Topic 1

Measurements and Uncertainties

Revision Checklist

Learning Objective
1 State the fundamental units in the SI system.

2 Know the difference between fundamental and derived units

3 Be comfortable with stating vales using scientific notation (e.g. 3x108 m s −1) and
suitable prefixes (e.g. 0.001A = 1m A)
4 Memorise the order of magnitude of the following:

• Diameter of a Hydrogen nucleus ≈ 10−15m (roughly the same as the diameter

of any atom’s nucleus and listed in the data booklet as the Fermi Radius)

• Diameter of an atom (including electrons) ≈ 10−10 m

• Age of the Universe ≈ 1018s

• Mass of the Universe ≈ 1050 kg

5 Calculate ratios of quantities as differences of orders of magnitude.

6 Estimate values of everyday quantities to one or two significant figures and/or to

the nearest order of magnitude. (e.g. estimate the mass of a family car ≈ 103kg)

7 Describe and give examples of random and systematic errors - discuss how they
can be reduced.
8 Be able to distinguish between precision and accuracy.

9 Give results of calculations to the appropriate number of significant figures.

10 Calculate uncertainties in values and use either absolute, fractional and

percentage uncertainties.
12 Calculate uncertainties through calculations involving addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division and raising to a power
13 Identify uncertainties as error bars in graphs.

14 Determining the uncertainty in gradients and intercepts

15 Distinguish between vector and scalar quantities, and give examples of each.

16 Determine the sum or difference of two vectors by a graphical method (or with
trigonometry).
17 Resolve vectors into perpendicular components along chosen axes.

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