Week 1: Dimensional Analysis and Vector Operations
The range of objects and phenomena studied in physics is immense. From the incredibly short lifetime of a nucleus to the age of Earth, from the tiny sizes of sub-nuclear particles to the vast distance to the edges of the known universe, from the force exerted by a jumping flea to the force between Earth and the Sun, there are enough factors of 10 to challenge the imagination of even the most experienced scientist. Giving numerical values for physical quantities and equations for physical principles allows us to understand nature much more deeply than does qualitative description alone. To comprehend these vast ranges, we must also have accepted units in which to express them. In this module we will learn about units, converting between different units, taking measurements, and more!
Learning Outcomes:
- Perform unit conversions both in the SI and English units.
- Determine the accuracy of measured values and describe any related uncertainty.
- Describe how derived units are created from base units.
- Determine whether an equation involving physical quantities is dimensionally consistent.
- Describe the difference between vector and scalar quantities.
- Identify the magnitude and direction of vectors in 1 and 2 dimensions through analytical analysis.
To-Do List:
- Review all assigned readings and videos
- Participate in the discussion
- Problem set 1
- Quiz 1
Sources:
Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/college-physics-ap-courses/pages/1-connection-for-ap-r-courses