Final answer:
To solve a physics problem, identify the given information and the unknowns, choose the appropriate equations, and check if the solution is reasonable.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding How to Solve Physics Problems
To solve a physics problem, you must first identify the 'given' information and what the problem is asking you to 'find'. This will usually involve listing the known quantities, such as initial velocity, time, acceleration, force, mass, etc. Once you have this information, you can then determine which physics principles apply and decide which equations to use. For example, if dealing with motion, you may use kinematic equations. In dimensional kinematics, especially, it's important to think in terms of a translational analog if you are familiar with such motion.
After identifying the given information, the next step is to solve the appropriate equation or equations for the unknown quantity. It's crucial to substitute the known values along with their units into the equation correctly. Finally, you need to check your answer to ensure it is reasonable: does it make sense in the context of the problem? If your answer involves motion, do the values and units for distance, time, velocity, and acceleration reasonably align with one another?
In summary, the known information helps you to choose the right equations to solve for the unknowns, and your understanding of the physical context helps to confirm that the solution is plausible.