Generally, how do you solve physics problems??

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1

<p>This is for all the physics B problems in general. How do you guys solve the problems? Do you find equations and plug all the known values in? or do you keep all of the variables and solve for the one variable that you are missing without substituting any numbers?? </p>

<p>I'm curious to know because I've just come across a problem in the Princeton review and I couldn't do it at first. But then I looked at their solution and they solved for the unknown variable without substituting any numbers. </p>

<p>What should I do?? In you experience, what technique worked out the best for you? </p>

<p>Also, should you always include the units when you are solving for something? I find that putting units really takes up a lot of space and can get messy sometimes. However, if you leave out the units, sometimes you end up with the wrong answer because you don't match up all the units. (For ex. in a conservation of mechanical energy problem. You have an external friction force and you forget to convert it into Joules. Therefore your final kinetic velocity answer is wrong) </p>

<p>What method(s) of solving Physics problems do you use?? This would definitely help me a lot!! Thanks for your input!</p>

2

<p>Find equation, solve for the value, punch in numbers, count sig fig</p>

3

<p>The best thing for physics is to understand the concept. Then use the equations as tools, trying to solve for the unknown in terms of the equation, plug and chug and you're down.</p>

4

<p>Yes I understand that being able to comprehend the concept of Physics and "deriving" an equation is essential. That is what my teacher has taught us to do.. You would probably not do so well if you just "memorized" all the equations right?</p>

5

<p>I solve them well. </p>

<p>In all seriousness, it really doesn't matter at what point you plug in, but if you don't like writing units a lot, plug in at the end so you only have to write them once!</p>

6

<p>You can easily get away with substitution and formulas with an introductory class in Physics B. :)</p>