One atomic fact per spaced repetition card, answer under…

Create spaced repetition cards testing exactly one atomic fact per card with answers under one sentence, because cards testing multiple components produce vague retrieval that the algorithm cannot accurately schedule.

When This Fires

When creating flashcards for any spaced repetition system (Anki, RemNote, Mochi)
When existing cards feel vague or hard to grade ("Did I really remember that?")
When review sessions take too long relative to the number of cards
Complements Create SRS cards only for information you already… (understand before memorizing) with the card design standard for what you do memorize

Common Failure Mode

"Explain X" cards: "Explain the process of photosynthesis." This is an essay question, not a flashcard. You produce a partial, vague answer, grade yourself "Good" because it felt close, and the algorithm schedules it as known. The specific components you forgot never surface for targeted review.

The Protocol

(1) For each fact you want to memorize, create a card testing exactly that fact: one question, one answer. (2) The answer should be one sentence or less. If you can't express the answer in one sentence, the question is testing multiple facts — split it. (3) Use specific, closed questions: "What neurotransmitter is primarily involved in reward pathways?" (answer: dopamine) not "What does dopamine do?" (answer: many things). (4) When reviewing, grade strictly: if you couldn't produce the exact answer before flipping the card, grade it as forgotten. Partial credit prevents the algorithm from targeting your actual gaps. (5) For complex topics, create many atomic cards that collectively cover the topic rather than a few comprehensive cards. 10 atomic cards about photosynthesis produce better retention than 2 "explain photosynthesis" cards.