Welcome to another issue of Physics Tips Daily - the only free student newsletter for physics.
Problem solving is one of the most important skills needed to survive in physics. Afterall, you need to know how to solve probloems in order to get good grades. This week, I will show you a systematic way to solve physics problem.
How can you use the general problem solving strategy? What is the KUDOS method?
Like any problem, you can solve physics problems with a systematic strategy. In general it has five steps:
1. Identify what is being given. Note what information is already given or listed in the question of problem. It's possible that some given information may not be needed to solve the problem.
2. Clarify what is being asked. Be sure you know exactly what you are supposed to find or solve. Don't waste your time working for an answer that isn't needed.
3. Select a strategy. This will depend upon the type of problem, and the information given. Use the given information to logically select your course of action.
4. Solve using selected strategy. Carry out the selected strategy carefully. Pay attention to details such as units, mathematical calculations, etc.
5. Review. See if your answer makes sense. Check values, significant figures, etc
The KUDOS strategy is particularly useful for solving word problems that often given students great difficulty. Here is the K-U-D-O-S:
K_nown: List what information is given - the knowns. This is what you have to work with.
U_nknown: Identify exactly what you are looking for - the unknown.
D_efinition: Define needed information to link the knowns to the unknown. Here is where you find the formula you need, convert units, use a physical constant, etc.
O_utput: Plug in the knowns/constants into the defined formulas/equations with proper units and obtain an answer.
S_ubstantiation: Check your answer for reasonableness, proper units, and the correct number of significant figures.
Whatever process you use, in general physics problems involve a logical process to obtain an answer. Don't expect to read a problem and immediately spout out the correct answer. The given information, unknown quantities, and possible solution processes must be considered carefully. Using any of these processes involve careful though and attention. Although this process may seem confusing or difficult at first, practice and persistence will increase your rewards.
To visualize what I discussed above, let's watch a movie on physics problem solving with the KUDOS method:
http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/VideoLibrary/Physics/PHYS033_ProblemSolvingInPhysics/player.html
Hope you enjoy the movie. If so, check out our rapid learing physics series for more videos like this one.
That should do it for today! Let's master physics the EASY way! "See" you tomorrow.
Seize the Day!
Wayne Huang, PhD
http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com
PS: Do you want to know my formula of success in physics? Knowing this formula could save you tons of time and avoid lots of frustration in studying physics. Are you ready? Here it is ...
>> Physics Mastery = Core-Concepts + Problem-Solving + Super Review.
There you have it! It's that simple - just identify and understand the core concepts and their inter-connections, then apply the understanding to problem solving and finally super study the cheat sheets. You will be able to walk in to ace that exam with total confidence. Watch this movie and learn about this secret formula: http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/TheMovie.html
PPS: I guess your next question is "How?" well, I got that covered too. The short answer is "Physics in 24 Hours" rapid learning series. The core concepts, problem solving and cheat sheets have all been worked out for you. Just click to start at: http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/physics.
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