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

1947 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A train is travelling at 50m/s. How long does it take the train to reach 60m/s if it accelerates at a constant rate of 0.5m/s^2? How many kilometres does it travel in this time?


Draw a graph depicting a skydivers speed against time when jumping from a plane, until he deploys his parachute, explaining the logic of your answer through the forces applicable to the body.


A force is applied to a box of mass 2kg so that is accelerates at 2ms^-2. Find the force acting on the box and thus calculate the work done in moving the box 10m in the direction of the force.


Describe (both quanititavely and qualitiatively) the energy changes of a ball of mass 0.5kg, dropped from a height of 10m and left to bounce. Make use of the law of conservation of energy.


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