1 Problem Solving in Physical Science Steps to consider when attacking a problem 1 Read the problem carefully 2 Identify the goal of the problem What will the answer look like units large or small number compared to what 3 Make a list of things given in the problem 4 Try to develop a plan to change the given information into the goal of the problem a Your plan can be developed from beginning to end given to answer from end to beginning answer to given or both b Using diagrams are often helpful in developing a plan A collection of think links may be useful c As you develop your plan consider what information you have available from reference material and what information you are able to calculate d Be careful as you may more information than you need as given Not all the given information will germane to your problem solving effort e Keep in mind the dimensional analysis technique Units in the numerator cancel with units in the denominator If the final answer has different units than you were expecting then you have made an error 4 Simplify the problem as much as possible No one can solve a seven step problem a Consider commonly used algorithms as a single step rather than multiple steps i e identify subgoals b Note the nature of the quantitative nature of the relationships direct inverse squares cube roots logarithmic etc i e look for patterns c Note the relationships between units What factors relate different units to each other d Rewording the problem after you have simplified it may offer you further direction 2 5 6 Examine a similar problem Look at solved problems involving some or all of the data involved in the problem a As you look at solution deconstruct problem into its individual steps b Understand the logical progression between each step c Some solutions may be missing steps Be sure to fill in what is missing Careful Don t make imitation a substitute for learning Approximate If you still cannot solve the problem then look for reasonable assumptions on which to base a solution a If you can t solve stated problem what problem can you solve b Approximate conditions in the problem to apply a known solution to problem Your approximations must make sense Don t assume a spherical frictionless cow c Clearly state all approximations when stating your answer to the problem
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