WELC O M E GRA D E 12 ST EM

GENERAL P H Y SI CS 1
U. D AL L ED A / L P T,MAE D
BY: MRS. CHRISTIE
MEASUREMENT IN PHYSICS
Physics deals with the interaction of matter, force, and
energy. It is traditionally divided into classical and
modern physics. Modern physics started in 1900 with
Max Planck’s discovery of blackbody radiation. Thus, all
discoveries, principles , and inventions prior to 1900 are
considered classical physics, while those beyond 1900
are considered modern physics.
THE MEASURING PROCESS
Physics usually involves experiments to support , refute ,
or validate a hypothesis or theory. These experiments
require measurement . 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.
SCIENTIFIC NOTATION AND UNIT CONVERSION
Scientific notation is a convenient and widely used
method of expressing large and small numbers. Any
quantity may be expressed in the form of N x 10, where
N is any number between 1 and 10 and n is the
appropriate power of 10 . Sample Problem 1.1 illustrates
this.
SAMPLE PROBLEM 1.1
Express the following in scientific notation .
1.) The speed of light is approximately 300 000 000 m/s
2.) The mass of a strand of hair is approximately 0.000 000 62
kg.
Solution:
1.) 300 000 000 m/s = 3X 10⁸ m/s
2.) 0.000 000 62 kg. = 6.2 X kg
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.
Sample Problems 1.2 demonstrate how this is done.
SAMPLE PROBLEM 1.2
1.Convert (a) 55 km to meters and (b) 12 g to kilograms.
Express your answers in scientific notation.
Solution:
a.55 km= 55 km x = 55 x 1000 m = 55 x 10³ m = 5.5 x 10⁴ m
b.12 g = 12 g x = 12 x kg = 1.2 X kg
2. The SI un it of force is the newton, represented by a capita letter N. One
newton of force gives a 1.0 kg body an acceleration of 1.0 m/s² . 1N is
equal to 1 kg∙m/s² . A smaller unit of force is the dyne. 1 dyne is equal to 1
g∙ cm/s². How many dynes are there in 1 N ?
Given : 1 N = 1 kg∙ m/s² 1 dyne = 1 g∙ cm/s²
Solution:
1 N = 1 kg∙ m/s² X x
= 1 x 10⁵ g∙ = 1 x 10⁵ dynes
ASSIGNMENT ( 5 PTS EACH )
1.) Express (a) 0.000646 and (b) 5430000 in scientific notation

2.) Convert a density of 2.79 g/cm³ to kg/m³

3.) One light- year (ly) is the distance traveled by light in a year. Convert
one light-year to meters using 3x10⁸ m/s for the speed of light .
( Hint : d= vt)
THANK YOU