Measurements & Dimensional Analysis

The metric system is the tool of the devil!

- Abe Simpson, The Simpsons

Scientific Method: Terms

Hypothesis a tentative explanation for a set of observations Model A hypothesis that is able to make predictions that can be tested for validity Law A concise verbal or mathematical statement describing a relationship that is always the same under same conditions Theory A unifying explanation of a body of facts and the laws that are based on them.

Scientific Method: The Steps

1. Make an observation. 2. Research. 3. Formulate a hypothesis. 4. Perform experiment. 5. Analyze data. 6. Evaluate hypothesis.

SI Units (Metric system)

Quantity
Length Mass Volume Temperature Time Pressure

Unit
meter kilogram liter Kelvin second Pascal

Tool
metric ruler balance graduated cylinder thermometer stop watch barometer

Metric System
Prefix (symbol) nano (n) What it means 1.00 x 10
-9

Example 0.000000001 meters = 1 nm

micro ( )
milli (m) centi (c) deci (d) kilo (k) mega (M) giga (G)

1.00x 10

-6
-3 -2 -1 3

0.000001 meters = 1 m
0.001 meter = 1 mm 0.01 meter = 1 cm 0.1 meter = 1 dm 1,000 meters = 1 km 1,000,000 meters = 1 Mm 1,000,000,000 meters = 1 Gm

1.00 x 10 1.00 x 10 1.00 x 10

1.00 x 10 6 1.00 x 10 1.00 x 10

9

Mass: the amount of matter in an object

It can be measured with a triple beam or analytical balance It is measured in grams.

Which do you think would have the greater volume and mass? Why?

1 kg of feathers

1 kg of rock

Volume: the amount of space an object occupies.

There are several ways to calculate volume:

1. For a regular uniformly shaped object that has a measureable length, height and width, use the ruler method

2. For an irregular shaped object use the water displacement method

The Meniscus

Using Volumetric Glassware

meniscus
Measure at the bottom of the meniscus

Place a known amount of water into the graduated cylinder

How much water is in this graduated cylinder?

Read your graduated cylinder carefully remember to record your unit of measurement.

Very carefully place your object into the graduated cylinderwhat are some things you need to be aware of as you place the object into the graduated cylinder?

 Dont drop it directly into the graduated cylinder tilt the cylinder to the side and slide it to the bottomGENTLY

Only place enough water in the graduated cylinder to cover the object by several mL.

After placing the object carefully in the graduated cylinder, what should you do now?

Read the volume of the water after the object has been put in, then

subtract your beginning water level from you ending water level.

25 mL 20 mL 5 mL

Ending Water Level

-Beginning Water Level

Volume of the object

Density: amount of matter within a certain volume (mass per unit volume).

m D= v
Units for density g/cm3 or g/ml

Density is a measure of how tightly packed and how heavy the molecules are in an object.

Dimensional Analysis
Initial quantity a = ? quantity b

Za=Yb
conversion factor

Initial quantity a

Yb
Za

= ? quantity b

How many seconds are in 302 minutes?

302 minutes 1 x 60 seconds 1 minute

18120 1

= 18120 seconds
23

Dimensional Analysis How many seconds are in 302 minutes?

302 minutes

60 seconds 1 minute 60 seconds

seconds

302 minutes x

1 minute

seconds

24

Why bother?
Consistent problem solving approach Reduces errors in algebra Reinforces unit conversion Simplifies computation Organizes work Enables easier error check

How many kg are in 5.10 g?

1 kg = 1000 g = 103 g 1 kg 5.10 g 1000 g = 0.00510 kg
or

= 5.1010-3 kg

How many g are in 5.10 kg?

5.10 kg

1000 g 1 kg

= 5100 g
or

= 5.10103 kg

26

How many cg are in 55.10 kg?

1 cg = 0.01 g 55.10 kg 1 kg = 1000 g 1 cg 0.01 g = cg

1000 g

1 kg

55100 cg 0.01

= 5.51106

27

Change 6.2 g/L into g/mL

1 mL = 0.001 L 6.2 g/L = 1 L = 1000 mL 6.2 g 1 L

6.2 g
1 L

1000 mL 6.2 g 1000 mL

= g/mL

= 6.210-3

28

Change 6.2 g/L into dg/mL

1 L = 1000 mL 6.2 g/L = 0.1 g = 1 dg 6.2 g 1 L

6.2 g
1 L

1000 mL

1 dg 0.1 g

= dg/mL

6.2 dg 100 mL

= 6.210-2

29

Dec. 11, 1998

Sept. 23, 1999

 The loss of the the Mars Climate Orbiter on September 23, 1999, was a most unfortunate and highly avoidable event. The cause of the mishap has been traced to a mix-up over units. Preliminary findings indicated that one team used English units (e.g., inches, feet and pounds) while the other used metric units for maneuvers required to place the spacecraft in the proper Mars orbit. The 'root cause' of the loss of the spacecraft was the failed translation of English units into metric units. For nearly three centuries, engineers and scientists have been struggling with English units.

break
HW: Dimensional Analysis w/s

1mL 4 50.1L 5.0110 mL 0.001L 50100 mL

0.01g 125cg 1.25 g 1cg
1kJ 3 23.5 10 J 2.35 10 kJ 1000 J 2350 kJ
5

6.

0.01L 1mL 25.1cL 251mL 1cL 0.001L