* Robert Zuniga – Information Marketer *

Physics…..

Many students dread having to take physics in college, especially non-physics and non-engineering students.

While every instructor is different, most want you to succeed in this subject.

In order to help the instructor, you must put something in the “show all work” word problems.

Here’s a secret: relevant information aimed at solving the problem will probably get you more points than a blank page.

Below is a brief outline of how to organize your answer so you will get more points.

1. Clearly state the question you are looking to answer. Yes, this may seem silly at first, but as you develop your problem-solving skills over the years, this will help you become efficient. You’ll literally acknowledge the problem and you won’t have to re-read the original text to verify what you need to solve for to get total credit for your work.
2. List the given information. If you know the problem type, write it down. If you are given numerical values and units, write it down. If there are known physical values you know are needed, write it down. Essentially you are creating an area where you are summarizing information you’ll need later.
3. Draw a diagram. Diagrams are critical for understanding the problem at hand. Physical directions for your variable(s) matter. Scale matters. Showing angles and the variables linked to the angles matter. A well drawn and labeled diagram speaks volumes about your understanding of the problem. As you progress from Linear Motion to Electricity and Waves, etc., this skill is invaluable in communicating your solution attempt.
4. List the relevant equations. List the equations in long form, with no numerical substitutions. Here you are showcasing that equations needed to solve this problem. Share this before you solve or make errors. In general, you will need the same number of equations as there are unknowns in the problem.
5. Simplify the equation(s) and solve for your unknown(s). This is where your algebra skills pay off. Yes, if some of the values in the equation are zero (0), draw an arrow through the variable and put a zero (0) at the arrowhead. Solve for your desired unknown(s) without inserting numerical values. The bulk of the work is here. You finish this step and the rest is easy.
6. Insert your given numerical values with units into the solved equation(s). Yes, put the units in also. Many mistakes are made by only substituting the numbers and assuming the units will work themselves out. This is a mistake. You must do both numerical and unit analysis to arrive at the correct solution.
7. Solve for the numerical answer with proper units. Plug and chug the numbers on you calculator.
8. Answer the Question. Go back to the first step and give the answer to the problem.

While this list may seem long, remember, these types of problem are usually worth the most and are the difference between getting C’s and A’s.

Applying these 8 steps begins with your homework assignments.

You’ll develop problem solving skills quickly with this technique and will fill the test page with relevant information that will increase your scores and your physics understanding.

Yes, you must practice, practice, practice.

Robert Zuniga is a dedicated lifetime learner and enjoys sharing his passion with students. Join Robert on his teleseminars as he helps people be successful in college physics. http://www.problemsolvinghelp.com/

(c) Copyright 2010 Robert Zuniga All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Choosing a field of study early in life can be a challenge. I am sharing a brief account of my journey to provide insight into what is possible in your academic career.

At 18 years old, I was part of the first generation in my family to attend a major University. Having worked my first full-time job at 14 and growing up in the Midwest, I thought the practical program to enter had to be business related and sound important: I choose to enroll in the pre-Business Program with Accountancy as my goal.

Of course, everyone takes pretty much the same classes in the first few semesters: English, Math, Social Science and Humanities Electives. While the courses themselves are straight forward, I received the greatest lessons from the people I met on campus and in the dormitory.

I attended a University in a “college town”. What this means is that the colleges and universities in the small city accounted for almost all the industry of the area. Almost all students move here for their education and then leave. There is little in the way of distractions, especially if living on campus in a dormitory. In this setting, almost everyone is involved daily with learning, all aiming to acquire the skills needed to reap a bountiful future. This was definitely an easy life compared to what I grew up experiencing.

In my first few years of attending college year-round, I met many people with varied academic interest. Simply stated, I became interested in types of knowledge and the personalities attracted to the different disciplines. Rather than acquire a specialized viewpoint limited to business, I stretched myself and adopted a University-style education.

So what does a University-style education mean?

Consider this: A hundred years ago, picking a major field of study was fairly straight forward. The choices were based mainly on Physics, Math, Civil Engineering, Medical Physician, Agriculture, etc. There was a commonality of understanding that linked the few disciplines available.

Today, fields of study have developed into many options within each category listed above. In fact, the vocabulary of each field of study sets the boundary of understanding. In other words, engineers like to listen to engineers, musicians like to listen to musicians, lawyers like to listen to lawyers, etc.

I decided to get myself a more general education by completing multiple specialized fields. I concentrated on obtaining knowledge in the pure sciences as well as applied sciences. My multi-disciplinary approach to learning is never-ending, but being practical, I obtained degrees to validate my approach.

My Pure Science Degree is in Mathematics, and I have studied advanced Physics as well.

My Applied Science Degrees are Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Chemical Engineering with studies in advanced Industrial Engineering as well.

My Applied Social Science Degree is Economics and my favorite advanced study: Political Economy.

In the 20 years I spent as a full-time student, I immersed myself in a simple yet fulfilling life of study.

I remain inspired and continue learning the vocabulary needed to understand life in the 21st Century.

I continue being a Master Student.

I wish you success in your journey.

Robert Zuniga is a dedicated lifetime learner and enjoys sharing his passion with students. Join Robert on his teleseminars as he helps people be successful in college physics. http://www.problemsolvinghelp.com/

(c) Copyright 2010 Robert Zuniga All Rights Reserved Worldwide