Chapter 1 - Introduction, Measurement & Estimating Flashcards
The principal aim of all sciences, including physics, is generally considered to be the search for order in our observations of the world around us. Many people think that science is a mechanical process of collecting facts and devising theories. But it is not so simple. Science is a creative activity that in many respects resembles other creative activities of the human mind. (16 cards)
The current definition of the standard meter of length is based on
A) the distance between the earth’s equator and north pole.
B) the distance between the earth and the sun.
C) the distance traveled by light in a vacuum.
D) the length of a particular object kept in France.
C) the distance traveled by light in a vacuum.
The current definition of the standard second of time is based on
A) the frequency of radiation emitted by cesium atoms.
B) the earth’s rotation rate.
C) the duration of one year.
D) the oscillation of a particular pendulum kept in France.
A) the frequency of radiation emitted by cesium atoms.
The current definition of the standard kilogram of mass is based on
A) the mass of the earth.
B) the mass of the sun.
C) the mass a particular object kept in France.
D) the mass of a cesium-133 atom.
C) the mass of a particular object kept in France.
If a woman weighs 125 lb, her mass expressed in kilograms is x kg, where x is
less than 125
If a tree is 15 m tall, its height expressed in feet is x ft, where x is
greater than 15
If a flower is 6.5 cm wide, its width expressed in millimeters is x mm, where x is
greater than 6.5
If an operatic aria lasts for 5.75 min, its length expressed in seconds is x s, where x is
A) less than 5.75.
B) greater than 5.75.
B) greater than 5.75.
Scientists use the metric system chiefly because it is more accurate than the English system.
A) True
B) False
B) False
When adding two numbers, the number of significant figures in the sum is equal to the number of significant figures in the least accurate of the numbers being added.
A) True
B) False
B) False
When determining the number of significant figures in a number, zeroes to the left of the decimal point are never counted.
A) True
B) False
B) False
0.0001776 can also be expressed as
A) 1.776 × 10^-3.
B) 1.776 × 10^-4.
C) 17.72 × 10^4.
D) 1772 × 10^5.
E) 177.2 × 10^7.
B) 1.776 × 10^-4.
0.00325 × 10^-8 cm can also be expressed in mm as
A) 3.25 × 10^-12 mm.
B) 3.25 × 10^-11 mm.
C) 3.25 × 10^-10 mm.
D) 3.25 × 10^-9 mm.
E) 3.25 × 10^-8 mm.
C) 3.25 × 10^-10 mm.
If, in a parallel universe, π has the value 3.14149, express π in that universe to four significant figures.
A) 3.141
B) 3.142
C) 3.1415
D) 3.1414
A) 3.141
The number 0.003010 has
A) 7 significant figures.
B) 6 significant figures.
C) 4 significant figures.
D) 2 significant figures.
C) 4 significant figures.
What is the sum of 1.53 + 2.786 + 3.3 written with the correct number of significant figures?
A) 8
B) 7.6
C) 7.62
D) 7.616
E) 7.6160
B) 7.6
The shortest wavelength of visible light is approximately 400 nm. Express this wavelength in centimeters.
A) 4 × 10^-5 cm
B) 4 × 10^-7 cm
C) 4 × 10^-9 cm
D) 4 × 10^-11 cm
E) 400 × 10^-11 cm
A) 4 × 10^-5 cm
