Ten Tips and Tricks for Acing Physics Problems

Name: Ten Tips and Tricks for Acing Physics Problems
Rating: 4.2 (27 reviews)

Tips and tricks accumulated over the years to make solving physics problems far easier

Created byRaphael Hoult

Last updated 12/2018

English

What you'll learn

Be able to more easily solve physics problems, no matter the content.

Course content

3 sections • 12 lectures • 1h 35m total length

Introduction: What You'll Get from This Course3:33
The introduction to the course. I tell you about what the course will entail, as well as a little bit about myself.

Tip 1: Visual Setup6:29
In this lecture, we discuss using pictures and diagrams to set up problems, and do an example involving laminar flow in a pipe.
Tip 2: Variable Identification11:31
In this lecture we discuss identifying variables in a problem, and use this to derive the period of a simple pendulum.
Tip 3: Clear Goal7:11
In this lecture we discuss setting aside a clear goal to work towards, and we apply this to deriving the "BAC-CAB" rule.
Tip 4: Dimensional Analysis10:52
In this lecture, we discuss the powerful tool of dimensional analysis, and use that tool to find the correct formula for the power emitted by a black body.
Tip 5: Atomize7:11
In this lecture we discuss breaking problems down into their component parts, and use this technique to devolve a complicated problem down into simpler steps.
Tip 6: Working Backwards4:10
In this lecture we discuss using the end result you hope to derive as a tool to get the derivation itself, and we apply this to expanding a commutator.
Tip 7: Off The Paper5:26
In this lecture, we talk about ways to move work off of paper, and onto a whiteboard, blackboard, or computer word processor such as LaTeX.
Tip 8: Reading Intentions17:14
In this lecture we discuss the importance of knowing why you're solving a problem, and how this can be useful to knowing which approach to use. We then apply this to setting up the derivation of the perihelion shift of Mercury.
Tip 9: Collaboration3:29
In this lecture we discuss collaboration, and its value for solving problems in physics.
Tip 10: Basics Up15:06
In this lecture we discuss the technique of deriving the solution to a problem using solely the fundamentals of a theory, and not any higher-level concepts. This is applied to the derivation of the electric field of an infinite line charge from Coulomb's law.

Requirements

Desire to improve at solving physics problems
Know some basic physics

Description

"The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics" - Paul Halmos

While this course focuses on physics, the core concept is the same - in order to learn how to solve physics problems, you must do physics problems. However, like with most things in life, the hardest part is to start.

This course isn't designed to be a comprehensive course on physics. It won't turn you into a genius problem whiz overnight.

What it will do, however, is give you the tools to be able to approach any physics problem without fear - whether that's trying to find the net force on a block in your first year, or calculating the various components of the Ricci tensor for the FRW metric in General Relativity.

Examples are given at various levels of physics, so both newcomers and old hands will be faced with engaging examples.

Using the approaches outlined in this lecture series, you will, with enough practice, be able to come to an answer quickly, effectively, and accurately.

Also, not being stuck is a heck of a lot more fun.

Who this course is for:

First Time Physics Students
Struggling Physics Students
Anyone looking to improve their physics problem solving skills!

Ten Tips and Tricks for Acing Physics Problems

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 4min

The Ten Tips10 lectures • 1hr 29min

Conclusion: What's Next?1 lecture • 3min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: