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Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of using a method called chain-link conversion in physics?
What is the condition for using a conversion factor in chain-link conversion?
Why is it necessary to treat each number and its unit together in chain-link conversion?
What is the result of multiplying a physical quantity by a conversion factor?
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What is the purpose of the conversion factors given in Appendix D?
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What is the definition of the meter in the SI system?
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What is the purpose of sending accurate copies of the standard meter bar to standardizing laboratories?
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Why is it necessary to invert the conversion factor if unwanted units do not cancel?
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Study Notes
Unit Conversion
- Chain-link conversion is a method used to change the units of a physical quantity.
- In this method, the original measurement is multiplied by a conversion factor, which is a ratio of units equal to unity.
- Conversion factors can be used to cancel unwanted units in a conversion.
Examples of Conversion Factors
- 1 min = 60 s, so the ratios (1 min)/(60 s) and (60 s)/(1 min) can be used as conversion factors.
- These conversion factors can be used to convert between units, such as converting 2 min to seconds: 2 min = (2 min)(1) = (2 min)(60 s / 1 min) = 120 s.
Important Notes
- When introducing a conversion factor, make sure unwanted units cancel; if not, invert the factor and try again.
- Units obey the same algebraic rules as variables and numbers in conversions.
History of the Meter
- In 1792, the Republic of France established a new system of weights and measures with the meter as its cornerstone.
- The meter was initially defined as one ten-millionth of the distance from the north pole to the equator.
- Later, the definition was changed to be the distance between two fine lines on a platinum-iridium bar, the standard meter bar.
Standardization of the Meter
- The standard meter bar was kept at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures near Paris.
- Accurate copies of the bar were sent to standardizing laboratories around the world.
- These secondary standards were used to produce more accessible standards, ultimately allowing for widespread use of the meter.
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Description
This quiz covers the method of chain-link conversion, which involves multiplying the original measurement by a conversion factor to change units of a physical quantity.
