Physics Wizard: 4 Secrets To Ace Problem-Solving In Exams

There’s no denying that Physics is a challenging and complicated field to study. All those theories, laws, and concepts need to be understood - not to mention the countless formulas that need to be solved and the detailed mathematical understanding and skills required! Problem-solving never goes out of the picture, too! If you are struggling with solving Physics problems, there are some tips that you can try!

Physics is a challenging course to tackle, and many students struggle when presented with a Physics problem. As difficult as it may seem, approaching it with the right mindset and practice, even the most confusing issues magically, seems more straightforward than you think! When you face a challenging or short Physics problem, don’t panic! Take a deep breath and follow these five techniques to help you solve the problem.

Understand what the topic is about

Every question in your exam is designed to test your knowledge of specific topics. Read the question carefully and understand what the question about is. Is it about heat and temperature? Forces and motion? Or perhaps about momentum? Each topic consists of specific terms, equations, and approaches, so understanding what the issue is about can help you narrow down the possible formulas to use to find the answer!

Figure out what the problem is looking for

After understanding the topic, it’s easy to get excited and quickly write down the formula used and start solving! However, this simple step can often lead to careless mistakes, especially the calculations. To avoid that, make sure to read the problem slowly and write down what you are looking for. In addition, take note of the unit of measurement used before tackling the problem!

List down familiar terms

Sometimes, you may encounter a problem that will leave you feeling lost even after days of studying for the exam. When this happens, the first thing you should do is list down which terms in the physics problem are familiar to you. Often, the question will already have the exact information that you need to identify and solve the problem.

Solve by using the correct equation/s

It is not surprising that you will likely encounter multiple calculation questions during your Physics exam. Next to understanding the problem, knowing which equation/s to use and applying them correctly is essential to get the final answer and pass your exam. So, whenever you encounter a calculation question, start by listing down the equations you know and determine which one(s) are useful in solving the problem.

For example, if you have the constant speed (v) of an object and the time (t) over which the motion occurred is given too, use the formula s = vt if you’re trying to find the displacement. But if you have the acceleration (a) and you’re trying to solve the velocity, use v = u + at.

Seek help for complicated topics

There will be times when you’ll encounter topics that are far too difficult to understand or solve on your own. In such cases, it’s wise to seek help from someone knowledgeable in the subject to guide with high-quality instruction. Enrolling in physics tuition is the most efficient way to get the help you need! The passionate and experienced tutors can help you understand the topics you need help with.

Conclusion

It’s common for students to struggle in Physics, especially the problem-solving part and for students transitioning to a higher level. As such, if you find yourself struggling with the course, rest assured that you are not alone! With practice and proper guidance from jc physics tuition, you’ll find yourself acing this subject in no time!