Mechanics: 1-Dimensional Kinematics
1-D Kinematics: Audio Guided Solutions
Problem Set K17, Question 4:
It's breakfast time and Mr. H entertains himself once more by watching the daily beetle race across the 35.7-cm length of the Wheaties box top. Angie the beetle typically averages 3.77 mm/s and Bessie the beetle averages 4.78 mm/s. If Bessie gives Angie a 5.4 cm head start, then which beetle wins and by what distance?
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. An effective problem-solver...
- ...reads the problem carefully and develops a mental picture of the physical situation. If needed, they sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help visualize it.
- ...identifies the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner, often times recording them on the diagram itself. They equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantites (e.g., vo = 0 m/s; a = 4.2 m/s/s; vf = 22.9 m/s; d = ???.).
- ...plots a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity; the strategy will typically center around the use of physics equations and be heavily dependent upon an understanding of physics principles.
- ...identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use, often times writing them down. Where needed, they perform the needed conversion of quantities into the proper unit.
- ...performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
Read About It!
Get more information on the topic of Kinematics at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.
Watch It!
Try our YouTube videos on the topic of ...