<p>I was wondering if extensive physics knowledge (or at least a decent amount of physics) is necessary for success in Math 53 (multivariable calculus)? </p>
<p>It seems like a lot of the work in that class deals with physics concepts, if I’m correct. I’m going to be a freshman this fall, and I’m planning on signing up for Math 53, though I have only taken a semester of an elementary physics course at a community college (which was like a regular, non-AP physics course at a HS).</p>
<p>Does anyone have any ideas about this?</p>
<p>the short answer is no. It’s true that concepts like divergence, curl, gradient, etc. come up often in physics, but you won’t really need to understand these things from a physical standpoint. You’ll only be asked to compute things in math 53.</p>
<p>i didn’t think it was needed at all</p>
<p>It’s not needed for success, though you may feel more motivated to study Math 53 if you know what you’re studying is used in. If you would like a good way to go about reading some physics on the side, check out Purcell’s E&M book which is used for the honors version of Physics 7B, and is supposedly a delightful read.</p>