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Introduction to Science: Principles, Measurements, and Coordinate Systems in Physics

This chapter introduces the foundations of physics as a systematic study grounded in observation and data. It emphasizes that science requires reproducibility, measurement errors, and objectivity. Fundamental quantities such as length, mass, and time form the basis of physical measurements, with standardized systems like SI (Système International) enhancing consistency. The chapter also covers dimensional analysis for verifying equations and the importance of uncertainty in measurements. The Cartesian and polar coordinate systems are reviewed, providing essential tools for problem-solving in physics.

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Introduction to Science: Principles, Measurements, and Coordinate Systems in Physics

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  1. College Physics Chapter 1 Introduction

  2. Science is a Philosophy • It is not science without data • It is not science without measurement errors (somehow) • It is not science unless it can be reproduced (objectivity) • Math is like the grammar of science

  3. Fundamental Quantities and Their Dimension • Length [L] • Mass [M] • Time [T] • other physical quantities can be constructed from these three

  4. Systems of Measurement • Standardized systems • agreed upon by some authority • SI -- Systéme International • 1960 by international committee • main system used in this text • also called “mks” units • cgs – Gaussian system • US Customary • nits of common usage

  5. Prefixes • Metric prefixes correspond to powers of 10 • Each prefix has a specific name • Each prefix has a specific abbreviation • See table 1.4

  6. Structure of Matter

  7. Dimensional Analysis • Technique to check the correctness of an equation • Dimensions (length, mass, time, combinations) can be treated as algebraic quantities • add, subtract, multiply, divide • Both sides of equation must have the same dimensions

  8. Uncertainty in Measurements • There is uncertainty in every measurement, and uncertainty carries over through calculations • Lab uses rules for significant figures to approximate the uncertainty in calculations

  9. Conversions • Units must be consistent (time=time) • Units carry value! (1 m = 100 cm) • You can manipulate words in equations just like you manipulate numbers • Example:

  10. Cartesian coordinate system • Also called rectangular coordinate system • x- and y- axes • Points are labeled (x,y)

  11. Plane polar coordinate system • Origin and reference line are noted • Points labeled (r,q) • Point is distance r from the origin in the direction of angle , (counterclockwise from reference line)

  12. Trigonometry Review

  13. More Trig • Pythagorean Theorem • To find an angle, you need the inverse trig function • for example, • Be sure your calculator is set appropriately for degrees or radians • Must beware of quadrant ambiguities

  14. Polar Coordinates Example • Convert the Cartesian coordinates for (x,y) to Polar coordinates (r,q)

  15. How High Is the Building? • Determine the height of the building and the distance traveled by the light beam

  16. Problem Solving Strategy

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