SOME GENERAL TIPS FOR PHYSICS PROBLEM SOLVING

1. Read the problem over several times, and try to restate it in your own words. It generally is helpful to make a sketch, and essential whenever there are geometrical issues such as angles to consider. Write down any key words or concepts that come to mind.

2. Make a list of the physical quantities or parameters that are given as initial conditions, and assign the symbols that are used in the text to each of them.

3. Make a list of the parameters that you are being asked to determine and assign symbols to them as well.

4. Try to identify what physical principle is involved, and the law or equations that connect the given input parameters to the sought-after parameters. More than one step may be required. The problems are organized with reference to sections in the text, so that is the first place to look. If the connection is unclear, a dimensional analysis may help. For clues, examine the solutions to sample problems in the text, student solutions manual and web site.

5. Once the method of solution is identified, be careful about units and significant figures when calculating. Show all steps involved, since some credit is allowed for partial solutions. Be sure to indicate the units when the answer is a physical quantity or parameter. Double-check your work and perform a dimensional analysis as a further check.

6. Problems have been selected for homework assignments that are illustrative of the physical principles and relationships, and in most cases have some connection to the practical world. They vary considerably and randomly in difficulty, so if you are stuck on one, go on to the next and come back to it. Solving another problem will give you confidence and perhaps even a clue. For validation and additional practice, try to solve some of the problems for which solutions or answers (to all odd-numbered problems) are provided.

7. Remember that learning to do physics is like learning to play a sport or a musical instrument. You will only get better with practice, practice, practice. Solving physics problems is not a waste of your time! The methodology outlined above for problem solving will often be adaptable to situations or problems that you will encounter later in your profession. The practice that you get now will hone your analytical and problem-solving skills, and make you more valuable to your organization.