Q: A measurement is recorded as $$8.8 \pm 0.1 cm. $$What is the percent uncertainty of this measurement?

$$\frac{0.1}{8.8} \times 100 \approx 1.1\%$$

Q: A mountain is $$8611$$ meters high. Using the conversion $$1\text{ m} = 3.28084\text{ ft}$$, what is its height in feet, rounded to the nearest whole number?

$$8611 \times 3.28084 = 28251 ft$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific law and a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A law is a brief description of how nature behaves in a broad set of circumstances, while a theory is a detailed explanation that can make testable predictions.

Question 2

A measurement is recorded as $$8.8 \pm 0.1 cm. $$What is the percent uncertainty of this measurement?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{0.1}{8.8} 	imes 100 \approx 1.1\%$$

Question 3

Which of the following statements about significant figures is correct?

Accepted Answer

When multiplying or dividing, the result should have as many significant figures as the number with the fewest significant figures used in the calculation.

Question 4

A student measures the length of a board as $$0.062 cm. $$How many significant figures does this measurement have?

Accepted Answer

2

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a reason a new scientific theory is accepted?

Accepted Answer

It is more popular among scientists.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct example of dimensional analysis for speed?

Accepted Answer

Speed has dimensions $$[L/T]$$

Question 7

A mountain is $$8611$$ meters high. Using the conversion $$1	ext{ m} = 3.28084	ext{ ft}$$, what is its height in feet, rounded to the nearest whole number?

Accepted Answer

$$8611 	imes 3.28084 = 28251 ft$$

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct statement about models in physics?

Accepted Answer

Models are useful for understanding phenomena but have limitations and should not be taken too literally.

Question 9

If you add $$23.21 cm $$and $$0.062 cm$$, how many significant figures should the result have?

Accepted Answer

2

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct SI base unit?

Accepted Answer

Kilogram

Question 11

A student calculates $$2.0 \div 3.0 on a $$calculator and gets $$0.666666.... $$How many significant figures should the answer have?

Accepted Answer

2

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct order-of-magnitude estimate for the number $$4,500$$?

Accepted Answer

$$10^4$$

Question 13

Which of the following statements about units is correct?

Accepted Answer

The SI system uses kilograms, meters, and seconds as its basic units.

Question 14

Which of the following quantities has the same dimensions as acceleration?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{L}{T^2$}$$

Question 15

A scientist wants to check if the equation $$x = vt + at^2$ is dimensionally correct. Which step should they take?

Accepted Answer

Check that all terms have the same dimensions as $$x ($$length).

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about uncertainty in measurement?

Accepted Answer

No measurement is exact; there is always some uncertainty due to instrument accuracy and reading difficulty.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct conversion for $$5 kg to $$grams?

Accepted Answer

$$5 	imes 10^3$ = 5000 g$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a principle rather than a law?

Accepted Answer

The Pauli exclusion principle, which applies to a narrower range of phenomena.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about communication between architects and engineers?

Accepted Answer

Communication is essential to avoid disaster in construction projects.

Question 20

A student wants to estimate the number of grains of sand on a beach. Which method should they use for a rapid order-of-magnitude estimate?

Accepted Answer

Round all numbers to one significant figure and calculate, then express the result as the nearest power of 10.

Chapter 1: Introduction, Measurement, and Estimating – Physics with Calculus Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards