How to Solve Any Physics Problem

Co-authored by Sean Alexander, MS

Last Updated: July 21, 2023 Fact Checked

Baffled as to where to begin with a physics problem? There is a very simply and logical flow process to solving any physics problem.

Steps

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It is just a problem, not the end of the world!
If it is a long problem, read and understand it in parts till you get even a slight understanding of what is going on.

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It cannot be emphasized enough how much easier a problem will be once it is drawn out. Ideally, a free body diagram is what you will draw, but even drawing how you imagine the wording of the problem inside your head (like a chart maybe) will make solving this problem easier. There are often marks awarded for drawing a correct diagram. Once you are done with this, try to bring this drawing into motion like a movie if you can. This is not really necessary but will give you a clear understanding of what is happening in the problem.^{[1]
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e.g. you are given two velocities. Label the first V1 and set it equal to the value given. Label the other value V2 and set it equal to the value provided for it.^{[2]
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Ask yourself, 'What am I solving for?' and 'What are the unknown variables in this problem?' List these to the side as well under a category labeled "unknown".
If you are able to look up equations you do not remember exactly and think might be applicable to the problem, do so and write them down.^{[3]
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At times there may be different formulas for the same set of variables and you may be confused as to which one to use. Hence when you memorize the formula, also remember the conditions in which they hold good ( conditions under which that formula can be applied). for example: - v = u + at can be applied only when the acceleration is constant. So in a question if the acceleration is not constant, you will know you are not supposed to use this equation here. This may also help to increase the subject understanding in general.^{[4]
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Take your formula and try to solve for one variable at a time. Solve for each variable that is listed under the "unknown" category. Try to solve for variables that you can determine easily first.^{[5]
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Keep repeating the last step for each unknown quantity in turn. If you can't do one, try others first as you may be able to work it out when you have information from other answers.
- Ask yourself if your answers make sense. If the numbers look absurd (for example, you get that a rock dropped off a 50-meter cliff moves with the speed of only 0.00965 meters per second when it hits the ground), you made a mistake somewhere.
- Don't forget to include the units into your answers, and always keep track of them. So, if you are solving for velocity and get your answer in seconds, that is a sign that something went wrong, because it should be in meters per second.
- Plug your answers back into the original equations to make sure you get the same number on both sides.

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How can I pass physics in grade 10?

Community Answer

Keep trying and be thorough in learning the theories. Don't hesitate to ask any questions of your teacher if you don't understand something. Write notes and list down the formulas and stick them on your wall. Keep reviewing and things will fall into place easily.

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I struggle to remember physics formulas. Any tips?

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Write the formulas down over and over again while standing up. Studies show that doing so can improve your recall. Also, you could record yourself reading the formulas and play them on a loop while you sleep.

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What is the relationship between Kelvin and Celsius?

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0 degree Celsius = 273 Kelvin. Therefore, 25 degree Celsius (25 + 273) = 298 Kelvin.

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Tips

Many people report that if they leave a problem for a while and come back to it later, they find they have a new perspective on it and can sometimes see an easy way to the answer that they did not notice before.

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Try to understand the problem first.

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Remember, the physics part of the problem is figuring out what you are solving for, drawing the diagram, and remembering the formulae. The rest is just use of algebra, trigonometry, and/or calculus, depending on the difficulty of your course.

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Warnings

Physics is not easy to grasp for many people, so do not get bent out of shape over a problem.

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If an instructor tells you to draw a free body diagram, be sure that that is exactly what you draw.

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Things You'll Need

A Writing Utensil (preferably a pencil or erasable pen of sorts)
Paper
Calculator with all the functions you need for your exam
An understanding of the equations needed to solve the problems. Or a list of them will suffice if you are just trying to get through the course alive.