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

1827 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the conservation of energy?


As a student rubs his feet along the carpet in his living room, he becomes charged. After this he places his hand on a metal radiator and receives an electric shock. Explain what charge the student obtains, why, and why he receives a shock.


Explain why an ice cube submerged in a drink melts faster than an ice cube on a kitchen surface (the drink, surface and room temperature are all equal). (3 marks)


A runner of weight 588N runs at a speed of 8 miles/hr. What is the kinetic energy of the runner? Determine the power exerted by the runner over a distance of 10m.


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning