COCHISE COLLEGE
PHYSICS 111/112
HOMEWORK CRITERIA
INSTRUCTOR: Roger Weller
Scientific Notation
All homework answers are to be written in scientific notation. The only general
exception to this rule is that values from 1 to 100 need not be written in scientific
notation. Points will be taken off homework grade if these criteria are not followed.
Examples:
417,200 = 4.17 x 105
31,600,000 = 3.16 x 107
0.0002135 = 2.135 x 10-4
0.0000578 = 5.78 x 10-5
55.00 = 55.0
Measurements in lab exercises rarely need to be put in scientific notation.
Significant Figures
Throughout these courses we will use a modified 3 significant figure rule.
Answers at the end of a homework or test problem should be rounded off to 3 significant
figures if the first significant figure is 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Answers starting with 1 or 2
should be rounded off to 4 significant figures.
You should also consider that any information given on any homework
assignment or test is good for the modified three significant figure rule.
In the calculation of a problem, it is a good rule of thumb to carry out all
mathematical calculations to 5 significant figures to stay on the safe side. Only at the
end of the problem should you round off the answer to the modified three significant
figure rule. Points will be taken off of the homework grade if these criteria are not
followed.
Answers
Answers to homework problems and test questions should either be boxed or
circled so that they can be located easily. Points will be taken off the grade if this rule is
not followed.
Continued…..
Physics Homework Criteria…continued
Calculations
All calculations used to solve a problem should be shown on either a homework
assignment or a test. The final answer is often not as important as the work done to
obtain an answer. Partial credit cannot be awarded for an incorrect answer unless work
is present to show where the error occurred.
Teacher Option
The instructor retains the option of adding 5 points of extra credit to a homework
assignment if it is especially neat. Likewise, there is the option of removing 5 points
from a homework grade if it is exceptionally difficult to decipher, problems are arranged
out of sequence, or if the homework has fuzzy edges from being ripped out of a spiral
binder. Use lined looseleaf paper for your homework, staple each homework
assignment together, turn in assignments separately, and use only the front side of
each paper for the calculations and answers.
Due Dates
All homework is due 1 week after the day that it is assigned, unless specified by
the instructor. Late homework will be strongly penalized, unless arrangements have
been made with the instructor due to extraordinary circumstances.