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Chapter 1 Measurement and Problem Solving

Chapter 1 Measurement and Problem Solving.

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Chapter 1 Measurement and Problem Solving

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  1. Chapter 1Measurement and Problem Solving Every branch of physics (and most other sciences) involves measurements and comparisons. In this chapter, we will introduce the SI units of measurement; base units, derived units, and prefixes. In particular, we will focus on the measurement of time, length, and mass. Next, we will show how to convert measured values between different units, and explore the concept of significant figures. The chapter will conclude with a discussion of problem solving in physics. Day 1 – May 6 – WBL 1.1-1.2

  2. 1.1 Why and How We Measure Physics attempts to describe nature in an objective way through measurement. Measurements are expressed in units; officially accepted units are called standard units. Major systems of standard units: • SI (Le Système international d’unités) • a.k.a. the “metric system” • adopted nearly worldwide (since 1973 in Canada) • Imperial or British units • Prevalent only in USA, Myanmar, and Liberia (but even then, not in the sciences). • Used for some purposes in UK and occasionally in Canada. For the most part, even the British don’t use them any more. • foot (ft), pound (lb), second (s)…technically “slug” instead of pound, for reasons that will be clear in a couple of weeks. Day 1 – May 6 – WBL 1.1-1.2

  3. 1.1 Why and How We Measure What are some examples of imperial units in use in Canada? We also use a few non-metric (but non-imperial) units – particularly when measuring time (minutes, hours, days) Day 1 – May 6 – WBL 1.1-1.2

  4. 1.2 SI Units of Length, Mass, and Time The SI system contains seven base units, which measurelength, mass, time, electric current, temperature, amount of substance, and luminous intensity. These are called “base units” because none of them can be expressed as combinations of the others. These seven units are believed to be all that are necessary to describe all phenomena in nature. PC141 only requires units of length, mass, and time, referred to in this chapter as M, L, and T. Electric current and temperature arise quite a bit in subsequent physics courses. The mole is constantly encountered in chemistry. The candela is rarely seen in undergraduate courses. As base units, the metre, kilogram, and second are all defined in terms of a physical standard. The textbook contains a good description of the standards currently in use, on pp. 4-6. Day 1 – May 6 – WBL 1.1-1.2

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