Course Code NSCI 111

Description College Physics 1

Laboratory
Title of
Exercise 001 Introduction
Activity
No.
Page 1 of 5
LABORATORY EXERCISE
Objective/s:
At the end of this activity, the students are expected to have been able to:
 Find conversion formulas in metric and SI units.
 Convert from Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates, and vice versa.

Material/s Needed:
 meterstick, ruler, yardstick, and protractor
 paper, and pencil
 calculator

Procedure:
A. Finding metric and SI units conversion formulas.
1. Use the meterstick to find the length and width of a piece of paper.
2. Record these measurements.
3. Do the same using the inch side of the ruler, and the yardstick.

Measurement
Trial No.
Meterstick Ruler (inch) Yardstick
1
2
3
Mean
Question: What is the conversion formula for centimeter, inch and yard?
a. Conversion formula for centimeter
cm * in * yd
cm in
Where:
1 cm = 0.39 in
1 in = 2.54 cm
1in = 0.03 yd
1 yd = 36 in.
1 yd = 91.44 cm

1
 Course Code NSCI 111

Description College Physics 1

Laboratory
Title of
Exercise 001 Introduction
Activity
No.
Page 2 of 5
LABORATORY EXERCISE

B. Converting from Cartesian Coordinates to Polar Coordinates

1. Plot the point (2,2) on the plane.
1. Use a ruler to measure its distance from the origin.
2. Use a protractor to measure the angle formed.

r
θ 45° 2

2
 Course Code NSCI 111

Description College Physics 1

Laboratory
Title of
Exercise 001 Introduction
Activity
No.
Page 3 of 5
LABORATORY EXERCISE

Question: What is the point (2,2) in polar form?

Converting from Cartesian Coordinates to Polar Coordinates
Use: Pythagoras Theorem (for hypotenuse)
r² = 2²+2²
r = √(2²+2²)
r = √(4+4)
r=√8
r = 2.8
Use the Tangent function (angle)
Tan (θ ¿ = 2 / 2
θ = tan-1 (2 / 2) = -1.6
The point (2,2) is (2.8 and -1,6) in polar coordinates

3
 Course Code NSCI 111

Description College Physics 1

Laboratory
Title of
Exercise 001 Introduction
Activity
No.
Page 4 of 5
LABORATORY EXERCISE
C. Converting from Polar to Rectangular Coordinates
1. Draw a 2-unit ray from the origin at an angle of 60 deg.
2. Use a ruler to measure the x and y-coordinates of the ray.

Y= 6.5

θ 60°

X = 3.8

Question: What is the point (2,60 deg) in rectangular coordinates?

Using the conversion formula from polar coordinates to rectangular coordinates

4
 Course Code NSCI 111

Description College Physics 1

Laboratory
Title of
Exercise 001 Introduction
Activity
No.
Page 5 of 5
LABORATORY EXERCISE
x = rcosθ
y = rsinθ
Where:
r=2
θ= 60deg.

Substitute:
(2) = cos(60deg)
y = (2) sin (60deg)

Value of cos(60deg) = ½
x = 2(1/2)
y = (2)sin(60deg)
cancel the common factor

Value of sin(60deg) = √ 3/ 2
x=1
y = 2 (√ 3/ 2)
cancel the common factor

x=1
y=√3

The point (2,60 degrees) in rectangular coordinates is (1, √ 3)