Derived units

Definition

Derived units are units of measurement derived from the seven base units specified by the International System of Units (SI). These units are used to express physical quantities that cannot be described by a single base unit.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Derived units are formed by combining base units according to algebraic relationships.
2. Examples of derived units include meters per second (m/s) for velocity, newtons (N) for force, and joules (J) for energy.
3. The dimensional formula helps in expressing a derived unit in terms of the fundamental base units.
4. In mechanics, common derived units include acceleration ($m/s^2$), work (joule), and power (watt).
5. Consistency in using derived units is crucial for solving physics problems accurately.

Review Questions

• How is a derived unit different from a base unit?
• Give three examples of commonly used derived units in mechanics.
• Why is it important to use consistent derived units when solving physics problems?

Related terms

Base Units:

Fundamental units in the International System of Units (SI) from which all other units are derived, such as meters, kilograms, and seconds.

Dimensional Analysis:

A method used to convert one set of measurements to another using their fundamental dimensions.

International System of Units (SI): The modern form of the metric system and the most widely used system of measurement worldwide.