Homework

Problems will be graded using the online CAPA system. This system provides individualized problems for each student. You will find a set of help links at the right of the login screen, and also on the main menu once you log in. A set of printable CAPA instructions is available as a PDF file.

Most of the problems will be taken from the Giancoli textbook, and correspond to the problems listed on this page. Since the numerical data for each problem is customized, the problems will differ somewhat from the statements in the book. It is best to work the problems symbolically before plugging in numbers, to facilitate comparing your solutions with those presented in class, or obtained by other students. Those will not be listed on this page. Extra Practice problems are odd-numbered Giancoli problems that will not be graded, but are good to try if you think you need additional practice.

Problems are always due at 5:00 PM on the due date, according to the computer clock, unless otherwise noted. The cutoff is very strict. Late homework cannot be accepted for any reason, since the answers are posted immediately after the due time. However, the lowest homework score of the semester will be dropped, which will effectively provide an exception for one emergency per student.

Homework begins with reading the textbook. You should always try to read the sections being discussed in class ahead of time, so that you will not be confronting new material in the lectures. Physics should be read with a pencil and paper at hand, so that you can work through the examples and be sure you understand any difficult points. You can then come to the lectures prepared to ask questions about anything you couldn't understand on your own. If you get behind on the reading, the course can be much more difficult than it has to be. It often helps to read the material more than once. You should find that you understand much more of it after you have done the problems.

After you have read the sections being discussed in class, you should start on the homework from those sections. The Giancoli text shows which problems come from each section. You should start on the appropriate problems immediately, and not wait until just before they are due. Working the problems will help you understand the rest of the chapter much more completely.

You may find it helpful to discuss problems with other students. Discussion links are provided in the online homework sets to facilitate interaction with other students. However, you should be sure to understand how to work the problems on your own. Understanding how someone else worked them is not the same thing. Letting someone else work your problems is a sure route to a disappointing final grade.