A problem is a question whose answer cannot be provided immediately. Is it a problem if you manage to understand how best to solve it within no time, right? Experts and beginners approach problems differently. Beginners might try to find an equation that matches the given info, or they might solve it based on a similar problem they’ve done before. There are other ways beginners solve problems, which might work for easy homework but won’t work for every problem. An expert, however, uses what they know about physics to solve any problem, even new and unique ones that combine different physics ideas. They use “rules of thumb” based on their experience solving many problems. This article is here to share some of these rules or steps with you without needing you to gather years of experience to learn them.
When Should You Use the Expert’s Approach?
The steps below are general and can work for any problem. They’re going to give you structure in your approach when something obvious does not strike your mind as an easy way out of a problem.
This describes the way you approach the math part if you’ve at one point thought, “I get the idea of the problem, but can’t do the math.” Your trouble might be the other way around: while one can do the math, one may not comprehend enough how to get the correct math in place.
“Doing the math” is usually the easier side of solving a problem. The main issue is usually algebra and calculus, which you should have already mastered. Furthermore, what makes a problem truly difficult is identifying its math conversion. How can you explain the important concepts using equations? Once this part is sorted, combining the equations to find the answer is often just basic algebra or calculus.
Top 5 Helpful Steps of the Expert’s Approach
The steps are in a specific order for a reason and will help you with your physics homework help. The earlier steps are more important. For instance, you can’t “plan a solution” if you don’t have a “clear mental image of the problem.”
Step 1:
Understand the Problem. Form a mental image of the problem and be very specific about it.
- Draw a picture to illustrate how it is going on.
- Find physics ideas and methods that could help solve the problem or you can take assignment help from experts. They have tested ready-made formulas for you if you ever can’t remember one.
- Explain the question in your own words, clearly stating what needs to be calculated.
Step 2:
Explain the Physics. Improve and measure your mental picture of the problem.
- Draw diagrams with systems that fit the methods you’ve picked.
- Name and define symbols for all the important quantities. Making sure these symbols are consistent will prevent issues later.
- Figure out the specific quantities needed to answer the question.
Step 3:
Make a Plan. Change the ideas into math.
- Create specific equations to measure the physics concepts and rules you found in your approach.
- Sketch a plan, either working from the final amounts back to known quantities or from known amounts to the final ones.
Step 4:
Follow the Plan. This is the easier part – it’s just the math part.
- Get a formula for your final amounts by following the steps for the solution.
- Check the units in your final formula before putting in numbers.
- If quantities have numbers, put them into your final equation to find the amount for the final quantity.
Step 5:
Check the Answer. Be doubtful. Think about what a wrong answer would be like.
- Is the answer given for the question you identified?
- Does the result make sense?
- Is the answer complete?
What Does a Good Solution Look Like?
The people grading exams are good at solving problems, so they know what a good solution should be. A good solution isn’t just a bunch of equations on the page. It’s not only about getting the answer but also about showing that you understand the physics ideas being tested. You should be able to use them in a new situation to answer a difficult question.
A good solution moves in a clear and logical order. It goes from (1 & 2) describing the ideas in the problem and giving definitions of important amounts, to (3) turning those ideas into math (like equations and formulas), to (4) working with the math to get the answer, and finally to (5) clearly stating the answer so the person grading your paper doesn’t have to search for it. The person grading will look for all these parts in a good solution, so the clearer these steps are, the better your grade will be. So, even though it’s not directly stated, being neat and organized is important.
Other Tips to Help You with Your Physics Homework
1. Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
This may seem like an obvious point but it is easier said than done. There are times when upon seeing the question; it seems as if even the words are trying to mislead you. That is why you need to take in deep breath before you close your eyes and count to five.
Most questions in basic physics are solved by straightforward formulas. If you remember these formulas, you’re already close to finding an answer. Furthermore, your main job now is to turn that confusing piece of text into bits that fit into your formulas. You can do that.
2. Know the Situation.
First, understand what’s happening. You don’t need to know every little detail, but once you get the main idea, you’ll know how to set up your answer and which equations to use.
Final Thoughts
Turning physics ideas into math is tricky. That’s why the Expert’s Approach concentrates on making a clear picture of the problem and finding the important ideas. If you start with math right away, you might do a lot of work without getting anywhere. Trying to find the answer before understanding the main ideas won’t work. It’s much more helpful to understand than to look for the answers. And what’s even more helpful is asking for help from online physics homework help services. They already have the experience, the formulas, and the steps needed to solve your homework. They can even teach you the easier and better ways to solve it. Look at the situation from another side, therein lies the solution.