Do you have a physics problem and don't know where to start? Here is a very simple and logical process for solving any physics problem.
Steps
Step 1. Stay calm
It's just a problem, not the end of the world!
Step 2. Read the problem carefully a first time
If it is a long problem, break it down into parts to read and understand individually until you have an overall idea.
Step 3. Draw a pattern
It will never be stressed enough how simpler a problem can be once it is outlined. The ideal would be to draw a free-body diagram, but also drawing the solution to the problem as you imagine (using for example a graph) can help you solve it more easily. There are often predefined symbols to draw a correct diagram. Once this is done, he begins to process it; if you can, think of it as a movie being developed through a storyboard. It is not a fundamental step, but it allows you to have a clear understanding of what, step by step, is happening in the problem.
Step 4. List all the data that the problem gives you in the category "Known data". For example, it could give you two speeds
The first name it "V1" and assign it the given value. The second call it "V2" and, equally, assign it the corresponding value.
Step 5. Look for unknown variables
Ask yourself "What do I have to solve?" and "What are the unknown variables in this problem?" List them in the "Unknown data" category.
Step 6. List the formulas you think could be applied to solve this problem
If you have the opportunity to retrieve equations that you don't remember perfectly and that you think might be useful, look for them and make a note of them.
Step 7. Choose the correct formula
Sometimes there may be several formulas applicable to the same set of variables and it's easy to get confused as to which one to use. So, when memorizing a particular formula, also remember in which situations it is useful to use it. Eg: - v = u + at it can only be used if the acceleration is constant. So in a question where the acceleration is not constant, you will remember that this is an equation to exclude. This can also help you better understand the subject matter.
Step 8. Solve the equations
Try to solve one variable at a time with the formulas you wrote down. Solve all the variables you have listed in "Unknown data". Try to solve the variables first that you can easily come up with.
Step 9. Repeat the last step for each variable
If you can't solve one, try others; you may come back to it as you find the other answers.
Step 10. Highlight the answer with a rectangle, circle, or underline it to make your work tidy
Advice
- The material is said to be like a pyramid: the new information is built on top of the old one. A better thought is to broaden this saying by changing it to "The material is organized like a pyramid made of vines; the information is based on each other, but it is also woven together." Don't see each subject as a single isolated block; all are connected and grow together in a single complete subject”.
- First, try to understand the problem.
- Many report that if they leave a problem for a while and come back to it later, they find they see it in a new perspective and sometimes find a simple solution for the answer that they hadn't thought of before.
- If one problem is particularly difficult, try easier ones on the same topic first. You may then discover a way to solve it.
- If you're taking a physics test, try chewing gum or eating popcorn to calm your nerves. So you will "eat" your nervousness.
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Keep a positive attitude!
If it helps you, dream a little with your eyes open; It will allow you to relax and focus more on the problem.
- Remember that the real physical part of the problem is understanding what you are solving, drawing a diagram, and remembering the formulas. All the rest is just the use of algebra, trigonometry and / or calculus, depending on the difficulty of the course.
- If you're having trouble solving problems, it never hurts to ask! Ask for help if you need it; helping you is the job of your teachers, even if they believe otherwise. Or ask a friend or fellow student: they may have a different perspective that will turn on the proverbial “light bulb over your head”. If you can, try to follow their reasoning and try to understand where you are lacking and why. Then you know what to do, improve yourself!
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Solve by thinking about variables!
If you first understand how to fix the problem with variables, you can always go back and assign them values. If, on the other hand, you solve exclusively with numbers, you are increasing the chances of ruining the work if you solve the equations with a calculator. Remember: the number method is not accurate, unlike reasoning with variables.
Warning
- Physics isn't easy for many people to grasp, so don't despair over a problem.
- If a teacher tells you to draw a free body diagram, make sure it's exactly what you draw.
