Strategies for Solving Physics Problems
This is a good problem solving framework for all physics problems.  It is useful for any kind of problem in life, but here it has been written specifically with physics problems in mind.  I will be looking for the items in red when I grade your homework.

1.  Understand the problem
    - Briefly state the problem, and identify what you are to find - a target result.
    - Draw a picture, if appropriate.
    - List given information.

2.  Describe the physics - if the previous description didn't, ...
    - Define symbols for all quantities, known and unknown.
    - Define a coordinate system, or any other necessary additions to the diagram.

3.  Plan a Solution
    - Choose an equation.
    - Are there any unknowns?  If so, choose a new equation to find the unknowns.
    - Outline how to use your equations to determine the target quantity.

4.  Execute the Plan
    - Follow your own outline.
    - Solve equations, substitute in given values. (Are your units consistent?)
    - You must show your major steps on your homework.

5.  Evaluate the Solution
    - Does your result answer the original question?
    - Is your result complete?
    - Does it make physical sense?
    - Do the units make sense?
    - Could someone else find your final result, and understand what you did? Circle your final, target result.


Based on "Cooperative Group Problem Solving in Physics, A User's Manual", by Kenneth Heller and Patricia Heller, University of Minnesota