Dear Kids,
When I was a student just like you, Physics was not my favorite subject. In fact, I used to fear it. Long formulas, confusing diagrams, numerical problems that never seemed to end — Physics felt like a nightmare.
I clearly remember sitting in class, copying formulas from the board without understanding anything. During exams, I would forget formulas, make silly mistakes, and lose confidence. I used to think, “Physics is only for intelligent students, not for me.”
But one day, I decided to change my approach. I started talking to teachers, cleared my doubts without hesitation, practiced numericals daily, and slowly Physics became one of my most scoring subjects.
Today, after teaching hundreds of students preparing for Board Exams, JEE, NEET, CET, I see the same mistakes repeating again and again.So in this blog, I want to share the most common mistakes students make in Physics — and more importantly, how you can avoid them.
Why Physics Feels Difficult to Students, Some common Mistakes Students Make in Physics.
Physics is not difficult — the approach is wrong.
Physics is a subject of: Concepts Logic Visualization Application If any one of these is missing, students struggle.
Let us now look at the most common mistakes students make in Physics.
1. Memorizing Formulas Without Understanding ConceptsThis is the biggest mistake.Most students believe: “If I learn all formulas, I can score marks.” But Physics is not a formula-based subject only. Why This Is a ProblemYou forget formulas under exam pressure. You don’t know when to apply which formulaYou cannot solve application-based questions Example: Students memorize👉 v² = u² + 2asBut they don’t understand: Where does it come from? When should it be used?What assumptions are involved? Correct Approach:✔ First understand the concept✔ Then derive or logically connect the formula✔ Finally practice numericalsRemember:👉 Concepts create confidence. Formulas support concepts.
2. Ignoring Numerical Practice Many students say:“Sir, theory ho gaya, numericals baad mein karunga.” But Physics without numericals is incomplete.Why Numericals Are Important:They test your understandingThey improve problem-solving skills They help in competitive exams like JEE & NEETCommon Mistakes in Numericals: Not writing given data properly Unit conversion mistakesUsing wrong formula Skipping steps What I Did as a Student:I solved 5–10 numericals daily, even if it took time. Slowly, my fear disappeared.✔ Start from easy problems✔ Then move to moderate level✔ Finally attempt HOTS questions
3. Not Visualizing the ProblemPhysics is not just calculations, it is about visualizing situations. Example:In Ray Optics: Students memorize ray diagramsBut fail to imagine image formation In Mechanics:Students apply formulas blindly Without imagining motion Solution:✔ Draw rough diagrams✔ Imagine real-life situations✔ Use hand movements if neededPhysics lives in imagination.
4. Skipping DerivationsStudents often say:“Derivations are boring and lengthy.” But derivations are:Concept builders Scoring in board examsHelpful for understanding formulas Mistake: Learning derivations one night before examMugging without logic Correct Method:✔ Understand each step✔ Practice writing derivations✔ Learn keywords and diagramsEven if you forget exact steps, conceptual clarity saves you.
5. Not Revising Regularly Physics is not a subject you study once. Common Habit:Finish chapter Don’t reviseForget after 15 daysResult:Panic before examsConfusion in revision timeBest Strategy:✔ Revise weekly✔ Maintain short notes✔ Write formula sheets✔ Solve previous year questions
6. Fear of Asking DoubtsThis is very common.Students think:“What if teacher thinks I am weak?” But trust me — 👉 Asking doubts is a sign of seriousness, not weakness. My Experience:Once I started asking doubts:My confidence increasedConcepts became crystal clearTeachers supported me moreAdvice:✔ Ask doubts immediately✔ Discuss with friends✔ Use online resources wisely
7. Poor Time Management in Exams Students know answers but still lose marks.Reasons:Spending too much time on one questionNot reading question properlyLeaving easy questionsTips:✔ Read question carefully✔ Start with easy questions✔ Mark difficult ones and return later✔ Manage time smartly
8. Ignoring Units, Dimensions & Significant FiguresMany students lose easy marks here.Common Errors:Wrong unitsMissing units in answersWrong significant figuresSolution:✔ Always write units✔ Check dimensional consistency✔ Practice unit conversions
9. Not Solving Previous Year Question PapersThis is a huge mistake.Previous year questions:Show exam pattern Highlight important topicsBoost confidenceMy Recommendation:✔ Solve last 10 years papers✔ Analyze mistakes✔ Improve weak areas
10. Treating Physics as a “Fear Subject”The biggest mistake is mental fear.Physics is not scary. Physics is logical and beautiful.Once you understand:Why things happenHow laws workHow formulas connectYou will start enjoying it.
How I Made Physics My Scoring SubjectLet me summarize what worked for me:✔ Strong conceptual clarity✔ Daily numerical practice✔ Regular revision✔ Asking doubts without fear✔ Learning from mistakesAnd most importantly — 👉 Consistency
Final Advice to Students Dear Kids, Physics does not demand intelligence — it demands interest, patience, and practice.If I could overcome my fear and score well, you can too.Start today:Understand conceptsLearn formulas logically Solve more numericals and questions Believe in yourself Physics will no longer be your enemy —👉 It will become your strength.
