Introduction to Mechanics
1. Units and Dimensional Analysis
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Learning Objectives
- Explain the difference between units and dimensions.
- Describe the SI system of units.
- Be able to apply the method of dimensional analysis to find approximate relationships between the physical quantities that describe a system.
Preparation
Course Notes
Notes: Units and Dimensional Analysis (PDF - 1.9MB)
Suggested Textbook Reading (Optional)
Chapter 1.3-1.4. Young, Hugh D., Roger A. Freedman, and A. Lewis Ford. Sears and Zemansky's University Physics: with Modern Physics. 12th ed. San Francisco, CA: Addison-Wesley, 2007. ISBN: 9780805321876.
Lecture Video
Video Excerpts
Watch the following excerpts from the Physics I lecture videos:
Download the complete lectures from this course:
Learning Activities
Guided Activities
Read through the class slides carefully. They explain all of the concepts from the module.
Slides: Units and Dimensional Analysis (PDF)
Self-Assessment
Do the Concept Questions first to make sure you understand the main concepts from this module. Then, when you are ready, try the Challenge Problems.
Concept Questions
Challenge Problems
Related Resources
There are countless resources available online to help you learn physics. Try these:
- Learn about Physical Units from HyperPhysics at Georgia State University.
- The National Institutes of Standards and Technology provides information about the International System of Units (SI).
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