College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Rapid Learning Center

Chemistry :: Biology :: Physics :: Math

Rapid Learning Center Presenting …

Teach Yourself
College Physics in 24 Hours

1/42
http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

Problem Solving in
Physics

Rapid Learning Core Tutorial Series

Wayne Huang, Ph.D.

Keith Duda, M.Ed.
Peddi Prasad, Ph.D. Rapid Learning Center
Gary Zhou, Ph.D. www.RapidLearningCenter.com/
Kelly Deters, M.A.
© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
Michelle Wedemeyer, Ph.D.

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 1

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Tutorial Objectives
By completing this tutorial, you will learn:
„ When to follow problem-
solving techniques
„ A general problem-solving
technique
„ How to solve word problems
„ How to prepare for an exam
„ Tips for taking exams

3/42

Problem Solving in Physics

Physics
Physicsisisan
an
Previous
Previouscontent
content experimental
experimentalscience
science
New
Newcontent
content
Requires

Leads to Results
Results&&
Experimentation
Experimentation Conclusions
Conclusions

Requires Often requires

Requires
Problem
ProblemSolving
Solving Calculations
Calculations

Use On Exams
Exam
Examprep
prep&&
Exam taking
Exam taking
General
General Tips
For word KUDOS Tips
problem-solving
problem-solving KUDOS
strategy problems method
method
4/42 strategy

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 2

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Problem-Solving

5/42

What is Problem Solving?

You are A “problem” is

here when you don’t
know how get
from here…
Problem
Solving
Strategy

You need to there

to get there

6/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 3

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Why is it important?

Problem solving is needed in every aspect of

Physics

9 Labs & investigations

9 Practice problems
9 Exams
9 Anytime you apply concepts to different
situations

Knowing how to break a problem down into steps

is the key to solving any kind of problem!
7/42

General Problem
Solving Strategy

8/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 4

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

5 Step Problem Solving Strategy

General steps for solving any type of problem in
Physics

1 Identify what is being given

2 Clarify what is being asked

If unclear, try to rephrase it.
3 Select a strategy
Trial & error, search, deductive reasoning, working
backwards or knowledge-based
4 Solve using selected strategy

5 Review
Check for reasonableness, units and significant
figures
9/42

Applying the “General” Strategy

This general strategy will work for any type of

problem in Physics, not just “math” problems.

Calculations, concepts, diagrams, etc.

10/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 5

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Problem Solving Example #1

Example: How many significant digits are in 1020 g?

Step Description Information

1 Identify what’s given 1020 g

2 Identify what’s being asked ? Significant digits

Use your knowledge of significant digits to

count
3 Strategy: Knowledge based
There is no decimal point—count digits
between the first and last non-zero number.

Apply strategy: Count the

4 1020 g Æ 3 significant digits
significant digits

The rule without a decimal place is count

5 Review between the non-zero numbers. There are 3
“102” significant figures.

11/42

Problem Solving Example #2

Example: What is the relationship between force and
acceleration?
Step Description Information
1 Identify what’s given Force & acceleration

What is the relationship? Is it direct (as one

Identify what’s being
2 asked
increases, the other does also) or indirect (as
one increases, the other decreases)

Force is the push on an object

Strategy: Deductive Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity
3 reasoning Look for any mathematical equations
Force = m * a

Apply the strategy: If force increases, the “push” increases.

4 Deduce the relationship Therefore the acceleration will increase.

The harder you push on an object, the greater

5 Review
the change of velocity

12/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 6

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Word Problem
Solving Strategy

13/42

Word Problem Woes

Many people are intimidated by word

problems…they don’t know where to
begin

Instead of seeing them as word

problems, use the KUDOS method to
turn them into simple calculation
problems.

14/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 7

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

The KUDOS Method

K nown
Unknown
Definition
O utput
15/42
Substantiation

Step “K”
“Known”

K Identify what is known

Tip Example
“m” (meters) is a
Use units to identify distance unit. The
A car travels 15.2 m statement is giving
information
distance (“d”)

Write information
A car travels 15.2 m d = 15.2 m
symbolically

Look for implied A book is accelerating Therefore there

information across a table is a net force

16/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 8

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Step “U”
“Unknown”

U Identify what is unknown

Tip Example

What is the problem Newtons is a

How many Newtons…
looking for? force unit

Write information
How many Newtons… F=?N
symbolically

This helps you focus on the “goal”

17/42

Step “D”
“Definition”

D Define needed information

Tip Example

Find equalities to Velocity needs to be

1 km/h = 0.27 m/s
convert converted to m/s
Solve for distance d
Choose & re-
knowing velocity and V= So d = V × t
arrange equations t
time
Look other places There’s a constant in the Look on a cheat-
for missing info equation, such as “g” sheet of constants

Re-evaluate your You’re missing a piece of Look for another

approach if information and cannot equation or
needed find it elsewhere approach
18/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 9

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Step “O”
“Output”

O Find the output of your information

Tip Example

Plug values into V×t = d 12.5m/s × 1.25s = d

equations

Use fundamental
“g” is acceleration due
constants if W = m× g to gravity
needed

Check unit
12.5m/s × 1.25s = d 12.5m/s × 1.25s = d
cancellation

Perform the
12.5m/s × 1.25s = d 15.6 m =d
calculation

19/42

Step “S”
“Substantiation”

S Substantiate your results with a 1-2-3 check:

Tip Example

Are the results reasonable Is it 10,000 when it

Check Validity & possible? should be 10?

When solving for mass,

Are the units remaining after
Check Units cancellation appropriate?
you should get a mass
unit
× or ÷ use least # of s.f
in problem
Check Significant Are the significant figures in
the answer correct? + or - use least # of
Figures
decimal places in
problem

20/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 10

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Connecting the Known and Unknown

One of the hardest things for students is determining

how to get from the known to the unknown…

Known
Known ?
Definition
Definition Unknown
Unknown

The “Definitions” (Step “D”) show the connections!

21/42

Using Symbols Effectively

Physics uses so many symbols that are similar that
it can quickly become confusing
Try to label symbols with something meaningful and
mneumonic to help you sort them out

To symbolize this… Don’t use Instead use

this… this…
Mass of proton & mass of
m1 & m2 mp & mn
neutron

Momentum of linebacker and

p1 & p2 pl & pq
momentum of quarterback

Velocity of car & velocity of

V1 & V2 Vc & Vt
truck

22/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 11

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

KUDOS Example #1
Example: What is the net force if a girl pulls with 27 N and
a boy pulls with 14 N in the other direction?

Step Source Information Write down

Force of girl Fg= 27 N
K
Force of boy Fb = -14 N (opposite direction, so “-”)
Given forces in “N”
U What is the net force
Fnet = ? N

D Net force is the sum of all forces Fnet = Fg + Fb

Fnet = Fg + Fb

O Calculate Fnet Fnet = (27 N) + (-14 N)

Fnet = 13N

9 13N is a reasonable answer

9“N” is a force unit
S 9 validity, units & significant figures
9 0 decimal places given Æ 0 in
answer
23/42

KUDOS Example # 2
Example: Find the focal length of a mirror if a 2.0 cm tall object is 5.0 cm
from the mirror appears with a 4.0 cm tall image.

Step Source Information Write down

2.0 cm tall object ho = 2.0 cm
K Object is 5.0 cm from the lens do = 5.0 cm
4.0 cm tall image hi = 4.0 cm
U What is the focal length f = ? cm
1
f=
Equation to find focal length 1 1 But “di” is not known
+
di do
D
Distances of image and object are related to hi − di hi
= − do × = di
heights ho do ho
4.0cm
− 5.0cm × = di = −10cm
2.0cm
O Calculate di and then calculate f f=
1
= 10cm
1 1
+
− 10cm 5.0cm

9 10 cm is a reasonable answer
9“cm” is the unit used for other
S 9 validity, units & sig figs
lengths
24/42
9 2 s.f. given Æ 2 s.f. in answer

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 12

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

KUDOS Example # 3
Example: Find current in a circuit with a 30.0 V battery and a 10.0Ω
resistor.
Step Source Information Write down
30.0 V
V = 30.0 V
“V” is a voltage unit
K
10.0Ω
R = 10.0 Ω
“Ω” is a resistance unit
U Find current (which is measured in Amps) I=?A
V V
D Define resistance & solve for current R= So I=
I R
V
I=
R
O Solve for current
I = 30.0 V / 10.0 Ω
I = 3.00 A

9 3.0 A is reasonable for current

S 9 validity, units & sig figs 9 “A” is a valid unit for current
9 3 s.f. given Æ 3 s.f. in answer

25/42

Connecting the “General” Strategy & KUDOS

Problem
ProblemSolving
Solving

For any type of problem, use

5-Step
5-StepGeneral
General
problem-solving
problem-solving
strategy
strategy

For word problems, the 5-step

process becomes
KUDOS
KUDOS
method
method
26/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 13

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Physics
Exams

27/42

Help For Physics Exams

So now that you know how to

attack individual problems using
the Problem-Solving Strategy, or
the KUDOS method for word
problems…

How do you attack the big

problem…the exam?

28/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 14

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Types of Exams
First, understand the two types of exams:

Short answer exams – Assessing

knowledge of physics facts.

Fill in the blank, True/False, Multiple-choice,

matching

Long answer exams – Assessing

critical thinking, application of
concepts, problem-solving.
Essay, calculation problems
29/42

Exam-Prep Tips
Here are some helpful hints for preparation
1 Stay ahead of the game
Begin preparing early…the night before should be for
brief overview after studying for several night, not
cramming as your only preparation!

2 Make a cheat sheet

Even if you can’t use it on the test, creating a cheat-
sheet is an excellent way to review the important
information

3 Know the format & what information is “test-able”

Focus your energy…know what you will tested on and
how they will test it.

30/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 15

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Exam-Prep Tips (Con’t)

4 Make a mock-exam
Try choosing the 5 most important topics and writing
questions about them.

5 Attend the review session

Even if this session is optional, GO! Instructors often
give extra help and hints of what will be on the exam at
these sessions.

6 Get help early

Don’t wait until the last minute to ask questions…do so
well in advance (at least 2 days before the exam so that
you have time to apply the information and make sure you
31/42
understand it).

Exam Taking Tips

Here are some helpful hints for taking your exam
1 Arrive early and prepared
Rushing or searching for supplies builds anxiety

2 Listen & read instructions carefully

Don’t assume you know the instructions…read them
carefully.
If the instructor gives any last-minute changes or
instructions, be sure to pay attention and write them
down!
3 Memory dump first
Write down any equations or facts that you’ve been
remembering on the top or back of the test first thing.
Once you have them to refer to, you’ll be calmer taking
the test. Do this on the test, not scratch paper to avoid
32/42
accusations of cheating!

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 16

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Exam Taking Tips (Con’t)

4 Skim the test and make a plan

Budget your time according to length and difficulty of
questions.

5 Answer questions sequentially

Often the answer to or information from a previously
problem are re-used.

6 Apply the guessing rule

Don’t just randomly guess. Use your information and
understanding to eliminate wrong answers. Eliminate as
many as you can and then guess from the remaining if
33/42
you’re not sure.

Multiple-Choice Tip #1
Here are some helpful hints for multiple-choice exams
1 Scan all the choices
Often one choice looks good…but a later one is
better. Look at them all before choosing

Example: Which of the following would cause the largest

error in a lab determining force by measuring
mass & acceleration?
A. Misreading the balance
B. Misreading the stopwatch
C. Only performing one trial

While A & B would cause errors, C would cause the

largest error.
34/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 17

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Multiple-Choice Tip #2
2 Avoid the word trap
There’s often more than one way to say something…the test
may use another word than the one you’re used to, but they
may mean the same thing.
Example: Thermal energy flows from an object with ____
kinetic energy to an object with ____ kinetic
energy?
A. More, less
B. Less, more
C. High, the same
D. Thermal energy does not flow from one object
to another
Rephrase using more familiar terms:
“Thermal energy” = heat
35/42
“Kinetic energy” = energy of motion

Essay Tip #1
Here are some helpful hints for essay exams
1 Understand the question
Be familiar with questions that include:
„ Describe: Give a detailed & sequential account of facts
„ Discuss: Give a detailed analysis of all facts from your
point of view
„ Calculate: Use givens & constants to find a numerical
answer
„ Evaluate: Give a judgment given a set of facts
„ Explain: Give a rationale for a set of facts—don’t just
rephrase the facts!
„ Compare/contrast: Give similarities (compare) and
36/42 differences (contrast)

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 18

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Essay Tip #2

2 Just answer the question

Be sure that you’ve covered everything asked
for…but that’s it. Don’t spend time including extra
information (that may not be correct and count
against you!)

Example: Describe how mass relates to acceleration with a net force.

Don’t discuss everything you know about mass,

acceleration and net force…just answer the question
asked.

37/42

Essay Tip #3

3 Watch your time

Don’t get stuck on one question—divide your time according
to length of exam and difficulty of questions.

38/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 19

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Free-Response Tips
Here are some helpful hints for free-response exams

1 Show partial work!

Show as much work as possible so the instructor
can see your thought process. Many give partial
credit if they can see what you understood and
where your mistake was

2 Don’t forget the unit!

This is an easy point to miss…make sure every
answer has a unit!

3 Don’t judge length of answer on blank space

Tests often have too much or too little blank space
after a question…don’t think a question with a lot of
39/42
blank space requires a long answer and vice versa.

Summary

A
A problem:
problem:
anytime Do
Do your
your best
best
Be
Be sure
sure to
to anytime youyou
don’t on
on exams
exams byby
thoroughly
thoroughly don’t know how
know how
to following
following
prepare
prepare for
for to get
get from
from
where exam-taking
exam-taking
the
the exam
exam where you
you are
are
to tips!
tips!
to where
where you
you
need
need toto be.
be.

Use
Use problem-
problem-
solving Use
Use the
the KUDOS
KUDOS
solving
techniques problem
problem solving
solving
techniques for
for
every technique
technique for
for word
word
every type
type of
of
problem problems
problems
problem
40/42

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 20

 College Physics Tutorial Series - 03

Congratulations

You have successfully completed

the tutorial

Problem Solving in
Physics
Rapid Learning Center

Rapid Learning Center

Chemistry :: Biology :: Physics :: Math

What’s Next …

Step 1: Concepts – Core Tutorial (Just Completed)

Æ Step 2: Practice – Interactive Problem Drill
Step 3: Recap – Super Review Cheat Sheet

Go for it!

42/42
http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

© Rapid Learning Inc. All rights reserved. - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com 21