PHY 2005 Applied Physics 2 - Summer 2011

SUGGESTED HOMEWORK PROBLEMS:

Solving problems are very useful to check your comprehension of the material. In fact, since physics is all about the application of a few principles to a wide variety of problems, you cannot say you understand physics without having problem solving skills. You should solve each problem on your own first before referring to the solution. Check the textbook or your notes to grasp physical principles behind each problem. Work on a daily basis, coordinate your problem solving schedule with lectures and stay on your schedule. If you do not fully understand the solution, do not hesitate to come to see me.

Note that at least one third of exam problems will be based on the suggested homework problems. However, it is not advisable to put your effort into memorizing the solution. Instead, you should try to understand why certain physical laws are used to solve each problem. Occasionally I hear students complain that exam problems are different from past exams/homework problems. Interestingly, if I check their crib sheets for the exam, most of the solutions are there! They spend lots of time copying worked examples and solutions onto their crib sheet, but do not spend enough time understanding basic ideas behind the solution. As a result they cannot cope with even a slight modification. You should not fall into this trap. I will change numbers and wordings.