1 Measurement and Uncertainties

Topic 1: Measurement and Uncertainties

Unit Notes (pdf of PowerPoints)

1. Order of Magnitude and Estimation (ppt) (pdf)
Handout: Orders of Magnitude
2. Significant Figures (ppt) (pdf)
3. Errors and Uncertainties (ppt) (pdf)
4. Accuracy and Precision definitions (pdf)
5. Vectors and Vector Addition (ppt) (pdf)

1.1 Measurements in Physics

Resources that may be helpful

1.1.1

State the fundamental units in the SI system. Distinguish between fundamental and derived units and give examples of derived units.

1.1.2

Convert between different units of quantities. State units in the accepted SI format.

1.1.3

State values in scientific notation and in multiples of units with appropriate prefixes

1.1.4

State and compare quantities to the nearest order of magnitude

hint: describe what this means, and how you would determine a value's OM

1.1.5

State the ranges of magnitude of distances, masses and times that occur in the universe, from smallest to greatest.State ratios of quantities as differences of orders of magnitude

Interactive Powers of 10
Handout: Orders of Magnitude

1.1.6

Calculate quantities and results of calculations to the appropriate number of significant figures.

1.1.7

Estimate approximate values of everyday quantities to one or two significant figures and/or to the nearest order of magnitude.

1.2 Uncertainties and Errors

1.2.1

Describe and give examples of random and systematic errors

1.2.2

Explain how the effects of random errors may be reduced

1.2.3

State uncertainties as absolute, fractional and percentage uncertainties

1.2.4

Determine relevant uncertainties in results and express this as a range (+/-)

1.2.5

Identify uncertainties and represent them graphically as error bars

1.2.6

Determine the uncertainties in the gradient and intercepts of a straight-line graph

1.2.7

Distinguish between precision and accuracy

1.3 Vectors and Scalars

1.3.1

Distinguish between vector and scalar quantities; give examples of each

1.3.2

Determine the sum or difference of two vectors by a graphical method

Video: Vectors in the NHL

1.3.3

Determine the sum or difference of a set of vectors algebraically using components

1.3.4

Determine the result of multiplying or dividing a vector by a scalar quantity, both graphically and algebraically.

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