Hints for better homework scores on written assignments

What is expected when turning in a written HW solutions:

• Make sure that each problem starts on a new page
• On the top right corner of the cover sheet include your name, the date, and your group letter -- If this a group assignment, list the all the members of the group that participated in this assignment.
• It helps to include a copy of the problem

On problems, it is important to show how you reasoned from the information given in the problem to your final answer. The correct final answer with units is only worth ~20% of the points. Since much of your homework is graded by the computer, the answer is perhaps the least important thing when turning in the written copy. The remainder of the points are given for the quality of your solution. You need to include the following to receive full credit:

• All the information given in the problem with correct units (This may include a diagram)
• A statement of what quantity you are trying to find.
• State explicitly what physics principle you are using to solve the problem
• Solve for the unknown quantity in symbols explicitly before numberic calculations Then substitute numbers with units and calculate the numeric answer
• Correct reasoning, correct units, essentially show your work and reasoning and you'll get lion's share of credit, (~ 80%), EVEN IF YOUR ANSWER IS WRONG! This can often be done in terms of equations, (see example below).
• The numerical answer to the problem is only worth ~ 20%.
  

Ex) Beginning as rest you experience a constant acceleration of 5m/s2 along the x-axis. What is you speed after 4s?

V = a t and speed = |V|

So…. V = 5(m/s2) [i hat] * 4(s) = 20(m/s) [i hat]

the speed is 20 m/s in the + x direction

Note: you may leave out the words in most cases. The reason for this is you are in the process of learning problem solving skills. Some of the problems may seem trivial to you but rest assured they will become more challenging and you need to practice a technique which you can then apply to all problems. This will help you in many of your other courses as well.