Symbols and units

Intro
Symbols areto
letters used in formulas.
Units are letters used in quantities.
Note that we can change symbols at any
Mechanics is the port of entrytime into
and physics. A job
use whatever well done
symbols we like.
in mechanics will form a solid foundation for the rest of the
m represents mass Note that you will need to memorize
Do not confuse
t represents symbols
subject.
time the unitswith units.
because they are standard
F represents force and cannot be changed and they
kg kilograms
v represents for mass areItmandated
velocity is the unit
F  m a
that identifies
by law. d
s seconds for time
W represents work what the quantiy represents.

2 a s v v
N newtons for force 2 2
etc. etc.
m/s meters/second for velocity 20 kg  Mass
f  i
J joules for work  vs
22.5 Time
a 
m meters for length
400 tN aForce
 g Sin x
etc. etc. -200 J Energy

Introduction Click to continue

 BASIC QUANTITIES
UNIT
Length meter

Mass kilogram
There are three basic quantities in mechanics.
Time second

All other quantities in mechanics are

derived from these basic three and are
known as “derived” quantities.

Introduction Click to continue

Formulas
Formulas
Formulas

Hypotenuse is double
opposite side
From a past physics exam

While the value for g is 9.8 m/s2, for quick practice,

you may use 10 m/s2 to simplify your calculations.
… and good luck!