Creative Physics Problems for Physics with Calculus: Mechanics

This is book is a collection of creative physics problems, which includes a healthy dose of calculus-based problems. No examples or solutions are provided, as this volume of physics problems is intended to be used in conjunction with a textbook. Like textbook problems, answers to selected questions are provided. This can be useful for (i) teachers who are looking for engaging problems to assign or use as examples and (ii) diligent self-learners who are willing to work for the answer and possibly rework the problem a few times (which can be a rewarding strategy in the long run, but does not suit many of today’s students who want the information simply injected into their brains). These imaginative problems are designed to: engage the interest of students in this difficult subject, add a little zest to abstract concepts like angular momentum, challenge students to apply the concepts to involved problems, and encourage students to develop and apply their calculus skills. This includes many instructive problems that force students to think through key concepts (like collisions where students calculate the lost mechanical energy), problems with conceptual questions (e.g. why a ball actually rolls farther up an incline in the presence of friction than it does sliding without friction), calculus-based problems (such as motion, center of mass, and moment of inertia),and review problems grouped by a theme (such as one about a chimp who stole physics à la the Grinch). Involved problems are included to build fluency in the major problem-solving strategies, like combining conservation of energy and momentum. Many problems are broken down into parts to help guide students along – that is, you can check your answer to part (a) before moving onto part (b).

Dr. Chris McMullen has over 20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Dr. McMullen is also an author of math and science books. Whether in the classroom or as a writer, Dr. McMullen loves sharing knowledge and the art of motivating and engaging students.

He earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance.

As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, and trigonometry called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics textbooks.

Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, applying his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts.