GENERAL PHYSICS 1

CONVERSION OF UNITS
 LEARNING STANDARD

•Solve measurement problems involving

conversion of units, expression of
measurements in scientific notation.
 LEARNING GOALS
1) Perform arithmetic calculations on metric
units of length, mass, and volume.

2) Demonstrate honesty, accuracy and

precision in making measurements and in
gathering and reporting data.
LESSON PROPER
 Measurement
It is an important part of our day-to-day living. Every aspect of our lives
involves measurement. We use measurement in telling the time, taking
the proper dosage of medicine, cooking, determining the capacity of our
flash drives and memory cards, driving and even purchasing clothes.

Measurement is the process of comparing something with a standard.

 
  To carry out measurements, a system of standards and a system
of units should be defined. Two systems of units have evolved:
the metric system and the English system,
 
 The metric system has two variations
1. mks = stands for meter, kilogram and second
2. cgs = stands for centimeter, gram and second
 The English system is otherwise known as the fps system
fps = stands for foot, pound and second
 
  Physical quantities may either be fundamental or derived
 
 Fundamental quantities are basic quantities that are independent of
one another, such as length, mass, time, temperature etc.
 
 Derived quantities are combination of fundamental quantities, such
as speed, acceleration, density, work, and energy.
 Unit Conversion

 The simplest way to convert one unit to another is to form a

conversion ratio (equal to one) with the desired unit on the numerator
and the unit to be converted at the denominator. The original quantity is
multiplied by this conversion ratio. Units may be multiplied or divided
just like any ordinary algebraic factors.
Conversion Table
 PRACTICE EXERCISES

34.3 in => cm 0.6 kg  g

180,000 mg  kg
8 ft => m
100 yd => m 38 oz  g
15 in3 => cm3
51.8 mi=> km 671 lbs  kg
3 ft3 => m3
89 oz => ml
4 gal => I
 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Directions: Copy and answer on a long bond paper. Convert the following,
show your solution:
1. 250 mg = _______ g
2. 10 km/hr = _______ m/s
3. 2 atm = _______ psi
4. 671 lbs = _______ oz
5. 2 gals = _______ cup
 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

1. A box has the following dimensions 24 in x 15 cm x 500 mm, calculate

the volume of the box in cubic centimeters.
 
2. A metal block is 2.85 kg heavy. What is the weight of the block in
grams? In milligrams?