Foundations of physics Flashcards
List the 6 base units
- length
- mass
- temperature
- time
- amount of substance
- electrical current
Name the 6 SI units
- metres (M)
- kilograms (kg)
- kelvin (K)
- seconds (s)
- mole
- amps (A)
What is a derived unit?
A unit that is made up of the SI units (base units).
What is a random error?
Random changes in how things are measured, to combat this you can take multiple measurements.
What is a systematic error?
This is when the same error happens every time.
What is a parallel error?
When you take a wrong measurement due to your perspective.
What is a zero error?
When your measuring equipment is not at zero.
What does accurate mean?
Close to the correct value.
What does precise mean?
Your results are close together, they do not have to be accurate.
What is resolution?
The distance between each measuring value on the equipment.
How do you calculate uncertainty when measuring?
Divide the resolution by 2
How do you calculate percentage uncertainty?
Uncertainty/the value of measurement *100
What is a scalar? Give 3 examples.
Something with just a size.
- speed
- length
- pressure
What is a vector? Give 3 examples
Something with a size and direction.
-velocity
- acceleration
- force
