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CHAPTER 1: PHYSICAL QUANTITIES AND MEASUREMENTS

Dimension of physical quantities

1. In a free fall experiment, the distance travelled by an object, s depends on acceleration
due to gravity, g and time, t. By using dimensional analysis, obtain an expression for s.

2. The orbital radius, r of a satellite revolving around the earth is given by

2
 T 
r  GM 
3

 2 

Where G = 6.67×-11 N m2 kg-2, T is the period and M is the mass of earth. Determine the
homogeneity of this equation.

3. A string of mass m and length l is stretched and the tension in the string is F. When the
string is plucked, the propagation speed v of the transverse wave produced is given by

𝑣 = 𝑘𝐹 𝑥 𝑚𝑦 𝑙 𝑧

Where k, x, y and z are dimensionless constant. Calculate the value of x, y and z.

4. A triangle has sides a, b and c. A circle with radius r can be drawn inside the triangle.
(i) If r is given by

( s  a)( s  b)( s  c) abc

r where s 
s 2

Determine the homogeneity of the expression of r.

1
(ii) If r is multiply by , will its homogeneity change? Explain your answer.
2

5. Copy and complete TABLE 1 with correct answer.

TABLE 1
Quantity SI unit Dimension
Length
Temperature
Velocity
Force

Prepared by Yew Sze Ling @ Fiona

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Scalars and vectors

1.

FIGURE 1

Given two vectors 𝐴⃗ and 𝐵 ⃗⃗ as shown in FIGURE 1. If the magnitude of 𝐴⃗ and 𝐵

⃗⃗ is 20 N
respectively, write the resultant vector of 𝐴⃗ and 𝐵
⃗⃗ in terms of unit vector.

2.

FIGURE 2

Vectors 𝐴⃗ and 𝐵
⃗⃗ are placed at point O as shown in FIGURE 2. The magnitude of both
vectors are A = 4.2 N and B = 2.0 m.
(i) Calculate the dot (scalar) product of the two vectors.
(ii) At what angle between the two vectors will the dot product be a maximum?

3.

FIGURE 3

⃗⃗ are shown in FIGURE 3. Determine 𝑅⃗⃗ is 𝑅⃗⃗ = 𝑃⃗⃗ − 𝑄

Vector 𝑃⃗⃗ and 𝑄 ⃗⃗.

4. Given two vectors:

𝑃⃗⃗ = (2𝑖̂ − 5𝑗̂) m
⃗⃗ = (𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂) m
𝑄
Calculate
(i) the magnitude of resultant vector of 𝑃⃗⃗ and 𝑄 ⃗⃗ .
(ii) vector 𝑆⃗ if 𝑆⃗ = 𝑃⃗⃗ + 2𝑄
⃗⃗ in terms of unit vectors.

Prepared by Yew Sze Ling @ Fiona