1. What to do to do well in this class A.Focus on key physics concepts May seem like basics but will help you solve even complex problems Focus on principle rather than recipes Need to have a functional understanding of key concepts Express key equations as sentences Know where they come from and what they mean Know how and when to apply them Know which equations are general and which are special cases Must know when not to apply special cases Look at a problem after a good physics diagram and maybe a good physical diagram and know what key physics concepts apply in that problem Memorize key concepts so you can look at a problem, say that’s Newton 2, and know the associated equation in a snap Slide 21-16 Copyright © 2007, Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Pearson Addison-Wesley.

2. What to do to do well in this class A.Focus on key physics concepts How to do this When you look at problems, mentally group problems by the physics rather than the physical situation After each class or at least each week, create a notesheet to organize a structure of the new key concepts for each chapter and note how they fit in with previous key concepts Use the note sheet to do homework problems (a) do as many homework problems as you can just using this sheet. (b) then go to your notes and the textbook for your missing pieces Use flash cards to memorize key concepts - include the concept description, relevant equations, diagrams, and what types of problems benefit from using that concept Pay close attention to examples done in class and note the physics and assume/observes in each example and how these are used Slide 21-16 Copyright © 2007, Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing as Pearson Addison-Wesley.

3. Problem Solving Strategy (PSS) When solving problems, it is important to show how you reasoned from the information given in the problem and key physics ideas to your final answer. The correct final answer with units is only worth 1-3 points. The remainder of the points (70-90% of credit) are awarded for the quality of your solution. You are expected to include the following to receive full credit: Prepare Identify the Physics: State explicitly which physics’ principle(s) apply to the problem situation and that you will use to solve the problem Drawing a Picture: Draw at least one picture to visualize the physics of the problem and define your variables and constants. For motion problems this could be a motion diagram, motion graph, or pictorial diagram Collecting Necessary Information: State all the information given in the problem with correct units. Include preliminary calculations such as unit conversions Assume/Observe: State assumptions or observations that would be useful Solve Start with key equation(s) in symbol form Solve for the unknown quantity in symbols before numeric calculations Then substitute numbers with units and calculate the numeric answer Assess Check to see if your answer is reasonable Does it answer the question that was asked Does it have the right units?

4. Solving Problems - Prepare (also identify key physics)

5. Solving Problems (continued)

6. Pictorial Diagrams

7. Pictorial Diagram Example 1

8. Pictorial Diagram Example 2