Grader: Sanjay Sharma
Office: Rm 138-D
Phone 529-5657
email: sharmas1@muohio.edu
Office Hours: 2-3pm MTuTh or by appointment
There are five general strategies useful in problem solving. You are expected to employ them in the solutions you submit.
1. Draw a picture of the problem. Make free-body diagrams, label the axes of coordinates and draw arrows to represent the direction of vectors such as forces and velocities as needed.
2. Identify the basic physical principle (or principles) that are involved. For example, will you be using Coulomb's law to solve the problem or Gauss's law, etc. Also, list the knowns and unknowns.
3. Derive an equation to solve the unknown. For example, if you are starting with "x = vt +1/2 a t^2" and are looking for the acceleration, then write down "a = 2(x-vt)/t^2" before quoting a number for the accelerataion.
4. Solve the equation. Plug your numbers into the equation. Show your work and be sure that the final answer has the proper units. Points will be taken off if your work and answer does not have the appropriate units.
5. Indicate whether your answer is reasonable. Do the units match? Is the plus or minus sign meaningful? If the answer is not reasonable, go back and check your calculations. If you are not able to successfully work out the problem, tell me what a reasonable answer would be and why; or tell me why your answer is not reasonable.
I realize that not all of the problems assigned will fit into the above format, but do your best to follow this strategy as it will help you come exam time. Note: Any concerns or questions about a particular homework grade must be brought to my attention within one week in which it is returned. Otherwise, your grade will stand as marked.