Oscillations of coupled masses

This is relevant to your interests.

Speaking of Wolfram Alpha

You'd be surprised what it will answer. It knows physics too, not just math ...

Using Wolfram Alpha

It can be a bit tricky to get Wofram Alpha to understand what you want. A couple of key tricks (and I'll give examples) to make it easier:

Old PH105 Exams

I put up some old PH105 exams for you to look at - some with answers only, some with solutions.

They are easy problems compared to what you've been doing, but good practice nonetheless. For the final it will be advantageous to be able to quickly solve a larger number of straightforward problems, as opposed to our usual exams where you have to solve only a few tough problems.

Checking your code

In case you want to check that your code is working ...

If you use the drag equation

F_d = \frac{1}{2}\rho C A \vec{v}\cdot\vec{v}

with starting parameters

v_x=31\,\text{m/s} \\
v_y=35\,\text{m/s}\\
m=0.046\,\text{kg}\\
A=0.00143\,\text{m}^2\\
\rho=1.225\,\text{kg}/\text{m}^3\\
C=0.25

then you should get a range of 126 meters over level ground (and 221 meters with C=0, i.e., no drag).

Physics scholarships

If you are a physics major, it is not too late to apply for a scholarship.

Specifically, the E. Scott Barr scholarships have not yet been awarded. Tell your friends.

Coding for fun and profit

By the way: if you enjoy coding, I can probably find you an independent study in the department doing it for a real, live research project. Seriously - there are really not many students around who 1) enjoy coding, and 2) are any good at it. If you can answer yes to even one of those criteria, there is a job for you ...

In particular, the astronomers are always looking for someone, as are the condensed-matter theorists. The particle physicists also do a serious amount of numerical work, and could probably use your skills.

If you think you would be interested, let me know. You have the possibility of getting 400-level physics or astronomy credit during the semester, and actual cash during the summer. There is also no reason why it couldn't be a CBH project, that is not hard to arrange.

N.B. - Fortran is still in common use in physics, as are things like C/C++, python, etc.