Living Physics Portal: Dimensional Analysis Quiz and Exam Problems

Highlights: A set of problems appropriate for quiz, exam, or HW asking students to evaluate possible equations on dimensions and physical plausibility.

Abstract: Dimensional analysis (DA) is a valuable first step in helping students to learn to see equations as something that represents knowledge about the physical world instead of simply as calculations with numbers. We often treat DA as if it’s just unit checks and a way to find calculational mistakes. But it plays a more fundamental conceptual role as a way to help students learn to blend physical concepts with mathematical representations. For pre-meds, the AAMC has identified DA as a primary learning objective in developing quantitative numeracy.

Resource Types: Homework, Exam problem

Remote Learning Ready: This resource has been designed or adapted for use in remote learning.

Commercially available in:

ExpertTA

Authors:

Edward Redish (he/him)

University of Maryland, College Park

NEXUS Physics

Living Physics Portal Team

TOPICS

Physics Topics:

Classical Mechanics

Electricity & Magnetism

Fluid Mechanics

Thermo & Stat Mech > Kinetic and Diffusive Processes > Diffusion

Life Sciences Topics:

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Matter/energy Transfer & Transforms > Material Flow

Cross-cutting Biological Concepts > Structure/Function Relationships > Surface Area/volume

Human and Animal Physiology > Cardiovascular System > Animal Cardiovascular

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Using math in physics - Dimensional analysis > Dimensional Analysis Quiz and Exam Problems

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License: CC0 – Public Domain. No restrictions.

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