Introduction to Mechanics
2. Problem Solving and Estimation
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Learning Objectives
- Be able to explain what the approximate nature of order of magnitude calculations.
- Be able to apply a methodology for solving estimation problems. In particular,
- Be able identify a set of quantities that can be estimated or calculated.
- Be able to identify an approximate or exact relationship between these quantities and the quantity to be estimated in the problem.
Preparation
Course Notes
Notes: Problem Solving Strategies and Estimation (PDF)
Suggested Textbook Reading (Optional)
Chapter 1.5-1.6. Young, Hugh D., Roger A. Freedman, and A. Lewis Ford. Sears and Zemansky's University Physics: with Modern Physics. 12th ed. San Francisco, CA: Addison-Wesley, 2007. ISBN: 9780805321876.
Lecture Video
Video Excerpts
Watch the following excerpts from the Physics I lecture videos:
Download the complete lectures from this course:
Learning Activities
Guided Activities
Read through the class slides carefully. They explain all of the concepts from the module.
Slides: Problem Solving and Estimation (PDF)
Self-Assessment
Do the Concept Questions first to make sure you understand the main concepts from this module. Then, when you are ready, try the Challenge Problems. If you are struggling with the Challenge Problems, watch the Homework Help Session videos, which will give you tips on how to tackle problems of this type.
Concept Questions
Challenge Problems
Problem Solving Help
In the following video Prof. Walter Lewin explains how to approach the Challenge Problems.
Help Session
Download this video:
» iTunes U (MP4 - 54MB)
» Internet Archive (MP4 - 54MB)
Related Resources
There are countless resources available online to help you learn physics. Try these:
- A Garden of Fermi Problems at Hampton University
- Play the "What order of magnitude is...?" game
- Try out Fermi Problems at the University of Maryland Fermi Problems Site
- Learn about estimation with an interactive simulation from PhET
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