Topic 1 – Units, Trigonometry, and Vectors
Goal: Students will examine the key components of measurement, SI units, dimensional analysis, estimation, significant figures, trigonometry, vectors and general problem solving.
Objectives:
Identify the SI units of length, mass and time. Gain a “number sense” for magnitudes of different powers of 10.
Qualitatively summarize the components and levels of structure of matter.
State the definition of a dimension, and use dimensional analysis to both derive relationships and check algebraic expressions.
Apply the rules for writing significant figures to properly record the uncertainty of measured numbers. Correctly add, subtract, multiply, and divide significant figures.
Use appropriate conversion factors to perform unit conversions.
Make order-of-magnitude estimations to determine reasonable expected values for solutions.
Identify the location of points using either the Cartesian system or the polar coordinate system.
Define the basic trigonometric functions for right triangles and be able to solve associated problems.
Define vector and scalar quantities, citing examples. Construct a resultant vector by applying the rules of vector addition, subtraction, and multiplication by a scalar.
Find vector components using trigonometry. Determine a resultant algebraically from components of vectors.
Outline a systematic problem-solving strategy that can be applied to solve general physics problems.
Assignments:
Read and take notes, sections 1.1 – 1.4; Chap. 1 Problems 1, 6
Read and take sections 1.5 – 1.7; Problems 13, 16, 21, 23, 25, 26
Read and take sections 1.8 – 1.9; Problems 34, 39
Read and take notes 1.10 – 1.11; Problems 49, 52, 53
Complete worksheet AP1M01ws4
Problems 54, 61
Problems 56, 62, 70, 71
Review for Topic 1 test
Topic 1 test