Homework assignments
Physics of Astronomy, Winter-spring 2006 - updated 2.March.2006

• Homework assigned week N is due week N+1
• Drill on odd-numbered problems with answers in back, to develop your skills and confidence. Start drill problems right away, as soon as you finish reading each chapter. You need not turn these in, but do keep them in your portfolio.
• Read the Questions and try to answer them, even if they are not assigned. Discuss nontrivial Questions with classmates and Zita.
• During the week and over the weekend: do as much of the assigned homework as you can. Don't spend a lot of time stuck on any one problem. Talk with us about strategies.
• See WebX for homework assignment details, updates, and tips.
• Monday: meet classmates at 12:30 or earlier in the homeroom. Answer each other's questions where you can, and together write a list of problems on the board for Zita to help you with at 1:30. Prioritize your list so we can work efficiently together until Seminar at 2:30.
• Finish your homework - neatly and concisely. If it is hard to read, it is less likely to be read.
  • Restate each problem briefly
  • Sketch a diagram whenever possible, with labels
  • Define all terms and relationships
  • Solve equations algebraically first. Don't get distracted by numbers. Save numbers for the end.
  • Show your work - do not skip steps.
  • Keep units with numbers at all times. A unitless number is usually meaningless, and checking units enroute can alert you to possible calculation problems before you go too far.
  • Underline or circle your result.
  • Do a reality check - is your answer physically reasonable?
  • Staple pages together BEFORE class. No paper clips or other loose fastening. Unstapled HW will not be accepted.
• Tuesday: Come to class on time, and turn in homework before class starts. Late homework will not be accepted, except in truly exceptional circumstances.
• Grading: We will check your homework assignment for completeness (not accuracy) and return it to you soon. You will grade your homework yourself, using Zita's posted solutions. Use your red pen and grade your work honestly. Use this as a learning opportunity, and rework problems if necessary. Keep your original HW and your redone HW in your portfolio.