How to use - an example assignment

Example 1: Mechanics Problem

The Assignment Text

"A delivery truck with a mass of 2500 kg needs to come to a complete stop from a speed of 20 m/s. If the truck travels 40 meters while braking, what is the braking force applied by the brakes?"

Solution: Step-by-Step Variable Extraction

  1. Identify What You're Looking For (Unknown)

    • Look for question words: "what is...", "find...", "calculate...", "determine..."
    • In this case: "what is the braking force" → Unknown variable: Force (F)

  2. Find Given Values (Known Variables)

    • Look for numerical values with units
    • Extract from the text:
    • "mass of 2500 kg" → m = 2500 kg
    • "speed of 20 m/s" → v₀ = 20 m/s (initial velocity)
    • "complete stop" → v = 0 m/s (final velocity)
    • "travels 40 meters" → S = 40 m (displacement)

  3. Input into RyzykFizyk

You can run the app from Start menu. When the app is running you should be able to enter variables and constants from your assignment using the main form of the application:

Main screen screenshot

Known Variables: - Mass (m): 2500 kg - Initial velocity (v₀): 20 m/s - Final velocity (v): 0 m/s - Displacement (S): 40 m

Find: Force (F)

When you are ready, click Next to ask the software to produce a solution for you. When the solution is ready, you should be able to see it on the last screen of the program.

Solution screenshot

  1. How the Software Would Solve It

The program would recognize it can use the kinematic equation to find acceleration first:

v² = v₀² + 2aS 0 = 400 + 2a(40) a = -5 m/s²

Then apply Newton's Second Law:

F = ma = 2500 × (-5) = -12,500 N

The negative sign indicates the force opposes motion (braking).