UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM

Province of Rizal
Page 1 of 8

Unit I – ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Module 1- Introduction to Physics and Measurements

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Use calculus to solve problems in force statics and kinematics;
2. Apply the Newton’s Law of Motion;
3. Use Calculus to solve work and energy problems;
4. Apply the law of conservation of energy to problems;
5. Solve problems on impulse and momentum and collisions;
6. Determine the stress and strain on a body;

Discussion / Lecture

1.1 Introduction to Physics

What is Physics?

Physics is the science that investigates the fundamental concepts of matter, energy,
and space, and the relationships among them. Physics is the most basic of the
sciences, underpinning all other disciplines of science, medicine, and engineering.

Physics is an experimental science. Physicists observe the phenomena of nature

and try to find patterns and principles that relate these phenomena. These patterns
are called physical theories or, when they are very well established and of broad
use, physical laws or principles.

Physicists are problem solvers, often meeting new challenges and developing new
theories.

Scientific Method

Underlying all scientific investigation are the guiding principles of the Scientific
Method.

1. Statement of problem.
2. Observation: data collection.
3. Hypothesis: proposed explanation
4. Experimental testing.
5. Acceptance or rejection of hypothesis.

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Province of Rizal
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An Example of the Scientific Method

1. Statement of the problem

We need to be able to predict the time to fall for a vertical distance y.

2. Observations
To address the problem, we organize the data and several trial observations.

3. Hypothesis
By applying the mathematics and graphing techniques to the observed data, we note
that the time of fall is proportional to the square of time, t2.

4. Experimental Testing
The next step is for us (and for others others) to test the hypothesis: If time t is given
in seconds (s), the distance y in meters (m) is:

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Province of Rizal
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5. Accept or Reject Hypothesis

Each time the distance is predicted correctly, the theory is accepted.

1.2 Measurements
Physical Quantities

A physical quantity is a quantifiable or assignable property ascribed to a

particular phenomenon, body, or substance.

Units of Measure

A unit is a particular physical quantity with which other quantities of the same
kind are compared in order to express their value. A meter is an established unit for
measuring length.

SI Unit of Measure for Length

One meter is the length of path travelled by a light wave in a vacuum in a time
interval of 1/299,792,458 seconds.

SI Unit of Measure for Mass

The kilogram is the unit of mass. It is equal to the mass of the international
prototype of the kilogram.

SI Unit of Measure for Time

The second is the duration of 9 192 631 770 periods of the radiation
corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of ground state of
the cesium 133 atom.

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Province of Rizal
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Systems of Units

SI System: The international system of units established by the International

Committee on Weights and Measures. Such units are based on strict definitions and
are the only official units for physical quantities.

English / US Customary Units (USCU): Older units still in common use by the
United States, but definitions must be based on SI units.

Units for Mechanics

In mechanics we use only three fundamental quantities: mass, length, and

time. An additional quantity, force, is derived from these three.

Procedure for Converting Units

1. Write down quantity to be converted.

2. Define each unit in terms of desired unit.
3. For each definition, form two conversion factors, one being the reciprocal of the
other.
4. Multiply the quantity to be converted by those factors that will cancel all but the
desired units.

Example 1:
Convert 10 in. to centimeters given that 1 in. = 2.54 cm cm.

Step 1: Write down quantity to be converted.

Step 2. Define each unit in terms of desired unit.

Step 3. For each definition, form two conversion factors, one being the reciprocal of
the other.

Step 4. Multiply by those factors that will cancel all but the desired units. Treat unit
symbols algebraically.

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Province of Rizal
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( ) Correct Choice
( ) Wrong Choice

Uncertainty of Measurement

Significant Digits and Numbers

When writing numbers, zeros used ONLY to help in locating the decimal point
are NOT significant others are. See examples.

Rounding Numbers

Remember that significant figures apply to your reported result. Rounding off
your numbers in the process can lead to errors.

Rule 1.
If the remainder beyond the last digit to be reported is less than 5, drop the last digit.

Rule 2.
If the remainder is greater than 5, increase the final digit by 1.

Rule 3.
To prevent rounding bias, if the remainder is exactly 5, then round the last digit to the
closest even number.

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Province of Rizal
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SAQ 1
Directions: Answer the Following

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Province of Rizal
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Now check your answers using the Answer Key. If you got 90- 100% of the items
correctly, proceed to the next Learning Outcome. If not, do the next activity/ies again to
gain knowledge and skills

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Rubrics for Assessment

CRITERIA EXEMPLARY SATISFACTORY DEVELOPING BEGINNING RATI
NG
4 3 2 1

Comprehensive The score of the The score of the The score of the The score of
Ability SAQ and SAQ and Activities is SAQ and the SAQ and
Activities is around 70% to 89% Activities is Activities is
around 90% to Correct. around 40% to around 0% to
100% Correct. 69% Correct. 39% Correct.

Workmanship The neatness of The neatness of the The neatness of The neatness
the solution for solution for the SAQ the solution for of the solution
the SAQ and and Activities is good the SAQ and for the SAQ
Activities is very quality. Activities is and Activities
good quality. standard quality needed
improvement
Accuracy The submitted The submitted work The submitted
work manifests manifest the required work partially
qualities which qualities manifest the
go beyond the required
requirements qualities. Certain
aspects are
either incomplete
or incorrect.

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