• For a new problem, you will need to begin a new live expert session.
  • You can contact support with any questions regarding your current subscription.
  • You will be able to enter math problems once our session is over.
  • I am only able to help with one math problem per session. Which problem would you like to work on?
  • Does that make sense?
  • I am currently working on this problem.
  • Are you still there?
  • It appears we may have a connection issue. I will end the session - please reconnect if you still need assistance.
  • Let me take a look...
  • Can you please send an image of the problem you are seeing in your book or homework?
  • If you click on "Tap to view steps..." you will see the steps are now numbered. Which step # do you have a question on?
  • Please make sure you are in the correct subject. To change subjects, please exit out of this live expert session and select the appropriate subject from the menu located in the upper left corner of the Mathway screen.
  • What are you trying to do with this input?
  • While we cover a very wide range of problems, we are currently unable to assist with this specific problem. I spoke with my team and we will make note of this for future training. Is there a different problem you would like further assistance with?
  • Mathway currently does not support this subject. We are more than happy to answer any math specific question you may have about this problem.
  • Mathway currently does not support Ask an Expert Live in Chemistry. If this is what you were looking for, please contact support.
  • Mathway currently only computes linear regressions.
  • We are here to assist you with your math questions. You will need to get assistance from your school if you are having problems entering the answers into your online assignment.
  • Have a great day!
  • Hope that helps!
  • You're welcome!
  • Per our terms of use, Mathway's live experts will not knowingly provide solutions to students while they are taking a test or quiz.

Please ensure that your password is at least 8 characters and contains each of the following:

  • a special character: @$#!%*?&

How would you rate Smodin?

Help us improve Smodin by leaving us feedback!

Physics AI Homework Solver

Omni is the most accurate AI homework solver on the market!

Max Limit Reached (3 / week)

See omni in action.

omni

Struggling with Physics Homework? Try Smodin’s AI-Powered Physics Homework Solver!

Physics can be a challenging subject, but with the help of Smodin’s AI-powered Physics Homework Solver, you can breeze through your homework assignments. Our advanced algorithms and machine learning technology generate accurate and efficient solutions to your physics problems. Say goodbye to frustration and confusion and hello to success with Smodin’s Physics Homework Solver.

How Does Smodin’s Physics AI Homework Solver Works

Smodin’s Physics AI Homework Solver is designed to simplify the process of completing physics assignments. All you need to do is input your problem or question, and our tool will generate step-by-step solutions in seconds. Smodin homework solver is available 24/7, so you can access it at any time to get instant help with your physics homework.

The Benefits of Using a Physics AI Solver for Your Homework

Using Smodin Physics AI Solver for your homework has many benefits. Our solver saves you time and provides accurate solutions, eliminating the risk of errors and mistakes. You can also enhance your understanding of physics concepts by learning from the step-by-step solutions generated by our solver. Try our Physics AI Homework Solver today and take your physics studies to the next level.

Pass your physics exam with Smodin AI physics homework assistant

Preparing for a physics exam can be stressful and time-consuming, but with Smodin Physics Homework Assistant, you can study smarter, not harder. Smodin assistant can help you practice solving problems and review key concepts to ensure that you're fully prepared for your exam. With the help of Smodin Physics Homework Assistant, you can achieve academic success and excel in your physics studies.

Experience the Convenience and Accuracy of Smodin Physics AI Homework Solver

Smodin Physics AI Homework Solver is the most advanced and reliable solution for all your physics assignments. Whether you're a high school or college student, Smodin physics solver can help you tackle even the most challenging physics problems. With Smodin, you can complete your assignments in a fraction of the time it would take you to solve them manually. Experience the convenience and accuracy of Smodin Physics AI Homework Solver and say goodbye to the frustration of physics homework.

Get Instant Help with Physics Questions Using Smodin AI-powered Physics Solver

If you're stuck on a physics question and don't know where to turn for help, Smodin Physics Solver is here to assist you. With our advanced algorithms, we can provide accurate and efficient solutions to your physics problems in no time. Say goodbye to frustration and confusion and hello to quick and easy answers to your physics questions.

Solver Title

Practice

Generating PDF...

  • Pre Algebra Order of Operations Factors & Primes Fractions Long Arithmetic Decimals Exponents & Radicals Ratios & Proportions Percent Modulo Number Line Mean, Median & Mode
  • Algebra Equations Inequalities System of Equations System of Inequalities Basic Operations Algebraic Properties Partial Fractions Polynomials Rational Expressions Sequences Power Sums Interval Notation Pi (Product) Notation Induction Logical Sets Word Problems
  • Pre Calculus Equations Inequalities Scientific Calculator Scientific Notation Arithmetics Complex Numbers Polar/Cartesian Simultaneous Equations System of Inequalities Polynomials Rationales Functions Arithmetic & Comp. Coordinate Geometry Plane Geometry Solid Geometry Conic Sections Trigonometry
  • Calculus Derivatives Derivative Applications Limits Integrals Integral Applications Integral Approximation Series ODE Multivariable Calculus Laplace Transform Taylor/Maclaurin Series Fourier Series Fourier Transform
  • Functions Line Equations Functions Arithmetic & Comp. Conic Sections Transformation
  • Linear Algebra Matrices Vectors
  • Trigonometry Identities Proving Identities Trig Equations Trig Inequalities Evaluate Functions Simplify
  • Statistics Mean Geometric Mean Quadratic Mean Average Median Mode Order Minimum Maximum Probability Mid-Range Range Standard Deviation Variance Lower Quartile Upper Quartile Interquartile Range Midhinge Standard Normal Distribution
  • Physics Mechanics
  • Chemistry Chemical Reactions Chemical Properties
  • Finance Simple Interest Compound Interest Present Value Future Value
  • Economics Point of Diminishing Return
  • Conversions Roman Numerals Radical to Exponent Exponent to Radical To Fraction To Decimal To Mixed Number To Improper Fraction Radians to Degrees Degrees to Radians Hexadecimal Scientific Notation Distance Weight Time
  • Pre Algebra
  • Pre Calculus
  • Linear Algebra
  • Trigonometry
  • Conversions

Click to reveal more operations

Most Used Actions

Number line.

  • x^{2}-x-6=0
  • -x+3\gt 2x+1
  • line\:(1,\:2),\:(3,\:1)
  • prove\:\tan^2(x)-\sin^2(x)=\tan^2(x)\sin^2(x)
  • \frac{d}{dx}(\frac{3x+9}{2-x})
  • (\sin^2(\theta))'
  • \lim _{x\to 0}(x\ln (x))
  • \int e^x\cos (x)dx
  • \int_{0}^{\pi}\sin(x)dx
  • \sum_{n=0}^{\infty}\frac{3}{2^n}
  • Is there a step by step calculator for math?
  • Symbolab is the best step by step calculator for a wide range of math problems, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus and linear algebra. It shows you the solution, graph, detailed steps and explanations for each problem.
  • Is there a step by step calculator for physics?
  • Symbolab is the best step by step calculator for a wide range of physics problems, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and thermodynamics. It shows you the steps and explanations for each problem, so you can learn as you go.
  • How to solve math problems step-by-step?
  • To solve math problems step-by-step start by reading the problem carefully and understand what you are being asked to find. Next, identify the relevant information, define the variables, and plan a strategy for solving the problem.
  • My Notebook, the Symbolab way Math notebooks have been around for hundreds of years. You write down problems, solutions and notes to go back... Read More

Please add a message.

Message received. Thanks for the feedback.

PhET Home Page

  • Sign in / Register
  • Administration
  • Edit profile

physics problem solving website

The PhET website does not support your browser. We recommend using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

Physics Problems with Solutions

Physics problems with solutions and tutorials.

Physics problems with solutions and tutorials with full explanations are included. More emphasis on the topics of physics included in the SAT physics subject with hundreds of problems with detailed solutions. Physics concepts are clearly discussed and highlighted. Real life applications are also included as they show how these concepts in physics are used in engineering systems for example. HTML 5 apps designed for desktop, iPad and other tablets, are also included to explore interactively physics concepts. These apps "get" you closer to the physics concept you wish to understand.

Practice Questions and Problems for Tests

  • Free Physics SAT and AP Practice Tests Questions .
  • Physics Problems with Detailed Solutions and Explanations .
  • Vectors in Physics . Definitions, formulas, examples with solutions.
  • Forces in Physics, tutorials and Problems with Solutions .

Magnetism and Electromagnetism

  • Examples and Problems in Magnetism and Electromagnetism .
  • Optics Tutorials, Examples and Questions with Solutions .
  • Motion Problems, Questions with Solutions and Tutorials
  • Displacement and Distance tutorials , problems and their detailed solutions
  • Velocity and Speed tutorials , problems and their detailed solutions
  • Acceleration tutorials
  • Uniform acceleration equations , problems and their detailed solutions
  • Acceleration Vertical Motion Simulation Using an HTML5 applet (Use chrome or Firefox)

Projectiles

  • Projectiles in Physics
  • Physics Calculators and Solvers
  • Electrostatic

Formulas and Constants

  • Physics Formulas Reference
  • SI Prefixes Used with Units in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering
  • Constants in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering

HTML 5 interactive apps

  • Interactive Simulation HTML5 Physics Apps

Popular Pages

  • Privacy Policy

Isaac Physics Logo

Isaac Physics

You need to enable JavaScript to access Isaac Physics.

If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

Physics library

Welcome to the physics library, unit 1: one-dimensional motion, unit 2: two-dimensional motion, unit 3: forces and newton's laws of motion, unit 4: centripetal force and gravitation, unit 5: work and energy, unit 6: impacts and linear momentum, unit 7: torque and angular momentum, unit 8: oscillations and mechanical waves, unit 9: fluids, unit 10: thermodynamics, unit 11: electric charge, field, and potential, unit 12: circuits, unit 13: magnetic forces, magnetic fields, and faraday's law, unit 14: electromagnetic waves and interference, unit 15: geometric optics, unit 16: special relativity, unit 17: quantum physics, unit 18: discoveries and projects, unit 19: review for ap physics 1 exam.

Physics Calculator

Physics is an interesting branch of science and has got huge applications in our day to day lives. However, it can be troublesome to few people due to its huge collection of mathematical formulas. Don’t Fret as we have got you covered with a comprehensive list of physics calculators from basic to the most advanced level of topics. Need any guidance in your homework you can always visit us.

Online Physics Calculators List

Solve different types of physics problems in no time using the list of physics calculators available. Just enter the concept you wish to prepare and you will find the physics problem solver with solution under the respective headings. Use our best physics calculators for free and have an enjoyable learning experience in physics.

  • Physics Formulas
  • Accleration Calculator
  • Accleration due to Gravity Calculator
  • Density Calculator
  • Friction Calculator
  • Gravity Calculator
  • Specific Gravity Calculator
  • Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator
  • Kinetic Energy Calculator
  • Momentum Calculator
  • Force Calculator
  • Displacement Calculator S=VT
  • Mass to Energy Calculator
  • Angular Speed Calculator
  • Absolute Pressure Calculator
  • Current Density Calculator
  • Momentum With Velocity Calculator
  • Momentum With Time Calculator
  • Half Life Calculator
  • Centripetal Acceleration Calculator
  • Vertical Velocity Calculator
  • Inductive Reactance Calculator
  • Torque Calculator
  • Velocity Calculator
  • Water Pressure Calculator
  • Wavelength Calculator
  • Youngs Modulus Calculator
  • Uniformly Accelerated Motion Calculator
  • Velocity Calculator (v = √(u² + 2as))
  • Velocity Calculator v = u + at
  • Average Velocity Calculator
  • Displacement Calculator
  • Static Friction Calculator
  • Power with Displacement Calculator
  • Impact Force Calculator
  • Sound Wavelength Calculator
  • AC To DC Calculator
  • Average Speed Calculator
  • Centripetal Force Calculator
  • Acceleration of particle in electric field Calculator
  • Projectile motion for Vertical Displacement Calculator
  • Projectile motion for Horizontal Displacement Calculator
  • Atomic Mass Calculator
  • Parallel Plate Capacitor Calculator
  • Power Calculator
  • Standard Form of a Number with Calculations

Classical Mechanics Calculator ⚙️

  • Belt Length Calculator
  • Normal Force Calculator
  • Projectile Motion Calculator
  • Free Fall Calculator
  • Rocket Equation Calculator
  • Acceleration Calculator
  • Car Center of Mass Calculator
  • Car Crash Calculator
  • Conservation of Momentum Calculator
  • Elastic Potential Energy Calculator
  • Factor of Safety Calculator
  • Free Fall with Air Resistance Calculator
  • Gear Ratio Calculator
  • Gravitational Force Calculator
  • Hooke's Law Calculator
  • Horizontal Projectile Motion Calculator
  • Impulse and Momentum Calculator
  • Inclined Plane Calculator
  • Maximum Height Calculator - Projectile Motion
  • Mechanical Advantage Calculator
  • Newton's Second Law Calculator
  • Potential Energy Calculator
  • Power to Weight Ratio Calculator
  • Pressure Calculator
  • Projectile Range Calculator
  • Pulley Calculator
  • Quarter Mile Calculator
  • Reduced Mass Calculator
  • SUVAT Calculator
  • Tension Calculator
  • Time of Flight Calculator - Projectile Motion
  • Trajectory Calculator
  • Work Calculator
  • Work and Pressure Calculator

Rotational and Periodic Motion Calculator 🌎

  • Simple Pendulum Calculator
  • Simple Harmonic Motion Calculator
  • Angular Acceleration Calculator
  • Centrifugal Force Calculator
  • Mass Moment of Inertia Calculator
  • Angular Velocity Calculator
  • Physical Pendulum Calculator
  • Rotational Kinetic Energy Calculator
  • Speeds and Feeds Calculator

Waves Calculator 🔊

  • dB Calculator
  • Speed of Sound Calculator
  • Doppler Effect Calculator
  • Diffraction Grating Calculator
  • Dipole Calculator
  • Distance Attenuation Calculator
  • Harmonic Wave Equation Calculator
  • Lumen Calculator (Lumen to Lux to Candela)
  • Reverberation Time Calculator

Optics Calculators 🔍

  • Snell's Law Calculator
  • Lens Maker Equation Calculator
  • Index of Refraction Calculator
  • Thin Lens Equation Calculator
  • Angular Resolution Calculator
  • Aperture Area Calculator
  • Binoculars Range Calculator
  • Bragg's Law Calculators
  • Brewster's Angle Calculator
  • Malus Law Calculator
  • Telescopic Magnification Calculator
  • Wien's Law Calculator

Fluid Mechanics Calculators 💧

  • Buoyancy Calculator
  • Hydrostatic Pressure Calculator
  • Bernoulli Equation Calculator
  • Drag Equation Calculator
  • Stoke's Law Calculator
  • Fan Calculator
  • Flow Rate Calculator
  • Hydraulic Jump Calculator
  • Hydraulic Pressure Calculator
  • Hydraulic Radius Calculator
  • Knudsen Number Calculator
  • manometer Calculator
  • Pipe Flow Calculator
  • Poiseuille's Law Calculator
  • Reynolds Number Calculator
  • Water Density Calculator

Atmospheric Thermodynamics Calculator ☁️

  • Air Density Calculator
  • Air Pressure at Altitude Calculator
  • Heat Index Calculator
  • Dew Point Calculator
  • Lighting Distance Calculator
  • Cloud Base Calculator
  • Wet Bulb Calculator

Thermodynamics Calculators 🌡️

  • Combined Gas Law Calculator
  • Thermal Expansion Calculator
  • Van Dar Waals Equation Calculator
  • Specific Heat Calculator
  • Latent Heat Calculator
  • Carnot Efficiency Calculator
  • Ideal Gas Law Calculator
  • Particles Velocity Calculator
  • Biot Number Calculator
  • Boltzmann Factor Calculator
  • Boyle's Law Calculator
  • Charles' Law Calculator
  • Curie's Law Calculator
  • Efficiency Calculator
  • Electrical Mobility Calculator
  • Enthalpy Calculator
  • Gay-Lussac's Law Calculator
  • Joule Heating Calculator
  • Newton's Law of Cooling Calculator
  • Mean Free Path Calculator
  • Thermal Conductivity Calculator

Electromagnetism Calculators 🧲

  • Coulomb's Law Calculator
  • Lorentz Force Calculator
  • Ohm's Law Calculator
  • Parallel Resistor Calculator
  • Capacity Calculator
  • Acceleration in the Electric Field Calculator
  • Capacitance Calculator
  • Capacitor Energy Calculator
  • Capacitors in Series Calculator
  • Crossover Calculator
  • Cyclotron Frequency Calculator
  • Drift Velocity Calculator
  • Electric Field Calculator
  • Electric Power Calculator
  • Electromagnetic Force on Current-Carrying Wire
  • Energy Density of Fields Calculator
  • Faraday's Law Calculator
  • Hall Coefficient Calculator
  • Ideal Transformer Calculator
  • Inductor Energy Storage Calculator
  • LED Resistor Calculator
  • Inductor Energy Calculator
  • Magnetic Field of Straight Current-Carrying Wire
  • Magnetic Force Between Current-Carrying Wires Calculator
  • Magnetic Permeability Calculator
  • Number Density Calculator
  • Parallel Capacitance Calculator
  • Photon Detection Efficiency Calculator (SiPM)
  • Power Factor Calculator
  • RC Circuit Calculator
  • RLC Circuit Calculator
  • Resistor Color Code Calculator
  • Resonant Frequency Calculators
  • Series Resistor Calculator
  • Shockley Diode Calculator
  • Solenoid Inductance Calculator
  • Solenoid Magnetic Field Calculator
  • Spherical Capacitor Calculator
  • Voltage Divider Calculator
  • Voltage-Drop Calculator
  • Watt Calculator
  • Watts to Amps Calculator
  • Wire Gauge Calculator
  • Wire Resistance Calculator

Quantum Mechanics Calculators ⚛️

  • Rydberg Equation Calculator
  • Hydrogen Energy Levels Calculator
  • Photoelectric Effect Calculator
  • De Broglie Wavelength Calculator
  • Stefan Boltzmann Law Calculator
  • Bohr Model Calculator
  • Compton Scattering Calculator
  • Compton Wavelength Calculator
  • Curie Constant Calculator
  • Fermi Level Calculator
  • Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle Calculator
  • Magnetic moment Calculator
  • Photon Energy Calculator

Relativity Calculators 🚀

  • Specific Travel Calculator
  • E=mc2 Calculator
  • Relativistic Kinetic Energy Calculator
  • Velocity Addition Calculator
  • Time Dilation Calculator
  • Length Contraction Calculator

Astrophysics Calculators 🌌

  • Escape Velocity Calculator
  • Orbital Velocity Calculator
  • Luminosity Calculator
  • Black Hole Temperature Calculator
  • Redshift Calculator
  • Alien Civilization Calculator
  • Black Hole Collision Calculator
  • Exoplanet Discovery Calculator
  • Hubble Law Distance Calculator
  • Kepler's Third Law Calculator
  • Orbital Period Calculator
  • Radiation Pressure Calculator
  • Schwarzschild Radius Calculator

Unit Conversion Calculator ⚙️

  • Angle Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Energy Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Volume Unit Calculator
  • Power Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Distance Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Area Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Pressure Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Speed Unit Conversion Calculatorr
  • Temperature Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Torque Unit Conversion Calculatorr
  • Time Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Force Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Mass Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Acceleration Unit Calculator
  • Capacitance Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Density Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Electric Charge Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Force / Length Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Illuminance Unit Conversion Calculatorr
  • Mass Flow Unit Conversion Calculator
  • Viscosity Unit Conversion Calculator

Other Physics Calculators

  • Weight on Other Planets Calculator
  • Stopping Distance Calculator
  • Earth Curvature Calculator
  • Arrow Speed Calculator
  • Sled Ride Calculator
  • Universe Expansion Calculator

FAQs on Physics Problem Solver

1. What is the Best Website for Physics Problems?

Physicscalc.Com is a trusted portal that has a comprehensive collection of topics in physics ranging from the basic ones to the most advanced ones and solves all your problems in a fraction of seconds.

2. How to Solve Physics Problems Faster?

The Only key to solve physics problems faster is to practice regularly. Try to learn shortcuts so that it would be easy for you to solve difficult concepts too easily.

3. Is there any website which can answer questions related to Physics?

Physicscalc.Com is a website that answers all your questions related to physics instantaneously and is a great resource for studying Physics.

Physics Calculator

The best way to learn math and computer science

Guided interactive problem solving that's effective and fun. master concepts in 15 minutes a day..

Math

Data Analysis

Computer Science

Computer Science

Programming

Programming

Science & Engineering

Science & Engineering

Join over 10 million people learning on brilliant, over 50,000 5-star reviews on ios app store and google play.

App of the day award

Master concepts in 15 minutes a day

Whether you’re a complete beginner or ready to dive into machine learning and beyond, Brilliant makes it easy to level up fast with fun, bite-sized lessons.

Effective, hands-on learning

Visual, interactive lessons make concepts feel intuitive — so even complex ideas just click. Our real-time feedback and simple explanations make learning efficient.

Learn at your level

Students and professionals alike can hone dormant skills or learn new ones. Progress through lessons and challenges tailored to your level. Designed for ages 13 to 113.

Guided bite-sized lessons

Guided bite-sized lessons

We make it easy to stay on track, see your progress, and build your problem solving skills one concept at a time.

Stay motivated

Form a real learning habit with fun content that’s always well-paced, game-like progress tracking, and friendly reminders.

Guided courses for every journey

All of our courses are crafted by award-winning teachers, researchers, and professionals from MIT, Caltech, Duke, Microsoft, Google, and more.

  • Foundational Math
  • Software Development
  • Foundational Logic
  • Data Science
  • High School Math
  • Engineering
  • Statistics and Finance

Courses in Foundational Math

  • Solving Equations
  • Measurement
  • Mathematical Fundamentals
  • Reasoning with Algebra
  • Functions and Quadratics

iOS

10k+ Ratings

android

60k+ Ratings

We use cookies to improve your experience on Brilliant. Learn more about our cookie policy and settings .

Library homepage

  • school Campus Bookshelves
  • menu_book Bookshelves
  • perm_media Learning Objects
  • login Login
  • how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
  • hub Instructor Commons
  • Download Page (PDF)
  • Download Full Book (PDF)
  • Periodic Table
  • Physics Constants
  • Scientific Calculator
  • Reference & Cite
  • Tools expand_more
  • Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

Physics LibreTexts

1.4: Solving Physics Problems

  • Last updated
  • Save as PDF
  • Page ID 16926

Dimensional Analysis

Any physical quantity can be expressed as a product of a combination of the basic physical dimensions.

learning objectives

  • Calculate the conversion from one kind of dimension to another

The dimension of a physical quantity indicates how it relates to one of the seven basic quantities. These fundamental quantities are:

  • [A] Current
  • [K] Temperature
  • [mol] Amount of a Substance
  • [cd] Luminous Intensity

As you can see, the symbol is enclosed in a pair of square brackets. This is often used to represent the dimension of individual basic quantity. An example of the use of basic dimensions is speed, which has a dimension of 1 in length and -1 in time; \(\mathrm{\frac{[L]}{[T]}=[LT^{−1}]}\). Any physical quantity can be expressed as a product of a combination of the basic physical dimensions.

Dimensional analysis is the practice of checking relations between physical quantities by identifying their dimensions. The dimension of any physical quantity is the combination of the basic physical dimensions that compose it. Dimensional analysis is based on the fact that physical law must be independent of the units used to measure the physical variables. It can be used to check the plausibility of derived equations, computations and hypotheses.

Derived Dimensions

The dimensions of derived quantities may include few or all dimensions in individual basic quantities. In order to understand the technique to write dimensions of a derived quantity, we consider the case of force. Force is defined as:

\[\begin{align} \mathrm{F} &= \mathrm{m⋅a} \\ \mathrm{F} &= \mathrm{[M][a]} \end{align}\]

The dimension of acceleration, represented as [a], is itself a derived quantity being the ratio of velocity and time. In turn, velocity is also a derived quantity, being ratio of length and time.

\[\begin{align} \mathrm{F} &= \mathrm{[M][a]=[M][vT^{−1}]} \\ \mathrm{F} &= \mathrm{[M][LT^{−1}T^{−1}]=[MLT^{−2}]} \end{align}\]

Dimensional Conversion

In practice, one might need to convert from one kind of dimension to another. For common conversions, you might already know how to convert off the top of your head. But for less common ones, it is helpful to know how to find the conversion factor:

\[\mathrm{Q=n_1u_1=n_2u_2}\]

where n represents the amount per u dimensions. You can then use ratios to figure out the conversion:

\[\mathrm{n_2=\dfrac{u_2}{u_1}⋅n_1}\]

Trigonometry

Trigonometry is central to the use of free body diagrams, which help visually represent difficult physics problems.

  • Explain why trigonometry is useful in determining horizontal and vertical components of forces

Trigonometry and Solving Physics Problems

In physics, most problems are solved much more easily when a free body diagram is used. Free body diagrams use geometry and vectors to visually represent the problem. Trigonometry is also used in determining the horizontal and vertical components of forces and objects. Free body diagrams are very helpful in visually identifying which components are unknown and where the moments are applied. They can help analyze a problem, whether it is static or dynamic.

When people draw free body diagrams, often not everything is perfectly parallel and perpendicular. Sometimes people need to analyze the horizontal and vertical components of forces and object orientation. When the force or object is not acting parallel to the x or y axis, people can employ basic trigonometry to use the simplest components of the action to analyze it. Basically, everything should be considered in terms of x and y , which sometimes takes some manipulation.

Free Body Diagram : The rod is hinged from a wall and is held with the help of a string.

A rod ‘AB’ is hinged at ‘A’ from a wall and is held still with the help of a string, as shown in. This exercise involves drawing the free body diagram. To make the problem easier, the force F will be expressed in terms of its horizontal and vertical components. Removing all other elements from the image helps produce the finished free body diagram.

Free Body Diagram : The free body diagram as a finished product

Given the finished free body diagram, people can use their knowledge of trigonometry and the laws of sine and cosine to mathematically and numerical represent the horizontal and vertical components:

General Problem-Solving Tricks

Free body diagrams use geometry and vectors to visually represent the problem.

  • Construct a free-body diagram for a physical scenario

In physics, most problems are solved much more easily when a free body diagram is used. This uses geometry and vectors to visually represent to problem, and trigonometry is also used in determining horizontal and vertical components of forces and objects.

Purpose: Free body diagrams are very helpful in visually identifying which components are unknown, where the moments are applied, and help analyze a problem, whether static or dynamic.

How to Make A Free Body Diagram

To draw a free body diagram, do not worry about drawing it to scale, this will just be what you use to help yourself identify the problems. First you want to model the body, in one of three ways:

  • As a particle. This model may be used when any turning effects are zero or have zero interest even though the body itself may be extended. The body may be represented by a small symbolic blob and the diagram reduces to a set of concurrent arrows. A force on a particle is a bound vector.
  • rigid extended . Stresses and strains are of no interest but turning effects are. A force arrow should lie along the line of force, but where along the line is irrelevant. A force on an extended rigid body is a sliding vector.
  • non-rigid extended . The point of application of a force becomes crucial and has to be indicated on the diagram. A force on a non-rigid body is a bound vector. Some engineers use the tail of the arrow to indicate the point of application. Others use the tip.

Do’s and Don’ts

What to include: Since a free body diagram represents the body itself and the external forces on it. So you will want to include the following things in the diagram:

  • The body: This is usually sketched in a schematic way depending on the body – particle/extended, rigid/non-rigid – and on what questions are to be answered. Thus if rotation of the body and torque is in consideration, an indication of size and shape of the body is needed.
  • The external forces: These are indicated by labelled arrows. In a fully solved problem, a force arrow is capable of indicating the direction, the magnitude the point of application. These forces can be friction, gravity, normal force, drag, tension, etc…

Do not include:

  • Do not show bodies other than the body of interest.
  • Do not show forces exerted by the body.
  • Internal forces acting on various parts of the body by other parts of the body.
  • Any velocity or acceleration is left out.

How To Solve Any Physics Problem : Learn five simple steps in five minutes! In this episode we cover the most effective problem-solving method I’ve encountered and call upon some fuzzy friends to help us remember the steps.

free-body-diagram.png

Free Body Diagram : Use this figure to work through the example problem.

  • Dimensional analysis is the practice of checking relations amount physical quantities by identifying their dimensions.
  • It is common to be faced with a problem that uses different dimensions to express the same basic quantity. The following equation can be used to find the conversion factor between the two derived dimensions: \(\mathrm{n_2=\frac{u_2}{u_1} \times n_1}\).
  • Dimensional analysis can also be used as a simple check to computations, theories and hypotheses.
  • It is important to identify the problem and the unknowns and draw them in a free body diagram.
  • The laws of cosine and sine can be used to determine the vertical and horizontal components of the different elements of the diagram.
  • Free body diagrams use geometry and vectors to visually represent physics problems.
  • A free body diagram lets you visually isolate the problem you are trying to solve, and simplify it into simple geometry and trigonometry.
  • When drawing these diagrams, it is helpful to only draw the body it self, and the forces acting on it.
  • Drawing other objects and internal forces can condense the diagram and cause it to be less helpful.
  • dimension : A measure of spatial extent in a particular direction, such as height, width or breadth, or depth.
  • trigonometry : The branch of mathematics that deals with the relationships between the sides and the angles of triangles and the calculations based on them, particularly the trigonometric functions.
  • static : Fixed in place; having no motion.
  • dynamic : Changing; active; in motion.

LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS

CC LICENSED CONTENT, SHARED PREVIOUSLY

  • Curation and Revision. Provided by : Boundless.com. License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike

CC LICENSED CONTENT, SPECIFIC ATTRIBUTION

  • Dimensional analysis. Provided by : Wikipedia. Located at : http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimensional_analysis . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • Sunil Kumar Singh, Dimensional Analysis. September 18, 2013. Provided by : OpenStax CNX. Located at : http://cnx.org/content/m15037/latest/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
  • dimension. Provided by : Wiktionary. Located at : http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dimension . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • Sunil Kumar Singh, Free Body Diagram (Application). September 17, 2013. Provided by : OpenStax CNX. Located at : http://cnx.org/content/m14720/latest/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
  • trigonometry. Provided by : Wiktionary. Located at : en.wiktionary.org/wiki/trigonometry . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • Sunil Kumar Singh, Free Body Diagram (Application). February 16, 2013. Provided by : OpenStax CNX. Located at : http://cnx.org/content/m14720/latest/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
  • Free body diagram. Provided by : Wikipedia. Located at : en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_body_diagram . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • dynamic. Provided by : Wiktionary. Located at : en.wiktionary.org/wiki/dynamic . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • static. Provided by : Wiktionary. Located at : en.wiktionary.org/wiki/static . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • Free Body Diagram. Provided by : Wikipedia. Located at : en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Free_Body_Diagram.png . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • How To Solve Any Physics Problem. Located at : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YocWuzi4JhY . License : Public Domain: No Known Copyright . License Terms : Standard YouTube license

Back Home

  • Science Notes Posts
  • Contact Science Notes
  • Todd Helmenstine Biography
  • Anne Helmenstine Biography
  • Free Printable Periodic Tables (PDF and PNG)
  • Periodic Table Wallpapers
  • Interactive Periodic Table
  • Periodic Table Posters
  • How to Grow Crystals
  • Chemistry Projects
  • Fire and Flames Projects
  • Holiday Science
  • Chemistry Problems With Answers
  • Physics Problems
  • Unit Conversion Example Problems
  • Chemistry Worksheets
  • Biology Worksheets
  • Periodic Table Worksheets
  • Physical Science Worksheets
  • Science Lab Worksheets
  • My Amazon Books

Example Physics Problems and Solutions

Equilibrium Example Problem 1

Learning how to solve physics problems is a big part of learning physics. Here’s a collection of example physics problems and solutions to help you tackle problems sets and understand concepts and how to work with formulas:

Physics Homework Tips Physics homework can be challenging! Get tips to help make the task a little easier.

Unit Conversion Examples

There are now too many unit conversion examples to list in this space. This Unit Conversion Examples page is a more comprehensive list of worked example problems.

Newton’s Equations of Motion Example Problems

Equations of Motion – Constant Acceleration Example This equations of motion example problem consist of a sliding block under constant acceleration. It uses the equations of motion to calculate the position and velocity of a given time and the time and position of a given velocity.

Equations of Motion Example Problem – Constant Acceleration This example problem uses the equations of motion for constant acceleration to find the position, velocity, and acceleration of a breaking vehicle.

Equations of Motion Example Problem – Interception

This example problem uses the equations of motion for constant acceleration to calculate the time needed for one vehicle to intercept another vehicle moving at a constant velocity.

well drop setup illustration

Vertical Motion Example Problem – Coin Toss Here’s an example applying the equations of motion under constant acceleration to determine the maximum height, velocity and time of flight for a coin flipped into a well. This problem could be modified to solve any object tossed vertically or dropped off a tall building or any height. This type of problem is a common equation of motion homework problem.

Projectile Motion Example Problem This example problem shows how to find different variables associated with parabolic projectile motion.

Accelerometer

Accelerometer and Inertia Example Problem Accelerometers are devices to measure or detect acceleration by measuring the changes that occur as a system experiences an acceleration. This example problem uses one of the simplest forms of an accelerometer, a weight hanging from a stiff rod or wire. As the system accelerates, the hanging weight is deflected from its rest position. This example derives the relationship between that angle, the acceleration and the acceleration due to gravity. It then calculates the acceleration due to gravity of an unknown planet.

Weight In An Elevator Have you ever wondered why you feel slightly heavier in an elevator when it begins to move up? Or why you feel lighter when the elevator begins to move down? This example problem explains how to find your weight in an accelerating elevator and how to find the acceleration of an elevator using your weight on a scale.

Equilibrium Example Problem This example problem shows how to determine the different forces in a system at equilibrium. The system is a block suspended from a rope attached to two other ropes.

Equilibrium Cat 1

Equilibrium Example Problem – Balance This example problem highlights the basics of finding the forces acting on a system in mechanical equilibrium.

Force of Gravity Example This physics problem and solution shows how to apply Newton’s equation to calculate the gravitational force between the Earth and the Moon.

Coupled Systems Example Problems

Atwood Machine

Coupled systems are two or more separate systems connected together. The best way to solve these types of problems is to treat each system separately and then find common variables between them. Atwood Machine The Atwood Machine is a coupled system of two weights sharing a connecting string over a pulley. This example problem shows how to find the acceleration of an Atwood system and the tension in the connecting string. Coupled Blocks – Inertia Example This example problem is similar to the Atwood machine except one block is resting on a frictionless surface perpendicular to the other block. This block is hanging over the edge and pulling down on the coupled string. The problem shows how to calculate the acceleration of the blocks and the tension in the connecting string.

Friction Example Problems

friction slide setup

These example physics problems explain how to calculate the different coefficients of friction.

Friction Example Problem – Block Resting on a Surface Friction Example Problem – Coefficient of Static Friction Friction Example Problem – Coefficient of Kinetic Friction Friction and Inertia Example Problem

Momentum and Collisions Example Problems

Desktop Momentum Balls Toy

These example problems show how to calculate the momentum of moving masses.

Momentum and Impulse Example Finds the momentum before and after a force acts on a body and determine the impulse of the force.

Elastic Collision Example Shows how to find the velocities of two masses after an elastic collision.

It Can Be Shown – Elastic Collision Math Steps Shows the math to find the equations expressing the final velocities of two masses in terms of their initial velocities.

Simple Pendulum Example Problems

physics problem solving website

These example problems show how to use the period of a pendulum to find related information.

Find the Period of a Simple Pendulum Find the period if you know the length of a pendulum and the acceleration due to gravity.

Find the Length of a Simple Pendulum Find the length of the pendulum when the period and acceleration due to gravity is known.

Find the Acceleration due to Gravity Using A Pendulum Find ‘g’ on different planets by timing the period of a known pendulum length.

Harmonic Motion and Waves Example Problems

Hooke's Law Forces

These example problems all involve simple harmonic motion and wave mechanics.

Energy and Wavelength Example This example shows how to determine the energy of a photon of a known wavelength.

Hooke’s Law Example Problem An example problem involving the restoring force of a spring.

Wavelength and Frequency Calculations See how to calculate wavelength if you know frequency and vice versa, for light, sound, or other waves.

Heat and Energy Example Problems

Heat of Fusion Example Problem Two example problems using the heat of fusion to calculate the energy required for a phase change.

Specific Heat Example Problem This is actually 3 similar example problems using the specific heat equation to calculate heat, specific heat, and temperature of a system.

Heat of Vaporization Example Problems Two example problems using or finding the heat of vaporization.

Ice to Steam Example Problem Classic problem melting cold ice to make hot steam. This problem brings all three of the previous example problems into one problem to calculate heat changes over phase changes.

Charge and Coulomb Force Example Problems

Setup diagram of Coulomb's Law Example Problem.

Electrical charges generate a coulomb force between themselves proportional to the magnitude of the charges and inversely proportional to the distance between them. Coulomb’s Law Example This example problem shows how to use Coulomb’s Law equation to find the charges necessary to produce a known repulsive force over a set distance. Coulomb Force Example This Coulomb force example shows how to find the number of electrons transferred between two bodies to generate a set amount of force over a short distance.

StudyMonkey

Your personal ai physics tutor.

Learn Smarter, Not Harder with Physics AI

Introducing StudyMonkey, your AI-powered Physics tutor .

StudyMonkey AI can tutor complex Physics homework questions, enhance your essay writing and assess your work—all in seconds.

No more long all-nighters

24/7 solutions to Physics questions you're stumped on and essays you procrastinated on.

No more stress and anxiety

Get all your Physics assignments done with helpful answers in 10 seconds or less.

No more asking friends for Physics help

StudyMonkey is your new smart bestie that will never ghost you.

No more staying after school

AI Physics tutoring is available 24/7, on-demand when you need it most.

Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force.

AI Tutor for any subject

American college testing (act), anthropology, advanced placement exams (ap exams), arabic language, archaeology, biochemistry, chartered financial analyst (cfa) exam, communications, computer science, certified public accountant (cpa) exam, cultural studies, cyber security, dental admission test (dat), discrete mathematics, earth science, elementary school, entrepreneurship, environmental science, farsi (persian) language, fundamentals of engineering (fe) exam, gender studies, graduate management admission test (gmat), graduate record examination (gre), greek language, hebrew language, high school entrance exam, high school, human geography, human resources, international english language testing system (ielts), information technology, international relations, independent school entrance exam (isee), linear algebra, linguistics, law school admission test (lsat), machine learning, master's degree, medical college admission test (mcat), meteorology, microbiology, middle school, national council licensure examination (nclex), national merit scholarship qualifying test (nmsqt), number theory, organic chemistry, project management professional (pmp), political science, portuguese language, probability, project management, preliminary sat (psat), public policy, public relations, russian language, scholastic assessment test (sat), social sciences, secondary school admission test (ssat), sustainability, swahili language, test of english as a foreign language (toefl), trigonometry, turkish language, united states medical licensing examination (usmle), web development, step-by-step guidance 24/7.

Receive step-by-step guidance & homework help for any homework problem & any subject 24/7

Ask any Physics question

StudyMonkey supports every subject and every level of education from 1st grade to masters level.

Get an answer

StudyMonkey will give you an answer in seconds—multiple choice questions, short answers, and even an essays are supported!

Review your history

See your past questions and answers so you can review for tests and improve your grades.

It's not cheating...

You're just learning smarter than everyone else

How Can StudyMonkey Help You?

Hear from our happy students.

"The AI tutor is available 24/7, making it a convenient and accessible resource for students who need help with their homework at any time."

"Overall, StudyMonkey is an excellent tool for students looking to improve their understanding of homework topics and boost their academic success."

Upgrade to StudyMonkey Premium!

You have used all of your answers for today!

Why not upgrade to StudyMonkey Premium and get access to all features?

Take advantage of our 14 day free trial and try it out for yourself!

physics problem solving website

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Education and Communications

How to Solve Any Physics Problem

Last Updated: July 21, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Sean Alexander, MS . Sean Alexander is an Academic Tutor specializing in teaching mathematics and physics. Sean is the Owner of Alexander Tutoring, an academic tutoring business that provides personalized studying sessions focused on mathematics and physics. With over 15 years of experience, Sean has worked as a physics and math instructor and tutor for Stanford University, San Francisco State University, and Stanbridge Academy. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MS in Theoretical Physics from San Francisco State University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 323,717 times.

Baffled as to where to begin with a physics problem? There is a very simply and logical flow process to solving any physics problem.

Step 1 Calm down.

  • Ask yourself if your answers make sense. If the numbers look absurd (for example, you get that a rock dropped off a 50-meter cliff moves with the speed of only 0.00965 meters per second when it hits the ground), you made a mistake somewhere.
  • Don't forget to include the units into your answers, and always keep track of them. So, if you are solving for velocity and get your answer in seconds, that is a sign that something went wrong, because it should be in meters per second.
  • Plug your answers back into the original equations to make sure you get the same number on both sides.

Step 10 Put a box, circle, or underline your answer to make your work neat.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • Many people report that if they leave a problem for a while and come back to it later, they find they have a new perspective on it and can sometimes see an easy way to the answer that they did not notice before. Thanks Helpful 249 Not Helpful 47
  • Try to understand the problem first. Thanks Helpful 186 Not Helpful 51
  • Remember, the physics part of the problem is figuring out what you are solving for, drawing the diagram, and remembering the formulae. The rest is just use of algebra, trigonometry, and/or calculus, depending on the difficulty of your course. Thanks Helpful 115 Not Helpful 34

physics problem solving website

  • Physics is not easy to grasp for many people, so do not get bent out of shape over a problem. Thanks Helpful 100 Not Helpful 24
  • If an instructor tells you to draw a free body diagram, be sure that that is exactly what you draw. Thanks Helpful 88 Not Helpful 24

Things You'll Need

  • A Writing Utensil (preferably a pencil or erasable pen of sorts)
  • Calculator with all the functions you need for your exam
  • An understanding of the equations needed to solve the problems. Or a list of them will suffice if you are just trying to get through the course alive.

You Might Also Like

Convert Kelvin to Fahrenheit or Celsius

Expert Interview

physics problem solving website

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about teaching, check out our in-depth interview with Sean Alexander, MS .

  • ↑ https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6404/aa9038
  • ↑ https://physics.wvu.edu/files/d/ce78505d-1426-4d68-8bb2-128d8aac6b1b/expertapproachtosolvingphysicsproblems.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.brighthubeducation.com/science-homework-help/42596-tips-to-choosing-the-correct-physics-formula/

About This Article

Sean Alexander, MS

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Aayush P.

Dec 6, 2023

Did this article help you?

physics problem solving website

Monish Shetty

Sep 30, 2016

U. Pathum

Oct 9, 2017

Komal Verma

Komal Verma

Dec 6, 2017

Lowella Tabbert

Lowella Tabbert

Jun 7, 2022

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

Learn to Say No

Trending Articles

How to Take the Perfect Thirst Trap

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round Gift

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

  • 1.7 Solving Problems in Physics
  • Introduction
  • 1.1 The Scope and Scale of Physics
  • 1.2 Units and Standards
  • 1.3 Unit Conversion
  • 1.4 Dimensional Analysis
  • 1.5 Estimates and Fermi Calculations
  • 1.6 Significant Figures
  • Key Equations
  • Conceptual Questions
  • Additional Problems
  • Challenge Problems
  • 2.1 Scalars and Vectors
  • 2.2 Coordinate Systems and Components of a Vector
  • 2.3 Algebra of Vectors
  • 2.4 Products of Vectors
  • 3.1 Position, Displacement, and Average Velocity
  • 3.2 Instantaneous Velocity and Speed
  • 3.3 Average and Instantaneous Acceleration
  • 3.4 Motion with Constant Acceleration
  • 3.5 Free Fall
  • 3.6 Finding Velocity and Displacement from Acceleration
  • 4.1 Displacement and Velocity Vectors
  • 4.2 Acceleration Vector
  • 4.3 Projectile Motion
  • 4.4 Uniform Circular Motion
  • 4.5 Relative Motion in One and Two Dimensions
  • 5.2 Newton's First Law
  • 5.3 Newton's Second Law
  • 5.4 Mass and Weight
  • 5.5 Newton’s Third Law
  • 5.6 Common Forces
  • 5.7 Drawing Free-Body Diagrams
  • 6.1 Solving Problems with Newton’s Laws
  • 6.2 Friction
  • 6.3 Centripetal Force
  • 6.4 Drag Force and Terminal Speed
  • 7.2 Kinetic Energy
  • 7.3 Work-Energy Theorem
  • 8.1 Potential Energy of a System
  • 8.2 Conservative and Non-Conservative Forces
  • 8.3 Conservation of Energy
  • 8.4 Potential Energy Diagrams and Stability
  • 8.5 Sources of Energy
  • 9.1 Linear Momentum
  • 9.2 Impulse and Collisions
  • 9.3 Conservation of Linear Momentum
  • 9.4 Types of Collisions
  • 9.5 Collisions in Multiple Dimensions
  • 9.6 Center of Mass
  • 9.7 Rocket Propulsion
  • 10.1 Rotational Variables
  • 10.2 Rotation with Constant Angular Acceleration
  • 10.3 Relating Angular and Translational Quantities
  • 10.4 Moment of Inertia and Rotational Kinetic Energy
  • 10.5 Calculating Moments of Inertia
  • 10.6 Torque
  • 10.7 Newton’s Second Law for Rotation
  • 10.8 Work and Power for Rotational Motion
  • 11.1 Rolling Motion
  • 11.2 Angular Momentum
  • 11.3 Conservation of Angular Momentum
  • 11.4 Precession of a Gyroscope
  • 12.1 Conditions for Static Equilibrium
  • 12.2 Examples of Static Equilibrium
  • 12.3 Stress, Strain, and Elastic Modulus
  • 12.4 Elasticity and Plasticity
  • 13.1 Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • 13.2 Gravitation Near Earth's Surface
  • 13.3 Gravitational Potential Energy and Total Energy
  • 13.4 Satellite Orbits and Energy
  • 13.5 Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
  • 13.6 Tidal Forces
  • 13.7 Einstein's Theory of Gravity
  • 14.1 Fluids, Density, and Pressure
  • 14.2 Measuring Pressure
  • 14.3 Pascal's Principle and Hydraulics
  • 14.4 Archimedes’ Principle and Buoyancy
  • 14.5 Fluid Dynamics
  • 14.6 Bernoulli’s Equation
  • 14.7 Viscosity and Turbulence
  • 15.1 Simple Harmonic Motion
  • 15.2 Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion
  • 15.3 Comparing Simple Harmonic Motion and Circular Motion
  • 15.4 Pendulums
  • 15.5 Damped Oscillations
  • 15.6 Forced Oscillations
  • 16.1 Traveling Waves
  • 16.2 Mathematics of Waves
  • 16.3 Wave Speed on a Stretched String
  • 16.4 Energy and Power of a Wave
  • 16.5 Interference of Waves
  • 16.6 Standing Waves and Resonance
  • 17.1 Sound Waves
  • 17.2 Speed of Sound
  • 17.3 Sound Intensity
  • 17.4 Normal Modes of a Standing Sound Wave
  • 17.5 Sources of Musical Sound
  • 17.7 The Doppler Effect
  • 17.8 Shock Waves
  • B | Conversion Factors
  • C | Fundamental Constants
  • D | Astronomical Data
  • E | Mathematical Formulas
  • F | Chemistry
  • G | The Greek Alphabet

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Describe the process for developing a problem-solving strategy.
  • Explain how to find the numerical solution to a problem.
  • Summarize the process for assessing the significance of the numerical solution to a problem.

Problem-solving skills are clearly essential to success in a quantitative course in physics. More important, the ability to apply broad physical principles—usually represented by equations—to specific situations is a very powerful form of knowledge. It is much more powerful than memorizing a list of facts. Analytical skills and problem-solving abilities can be applied to new situations whereas a list of facts cannot be made long enough to contain every possible circumstance. Such analytical skills are useful both for solving problems in this text and for applying physics in everyday life.

As you are probably well aware, a certain amount of creativity and insight is required to solve problems. No rigid procedure works every time. Creativity and insight grow with experience. With practice, the basics of problem solving become almost automatic. One way to get practice is to work out the text’s examples for yourself as you read. Another is to work as many end-of-section problems as possible, starting with the easiest to build confidence and then progressing to the more difficult. After you become involved in physics, you will see it all around you, and you can begin to apply it to situations you encounter outside the classroom, just as is done in many of the applications in this text.

Although there is no simple step-by-step method that works for every problem, the following three-stage process facilitates problem solving and makes it more meaningful. The three stages are strategy, solution, and significance. This process is used in examples throughout the book. Here, we look at each stage of the process in turn.

Strategy is the beginning stage of solving a problem. The idea is to figure out exactly what the problem is and then develop a strategy for solving it. Some general advice for this stage is as follows:

  • Examine the situation to determine which physical principles are involved . It often helps to draw a simple sketch at the outset. You often need to decide which direction is positive and note that on your sketch. When you have identified the physical principles, it is much easier to find and apply the equations representing those principles. Although finding the correct equation is essential, keep in mind that equations represent physical principles, laws of nature, and relationships among physical quantities. Without a conceptual understanding of a problem, a numerical solution is meaningless.
  • Make a list of what is given or can be inferred from the problem as stated (identify the “knowns”) . Many problems are stated very succinctly and require some inspection to determine what is known. Drawing a sketch can be very useful at this point as well. Formally identifying the knowns is of particular importance in applying physics to real-world situations. For example, the word stopped means the velocity is zero at that instant. Also, we can often take initial time and position as zero by the appropriate choice of coordinate system.
  • Identify exactly what needs to be determined in the problem (identify the unknowns) . In complex problems, especially, it is not always obvious what needs to be found or in what sequence. Making a list can help identify the unknowns.
  • Determine which physical principles can help you solve the problem . Since physical principles tend to be expressed in the form of mathematical equations, a list of knowns and unknowns can help here. It is easiest if you can find equations that contain only one unknown—that is, all the other variables are known—so you can solve for the unknown easily. If the equation contains more than one unknown, then additional equations are needed to solve the problem. In some problems, several unknowns must be determined to get at the one needed most. In such problems it is especially important to keep physical principles in mind to avoid going astray in a sea of equations. You may have to use two (or more) different equations to get the final answer.

The solution stage is when you do the math. Substitute the knowns (along with their units) into the appropriate equation and obtain numerical solutions complete with units . That is, do the algebra, calculus, geometry, or arithmetic necessary to find the unknown from the knowns, being sure to carry the units through the calculations. This step is clearly important because it produces the numerical answer, along with its units. Notice, however, that this stage is only one-third of the overall problem-solving process.

Significance

After having done the math in the solution stage of problem solving, it is tempting to think you are done. But, always remember that physics is not math. Rather, in doing physics, we use mathematics as a tool to help us understand nature. So, after you obtain a numerical answer, you should always assess its significance:

  • Check your units. If the units of the answer are incorrect, then an error has been made and you should go back over your previous steps to find it. One way to find the mistake is to check all the equations you derived for dimensional consistency. However, be warned that correct units do not guarantee the numerical part of the answer is also correct.
  • Check the answer to see whether it is reasonable. Does it make sense? This step is extremely important: –the goal of physics is to describe nature accurately. To determine whether the answer is reasonable, check both its magnitude and its sign, in addition to its units. The magnitude should be consistent with a rough estimate of what it should be. It should also compare reasonably with magnitudes of other quantities of the same type. The sign usually tells you about direction and should be consistent with your prior expectations. Your judgment will improve as you solve more physics problems, and it will become possible for you to make finer judgments regarding whether nature is described adequately by the answer to a problem. This step brings the problem back to its conceptual meaning. If you can judge whether the answer is reasonable, you have a deeper understanding of physics than just being able to solve a problem mechanically.
  • Check to see whether the answer tells you something interesting. What does it mean? This is the flip side of the question: Does it make sense? Ultimately, physics is about understanding nature, and we solve physics problems to learn a little something about how nature operates. Therefore, assuming the answer does make sense, you should always take a moment to see if it tells you something about the world that you find interesting. Even if the answer to this particular problem is not very interesting to you, what about the method you used to solve it? Could the method be adapted to answer a question that you do find interesting? In many ways, it is in answering questions such as these that science progresses.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/1-introduction
  • Authors: William Moebs, Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny
  • Publisher/website: OpenStax
  • Book title: University Physics Volume 1
  • Publication date: Sep 19, 2016
  • Location: Houston, Texas
  • Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/1-introduction
  • Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/1-7-solving-problems-in-physics

© Jan 19, 2024 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.

Youtube

  • TPC and eLearning
  • Read Watch Interact
  • What's NEW at TPC?
  • Practice Review Test
  • Teacher-Tools
  • Subscription Selection
  • Seat Calculator
  • Ad Free Account
  • Edit Profile Settings
  • Classes (Version 2)
  • Student Progress Edit
  • Task Properties
  • Export Student Progress
  • Task, Activities, and Scores
  • Metric Conversions Questions
  • Metric System Questions
  • Metric Estimation Questions
  • Significant Digits Questions
  • Proportional Reasoning
  • Acceleration
  • Distance-Displacement
  • Dots and Graphs
  • Graph That Motion
  • Match That Graph
  • Name That Motion
  • Motion Diagrams
  • Pos'n Time Graphs Numerical
  • Pos'n Time Graphs Conceptual
  • Up And Down - Questions
  • Balanced vs. Unbalanced Forces
  • Change of State
  • Force and Motion
  • Mass and Weight
  • Match That Free-Body Diagram
  • Net Force (and Acceleration) Ranking Tasks
  • Newton's Second Law
  • Normal Force Card Sort
  • Recognizing Forces
  • Air Resistance and Skydiving
  • Solve It! with Newton's Second Law
  • Which One Doesn't Belong?
  • Component Addition Questions
  • Head-to-Tail Vector Addition
  • Projectile Mathematics
  • Trajectory - Angle Launched Projectiles
  • Trajectory - Horizontally Launched Projectiles
  • Vector Addition
  • Vector Direction
  • Which One Doesn't Belong? Projectile Motion
  • Forces in 2-Dimensions
  • Being Impulsive About Momentum
  • Explosions - Law Breakers
  • Hit and Stick Collisions - Law Breakers
  • Case Studies: Impulse and Force
  • Impulse-Momentum Change Table
  • Keeping Track of Momentum - Hit and Stick
  • Keeping Track of Momentum - Hit and Bounce
  • What's Up (and Down) with KE and PE?
  • Energy Conservation Questions
  • Energy Dissipation Questions
  • Energy Ranking Tasks
  • LOL Charts (a.k.a., Energy Bar Charts)
  • Match That Bar Chart
  • Words and Charts Questions
  • Name That Energy
  • Stepping Up with PE and KE Questions
  • Case Studies - Circular Motion
  • Circular Logic
  • Forces and Free-Body Diagrams in Circular Motion
  • Gravitational Field Strength
  • Universal Gravitation
  • Angular Position and Displacement
  • Linear and Angular Velocity
  • Angular Acceleration
  • Rotational Inertia
  • Balanced vs. Unbalanced Torques
  • Getting a Handle on Torque
  • Torque-ing About Rotation
  • Properties of Matter
  • Fluid Pressure
  • Buoyant Force
  • Sinking, Floating, and Hanging
  • Pascal's Principle
  • Flow Velocity
  • Bernoulli's Principle
  • Balloon Interactions
  • Charge and Charging
  • Charge Interactions
  • Charging by Induction
  • Conductors and Insulators
  • Coulombs Law
  • Electric Field
  • Electric Field Intensity
  • Polarization
  • Case Studies: Electric Power
  • Know Your Potential
  • Light Bulb Anatomy
  • I = ∆V/R Equations as a Guide to Thinking
  • Parallel Circuits - ∆V = I•R Calculations
  • Resistance Ranking Tasks
  • Series Circuits - ∆V = I•R Calculations
  • Series vs. Parallel Circuits
  • Equivalent Resistance
  • Period and Frequency of a Pendulum
  • Pendulum Motion: Velocity and Force
  • Energy of a Pendulum
  • Period and Frequency of a Mass on a Spring
  • Horizontal Springs: Velocity and Force
  • Vertical Springs: Velocity and Force
  • Energy of a Mass on a Spring
  • Decibel Scale
  • Frequency and Period
  • Closed-End Air Columns
  • Name That Harmonic: Strings
  • Rocking the Boat
  • Wave Basics
  • Matching Pairs: Wave Characteristics
  • Wave Interference
  • Waves - Case Studies
  • Color Addition and Subtraction
  • Color Filters
  • If This, Then That: Color Subtraction
  • Light Intensity
  • Color Pigments
  • Converging Lenses
  • Curved Mirror Images
  • Law of Reflection
  • Refraction and Lenses
  • Total Internal Reflection
  • Who Can See Who?
  • Formulas and Atom Counting
  • Atomic Models
  • Bond Polarity
  • Entropy Questions
  • Cell Voltage Questions
  • Heat of Formation Questions
  • Reduction Potential Questions
  • Oxidation States Questions
  • Measuring the Quantity of Heat
  • Hess's Law
  • Oxidation-Reduction Questions
  • Galvanic Cells Questions
  • Thermal Stoichiometry
  • Molecular Polarity
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Balancing Chemical Equations
  • Bronsted-Lowry Model of Acids and Bases
  • Classification of Matter
  • Collision Model of Reaction Rates
  • Density Ranking Tasks
  • Dissociation Reactions
  • Complete Electron Configurations
  • Enthalpy Change Questions
  • Equilibrium Concept
  • Equilibrium Constant Expression
  • Equilibrium Calculations - Questions
  • Equilibrium ICE Table
  • Ionic Bonding
  • Lewis Electron Dot Structures
  • Line Spectra Questions
  • Measurement and Numbers
  • Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids
  • Metric Estimations
  • Metric System
  • Molarity Ranking Tasks
  • Mole Conversions
  • Name That Element
  • Names to Formulas
  • Names to Formulas 2
  • Nuclear Decay
  • Particles, Words, and Formulas
  • Periodic Trends
  • Precipitation Reactions and Net Ionic Equations
  • Pressure Concepts
  • Pressure-Temperature Gas Law
  • Pressure-Volume Gas Law
  • Chemical Reaction Types
  • Significant Digits and Measurement
  • States Of Matter Exercise
  • Stoichiometry - Math Relationships
  • Subatomic Particles
  • Spontaneity and Driving Forces
  • Gibbs Free Energy
  • Volume-Temperature Gas Law
  • Acid-Base Properties
  • Energy and Chemical Reactions
  • Chemical and Physical Properties
  • Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory
  • Writing Balanced Chemical Equations
  • Mission CG1
  • Mission CG10
  • Mission CG2
  • Mission CG3
  • Mission CG4
  • Mission CG5
  • Mission CG6
  • Mission CG7
  • Mission CG8
  • Mission CG9
  • Mission EC1
  • Mission EC10
  • Mission EC11
  • Mission EC12
  • Mission EC2
  • Mission EC3
  • Mission EC4
  • Mission EC5
  • Mission EC6
  • Mission EC7
  • Mission EC8
  • Mission EC9
  • Mission RL1
  • Mission RL2
  • Mission RL3
  • Mission RL4
  • Mission RL5
  • Mission RL6
  • Mission KG7
  • Mission RL8
  • Mission KG9
  • Mission RL10
  • Mission RL11
  • Mission RM1
  • Mission RM2
  • Mission RM3
  • Mission RM4
  • Mission RM5
  • Mission RM6
  • Mission RM8
  • Mission RM10
  • Mission LC1
  • Mission RM11
  • Mission LC2
  • Mission LC3
  • Mission LC4
  • Mission LC5
  • Mission LC6
  • Mission LC8
  • Mission SM1
  • Mission SM2
  • Mission SM3
  • Mission SM4
  • Mission SM5
  • Mission SM6
  • Mission SM8
  • Mission SM10
  • Mission KG10
  • Mission SM11
  • Mission KG2
  • Mission KG3
  • Mission KG4
  • Mission KG5
  • Mission KG6
  • Mission KG8
  • Mission KG11
  • Mission F2D1
  • Mission F2D2
  • Mission F2D3
  • Mission F2D4
  • Mission F2D5
  • Mission F2D6
  • Mission KC1
  • Mission KC2
  • Mission KC3
  • Mission KC4
  • Mission KC5
  • Mission KC6
  • Mission KC7
  • Mission KC8
  • Mission AAA
  • Mission SM9
  • Mission LC7
  • Mission LC9
  • Mission NL1
  • Mission NL2
  • Mission NL3
  • Mission NL4
  • Mission NL5
  • Mission NL6
  • Mission NL7
  • Mission NL8
  • Mission NL9
  • Mission NL10
  • Mission NL11
  • Mission NL12
  • Mission MC1
  • Mission MC10
  • Mission MC2
  • Mission MC3
  • Mission MC4
  • Mission MC5
  • Mission MC6
  • Mission MC7
  • Mission MC8
  • Mission MC9
  • Mission RM7
  • Mission RM9
  • Mission RL7
  • Mission RL9
  • Mission SM7
  • Mission SE1
  • Mission SE10
  • Mission SE11
  • Mission SE12
  • Mission SE2
  • Mission SE3
  • Mission SE4
  • Mission SE5
  • Mission SE6
  • Mission SE7
  • Mission SE8
  • Mission SE9
  • Mission VP1
  • Mission VP10
  • Mission VP2
  • Mission VP3
  • Mission VP4
  • Mission VP5
  • Mission VP6
  • Mission VP7
  • Mission VP8
  • Mission VP9
  • Mission WM1
  • Mission WM2
  • Mission WM3
  • Mission WM4
  • Mission WM5
  • Mission WM6
  • Mission WM7
  • Mission WM8
  • Mission WE1
  • Mission WE10
  • Mission WE2
  • Mission WE3
  • Mission WE4
  • Mission WE5
  • Mission WE6
  • Mission WE7
  • Mission WE8
  • Mission WE9
  • Vector Walk Interactive
  • Name That Motion Interactive
  • Kinematic Graphing 1 Concept Checker
  • Kinematic Graphing 2 Concept Checker
  • Graph That Motion Interactive
  • Rocket Sled Concept Checker
  • Force Concept Checker
  • Free-Body Diagrams Concept Checker
  • Free-Body Diagrams The Sequel Concept Checker
  • Skydiving Concept Checker
  • Elevator Ride Concept Checker
  • Vector Addition Concept Checker
  • Vector Walk in Two Dimensions Interactive
  • Name That Vector Interactive
  • River Boat Simulator Concept Checker
  • Projectile Simulator 2 Concept Checker
  • Projectile Simulator 3 Concept Checker
  • Turd the Target 1 Interactive
  • Turd the Target 2 Interactive
  • Balance It Interactive
  • Go For The Gold Interactive
  • Egg Drop Concept Checker
  • Fish Catch Concept Checker
  • Exploding Carts Concept Checker
  • Collision Carts - Inelastic Collisions Concept Checker
  • Its All Uphill Concept Checker
  • Stopping Distance Concept Checker
  • Chart That Motion Interactive
  • Roller Coaster Model Concept Checker
  • Uniform Circular Motion Concept Checker
  • Horizontal Circle Simulation Concept Checker
  • Vertical Circle Simulation Concept Checker
  • Race Track Concept Checker
  • Gravitational Fields Concept Checker
  • Orbital Motion Concept Checker
  • Balance Beam Concept Checker
  • Torque Balancer Concept Checker
  • Aluminum Can Polarization Concept Checker
  • Charging Concept Checker
  • Name That Charge Simulation
  • Coulomb's Law Concept Checker
  • Electric Field Lines Concept Checker
  • Put the Charge in the Goal Concept Checker
  • Circuit Builder Concept Checker (Series Circuits)
  • Circuit Builder Concept Checker (Parallel Circuits)
  • Circuit Builder Concept Checker (∆V-I-R)
  • Circuit Builder Concept Checker (Voltage Drop)
  • Equivalent Resistance Interactive
  • Pendulum Motion Simulation Concept Checker
  • Mass on a Spring Simulation Concept Checker
  • Particle Wave Simulation Concept Checker
  • Boundary Behavior Simulation Concept Checker
  • Slinky Wave Simulator Concept Checker
  • Simple Wave Simulator Concept Checker
  • Wave Addition Simulation Concept Checker
  • Standing Wave Maker Simulation Concept Checker
  • Color Addition Concept Checker
  • Painting With CMY Concept Checker
  • Stage Lighting Concept Checker
  • Filtering Away Concept Checker
  • InterferencePatterns Concept Checker
  • Young's Experiment Interactive
  • Plane Mirror Images Interactive
  • Who Can See Who Concept Checker
  • Optics Bench (Mirrors) Concept Checker
  • Name That Image (Mirrors) Interactive
  • Refraction Concept Checker
  • Total Internal Reflection Concept Checker
  • Optics Bench (Lenses) Concept Checker
  • Kinematics Preview
  • Velocity Time Graphs Preview
  • Moving Cart on an Inclined Plane Preview
  • Stopping Distance Preview
  • Cart, Bricks, and Bands Preview
  • Fan Cart Study Preview
  • Friction Preview
  • Coffee Filter Lab Preview
  • Friction, Speed, and Stopping Distance Preview
  • Up and Down Preview
  • Projectile Range Preview
  • Ballistics Preview
  • Juggling Preview
  • Marshmallow Launcher Preview
  • Air Bag Safety Preview
  • Colliding Carts Preview
  • Collisions Preview
  • Engineering Safer Helmets Preview
  • Push the Plow Preview
  • Its All Uphill Preview
  • Energy on an Incline Preview
  • Modeling Roller Coasters Preview
  • Hot Wheels Stopping Distance Preview
  • Ball Bat Collision Preview
  • Energy in Fields Preview
  • Weightlessness Training Preview
  • Roller Coaster Loops Preview
  • Universal Gravitation Preview
  • Keplers Laws Preview
  • Kepler's Third Law Preview
  • Charge Interactions Preview
  • Sticky Tape Experiments Preview
  • Wire Gauge Preview
  • Voltage, Current, and Resistance Preview
  • Light Bulb Resistance Preview
  • Series and Parallel Circuits Preview
  • Thermal Equilibrium Preview
  • Linear Expansion Preview
  • Heating Curves Preview
  • Electricity and Magnetism - Part 1 Preview
  • Electricity and Magnetism - Part 2 Preview
  • Vibrating Mass on a Spring Preview
  • Period of a Pendulum Preview
  • Wave Speed Preview
  • Slinky-Experiments Preview
  • Standing Waves in a Rope Preview
  • Sound as a Pressure Wave Preview
  • DeciBel Scale Preview
  • DeciBels, Phons, and Sones Preview
  • Sound of Music Preview
  • Shedding Light on Light Bulbs Preview
  • Models of Light Preview
  • Electromagnetic Radiation Preview
  • Electromagnetic Spectrum Preview
  • EM Wave Communication Preview
  • Digitized Data Preview
  • Light Intensity Preview
  • Concave Mirrors Preview
  • Object Image Relations Preview
  • Snells Law Preview
  • Reflection vs. Transmission Preview
  • Magnification Lab Preview
  • Reactivity Preview
  • Ions and the Periodic Table Preview
  • Periodic Trends Preview
  • Gaining Teacher Access
  • Tasks and Classes
  • Tasks - Classic
  • Subscription
  • Subscription Locator
  • 1-D Kinematics
  • Newton's Laws
  • Vectors - Motion and Forces in Two Dimensions
  • Momentum and Its Conservation
  • Work and Energy
  • Circular Motion and Satellite Motion
  • Thermal Physics
  • Static Electricity
  • Electric Circuits
  • Vibrations and Waves
  • Sound Waves and Music
  • Light and Color
  • Reflection and Mirrors
  • About the Physics Interactives
  • Task Tracker
  • Usage Policy
  • Newtons Laws
  • Vectors and Projectiles
  • Forces in 2D
  • Momentum and Collisions
  • Circular and Satellite Motion
  • Balance and Rotation
  • Electromagnetism
  • Waves and Sound
  • Forces in Two Dimensions
  • Work, Energy, and Power
  • Circular Motion and Gravitation
  • Sound Waves
  • 1-Dimensional Kinematics
  • Circular, Satellite, and Rotational Motion
  • Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity
  • Waves, Sound and Light
  • QuickTime Movies
  • About the Concept Builders
  • Pricing For Schools
  • Directions for Version 2
  • Measurement and Units
  • Relationships and Graphs
  • Rotation and Balance
  • Vibrational Motion
  • Reflection and Refraction
  • Teacher Accounts
  • Task Tracker Directions
  • Kinematic Concepts
  • Kinematic Graphing
  • Wave Motion
  • Sound and Music
  • About CalcPad
  • 1D Kinematics
  • Vectors and Forces in 2D
  • Simple Harmonic Motion
  • Rotational Kinematics
  • Rotation and Torque
  • Rotational Dynamics
  • Electric Fields, Potential, and Capacitance
  • Transient RC Circuits
  • Light Waves
  • Units and Measurement
  • Stoichiometry
  • Molarity and Solutions
  • Thermal Chemistry
  • Acids and Bases
  • Kinetics and Equilibrium
  • Solution Equilibria
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Nuclear Chemistry
  • NGSS Alignments
  • 1D-Kinematics
  • Projectiles
  • Circular Motion
  • Magnetism and Electromagnetism
  • Graphing Practice
  • About the ACT
  • ACT Preparation
  • For Teachers
  • Other Resources
  • Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Work and Energy Packet
  • Static Electricity Review
  • Solutions Guide
  • Solutions Guide Digital Download
  • Motion in One Dimension
  • Work, Energy and Power
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Purchasing the Download
  • Purchasing the CD
  • Purchasing the Digital Download
  • About the NGSS Corner
  • NGSS Search
  • Force and Motion DCIs - High School
  • Energy DCIs - High School
  • Wave Applications DCIs - High School
  • Force and Motion PEs - High School
  • Energy PEs - High School
  • Wave Applications PEs - High School
  • Crosscutting Concepts
  • The Practices
  • Physics Topics
  • NGSS Corner: Activity List
  • NGSS Corner: Infographics
  • About the Toolkits
  • Position-Velocity-Acceleration
  • Position-Time Graphs
  • Velocity-Time Graphs
  • Newton's First Law
  • Newton's Second Law
  • Newton's Third Law
  • Terminal Velocity
  • Projectile Motion
  • Forces in 2 Dimensions
  • Impulse and Momentum Change
  • Momentum Conservation
  • Work-Energy Fundamentals
  • Work-Energy Relationship
  • Roller Coaster Physics
  • Satellite Motion
  • Electric Fields
  • Circuit Concepts
  • Series Circuits
  • Parallel Circuits
  • Describing-Waves
  • Wave Behavior Toolkit
  • Standing Wave Patterns
  • Resonating Air Columns
  • Wave Model of Light
  • Plane Mirrors
  • Curved Mirrors
  • Teacher Guide
  • Using Lab Notebooks
  • Current Electricity
  • Light Waves and Color
  • Reflection and Ray Model of Light
  • Refraction and Ray Model of Light
  • Classes (Legacy Version)
  • Teacher Resources
  • Subscriptions

physics problem solving website

  • Newton's Laws
  • Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity
  • About Concept Checkers
  • School Pricing
  • Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Newton's First Law
  • Newton's Third Law
  • Sample Problems and Solutions
  • Kinematic Equations Introduction
  • Solving Problems with Kinematic Equations
  • Kinematic Equations and Free Fall
  • Kinematic Equations and Kinematic Graphs

UsingKinEqns1ThN.png

Check Your Understanding

Answer: d = 1720 m

Answer: a = 8.10 m/s/s

Answers: d = 33.1 m and v f = 25.5 m/s

Answers: a = 11.2 m/s/s and d = 79.8 m

Answer: t = 1.29 s

Answers: a = 243 m/s/s

Answer: a = 0.712 m/s/s

Answer: d = 704 m

Answer: d = 28.6 m

Answer: v i = 7.17 m/s

Answer: v i = 5.03 m/s and hang time = 1.03 s (except for in sports commericals)

Answer: a = 1.62*10 5 m/s/s

Answer: d = 48.0 m

Answer: t = 8.69 s

Answer: a = -1.08*10^6 m/s/s

Answer: d = -57.0 m (57.0 meters deep) 

Answer: v i = 47.6 m/s

Answer: a = 2.86 m/s/s and t = 30. 8 s

Answer: a = 15.8 m/s/s

Answer: v i = 94.4 mi/hr

Solutions to Above Problems

d = (0 m/s)*(32.8 s)+ 0.5*(3.20 m/s 2 )*(32.8 s) 2

Return to Problem 1

110 m = (0 m/s)*(5.21 s)+ 0.5*(a)*(5.21 s) 2

110 m = (13.57 s 2 )*a

a = (110 m)/(13.57 s 2 )

a = 8.10 m/ s 2

Return to Problem 2

d = (0 m/s)*(2.60 s)+ 0.5*(-9.8 m/s 2 )*(2.60 s) 2

d = -33.1 m (- indicates direction)

v f = v i + a*t

v f = 0 + (-9.8 m/s 2 )*(2.60 s)

v f = -25.5 m/s (- indicates direction)

Return to Problem 3

a = (46.1 m/s - 18.5 m/s)/(2.47 s)

a = 11.2 m/s 2

d = v i *t + 0.5*a*t 2

d = (18.5 m/s)*(2.47 s)+ 0.5*(11.2 m/s 2 )*(2.47 s) 2

d = 45.7 m + 34.1 m

(Note: the d can also be calculated using the equation v f 2 = v i 2 + 2*a*d)

Return to Problem 4

-1.40 m = (0 m/s)*(t)+ 0.5*(-1.67 m/s 2 )*(t) 2

-1.40 m = 0+ (-0.835 m/s 2 )*(t) 2

(-1.40 m)/(-0.835 m/s 2 ) = t 2

1.68 s 2 = t 2

Return to Problem 5

a = (444 m/s - 0 m/s)/(1.83 s)

a = 243 m/s 2

d = (0 m/s)*(1.83 s)+ 0.5*(243 m/s 2 )*(1.83 s) 2

d = 0 m + 406 m

Return to Problem 6

(7.10 m/s) 2 = (0 m/s) 2 + 2*(a)*(35.4 m)

50.4 m 2 /s 2 = (0 m/s) 2 + (70.8 m)*a

(50.4 m 2 /s 2 )/(70.8 m) = a

a = 0.712 m/s 2

Return to Problem 7

(65 m/s) 2 = (0 m/s) 2 + 2*(3 m/s 2 )*d

4225 m 2 /s 2 = (0 m/s) 2 + (6 m/s 2 )*d

(4225 m 2 /s 2 )/(6 m/s 2 ) = d

Return to Problem 8

d = (22.4 m/s + 0 m/s)/2 *2.55 s

d = (11.2 m/s)*2.55 s

Return to Problem 9

(0 m/s) 2 = v i 2 + 2*(-9.8 m/s 2 )*(2.62 m)

0 m 2 /s 2 = v i 2 - 51.35 m 2 /s 2

51.35 m 2 /s 2 = v i 2

v i = 7.17 m/s

Return to Problem 10

(0 m/s) 2 = v i 2 + 2*(-9.8 m/s 2 )*(1.29 m)

0 m 2 /s 2 = v i 2 - 25.28 m 2 /s 2

25.28 m 2 /s 2 = v i 2

v i = 5.03 m/s

To find hang time, find the time to the peak and then double it.

0 m/s = 5.03 m/s + (-9.8 m/s 2 )*t up

-5.03 m/s = (-9.8 m/s 2 )*t up

(-5.03 m/s)/(-9.8 m/s 2 ) = t up

t up = 0.513 s

hang time = 1.03 s

Return to Problem 11

(521 m/s) 2 = (0 m/s) 2 + 2*(a)*(0.840 m)

271441 m 2 /s 2 = (0 m/s) 2 + (1.68 m)*a

(271441 m 2 /s 2 )/(1.68 m) = a

a = 1.62*10 5 m /s 2

Return to Problem 12

  • (NOTE: the time required to move to the peak of the trajectory is one-half the total hang time - 3.125 s.)

First use:  v f  = v i  + a*t

0 m/s = v i  + (-9.8  m/s 2 )*(3.13 s)

0 m/s = v i  - 30.7 m/s

v i  = 30.7 m/s  (30.674 m/s)

Now use:  v f 2  = v i 2  + 2*a*d

(0 m/s) 2  = (30.7 m/s) 2  + 2*(-9.8  m/s 2 )*(d)

0 m 2 /s 2  = (940 m 2 /s 2 ) + (-19.6  m/s 2 )*d

-940  m 2 /s 2  = (-19.6  m/s 2 )*d

(-940  m 2 /s 2 )/(-19.6  m/s 2 ) = d

Return to Problem 13

-370 m = (0 m/s)*(t)+ 0.5*(-9.8 m/s 2 )*(t) 2

-370 m = 0+ (-4.9 m/s 2 )*(t) 2

(-370 m)/(-4.9 m/s 2 ) = t 2

75.5 s 2 = t 2

Return to Problem 14

(0 m/s) 2 = (367 m/s) 2 + 2*(a)*(0.0621 m)

0 m 2 /s 2 = (134689 m 2 /s 2 ) + (0.1242 m)*a

-134689 m 2 /s 2 = (0.1242 m)*a

(-134689 m 2 /s 2 )/(0.1242 m) = a

a = -1.08*10 6 m /s 2

(The - sign indicates that the bullet slowed down.)

Return to Problem 15

d = (0 m/s)*(3.41 s)+ 0.5*(-9.8 m/s 2 )*(3.41 s) 2

d = 0 m+ 0.5*(-9.8 m/s 2 )*(11.63 s 2 )

d = -57.0 m

(NOTE: the - sign indicates direction)

Return to Problem 16

(0 m/s) 2 = v i 2 + 2*(- 3.90 m/s 2 )*(290 m)

0 m 2 /s 2 = v i 2 - 2262 m 2 /s 2

2262 m 2 /s 2 = v i 2

v i = 47.6 m /s

Return to Problem 17

( 88.3 m/s) 2 = (0 m/s) 2 + 2*(a)*(1365 m)

7797 m 2 /s 2 = (0 m 2 /s 2 ) + (2730 m)*a

7797 m 2 /s 2 = (2730 m)*a

(7797 m 2 /s 2 )/(2730 m) = a

a = 2.86 m/s 2

88.3 m/s = 0 m/s + (2.86 m/s 2 )*t

(88.3 m/s)/(2.86 m/s 2 ) = t

t = 30. 8 s

Return to Problem 18

( 112 m/s) 2 = (0 m/s) 2 + 2*(a)*(398 m)

12544 m 2 /s 2 = 0 m 2 /s 2 + (796 m)*a

12544 m 2 /s 2 = (796 m)*a

(12544 m 2 /s 2 )/(796 m) = a

a = 15.8 m/s 2

Return to Problem 19

v f 2 = v i 2 + 2*a*d

(0 m/s) 2 = v i 2 + 2*(-9.8 m/s 2 )*(91.5 m)

0 m 2 /s 2 = v i 2 - 1793 m 2 /s 2

1793 m 2 /s 2 = v i 2

v i = 42.3 m/s

Now convert from m/s to mi/hr:

v i = 42.3 m/s * (2.23 mi/hr)/(1 m/s)

v i = 94.4 mi/hr

Return to Problem 20

IMAGES

  1. How to Be a Better Physics Problem Solver: Tips for High School and

    physics problem solving website

  2. How to solve a physics problem (with an example)?

    physics problem solving website

  3. Physics. Problem solving. 01_13

    physics problem solving website

  4. Physics Problem Solving Method by Physics Lab

    physics problem solving website

  5. 8 Steps To Solving Physics Problems

    physics problem solving website

  6. Organizing physics principles around problem solving.

    physics problem solving website

VIDEO

  1. Solve* Any PHYSICS Numerical In 3 Easy STEPS😎| NEET 2024

  2. Physics Example 4.7

  3. Physics Problem Solving class Part-01 on Newtonian Mechanics by LTQ

  4. PHYSICS

  5. Navigating Challenges And Building Trust: A Path To Global Success-Tinuke Ogunbiyi

  6. Oriented Physics part 2 of 3: Actual Physics

COMMENTS

  1. Mathway

    Free math problem solver answers your physics homework questions with step-by-step explanations.

  2. AI Physics Problem Solver

    Smodin Physics AI Homework Solver is the most advanced and reliable solution for all your physics assignments. Whether you're a high school or college student, Smodin physics solver can help you tackle even the most challenging physics problems.

  3. Step-by-Step Calculator

    Symbolab is the best step by step calculator for a wide range of physics problems, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and thermodynamics. It shows you the steps and explanations for each problem, so you can learn as you go. How to solve math problems step-by-step?

  4. PhET: Free online physics, chemistry, biology, earth science and math

    Founded in 2002 by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman, the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado Boulder creates free interactive math and science simulations. PhET sims are based on extensive education <a {{0}}>research</a> and engage students through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.

  5. Physics Problems with Solutions and Tutorials

    Physics Problems with Detailed Solutions and Explanations . Vectors Vectors in Physics. Definitions, formulas, examples with solutions. Forces Forces in Physics, tutorials and Problems with Solutions . Examples and Problems in Magnetism and Electromagnetism . Optics Optics Tutorials, Examples and Questions with Solutions . Motion

  6. Isaac Physics

    Isaac Physics is a project designed to offer support and activities in physics problem solving to teachers and students from GCSE level through to university.

  7. Physics library

    Welcome to the Physics library! Physics is the study of matter, motion, energy, and force. Here, you can browse videos, articles, and exercises by topic. We keep the library up-to-date, so you may find new or improved material here over time. Unit 1: One-dimensional motion Introduction to physics Displacement, velocity, and time Acceleration

  8. Physics Calculator

    Physics Calculator | Free Online Tools to Solve Physics Problems Easily - physicscalc.com Physics Calculator Physics is an interesting branch of science and has got huge applications in our day to day lives. However, it can be troublesome to few people due to its huge collection of mathematical formulas.

  9. The Calculator Pad: Physics Problem-Solving

    The Calculator Pad: Physics Problem-Solving The Physics Classroom » Calculator Pad A Note to Students Student visitors to The Physics Classroom website come from a variety of backgrounds. Most are enrolled in a physics course; some are studying physics as part of a home-school program.

  10. The Calculator Pad: Physics Problem-Solving

    The Calculator Pad Use the links to the various Subjects included in The Calculator Pad to access the Physics (and Chemistry) Problem Sets. The Free versions of each Problem Set are linked to from each Subject page. Task Tracker users should access their teacher-assigned Problem Sets from the Assignment Board on their Class page .

  11. Brilliant

    Designed for ages 13 to 113. Guided bite-sized lessons We make it easy to stay on track, see your progress, and build your problem solving skills one concept at a time. Stay motivated Form a real learning habit with fun content that's always well-paced, game-like progress tracking, and friendly reminders. Guided courses for every journey

  12. 1.8: Solving Problems in Physics

    Such analytical skills are useful both for solving problems in this text and for applying physics in everyday life. . Figure 1.8.1 1.8. 1: Problem-solving skills are essential to your success in physics. (credit: "scui3asteveo"/Flickr) As you are probably well aware, a certain amount of creativity and insight is required to solve problems.

  13. 1.4: Solving Physics Problems

    Trigonometry and Solving Physics Problems. In physics, most problems are solved much more easily when a free body diagram is used. Free body diagrams use geometry and vectors to visually represent the problem. Trigonometry is also used in determining the horizontal and vertical components of forces and objects. Free body diagrams are very ...

  14. Math / Physics Problem Solver

    Enter the question here: Click to submit the request. Physical principles, variables, equations Example problems include: What is the area of a circle with circumference = 10 meters? What is the volume of a cone with radius 2 m and height 3 m Gordon S. Novak Jr., Department of Computer Sciences, University of Texas at Austin

  15. Example Physics Problems and Solutions

    Learning how to solve physics problems is a big part of learning physics. Here's a collection of example physics problems and solutions to help you tackle problems sets and understand concepts and how to work with formulas: Physics Homework Tips Physics homework can be challenging! Get tips to help make the task a little easier.

  16. Free AI Physics Homework Helper

    Free AI Physics Homework Helper - Step-by-step Physics AI Tutoring - StudyMonkey.ai StudyMonkey Your Personal AI Physics Tutor Subject * Physics Any subject Computer Science History Language Math Physics Science --- More Subjects --- Accounting American College Testing (ACT) Algebra Algorithms Anatomy Anthropology

  17. Physics Solver: Solve Your Physics Problems & Homework with AI

    HIX Tutor AI Physics Solver A free AI physics problem solver to ace your physics homework with ease. Master Physics Effortlessly with Our AI Physics Problem Solver Struggling with a challenging physics question? Look no further - HIX Tutor's physics AI homework helper is here to assist you.

  18. The Calculator Pad: Physics Problem-Solving

    Physics problems require careful reading, good visualization skills, some background physics knowledge, analytical thought and inspection and a lot of strategy-plotting. The Calculator Pad provides students an active experience in solving physics word problems. And it provides teachers an opportunity to assign problems to students with the ...

  19. How to Solve Any Physics Problem: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

    Calm down. It is just a problem, not the end of the world! 2. Read through the problem once. If it is a long problem, read and understand it in parts till you get even a slight understanding of what is going on. 3. Draw a diagram. It cannot be emphasized enough how much easier a problem will be once it is drawn out.

  20. 1.7 Solving Problems in Physics

    Problem-solving skills are clearly essential to success in a quantitative course in physics. More important, the ability to apply broad physical principles—usually represented by equations—to specific situations is a very powerful form of knowledge. It is much more powerful than memorizing a list of facts.

  21. Physics 1: Mechanics Online Math Course

    Physics 1: Mechanics Physics 1: Mechanics brings together advanced problem solvers to explore key concepts in physics. Experienced instructors guide students to creatively solve problems in kinematics, forces, Newton's laws, Newtonian gravity, fluid statics and dynamics, and more. Course materials include handouts and homework sets.

  22. Solving Problems in Physics

    Then try the problem of 3 balls in 5 buckets. Solving the more specific problem will give you clues on how to solve the more general problem. And once you use those clues to solve the more general problem, you can check your solution by trying it out for the already-solved special case =3 and =5. Large problems.

  23. Sewanee DataLab on Instagram: "Applications for DataLab 2023 are still

    27 likes, 0 comments - sewaneedatalab on March 3, 2023: "Applications for DataLab 2023 are still open! - Full time, in-person, 8-week paid summer fellows..."

  24. Kinematic Equations: Sample Problems and Solutions

    A useful problem-solving strategy was presented for use with these equations and two examples were given that illustrated the use of the strategy. Then, the application of the kinematic equations and the problem-solving strategy to free-fall motion was discussed and illustrated. In this part of Lesson 6, several sample problems will be presented.