Absolutely, at least for optics :-) It is a sort of message that (1) very simple laws can still lead to bastard problems, and (2) you are not allowed to forget 10th grade geometry.
It is fun to do in class because it seems horrible at first, but when you break it down systematically, there is nothing hard. Just a large number of very easy steps.
In this case, it also teaches you to use the internet I guess ... nothing wrong with that.
The sunrise/sunset problem is another favorite, just because its something most people probably don't know.
The well problem is fun because it makes you divide by zero if you're not careful, which is always good for a laugh.
#1 must be approximately your favorite problem to assign.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, at least for optics :-) It is a sort of message that (1) very simple laws can still lead to bastard problems, and (2) you are not allowed to forget 10th grade geometry.
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to do in class because it seems horrible at first, but when you break it down systematically, there is nothing hard. Just a large number of very easy steps.
In this case, it also teaches you to use the internet I guess ... nothing wrong with that.
The sunrise/sunset problem is another favorite, just because its something most people probably don't know.
The well problem is fun because it makes you divide by zero if you're not careful, which is always good for a laugh.