Physics (PSE) often gets questions from beginner physics students that would easily be answered in person, and are basic physics contained in a text: "How do I calculate the potential 3 cm from a point charge?"
Unless PSE is trying to become a compendium of introductory textbook physics, I wonder if a better answer would be "go ask your teacher" because then the user could easily answer related follow-up questions without cluttering the comment stream. (Admittedly, I've never shifted things to a chat room because I don't like on-line live conversations.)
I don't really mind answering the basics of a first basic question, but when follow-ups begin flowing, and it's obvious the questioner needs a lot of help, I believe that in-person face-to-face interaction would be better for them.
Or an alternate response could be: That's a related, but separate question. Post it as a new question. But if it is a student, why aren't they asking their teacher?
I wonder if some students are uncomfortable with human interaction. Or maybe teachers don't like answering questions and "telegraph" that to their students. </philosophical pondering>
