Physics - Chapter 1 Study Guide

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1. Define each of the following areas of physics and give examples when they are used:
        a) thermodynamics
        b) mechanics
        c) waves and vibrations
        d) electromagnetism
        e) optics

2. Name the steps in the scientific method.

3. According to the scientific method, how does a physicist formulate and test hypothesis?

4. According to the scientific method, why does a physicist make observations and collect data?

5. How should conclusions be stated?

6. What are diagrams designed to do?

7. Why do physicists use models?

8. What are the three dimensions that are commonly used by physicists to derive additional measurements?

9. List the SI base units and their symbols.

10. What do each of the following symbols represent?
        a) mm                 d) )
     b) cg                   e) E
     c) µL                   f) )t

11. Define precision and accuracy.

12. The values of 28.5 g, 28.6 g, and 28.7 g were obtained for the mass of an object. The actual mass is 32.4 g. Describe the measurements in terms of precision and accuracy.

13. What may cause poor precision and accuracy?

14. What would be the shape of each of the following graphs?
            a)    y = x2 + 2               b)    y = x2 - 2
            c)    y = -x2 + 2             d)    y = -x2 - 2
            e)    y = ¼ x                   f)    y = 3x
15. What would your estimate be in meters in terms of powers of ten for100 yards?

16. A container holds about 1.03 x 102 kg of oxygen. The mass of an oxygen atom is 3.02 x 10!25 kg. How many oxygen atoms are in the container?

17. Convert 1 µg to grams using scientific notation.

18. Convert 4.37 x 104 meters to kilometers using scientific notation.

19. Calculate the following, and express the answer in scientific notation with the correct number of significant figures:   2.567 x 10!4 ÷ (4.46 ! 6.70 x 10!4)

20. What is the speed of an object that travels 8.467 x 106 m in 3.67 x 102 s? Express the answer in scientific notation using the correct number of significant digits.