Identify Knowns and Unknowns
Turn word problems into a clean “given / find” list, and spot what’s actually being asked.
Foundations & Tools · Topic
Problem-Solving Strategies in Physics
A systematic approach you can reuse on any physics problem — from quick concept checks to multi-step exams.
← Back to Foundations & ToolsRepresent Systems with Diagrams
Use sketches, free-body diagrams, motion diagrams, and coordinate choices to reduce confusion fast.
Modeling Assumptions
Decide what to ignore (and what not to), choose idealizations, and justify approximations clearly.
Systematic Multi-Step Problem Solving
Build a repeatable solution pipeline: plan → execute → check units/limits → reflect on reasonableness.