Solution Manual, Chapter 2, Elements of Engineering Analysis, Exploring Engineering, Kosky, Balmer,
Keat & Wise.
5. Identify whether you would perform the following unit conversions by definition, by
conversion factors, by geometry, or by scientific law:
a) How many square miles in a square kilometer?
b) How many microfarads in a farad?
c) What is the weight on Earth in N of an object with a mass of 10. kg?
d) How many square miles on the surface of the earth?
Need: For each part, conversion is ___________ (state whether definition,
conversion factor, geometry, or scientific law)
Know: Basic concepts of conversion factors, geometry and scientific
laws. Also the diameter of the Earth1 is 12,756 km
How: For conversions use units method
Solve: a) How many square miles in a square kilometer?
b) How many microfarads in a farad?
d) How many square miles on the surface of the earth?
1. E.g., http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/solar/soldata2.html#c3