Mastering Physics is an on-line physics problem grading system provided
by the textbook publishers. To use it in conjunction with this section of
PHY 2049, you must use the course ID number, MAXWELLFALL2016.
Once registered and using the correct course code, you can access the
problems in any open problem set using your personal ID number.
Once a problem set is closed, you can still access the problem solutions, but
you will no longer be able to submit solutions for credit.
(1) Go to the mastering physics web site www.masteringphysics.com.
(2) Log onto the system by entering your user name and password.
(3) Choose the class MAXWELLFALL2016 (click the class list button if the system is not already set to to this class) and then choose the problem set you want to work on.
(4) Once you have chosen an assignment, you will see the due date at the top of the page and a list of problem numbers. Just click on a problem number to work on that problem.
(5) The system is set so that you have five attempts at each problem. You can also ask for the solution to any part of a problem at any time, but once you do so, you will no longer be able to get credit for that part of the problem.
(1) For numerical results, make sure that you have enough decimal places of accuracy in your result. A good general rule is that your answer should have the same number of decimal places as in the input data, except if the first digit in your answer is 1. In that case, you should use one more decimal place in your answer.
(2) In intermediate steps, it is generally a good idea to keep more decimal places of accuracy than in your final result in order to avoid round-off error.
(3) Note that in many calculations, the SIGN of the result is important. If you think that your numerical answer is correct, but the system won't accept it, it may be that your sign is wrong.
(4) If you have never used the masteringphysics system before, I strongly recommend that you complete the Introduction to Mastering Physics homework set (the first set in the list). There are no points awarded for completing this set, but it contains essential information regarding the use of the system, in particular, instructions for how to enter symbolic answers into the system (as opposed to numeric ones).