The Importance of

Converting Units
“A Fundamental Aspect for Precision and Accuracy”

Presented by: Prof. Jermaine Jester D.

Valenzuela
January 21, 2024
01
Introduction
to Physics
Precise communication is crucial in
science and mathematics
 What is Physics?
Physics, science that deals with
the structure of matter and the
interactions between the In other words,
fundamental constituents of the Physics is the study of energy
observable universe. In the and matter in space and time
broadest sense, physics (from and how they are related to
the Greek physikos) is concerned each other.
with all aspects of nature on
both the macroscopic and
submicroscopic levels.
01.1
Measurement
s
"Measurement is the first step that leads
to control and eventually to
improvement. If you can't measure
something, you can't understand it. If you
can't understand it, you can't control it.” -
H. James Harrington
Learning
Competencies
1.) Understanding the Basics of
Measurement:
2.) Precision and Accuracy
3.) Measurement Tools and Instruments
4.) Units and Unit Conversions
 Basics of Measurement
Measurement begins with a Measurement, the process of
definition of the quantity that is associating numbers with physical
to be measured, and it always quantities and phenomena.
involves a comparison with some Measurement is fundamental to the
known quantity of the same kind. sciences; to engineering, construction,
and other technical fields; and to almost
all everyday activities.
02
Precision &
Accuracy
"Precision is the compass guiding
measurements to consistency, while
accuracy is the true north ensuring
measurements align with reality. Together,
they navigate the path to reliable
understanding in the realm of precision and
accuracy."
 Precision and Accuracy
The bullseye example illustrates the
distinction between accuracy and
precision. The objective is to hit the
bullseye frequently, with accuracy
implying darts land close to the
bullseye, while precision means
darts land close to one another but
not necessarily close.
 What is Accuracy?
Accuracy measures how close the result is
to the actual value you were trying to
achieve. In other words, it’s how closely
you hit what you’re aiming for.
 What is Precision?
Precision measures how close your results
are to one another. While accuracy can be
used in one instance, precision will be
measured over time.
03
Measurement tools
& equipment
A measuring tool is anything used to
take a count of quantitative data, such as
weight, length, time or temperature.
1. Ruler or Meter Stick 1. Vernier Caliper
- Used for measuring - Provides more accurate measurements
of length, thickness, or diameter
length or distance. compared to a regular ruler.
04
Units and Unit
Conversions
"In the language of science, units are the
poetry that articulates the symphony of
nature.”
Given: Length = 12 inches
Conversion Factor: 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
Length Inch in 1 inch = 2.54 cm
Foot ft 1 foot = 30.48 cm
Yard yd 1 yard = 0.9144 m
Mile mi 1 mile = 1.609 km
Area Square Inch in² 1 in² = 6.452 cm²
Square Foot ft² 1 ft² = 0.093 m²
Square Yard yd² 1 yd² = 0.836 m²
Acre ac 1 acre = 0.4047 ha
Fluid Volume Fluid Ounce fl oz 1 fl oz = 29.57 ml
Pint pt 1 pt = 0.4732 l
Quart qt 1 qt = 0.9464 l
Gallon gal 1 gal = 3.785 l
Weight/Mass Ounce oz 1 oz = 28.35 g
Pound lb 1 lb = 0.4536 kg
Ton ton 1 ton = 907.2 kg

Temperature Fahrenheit °F (Conversion

formula: °C = (°F -
32) × 5/9)

Time Second s 1s=1s

Minute min 1 min = 60 s
Hour hr 1 hr = 60 min
Speed Mile per Hour mph 1 mph = 1.609 km/h
Foot ft 1 foot = 30.48 cm
Pressure Pound per Square psi 1 psi = 6895 Pa
Inch
Given: Volume = 5 gallons
Conversion Factor: 1 gallon = 3.79 LIters
Given: Speed = 60 mph
Conversion Factor: 1 MPH = 1.61 KM/H
 Uncertainty in measurement refers to the
unavoidable variability or imprecision that is
inherent in any measurement process. No
measurement can be perfectly precise or exact
due to limitations in the measuring
instruments, experimental conditions, and the
nature of the quantity being measured.
1. Instrumental Errors: Inaccuracies in the
measuring device.
2. Random Errors: Unpredictable fluctuations
in measurements due to various factors.
3. Systematic Errors: Consistent biases or
inaccuracies introduced by the
measurement system or procedure.
4. Uncertain Digits: digits that are estimate.
 SYSTEMATIC ERROR RANDOM ERROR
 ZERO ERROR  PARALLAX ERROR
(Incorrect position of zero point of measuring (error because of the observers eyes)
instrument)
 INCORRECT CALIBRATION  NATURAL ERROR
(Error in calibration of instrument which makes the (change in temperature, humidity etc. when
instrument defective) experiment in progress)
 WRONG TECHNIQUE
- Systematic error will lead to DECREASE IN (apply excessive pressure)
ACCURACY
HOW TO REDUCE SYSTEMATIC ERROR: - Random error will lead to DECREASE IN
CONSISTENCY
Correct reading HOWTO REDUCE RANDOM ERROR:

- reading obtained – zero error Repeat the experiment and take average reading
 Thanks!
Do you have any questions?

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