00 intro to physics

Symbols and units

Intro
Symbols
letters used in formulas.
NOTE areto

Units are letters
used in quantities.
mples Note that we can change symbols at any

exaport of entry into physics. A job well done
ethe
m
o
s
Mechanics
is
e
r
a
N
time and use whatever symbols we like.
e UTIO
rA
He
C
in mechanics will form a solid foundation
for the rest

needoftothe
memorize
m represents mass Note that youewill
e
l
p
xam
subject.
orunits.
les
F
p
the
units
because
they are standard
m
Do
not
confuse
symbols
with
a
x
e
e
t
represents
time
m

o
s
e
Here ar
F represents force and cannot be changed and they
It mandated
is the unitby
that
kg kilograms
for mass
are
law.identifies
v represents
velocity
F
=
m
a
d
s
seconds
for time
W
represents
work what the quantiy represents.
N
newtons for force
2
2
Look! Some

etc.
etc.
2
a
=
v
−
v
s
f
i
m/s meters/second for velocity 20 kg
Mass
units use
rs
capital lette
J
joules for work
∆ vs
22.5
Time
a =
m
meters for length

400 tN
-200 J

etc. etc.

Introduction

Click to continue

Force
a
= g Sin x
Energy


BASIC QUANTITIES
Length

UNIT
meter

Remem
be
Only the
se units r:
in physi
ar e al l o
cs form
wed
ulas! It
respons
is your
ibility to
c
quantiti

onvert a
es into
basic un ll
its!

Mass

kilogram
There are three basic quantities in mechanics.

Time

second

NOTE

All other quantities in mechanics are
derived from these basic three and are
known as “derived” quantities.

Introduction

ext slide
toncontinue
lick to
CClick


For m ula

For m ula


For m ulas

Hypotenuse is double
opposite side


From a past physics exam

NOTE

While the value for g is 9.8 m/s2, for quick practice,
you may use 10 m/s2 to simplify your calculations.


… and good luck!