UNIVERSITY OF STEM ENGINE
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
LECTURE MATERIAL
LESSON 1: UNITS, PHYSICAL QUANTITIES, AND VECTORS
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lecture, the student should be able to:
1. write the base units for mass, length, and time in SI and USCS units;
2. define and apply the SI prefixes that indicate multiples of base units;
3. convert units;
4. differentiate scalar and vector quantities;
5. determine the components of vectors;
6. find the resultant of two or more vectors; and
7. find the addition and product of vectors.
PHYSICS – defined as the science that investigates that fundamental concepts
of matter, energy, space, and the relationships among them.
MATHEMATICS IN PHYSICS
Mathematics serves many purposes. It is philosophy, art, metaphysics, and
logic. These values are subordinate, however, to its main value as a tool
for the scientist, engineer, or technician. One of the rewards of a first
course in physics is the growing awareness of the relevance of mathematics.
A study of physics reveals applications of basic mathematics.
STUDYING PHYSICS
1. The ultimate responsibility for learning rests with the student.
2. Timely learning is efficient learning.
3. Learning is rarely completed in the classroom.
4. Brush up on basic skills.
5. Study the syllabus.
6. Find a class partner and obtain his/her phone number.
7. Organization is the key to effective learning.
8. If you get in trouble, seek help immediately.
UNITS
MEASUREMENT - a process of detecting an unknown physical quantity by using
standard quantity.
METRIC SYSTEM – the system of units used by scientists and engineers around
the world.
BRITISH SYSTEM - these units are used only in the United States and a few
other countries, and in most of these they are being replaced by SI units.
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University of STEM Engine Official Copy