Section 1-1 Notes

physics - the study of the physical world

Goal: use a small number of basic concepts, equations, and assumptions to describe the physical world

Areas of physics: mechanics

thermodynamics

vibrations and wave phenomena

optics

electromagnetism

relativity

Quantum mechanics

Scientific Method

1. Make observations and collect data

2. Formulate and test hypotheses by experiments

3. Interpret results and revise if necessary

4. State conclusions

model - a replica or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object, system, or concept

- very simple

system - a set of items considered a distinct physical entity for the purpose of study

Galileo - thought experiment

- all objects fall at the same rate

(neglecting air resistance)

Section 1-2 Notes - Measurements

3 kinds of measurements: length, mass, time

SI - Systeme International

meter, kilogram, second

Accuracy - how close a measured value is to the accepted

value

Results can be inaccurate due to error

1. human

2. method - parallax

3. instrument

Precision - the degree of exactness with which a measurement is made and stated

- limitations of measuring instrument

- estimate between the marked measures

significant figures - those digits in a measurement that are known with certainty plus the first digit that is uncertain

Section 1-3 - Language of physics

Tables, graphs, equations

looking for certain relationships

linear (direct variation) y = mx + b

inverse variation y = k/x

quadratic y = (x-h)^2 + k

Dimensional analysis - use the units to analyze the sides of an equation

Order of magnitude calculations - which power of 10 is

closest to the actual numerical value of the quantity