Dimensional Analysis

Vocabulary flashcards derived from the Dimensional Analysis lecture transcript.

Measurement

A result that consists of both a number and a unit, where reporting the unit is just as important as reporting the number.

Conversion Factor

A fraction in which the same quantity is expressed one way in the numerator and another way in the denominator, such as $\frac{1\,\text{in}}{2.54\,\text{cm}}$ or $\frac{2.54\,\text{cm}}{1\,\text{in}}$.

Dimensional Analysis

A problem-solving method that treats units as algebraic quantities so they can be multiplied, divided, or canceled.

Constant Conversion Factor

A conversion factor of fixed and known value, such as the number of cents in a dollar or the exact $2.54\,\text{cm}$ in $1\,\text{in}$.

Variable Conversion Factor

A conversion factor whose value changes depending on the situation, such as hourly wage or miles traveled per hour by a car, which must be given in the specific problem.