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Notes 1.1 - Dimensional Analysis-Conversion
Notes 1.1 - Dimensional Analysis-Conversion
Note: There are differences between the metric system and the SI system (International
Systems of Units). Such as the measurement for temperature in the SI system is the Kelvin,
and the measurement for temperature in the metric system is the Celsius. However, they are
often interchangeable (at least when taking the difference) in problems, but not always.
Answer: 76 m (
1m
) = 7600 cm
12 in
The point of the last two examples was that it very much easier to do the conversion for
meter to centimeter in your head than it is yards to inches. The metric system is just an easier
system with less converting numbers.
Also, a chart of the different levels of the scale. Please learn that 1 kilo = 1000.
When converting units, in general, you want to divide out the unit that you were originally in,
and make sure that it is replaced by the unit that you want it to be in. Such as:
If that leaves you confused than maybe this will better explain it.
1
So when you multiply them together, you get:
( )( )
( )
Well, just like two divided by 2 is equal to 1 ( 2/2 = 1 ), the given units cancel out to make
1, leaving you only with the desired unit.
1.34 ( )
Or
1.34
(
)( )
1
Now ask yourself where does my kilogram (kg) go? The top or the bottom? Well, we
are trying to get rid of it correct? So it goes in the bottom (the denominator) since the
original kg is on the top (in the numerator).
1.34
)(
)
1
You see where the grams went? It went in the top since it is replacing the kg.
So, what fills the xxxxs? Remember our conversion factor is 1 kg = 1000 g. That
means the 1000 always stays with the gram, and the 1 stays with the kg.
1.34 1000
)(
)
1
1
(240 ) (
240
(
)(
)
1
We want our km to be cancelled out so in the xxxx parentheses, our km should be in the
bottom.
240
1
(
)(
)
1
1.609
= 149 mi
3. Convert 60 mph to kph (mi/h to km/h). (Conversion factor: 1 mile = 1.609 km)
60 1.609
(
)(
)
1
Multiply together:
96.54
1
The miles cancel out, and you are left with:
= 96.54
43
)(
)
That means that my meter needs to go in the numerator (top). Which makes since
because I need my meter to replace my km, correct?
43
)(
)
1
Multiply them together.
43,000
My kilometer cancels out and I am left with meter per hour (m/h).
43,000
Or
43, 000
So, where does my hour in the xxxx bracket need to go? Remember it needs to cancel
43,000
43,000
That means my seconds must go in the bottom, and it makes sense because I want
43,000
).
43,000
(
)(
)
Conversion factor: 1 h = 3600 s because there are 60 minutes in an hour, and 60 seconds
in a minutes thus 60*60 = 3600.
43,000
1
)(
)
3600
Multiply out:
43000
3600
The hour on the top is divided by the hour in the bottom and you are left with m/s.
43000
3600
Now, divide 43000 by 3600 and your final answer is:
= 11.9
98
)(
)
98
(
)(
)
98 5280
(
)(
)
1
517440
517440
517440
(
)(
)
Still trying to get mile to inches. So far we have achieved getting mile to foot.
517440
(
)(
)
517440
(
)(
)
Conversion factor: 1 ft = 12 in
517440 12
(
)(
)
1
6,209,280
So we are in inch per hour but we wanted inch per second, so we must now eliminate the
hour.
6,209,280
(
)(
)
6,209,280
(
)(
)
6,209,280
(
)(
)
6,209,280
1
)(
)
3600
6,209,280
3600
So you have got your units correct now and are in in/s. Now finish the problem up by
dividing by 3600 and you get.
= 1724.8