Physics·Cambridge A-Level

Physical quantities and units

Syllabus Learning Objectives

01understand that all physical quantities consist of a numerical magnitude and a unit

02recall the following SI base quantities and their units: mass (kg), length (m), time (s), current (A), temperature (K)

03recall and use the following prefixes and their symbols to indicate decimal submultiples or multiples of both base and derived units: pico (p), nano (n), micro (μ), milli (m), centi (c), deci (d), kilo (k), mega (M), giga (G), tera (T)

04understand and explain the effects of systematic errors (including zero errors) and random errors in measurements

05understand the distinction between precision and accuracy

06understand the difference between scalar and vector quantities and give examples of scalar and vector quantities included in the syllabus

07make reasonable estimates of physical quantities included within the syllabus

08express derived units as products or quotients of the SI base units and use the derived units for quantities listed in this syllabus as appropriate

09use SI base units to check the homogeneity of physical equations

10assess the uncertainty in a derived quantity by simple addition of absolute or percentage uncertainties

11add and subtract coplanar vectors

12represent a vector as two perpendicular components