Chapter 1, Problem 59QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of minutes in a solar year is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

Dimensional analysis is a way to convert the units of measurement. In order to convert one unit to another, one needs to know the relationship between those units. These relationships are called conversion factors. Dimensional analysis is used to set up and solve a unit conversion problem using conversion factors.

Conversion factor is a fraction obtained from a relationship between the units. It is written as a ratio, and can be inverted to give two conversion factors for every relationship.

$\text{1 day}=\text{24 hours}$, to convert days to hours, the conversion factor is $\frac{24\text{ hr}}{1\text{ day}}$.

$1\text{ hr}=60\text{ min}$, to convert hours to minutes, the conversion factor is $\frac{60\text{ min}}{1\text{ hr}}$.