Dimensional Analysis A Lesson in Converting from One
- Slides: 6
Dimensional Analysis A Lesson in Converting from One Type of Measurement to Another
Lesson Objective I will be able to convert from one type of unit of measurement to another using dimensional analysis.
What is Dimensional Analysis? Dimensional Analysis is a fancy name for a method of calculating that: 1. uses numbers in the form of fractions. 2. enables us to convert from one type of unit measurement to another. 3. is something that you will encounter heavily in physical science, and in life (cooking, working, etc. ) For example, if you need to convert from kilograms to pounds, or from feet to meters. These are different types of units of measurement.
Unit A unit is something that gives definition to a numerical value, quantity, or measurement. For example, “ 1 mile. ” Mile is the unit. Without the unit, you do not know what is being referred to. Different measurements have different units. Length- meters, centimeters, feet, inches, miles, kilometers Mass- kilograms, pounds, grams Time- hours, minutes seconds, days, months Volume- cups, teaspoons, liters, milliliters, gallons, quarts Currency- dollars, cents, dimes
Steps of Dimensional Analysis 1. First, determine what is given, and the unit that is given. 2. Second, determine what unit you are solving for. 3. Then turn what has been given into a fraction by placing that number over the number one. 4. For example, if 2 eggs is the given number and unit, then simply put a one in the denominator to make it a fraction. 2 eggs= 2 eggs 1 5. Set up your equation so that your units cancel out. If a unit appears in the numerator, and the same unit appears in the denominator, it can be cancelled or removed. This unit can be in the numerator and the denominator of the same fraction, or in two different fractions being multiplied. Given unit x Wanted Unit = Wanted Unit Given Unit Tip: Sometimes to change the quantity we are given, we must invert the other quantity we intend on using to convert from one set of units to the other. Constant: 7 days/1 week Inverted: 1 week/ 7 days
Let’s Practice! Conantucki Island Worksheet!
