- #1
astroman707
- 61
- 5
I’m having lots of trouble in my honors physics class with the theoretical homework problems that are assigned. The entire concept of learning to solve things theoretically, and then applying it is brand new to me. I’m decent at figuring out the applied problems, but pure theory stumps me. I know that doing more regular application problems will increase my understanding, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks they used when solving theoretically.
Here’s a typical example of a theoretical problem on my homework, which is what most of my homework problems are:
—Two small balls are suspendes side by side from two strings of length L so that they touch in their equilibrium position. Their masses are m and 2m, respectively. If the left ball(of mass m) is pulled aside and released from a height H, it will swing down and collide with the right ball(of mass 2m) at the lowest point. Assume the collision is elastic.
• How high did each ball swing after collision?
• Both balls again swing down, and they collide once more at the lowest point. How high will each swing after this second collision?
Here’s a typical example of a theoretical problem on my homework, which is what most of my homework problems are:
—Two small balls are suspendes side by side from two strings of length L so that they touch in their equilibrium position. Their masses are m and 2m, respectively. If the left ball(of mass m) is pulled aside and released from a height H, it will swing down and collide with the right ball(of mass 2m) at the lowest point. Assume the collision is elastic.
• How high did each ball swing after collision?
• Both balls again swing down, and they collide once more at the lowest point. How high will each swing after this second collision?