Question 1

Which of the following best describes the purpose of using an idealized model in physics, as shown in the baseball example?

Accepted Answer

To simplify complex real-world systems by focusing on essential features and ignoring minor effects.

Question 2

According to Galileo’s experiments with falling objects, what happens when two objects of different masses are dropped from the same height in a vacuum?

Accepted Answer

Both objects fall at the same rate.

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct SI unit for mass?

Accepted Answer

kg

Question 4

A student converts 5 kilometers to meters. Which equation correctly shows this conversion?

Accepted Answer

$5\ \mathrm{km} \left( \frac{1000\ \mathrm{m}}{1\ \mathrm{km}} \right) = 5000\ \mathrm{m}$

Question 5

Which of the following statements about dimensional consistency is correct?

Accepted Answer

All terms in a physical equation must have the same units.

Question 6

The speed of light in vacuum is exactly:

Accepted Answer

$299,792,458\ \mathrm{m/s}$

Question 7

Which prefix represents $10^{-6}$ in the SI system?

Accepted Answer

micro-

Question 8

A physical law or principle in physics is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A theory that has been widely tested and accepted.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental SI unit?

Accepted Answer

liter (L)

Question 10

A red blood cell has a diameter of approximately $7 	imes 10^{-6}\ \mathrm{m}$. Which SI prefix best describes this size?

Accepted Answer

micro-

Question 11

Which of the following steps is NOT part of the recommended physics problem-solving strategy?

Accepted Answer

Memorize the answer without understanding the process.

Question 12

The definition of the second in the SI system is based on:

Accepted Answer

The frequency of microwave radiation absorbed by a cesium-133 atom.

Question 13

If you add $2.5\ \mathrm{m}$ and $30\ \mathrm{cm}$, what is the correct sum in meters?

Accepted Answer

$2.8\ \mathrm{m}$

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why it is important to carry units through all calculations in physics?

Accepted Answer

To check for dimensional consistency and avoid errors.

Question 15

A student measures the time for light to travel 299,792,458 meters. According to the SI definition, how long does this take?

Accepted Answer

$1\ \mathrm{second}$

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct example of a dimensionally consistent equation?

Accepted Answer

$F = m a$

Question 17

A human has a typical height of about $1.7\ \mathrm{m}$. Which order of magnitude best describes this value?

Accepted Answer

$10^{0}\ \mathrm{m}$

Question 18

Which of the following is the best estimate for the diameter of the Earth?

Accepted Answer

$10^7\ \mathrm{m}$

Question 19

A student needs to convert $2500\ \mathrm{mg}$ to kilograms. Which calculation is correct?

Accepted Answer

$2500\ \mathrm{mg} \left( \frac{1\ \mathrm{kg}}{10^6\ \mathrm{mg}} \right) = 0.0025\ \mathrm{kg}$

College Physics I: Models, Measurements, and Vectors – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards