2019-2020

General Technique for Solving Physics Problems

There is no single foolproof technique for attaining the correct answer to a physics
problem, but this process is a good place to start.

1. Read the entire set-up and problem (including all parts of multi-part problems).
2. Write out the “knowns” as “variable = number” including units, signs, directions, etc.
3. Write out what is being asked for as “variable = ?”
4. Make a diagram of the situation and label it with the information that is given and
asked for.
5. Convert “knowns” into meters, kilograms, seconds, etc. if required.
6. Write out the equation that will be used to solve the problem in variable form.
7. Replace the variables in these equation with numbers (including units).
8. Solve the equation.
9. Repeat steps 6-8 if necessary.
10.   Give your final answer a “common sense” check.

Always circle your answer.  Give yourself ample space to solve a problem.  Paper is cheap
and trees are a renewable resource!

Again, there is no single foolproof technique for attaining the correct answer to a physics
problem, but this process is a good place to start.