1 Measurement and Uncertainties

Topic 1: Measurement and Uncertainties

Unit Notes (pdf of PowerPoints)

Metric System and Conversions (pptx)
Videos related to the kg definition:
- Veritasium: The World's Roundest Object (from 2013)
- Veritasium: How We're Redefining the Kilogram (from 2017)
- Veritasium: The kg is dead, long live the kg (from 2018)
Metric conversion practice (pptx) KEY (pdf)
Sig Figs rules (pptx)
Orders of Magnitude (pptx)
OM practice workshet (docx) KEY (pdf)
Errors and Uncertainties (pptx)
LAB: Aluminum density
Short summary of lab expectations
DETAILED analysis guide
Sample data tables' layouts (pdf)
Vectors and Vector Addition (pptx) (this may have last year's due dates...sorry. Check the assignment calendar for reminders of when A.S. and other things are due)
Vectors Practice Problems (pptx)
Vectors Practice Problems Solution (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 (Explain how and show an example)

Video: Vectors in the NHL

1.3.3

Determine the sum or difference of a set of vectors algebraically using components (Explain how and show an example)

1.3.4

Determine the result of multiplying or dividing a vector by a scalar quantity, both graphically and algebraically. (Explain how and show an example)

The Issaquah School District reserves the right to remove any user generated content it deems inappropriate or not relevant to the topic of the forum. This includes language that has obscene language or sexual content, threatens or defames any person or organization, violates the legal ownership interest of another party, supports or opposes political candidates or ballot propositions, promotes illegal activity, promotes commercial services or products, or is not topically related to the particular posting, or contains contents that promote, foster, or perpetuate discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation.

Subject to applicable law, the District will not, however, remove otherwise permissible comments based on viewpoint. Any content posted to this site may be subject to public disclosure under the Washington State Public Records Act, ch. 42.56 RCW.