Ohanian's Principles of physics

the long version

To the student: Physics is problem solving. Unfortunately, this fact often is taken to mean that one must perform numerical calculations, a process known more colloquially as "plug and chug." In the real sense, however, a problem solving means grappling with a new idea or a posed question or problem in reaching a satisfactory solution, be it a numerical value or a verbal statement. The purpose of this guide is to help you improve your problem-solving skills through a variety of tasks designed to foster successful techniques and strategies. To be successful, you must become actively engaged in the process. Problem solving cannot be learned by watching, any more than one can learn to play the violin by watching a violinist. There is simply no shortcut to proficiency in this skill. Without practice, progress will be minimal.