I’m having trouble signing up, seeing the graphics, seeing the answer box, etc.
Make sure you’re complying with the system requirements. http://www.masteringphysics.com/site/support/system-requirements.html
Also see: Support for Students http://www.masteringphysics.com/site/support/faq-students.html
Why do we have to use MasteringPhysics?
There's a learning curve to using MasteringPhysics, but it allows you to get immediate feedback and help. It really is worth the hassle.
Why do we have to keep a notebook showing our work if the program grades our problems?
The notebook is key to training you to think like a physicist. It's where you decide on the model for the problem, visualize it, and solve it. MasteringPhysics will grade the answer.
You can also take notes if your answer is wrong to help you see where you tripped up.
Is late homework allowed?
No. You have 2 weeks to complete each assignment; that’s more than enough time to work on the assignment.
Can I redo the homework assignment?
Yes, for practice. After the due date, you may redo the homework to practice (for example if you're studying for an exam), but the score will not change.
MasteringPhysics is not working on my computer!
This happens especially with the computers in the dorms or computer labs. Make sure that Adobe Flash is up-to-date. You may need to do this if MP has undergone a system upgrade, if an Adobe Flash update becomes available, or if your browser has been updated. One indication that Adobe Flash should be updated is that the box where you normally input your answer doesn’t show up.
MasteringPhysics does not work with Google Chrome.
Updated: 01/12/2011 1

Graphing: My graph is correct. Why is MP saying it is wrong!?!
• MP has some quirks. Here are some pointers.
o Two points are needed to define a straight line and at least THREE points are necessary to define a curve.
o Notice that the pointer allows only certain coordinates to be specified in a plot. Use that information to help you plot points accurately. o You don’t have to plot the points in order! Sometimes you have to estimate the value (from a motion diagram, for example). Plot easily defined points first—where the velocity is zero in a velocity versus time graph, for instance—and then plot the estimated values afterwards.
o MP does have tolerances for when you have to estimate a graph coordinate, but be as accurate as possible.
Vectors: My vector lengths and orientations look correct to me, but MP keeps saying it’s incorrect! What’s wrong?
• MP has some quirks. Here are some pointers.
o For vectors, you can use unlabeled vectors as guides to get the correct length and orientation of the labeled, graded vector. Delete the unlabeled vectors before you submit your answer.
o Although MP will often say that the length of a vector is not graded, the relative length of a vector with respect to the other vectors must be correct.
o MP does have tolerances for vector lengths and orientations, but be as accurate as possible.
Free Body Diagrams (FBDs): Why is MP saying my free body diagram is wrong when it’s correct?
•
MP has some quirks. Here are some pointers.
o In Free Body Diagrams (FBDs) with a dot, all force vectors MUST begin at the dot.
o In FBDs with the object shown (i.e. a box on the floor), all vectors MUST begin exactly where the force is acting. For instance, if you're creating a FBD for a box on the floor, the force due to gravity acts on the center of mass of the box. The normal force acts below the center of mass, where the box touches the floor.
o MP does have tolerances for vector lengths and orientations, but be as accurate as possible.
Updated: 01/12/2011 2

I know I entered the correct answer, but MP marked it wrong! How do I get this fixed?
•
Make sure you're reading the problem carefully. This is the most common reason a student gets a problem wrong. o Make sure you’re using the correct units. o Make sure you answer the question in the format requested. o Be especially careful when having to use the symbolic inputs. (i.e. v f
= v o
+ a
!
t ); the subscripts are crucial. o If you use a different number of significant figures in the calculation, MP will often point it out even though you get full credit for the problem. Sometimes your significant figures are so far off that you will get a value outside the allowable tolerance. The tolerance for numerical answers is usually a few percent.
• If the problem involves graphs, vectors, or free body diagrams, see the FAQs above.
Where do the problems come from?
Why doesn’t every problem come with hints?
There are three types of problems in MP homework:
1.
Tutorials. These problems are from within the MasteringPhysics system and are meant to help you learn the material. They often include hints.
2.
Problems from the end of the chapter (EOC) may include hints. Note that the numbers in a problem can be randomized and may be different than your textbook
3.
Test Bank Questions are usually multiple choice and never include hints.
They can be from within MasteringPhysics or associated with your specific textbook.
What is the grading policy?
You may see the grading policy for any assignment by clicking the Grading Policy link at the top of the assignment.
Also notice if a problem is for practice , credit , or extra credit . The points for regular homework problems usually indicates the difficulty level; sometimes multi-part tutorial problems have higher points because of the average time necessary to complete the problem.
Updated: 01/12/2011 3