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Chemistry: 2.6 Dimensional Analysis 162 Views


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Description:

Today we'll teach you about dimensional analysis. So far we only cover three dimensions, but if you happen to get your hands on a Mr. Fusion...let us know. We'll get going on that fourth dimension in no time.

Language:
English Language

Transcript

00:04

All right, so you manage a venue in downtown Topeka, Kansas.

00:09

The famed rock 'n' roll band, Spinal Tap, is here to perform, and you're beyond excited.

00:14

Well, Topeka might be the only city the aging band can book at this point in their careers...

00:19

...but you're a mega-fan. You had "Big Bottom" as your wedding song.

00:25

Anyway, Nigel hands you a napkin with hand-drawn plans for a set piece he wants your crew to build for their Stonehenge number.

00:33

It's not really something your crew does, but it is Spinal Tap, so you agree to get it done.

00:38

The dimensions of the set piece are 6 inches by 2 inches.

00:42

Unfortunately, your set crew is all about the metric system...

00:44

...so before you turn the job over to them...

00:46

you're gonna need to convert those silly inch measurements into something with the word meter on the end of it.

00:52

It's good you know a thing or two about dimensional analysis.

00:56

All it takes is knowing a few basic conversion factors...

01:00

...and an understanding about how to get from point A to point B.

01:03

So, for starters, you know that 1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters.

01:07

Because in your spare time, you take the time to memorize that sort of thing.

01:11

You then set up your problem for the set piece's height.

01:15

Well, the total number of centimeters will equal 6 inches.

01:18

...times 2.54...

01:21

...centimeters...

01:23

...over 1 inch.

01:24

Well, when you multiply 6 by 2.54, you get 15.2...

01:28

...and the inches cancel out.

01:30

So you're left with a height measurement of 15.2 centimeters.

01:33

Rock 'n' roll.

01:34

Now for the width of the set piece.

01:36

Well, same deal. The number of centimeters will equal 2 inches.

01:39

...times 2.54 centimeters...

01:41

...over 1 inch.

01:43

Well, 2 times 2.54 is 5.08, and the inches cancel.

01:46

It looks like this set piece should be 15.2 centimeters tall and 5.08 centimeters wide.

01:52

Seems a little on the small side, but they obviously know what they're doing.

01:55

All right, so Nigel isn't thrilled with the results.

01:57

Ah well, you know how tough it is to please a perfectionist.

02:00

He seemed peeved that the set piece is less than a foot tall.

02:03

Perhaps he wanted it to go to 11...

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