The difference between college physics and high school physics is mainly reflected in the following aspects: depth and breadth. Physics in senior high school usually covers basic classical physical concepts, such as mechanics, heat, electromagnetism, preliminary optics, atomic physics, etc., focusing on the basic theories and laws of physics, supplemented by appropriate qualitative and quantitative analysis. College physics has been further expanded on these bases, covering a wider and more detailed content, introducing some contents of modern physics, such as relativity, quantum physics and statistical physics, and deepening into more complex systems and phenomena in classical physics, such as vibration and fluctuation, mechanics in non-inertial system, electromagnetic field theory and so on.
Mathematical tools: the mathematical tools used in high school physics are relatively basic, mainly algebra, geometry and elementary functions. College physics relies on advanced mathematics, especially calculus, linear algebra and vector analysis. These tools enable physical models to deal with more complex problems, such as inhomogeneity, nonlinear systems and variational principles.
Learning methods and ways of thinking: Physics teaching in senior high schools often focuses on understanding concepts and solving typical problems, paying more attention to problem-solving skills and quantitative calculation. College physics requires students to have strong abstract thinking ability and independent research ability, emphasize the understanding and application of physical principles, deduce physical laws from theory and solve practical problems.
Teaching objectives and methods: The main goal of high school physics is to popularize the basic knowledge of physics, cultivate logical reasoning and experimental skills, and lay the foundation for further study. The goal of college physics is to cultivate students' ability to solve practical engineering problems or conduct scientific research by using physics principles. Courses are more specialized, sometimes focusing on different subjects.
Experimental link: Physics experiments in senior high schools are generally simple, aiming at verifying the basic laws of physics and enabling students to master basic experimental operations. College physics experiment is more complex and precise, which requires not only theoretical verification, but also experiment design, data analysis and error analysis, so as to cultivate students' scientific research literacy.