What are the concepts in Physics and Mathematics that students find difficult? In this blog I will post tutorial sheets that I hope will stimulate thinking and so broaden the knowledge and understanding of students allowing them to write thorough examination responses. Tutorial sheets, structured to assist student learning, will be posted on IB SL and HL Physics syllabus topics as well as the general HSC topics of relativity, electromagnetism, mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum physics and calculus. The overall purpose of these pages is to encourage and promote learning in Physics and Mathematics and so open new horizons in learning.
Four equal point charges are placed on a straight line of length 2a. Two of the charges are fixed at the ends of the line. Find the positions on the line where the other two charges are placed if they are to be at rest. (From D. J. Griffiths and Y. Li, Am. J. Phys., 64, 6, June 1996, p 708) Answer is at x = ± 0.36148a from the centre of the line.
This tutorial sheet is about the jumping hoop demonstration. A smooth vertical hoop of mass M has two beads of mass m slotted on it, both initially at rest side by side at the highest point of the hoop. The masses are released and slide down along the hoop. Find the smallest ratio of m/M if the hoop is to leave the ground during the subsequent motion. (Problem given in Isaac Physics, L. Jardine-Wright, Periphyseos Press, 2015, p24)
Welcome to Sydney Physics Tutor, my name is Stephen McAndrew. I have taught Physics and Mathematics in independent schools in Sydney and the UK for 38 years. I offer expert individual tutoring to allow students to fulfil their academic promise. I focus on the individual student and prepare structured work to address their particular deficiencies in knowledge and skills and develop these deficiencies into strengths. I use traditional methods of instruction where students write their answers in examination style format and are tested regularly to build their confidence and so develop a love of learning in Physics and Mathematics.
STEPHEN MCANDREW
MA, MSc, PhD, DipEd, CPhys, MInstP, MAIP, MAustMS, FRAS
Sydney Physics and Mathematics Tutor
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