Unit 1: Introduction to Physics
Our first step in this course is to gain a basic understanding of the language and analytical techniques that are specific to physics. This unit will include a brief outline of physics and the scientific method, measurement units and scientific notation, and the concepts of significant figures, order-of-magnitude estimates, and scaling.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 6 hours.
1.1: Physical Quantities and Units
Read the Preface and sections 1.1 and 1.2 of "Chapter 1: Introduction: The Nature of Science and Physics," on pages 7 to 24.
Try solving these practice problems.
This notes page includes some high-level takeaways and equations covered in this subunit. Feel free to add to this document; we deliberately left it in DOC format to encourage you to add to and expand it. Consider sharing your notes with your classmates on our discussion forum for this course.
1.2: Accuracy, Precision, and Significant Figures
Read sections 1.3 and 1.4 of "Chapter 1: Introduction: The Nature of Science and Physics" (pages 25 to 32).
Try solving these practice problems.
After reading the College Physics material, please click on the link above, and review these rules on significant digits.