Physics:
Study of the physical world. Science of energy.

Metric System
The metric system is based on prefixes that indicate a power of 10 with base units. 

SI system
The International System of units gives a standard unit for each type of measurement. 

Dimensional analysis:

To work dimensional analysis problems:

Measurements and uncertainty:
Measurements must be taken accurately.  Always write down one more decimal place than the instrument tells for certain—a “0” if it’s “one the line” and a “5” if it’s “between the lines.”

Significant figures:
The significant figure rules are to allow people to read data or calculations and know with what precision the data was taken.  The significant rules can be summarized in two rules: (1) If a decimal point is not present, count digits starting with the first the first non-zero number and ending with the last non-zero number; (2) If a decimal point is present anywhere in the number, start counting with the first non-zero number and continue until the end of the number. 

Scientific process:
There are many paths to follow when undertaking “science”—there is no one scientific method.  Science involves observing, posing questions, forming possible explanations (hypothesis), experimenting, processing/analyzing data, looking for trends, more formation of possible explanations or question posing.  Scientific processes form theories (which attempt to explain observed behavior) and laws (which describe or predict behavior, and are usually mathematical).  A theory cannot become a law—one explains why and one describes what.  A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for why something will occur (that may become a theory with enough evidence), while a prediction is simply a guess at what will happen—it does not attempt to say “why” it will happen.

The science of physics describes matter, energy and forces in many respects.  To study physics many academic tools are needed.  The metric system, significant figures and dimensional analysis make measurements and conversions of those measurements easier. These measurements are used with the scientific process to draw conclusions and expand our knowledge of the physical world.

Specific Tutorial Features:

•  Step by step easy explanation of example problems: dimensional analysis and significant figures

 Series Features:

• Concept map showing inter-connections of concepts introduced.
• Definition slides introduce terms as they are needed.
• Examples given throughout to illustrate how the concepts apply.
• A concise summary is given at the conclusion of the tutorial.

• The science of physics
• The metric and SI systems
  • Metric prefixes
  • SI units
  • Common non-SI units
• Dimensional analysis
  • Equalities
  • Steps to using dimensional analysis
• Measurement and Uncertainty
  • Tools common in physics labs
  • Taking measurements
  • Uncertainty
• Signficant figures
  • How they’re used
  • How to count them
• Scientific process
  • “The Scientific Method” versus Scientific Processes
  • Theory versus Law
  • Prediction versus Hypothesis
• How to study physics