular attention to discussions relating to homework problems you could not work the first time around.  You should now be able to work some more homework problems.
3. Repeat step 2, and you should now be able to complete the homework assignment.  If not, a quick consultation with Bennett should get you going on those homework problems that remain unsolved.

Although your homework grade will be determined from problems worked over the Web (see the section on Web Homework below), most folks find it very useful to work additional problems from the end of the chapter.  Correct answers for the odd problems are given in an appendix, and this can provide useful feedback as you develop your solution strategies.