Physics tips and advice please....?

Now for physics test problem i do these:





1) Convert everything to SI units


2) Read the problem and remember the formula


3) Find out what the stupid question is asking for


4) Use the formula and calculate 2 times, once for the numbers and the other for the units.


5) Stick the numbers and the SI units together


6) (Optional) convert it to the unit the paper is asking for...





How do you make these easier? :(Physics tips and advice please....?
There probably isn't any shortcut that doesn't involve practice I'm afraid! The only steps that experienced scientists probably won't use are the two separate calculations in step 4 - it is just a matter of familiarity (or they cheat and use spreadsheets/computer programs!).





Perhaps if you include the units with your numbers in step 4 you can use the same calculation for both units and numbers and eliminate step 5.





As you become more familiar with the calculations, you will probably start to remember what the units are in any case. When you convert everything to SI units, if you use the same units everytime (e.g. grams instead of kilograms), you will always have the same units at the end.





A simple example - if you always work out velocity using metres and seconds your velocity units will always be m/s.Physics tips and advice please....?
list every given you have








This makes it easier to know what equation you're finding and to organize yourself in finding the equation if used in combination with step 3











Draw a picture. This is often helpful








Given time, check your work.