Fixed-point iteration for numerical solutions to equations in physics: Comment on “Solving introductory physics problems recursively using iterated maps” [Am. J. Phys., 93 , 336–343 (2025)]
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: English et al. recently described a method for “Solving an introductory physics problem using an iterative map” [Am. J. Phys. 93, 336–343 (2025)]; however, because their map is only conditionally stable, its domain of validity is restricted to a subset of possible system parameters. Here, we address this limitation by presenting an alternative solution based on an iterative map that is unconditionally stable, and which therefore converges for any choice of system parameters. Our approach illustrates the importance of experimenting with a range of iteration schemes when using the fixed-point method to solve non-linear equations in physics.
Source: American Journal of Physics
DOI: 10.1119/5.0274265
Author: J. J. Bissell
Institution: University of York
Language: English
Subfield: Numerical Analysis
Field: Mathematics
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7130502314