Absolute Mechanical Basics: Measures, Mass & Motion

The most basic and fundamental vocabulary of science and engineering is that used to describe the physical world. We have a quantitative vocabulary for physical quantities such as length, weight, volume, time and temperature. These are measured against standards called 'units' of measure and the vocabulary of measurement insures we clearly understand what is being measured and how.

This 3-hour online course covers the fundamental vocabulary we use to accurately describe the physical world. Topics covered include:

• Physical quantities and units - both history and common use today
• Measure of length, area, volume
• The SI system
• Mass
• Measure of angles
• Force and Gravity
• Physical constants
• Coordinate systems
• Scalars and Vectors
• Velocity and Acceleration
• Temperature
• Calibration

This is the first course in an Absolute Mechanical Basic Series intended to present an overview and refresher for the most basic concepts in Statics, Dynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer. With the addition of basic reviews in Measures, Mass, and Motion, Conventions in Notations, and the Setup and Solution of Engineering Problems, this series is useful in filling in some of the inevitable gaps in memory that occur in the long progression from basic education, through advanced coursework, and into the lifelong journey of professional experiences and continuing development.

Keywords: mass, measure, SI, SI system, weight, volume, motion, distance, force, work, time, velocity, acceleration, scalar, vector, conversions, calibration, gravity, temperature, metric, metrification