1. College Physics
Chapter 1
Introduction

2. Science is a Philosophy
It is not science without data
It is not science without measurement errors (somehow)
It is not science unless it can be reproduced (objectivity)
Math is like the grammar of science

3. Fundamental Quantities and Their Dimension
Length [L]
Mass [M]
Time [T]
other physical quantities can be constructed from these three

4. Systems of Measurement
Standardized systems
agreed upon by some authority
SI -- Systéme International
1960 by international committee
main system used in this text
also called “mks” units
cgs – Gaussian system
US Customary
nits of common usage

5. Prefixes Metric prefixes correspond to powers of 10
Each prefix has a specific name
Each prefix has a specific abbreviation
See table 1.4

6. Structure of Matter

7. Dimensional Analysis Technique to check the correctness of an equation
Dimensions (length, mass, time, combinations) can be treated as algebraic quantities
add, subtract, multiply, divide
Both sides of equation must have the same dimensions

8. Uncertainty in Measurements
There is uncertainty in every measurement, and uncertainty carries over through calculations
Lab uses rules for significant figures to approximate the uncertainty in calculations

9. Conversions Units must be consistent (time=time)
Units carry value! (1 m = 100 cm)
You can manipulate words in equations just like you manipulate numbers
Example:

10. Cartesian coordinate system
Also called rectangular coordinate system
x- and y- axes
Points are labeled (x,y)

11. Plane polar coordinate system
Origin and reference line are noted
Points labeled (r,q)
Point is distance r from the origin in the direction of angle , (counterclockwise from reference line)

12. Trigonometry Review

13. More Trig Pythagorean Theorem
To find an angle, you need the inverse trig function
for example,
Be sure your calculator is set appropriately for degrees or radians
Must beware of quadrant ambiguities

14. Polar Coordinates Example
Convert the Cartesian coordinates for (x,y) to Polar coordinates (r,q)

15. How High Is the Building?
Determine the height of the building and the distance traveled by the light beam

16. Problem Solving Strategy