How to Use Anki to Ace Physics
Awareness around Anki’s powerful utility for learning in fields like medicine, languages, and geography has grown exponentially in recent years. However, what may surprise many users is how effective Anki can be for excelling in more quantitative and seemingly less flashcard-friendly subjects, such as math and physics.
After discovering Anki just over a year ago, I fell in love with its ability to track my learning and ensure steady progress—as long as I stayed consistent with daily reviews. Anki provided a clear-cut path to success for classes like Biology, where flashcards are perfect for memorizing enzyme functions or recalling the steps of DNA replication. But what about more abstract subjects like physics—where solving problems often relies on a deeper network of principles and interconnected understandings? Could Anki’s discrete flashcard format prove just as effective?
I believed it could—and decided to put it to the test eight months ago at the start of a two-course physics series. After facing numerous learning hurdles, I completed both courses at the top of the class with an A+, thanks in large part to my Anki-driven knowledge base. Here are a few studying tips I learned along the way for mastering physics with Anki.
1. Retain the Big Picture at All Times
Maintaining a big-picture understanding of physics concepts is vital. To achieve this, try incorporating images, lecture slides, or captions into your flashcards. This will help you link discrete facts to a broader conceptual framework. By doing so, you improve your ability to recall information correctly when solving problems that fall under the same category of understanding.
In the example shown here, the flashcard itself is simple—knowing the terminology alone wouldn’t significantly boost my physics skills. However, by including a set of images that link terms to larger concepts, I greatly enhanced my comprehension of the topic as a whole.
2. Turn Your Mistakes into Flashcards
Mistakes highlight gaps in understanding, making them invaluable learning opportunities. Create flashcards based on the errors you make during practice, ensuring you won’t repeat them. This approach locks in the correct understanding and reinforces it over time.
Example: After struggling with a torque problem, I made a flashcard outlining the correct method and principles. By reviewing it consistently, I eliminated the error from future problem-solving sessions.
3. Memorize Formulas and Constants with Flashcards
I know what you might be thinking—“Why memorize formulas if they’re already on the formula sheet?”
Here’s why:
- Formula sheets aren't always comprehensive. Relying solely on your professor to provide every formula can be risky.
- Efficiency during problem-solving matters. Many of my peers frequently paused their study sessions to search for formulas or constants buried in old lecture slides. This interrupted their flow and wasted valuable time.
By inputting all essential formulas and constants into Anki beforehand, I streamlined my study process. This allowed me to focus entirely on applying concepts to solve problems, rather than hunting down formulas mid-session.
On test day, I rarely consulted the formula sheet, which saved precious time. This small advantage often translated to a less stressful, more efficient exam experience.
Final Thoughts
I hope this brief article provides useful insights to enhance your physics studies. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or comments—I’d love to hear from you!
Zach