A Problem Solving Framework

1. A Problem Solving Framework Based on the work of Heller & Heller University of Minnesota

2. The traditional “GUESS” method • Givens - Identify the “given” information • Unknown - Identify what is wanted • Equation - Select equation for solution • Solution - Solve equation for unknown • Survey - Make certain solution is realistic

3. Physics Problem-Solving Strategy • A better metacognitive approach to solving problems • Provides students with a more structured approach to solving problems, especially early on in the semester • 5 steps: • Focus on the problem • Describe the physics • Plan the solution • Execute solution plan • Evaluate the solution

4. Focus on the Problem

5. Describe the Physics

6. Plan a Solution

7. Execute the Plan

8. Evaluate the Solution

9. Using the Competent Problem Solver Answer Sheet: Example 1 • An airplane lands on a runway at 175mph. The plane uniformly slows to a stop over a distance of 4049ft. What is the average acceleration in meters/second squared? How many g’s does this represent?

10. Using the Competent Problem Solver Answer Sheet: Example 2 • A car’s initial mass and velocity are m and v respectively. A truck’s mass and velocity are M and -V respectively. Assuming a head-on collision where they stick together, what is the speed of the vehicles immediately after the collision? The truck is twice the mass of the car; the speed of the car is one-half that of the truck.

11. Using the Competent Problem Solver Answer Sheet: Example 3 • A toy rocket leaves the surface of the Earth with an acceleration of 35m/s2. After 1.3s, the rocket engine expires. Assuming no wind resistance as it coasts upward, how high does the rocket go?