Writing Abstracts of Homework Problem Solutions: Implementation and Assessment in a Material Balances Course

Light inextensible string under tension is a stalwart feature of elementary physics. Here I show how considering such a string in the vicinity of a black hole, with the help of computer algebra systems, can generate insight into the Schwarzschild geometry in the context of an undergraduate homework problem. Light taut strings minimize their proper length, given by integrating the spatial component of the Schwarzschild metric along the string. The path itself is given by straightforward numerical solution to the Euler–Lagrange equations. If the string is entirely outside the event horizon, its closest approach to the singularity is tangential. At this point the string is visibly curved, surely a memorable and informative insight. The geometry of the Schwarzschild metric induces some interesting nonlocal phenomena: if the distance of closest approach is less than about [Formula: see text], the string self-intersects, even though it is everywhere under tension. Light taut strings furnish a third interpretation of the concept “straight line”, the other two being null geodesics and free-fall world lines. All the software used is available under the GPL.1

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Homework Problem Questionnaire—Parent Version

PsycTESTS Dataset ◽

10.1037/t41764-000 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

Thomas J. Power ◽

Marley W. Watkins ◽

Jennifer A. Mautone ◽

Christy M. Walcott ◽

Michael J. Coutts ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Homework Problem ◽

Parent Version

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The Bethe Homework Problem for Hot Neutron Matter in the Static Fluctuation Approximation

International Journal of Theoretical Physics ◽

10.1007/s10773-008-9666-5 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 47 (9) ◽

pp. 2326-2338 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

N. M. Ghulam ◽

M. K. Al-Sugheir ◽

H. B. Ghassib

Keyword(s):

Neutron Matter ◽

Homework Problem ◽

Static Fluctuation Approximation ◽

Static Fluctuation

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Understanding Accounting for Business Combinations: An Instructional Resource

Issues in Accounting Education ◽

10.2308/iace.2007.22.2.255 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 255-284

Author(s):

Hugo Nurnberg ◽

Jan Sweeney

Keyword(s):

Intangible Assets ◽

Financial Statements ◽

Merger And Acquisition ◽

Political Context ◽

Financial Accounting ◽

Business Combinations ◽

Fresh Start ◽

Instructional Resource ◽

Homework Problem

In explaining Statement No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141, FASB 2001b) and Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS No. 142, FASB 2001c), accounting textbooks do not adequately describe the theoretical choices the FASB considered or the economic and political context in which the FASB developed these statements. This instructional resource fills that gap. It compares purchase, pooling of interests (hereafter, pooling), and fresh start accounting, as well as various methods of accounting for goodwill under purchase and fresh start accounting; it also discusses the economic and political context in which the FASB deliberated. A simple example (and a separate more complicated homework problem) compares the effects of these methods on post-combination financial statements. The Teaching Notes discuss how to use this instructional resource to introduce these subjects and integrate them with other subjects covered in advanced financial accounting and merger and acquisition courses.

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