Order of Magnitude Calculations

Always ask is a result is reasonable or believable.

Don't rely entirely on your calculation (remember; GIGO!).

If you're working in the lab and calculate that an air track glider had a speed of 567.89 m/s, STOP! That's an ernormous speed. Something has gone wrong.

Make an estimate before going through the detailed calculations.

Units Conversion			Significant Figures
Return to Table of Contents, Ch 1 Introduction

(c) Doug Davis, 2001; all rights reserved