Natural Science Forum / Physics / Research / April 2008

Hi:

I am a student at Cal Poly Pomona -- http://www.csupomona.edu .

In the fall of this year I plan to take Physics 121 and the lab class
that goes along with it. I have a learning disability called Asperger's
syndrome which decreases my attention span and makes difficult for me do
as much mental work for as long as others can do. It also impairs my
short-term memory and ability to retain information. So I would like to
start preparing now.

http://www.csupomona.edu/~physics/academics/coursedesc.htm

"PHY 121 College Physics (3) FWSpSu

A study of vectors, motion, forces, gravity, work and energy, momentum,
angular motion and mechanical properties of matter. Fulfills GE
requirement for Area B2 in combination with laboratory course. 3
lectures/problem-solving. Not for students majoring in physics or
engineering.

Prerequisite: MAT 106 or equivalent.
Corequisite: PHY 121L."

I would like to buy a computer software that would help me learn that
type of physics. Some PC program that deals with problems and solutions
relating to the aforementioned entities of physics I quoted from the site.

My handwriting is very sloppy and I can't draw well at all. So if I can
work out certain problems on a computer that would be nice. Something
has has a mixture of word problems, multiple choice questions and most
other question formats. If I get stuck, the software should be able to
guide me -- something like a "help" button.

I've already bought the PHY 121 book from my college.

My major is biology. It never occured to me how much the math of physics
relates to biology.

After the fall of '08, I plan to take Phy 122 and 123 [with the labs].
As I read the stuff on the physics link I posted, it seems to me that
Phy 122 and 123 are much much more interesting that Phy 121. Phy 121 is
so boring.

Last quarter I took a microbiology course, it was a piece of cake,
compared to Phy 121. I am interested in sound and optics, as well as
magnetism, electroncs, and nuclear fusion. These are covered in Phy 122
and 123, but not in 121.

Word problems are a special challenge for me. There are times when I get
totally stuck trying to figure what equation to write and what symbols
to use.

Hopefully, if I use some Physics software [which I could buy from a
computer store -- like Fry's], it will help me get a good grade in Phy
121 in the fall -- provided I start my studying soon.

Do you have any ideas as to what software I should buy? I've seen so
many softwares at PC stores for biology, chemsitry, english and math.
What is a good physics software?

Thanks,

Radium