Problem Solving

Steps

• Read the Question!

• What do you want to know?

• What do you know?

• Are there any handy formulas?

• Which Formula?

• Do the Math

• Make sure the UNITS are correct

What do What do you you

want to Know?want to Know?

• Read the question carefully, beware of distractors, Sometimes the question is in several steps, so it may be asking you several questions! – What are they?

What do you Know?

• In the question, it will give you certain information, Some information comes from outside (what you have learned, basic facts [atomic mass, gravitational force], or things you will have to look up.

• You might want to make a list of those things.. (some of those may be distractors!)

Are there any Handy Formula?

• There are often – in Physics and Chemistry – useful formulas!!!

• Make a list of the relevant ones for the problem.

• Have a list of all the formulas in your notebook!!!

Which Formula?

Or do you have to modify it?Or do you have to modify it?

If you memorize one basic one. eg.

Molar Mass = g / Mole

That means, algebraically you know:

g = Moles x Molar Mass

&

Moles = g / Molar Mass

Do the Math

• Dimensional Analysis

UNITS!!!

DisclaimerAloha

I put together these power points for use in my science classes.You may use them in your classes.

Some images are public domain, some are used under the fair-use provisions of the copyright law, some are mine. Copyright is retained by the owners!

Ted Brattstrom