Sean Alexander, MS
Academic Tutor
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Co-authored Articles (24)
How to
Calculate Acceleration
If you’ve ever watched a bright red Ferrari fly ahead of your Honda Civic after a stoplight, you’ve experienced differing rates of acceleration firsthand. Acceleration is the rate of change in the velocity of an obje...
How to Find Velocity: Formulas & Units for Average, Initial, & More
Every equation for velocity that you need to knowVelocity, sometimes called celerity, is an object's speed in a particular direction. Mathematically, velocity is often described as the change in position over the change ...
How Find the Weight of an Object Using Mass and Gravity
Learn the formulas and techniques for calculating weight from mass If you’re taking a physics class, you’ll probably be asked to calculate weight from mass. But how do you do this, exactly? We’ve got you covered. ...
How to
Calculate Force of Gravity
Gravity is one of the fundamental forces of physics. The most important aspect of gravity is that it is universal: all objects have a gravitational force that attracts other objects to them. The force of gravity acting o...
How to
Calculate Joules
Named for English physicist James Prescott Joule, the joule (J) is one of the cornerstone units of the International metric system. The joule is used as a unit of work, energy, and heat, and is widely used in scientific ...
How to
Find Initial Velocity
Velocity is a function of time and defined by both a magnitude and a direction. Often in physics problems, you will need to calculate the initial velocity ( and direction) at which an object in question began to travel....
How to
Calculate Mass
Mass is one of the fundamental properties of an object in Physics, and is a measurement of how much matter there is in something. Matter is any substance that you can touch — anything that takes up physical space and h...
Calculating Change in Momentum Using Mass & Velocity or Force & Time
Learn the change in momentum formulas, plus when and how to use them Studying for a physics test? Or just trying to wrap your brain around change in momentum? You’re definitely not alone. Momentum is a pretty weird con...
How to
Improve Your Study Skills
Studying is a skill you can improve, just like any other. Set yourself up for success by taking notes, keeping a study schedule, and practicing growth mindset thinking. When you start studying, limit your distractions, a...
How to Calculate Terminal Speed & Drag Force
Learn the equation to find the terminal velocity of a falling objectEver wonder why skydivers eventually reach a maximum speed when falling, even though the force of gravity in a vacuum will cause an object to continuall...
How to
Do Well in Physics
For some lucky individuals, being good at physics comes naturally. For the rest of us, however, getting a good grade in physics requires a significant amount of hard work. Luckily, by learning important foundational skil...
How to
Be a Successful Student
Successful students know how to focus on their studies when it matters while also taking breaks when they need them. They can manage their time wisely, stick to meaningful study schedules, and make the most of their time...
How to
Study for a Physics Exam
Physics is a difficult subject, and many students have trouble with it. If you have a physics test coming up, however, you can do well with good study strategies. Start by reviewing your class material and identifying al...
How to
Understand
It’s a part of reality that some things are more difficult to understand than others. Tackling a subject or question that you can’t seem to wrap your mind around can be hard sometimes. Luckily, even very complex conc...
How to Stay Motivated in Class, to Study & to Do Homework
The best tips to help you get motivated and stay focusedDo you have those days when you say to yourself, "I don't need school," or when you just can't find the motivation to pay attention in school or get your homework d...
How to
Calculate Average Velocity
All you need to calculate average velocity is the total displacement, or change in position, and the total time. Remember that velocity measures direction as well as speed, so include the direction in your answer, such a...
How to
Teach
Teaching well is an art rooted in practical, applied, behavioral sciences. There are definitely techniques that have been proven to work better than the typical "stand and deliver" lecture or presenting them with only li...
How to
Solve Any Physics Problem
Baffled as to where to begin with a physics problem? There is a very simply and logical flow process to solving any physics problem.
How to
Find Average Acceleration
Acceleration is a quantity that describes change in velocity, include both changes in speed and changes in direction. You can find the average acceleration to determine the average velocity of the object over a period of...
How to
Become a Physicist
If you’ve been fascinated by the wonders and mysteries of the universe from a young age, becoming a physicist might be the right career path for you. Your journey to becoming a physicist starts with meeting the educati...