This WIKI is written from a modeling perspective, which is probably new to you. Before you begin to look around, it would be a good idea to get familiar with a few of the basic modeling concepts to orient yourself. This page will help you to get started. It will also introduce some of the conventions used in the wiki.
Three terms which are used in traditional physics, but take on a larger significance in modeling are:
You can click on the terms to see their definition pages, which contain more detailed definitions.
We encourage you to begin every problem by considering the System you will be describing, the Interactions experienced by that system, and the Model that you will apply to solve the problem. We call these steps the S.I.M. Approach to problem solving and we will employ it in all the worked example problems in this WIKI.
The content of the WIKI is organized according to five parallel structures.
|
As you read through this wiki, you will periodically come upon boxes containing four types of comments:
Yellow boxes contain notes. They are intended to emphasize important points or explain topics that are commonly confusing. |
Red boxes are warnings or cautions. They point out common mistakes. |
Blue boxes contain information that is related to the topic of the page, but is not necessary to understanding the topic. These may be skipped without fear of missing vital information. |
Green boxes contain tips for checking solutions. |
Certain types of content (particularly long lists and answers to problems) will be hidden until requested by the reader. When you see an arrow next to a word, like:
you can click on the arrow or the associated words to reveal content (try it).
We are anxious for feedback from anyone interested in the WIKI, and all pages are open for comments from even anonymous users. If you think something could be more clear or should be longer/shorter/whatever, please comment by clicking on the Add Comment link that appears at the bottom of every page (including this one)!
If you see a way to improve the WIKI yourself, direct edits are allowed for registered users who request editing privileges.
As you read lessons in this wiki, you will come upon boxes labeled with "SAP" that suggest problems which will help you assess your understanding of the material that is being presented.