How To Solve Physics Problems -- Learn Through Examples
Do you read your physics book and think you understand the material, but then have no idea how to solve the problems at the end of the chapters? Does problem solving appear to you to be some mysterious search for the "correct formula"? If you're one of these students, read on; I can help you.
I have been a physics professor for 35 years. During this time, I have learned why students have so much trouble with problems. Very simply, most students are not able to analyze systems in terms of fundamental principles. Way too often, they search for the "right equation" for a particular situation. Thinking in terms of formulas is just not productive.
My goal here is to teach you how to find physics solutions in terms of principles.
The material is organized in chapters. The organization is almost identical to that of most introductory textbooks. For example, there is a chapter covering one-dimensional motion, projectile problems, another on Newton's laws, and still another on mechanical energy as well as free fall problems. However, I emphasize solutions to problems rather than theory. The problem solutions I present are typical of the type you encounter in your physics course. Every solution is explained thoroughly, with special emphasis on the basic principles (these are identified by blue fonts) underlying the solutions. If you study the solutions carefully, I guarantee that your problem-solving skills will improve significantly. This material should also be useful if you are trying to teach yourself physics or if you are reviewing introductory physics. If the exercises in introductory physics are confusing you, you have access here to a virtual online physics tutor.
If you click on PROBLEM EXAMPLES, you will find a tab that you can select to download (with Adobe Reader) eight solved problems free of charge. All of them are taken from various chapters now available. After looking over these eight problems, you should be able to determine whether or not my material will help you.
MECHANICS, OSCILLATIONS/WAVES, and THERMAL PHYSICS are now available. ELECTRICITY/MAGNETISM and OPTICS are under construction. Select the appropriate category on the left hand side to find the downloadable chapters.
If you click on PROBLEM EXAMPLES, you will find a tab that you can select to download (with Adobe Reader) eight solved problems free of charge. All of them are taken from various chapters now available. After looking over these eight problems, you should be able to determine whether or not my material will help you.
MECHANICS, OSCILLATIONS/WAVES, and THERMAL PHYSICS are now available. ELECTRICITY/MAGNETISM and OPTICS are under construction. Select the appropriate category on the left hand side to find the downloadable chapters.
