SI Units and Conversions Quiz
34 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the percentage uncertainty in the value of acceleration, given that a = 13 m/s² with a percentage uncertainty of 6.2%?

  • 0.8 m/s² (correct)
  • 1.3 m/s²
  • 2.6 m/s²
  • 0.6 m/s²

    • The area of a circle is calculated using the formula area = πr².

    True

    If the radius of a circle is 5 ± 0.3 cm, what is the percentage uncertainty in the radius?

    6%

    To show uncertainties on graphs, ___________ are used.

    <p>error bars</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their definitions:

    <p>Percentage uncertainty = A measure of the uncertainty of a value expressed as a percentage. Error bar = A graphical representation of the variability of data. Line of best fit = A straight or curved line that represents the general trend of the data. Gradient = The slope of a line that indicates how much one variable changes in relation to another.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the SI unit for temperature?

    <p>Kelvin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The SI unit for electric current is represented by the symbol 'C'.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the derived SI unit for force?

    <p>Newton (N)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    1 kWh is equivalent to __________ J.

    <p>3.6 x 10^6</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following prefixes corresponds to a multiplier of $10^{-3}$?

    <p>Milli</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Random errors can always be eliminated in physical measurements.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Convert 76 MeV to joules.

    <p>1.216 x 10^-11 J</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following SI units with their corresponding quantities:

    <p>kg = Mass m = Length s = Time mol = Amount of substance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a random error?

    <p>Electronic noise in a circuit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A micrometer has a higher resolution than a ruler.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean for an experiment to be repeatable?

    <p>The original experimenter can redo the experiment and obtain the same results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To reduce ________, you can measure larger quantities.

    <p>percentage and fractional uncertainty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Precision = Consistent measurements that fluctuate around a mean value Systematic error = Errors affecting accuracy due to apparatus faults Absolute Uncertainty = Uncertainty given as a fixed quantity Reproducibility = Different experimenters obtain the same results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the correct way to read the meniscus of a liquid in a measuring cylinder?

    <p>At eye level</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An example of a systematic error is electronic noise in a circuit.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does accuracy refer to in the context of measurements?

    <p>A measurement close to the true value.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the uncertainty in a reading when the smallest division is 2 mm?

    <p>±1 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The uncertainty in a measurement is always half the smallest division.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should uncertainties be reported to?

    <p>The same number of significant figures as the data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The difference in temperature for a thermometer displaying 298 ± 0.5 K and 273 ± 0.5 K is ______ ± ______ K.

    <p>25, 1</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of uncertainty with its calculation method:

    <p>Adding data = Add absolute uncertainties Multiplying data = Add percentage uncertainties Subtracting data = Add absolute uncertainties Dividing data = Add percentage uncertainties</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If you measure the time for 10 swings of a pendulum as 6.2 ± 0.1 s, what is the uncertainty for one swing?

    <p>±0.01 s</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Fixing one end of a ruler can help reduce uncertainty.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the formula to calculate the range for repeated data uncertainty?

    <p>half the range (largest - smallest value)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What formula is used to determine the percentage uncertainty in the y-intercept?

    <p>$|best y intercept - worst y intercept| / best y intercept \times 100$</p> Signup and view all the answers

    100 m is three orders of magnitude greater than 1 m.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the approximate area of a hydrogen atom, to the nearest order of magnitude?

    <p>$10^{-20} m^2$</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The percentage uncertainty formula using gradients is given by ________.

    <p>$(max gradient - min gradient) / 2 \times 100$</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following physical quantities with their orders of magnitude:

    <p>Diameter of a hydrogen atom = $10^{-10}$ m Diameter of nuclei = $10^{-14}$ m 100 m = $10^{2}$ m 1 m = $10^{0}$ m</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    SI Units and Prefixes

    • SI units are the fundamental units used to measure physical quantities.
    • The seven base SI units are:
      • Mass (m): kg (kilograms)
      • Length (l): m (metres)
      • Time (t): s (seconds)
      • Amount of substance (n): mol (moles)
      • Temperature (t): K (kelvin)
      • Electric current (I): A (amperes)
    • SI units of derived quantities can be obtained from their equations:
      • For example, the SI unit of force (F = ma) is kg m s⁻² (Newton, N).
    • Prefixes can be used to express very large or very small quantities:
      • Tera (T): 10¹²
      • Giga (G): 10⁹
      • Mega (M): 10⁶
      • Kilo (k): 10³
      • Centi (c): 10⁻²
      • Milli (m): 10⁻³
      • Micro (µ): 10⁻⁶
      • Nano (n): 10⁻⁹
      • Pico (p): 10⁻¹²
      • Femto (f): 10⁻¹⁵

    Converting Units

    • 1 eV (electron volt) = 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ J (joules)
    • 1 kWh (kilowatt hour) = 3.6 × 10⁶ J (joules) = 3.6 MJ (megajoules)

    Limitations of Physical Measurements

    • Random errors affect precision, leading to a spread of measurements around a mean value.
      • They cannot be completely eliminated.
      • Examples include electronic noise in an electrical circuit.
    • Systematic errors affect accuracy, causing all measurements to be consistently too high or too low.
      • Examples include:
        • Zero error in a balance.
        • Parallax error when reading a scale.

    Reducing Errors

    • To reduce random errors:
      • Take multiple measurements (at least 3) and calculate the mean.
      • Identify and discard anomalies.
      • Use computers, data loggers, or cameras to reduce human error and enable smaller intervals.
      • Employ appropriate equipment with higher resolution.
    • To reduce systematic errors:
      • Calibrate the apparatus by measuring a known value.
      • Correct for background radiation in relevant experiments.
      • Read the meniscus at eye level to minimize parallax error.
      • Use controls in experiments.

    Types of Measurements

    • Precision: Consistency of repeated measurements, clustered around a mean value. Doesn't necessarily guarantee accuracy.
    • Repeatability: Ability to obtain the same results when the original experimenter repeats the experiment using the same equipment and method.
    • Reproducibility: Ability to obtain the same results when a different person or different equipment and methods are used.
    • Accuracy: How close a measurement is to the true value.
    • Resolution: Smallest change in the quantity being measured that produces a noticeable change in the reading.

    Uncertainty in Measurements

    • Uncertainty: Represents the range within which the true value is likely to fall.
      • Example: 20°C ± 2°C - The true value is likely between 18°C and 22°C.
    • Absolute Uncertainty: A fixed quantity added or subtracted from the measurement.
      • Example: 7 ± 0.6 V
    • Fractional Uncertainty: Uncertainty expressed as a fraction of the measured value.
      • Example: 7 ± 3/7 V
    • Percentage Uncertainty: Uncertainty as a percentage of the measured value.
      • Example: 7 ± (3/7) × 100% = 42.9% V

    Determining Uncertainty

    • Readings: Single value obtained directly, e.g., reading a thermometer.
      • Uncertainty is ± half the smallest division. 
    • Measurements: Difference between two readings, e.g., using a ruler.
      • Uncertainty is at least ± 1 smallest division, considering the uncertainty of both starting and ending points.
    • Digital Readings and Given Values: Uncertainty assumed to be ± the last significant digit, unless explicitly stated.
    • Repeated Data: Uncertainty is half the range (largest - smallest value) divided by the number of repeats.

    Combining Uncertainties

    • Adding/Subtracting: Add the absolute uncertainties.
    • Multiplying/Dividing: Add the percentage uncertainties.
    • Raising to a Power: Multiply the percentage uncertainty by the power.

    Uncertainties in Graphs

    • Error Bars: Represent uncertainties on graphs.
      • The length of the error bar equals the absolute uncertainty.
    • Line of Best Fit: Should pass through all error bars, excluding anomalous points.
    • Uncertainty in Gradient: Found by drawing lines of best and worst fit, going through all error bars.
      • Uncertainty is the difference between the best and worst gradients.
    • Uncertainty in y-intercept: Calculated by considering the difference between the y-intercepts of the best and worst fit lines.

    Orders of Magnitude

    • Order of Magnitude: Power of ten that describes the size of an object.
      • Useful for comparing sizes.
      • Example: The diameter of nuclei has an order of magnitude of 10⁻¹⁴ m.
    • Nearest Order of Magnitude: Rounding a value to the nearest power of ten.

    Estimating Physical Quantities

    • Estimation: Approximating values of physical quantities.
    • Uses of Estimation:
      • Making comparisons.
      • Checking the reasonableness of calculated values.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    AQA Physics A-Level Section 1: Measurements and their Errors Notes PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on SI units, prefixes, and conversion between different measurement units. This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of physical quantities and how to express them accurately. Perfect for those studying physics or related fields!

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser