1. Problem Solving
Physics Style

2. Word Problems

4. Method (Algebra Letters) Substitution Answer
6-Step Process
Concept
Given
Free-Body diagram
Method (Algebra Letters)
Substitution
Answer

5. Two Important Questions
What do I know?
What do I need to know?

6. Steps 1-3 Read/Study Problem carefully This is the toughest step
Write down physics concept
Write down all known data
Write down the unknown
Draw Free-body diagram
This is the toughest step
But if done well, the rest is easy

7. Method Identify the required process steps
Write down any needed equations, equalities, or conversion factors
Solve the equation with Algebra Letters only

8. Substitution/Calculate
“Plug and Chug”
Substitute numbers and UNITS into the equation
Estimate
Do the math
Show all steps: No partial credit for skipped steps.
Cancel units
Round to correct “sig figs” +/- 3

9. Answer “Sanity Check” Reasonable? Close to your estimate?
Correct units?
Correct number of “sig figs”?
Does your response answer the question that was asked?

10. The Problem Solving Template (PST)
A form on which to do the six-step problem solving process
Available on my class page
You will do all test/topic quiz problems on PST

11. Group Practice
A car accelerates uniformly from rest to a velocity of 10.0 m/s in 4.25 seconds. What is the car’s acceleration?