Name: fermi estimation for physical quantities
Uploaded: 2023-05-16T08:18:41.000Z
Duration: 1 min 5 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Virginia  Standards of Learning

HIgh School

Physical Science

PS.1

PS.1.b

Estimation of the Physical Quantities

I problemi che coinvolgono la stima di grandezze fisiche sono spesso indicati come problemi di Fermi, dal nome del fisico Enrico Fermi, noto per fare stime rapide e approssimative basate su semplici calcoli e ipotesi.
La determinazione del numero di fili d'erba su un campo da calcio è un esempio di problema di Fermi.
La risposta a qualsiasi problema di Fermi, chiamata stima di Fermi, si ottiene suddividendo il problema in parti più piccole e utilizzando le informazioni disponibili per stimare approssimativamente le incognite.
Ora, il numero di fili d'erba in un campo da calcio può essere stimato considerando le dimensioni del campo e stimando che ci siano 20 fili d'erba in un centimetro quadrato.
Dalla lunghezza e dalla larghezza viene calcolata l'area del campo da calcio.
Successivamente, convertendo l'area del campo in centimetri e moltiplicando l'area per il numero di fili d'erba per unità di superficie, si ottiene la stima di Fermi del numero totale di fili d'erba.

<ol>
	<li>OpenStax. (2019). Fisica universitaria Vol. 1. [Versione web]. Estratto da <a href="https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/1-5-estimates-and-fermi-calculations">https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/1-5-estimates-and-fermi-calculations</a>, sezione 1.5; pagine 25-27</li>
</ol>

stima delle grandezze fisiche

In molte occasioni, fisici, altri scienziati e ingegneri devono fare stime di una particolare grandezza. Queste sono a volte definite stime approssimative, approssimazioni di ordine di grandezza, calcoli di massima o calcoli su un foglietto di carta, o calcoli di Fermi. Il fisico Enrico Fermi era famoso per la sua abilità nel stimare varie tipologie di dati con sorprendente precisione. Stimare non significa indovinare un numero o una formula a caso. Invece, stimare significa utilizzare l'esperienza precedente e un ragionamento fisico solido per dare un'idea approssimativa del valore di una grandezza. Poiché determinare un'approssimazione affidabile di solito implica l'identificazione di principi fisici corretti e un buon indizio sui variabili rilevanti, stimare è molto utile nello sviluppare l'intuizione fisica. Le stime permettono anche di effettuare "controlli di coerenza" su calcoli o proposte politiche aiutando ad escludere determinati scenari o numeri irrealistici.

Molte stime si basano su formule in cui le grandezze di input sono note solo a un livello di precisione limitato. Per fare alcuni progressi nella stima, è necessario avere alcune idee definite su come le variabili possano essere correlate. Le seguenti strategie potrebbero aiutare a praticare l'arte della stima:

<ol style="list-style-type: disc;">
	<li>Ottenere lunghezze grandi da lunghezze più piccole: Quando si stima la lunghezza, ricorda che qualsiasi cosa può essere un righello. Immagina di spezzare una cosa grande in cose più piccole, stimare la lunghezza di una delle cose più piccole e moltiplicare per ottenere la lunghezza della cosa grande.</li>
	<li>Ottenere aree e volumi da lunghezze: Quando si tratta di un'area o di un volume di un oggetto complesso, introdurre un modello semplice dell'oggetto, come una sfera o una scatola. Poi, stimare le dimensioni lineari prima, e usare le stime per ottenere il volume o l'area dalle formule geometriche standard.</li>
	<li>Ottenere masse da volumi e densità: Quando si stimano le masse degli oggetti, può essere utile prima stimare il loro volume e poi stimare la loro massa da una stima approssimativa della loro densità media.</li>
	<li>Se tutto il resto fallisce, imponilo: Per grandezze fisiche completamente sconosciute, pensa a cosa deve essere più grande di e cosa più piccolo di.</li>
	<li>Una cifra significativa va bene: Non c'è bisogno di andare oltre una cifra significativa o una cifra nel coefficiente di un'espressione in notazione scientifica quando si fanno calcoli per ottenere una stima.</li>
	<li>Chiediti il seguente: Ha senso tutto questo? Controlla se la risposta è ragionevole. Come si confronta con i valori di altre grandezze conosciute con le stesse dimensioni?</li>
</ol>

Stima delle Grandezze Fisiche

In molte occasioni, fisici, altri scienziati e ingegneri devono fare stime di una particolare quantità. Questi sono a volte indicati come ...

/files/media/science-education/science-education-thumbs/14734.jpg

Education

Didattica

JoVE Core

Physics

Fisica

Unit 1

Unità 1

Units, Dimensions, and Measurements

Unità, dimensioni e misurazioni

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

TERMINI E CONCETTI CHIAVE

fermi estimation for physical quantities

Fermi estimation helps physicists, scientists, and engineers make rough calculations for physical quantities. These estimates are also called guesstimates, order-of-magnitude approximations, back-of-the-envelope calculations, or Fermi calculations. Enrico Fermi was known for making these kinds of estimates with surprising precision.

Estimation is not random guessing. It uses prior experience and sound physical reasoning to get a rough value for a quantity. This kind of reasoning helps build physical intuition. It also gives a useful sanity check by showing when a result or policy idea seems unrealistic.

Many estimates start with formulas that use input values known only to limited precision. To move forward, it helps to decide how the variables are related. One way to estimate length is to break a large object into smaller parts. Another way is to remember that almost anything can serve as a ruler.

Area and volume estimates often begin with a simple model of the object. A sphere or a box can stand in for a more complex shape. Estimate the linear dimensions first, then use standard geometry formulas to find the area or volume. Mass estimates can then follow from volume and a rough average density.

If a quantity is hard to figure out, it is still useful to bound it. That means deciding what it must be bigger than and smaller than. When doing the math, one significant figure is usually enough. Afterward, check whether the answer makes sense and compare it with other known quantities that have the same dimensions.

Fermi Estimation for Physical Quantities

the scope of physics

How Physics Shapes Science and Technology

Physics studies the interactions of energy, matter, space, and time. It looks for the basic mechanisms that explain natural phenomena. The word physics comes from the Greek word physis, which means nature. Physics helps us understand the natural world at its most fundamental level. It relies on quantitative laws, or rules written in numbers and measurements, to describe how things behave. That approach can also help other fields improve the limits of current technology. Physics matters in...

orders of magnitude

Estimating Scale with Powers of 10

Orders of magnitude help estimate the scale of a number using powers of 10. It is a simple way to round values to the nearest power of 10. This makes it easier to compare very large and very small numbers. To find the order of magnitude of a number, take its base-10 logarithm and round to the nearest integer. The result gives the power of 10 that most closely matches the original value. This method gives a consistent estimate of size without using exact digits. Orders of magnitude are useful...

/files/media/science-education/science-education-thumbs/12596.jpg

models, theories, and laws

Scientific Models, Theories, and Laws

Scientific models, theories, and laws help physicists describe natural phenomena. A model is a simplified version of a physical system that is too complex to study in full. It acts as a rough mental or visual picture of what may be happening. Good models keep the important parts and simplify the rest so the problem becomes workable. The light wave model is one example. Light waves are usually invisible, so they cannot be seen in the same way as water waves. Even so, it is useful to think of...

/files/media/science-education/science-education-thumbs/14686.jpg

units and standards of measurement

SI Units for Physical Quantities

SI units give a standard way to measure physical quantities. A physical quantity can be defined by how it is measured or by how it is calculated from other measurements. For example, the mass and dimensions of a metallic cube can be found with a weighing machine and a meter scale. Some quantities are built from others. The volume of a cube is the cube of its side length. The density of the cube is then found by dividing mass by volume. Measurements are written in units, which are standardized...

estimation of the physical quantities

Fermi estimation helps physicists, scientists, and engineers make rough calculations for physical quantities. These estimates are also called guesstimates, order-of-magnitude approximations, back-of-the-envelope calculations, or Fermi calculations. Enrico Fermi was known for making these kinds of estimates with surprising precision. Estimation is not random guessing. It uses prior experience and sound physical reasoning to get a rough value for a quantity. This kind of reasoning helps build...

base quantities and derived quantities

SI Base Units Behind Measured Quantities

SI base units are the starting point for measuring physical quantities. In any system of units, some quantities must be defined through direct measurement. These are called base quantities, and their units are base units. Other physical quantities are built from these base values by algebraic combinations. These are called derived quantities, and their units are derived units. For example, area comes from two lengths multiplied together. It is a derived quantity and is written in SI base units...

conversion of units

Unit Conversion Steps and Real-World Errors

Unit conversion lets you change a measurement from one unit to another. It is useful in everyday life, such as when a cookbook gives amounts in liters or ounces and you need cups instead. It also helps when directions use feet or meters, but you want to know the distance in miles. The first step is to list the given unit and the unit you need. The second step is to choose a conversion factor, which is a ratio that shows how many of one unit equal another unit. For example, 1,000 meters equal 1...

accuracy and precision

Repeated Measurements in Science

Repeated measurements help scientists check the quality of their results. They are used to judge both precision and accuracy. These two ideas are related, but they do not mean the same thing. Measurements are precise when repeated trials give very similar results. Precision shows how closely the values agree with one another. Measurements are accurate when the result is very close to the true value or the accepted value. Accuracy shows how closely the values agree with the real target. High...

random and systematic errors

How Measurement Errors Affect Results

Measurement errors can change how accurate and precise a result appears. Scientists try to record measurements as carefully as possible, but errors can still happen. These errors are usually random or systematic. Random errors come from inconsistency or fluctuation in the measuring process. They can also come from changes in the quantity being measured. In repeated measurements, random error may make a value appear greater than the true value one time and less than it the next. A simple...

rules for significant figures

Measurement Precision and Significant Figures

Measurement precision depends on the tool used, and significant figures show that precision. A ruler can measure length to the closest millimeter. A caliper can measure length to the nearest 0.01 mm, so it gives a more precise measurement because it can detect very small changes in length. When a value is written from a measurement, the last digit is not exact. The person making the measurement must estimate that digit. For example, a stick that seems to fall between 13.2 cm and 13.3 cm must...

significant figures in calculations

Rounding Rules for Significant Figures

Rounding rules for significant figures help show the right level of certainty in measured results. When a calculation is reported with the correct number of significant figures, it better matches the uncertainty in the measurements. The rounding rule depends on the type of math being done. For addition and subtraction, the result should have the same number of decimal places as the number with the fewest decimal places. For multiplication and division, the result should have the same number of...

dimensional analysis

Dimensional Checks in Physics Equations

Dimensional consistency is a key check in physics equations. It means the dimensions on both sides of an equation must match. The idea helps show whether an equation can represent a real physical law. The first rule is simple: expressions on each side of the equal sign must have the same dimensions. That makes sense because you can only add or subtract quantities of the same type. The second rule says that the input to a standard mathematical function, such as a trigonometric function, a...

problem solving: dimensional analysis

Dimensional Checks for Physics Equations

Dimensional analysis helps check whether physics equations make sense. It compares the dimensions on each side of an equation and shows whether the units are consistent. This method is useful for spotting algebra errors, typos, and for remembering physical laws. A valid equation must follow two rules. First, both sides of an equality must have the same dimension, so only quantities with matching dimensions can be added or subtracted. Second, common math functions such as exponential,...

/files/media/science-education/science-education-thumbs/14687.jpg

solving problems in physics

Physics Problem Solving: Strategy to Check

Physics problem solving uses general physical principles to work out specific situations. It is a key skill in physics, and it can also help with everyday life. The same analytical skills can be used in new situations, while a list of facts can never cover every possible case. Solving physics problems also takes creativity and insight. These skills grow with experience and practice. There is no simple step-by-step method that works for every problem, but a three-stage process can guide the...

key terms and concepts

Learn Fermi estimation for physical quantities using rough calculations, bounds, density, and sanity checks to build strong physics intuition.

Fermi Estimation for Physical Quantities | JoVE K12

physics

JoVE Core Physics introduces the theory and application of fundamental physics topics, including kinematics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, statics, waves, and acoustics, with concise and easy-to-understand animated videos. Additionally, the scientist-in-action videos demonstrate the application of related concepts in classical and original research experiments performed in today's laboratories worldwide.

PH.1

PH.1.b

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

High School

Chemistry

CHEM.1

CHEM.1.E

Specialised Topic in Science

112.51.c.1.

112.51.c.2.C.

PHYS.2

PHYS.2.A

PHYS.2.C

Chemistry and Physics

IPC.2

IPC.2.A

IPC.2.C

Scientific Method

The scientific method is used to solve problems and explain phenomena. The development of the scientific method coincided with changes in philosophy ...

What is a Hypothesis?

A hypothesis can be a simple sentence or statement about a property or any phenomenon observed or predicted for a population. It is usually a claim about ...

Null and Alternative Hypotheses

The actual hypothesis testing begins by considering two hypotheses. They are termed&#160; the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis. These ...

Types of Hypothesis Testing

There are three types of hypothesis tests: right-tailed, left-tailed, and two-tailed.
When the null and alternative hypotheses are stated, it is observed ...

Introduction to Test of Independence

In statistics, the term independence means that one can directly obtain the probability of any event involving both variables by multiplying their ...

Hypothesis Test for Test of Independence

The test of independence is a chi-square-based test used to determine whether two variables or factors are independent or dependent. This hypothesis test ...

Decision Making: P-value Method

The process of hypothesis testing based on the P-value method includes calculating the P- value using the sample data and interpreting it.
First, a ...

Decision Making: Traditional Method

The process of hypothesis testing based on the traditional method includes calculating the critical value, testing the value of the test statistic using ...

empirical-method-to-interpret-standard-deviation

Empirical Method to Interpret Standard Deviation

The empirical rule, also known as the three-sigma rule, allows a statistician to interpret the standard deviation in a normally distributed dataset. The ...

Data Collection by Experiments

Data collection is a systematic method of obtaining, observing, measuring, and analyzing accurate information. An experimental study is a standard method ...

Solving Problems in Physics

Problem-solving is the ability to apply general physical principles to specific situations, usually expressed by equations. It is an essential skill in ...

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by asking questions and defining problems
• ask questions that require empirical evidence to answer
• develop hypotheses indicating relationships between independent and dependent variables
• offer simple solutions to design problems

PS.1.a

What is an Experiment?

An experiment is a planned activity carried out under controlled conditions. The purpose of an experiment is to investigate the relationship between two ...

Study Design in Statistics

A study design is a set of techniques that allow a researcher to collect and analyze data from different variables defined for a specific research ...

Observational Studies

Observational studies are a type of analytical study where researchers observe events without any interventions. In other words, the researcher does not ...

Experimental Designs

An experimental design is a systematic process that allows researchers to evaluate the relationship between dependent and independent variables. There are ...

Randomized Experiments

The randomization process involves assigning study participants randomly to experimental or control groups based on their probability of being equally ...

Crossover Experiments

Crossover experiments, also called the repeated-measurements design, is a study design in which all experimental units are exposed to all treatments in ...

Controls in Experiments

When conducting an experiment, it is crucial to have control to reduce bias and accurately measure the dependent variables. It also marks the results more ...

Bias

Bias refers to any tendency that prevents a question from being considered unprejudiced. In research, bias occurs when one outcome or answer is selected ...

Blinding

Blinding is a commonly used method of not telling participants which treatment a subject is receiving. Blinding is a critical part of a randomized control ...

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are prospective experimental studies conducted on humans to determine the safety and efficacy of treatments, drugs, diet methods, and ...

Data Collection by Observations

Data collection refers to a systematic way of obtaining, observing, measuring, and analyzing accurate information. Observational studies are one of the ...

Data Collection by Survey

The systematic method of obtaining and analyzing accurate information of a population is called data collection. A survey is a standard method of data ...

Units and Standards of Measurement

A physical quantity is defined either by specifying its measurement method or by stating how it is calculated from other measurements. For example, ...

On many occasions, physicists, other scientists, and engineers need to make estimates of a particular quantity. These are sometimes referred to as ...

Base Quantities and Derived Quantities

In any system of units, the units for some physical quantities must be specified through a measurement process. These measurements are the base quantities ...

Conversion of Units

Sometimes, there is a need to convert from one unit to another one. For instance, reading a cookbook in which quantities are expressed in units of liters ...

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by planning and carrying out investigations
• independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls where appropriate and include the safe use of chemicals and equipment
• evaluate the accuracy of various methods for collecting data
• take metric measurements using appropriate tools and technologies
• apply scientific ideas or principles to design, construct, and/or test a design of an object, tool, process or system

Review and Preview

Data are individual items of information obtained from a population or sample. Data may be classified as qualitative (categorical), quantitative ...

What is a Frequency Distribution

A frequency is the number of times a value of the data occurs. The sum of all the frequency values represents the total number of students included in the ...

Ogive Graph

An ogive graph is sometimes called a cumulative frequency polygon. It is one type of frequency polygon that shows cumulative frequency. In other words, ...

Histogram

The histogram is a graphical representation in the x-y form of data distribution in a data set. The horizontal x-axis is labeled with what the data ...

Relative Frequency Histogram

The relative frequency depicts the proportion of data points that have each value. The frequency tells the number of data points that have each value. ...

Scatter Plot

The most common and easiest way to display the relationship between two variables, x and y, is a scatter plot. A scatter plot shows the direction of a ...

Time-Series Graph

A time-series graph is a line graph with repeated measurements taken at successive intervals of time. It is also called a time series chart. To construct ...

Bar Graph

A bar graph is also called a bar chart and consists of bars that are separated from each other. It either uses horizontal or vertical bars to show ...

Multiple Bar Graph

As the name suggests, a multiple bar graph is the same as a bar graph but has multiple bars to depict relationships between different data values. One can ...

Pareto Chart

A Pareto chart is a bar graph or a combination of both line and bar graphs. The bar lengths represent the individual values or the frequency, while the ...

Pie Chart

A pie chart (or a pie graph) is a circular graphical chart or a pictorial representation of categorical data. It is divided into slices of pie each ...

What is Central Tendency?

Descriptive statistics describe or summarize relevant characteristics of a sample and aid in the analysis of data of interest. When analyzing large ...

What is Variation?

Apart from the measures of central tendency, distribution, outliers, and the changing characteristics of data with time, an important characteristic of ...

Range

The range is one of the measures of variation. It can be defined as the difference between a dataset&#39;s highest and lowest values. For example, in the ...

Standard Deviation

The most commonly used measure of variation is the standard deviation. It is a numerical value measuring how far data values are from their mean. The ...

Calculating Standard Deviation

The standard deviation is the most common measure of variation. It is a value that tells us how far a data value is from the mean value in a dataset. ...

Variance

&#160;The deviations show how spread out the data are about the mean. A positive deviation occurs when the data value exceeds the mean, whereas a negative ...

Coefficient of Variation

The coefficient of variation measures the dispersion of the data points or distribution around the mean. Using the coefficient of variation, we can ...

Contingency Table

A contingency table provides a way of portraying data that can facilitate calculating probabilities. It is a method of displaying a frequency distribution ...

Statistical Analysis: Overview

An analysis is usually conducted by replicated sampling or repeated measurements on the same sample. This leads to scattered results rather than a single ...

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by pnterpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data
• construct and interpret data tables showing independent and dependent variables, repeated trials, and means
• construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data and consider limitations of data analysis
• apply mathematical concepts and processes to scientific questions
• use data to evaluate and refine design solutions to best meet criteria

PS.1.c

Models, Theories, and Laws

Scientists frequently use models to help them comprehend a specific collection of phenomena. In physics, a model is a condensed version of a physical ...

Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning is a form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion. It is uncertain and operates in ...

Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning, or deduction, is the type of logic used in hypothesis-based science. In deductive reasoning, the pattern of thinking moves in the ...

The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations
• construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources (including the students' own investigations)
• construct arguments supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning
• generate and compare multiple solutions to problems based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints
• differentiate between a scientific hypothesis, theory, and law

PS.1.d

Fermi Estimation for Physical Quantities

Description

Transcript

Tags

More videos by Standards