700144/900079 Foundation Physics 1 2018 —Student Workbook

WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY-THE COLLEGE

700144- FOUNDATION PHYSICS 1
TERM 3, 2020- WEEK 1

1- SI UNITS AND MEASUREMENT

Physical quantity
Any number that is used to describe a physical phenomenon quantitatively (using measurement) is called a
physical quantity.

Basic quantities
These can be defined only by describing how to measure them.
1. The metre. The present definition of the metre established in 1983 is the length of the path travelled by
light in a vacuum during a time interval of 1/299,792,458 second.
2. The kilogram is the mass of the cylinder of platinum-iridium alloy held in Paris at the International
Bureau of Weights and Measures. It was declared to be the international prototype for a kilogram in the
year 1889.
3. The second is the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the
transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom.

International system of units (SI)

In order to describe how bodies behave, a universal system of measurement has been established. This system is
called the International System of Units (SI units). This system uses seven base units. All other derived units
are based on these seven fundamental units. The base and derived units are listed below with their internationally
recommended abbreviations.

TABLE 1: SI BASE UNITS

Physical quantity Name of unit Abbreviation

length metre m

mass kilogram kg

time second s

electric current ampere A

temperature kelvin K

luminous intensity candela cd

amount of substance mole mol

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TABLE 2: SI-DERIVED UNITS

Physical quantity Name of unit Abbreviation

–1
velocity metre/second ms
–2
acceleration metre/second squared ms

force newton N

frequency hertz Hz

pressure pascal Pa

work, energy joule J

power watt W

electric charge coulomb C

electric potential volt V

electric resistance ohm Ω

electric capacitance farad F

electric conductance siemens S

strength of tesla T
magnetic field

magnetic flux weber Wb

plane angle Radian Rad

solid angle Steradian sr

TABLE 3: PREFIXES FOR SI-DERIVED UNITS

Prefix Abbreviation Value

18
exa E 10
15
peta P 10
12
tera T 10
9
giga G 10
6
mega M 10
3
kilo k 10
–2
centi c 10
–3
milli m 10
–6
micro μ 10
–9
nano n 10
–12
pico p 10
–15
femto f 10
–18
atto a 10

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TABLE 4: UNIT CONVERSIONS

Table of units

Physical quantity Units of measurement Equivalents

length 10 millimetres (mm) = 1 centimetre (cm)

100 centimetres = 1 metre (m)
1000 metres = 1 kilometre (km)
1 nautical mile (n. mile) = 1852 metres

mass 1000 grams (g) = 1 kilogram (kg)

1000 kilograms = 1 tonne (t)

time 60 seconds (s) = 1 minute (min)

60 minutes = 1 hour (h)
24 hours = 1 day (d)

area 100 square millimetres (mm2) = 1 square centimetre (cm2)

10,000 square centimetres = 1 square metre (m2)
10,000 square metres = 1 hectare (ha)

volume 1000 cubic millimetres (mm3) = 1 cubic centimetre (cm3)

1,000,000 cubic centimetres = 1 cubic metre (m3)

volume for fluids only 1000 millilitres (mL) = 1 litre (L)

1000 litres = 1 kilolitre (kL)
1 kilolitre = 1 cubic metre (m3)
SI Base Unit
Definitions:

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EXERCISE ON UNIT CONVERSION

Carry out the following unit conversions:

1. $2.30/kg = $_____________/t
2300

2. 7.5 L/h = _____________L/day

7.5x24

3. 70 mm/s = ____________cm/s
7
9
4. 9 m/mL = ___________km/L
5. 150 kg/h = ___________t/day
0.015x24

6. 0.8 m/min = ___________km/day

0.008x24

2-VECTORS AND SCALARS

Scalars are quantities that can be completely described by their size (magnitude) only.
Vectors are quantities that need both a magnitude (how much or how big) and a direction in space to be fully described.

PROBLEM 1.1: VECTORS AND SCALARS

1. Sort the following list of quantities and put them into either the “scalar” side or the “vector” side of the table.

QUANTITIES
• Displacement • Speed
• Velocity • Mass
• Time • Weight
• Distance • Temperature
• Acceleration • Energy
• Force

Scalar Vector

speed,time,temperature,mass,energy,time, weight,displacement,velocity,acceleration
distance. force

2. State which of the following measurements are scalar quantities and which are vector quantities.
a. 4.0 kg sand Scalar _

b. 100 km north Vector _

c. 40.5 ms–1 Scalar _

d. 27.6 °C Scalar _

e. 24.7 cm down
Vector _

f. $47.60 Scalar _

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ANSWERS
Problem 1.1: Vectors and scalars
1. Scalars: Distance, Speed, Mass, Time, Temperature, Energy
Vectors: Displacement, Velocity, Weight, Force, Acceleration
2. a. scalar
b. vector
c. scalar
d. scalar
e. vector
f. scalar

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Addition and Subtraction of Vectors

REPRESENTATION OF VECTORS BY ARROW DIAGRAMS

Because vectors have both size and direction, we can draw them as arrows whose length is proportional to the size of the
measurement and whose direction is that given by the arrowhead.
Below are some displacements drawn as vector arrows. Notice the bigger the size of the displacement is, the bigger we
draw the arrow. The arrow points in the direction given.

STATING DIRECTION OF A VECTOR

The points of a compass can be used in stating direction of a vector. For example, the clockwise angle measured from the
north to specify direction is called “true bearing”.

However in most practical situations, reference to north, south, east and west are not appropriate. In these cases,
direction can be referred to angles measured from specified axes or angles from the horizontal or vertical, eg 10° counter-
clockwise from the horizontal. In some circumstances, the descriptions up, down or right, left may be appropriate.

MULTIPLYING VECTORS BY SCALARS

The vector (k × ) is a line k times longer than and in the same direction.

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VECTOR ADDITION
Two vectors may be added to each other by taking the vectors in turn and placing the head of the first to the tail of the next.
The resultant vector c is the line joining the tail of the first vector to the head of the last.

The resultant vector is the single vector which would have the same effect as all the other vectors together.
The order in which vectors are added has no effect on the resultant. Vectors obey the cumulative law of addition.

EXAMPLE 1.1: VECTOR ADDITION

Vector addition and subtraction in the Foundation Physics 1 course is limited to their application to vectors that are at right-
angles to each other. As illustrated in the following examples, the results of vector addition and subtraction can be
determined by sketching a diagram in which the two vectors combine to produce a resultant (total) vector that forms the third
side of a triangle. If the triangle is a right-angled triangle, Pythagoras’ theorem can be used to determine the magnitude of
the resultant, and the definitions of sine, cosine and tangent can be used to determine the direction of the resultant.
A hiker walks 3 km north and then 4 km east. What is the displacement of the hiker from the starting point?

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Solution

VECTOR SUBTRACTION
Vector subtraction is used to find the change in a vector when, for example, a vector changes from having the value b to the
value a, the change in the vector is given by:
Change in a vector = = vector( ) + negative vector

= +
To subtract one vector from another, reverse the direction of the vector you wish to subtract and add this negative vector to
the other vector.

EXAMPLE 1.2: VECTOR SUBTRACTION

Subtract the vector b = 30 ms–1 west from the vector a = 45 ms–1 south. That is, calculate:

a b = 45 ms-1 south 30 ms-1 west

Solution

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PROBLEM 1.2: SPECIFYING THE DIRECTION OF A VECTOR

1. Determine the direction of the following vectors. a.

Direction east _

b.

Direction south _

c. d.

Direction N60E30 _ Direction S70W20 _

e. f.

Direction 60S30E _ Direction W45S _

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2. In the space provided draw the vectors in the given direction.

a. b.

Direction: North Direction: West

c. d.

Direction: E30°N Direction: W15°S

e. f.

Direction: SW Direction: E10°S

ANSWERS
Problem 1.2: Specifying the direction of a vector
1. a. East b. South c. N60°E or E30°N d. W20°S or S70°W e. E30°S or S60°E
f. NW or N45°W or W45°N
2.

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PROBLEM 1.3: VECTOR ADDITION

The questions refer to the vector diagrams below. Spaces are provided to carry out working and sketching vector addition
diagrams in Table 1.1 on the next page.

What is the magnitude and direction of the resultant of the addition of each of the following vectors?
Express your answer for direction as a bearing or with regard to the main compass points. The bearing angle is
measured clockwise from north.

Vectors Resultant

1. P+Q M=3.6 D=56.3

2. P+S M=5.3 D=N68.2W

3. Q+R M=5 D=E53.1

4. R+S M=6.4 D=S51.3W

5. P+R+Q M=3.6 D=S56.3E

6. Q+S+P
M=2.8 D=W45N

7. Q+S+R
M=4.4 D=W63.4S

8. P+R+S
M=5.3 D=S68.2W

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Problems involving three vectors can be treated by adding two of the vectors to give a resultant and then adding this
resultant to the third vector.

Table 1.1

Magnitude Direction Vector diagram

1. 3.6 56.3

2.
5.3 N68.2W

3.
5 E53.1

4. 6.4
S51.3W

5.
3.6 S56.3E

6.
2.8 W45N

7. 4.4
W63.4S

8. 5.3
S68.2W

ANSWERS
Problem 1.3: Vector addition 1. 5. (3.6, S56.3°E or 124°)
6. (2.8, W45°N or 315°)
(3.6, N56.3°E or 56.3°)
7. (4.4, W63.4°S or 206°)
2. (5.3, N68.2°W or 291.8°)
8. (5.3, S68.2°W or 248°)
3. (5.0, E53.1° or 143°)
4. (6.4, S51.3°W or 231°)

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PROBLEM 1.4: VECTOR SUBTRACTION 1

Find the result of the subtraction of the following vectors. Your answers must include both the magnitude and direction of
the resultant vector. Spaces are provided in Table 1.2 for setting out your working and vector subtraction diagrams.
1. 26 m east – 13 m west
2. 15 ms−1 south – 24 ms−1 north
3. 45 kgms−1 south – 30 kgms−1 east

Table 1.2
Calculation
Vector diagram
Magnitude Direction

1. 39 m east

2. 39 ms1 south

3.
54.1 kgms1,S33.7W

Resultant

1.

2.

3.

ANSWERS
Problem 1.4: Vector subtraction 1
1. (39 m east)
2. (39 ms−1 south)
3. (54.1 kgms−1, S33.7W)

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PROBLEM 1.5: VECTOR SUBTRACTION 2

The questions refer to the vector diagrams below. Spaces are provided to carry out working and providing vector subtraction
diagrams in Table 1.3 on the next page.

What is the magnitude and direction of the resultant of the addition of each of the following vectors? Express your
answer for direction by using the angle from the major points.

Vectors Resultant

1. P−Q

2. P−S

3. Q−R

4. R−S

5. P+R−Q

6. Q+S−P

7. Q+S−R

8. P+R−S

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Table 1.3

Calculation
Vector diagram
Magnitude Direction

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

ANSWERS
Problem 1.5: Vector subtraction 2
1. (3.6, N56.3W)
2. (5.3, N68.2E)
3. (5.0, E 53.1N)
4. (6.4, S51.3E)
5. (3.6, S56.3W)
6. (2.8, S45W)
7. (4.4, W63.4N)
8. (5.3, S68.2E)

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COMPONENTS OF A VECTOR
The component of a vector is the effect of a vector in a particular direction. The vector under consideration can be regarded
as the sum of its component vectors. In this course, components will be set at right angles to each other. This simplifies
the mathematics

EXAMPLE 1.3: COMPONENTS OF VECTOR F

A man pushes a shovel into horizontal ground with a force of 100 N at an angle of 20° to the ground.

Using the trigonometry of a right-angled triangle:

cos θ = FH ÷F => FH = F cos θ = 100 cos 20° = 94.0 N to the left

sin θ= FV ÷ F => Fv = F sin θ = 100 sin 20° = 34.2 N down

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PROBLEM 1.6: COMPONENTS OF VECTORS

Calculate the horizontal and vertical components for each of the vector diagrams below.

Diagram Horizontal component Vertical component

1
5
5 cos 30° 5 sin 30°

30°

2
12

20°

3
15

20

5
25

30°

6 60°

15

7
60°

15

ANSWERS
Problem 1.6: Components of vectors
1. x = 4.3 right, y = 2.5 up 4. x = 0, y = 20 up 7. x = 7.5 left, y = 13 down
2. x = 11.3 right, y = 4.1 up 5. x = 21.7 left, y = 12.5 up
3. x = 15 right, y = 0 6. x = 7.5 right, y = 13 down

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2- Significant Figures
The term “significant figures” (or sf) refers to the number of important single digits (0–9) in an expression of measurement.
Measurements are not as perfect as other aspects of mathematics. Each of our senses has limited accuracy for detecting
slight differences. Each measuring tool also has a tolerance for possible errors. Significant figures are one way to tell the
truth about the precision of a measurement.

RULES FOR IDENTIFYING SIGNIFICANT FIGURES

The rules for identifying significant figures are:
• All non-zero numbers are significant. For example, the number 472 has three (3)
significant figures.
• Zeros at the beginning of a number (i.e. leading zeros) are not significant. For example,
the number 0.056 has two (2) significant figures as the zeros at the beginning of this number
are not significant.
• Any zeros between two non-zero numbers are significant. For example, in the number 807,
the zero (0) is significant and therefore this number has three (3) significant figures.
• Any succeeding zeros after a non-zero number (i.e. zeros at the end of a number) are not
significant unless more information is given. For example, in the number 420, the zero
(0) after the 2 (as it is) is not significant and therefore this number has two (2)
significant figures.
• Any zeros that occur after both a non-zero number AND after a decimal place are
significant. For example, in the number 5.00, the two zeros (0’s) are significant as they
occur after both a non-zero number AND after the decimal point. Therefore, the number
5.00 has three (3) significant figures.

RULES FOR ROUNDING NUMBERS

To round numbers:
• Locate the required digit and check the next digit:
 If the next digit is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 — do not increase the digit.
 If the next digit is 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 — add one (1) to this digit

EXAMPLE 1.4
Find the following values correct to three significant figures:
a. z = 3.015435502 m b. x = 0.005433652 m c. y = 3,056,789 m

SOLUTION
Start from the left-hand side and move across to the right until you hit the first number which is not 0. This is where
your significant figures start from. You also need to check if the last figure needs to be rounded up or not.
a. z = 3.015435502 m b. x = 0.005435502 c. y = 3,056,789 m
= 3.02 m = 0.00543 m = 3,060,000 m
(On the calculator fx-82AU: Press SHIFT SETUP 7: Sci)

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EXERCISE ON SIGNIFICANT DIGITS:

1. Express the quantity 5.342 015 m using 3 significant digits.
2. Express the quantity 5.347 015 m using 2 significant digits.
3. How many significant digits are present in the number 0.1256? Repeat for 0.01256? Repeat for
0.012560?
4. A 5 V source is connected to a 22 Ω resistor. Express the current using 3 significant digits
(Note: use voltage = current x resistance).
5. A 9 V source is connected to a resistor whose value is unknown. The current of the circuit is
measured and found to be 125 mA. Express the value of the resistance using 3 significant
digits.
6. A current measured to be 35.7 mA passes through a 2.36 MΩ resistor. Express the value of the
voltage across the resistor using 3 significant digits.
7. The power delivered by an electrical source is equal to the product of the voltage of the source
and the current that flows out of the source. Suppose that the voltage is 120 V and that the
current is 856.7 mA. Express the power delivered by the source using 3 significant digits
(Note: use Power = voltage x current).
2
8. A mass of 5.00 kg undergoes an acceleration of 2.37 m/s . Express the force that is needed to
produce this acceleration using 3 significant digits (Note: use F = m x a).
9. A force equal to 2.69 N is applied to a mass of 8.23 kg. Express the resulting acceleration using
3 significant digits (Note: use F = m x a).
2
10. A 78.9 kg object is accelerated at a rate of 2.10 m/s . How much force is required to produce this
acceleration?

PROBLEM 1.7: MORE ON VECTORS

In the following exercise show the answers to the significant figures indicated in the brackets.
1. Calculate the magnitude and the direction of the resultant vector obtained by adding the following vectors.
For each exercise draw a vector diagram.
a. Displacement of 5.0 m east and 3.0 m north (2 significant figures)
b. Velocities of 6.0 ms east and 4.0 ms south
−1 −1 (3 significant figures)
c. Accelerations of 3.6 ms north and 5.8 ms west
−2 −2 (4 significant figures)
d. Velocities of 8.0 ms−1 NE and 5.4 ms−1 NW (3 significant figures)

2. A woman walked 160 m north, then 850 m west, then 260 m south, then 150 m east and finally 450 m
south again.
a. Construct a scale diagram to illustrate the path of the woman.

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 700144/900079 Foundation Physics 1 2018 —Student Workbook

b. What distance did she walk?

c. What is her displacement from her original position?
d. In which direction should she head in order to return to her original position?

ANSWERS
Problem 1.7: More on
vectors 1. a. x=
5.8 m E 31° N
b. v = 7.21 ms−1 E 33 °S
c. a = 6.826 ms−2 N 58° W
d. v = 9.65 E 79° N
e. x = 13m W
19 N 2. b.
x = 1870 m
c. x = 890.2 m, W 38.2° S
d. E 38.

TUTORIALS WITH ANSWERS

Problem 1: Vector Addition

N
A = 2 ms-1

B = 4 ms-1
D = 3 ms-1 W E

C = 1 ms-1
S

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 700144/900079 Foundation Physics 1 2018 —Student Workbook

The vector diagrams above represent velocities of a body. Based on the given values, find the
magnitude and direction of the resultant of the addition of each of the following vectors. Use the space
provided for your diagrams and solutions. For the direction, express your answer as a bearing or with
regard to the main compass points. The bearing angle is measured clockwise from North.

Resultant
Vector diagram
Magnitude Direction

1.1 A + D

1.2 B + C

1.3 A + D + C

Problems 2: Vector Subtraction

N
A = 2 ms-1

B = 4 ms-1
D = 3 ms-1 W E

C = 1 ms-1
S

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The vector diagrams above represent velocities of a body. Based on the given values, find the
magnitude and direction of the resultant of the subtraction of each of the following vectors. Use the
space provided for your diagrams and solutions. For the direction, express your with regard to the main
compass points.

Resultant
Vector diagram
Magnitude Direction

2.1. A - D

2.2. B - C

2.3. A + D - C

2.4. A + C - D

2.5 B + D - A

Problem 3: A spelunker surveys a cave and starts at the entrance. He goes 25.0 m, N; 45.0 m, E, then 75.0 m,
South. Find the resultant displacement of the spelunker from the cave entrance.

Problem 4: Jason performs a simple activity on addition of vectors and their resultant. First, he walks 4 meters,
South. What must be his second displacement to obtain a resultant of 8.1 m, S 60.3°W?

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 SOLUTIONS
Solution to Problem 1: Vector Addition:

Resultant
Vector Diagram
Magnitude Directio
n

1.1 A + D

1.2. B + C

1.3. A + D +
C

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Solution to Problem 2: Vector Subtraction:

Resultan
t Vector Diagram
Magnitude Direction

2.1. A - D

2.2. B - C

2.3. A + D - C

2.4. A + C - D

2.5. B + D - A

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Solution to Problem 3:

Solution to Problem 4:

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 SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS
Q1. The resultant vector formed by adding the vectors 5.0 m north to 4.0 m south is:

(A) 6.1 m N 34.70 W

(B) 9 m N

(C) 9 m S

(D) 1 m N

Q2.

8N

o
40
In the vector above the value of the component in the horizontal (x) direction is:

(A) 2.07 E

(B) 6.12 E

(C) 5.14 E

(D) 3.06 E

Q3. The magnitude and direction of the resultant vector P - R is:

P =4 m
R=5 m

(A) 6.4m N 51.3o E

(B) 6.4m S 51.3o N

(C) 6.4 m W 51.30 S

(D) 6.4 m E 51.30 S

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Q4. Draw the following vector on the diagram below (1 mark) and then calculate the vertical and
horizontal components of this vector (2 marks).

Q5. Consider vectors A and B.

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 (a) Draw a diagram showing the resultant vector, A + B.

(b) Calculate the magnitude and direction of vector A + B

Q6. Determine the direction of the two vectors shown below.

300

650

600

250

Direction: Direction:

Q7. What is the difference between a vector quantity and a scalar quantity?

Q8. Convert 105 km hr-1 to ms-1.

Q9. Convert 28.5 nanometres to metres. Express your answer in scientific notation to two
significant figures.

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