Chapter 1: Introduction To Physics: Answers To Even-Numbered Conceptual Questions

Chapter 1: Introduction to Physics
Answers to Even-Numbered Conceptual Questions

2. The quantity T + d does not make sense physically, because it adds together variables that have different
physical dimensions. The quantity d/T does make sense, however; it could represent the distance d traveled
by an object in the time T.
4. (a) 107 s; (b) 10,000 s; (c) 1 s; (d) 1017 s; (e) 108 s to 109 s.
Solutions to Problems and Conceptual Exercises

1. Picture the Problem: This is simply a units conversion problem.
Strategy: Multiply the given number by conversion factors to obtain the desired units.
1 gigadollars
Solution: (a) Convert the units: $114,000,000 × = 0.114 gigadollars
1 × 109 dollars
1 teradollars
(b) Convert the units again: $114,000,000 × = 1.14 × 10−4 teradollars
1 × 1012 dollars
Insight: The inside back cover of the textbook has a helpful chart of the metric prefixes.

1.0 × 10−6 m
Solution: (a) Convert the units: 70 μ m × = 7.0 × 10−5 m
μm
1.0 × 10−6 m 1 km
(b) Convert the units again: 70 μ m × × = 7.0 × 10−8 km
μm 1000 m

Gm 1 × 109 m
Solution: Convert the units: 0.3 × = 3 × 108 m/s
s Gm

teracalculation 1 × 1012 calculations 1 × 10−6 s

Solution: Convert the units: 70.72 × ×
s teracalculation μs
= 7.072 × 107 calculations/μ s
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1–1
Chapter 1: Introduction to Physics James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition
5. Picture the Problem: This is a dimensional analysis question.

Strategy: Manipulate the dimensions in the same manner as algebraic expressions.
Solution: 1. (a) Substitute dimensions x = vt

forthe variables:
⎛m⎞
m = ⎜ ⎟ ( s ) = m ∴ The equation is dimensionally consistent.
⎝s ⎠
2. (b) Substitute dimensions x = 12 at 2
for the variables:
⎛m⎞ 2
m = 12 ⎜ 2 ⎟ ( s ) = m ∴ dimensionally consistent
⎝s ⎠
3. (c) Substitute dimensions 2x m
for the variables:
t= ⇒ s= 2
= s 2 = s ∴ dimensionally consistent
a ms
Insight: The number 2 does not contribute any dimensions to the problem.

Solution: 1. (a) Substitute dimensions ⎛m⎞

vt = ⎜ ⎟ ( s ) = m Yes
for the variables: ⎝s⎠
⎛m⎞ 2
2. (b) Substitute dimensions for the variables: 1
2
at 2 = 12 ⎜ 2 ⎟ ( s ) = m Yes
⎝s ⎠
⎛m⎞ m
3. (c) Substitute dimensions for the variables: 2at = 2 ⎜ 2 ⎟ ( s ) = No
⎝s ⎠ s
v2 ( m s )
2
4. (d) Substitute dimensions for the variables: = =m Yes

a m s2
Insight: When squaring the velocity you must remember to square the dimensions of both the numerator (meters) and
the denominator (seconds).

Solution: 1. (a) Substitute dimensions ⎛m⎞ 2

1
at 2 = 12 ⎜ 2 ⎟ ( s ) = m No
for the variables: 2
⎝s ⎠
⎛m⎞ m
2. (b) Substitute dimensions for the variables: at = ⎜ 2 ⎟ ( s ) = Yes
⎝s ⎠ s
2x 2m
3. (c) Substitute dimensions for the variables: = =s No
a m s2
⎛m⎞ m
4. (d) Substitute dimensions for the variables: 2ax = 2 ⎜ 2 ⎟ ( m ) = Yes
⎝s ⎠ s
Insight: When taking the square root of dimensions you need not worry about the positive and negative roots; only the
positive root is physical.
Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. This material is protected under all copyright laws as they currently exist. No
1–2

Solution: Substitute dimensions for the variables: v 2 = 2ax p

2
⎛m⎞ ⎛m⎞
⎜ ⎟ = ⎜ 2 ⎟(m)
p
⎝ s ⎠ ⎝s ⎠
m 2 = m p +1 therefore p = 1

Solution: Substitute dimensions a = 2x t p

for the variables:
[L]
2
= [L][T] p
[T]
[T]−2 = [T] p therefore p = −2

Solution: Substitute dimensions for the v = v0 + at
variables on both sides of the equation:
[L] [L] [L]
= + [T]
[T] [T] [T]2
[L] [L]
= It is dimensionally consistent!
[T] [T]
Insight: Two numbers must have the same dimensions in order to be added or subtracted.

Solution: Substitute dimensions for the variables, [L]

where [M] represents the dimension of mass: F = ma = [M]
[T]2
Insight: This unit (kg m/s2) will later be given the name “Newton.”

Strategy: Solve the formula for k and substitute the units.
m m 4π 2 m
Solution: 1. Solve for k: T = 2π square both sides: T 2 = 4π 2 or k =
k k T2
2. Substitute the dimensions, where [M] [M]
k=
represents the dimension of mass: [T]2
Insight: This unit will later be renamed “Newton/m.” The 4π2 does not contribute any dimensions.
1–3
13. Picture the Problem: This is a significant figures question.

Strategy: Follow the given rules regarding the calculation and display of significant figures.
Solution: (a) Round to the 3rd digit: 3.14159265358979 ⇒ 3.14
(b) Round to the 5th digit: 3.14159265358979 ⇒ 3.1416
(c) Round to the 7th digit: 3.14159265358979 ⇒ 3.141593

Insight: It is important not to round numbers off too early when solving a problem because excessive rounding can
cause your answer to significantly differ from the true answer.

Solution: Round to the 3rd digit: 2.9979 × 108 m/s ⇒ 3.00 × 108 m/s
Insight: It is important not to round numbers off too early when solving a problem because excessive rounding can
cause your answer to significantly differ from the true answer.
15. Picture the Problem: The parking lot is a rectangle. 144.3 m

Strategy: The perimeter of the parking lot is the sum of the lengths of
its four sides. Apply the rule for addition of numbers: the number of 47.66 m 47.66 m
decimal places after addition equals the smallest number of decimal
places in any of the individual terms. 144.3 m
Solution: 1. Add the numbers: 144.3 + 47.66 + 144.3 + 47.66 m = 383.92 m

2. Round to the smallest number of decimal
383.92 m ⇒ 383.9 m
places in any of the individual terms:
Insight: Even if you changed the problem to ( 2 × 144.3 m ) + ( 2 × 47.66 m ) you’d still have to report 383.9 m as the
answer; the 2 is considered an exact number so it’s the 144.3 m that limits the number of significant digits.
16. Picture the Problem: The weights of the fish are added.
Strategy: Apply the rule for addition of numbers, which states that the number of decimal places after addition equals
the smallest number of decimal places in any of the individual terms.
Solution: 1. Add the numbers: 2.35 + 12.1 + 12.13 lb = 26.58 lb
2. Round to the smallest number of decimal
26.58 lb ⇒ 26.6 lb
places in any of the individual terms:
Insight: The 12.1 lb rock cod is the limiting figure in this case; it is only measured to within an accuracy of 0.1 lb.

Solution: 1. (a) The leading zeros are not significant: 0.0000 5 4 has 2 significant figures
2. (b) The middle zeros are significant: 3.0 0 1×105 has 4 significant figures
Insight: Zeros are the hardest part of determining significant figures. Scientific notation can remove the ambiguity of
whether a zero is significant because any trailing zero to the right of the decimal point is significant.
1–4

Strategy: Apply the rule for multiplication of numbers, which states that the number of significant figures after
multiplication equals the number of significant figures in the least accurately known quantity.
A = π r 2 = π (14.37 m ) = 648.729144 m 2 ⇒ 648.7 m 2

2
Solution: 1. (a) Calculate the area and
round to four significant figures:
A = π r 2 = π ( 3.8 m ) = 45.3645979 m 2 ⇒ 45 m 2
2
2. (b) Calculate the area and round to
two significant figures:
Insight: The number π is considered exact so it will never limit the number of significant digits you report in an answer.
19. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

Strategy: Multiply the known quantity by appropriate conversion factors to change the units.
⎛ m ⎞⎛ 3.28 ft ⎞ ft
Solution: 1. (a) Convert to feet per second: ⎜ 23 ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 75
⎝ s ⎠⎝ 1 m ⎠ s
⎛ m ⎞⎛ 1 mi ⎞⎛ 3600 s ⎞ mi
2. (b) Convert to miles per hour: ⎜ 23 ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 51
⎝ s ⎠⎝ 1609 m ⎠⎝ 1 hr ⎠ h
Insight: Conversion factors are conceptually equal to one, even though numerically they often equal something other
than one. They are often helpful in displaying a number in a convenient, useful, or easy-to-comprehend fashion.

( 631 m ) ⎛⎜
3.28 ft ⎞
Solution: 1. (a) Find the length in feet: ⎟ = 2069 ft
⎝ 1m ⎠
⎛ 3 ft ⎞
2. Find the width in feet: ( 707 yd ) ⎜ ⎟ = 2121 ft
⎝ 1 yd ⎠
3. Find the volume in cubic feet: V = LWH = ( 2069 ft )( 2121 ft )(110 ft ) = 4.83 ×108 ft 3
3
⎛ 1m ⎞
4. (b) Convert to cubic meters: ( 4.83 ×10 8
ft 3 ) ⎜ ⎟ = 1.37 × 10 m
⎝ 3.28 ft ⎠
7 3

( 2.5 cubit ) ⎛⎜
17.7 in ⎞⎛ 1 ft ⎞
Solution: 1. Find the length in feet: ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 3.68 ft
⎝ 1 cubit ⎠⎝ 12 in ⎠
(1.5 cubit ) ⎛⎜
17.7 in ⎞⎛ 1 ft ⎞
2. Find the width and height in feet: ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 2.21 ft
⎝ 1 cubit ⎠⎝ 12 in ⎠
3. Find the volume in cubic feet: V = LWH = ( 3.68 ft )( 2.21 ft )( 2.21 ft ) = 18 ft 3
1–5

Strategy: Convert the frequency of cesium-133 given on page 4 to units of microseconds per megacycle, then multiply
by the number of megacycles to find the elapsed time.
Solution: Convert to micro ⎛ 1s ⎞ ⎛ 1× 106 cycles ⎞ ⎛ 1 μ s ⎞ μs

seconds per megacycle and ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟×⎜ −6 ⎟ = 108.7827757
⎝ 9,192, 631, 770 cycles ⎠ ⎝ Mcycle ⎠ ⎝ 1× 10 s ⎠ Mcycle
multiply by 1.5 megacycles:
μs
108.7827757 × 1.5 Mcycle = 160 μ s = 1.6 × 10− 4 s
Mcycle
Insight: Only two significant figures remain in the answer because of the 1.5 Mcycle figure given in the problem
statement. The metric prefix conversions are considered exact and have an unlimited number of significant figures, but
most other conversion factors have a limited number of significant figures.

( 3212 ft ) ⎛⎜
1 mi ⎞⎛ 1.609 km ⎞
Solution: Convert feet to kilometers: ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 0.9788 km
⎝ 5280 ft ⎠⎝ 1 mi ⎠

⎛ 1 msg ⎞⎛ 3600 s ⎞⎛ 24 h ⎞⎛ 7 d ⎞ 4 msg

Solution: Convert seconds to weeks: ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 9 ×10
⎝ 7 s ⎠⎝ h ⎠⎝ d ⎠⎝ wk ⎠ wk
Insight: In this problem there is only one significant figure associated with the phrase, “7 seconds.”

(108 ft ) ⎛⎜
1m ⎞
Solution: Convert feet to meters: ⎟ = 32.9 m
⎝ 3.28 ft ⎠

0.20 g ⎞ ⎛ 1 kg ⎞⎛ 2.21 lb ⎞
Solution: Convert carats to pounds: ( 530.2 ct ) ⎛⎜
⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 0.23 lb
⎝ ct ⎠ ⎝ 1000 g ⎠⎝ kg ⎠
1–6

Solution: 1. (a) The speed must be greater than 55 km/h because 1 mi/h = 1.609 km/h.
⎛ mi ⎞⎛ 1.609 km ⎞ km
2. (b) Convert the miles to kilometers: ⎜ 55 ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 88
⎝ h ⎠⎝ mi ⎠ h

⎛ 8 m ⎞⎛ 1 mi ⎞⎛ 3600 s ⎞ 8 mi
Solution: Convert m/s to miles per hour: ⎜ 3.00 ×10 ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 6.71×10
⎝ s ⎠⎝ 1609 m ⎠⎝ 1 h ⎠ h

⎛ m ⎞⎛ 3.28 ft ⎞ ft
Solution: Convert to ft per second per second: ⎜ 98.1 2 ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 322 2
⎝ s ⎠⎝ 1 m ⎠ s

Strategy: Multiply the known quantity by appropriate conversion factors to change the units. In this problem, one
“jiffy” corresponds to the time in seconds that it takes light to travel one centimeter.
⎛ 1s ⎞⎛ 1 m ⎞ −11 s jiffy
Solution: 1. (a): Determine the magnitude of a jiffy: ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 3.3357 × 10 =1
⎝ 2.9979 × 10 8
m ⎠⎝ 100 cm ⎠ cm cm
1 jiffy = 3.3357 × 10−11 s
(1 minute ) ⎛⎜
60 s ⎞⎛ 1 jiffy ⎞
⎟ = 1.7987 × 10 jiffy
12
2. (b) Convert minutes to jiffys: ⎟⎜ −11
⎝ 1 min ⎠⎝ 3.3357 ×10 s ⎠

Solution: 1. (a) Convert

cubic feet to mutchkins:
(1 ft ) ⎜⎝⎛ 28.3
3
3
L ⎞⎛ 1 mutchkin ⎞
⎟⎜
ft ⎠⎝ 0.42 L ⎠
⎟ = 67 mutchkin
⎛ 0.28 mutchkin ⎞ ⎛ 0.42 L ⎞ ⎛ 1 gal ⎞

2. (b) Convert noggins to gallons: (1 noggin ) ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 0.031 gal
⎝ noggin ⎠ ⎝ mutchkin ⎠ ⎝ 3.785 L ⎠
Insight: To convert noggins to gallons, multiply the number of noggins by 0.031 gal/noggin. Conversely, there are 1
noggin/0.031 gal = 32 noggins/gallon. That means a noggin is about half a cup.
1–7
32. Picture the Problem: The volume of the oil is spread out into a slick that is one molecule thick.
Strategy: The volume of the slick equals its area times its thickness. Use this fact to find the area.
Solution: Calculate the area for V 1.0 m3 ⎛ 1 μ m ⎞

A= = ⎜ ⎟ = 2.0 × 10 m
6 2
the known volume and thickness: h 0.50 μ m ⎝ 1× 10−6 m ⎠
Insight: Two million square meters is about 772 square miles!

Strategy: Multiply the known quantity by appropriate conversion factors to change the units. Then use a ratio to find
the factor change in part (b).
⎛ 1 m2 ⎞
Solution: 1. (a) Convert square inches to square meters: A = ( 8.5 in × 11 in ) ⎜ 2 ⎟
= 0.060 m 2
⎝ 1550 in ⎠
Anew LnewWnew ( 12 Lold )( 12 Wold ) 1

2. (b) Calculate a ratio to find the new area: = = =
Aold LoldWold LoldWold 4
Anew = 1
4
Aold
Insight: If you learn to use ratios you can often make calculations like these very easily. Always put the new quantity
in the numerator and the old quantity in the denominator to make the new quantity easier to calculate at the end.

⎛ m ⎞⎛ 3.28 ft ⎞
Solution: 1. Convert m/s to ft/s: ⎜ 20.0 ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 65.6 ft/s
⎝ s ⎠⎝ m ⎠
⎛ m ⎞⎛ 1 mi ⎞⎛ 3600 s ⎞
2. (b) Convert m/s to mi/h: ⎜ 20.0 ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 44.7 mi/h
⎝ s ⎠⎝ 1609 m ⎠⎝ 1 h ⎠

⎛ m ⎞⎛ 3.28 ft ⎞
⎟ = 32.2 ft/s
2
Solution: Convert meters to feet: ⎜ 9.81 2 ⎟⎜
⎝ s ⎠⎝ 1 m ⎠
36. Picture the Problem: The rows of seats are arranged into roughly a circle.
Strategy: Estimate that a baseball field is a circle around 300 ft in diameter, with 100 rows of seats around outside of
the field, arranged in circles that have perhaps an average diameter of 500 feet. The length of each row is then the
circumference of the circle, or πd = π(500 ft). Suppose there is a seat every 3 feet.
Solution: Multiply the quantities ⎛ ft ⎞⎛ 1 seat ⎞
N = (100 rows ) ⎜ π 500 ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 52, 400 seats ≅ 10 seats
5
to make an estimate: ⎝ row ⎠⎝ 3 ft ⎠
Insight: Some college football stadiums can hold as many as 100,000 spectators, but most less than that. Still, for an
order of magnitude we round to the nearest factor of ten, in this case it’s 105.
1–8
37. Picture the Problem: Suppose all milk is purchased by the gallon in plastic containers.
Strategy: There are about 300 million people in the United States, and if each of these were to drink a half gallon of
milk every week, that’s about 25 gallons per person per year. Each plastic container is estimated to weigh about an
ounce.
Solution: 1. (a) Multiply the
quantities to make an estimate:
( 300 ×10 6
people ) ( 25 gal/y/person ) = 7.5 × 109 gal/y ≅ 1010 gal/y
2. (b) Multiply the gallons by ⎛ 1 lb ⎞

the weight of the plastic: (1×10 10
gal/y ) (1 oz/gal ) ⎜
⎝ 16 oz
⎟ = 6.25 × 10 lb/y ≅ 10 lb/y
⎠
8 9
Insight: About half a billion pounds of plastic! Concerted recycling can prevent much of these containers from
clogging up our landfills.
38. Picture the Problem: The Earth is roughly a sphere rotating about its axis.
Strategy: Use the fact the Earth spins once about its axis every 24 hours to find the estimated quantities.
Solution: 1. (a) Divide distance by time: d 3000 mi

v= = = 1000 mi/h ≅ 103 mi/h
t 3h
2. (b) Multiply speed by 24 hours: circumference = vt = ( 3000 mi/h )( 24 h ) = 24, 000 mi ≅ 104 mi
circumference 24, 000 mi

3. (c) Circumference equals 2πr: r= = = 3800 mi = 103 mi
2π 2π
Insight: These estimates are “in the ballpark.” The speed of a point on the equator is 1038 mi/h, the circumference of
the equator is 24,900 mi, and the equatorial radius of the Earth is 3963 mi.
39. Picture the Problem: The lottery winnings are represented either by quarters or paper dollars.
Strategy: There are about 5 quarters and about 30 dollar bills per ounce.
⎛ 1 oz ⎞ ⎛ 1 lb ⎞
Solution: 1. (a) Multiply by
conversion factors:
( 4 ×12 ×10 6
quarters ) ⎜
5 quarters
⎟⎜
⎝ 16 oz
⎟ = 600, 000 lb ≅ 10 lb
⎠
6
⎝ ⎠
⎛ 1 oz ⎞⎛ 1 lb ⎞
2. (b) Repeat for the dollar bills: (12 ×10 6
dollars ) ⎜
⎝ 30 dollars
⎟⎜
⎠⎝ 16 oz
⎟ = 25, 000 lb ≅ 10 lb
⎠
4
Insight: Better go with large denominations or perhaps a single check when you collect your lottery winnings! Even
the dollar bills weigh over ten tons!
1–9

Solution: 1. (a) Substitute v = at

dimensions for the variables:
m ⎛m⎞ m
= ⎜ 2 ⎟ (s ) = ∴ The equation is dimensionally consistent.
s ⎝s ⎠ s
2. (b) Substitute dimensions v = 12 at 2
for the variables:
m 1⎛m⎞ 2
≠ ⎜ ⎟ ( s ) = m ∴ NOT dimensionally consistent
s 2 ⎝ s2 ⎠
3. (c) Substitute dimensions a m s2 1
t= ⇒ s≠ = ∴ NOT dimensionally consistent
for the variables: v ms s
4. (d) Substitute dimensions v 2 = 2a x
for the variables:
m2 ⎛m⎞ m2
= 2 ⎜ 2⎟ ( m ) = ∴ dimensionally consistent
s2 ⎝s ⎠ s2

Solution: 1. (a) Substitute dimensions xt 2 = ( m )( s ) = m ⋅ s 2
2
No
for the variables:
v2 m2 s2 m
2. (b) Substitute dimensions for the variables: = = 2 Yes
x m s
x m
3. (c) Substitute dimensions for the variables: = Yes
t 2 s2
v ms m
4. (d) Substitute dimensions for the variables: = = 2 Yes
t s s
Insight: One of the equations to be discussed later is for calculating centripetal acceleration, where we’ll note that
acentripetal = v 2 r has units of acceleration, as we verified in part (b).

⎛ 1× 10−9 m ⎞ ⎛ 1 mm ⎞
Solution: 1. (a) Convert nm to mm: ( 675 nm ) ⎜ ⎟⎜ −3
−4
⎟ = 6.75 × 10 mm
⎝ 1 nm ⎠ ⎝ 1 × 10 m ⎠
⎛ 1× 10−9 m ⎞ ⎛ 39.4 in ⎞
2. (b) Convert nm to in: ( 675 nm ) ⎜ ⎟⎜
−5
⎟ = 2.66 × 10 mm
⎝ 1 nm ⎠⎝ 1 m ⎠

⎛ ft ⎞ ⎛ 1 m ⎞ ⎛ 1 day ⎞ −4
Solution: Convert ft/day to m/s: ⎜ 210 ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 7.41× 10 m/s
⎝ day ⎠ ⎝ 3.28 ft ⎠ ⎝ 86400 s ⎠
1 – 10

⎛ 605 beats ⎞⎛ 60 s ⎞
⎟ = 3.63 × 10 beats/min
4
Solution: 1. (a) Convert seconds to minutes: ⎜ ⎟⎜
⎝ s ⎠⎝ min ⎠
⎛ 1s ⎞⎛ 9,192, 631, 770 cycles ⎞
2. (b) Convert beats to cycles: ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 15,194, 433 cycles/beat
⎝ 605 beats ⎠⎝ s ⎠

(10.0 ft ) ⎛⎜
1m ⎞
Solution: 1. Convert ten feet to m: ⎟ = 3.05 m above the water
⎝ 3.28 ft ⎠
(10.0 knot ) ⎛⎜
1.0 n.mi/hr ⎞⎛ 1.852 km ⎞⎛ 1000 m ⎞⎛ 1 hr ⎞
2. Convert ten knots to m/s: ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 5.14 m/s
⎝ knot ⎠⎝ n.mi ⎠⎝ km ⎠⎝ 3600 s ⎠
Insight: If we were to describe the flying parameters of the helicopter in SI units, we would say it is flying “3 and 5”!

Solution: 1. (a) The acceleration must be greater than 14 ft/s2 because there are about 3 ft per meter.
2. (b) Convert m/s2 to ft/s2: ⎛ m ⎞⎛ 3.28 ft ⎞ ft

⎜14 2 ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 46 2
⎝ s ⎠⎝ m ⎠ s
2
3. (c) Convert m/s2 to km/h2: ⎛ m ⎞⎛ 1 km ⎞⎛ 3600 s ⎞ 5 km
⎜14 2 ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 1.8 × 10
⎝ s ⎠⎝ 1000 m ⎠⎝ h ⎠ h2

⎛ m ⎞⎛ 1 mi ⎞⎛ 3600 s ⎞ mi
Solution: 1. (a) Convert m/s to mi/h: ⎜140 ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 310
⎝ s ⎠⎝ 1609 m ⎠⎝ 1 h ⎠ h
⎛ m ⎞ ⎛ 1× 10−3 s⎞ m
2. (b) Convert m/s to m/ms ⎜ 140 ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 0.14 × 5.0 ms = 0.70 m
⎝ s ⎠ ⎝ 1 ms ⎠ ms

⎛ mg ⎞ ⎛ 1× 10 −3 g ⎞ ⎛ 1440 min ⎞ g
Solution: 1. (a) Convert mg/min to g/day: ⎜1.6 ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 2.3
⎝ min ⎠⎝ mg ⎠⎝ 1 day ⎠ day
Δm 0.0075 kg × 1000 g/kg

2. (b) Divide the mass gain by the rate: t= = = 3.3 days
rate 2.3 g/day
1 – 11
49. Picture the Problem: The probe rotates many times per minute.
Strategy: Find the time it takes the probe to travel 150 yards and then determine how many rotations occurred during
that time interval. Convert units to figure out the distance moved per revolution.
⎛ 1 s ⎞ ⎛ 30.5 cm ⎞ ⎛ 3 ft ⎞ s
Solution: 1. (a) Find the time to travel 150 yards: ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 2.95 × 150 yd = 443 s
⎝ 31 cm ⎠⎝ ft ⎠⎝ yd ⎠ yd
⎛ 7 rev ⎞⎛ 1 min ⎞
2. Find the number of rotations in that time: ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ × 443 s = 51.6 rev = 51 complete revolutions
⎝ min ⎠⎝ 60 s ⎠
⎛ 1 min ⎞⎛ 60 s ⎞⎛ 31 cm ⎞⎛ 1 ft ⎞
3. (b) Convert min/rev to ft/rev: ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ = 8.7 ft/rev
⎝ 7 rev ⎠⎝ 1 min ⎠⎝ s ⎠⎝ 30.5 cm ⎠

Strategy: Find p to make the length dimensions match and q to make the time dimensions match.
p
[L] ⎛ [L] ⎞
Solution: 1. Make the length dimensions match: =⎜ ⎟ [T] implies p = 1
q
[T]2 ⎝ [T] ⎠
1 [T]q
2. Now make the time units match: 2
= or [T]−2 = [T]q [T]−1 implies q = −1
[T] [T]1
Insight: Sometimes you can determine whether you’ve made a mistake in your calculations simply by checking to
ensure the dimensions work out correctly on both sides of your equations.

Strategy: Find q to make the time dimensions match and then p to make the distance dimensions match. Recall L must
have dimensions of meters and g dimensions of m/s2.
⎛ [ L] ⎞
q
[T] = [ L ] ⎜ 2 ⎟ = [ L] ([ L] [T]−2 ) implies q = − 12

p p q
Solution: 1. Make the time dimensions match:
⎝ [T] ⎠
− 12
p ⎛ [L] ⎞
2. Now make the distance units match: [T] = [ L ] ⎜ 2 ⎟ implies p = 1
2
⎝ [T] ⎠
Insight: Sometimes you can determine whether you’ve made a mistake in your calculations simply by checking to
ensure the dimensions work out correctly on both sides of your equations.
52. Picture the Problem: Your car travels 1.0 mile in each situation, but the speed and times are different in the second
case than the first.
Strategy: Set the distances traveled equal to each other, then mathematically solve for the initial speed v0. The known
quantities are that the change in speed is Δv = 7.9 mi/h and the change in time is Δ t = −13 s.
Solution: 1. Set the distances equal: d1 = d 2
2. Substitute for the distances: v0t = ( v0 + Δv )( t + Δt )

3. Multiply the terms on the right side: v0 t = v0 t + Δv t + Δtv0 + ΔvΔt
d ⎛d⎞
4. Subtract v0 t from both sides and substitute t = : 0 = Δv ⎜ ⎟ + v0 Δt + ΔvΔt
v0 ⎝ v0 ⎠
5. Multiply both sides by v0 and rearrange: 0 = v02 Δt + ( ΔvΔt ) v0 + Δvd
1 – 12
−ΔvΔt ± Δv 2 Δt 2 − 4 ( Δt )( Δvd )
6. Solve the quadratic equation for v0 : v0 =
2Δt
⎛ mi ⎞ ⎛ 1h ⎞
7. Substitute in the numbers: ΔvΔt = ⎜ +7.9 ⎟ ( −13 s ) ⎜ ⎟ = − 0.0285 mi and
⎝ h ⎠ ⎝ 3600 s ⎠
⎛ 1h ⎞
Δt = ( −13 s ) ⎜ ⎟ = − 0.00361 h, and d = 1 mi
⎝ 3600 s ⎠
− ( − 0.0285 mi ) ± ( − 0.0285 mi ) − 4 ( − 0.0285 mi )(1mi )

2
8. Find v0 : v0 =
2 ( − 0.00361 h )
v0 = 43 mi/h , − 51 mi/h
Insight: This was a very complex problem, but it does illustrate that it is necessary to know how to convert units in
order to properly solve problems. The units must be consistent with each other in order for the math to succeed.
53. Picture the Problem: The snowy cricket chirps at a rate that is linearly dependent upon the temperature.
Strategy: Take note of the given mathematical relationship between the number of chirps N in 13 seconds and the
temperature T in Fahrenheit. Use the relationship to determine the appropriate graph of N vs. T.
Solution: The given formula, N = T − 40, is a linear equation of the form y = mx + b. By comparing the two
expressions we see that N is akin to y, T is akin to x, the slope m = 1.00 chirps °F−1, and b = −40 °F. In the displayed
graphs of N vs. T, only two of the plots are linear, plots A and C, so we consider only those. Of those two, only one has
an intercept of −40 °F, so we conclude that the correct plot is plot C.
Insight: Plot B would be an appropriate depiction of a formula like N = T 2 − 40.
Strategy: Use the given formula to determine the number of chirps N in 13 seconds, and then use that rate to find the
time elapsed for the snowy cricket to chirp 12 times.
N T − 40 43 − 40 0.23 chirps
Solution: 1. Find the number of chirps per second: = = =
t 13 s 13 s s
1s
2. Find the time elapsed for 12 chirps: × 12 chirps = 52 s
0.23 chirp
Insight: Note that we can employ either the ratio 0.23 chirp 1 s or the ratio 1 s 0.23 chirp, whichever is most useful for
answering the particular question that is posed.
Strategy: Use the given formula to determine the temperature T that corresponds to the given number of chirps per
minute by your pet cricket.
N 112 chirps 1.87 chirps
Solution: 1. Find the number of chirps per second: = =
t 60.0 s s
1.87 chirps
2. Find the number of chirps N per 13 s: N= × 13.0 s = 24.3 chirps
1s
3. Determine the temperature from the formula: N = T − 40.0 ⇒ T = N + 40.0 = 24.3 + 40°F = 64.3°F
Insight: The number of significant figures might be limited by the precision of the numbers 13 and 40 that are given in
the description of the formula. In this case we interpreted them as exact and let the precision of the measurements 112
and 60.0 s limit the significant digits of our answer.
1 – 13
56. Picture the Problem: The cesium atom oscillates many cycles during the time it takes the cricket to chirp once.
Strategy: Find the time in between chirps using the given formula and then find the number of cycles the cesium atom
undergoes during that time.
N T − 40.0 65.0 − 40.0 chirps
Solution: 1. Find the time in between chirps: = = = 1.92
t 13.0 s 13.0 s s
⎛ 9,192, 631, 770 cycles ⎞ ⎛ 1s ⎞

⎟ = 4.78 × 10 cycles/chirp
9
2. Find the number of cesium atom cycles: ⎜ ⎟⎜
⎝ s ⎠ ⎝ 1.92 chirp ⎠
Insight: The number of significant figures might be limited by the precision of the numbers 13 and 40 that are given in
the description of the formula. In this case we interpreted them as exact and let the precision of the measurement 65.0°F
limit the significant digits of our answer.
1 – 14

Chapter 1: Introduction To Physics: Answers To Even-Numbered Conceptual Questions

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Chapter 1: Introduction To Physics: Answers To Even-Numbered Conceptual Questions

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Chapter 1: Introduction to Physics

Answers to Even-Numbered Conceptual Questions

Solutions to Problems and Conceptual Exercises

2. Picture the Problem: This is simply a units conversion problem.

3. Picture the Problem: This is simply a units conversion problem.

4. Picture the Problem: This is simply a units conversion problem.

teracalculation 1 × 1012 calculations 1 × 10−6 s

5. Picture the Problem: This is a dimensional analysis question.

Solution: 1. (a) Substitute dimensions x = vt

6. Picture the Problem: This is a dimensional analysis question.

Solution: 1. (a) Substitute dimensions ⎛m⎞

4. (d) Substitute dimensions for the variables: = =m Yes

7. Picture the Problem: This is a dimensional analysis question.

Solution: 1. (a) Substitute dimensions ⎛m⎞ 2

8. Picture the Problem: This is a dimensional analysis question.

Solution: Substitute dimensions for the variables: v 2 = 2ax p

9. Picture the Problem: This is a dimensional analysis question.

Solution: Substitute dimensions a = 2x t p

10. Picture the Problem: This is a dimensional analysis question.

11. Picture the Problem: This is a dimensional analysis question.

Solution: Substitute dimensions for the variables, [L]

12. Picture the Problem: This is a dimensional analysis question.

13. Picture the Problem: This is a significant figures question.

Solution: (a) Round to the 3rd digit: 3.14159265358979 ⇒ 3.14

(b) Round to the 5th digit: 3.14159265358979 ⇒ 3.1416

(c) Round to the 7th digit: 3.14159265358979 ⇒ 3.141593

14. Picture the Problem: This is a significant figures question.

15. Picture the Problem: The parking lot is a rectangle. 144.3 m

Solution: 1. Add the numbers: 144.3 + 47.66 + 144.3 + 47.66 m = 383.92 m

17. Picture the Problem: This is a significant figures question.

18. Picture the Problem: This is a significant figures question.

A = π r 2 = π (14.37 m ) = 648.729144 m 2 ⇒ 648.7 m 2

19. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

20. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

21. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

3. Find the volume in cubic feet: V = LWH = ( 3.68 ft )( 2.21 ft )( 2.21 ft ) = 18 ft 3

22. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

Solution: Convert to micro ⎛ 1s ⎞ ⎛ 1× 106 cycles ⎞ ⎛ 1 μ s ⎞ μs

23. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

24. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

⎛ 1 msg ⎞⎛ 3600 s ⎞⎛ 24 h ⎞⎛ 7 d ⎞ 4 msg

25. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

26. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

27. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

28. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

29. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

30. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

31. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

Solution: 1. (a) Convert

⎛ 0.28 mutchkin ⎞ ⎛ 0.42 L ⎞ ⎛ 1 gal ⎞

Solution: Calculate the area for V 1.0 m3 ⎛ 1 μ m ⎞

33. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

Anew LnewWnew ( 12 Lold )( 12 Wold ) 1

34. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

35. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

2. (b) Multiply the gallons by ⎛ 1 lb ⎞

Solution: 1. (a) Divide distance by time: d 3000 mi

circumference 24, 000 mi

40. Picture the Problem: This is a dimensional analysis question.

Solution: 1. (a) Substitute v = at

41. Picture the Problem: This is a dimensional analysis question.

42. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.

43. Picture the Problem: This is a units conversion problem.