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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.
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.
Full Transcript
- 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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