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

$$\frac{0.1}{8.8} \times 100\% = 1.14\%$$

Q: A mountain is 1,000 meters high. What is its height in feet? (Given: $$1 \text{ m} = 3.28084 \text{ ft})$$

$$1,000 \times 3.28084 = 3,280.84 ft$$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{0.1}{8.8} 	imes 100\% = 1.14\%$$

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.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a base unit in the SI system?

Accepted Answer

Pound

Question 5

A mountain is 1,000 meters high. What is its height in feet? (Given: $$1 	ext{ m} = 3.28084 	ext{ ft})$$

Accepted Answer

$$1,000 	imes 3.28084 = 3,280.84 ft$$

Question 6

Which of the following is the correct dimensional formula for speed?

Accepted Answer

$$[L/T]$$

Question 7

Why is dimensional analysis useful in physics?

Accepted Answer

It is used to check if the units in a calculation are consistent and if the final answer has the correct dimensions.

Question 8

Which of the following is a reason a new scientific theory is accepted?

Accepted Answer

Its predictions agree better with data and it explains a greater range of phenomena.

Question 9

If you add $$21.3 cm $$and $$6.8 cm$$, what is the correct answer with proper significant figures?

Accepted Answer

$$28.1 cm$$

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a physical quantity with the dimensions $$[M L T$$^{-2}$$]$$?

Accepted Answer

Force

Question 11

A student measures the width of a board as $$2.0 cm $$using a ruler with millimeter markings. What is the uncertainty in the measurement?

Accepted Answer

$$\pm 0.1 cm$$

Question 12

Which prefix represents $$10^{-3} in $$the SI system?

Accepted Answer

Milli-

Question 13

Which of the following statements about models in science is correct?

Accepted Answer

A model is an analogy that helps visualize a quantity, but its limits must be understood.

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct way to express the number $$0.062 cm in $$terms of significant figures?

Accepted Answer

It has 2 significant figures.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about adding or subtracting measurements?

Accepted Answer

The answer should have as many decimal places as the least accurate number used.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

$$10^4$$

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a reason for uncertainty in measurement?

Accepted Answer

Using the SI system

Question 18

Which of the following is the correct dimensional formula for energy?

Accepted Answer

$$[M L^2$ T$$^{-2}$$]$$

Question 19

A scientist wants to check if a derived equation for acceleration is dimensionally correct. Which of the following should be the dimensions of acceleration?

Accepted Answer

$$[L T$$^{-2}$$]$$

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the SI base unit for time?

Accepted Answer

It is defined as the time required for 9,192,631,770 periods of radiation emitted by cesium atoms.

Introduction to Physics: Measurement, Estimation, and the Scientific Method

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