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Lesson 1 - Converting Units and Problem Solving PDF

This document provides an overview of unit conversion and the problem solving process for a course on water hydraulics. It discusses the SI and English systems of units, defining base and derived units. Methods are presented for converting within and between systems using conversion factors. A six-step approach to problem solving is also outlined. Students are assigned conversion practice problems involving units of length, flow rate, mass and volume.

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489 views

Lesson 1 - Converting Units and Problem Solving PDF

This document provides an overview of unit conversion and the problem solving process for a course on water hydraulics. It discusses the SI and English systems of units, defining base and derived units. Methods are presented for converting within and between systems using conversion factors. A six-step approach to problem solving is also outlined. Students are assigned conversion practice problems involving units of length, flow rate, mass and volume.

Uploaded by

Daud Simon A
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lesson 1: Converting Units and Problem Solving

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Lesson 1:
Converting Units and Problem Solving

Objective
In this section we will answer the following questions:
Recognize units used in the SI and English Systems.
Covert units within the same system and convert units to another system.
Apply the problem solving process.

Reading Assignment
Read the online lecture and sections 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.2.4, 2.2.5 in Water Hydraulics by
Spellman.

Lecture
Units
The measurement of any quantity is represented by a value and a particular unit. For
example we can make a measurement of the length of an object and say that it is 10 ft. To
say that something is 10 has no meaning. As a water/wastewater technician it is important to
understand units in both the English and SI systems. It is also important to use a consistent set
of units when making calculations.
The most widely used system of measurement in the world is the Systme International
(French for International System), which is abbreviated SI. The base quantities are listed in
Figure 1-1. The SI system is by far the easiest system to use when dealing with the laws and
equations of water hydraulics. However, students typically find it difficult to visualize or
conceptualize these units because they are unfamiliar with them. There will be problems
throughout the semester that will use these units. Along with the base units comes the use of
prefixes to define larger and smaller units in multiples of ten and those are listed in Figure 1-2.

Quantity
Unit
Length
Meter
Time
Second
Mass
Kilogram
Electric
Ampere
Current
Temperature Kelvin

Abbreviation
M
S
Kg
A
K

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Amount of
Substance
Luminous
Intensisty

Mole

Mol

candela

cd

Figure 1-1. SI Base Quantities

Prefix Abbreviation Value


Giga
G
Mega
M
Kilo
k
Hecto
h
Deka
da
Deci
d
Centi
c
Milli
m
micro

nano
n
Figure 1-2. SI Prefixes

In the United States, the most common system of measurement is the English system. This
system consists of familiar units such as the pound, foot, inch, and so on. In this course, the
English will be the primary system used. The English system is difficult to use because the
list of units is extensive. There are, however, conversions we can use to aid us in problem
solving. The most common base units are listed in Figure 1-3.

Unit
Quantity
Force
Length
Time
Temperature

Pound
Foot
Second
Fahrenheit

Abbreviation
lb
ft
s
F

Figure 1-3. English Base Quantites

In both systems, physical units can be placed into two categories: base units and derived
units. The base units listed in Figures 1-1 and 1-3 are defined in terms of a standard. For
example, the meter is defined as the length of path traveled by light in vacuum during a time
interval of 1/299,792,458 m/s. English base units are defined in terms of their SI counterpart.

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Derived units are defined in terms of base quantities. For example, pressure is defined as the
force per unit area with force and length being the base quantities.

Converting Units
We know that any quantity measured is made up of a number and a unit. Many times we are
given a quantity in one set of units, but we need to express it in another set of units. To do
this we need a conversion factor. Suppose that we measure a length of rope to be 18 in. long,
and we want to express this in centimeters. We will need to use the conversion factor
1 in. = 2.54 cm or 1 in. = 2.54 cm/in.
Since mathematics tells us that dividing any number by itself equals 1 and multiplying by 1
does not change anything, the length of our rope is

Note that the units of inches cancelled out and we were left with centimeters.

Example: How many yards are in the 100 m dash?


We know that
1 yd = 3ft = 36 in. =
(note: 100 cm in 1 m)

The conversion is

Next we set up the equation to solve.

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Example: Express 55 miles per hour in meters/second and kilometers/hour.


Conversion factors
1 mi = 1609 m

1 hr = 60 min. = 3600s

2.54 cm = 1 in.

100 cm = 1 m

12 in. = 1 ft

Solution
1. Convert 1 mile to meters

2. Convert mi/hr to m/s

3. Combine answers from parts (1) and (2) to solve. Note 1609 m = 1.609 km

Problem Solving
Problem solving is a skill water/wastewater operators and maintenance personnel will use on
a daily basis. The ability to understand a problem and arrive at a reasonable solution, makes
one a valuable employee. The following is a systematic approach to solving problems
encountered not only throughout the course but on the JOB as well.

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Lesson 1: Converting Units and Problem Solving


Problem Solving Steps
1. Read/reread the problem carefully. (Did I leave out a word or misunderstand?)
2. Draw an accurate picture or diagram of the situation. (Where are the forces or direction
of flow?)
3. APPLY the physical principle to the problem. (What equation or relationship should
I use?)
4. Solve the problem. (How do I manipulate the equation algebraically to solve for the
desired variable? Are there any unit conversions?)
5. Report answer with correct units.
6. Check answer to see if the answer is reasonable.

Sources
Giancoli, Douglas C. Physics for Scientists and Engineers. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentice Hall, 2000. Print.
Spellman, Frank R., and Joanne Drinan. Water Hydraulics. Lancaster, PA: Technomic Pub.,
2001. Print.

Assignment
Answer the following questions and either email or fax to the instructor.
1. Define the term conversion factor.
2. Explain the difference between a base unit and a derived unit.
3. Convert 100 ft3/min to MGD
4. Convert 124 lbs. to kilograms.
5. Convert 364 in3 to m3.

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