Welcome to Physics 11
Metric Prefixes In physics we will often use exceptionally large numbers like: g. In physics we will often use exceptionally large numbers like: g. This is the mass of the earth. Occasionally, we will use very small numbers like: g. Occasionally, we will use very small numbers like: g. This is the mass of an electron.
Metric Prefixes Rather than spend all our time writing zeros, we have two ways of simplifying these numbers. Rather than spend all our time writing zeros, we have two ways of simplifying these numbers. The first is using metric prefixes. The first is using metric prefixes.metric prefixesmetric prefixes To convert from one unit to another we will use conversion factors. To convert from one unit to another we will use conversion factors.
Changing from one prefix to another First write the amount using the given metric prefix First write the amount using the given metric prefix Ie: 2000 m Ie: 2000 m Next, write the desired units on the top and the given unit on the bottom Next, write the desired units on the top and the given unit on the bottom Ie:2000m × ______km Ie:2000m × ______km m
Changing from one prefix to another Write the conversion factor next to the smaller unit. This is the number of smaller units that make up the bigger unit. Write the conversion factor next to the smaller unit. This is the number of smaller units that make up the bigger unit. Ie: 2000 m × 1 km Ie: 2000 m × 1 km 1000m 1000m Finally, perform the calculation, canceling out the given units. Finally, perform the calculation, canceling out the given units. Ie:2000m × 1 km = 2 km Ie:2000m × 1 km = 2 km 1000 m 1000 m
Example Convert 20 cm into metres. Convert 20 cm into metres. 20 cm × 1 m= 0.2 m 20 cm × 1 m= 0.2 m 100cm 100cm
Scientific Notation Convert to scientific notation. Convert to scientific notation. How many places do you have to move the decimal over? = 6.0 × 10 5 The best way to type this into your calculator is as follows: 6 EE 5
Scientific Notation Convert km into scientific notation. Convert km into scientific notation. How many places do you need to move the decimal over? km = 5.0 × km
Homework Complete Metric Conversions and Scientific Notation homework. Complete Metric Conversions and Scientific Notation homework. Return outlines signed by parents Return outlines signed by parents