HOW TO SOLVE PHYSICS PROBLEMS
Proper problem-solving techniques not only help guide you through the difficulties of a
problem but also enable you to communicate your solution effectively to others.
When working out solutions to problems in this paper, please bear the following points in
mind.
- Read the question carefully Read the entire question or problem as many times as necessary to be confident that you now precisely what is being asked in each section. Make a mental note whether the same intermediate quantity will figure in several calculations. If not, numerical values should only be substituted into completely derived algebraic expressions for the requested quantities.
- Draw a picture Draw as many diagrams of the situation described in the problem statement as are necessary to make the situation and your analysis clear. Often, one will suffice. On your diagrams, use symbols not values. Near the diagram, draw up a table of the givens, being sure to respect the precision and units given in the problem statement.
- Write down all given information In force problems, isolate the appropriate components of the system and sketch a force diagram for them. Put a coordinate system on each diagram. Deduce the appropriate equations of motion. In other problems, cite the appropriate laws and relations, and justify the equations you deduce where necessary. Be certain that all symbols you use have been defined, either by context or explicitly.
- Simplify expressions using algebra Complete the algebra using symbols; outline your formula. If no values have been provided, check your formula using dimensional analysis. If values have been provided, substitute them into the formula, being sure to respect their precision and units. Compute the requested value. Round your answer to the precision of the least precise given value upon which your result depends.
- Check the answer Look at your answers and ask if they make physical sense. If they don't, go back over the calculation. Check the formula to be sure that it displays the appropriate dependencies on the givens. Should the velocity increase or decrease with time?
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