Senior High School – Grade 12

Science (Specialized Subject)

1 Units of Measure

According to Pythagorean teachings, numbers

are the universal archetype, “the principle, source,
and root of all things”. Pythagorean philosophers
believed that numbers were the elements of all
beings and the universe as a whole is composed of
the qualities (polarity, harmony, and proportion) of
these numbers.
Numbers have the power to reflect the essential
nature of reality. Our physical world – the events that
occurs, the things that exist, can all be described
through numbers. By obtaining numerical
information about our environment, we were able to
understand and predict its future behavior.
The science of physics has developed out of the
efforts of men and women to explain our physical
environment. This encompasses the importance of
quantifying the properties of our physical world.
 At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Solve measurement problems involving conversion of units
2. Express measurements with correct significant figures and in scientific notation
3. State uncertainties in measurements of physical quantities
4. Estimate errors from multiple measurements of physical quantities

Highlights
Lesson 1: Measurements
1. Units of Measurements
▪ Fundamental Quantities
▪ Systems of Measure
2. The Role of Units in Problem Solving
▪ Unit Conversions
▪ Dimensional Analysis
3. Significant Figures and Scientific Notations
▪ Scientific Notations
▪ Rules for Significant Figures
▪ Significant Figures in Calculations
4. Effects of Instruments in Measurement
▪ Accuracy vs. Precision
▪ Uncertainties in Measurements
▪ Errors in Measurements
Today’s animation relies on computers and mathematical concepts such as trigonometry and vectors. These mathematical
concepts are useful in dealing with the laws of Physics
Kang, Jason.(n.d.). Rock Lee vs. Gaara. In Print. [Link]
 1.2 The Role of Units in Problem Solving

When measuring a physical quantity, we have to identify what kind of physical property we are
measuring. In our previous discussion, we identified the seven fundamental properties (see page 6 of
Module 1 Part 1) from which we get the quantity of measurements. Fundamental properties are
necessary to describe all physical quantities – may it be a base quantity or a derived quantity. These
physical properties are also called dimensions.
In Physics, we always work with equations. These equations have different variables and
constants which are described by its dimensions. Whenever we work with equations or work with
the results of a problem, the dimensions of the result must be the same with what we are looking for.
In other words, the units that we end up with after doing the calculations should be correct and should
match the units that we are looking for.
For example:
Newton’s second law of motion states that acceleration is directly proportional to the force
applied and inversely proportional to the mass of the object. If this statement is true, the dimension of
force should be the same with the dimension of the product of mass and acceleration.

Figure 7

As shown in figure 7, the unit of force is kg∙m/s2, mass’ unit is kg while acceleration has m/s2.
Force is described by Mass [M], Length [L], and the square of Time [T2] as its dimension. If we perform
the operation to mass and acceleration, we can figure out whether the equation is dimensionally
correct. Comparing the product of the units of mass and acceleration to the units of force, the product
of mass and acceleration has the same unit with force. Thus, having the same dimensions as Force
and can be described as dimensionally correct.

Each physical quantities have dimensions, so we need to learn and understand about how
these dimensions interact with each other. The following discussions will introduce you to the rules
of dimensions.
 1.2 The Role of Units in Problem Solving

Dimension Rules
1. Dimensions are equal in both sides of the equation. Whatever the dimension “a” has,
“b” has to have the exact dimensions. (This was already demonstrated in our previous example
for F= ma)

a=b

for instance, if a has the dimension of volume, [L3], b must also result to the same
dimension

[L3] = [L][L][L]
[L3] = [L3]

2. Added or Subtracted terms must have the same dimensions. For b and c to be added or
subtracted, they must have the same dimensions.

a=b+c

for instance, if b has the dimension of mass, [M], c must also have the same
dimension for you to perform the operation of addition or subtraction

a = [M] + [M]
a = [M]

following rule no. 1, a must also has the same dimension as the sum or difference of
b and c

[M] = [M]

3. Follow the general rule for algebra for multiplying and dividing dimensions.

For multiplying properties with the same dimensions, you need to add the exponents.

a = bc

if b and c both have time, [ T ] as dimension, then we multiply and add the exponent
of T so that we get [ T2]

a = [ T ][T ] = [ T2 ]

[ T2 ] = [ T2 ]
 1.2 The Role of Units in Problem Solving

For dividing properties with the same dimensions, you need to eliminate the dimension or
subtract the exponents if it has different exponents.

𝐛
𝐚 =
𝐜
L
suppose b have the dimension of force [M 2] and c has the dimension of mass, [ M ].
T
If we perform the operation, the result should be the dimension for acceleration since
mass, [M] will be eliminated.

𝐋
][𝐌
𝐚= 𝐓𝟐
[𝐌]

𝐋
𝐚 =[ ]
𝐓𝟐

𝐋 𝐋
[ ] = [ ]
𝐓𝟐 𝐓𝟐

Table 1.4 lists some of the physical properties with their variables, units, and dimensions that
describes these properties.

Table 1.4. Some Physical Properties with its Dimensions

Property Variable Units Dimensions
position x Meters (m) [L]

Meter per second [L]

Speed v
(m/s) [T]
Time t Second (s) [T]

Meter per second [L]

Acceleration a
squared (m/s2) [T 2 ]
 1.2 The Role of Units in Problem Solving

Uses of Dimensional Analysis

We can use the concept of dimensions to look for an unknown dimension of physical property
and to see whether a certain equation may serve to solve for the values of the quantities it represents.
This method of proving is known as dimensional analysis.
1. Solve for unknown dimensions of physical quantities/properties. By applying algebraic
calculations, we can solve for unknown dimensions.

Example:
Mass = (density)(volume)
𝒎 = 𝝆𝑽

Suppose we don’t know the dimensions of density but we know the dimensions of mass and
volume, then we have

m = 𝝆V
[M] = [ density ][L3 ]

Performing algebraic calculations, we get

[M] [ density][L3 ]
=
[L3 ] [L3 ]
Now we know that the dimensions of density are Mass [M] divided by Volume [L3].

[M]
[density] =
[L3 ]

2. Check whether equations are dimensionally correct. When equations are dimensionally
correct, meaning the units from both side of the equation is the same. Thus, the equation is true
and can be used to solve for any of the quantity present in the equation.

Example:
𝟏 𝟐
𝒙 = 𝒗𝒕 + 𝒂𝒕
𝟐

Let’s use the dimensions of each of the variables to see whether the equation is dimensionally
correct. (refer to table 1.4 for the dimensions)
 1.2 The Role of Units in Problem Solving

[𝐋] [𝐋]
[𝐋] = [𝑻] + 𝟐 [𝑻𝟐 ]
[𝐓] [𝐓 ]

[𝐋] = [𝐋] + [𝐋]

[𝐋] = [𝐋]
We know that the equation is true because x is a variable of position/distance/displacement
which is measured in length [L].

How about the equation, Dimensions

𝟏 • m – mass – [M]
𝒎𝒗𝟐 = √𝒎𝒈𝒉 • v – velocity – [L/T]
𝟐
• g – accel. Due – [L/T2]
Solution: to gravity
• h – height – [L]
𝟏 𝟏
𝒎𝒗𝟐 = (𝒎𝒈𝒉)𝟐
𝟐
Substitute with their respective dimensions
𝟏
𝐋 𝟐 𝐋 𝟐
[𝐌] [ ] = [[𝐌] [ 𝟐 ] [𝐋]]
𝐓 𝐓
𝟏
𝐋 𝟐 𝐋𝟐 𝟐
[𝐌] [ ] = [[𝐌] [ 𝟐 ]]
𝐓 𝐓

𝟏
𝟐 𝟏 𝐋𝟐 𝟐
𝐋
[𝐌] [ 𝟐 ] = [[𝐌]𝟐 [ 𝟐 ] ]
𝐓 𝐓

𝐋𝟐 𝟏 𝐋
[𝐌] [ 𝟐 ] = [[𝐌]𝟐 [ ]]
𝐓 𝐓

In this example, the dimension from both side of the equation is not the same. Therefore, it is
dimensionally incorrect and cannot be used as an equation to solve any of the values of the
variables in the equation.
 1.2 The Role of Units in Problem Solving

State Yes if the statement is correct, and No if not.

1. Is it possible for two quantities to have the same dimensions but different units?
2. Is it possible for two quantities to have the same units but different dimensions?
3. You can always add two numbers with the same units (such as 6cm + 3 cm). can
you always add two numbers that contains the same dimensions, such as two
numbers with length [L] as dimensions?

Write Dimensionally Correct if the units on both sides of the equa sign is consistent with
each other, and Dimensionally Incorrect if not.

1. 𝑥 = 𝑣𝑡 ____________________
1
2. 𝑥 = 𝑣𝑡 + 𝑎𝑡 2 ____________________
2
3. 𝑣 = 𝑎𝑡 ____________________
4. 𝑣 3 = 2𝑎𝑥 2 ____________________
2𝑥
5. 𝑡 = √ ____________________
𝑎

Activity No. 2 Dimensional Analysis

Direction: Use dimensional analysis to determine the missing value and the dimension of a given
quantity.
1. The volume of liquid flowing per second is called the volume flow rate Q and has the
dimensions of [L3] / [T]. the flow rate of a liquid through a hypodermic needle during an
injection can be estimated with the following equation:

𝝅𝑹𝒏 (𝑷𝟏 − 𝑷𝟐 )
𝑸=
𝟖𝜼𝑳

The length and radius of a needle L and R, respectively, both have the dimension [L].
The pressures at opposite ends of the needle are P1 and P2, both of which have the
dimensions of [M] / [L][T2]. The symbol 𝜼 represents the viscosity of the liquid and has
the dimension [M] / [L][T]. the symbol 𝜋 stands for pi, and like the number 8 and
exponent n, has no dimensions. Using dimensional analysis, determine the value of n
in the expression of Q.
 1.2 The Role of Units in Problem Solving

2. A spring is hanging down the ceiling, and an object of mass m is attached to the free
end. The object is pulled down, thereby stretching the spring, and then released. The
object oscillates up and down, and the time T required for one complete up-and-down
𝑚
oscillation 𝑇 = 2𝜋√ , where k is known as the spring constant. What must be the
𝑘
dimension of k for this equation to be dimensionally correct?

▪ Concept of Dimensional Analysis

[Link]

▪ Dimensional Analysis
[Link]

▪ University Physics Lectures, Dimensional Analysis

[Link]
Cutnell, J. & Johnson, K. (2009). Physics, 8th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Silverio, A.A.(2007). Exploring Life through Science: Physics. Phoenix Publishing House Inc.
Pythagoreanism.(2021). Pythagoreanism: Number, Cosmos, and Harmony. Website.
[Link]
ProEdify.(2016).Units of Measure: Scientific Measurements and SI System [video file]. YouTube.
[Link]
Jennifer Cash. (2014, July 8). Dimensional Analysis-in Physics [video file].Youtube.
[Link]
Michel van Biezen.(2015. Sptember 2). Physics CH 0: General Introduction (2 of 20) Dimensional Analysis
(Unit Analysis) [video file]. Youtube. [Link]