Question

I like physics. But I am kind of bad at it. I have a test coming up in a few days. How do I go about answering questions? The thing is ....there's so many formulas and when I read a question, I freeze and don't know what to do. Any steps I should take? Should I look at whats given first or just dive into using a formula?
Advice....?

Answer 1

Problems are usually given as word problems. So my suggestion is to write down everything given.
What subject are you on?

Answer 2

Our test is going to be over Motion, Forces, Circular Motion& Gravitation

Answer 3

Ok, so possible givens are mass, acceleration, force, velocity, distance of separation between masses.

So what you want to do is make a list of your givens. Then determine which equation fits the problem. Look at your givens and see which givens fit into that equation. If you still have two unknowns, then think about what equation will resolve that.

For example if you're given mass, velocity, and time and you want to find force.
F=ma; But you don't have acceleration.

But velocity/time is acceleration so first solve for acceleration, then you can find force.

I know it's a really simple and watered down example but it was the only thing I could think of on such short notice.

Answer 4

Draw pictures of any problem you can an apply your trig

Answer 5

I agree with @patrickdixon
Also remember to draw free-body-diagrams and keep track of angles.

Answer 6

thank you