problem solving template

problem solving template

Every physicist I’ve talked to about it agrees that the best way to learn physics is to solve problems. You can’t solve problems well unless you understand three things about them, none of which require a calculator:

1) what information is given in the problem statement
2) what you are being asked to find
3) what physical principles permit a solution

The link above is to a general template you should use to ensure you have these three things in hand before attempting a solution. Doing this before getting out your calculator will focus attention on the concepts involved, a necessary step to retaining the knowledge you’re creating. While it may seem cumbersome for the short problems you get at the start of your physics journey, practicing now will help you find success when more involved concepts and problems present themselves. I’m so confident that this works, if you complete every problem you’re supposed to in strict adherence to this template and don’t do well, I’ll eat my hat (I’ll have to see your work and I retain hat selection rights).

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