Foundations of Physics Flashcards
SI Unit of Mass
Kilogram
SI Unit of Amount
Mol
SI Unit of Current
Amperes
SI Unit of Temperature
Kelvin
SI Unit of Length
Metre
SI Unit of Time
Seconds
What Does the Prefix “p” Indicate
Pico, 10⁻¹²
What Does the Prefix “n” Indicate
Nano, 10⁻⁹
What Does the Prefix “µ” Indicate
Micro, 10⁻⁶
What Does the Prefix “m” Indicate
Milli, 10⁻³
What Does the Prefix “K” Indicate
Kilo, 10³
What does the Prefix “M” Indicate
Mega, 10⁶
What Does the Prefix “G” Indicate
Giga, 10⁹
What Does the Prefix “T” Indicate
Tera, 10¹²
What is Random Error?
An error that occurs due to unexpected changes in an experiment, cannot be repeated, cause repeated results to differ
What is Systematic Error?
An error that occurs due to faults in equipment or the experimental method, cause the results to differ by the same amount each time, predictable
How do you Reduce Random Error?
Take at least 3 repeats (and identify anomalies), use data loggers/ computers, use higher resolution equipment
How do you Reduce Systematic Error?
Calibrate the equipment
How do you Calculate Percentage Uncertainty from Absolute Uncertainty?
If absolute uncertainty is x+-n then n/x = percentage uncertainty
When you Multiply/Divide What Should you do to the Uncertainties?
If multiply and divide you must add the percentage uncertainties (abs uncertainty can’t be used)
When you Add/Subtract What should you do to the Uncertainties?
Add the absolute uncertainties (can’t use percentage uncertainties)
