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Why problem solving is important?

Solving problems is absolutely essential for both learning and doing physics. Physics is often very non-intuitive. Of course, topics like quantum mechanics and relativity are non-intuitive because they lie so far outside of everyday life, but even classical mechanics such as gyroscopes can be quite non-intuitive. One of the primary benefits of doing practice problems is to build intuition. As one repetitively work through problems you can build intuition. Although you cannot experience a black hole or quantum entanglement, by repeatedly doing problems you can gain an intuition for how they work. Without solving the problem we would have nothing to compare the measurements to. Regarding great physicists, they all solved many problems to learn, just as anyone else did. As they advance to the edge of human knowledge they continue to solve problems. The only difference is that at a certain point they have to write their own problems, and the only way to know if they got the question and the answer right is through experiments.

Two factors can help make one a better physics problem solver.  First of all, one must know and understand the principles of physics.  Secondly, one must have a strategy for applying these principles to new situations in which physics can be helpful. Many students say, “I understand the concept, I just can’t do the problems.”  If this is true of one as a physics student, then maybe one needs to develop your problem-solving skills.  Having a strategy to organize those skills can help you. Physics problem solving can be learned just like you learned to drive a car, play a musical instrument, or ride a bike.  What can aid one more than anything is to have a general approach to follow with each problem you encounter.  One may use different tools or tactics with differing areas of physics, but the overall strategy remains the same.