I never know where to start where I get a calculation question given many values, what should I do? (e.g: finding how much energy is needed for all the ice in a glass of water to melt after the ice is dropped into warm water)

Firstly, you should always list down the values that were given to you in the question so that you know exactly what you already know, and then by looking at this list, it makes it easier for you to remember what formula to apply. Then, if applicable, try to sketch a diagram of what is going on. For example, if the question was related to forces acting on an object, a force diagram with arrows would be useful; or in the example given above, drawing a temperature vs time/phase diagram would be useful to see when is the energy going into changing phase and when is it going into increasing the temperature. Then, with the list of values and a diagram, you can match the values that you have to the diagram, and thus see what you need to find in order to solve the question.

SL
Answered by Simone L. Physics tutor

1719 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Two beakers contain water at room temperature. One contains 200ml, the other 400ml. If both beakers are heated above identical Bunsen burners, which of the two will take longer to boil?


What are Newton's Laws of Motion?


The charge that flows through the shower in 300 seconds is 18000C. The electric shower has a power of 13.8 kW. Calculate the resistance of the heating element in the shower.


Explain why evaporation cools a liquid.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning