Solving physics problems by playing with equations

• Main Authors: Anito, Jovito C., Prudente, Maricar S., Limjap, Auxencia A., Aguja, Socorro E., Rubi, Pamela S.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2017
• Subjects: Physics—Study and teaching; Science and Mathematics Education
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/2692
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study introduces “Playing with Equations” as a technique employed by students in solving Physics problems. Playing with Equations is an in vivo term that emerged as the core category of a Classical Grounded Theory (CGT) investigation of six engineering students enrolled in Electricity and Magnetism subject in a Jesuit university in Southern Philippines. Observation notes obtained during actual problem solving session of each participant, as well as their responses in the unstructured interview conducted immediately after each problem solving session, were subjected to CGT conceptualization. The Lead and Link (LL), a CGT conceptualization technique first used in this study, aided the researchers in achieving conceptual saturation. Playing with Equations is defined as a quick and sneaky approach in solving Physics problems. It is primarily characterized by manipulation of equations involving identifying applicable equations, identifying or deriving the suitable equations, and verifying answers by trial and error. © 2017 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved.