Physics Measurement Systems Quiz

Measurement in Physics

• Experiments in physics support or challenge hypotheses and theories through measurement.
• Measurement involves comparing an object or phenomenon with a predefined standard.
• Standards and units are crucial for accurate measurements.

Systems of Units

• Two primary systems of units exist: the metric system and the English system.
• The metric system has variations known as the mks (meter-kilogram-second) and egs (centimeter-gram-second) systems.
• The English system, also called the fps (foot-pound-second) system, includes pound-force as a fundamental quantity.
• Key unit abbreviations include:
  • mks: meter, kilogram, second
  • egs: centimeter, gram, second
  • fps: foot, pound, second

International System of Units (SI)

• The SI (Système International d'Unités) is the modern version of the metric system.
• It is internationally agreed upon by the General Conference on Weights and Measures and legally enforced in most regions.
• Fundamental quantities in SI include:
  • Length
  • Mass
  • Time
  • Thermodynamic temperature
  • Electric current
  • Luminous intensity
  • Amount of substance

Fundamental and Derived Quantities

• Fundamental quantities are the basic, independent measures not derived from other quantities.
• Derived quantities are formed by combining fundamental quantities, such as:
  • Speed: defined as distance (length) divided by time.
  • Other derived quantities include acceleration, density, work, and energy.
• Base units for fundamental quantities in SI are:
  • Meter (length)
  • Kilogram (mass)
  • Second (time)
  • Kelvin (temperature)
  • Ampere (electric current)
  • Candela (luminous intensity)
  • Mole (amount of substance)
• Units for derived quantities stem from combinations of the above fundamental units.