Questions and Answers
What is Physics?
Fundamental of the sciences that explores matter and energy and their interaction.
Which of the following is not a field of Physics?
Who established the three laws of motion?
Physics does not overlap with other fields.
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What are base units?
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What is the metric base unit of mass?
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1 meter is defined as the distance light travels in __________ seconds.
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Which system of units is mainly used in this module?
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What is the SI unit of temperature?
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Significant figures decrease the accuracy of measurements.
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What is the purpose of unit conversions?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Physics
- Physics is the fundamental science that explores matter and energy and their interaction.
- Theoretical Physics develops theories and mathematics for the laws of physics.
- Applied Physics applies principles of physics to practical problems.
- Experimental Physics applies physics theories to build and work with scientific equipment, a mix of physics and engineering.
Fields of Physics
- Classical Mechanics: studies motion of bodies.
- Electricity and Magnetism: studies electric and magnetic phenomena.
- Quantum Mechanics: studies motion of small bodies.
- Optics: studies light.
- Acoustics: studies sound.
- Thermodynamics: studies heat.
- Solid-State Physics: studies solids.
- Plasma Physics: studies plasma (superheated matter).
- Atomic, Nuclear, and Particle Physics: studies atoms.
Contributions to Physics
- Galileo Galilei: investigated falling objects.
- Isaac Newton: established the three laws of motion.
- Michael Faraday: introduced electromagnetic induction.
- James Clerk Maxwell: published about the electromagnetic field.
Units of Measurement
- Measurements connect physical phenomena to mathematical analysis.
- Units compare a physical quantity against an agreed-upon standard.
- Clear definitions of physical units are necessary for scientific studies, trade, and commerce.
Systems of Units
- Two main systems of units: Imperial System of units and Metric System of units.
- Imperial System: developed by England, mainly used in the USA, UK, and Canada.
- Metric System: used in most parts of the world.
International System of Units (SI)
- SI units are based on the MKS system with additional units.
- 7 base units: Meter (m), Kilogram (kg), Second (s), Kelvin (K), Ampere (A), and others.
- Derived units are formed by combining base units.
International System of Units (SI) - Continued
- Prefixes can be added or removed from the beginning of units.
- Example: kg is the only SI base unit with a prefix.
Imperial System of Units
- Alike to United States Customary Units and British/English Engineering Units.
- SI prefixes like kilo, mega, and nano cannot be used with this system.
Unit Conversions
- Convert units by writing unit conversion factors as ratios and filling in numbers.
- Example: convert 7 feet to inches (recall, 1 ft = 12 in).
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Description
Introduction to physics and units of measurement. This quiz covers the basics of physics, including what physics is, units of measurement, international system of units, and unit conversions.