Generic Physics

Topic 1 Units, Conversions, and Estimation
1.1 Conceptual Questions
1) The current definition of the standard meter of length is based on
A) the distance between the earthʹs equator and north pole.
B) the distance between the earth and the sun.
C) the distance traveled by light in a vacuum.
D) the length of a particular object kept in France.
Answer: C
Var: 1

2) The current definition of the standard second of time is based on
A) the frequency of radiation emitted by cesium atoms.
B) the earthʹs rotation rate.
C) the duration of one year.
D) the oscillation of a particular pendulum kept in France.
Answer: A
Var: 1

3) The current definition of the standard kilogram of mass is based on
A) the mass of the earth.
B) the mass of the sun.
C) the mass a particular object kept in France.
D) the mass of a cesium‐133 atom.
Answer: C
Var: 1

4) If a woman weighs 125 lb, her mass expressed in kilograms is x kg, where x is
A) less than 125.
B) greater than 125.
Answer: A
Var: 1

5) If a tree is 15 m tall, its height expressed in feet is x ft, where x is
A) less than 15.
B) greater than 15.
Answer: B
Var: 1

6) If a flower is 6.5 cm wide, its width expressed in millimeters is x mm, where x is
A) less than 6.5.
B) greater than 6.5.
Answer: B
Var: 1

7) If an operatic aria lasts for 5.75 min, its length expressed in seconds is x s, where x is
A) less than 5.75.
B) greater than 5.75.
Answer: B
Var: 1

Generic Physics: Topic 1 -- CVC 5/23/11 -- Page 1

8) Scientists use the metric system chiefly because it is more accurate than the English system.
A) True
B) False
Answer: B
Var: 1

9) When adding two numbers, the number of significant figures in the sum is equal to the number of significant figures in the least accurate of the numbers being added.
A) True
B) False
Answer: B
Var: 1

10) When determining the number of significant figures in a number, zeroes to the left of the decimal point are never counted.
A)