Physics Semester 1

SI Prefixes

1024

Yotta(Y)

10-1

Deci(d)

1021

Zetta(Z)

10-2

Centi(c)

1018

Exa(E)

10-3

Milli(m)

1015

Peta(P)

10-6

Micro(u)

1012

Tera(T)

10-9

Nano(n)

109

Giga(G)

10-12

Pico(p)

106

Mega(M)

10-15

Femto(f)

103

Kilo(k)

10-18

Atto(a)

102

Hecto(h)

10-21

Zepto(z)

101

Deka(da)

10-24

Yocto(y)

When adding/subtracting, use the least precise measurement of the digits

When multiplying/dividing, use the amount of sig figs that are in the number with the least amount of sig figs

Sig Fig Rules:

  1. Non zero digits are always significant

  2. All final zeroes after decimal point are significant

  3. Zeroes between 2 other sig figs are always significant

  4. Zeroes used only for spacing the decimal point are not significant

    Ex: 0.007 is 1 sig fig

Review Topics for Kinematics:

  • Systems and units of measurement

  • Proper measurement using scientific equipment

  • Sig figs in measurement (including averaging) and calculations

  • Identifying and classifying types of variables (dependent and independent)

  • Distinguishing between position, displacement, distance, speed, velocity, acceleration

  • Creation and interpretation of appropriate graphs from experimental data

  • Use of graphs for determining other physical quantities

  • Development of complete and proper math models from experimental data

  • Providing physical interpretations of the various coefficients and constants in any math models used to describe the motion of a particular object

  • Knowing the various mathematical and physical relationships between position-time(d-t), velocity-time(v-t), and acceleration-time(a-t) graphs, that is, given one of the three graphs, should be able to produce the others)

  • Descriptions of motions, including positions and displacement of an object, relationships between the signs of the direction of travel (same as the direction of the velocity) and the acceleration for an object that is speeding up or slowing down

  • Drawing and interpreting vector diagrams for physical situations

  • Creation and interpretation of strobe diagrams and motion maps

  • Problem solving for one dimensional, uniformly accelerated objects, including correct usage of kinematic relationships