Listed below is a systematic procedure, devised by Dr. Endorf, intended  to help students solve general physics problems. The solutions are written in the format shown in the Problem Worksheet.
 

 1.    Read the problem carefully. Make sure you understand what is given in the problem and what you are requested to find.  Write a description of the problem in your own words on the Problem Worksheet.

 2.    If applicable, draw a diagram showing all relevant features given in the problem.  Label each part of the diagram, using symbols for each quantity.

 3.    List all the known quantities and their values on the Problem Worksheet.  Convert the values of the known quantities to a consistent set of units, usually SI units.

4.    List the quantities to be calculated on the Problem Worksheet.

 5.    List all relevant unknown parameters on the Problem Worksheet.  These may need to be eliminated from the solution or calculated before calculating the quantities requested in the problem.

 7.    List all relevant general principles, laws, equations and facts that apply to this  problem.

 8.    Devise a method to solve the problem. Consider how you may use the general principles and laws that you listed above to solve the problem.  The solution may require several steps.  Write an outline on the Problem Worksheet, in words, of each step that you will use in your solution.

 9.    Write the problem solution in a clear manner, using your method, on the Problem Worksheet.  First solve the problem with algebraic symbols.  Then, if a numerical answer is requested, input the numerical values (with units) of the known quantities and calculate the values of the requested unknown quantities.  Check that the calculated quantities have the proper units.  Check that the answers you have calculated make sense.  For example, are the answers much too large or much too small?  Do they have the correct sign?  For certain very simple conditions do you get the correct answers?