PHYSICAL QUANTITIES AND MEASUREMENT DBS1012- ENGINEERING SCIENCE

1.0: PHYSICAL QUANTITIES AND MEASUREMENT

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

describe physical quantities, base quantities, derived quantities and

the International System (SI) of units.
define scalar and vector quantities.
solve problems of unit conversion.
describe inaccuracy and errors in measurement.
read and use Micrometer screw gauge, Vernier Calliper and meter
rule.

1.1 Understand the physical quantities.

Physical Quantities

1) Physical Quantities are measurable and have physical (feel, see) meaning.
2) A physical quantity is a quantity that can be measured.

3) Numerical values and units give quantities meaning.

4) There are many units for each quantities.

5) Example - Length:
metres, centimetres, kilometres, feet, inches, miles, nautical miles,
light year

6) Only one of the many is a SI unit.

Quantity SI Unit Symbol

Length Metre m
Mass Kilogram kg

Time Second s

Temperature Kelvin K

Electric Ampere A
Current

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7) SI units for some other quantities.

Quantites Unit

speed m/s

area m2

volume m3

density kg/m 3

8) Only quantities that have the same units can be added or subtracted.

Example

400 cm3 of water is added to 1 litre of water. How much water is there?
Incorrect: 400 + 1 = 401cm3
Correct: 1 litre = 1000cm3
400 + 1000 = 1400 cm3

Base Quantities
1) A base quantity is a physical quantity that cannot be derived from other physical
quantities. Example: length, mass, time.
2) The base quantities and their respective units as well as the symbols used to represent
them are shown in Table 1.

Base Quantities SI Unit Symbol of Unit

Length, l meter m

Mass, m kilogram kg

Time, t second s

electric current, Q ampere A

Temperature, T kelvin K

Table 1

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Derived Quantities

Derived quantities are physical quantities that are derived from the combinations of base
quantities through multiplication or division or both these operations.

Derived Symbol Relationship with base Relationship Derived unit

quantity quantities (formula) with base units
Area A Length x length mxm m2

Volume V Length x length x length mxmxm m3

Density mass kg kgm3

volume m3
Speed v length m ms 1
time s
Acceleration a v ms 1 ms 2
time s
Force F mass x acceleration kg x ms-2 kgms-2

Momentum p mass x velocity kg x ms-1 kgms-1

Pressure P Force N Nm-2

Area m2

Example:

(Speed is derived from dividing distance by time.)

Example:
Which of following is a derived quantity?
Length / Mass / Weight /Temperature/Density/Heat

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Derived Unit
The derived unit is a combination of base units through multiplying and/or dividing them.

Example
Find the derived unit of density.

Answer

Scalar and Vector Quantity

1) A scalar quantity is a physical quantity which has magnitude or size only.

2) A vector quantity is a physical quantity which has direction as well as magnitude.

Scalars Vectors

distance displacement

speed velocity

mass weight

time acceleration

pressure force

energy momentum

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Prefixes

1) Prefixes are used to deal with very large or very small numbers.
Example: 2 000 000 000 Byte = 2 GByte
0.000045 m = 45 m

2) Prefixes are the preceding factor used to represent very small and very large physical
quantities in SI units.

3) Some examples of the usage of prefixes are as follows:

(a) A capacitor is specified with a value of F.
(b) A computers microprocessor has a clock frequency of 2GHz.

Prefix Abbreviation Power

Tera T x 1012

Giga G x 109

Mega M x 106

Kilo K x 103

deci d x 10-1

centi c x 10-2

milli m x 10-3

micro x 10-6
nano n x 10-9

piko p x 10-12

Conversion of units
Area and Volume

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Example 1
Convert the unit of length, area and volume below to the units given.

a) 7.2 m = ____________cm
b) 0.32 m2 = ____________cm2
c) 0.0012 m3 = ____________cm3
d) 5.6 cm = ____________m
e) 350 cm2 = ____________m2
f) 45000 cm3 = ____________m3

Answer
a) 7.2 m = 7.2 x 102 cm
b) 0.32 m2 = 0.32 x 104 cm2 = 3.2 x 103 cm2
c) 0.0012 m3 = 0.0012 x 106 cm3 = 1.2 x 103 cm3
d) 5.6 cm = 5.6 x 10-2 m
e) 350 cm2 = 350 x 10-4 m2 = 3.5 x 10-2 m2
f) 45000 cm3 = 45000 x 10-6 m3 = 4.5 x 10-2 m3

Example 2

Change the following quantities to the units shown.

a) 1 cm3 = m3
b) 13.6 g cm-3 = .kg m-3
c) 72 km h-1 = .m s-1
d) 15 ms-1 = .kmh-1
e) 5.23 mm = .km
f) 123 m3 = cm3

Answer
a) 1 cm3 = 1 cm x 1 cm x 1cm = 10-2 m x 10-2 m x 10-2 m = 10-6 m3

b) 13.6 gcm-3 = 13.6g/1cm3 = (13.6 g x 10-3 kg)/( 10-6m3 ) =13.6 x 103 kg m-3
= 1.36 x 104 kg m-3

c) 72 km h-1 = 72 km/1h = (72 x 1000 m)/(60 x 60 s) = 20 m s-1

d) 15 ms-1 = .kmh-1 = (15 x 10-3) / (1/3600) = 54kmh-1

e) 5.23 mm = .km = 5.23 x 10-3 x 10-3 km

= 5.23 x 10-6 km

f) 123 m3 = cm3 = 123 x (102)3 = 123 x 106 cm3 = 1.23 x 108 cm3

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Example 3

Convert the following units with prefixes to units without prefixes.

a) 200 kg
b) 0.3mA
c) 5 x 10-2 s
d) 5 105

Answer

a) 200 kg =
b) 0.3mA = .
c) 5 x 10-2 s= 5 102 106
=
d) 5 105 = 5 105 106 m
=

1.2: Inaccuracy and Errors in Measurement.

Error

1) Every measurement of a physical quantity is estimation only.

2) No measurement is exactly accurate and consistent.
3) There is difference between the observed value and the real value of a measurement.
4) Error/ uncertainty: The difference between the real value and the observed value.
5) There are two main types of errors, that is
a) Systematics error
b) Random error

Systematic Error

1) Systematic errors are cumulative errors that can be corrected, if the errors are known.
2) Systematic errors in measurement result from
a) an incorrect position of the zero point, known as zero error
b) an incorrect calibration of the measuring instrument.
3) Systematic errors always occur (with the same value) if we continue to use the instrument
in the same way.
4) A zero error arises when the measuring instrument does not start from exactly zero.
5) Zero errors can be corrected or eliminated
For measurements of length (using vernier calipers and micrometer screw gauge)
Correct reading = Reading obtained Zero error

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Random Error
1) Random errors may occur for variety of reasons. They may due to
a) Personal errors such as parallax error
b) Natural errors such as changes in wind, temperature and humidity while the experiment
is in progress.
c) The use of wrong techniques of measurement.
3) A random error can be reduced by taking the measurement of a physical quantity more than
once and finding the average reading.
4) Examples of random errors are:
a) parallax error or error of measurement when a reading is taken from unsuitable
position relative to the scale.
b) error due to a change in temperature as the experiment is being carried out.

CONSISTENCY, ACCURACY AND SENSITIVITY

Consistency
1) The consistency of a measuring instrument is its ability to register the same reading
when a measurement is repeated.
2) A set of measurements are consistent if all the values are close to the mean value.
3) The consistency of a measuring instrument can be improved by
a) eliminating parallax errors during measurement.
b) exercising greater care and effort when taking readings.
c) using an instrument which is not defective.
Accuracy

1) Accuracy is the degree of how close a measured value is to the actual (true) value.
2) An accurate instrument is able to give readings close to or almost equal to the actual
value of a quantity. An instrument with 100% accuracy does not exist.
3) Ways to improve the accuracy of a measurement:
a) Repeated readings are taken and the average value is calculated.
b) Avoid parallax errors.
c) Avoid zero errors.
d) Use measuring instruments with a higher accuracy.

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Sensitivity

1) The sensitivity of a measuring instrument is its ability to respond quickly to a

small change in the value of a measurement.
2) The smaller the minimum scale division, the more sensitive is the measuring
instrument. For example, the digital stopwatch is more sensitive than the analogue
stopwatch as it can measure time in intervals of 0.01 s while the latter can only
measure time in intervals of 0.1s.

Measuring Sensitivity
Instruments
Metre rule 0.1 cm
Vernier callipers 0.01 cm
Micrometer screw gauge 0.001 cm
Wrist watch 1s
Analogue stopwatch 0.1 s
Digital stopwatch 0.01 s
Ammeter 0.1 A
Miliammeter 1 mA

1.3 Apply Techniques for Measurement.

Measuring Instruments

Metre rule
1) The smallest division on a metre rule is 0.1 cm. A metre rule can therefore measure
length accurately up to 0.1 cm only.

Figure 1: Meter Ruler

2) All measurements of length using the metre rule have to be recorded accurate to 0.1
cm. For example, a length of 12 cm will have to be recorded as 12.0 cm.

Example 3

Figure 2 shows the measurement of the length of a wooden block with ruler.
a) State the accuracy of the ruler.
b) Why the zero mark on the ruler not used as the origin of the measurement?
c) State the category of error that must be avoided when reading the scale.
d) What is the length of the wooden block?

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Figure 2

Answer:

Vernier Callipers

This instrument may be used to measure outer dimensions of objects (using the main
jaws), inside dimensions (using the smaller jaws at the top), and depths (using the
stem).
Vernier Callipers can measure length with an accuracy of up to 0.01 cm.

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How to read and use the Vernier Callipers?

Vernier Calippers

Actual reading = observed

Checking for zero error Observed reading
reading zero error

0cm 1.2cm

0 1 1 2
cm
0 5 10 0 5 10 1.23cm as no zero error
0cm correction required.
0.03cm

Two zero marks coincide

Reading 1.2 0.03
No zero error
1.23cm

0cm 1.2cm

0 1 1 2
cm
0 5 10 0 5 10

0.03cm
0.06cm

Zero mark on the vernier

Reading 1.2 0.06 1.26 (+ 0.03) = 1.23cm
scale is slightly to the
right of the zero mark on 1.26cm
the main scale

Positive zero error

Reading = +0.03cm
(count from 0)

0cm 1.2cm

0 1 1 2
cm
0 5 10 0 5 10
-0.03cm
0cm

Zero mark on the vernier

Reading = 1.20cm 1.20 ( 0.03) = 1.23cm
scale is slightly to the left
of the zero mark on the
main scale

Negative zero error

Reading = -0.03cm
(count from 10)

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Example:

What is the reading of the given instrument?

The reading here is 3.7 mm or 0.37 cm.

In figure above, the first significant figures are taken as the main scale reading to the left
of the vernier zero, i.e. 3.4 cm. The remaining digit is taken from the vernier scale
reading that lines up with any main scale reading, (i.e. 0.60 mm or 0.06 cm) on the
vernier scale. Therefore the reading is 3.46 cm.

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EXERCISE:

Answer: 3.09 cm

Answer: 0.81 cm

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Micrometer Screw Gauge

1) A micrometer allows a measurement of the size of a body. It is one of the most

accurate mechanical devices in common use.
2) The micrometer screw gauge can be used to measure very small lengths such as the
diameter of a wire or the thickness of a piece of paper as it can measure length
accurately up to 0.01 mm.

Figure 5: Micrometer Screw Gauge

How to read and use the Micrometer Screw Gauge?

Micrometer Screw Gauge

Actual reading = observed

Checking for zero error Observed reading
reading zero error

10 35
2.0
0 5 0 30

0 0.00 25 0.25

45 20

40
Zero mark on thimble scale
coincides with datum line on
the main scale and reading on
main scale is zero
15
2.25cm as no zero error
correction required.
Reading 2.0 0.25
2.25mm

No zero error
15 2.0 40
0 0
10 35
0.07 0.32
5 30 2.32 (+ 0.07) = 2.25mm
0 25

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Zero mark on the datum line Reading 2.0 0.32

can be seen 2.30mm
Positive zero error

Reading = +0.07mm
(count from 0)
2.0
5 30
0 0
0 25
-0.02 0.23
45 20

40 15

Reading 2.0 0.23 2.23 ( 0.02) = 2.25mm

Zero mark datum line cannot 2.23mm
be seen

Negative zero error

Reading = -0.02mm
(count from 0)

Example:

What is the reading of the given instrument?

7.5+0.00 = 7.50 mm

8.00 mm + 0.12 mm = 8.12 mm

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EXERCISE:
What is the reading of the given instrument?

Answer: 7.88 mm

Answer: 3.09 mm

Answer: 5.80 mm

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Tutorial
1) Convert the following quantities to the units shown:
a) 0.3 mm to m h) 9.2 mm2 to m2
b) 2.3 hour to s i) 600mm to cm
c) 220 mg to kg j) 800 cm3 to m3
d) 0.03 kg to g k) 60kmh-1 to ms-1
e) 0.04 m to mm l) 10ms-1 to kmh-1
f) 29 km to mm m) 3000kgm-3 to gcm-3
2 2
g) 0.01 m to mm n) 2.84 gcm-3 to kgm-3

Diagram below shows the reading on a Vernier Callipers and Micrometer Screw
2)
Gauge. What is the reading of the measurement?

a) e)

b) f)

c) g)

d) h)

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Answers:

1) a) 3 x 10-4 m b) 8280 s c) 2.2 104 kg d) 30 g e) 40 mm

f) 2.9 x 107 mm g) 10000 mm2 h) 9.2 x 10-6 m2 i) 6.0 cm j) 8.0 x 10-4 m3
k) 16.67 ms-1 l) 36 kmh-1 m) 3 gcm-3 n) 2840 kgm-3

2) a) 8.62cm b) 6.43cm c) 5.31cm d) 0.24cm e) 10.60 mm

f) 4.44 mm g) 6.42 mm h) 7.75 mm

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Minimum requirement assessment task for this topic:
Theoretical Exercise (1) , Labwork (1), Quiz (1)

Specification of Quiz : CLO1 (C3)

Specification of Theoretical exercise: CLO3 (C3)
Specification of Labwork: CLO2 (P3)

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COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME (CLO)
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. solve the basic engineering science problems by using related concept. (C3, LD1)
2. organise an appropriate experiments to prove related physic principles. (P3, LD2)
3. apply related physic principles in various situations to enhance knowledge. (C3, LD1)

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