How to Solve Problems Related to Physics

Physics problems can be a source of a nightmare for many students. That’s understandable because you can’t mug up a bunch of facts and solve sums in a jiffy. You need to understand the principles, comprehend the logic and then apply it to your solution. There are a few effective steps through which you can solve any Physics problem.

Let’s go through them.

First and foremost, don’t panic

Panic is the main culprit for which students struggle with physics sums. Remember that it is just a sum. It’s not the end of the world. Even if you fail to do the sum or make a mistake in calculation, you should try to keep your nerves.

Remember this-

“Why do we fall?

So that we learn to pick ourselves up.”

Read the entire problem

 Sometimes the simplest things become the most difficult thing of all. Students tend to breeze past a problem during exams when the limited time comes into consideration. In such a case, students might a paragraph or a sentence where significant information is provided for the solution to the problem.

Therefore, it’s advisable for students to go through the entire problem slowly and steadily so that s/he can take into account each and every crumb of information in the problem and do accordingly.

Draw the diagram (if possible)

Certain physics problems can be handled in a convenient manner if a diagram is produced on the same matter. It cannot be done in each and every problem but certain sums (like the ones based mechanics, light, etc.) become much easier if a diagram is drawn to solve the same.

Another interesting point that you should keep in mind is that marks are often awarded on producing a correct diagram of the problem. So even if you fail to solve the sum or come to an incorrect result, you might have a chance to get some marks on the basis of producing a correct diagram.

Make a list of information given in the problem

You should always note down the required information on your sheet from the problem in a specific category like “given” or something like that.

For example, if it’s a sum where you are required to calculate the final velocity of something, note down important information in a column from the problem such as:

Given,

Initial velocity (u) = x,

Acceleration (a) = y,

Time (t) = z.

RTF (Required to find)-

Final velocity (v) = ?

Then take the next step to your solution.

By doing that, you are keeping important information under your nose right above your solution. You don’t have to refer to the question, again and again, to refer to the same which might result in a silly mistake somewhere.

List those important formulae on your answer sheet

By keeping important and relevant formulae under your nose, you’ll be able to refer to them as per requirement in a jiffy thereby reducing time and confusion. And do choose the right formula among that list of yours.

For the sum provided above, the right formula should be “v = u+ at”. Ensure the fact that you choose the right formula and then get into your calculations.

Solve one variable at a time

Do take special care while solving your equations. This is the easiest part of all. Do not make a mistake here after all that hard work. And you’ll definitely get to the right result.

So basically, to sum we would like to say keep calm. Read the problem thoroughly and then take steps as per requirement. Professional tutors can also develop this instinct in you so that your performance improves tremendously in the subject. We’ll sign off for now then. I hope you had a good read.