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Computer Intensive Physics
Physics 211

Spring, 1998

Lesson 1Dimensions and Linear Motion
Keywords: Dimensional Analysis; Units; Kinematics; Displacement; Velocity;
Acceleration; Translational Motion
OBJECTIVES:Given an equation and the metric units of all quantities, determine
whether or not the equation is dimensionally consistent. Distinguish between
average and instantaneous values of velocity and acceleration, and distinguish
between position and displacement and between velocity and speed.Beginning
with the definition of the position vector, write the mathematical definitions of
displacement, instantaneous velocity, and instantaneous acceleration.
Comments: Review the basic metric units in which physical quantities are
expressed and be able to use these units to avoid errors in equations and
numerical results.
PREREQUISITE: Recognizing and writing the SI units (International System of
Units), with proper prefixes, for mass, length, and time.

Comments: How long does it take you to go home? This depends on how far you
are from home (displacement), how fast (velocity) you can travel, and how often
you must start and stop (acceleration).This lesson is kinematics, which is the
part of physics concerned with the description of the motion of an object. The
object may be an automobile, a baseball, a raindrop, a flower in the wind, or a
running horse. The change in position of an object can be described in terms of
the vector quantities: displacement, velocity, and acceleration. Calculus can be
used to define the relationships among these quantities. It is therefore essential
to know some basic techniques of calculus to understand the content of this
lesson.The applications in this lesson are limited to a treatment of motion in
one dimension (i.e., rectilinear motion) but the fundamental concepts presented
here are readily extended to motion in two or three dimensions. Remember that
physics is an area of human knowledge based on accumulative learning and that
the concepts of rectilinear motion are the foundation for the study of physics of
moving bodies. Mastery of the material in this lesson is essential to a successful
understanding and completion of subsequent lessons.
PREREQUISITE: Distinguish between vector and scalar quantities.