Physics Notes: Measurement, Scientific Method

* Physics is the study of how and to what extent matter interacts as a result of motion/energy 2 areas of physics: 1. Mechanics- study of motion and its causes (translational and rotational) A. Kinematics- study of motion B. Dynamics- causes of motion 2. Electricity and Magnetism * Laws are based on experiments, and must be verified and deduced through experiments -math is the language of physics Measurement in physics - based on measurements of physics qualities throughout the universe 1. Base quantitiy: - standards (SI) - easy conversion of quantities A. meter (m)measures length, distance traveled by light in a time of 3 * 10^- 9 s B. kilogram (kg) measures mass, mass of specific platinumirridium cylinder C. second (s) measures time, radio waves emitted by atomic clock 2. Dimensional Analysis: kmm km/h m/s Scientific Method: Observation Question Hypothesis Test Collect Data Interpret Results Conclusions Accuracy vs. Precision

Accuracy: how close you are to the true value (human error can cause) Precision: measurements agree closely with each other (tools of measurement cause, also limitations of equipment)