1.

Physical Quantities, Units and Measurement

1.1 Scalars and vectors 1.2 Measurement techniques 1.3 Units and symbols

(a)

Define the terms scalar and vector.

A scalar quantity is one which has magnitude only. A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction
(b) Determine the resultant of two vectors by a graphical method.

A vector is represented by a straight line with an arrow. The length of the line gives its size and the arrow its direction. Vectors can be added by the tip to tail method or by the parallelogram method.

(c)

List the vectors and scalars from distance, displacement, length, speed, velocity, time, acceleration, mass and force.

Scalars: distance, length, speed, time and mass. Vectors: displacement, velocity, acceleration and force.
(d) Describe how to measure a variety of lengths with appropriate accuracy using tapes, rules, micrometers and calipers using a vernier as necessary.

Length from a few millimetres up to a metre can be measured using a rule. When using a rule, the scale should be placed right next to the object being measured. Length of several metres can be measured using a tape with a scale on it. Small lengths can be measured using a Vernier caliper or a micrometer screw gauge.

We must view the scale squarely while taking readings to avoid parallax errors. We must check for zero errors and bring the appropriate corrections. Instrument Measuring tape Metre rule Vernier caliper Micrometer screw gauge
(e)

Precision 1 cm 0.1 cm or 1 mm 0.01 cm or 0.1 mm 0.001 cm or 0.01 mm

Describe how to measure a variety of time intervals using clocks and stopwatches.

Time intervals of many seconds or minutes can be measured using a stop clock or a stopwatch. Some instruments have an analogue display, with a needle (pointer/ hand) moving round a circular scale. Others have a digital display, which shows a number. With a hand operated stop clock or stopwatch, making accurate measurements of short time intervals (a few seconds or less) can be difficult. This is because of the time it takes for us to react when we have to press the button. Uncertainties in timings due to reaction time can be reduced by: (1) Measuring longer time intervals; (2) Repeat the measurement several times and averaging; (3) Using automatic timing techniques instead of stopclock or stopwatch.

(f)

Recognise and use the conventions and symbols contained in Signs, Symbols and Systematics, Association for Science Education, 2000.

Basic Units Physical quantity Length Mass Time Electric current Absolute temperature Luminous intensity Amount of substance Name of SI unit metre kilogramme second ampere kelvin candela mole Symbol for unit m kg s A K (not K) cd mol

When spelling a unit out in full, small letters are used but a capital is used for the first letter of the symbol if the unit is named after a scientist, e.g. A for ampere, K for kelvin, J for joule, and W for watt. An s should not be added to a symbol or to the name of the unit to indicate a plural, e.g. 5 kg or 5 kilogramme and not 5 kgs or 5 kilogrammes. Prefixes There is only one SI unit for a quantity but it may be inconveniently large or small. Multiples and sub-multiples are indicated by approved prefixes printed close to the symbol for the unit. Sub-multiple 10-1 10-2 10-3 10-6 Prefix deci d centi c milli m micro Multiple 102 103 106 109 Prefix hecto kilo mega giga h k M G

For example, centimetre (cm), microampere (A), millivolt (mV), kilometre (km), megawatt (MW). Where units are multiplied together, a space should be left between them, e.g. m s-1 means "metre per second" whereas ms-1 means "per millisecond". Decimal Marker A raised dot, a dot on the line, or a comma all indicate a decimal marker, e.g. 10-1, 10.1, and 10,1 all mean the same. A dot on the line no longer means a product. We use a X to show a product. Likewise the comma should not be used to indicate thousands and millions. A small space is now left as in 1 000 000 and 0.000 026. Significant Figures 4 205 represents four significant figures. If only two significant figures are justified then the value can be re-expressed as 42 x 102 or as 4.2 x 103.