Schools Problem sets for Young and Freedman University Physics (Y&F)

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The discussion centers around the challenges of self-studying physics using Young and Freedman's University Physics (13th edition). The original poster expresses frustration with the extensive number of problems in chapter 5, feeling overwhelmed and fatigued by the material. They seek recommendations for a more manageable set of problems to focus on, considering a switch to Kleppner and Kolenkow but are concerned about starting over and the availability of an answer key. Participants suggest that if problem-solving is taking too long, it may indicate a lack of understanding of the underlying physics concepts, recommending a careful review of the textbook. They also mention resources like MIT OpenCourseWare, which offers problem sets that mix original and textbook problems. The conversation highlights the importance of selecting problems wisely, advocating for a balanced approach that includes easy, intermediate, and challenging problems to enhance understanding rather than rote memorization.
Otto D.
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In the last year, I took a few Mooc online and I felt like my Physics was a bit rusty. So, I found myself a copy of Young and Freedman University Physics (13th edition) to do some self-study. The thing is, there is so many problems to do, I think that I’m on chapter 5 since the beginning of May. I try to skip the one dotted problems and the Bio problems (there’s always someone badly injured, in those problems, and it seems to hurt really bad), but still I am only at problem 92 (of 127). I must say, I’m a bit tired of chapter 5, and the more problems I do, the worst I get, it seems like. I suspect, they are getting more difficult though.

So I was wondering, does anyone know where I could find a set list of problems I should (or must) do?

Someone could maybe suggest me some problems.

Or maybe, I was thinking about switching to Kleppner and Kolenkow, but I don’t know if there’s an answer book and starting all over again would be a bit discouraging.
 
Otto D. said:
In the last year, I took a few Mooc online and I felt like my Physics was a bit rusty. So, I found myself a copy of Young and Freedman University Physics (13th edition) to do some self-study. The thing is, there is so many problems to do, I think that I’m on chapter 5 since the beginning of May. I try to skip the one dotted problems and the Bio problems (there’s always someone badly injured, in those problems, and it seems to hurt really bad), but still I am only at problem 92 (of 127). I must say, I’m a bit tired of chapter 5, and the more problems I do, the worst I get, it seems like. I suspect, they are getting more difficult though.

So I was wondering, does anyone know where I could find a set list of problems I should (or must) do?
Someone could maybe suggest me some problems.

Or maybe, I was thinking about switching to Kleppner and Kolenkow, but I don’t know if there’s an answer book and starting all over again would be a bit discouraging.

There is an answer key in the back for KK, however it requires knowledge of calculus 2. Calculus 3 is prefered.

It should take you no more than 15 min on a problem, maybe an hour for 3 star problems. Although there are a few problems that can take a day.

If it is taking you a long time to do the problems, then you are not understanding the actual physics. A careful Re read of the txt should be in order, when this occurs repeatedly.
 
I don't have my copy around but I do recall that there are a lot of exercises in there.

On MIT opencourseware there are in fact problem sets http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-01l-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2005/syllabus/
I haven't looked for an introductory E&M course but that might be on there as well.

You can see the assignments are a mix of original problems and textbook problems.

Edit;
I checked if they use your book for E&M but unfortunately they don't.
In a couple of days I can check my own book to see if there are must-do exercises in there.
Tag me if I forget which is a possibility since my finals will be done.
 
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I would say that it takes me around 15 minutes to do one problems. But with 117 problems to do, it means spending 32 hours on the problems of one chapter. At around one hour a day, you feel like (or at least, I feel like) at that pace you’re never going to reach the end. When you think that in a real college class, where the pace may be a little too fast, they will do the whole mechanic part in 15 weeks, it’s a bit discouraging. That's why I would like to limit myself to maybe 40 problems. (and maybe avoid the really tough ones that makes you feel like an idiot.)

From what I rememeber MIT courseware use the 11th edition.
 
Otto D. said:
I would say that it takes me around 15 minutes to do one problems. But with 117 problems to do, it means spending 32 hours on the problems of one chapter. At around one hour a day, you feel like (or at least, I feel like) at that pace you’re never going to reach the end. When you think that in a real college class, where the pace may be a little too fast, they will do the whole mechanic part in 15 weeks, it’s a bit discouraging. That's why I would like to limit myself to maybe 40 problems. (and maybe avoid the really tough ones that makes you feel like an idiot.)

From what I rememeber MIT courseware use the 11th edition.

Do good problems not problems that are not the same. I will use calculus for example. Many students approach calculus how they did algebra, ie by doing all the problems. This is not a smart way of studying. Learn concepts not memorization of problems. Yes you have to problem solve, however, when you are doing problems, do a few easy ones, then some intermediate ones, then some hard. Be wise on your choices. Then ask yourself do you understand? Analyze your solutions, we're you got stuck how u succeed, and ask is there a better way?
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
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