PHYSICS 1L03 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Metric Prefix, Thermodynamic Temperature, Dimensional Analysis
21 Mar 2018
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To compare numbers we need accuracy with which the numbers were stated. Amount of uncertainty in values is conveyed by number of digits (significant figures) used to describe the value: measurements must fall within uncertainty of prediction. If there"s a decimal after trailing digits they"re sig figs. Multiplying/dividing numbers: result has same number of sig figs as least accurate number used in calculation. Adding/subtracting numbers: result has same precision as least precise number used in calculation. Scientific notation: a x 10^b, decimal system that allows us to carry many extra zeros, number of digits used communicates how reliable measurement is, eliminates trailing zeros. Order of magnitude of a number: power of 10 of a number, to divide subtract exponents, to multiply add exponents. Most commonly used measurement system is si (international system of units) 1 pound of force = 4. 45 newtons. Si base units (table 1. 1 pg 9) Si named units (table 1. 2 pg 9)
