0.E: Introduction (Exercise)
Conceptual Questions
1.1: Physics - An Introduction
1. Models are particularly useful in relativity and quantum mechanics, where conditions are outside those normally encountered by humans. What is a model?
2. How does a model differ from a theory?
3. If two different theories describe experimental observations equally well, can one be said to be more valid than the other (assuming both use accepted rules of logic)
4. What determines the validity of a theory?
5. Certain criteria must be satisfied if a measurement or observation is to be believed. Will the criteria necessarily be as strict for an expected result as for an unexpected result?
6. Can the validity of a model be limited, or must it be universally valid? How does this compare to the required validity of a theory or a law?
7. Classical physics is a good approximation to modern physics under certain circumstances. What are they?
8. When is it necessary to use relativistic quantum mechanics?
9. Can classical physics be used to accurately describe a satellite moving at a speed of 7500 m/s? Explain why or why not.
1.2: Physical Quantities and Units
10. Identify some advantages of metric, or SI units.
11. Identify some advantages and disadvantages of English, or imperial units.
12. How many fundamental units are there? What is the key difference between derived and fundamental units?