1 - Physical Quantities & Units

04 November 2022 14:35

1.2 - SI Quantities & Base Units
Quantity Unit Symbol
Mass Kilogram Kg
Length Meter m
Time Seconds s
Electric Current Ampere A
Temperature Kelvin K
Amount of Substance Moles mol
Luminous Intensity Candela cd

Prefix symbol Multiplying Factor

tera T 10 12
giga G 10 9
mega M 10 6
kilo k 10 3
deci d 10 -1
centi c 10 -2
milli m 10 -3
micro 𝑢 10 -6
nano n 10 -9
pico p 10 -12

Derived Units:
Quantity Unit Derived Unit
Frequency Hertz S -1
Velocity m/s ms -1
Acceleration m/s 2 ms -2
Force Newton Kgms -2
 Energy Joules Kg m 2 s-2
power Watts Kg m 2 s -3
Electric charge Coulombs As
Potential Difference Volts Kg m 2 s -3 A -1
Electrical Resistance Ohm Kg m2 s -3 A -2
Specific Heat Capacity J/Kg K m 2 s -2 k -1

Checking Equations:
- When the equation has the same base units on both sides then the equation is said to
be homogeneous
Example:
Work done = Force x Distance
L.H.S :
Work done = Energy = Kinetic Energy = 1/2 mv2
= kg m2 s -2
R.H.S:
Force x distance = Kg m s -2 x m = kgm2s-2

1.3 Scalar and Vector

A quantity which can be described completely using its magnitude is known as a scalar
quantity. A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.
Quantity Scalar Vector
mass
weight
speed
velocity
 acceleration
force
pressure
temperature

Vector Representation:
Addition of Vectors:
4N 3N = 7N

4N 3N = 1N

Example:
A ship is travelling due north with a speed of 12 Km/h relative to the water. There is a
current in the water flowing at 4.0 km/h in an easterly direction. Determine the
velocity of the ship by:
A) scale drawing
B) Calculation
A) By scale drawing
Scale: 1 cm represents 2 km/h
▪ Draw the first vector using a scale
▪ Now draw the second vector from the head of the first vector
▪ The resultant vector will be drawn from the tail of the first
vector till the head of the second vector.
▪ Measure the magnitude of the resultant vector using a ruler
and convert it to the original value using the scale
 B) Calculation
- Use Pythagoras' theorem to find the magnitude
R2 = 122 + 42 = 160
R = 12.6

Tan α = 4 = 0.33
12

α = 18.4°

Resolution of Vectors:
- A single vector can be split up, or resolved into two vectors or components.
- Both the components combined will have the same effect as the original vector

Vertical component = Vsin 𝜃

Vector (V)

Horizontal Component = Vcos 𝜃

Errors and Uncertainties:

Precision and Accuracy

• Precision: this is how close the measured values are to each other; if a measurement is
• Precision: this is how close the measured values are to each other; if a measurement is
repeated several times, then they can be described as precise when the values are very
similar to, or the same as, each other
The precision of a measurement is reflected in the values recorded - measurements to a
greater number of decimal places are said to be more precise than those to a whole number
• Accuracy: this is how close a measured value is to the true value; the accuracy can be
increased by repeating measurements and finding a mean average

Random error
• Random errors cause unpredictable fluctuations in an instrument’s readings as a
result of uncontrollable factors, such as environmental conditions
• This affects the precision of the measurements taken, causing a wider spread of
results about the mean value
• To reduce random error: repeat measurements several times and calculate an
 average from them

Systematic error
• Systematic errors arise from the use of faulty instruments used or from flaws in
the experimental method
• This type of error is repeated every time the instrument is used or the method is
followed, which affects the accuracy of all readings obtained
• To reduce systematic errors: instruments should be recalibrated or the technique
being used should be corrected or adjusted
Zero error
▪ This is a type of systematic error which occurs when an instrument gives
a reading when the true reading is zero
▪ This introduces a fixed error into readings which must be accounted for
when the results are recorded
Calculating Uncertainty:

▪ Absolute Uncertainty: where uncertainty is given as a fixed quantity

▪ Percentage Uncertainty: where uncertainty is given as a percentage of the
measurement
Percentage Uncertainty = Uncertainty x 100
Original Value
Example: