Build Physics Intuition: Solve Phys Mech Problems Easily

[jordy1113]

Hi all, I'm a physics major and I'm taking a physical mechanics class and I have a really hard time even starting homework problems. Physics does not come easily to me and I have zero intuition when it comes to what formulas, rules, etc to use where/to start phys mech problems. How can I build up a physics intuition to where I know what to do to solve problems on homework/tests?

 

[Vanadium 50]

1. Solve lots of problems.
2. After solving the problem examine your solution - did you start in the best place? Did you work efficiently? Is there some general theme that this specific problem showcases?
3. Work lots and lots of problems.

 

[jordy1113]

1. Solve lots of problems.
2. After solving the problem examine your solution - did you start in the best place? Did you work efficiently? Is there some general theme that this specific problem showcases?
3. Work lots and lots of problems.

Thank you, this is how I will try and prepare for my coming up exam

 

[PeroK]

Alternatively, take a problem on which you're stuck. Hunch over your desk holding your head in your hands and think as hard as you can.

That's what I do.

 

[CrysPhys]

Hi all, I'm a physics major and I'm taking a physical mechanics class and I have a really hard time even starting homework problems. Physics does not come easily to me and I have zero intuition when it comes to what formulas, rules, etc to use where/to start phys mech problems. How can I build up a physics intuition to where I know what to do to solve problems on homework/tests?

* Doesn't your instructor work out sample problems in class?

* Doesn't your textbook go over sample problems and solutions?

 

[symbolipoint]

You're at the typical fundamental Mechanics part of Physics courses for the science & engineering students. The qualitative discussions about concepts and properties in your book and the lecture discussion in class of the same should make sense, at least mostly. By your age in life, you should have some basic experiences at living in common physical existence. Other than some mathematical official prerequisites, that is how most students begin.

Some kind of education specialist may be useful to find where exactly the weak spots are for you, if the other stuff is still not working.

 

[hutchphd]

There is no substitute for one-on-one time with someone who knows you and whom you trust well enough to betray your ignorance: can be a friend, a Teaching Assistant, or the Prof. who knows the stuff. After a few sessions of setting up (and then perhaps solving) problems with studied intervention as necessary, and practice, you will get it. Does your Prof have office hours? Use them ! Take your favorite problem . Nobody's grade suffered because the Prof knew them...
A small study group of classmates is also useful: perhaps a scheduled weekly session.
As a teacher of mine used to say problems are easy you just set them up then solve them. I suggest writing a relatively formal solution at the end. Your exams will be easier.

 

[symbolipoint]

Much of hutchpad's advice is right. Getting guided help from the professor can be a frustration for both of you; but it can and should be productive.

Some students do not yet know HOW to study and learn this part of Physics. This is why the instruction teaches what are the concepts, discusses them, and then continue on with example problems as part of the instruction. These are guided. You need to follow along and try to solve them yourself; just that guidance is also provided.

One of the comments was in knowing or picking the formulas. The concepts being used in an exercise indicate which formulas to consider or to choose.

 

[Mark44]

One of the comments was in knowing or picking the formulas.

Plus, being able to do the algebra to modify the formula to suit the problem. As a very simple example, the formula $F = ma$ (*) comes up a lot in Intro Physics. If you're given the mass and its acceleration, it's a simple matter to plug these quantities into this formula, assuming the units are all compatible. However, if you're given that a mass m is associated with a given force F, then finding the acceleration involves solving the equation F = ma for a. Being able to do this algebra is something that some students struggle with.

(* - Or if you don't know this formula, then we used to say F = your grade.)

 

[vela]

You're not alone. There's a reason your textbook likely has explicit tips and advice on how to solve problems. Read the book. Really try to follow the advice. Find out what works for you and what doesn't.

When you do the homework, recognize that your goal shouldn't simply be to get the answers in the back of the book. It's learning about how you get from the problem statement to the final results. You should be able to teach a classmate how to solve the problem. If someone asked why you chose a certain equation, your answer needs to be better than "it had the right variables in it" or "it led me to the answer in the book."