PHY 1010 Chapter 1&2 Activity - Trigonometry, Significant

PHY 1010 – Chapter 1 & 2 Activity: Trigonometry, Significant Figures, & 1-D Motion

Requires a ruler and a protractor.

1. Fold a standard size sheet of paper in half. This measures 8.50 inches x 5.50 inches.

a. Convert its size to millimeters. (Use 1.00 inches = 2.54 cm so that you have ____* significant figures.)

* Determine the number of significant figures & fill-in-the-blank.

b. Measure the diagonal using a centimeter ruler. Express your answer in mm.

c. Calculate the length of the diagonal (in mm) using Pythagoras theorem.

d. Using trigonometry, find the angle θ that the diagonal line forms with the horizontal.

θ

e. Use a protractor to measure this angle.

f. How does your measurement compare with your calculation?

Explain what source(s) of error may account for the difference.

2. Repeat Problem 1 using 1.0 inches = 2.5 cm so that you have ____* significant figures. Are your answers the same, or different? Explain what this means?

* Determine the number of significant figures & fill-in-the-blank.

3. In the graph below, suppose that you have just got up from your bed & go to get your coffee. Upon bringing your coffee to the couch, you remember that your remote course is synchronous & head to your desk. Once at your desk, you realize that you have left your computer on your nightstand & quickly grab it & return to your desk.

a. What was your total displacement in meters?

b. How much distance did you travel?

c. What was your lowest speed? Highest speed?