Physics Module Form 4

Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics

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CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS

1.1 Understanding Physics

PHYSICS
Mechanical Energy
Study of the natural phenomena and the
properties of matter. Heat Energy

Light Energy
Solid Matter Energy

Wave Energy
Liquid states forms
Electrical Energy
Gas

Nuclear Energy

Chemical Energy

Properties of Relationship Relationship Properties of

Matter with with Energy
energy matter

in the fields
of

Mechanics Heat Wave Electronics

Properties Electricity & Atomic Physics

Light
of matter Electromagnetism & Nuclear
Physics

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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1.2 PHYSICAL QUANTITIES
Base quantity
1 any quantity that can be measured by a scientific instrument.
A physical quantity is ……………………………………………………………………..
2 stopwatch, metre rule balance,thermometer,ammeter
Examples of scientific instruments :………………………………………………………
etc.
3 A base quantity is a physical quantity which cannot be defined in terms of other physical
quantities.
4 Study the following picture and list the physical quantities that can be measured.

The list of physical quantities :

Height,
1. ……………………………………….
mass,
2. ……………………………………….
size,
3. ……………………………………….
age,
4. ……………………………………….
temperature,
5. ……………………………………….
current
6. ……………………………………….
Power,
7. ……………………………………….
Thermal energy
8. ……………………………………….

5 List of 5 basic physical quantities and their units.

Base quantity Symbol S.I. Unit Symbol for S.I. Unit
Length l meter m
Mass m kilogram kg
Time t second s
Current I Ampere A
Temperature T Kelvin K

6 Two quantities that have also identified as basic quantity. There are :
Light intensity
i) …………………………..unit candela
…………..
Amount of substance mol
ii) ………………………. unit ……………..

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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Standard Form
n
1 Standard form = A x 10 , 1 ≤ A < 10 and n = integer no.
simplify the expression of very large and small numbers
2 Standard form is used to …………………………………………………………………...
3 Some physical quantities have extremely small magnitudes. Write the following
quantities in standard form :
6.37 x 106 m
a. Radius of the earth = 6 370 000 m =………………………………………………….
1.673 x 10-27 kg
b. Mass of an electron = 0.000000000000000000000000000000 911 kg =………...
3.0 x 10-4 m
c. Size of a particle = 0.000 03 m = ………………………………………………………
7.2 x 10-8 m
b. Diameter of an atom = 0.000 000 072 m = …………………………………………...
5.5 x 10-7
c. Wavelength of light = 0.000 000 55 m = ……………………………………………..
Prefixes
represent a large physical quantity or extremely small quantity in S.I
1. Prefixes are usually used to ………………………………………………………………...
units.
before the unit as a multiplying factor.
2. It will be written ……………………………………………………………………………
3. The list of prefixes : Eg :
12 Tera (T)
10 12
1 Tm = …………………………………….
1 x 10 m
9
10 Giga (G)
3.6 x 10-3A
6
3.6 mA = …………………………………….
10 Mega (M) How to change the unit ;
2 Eg :
10 101 kilo (k) Hekto (ha)
3
10 Deka (da) 1. Mega to nano
0 -1
1.33 MA = 1.33 x 106 A
10 10-2 desi (d)
10 centi (s) = 1.33 x 10 6-(-9) nA
-3
10 mili (m)
= 1.33 x 10 15 nA
10
-6
micro ()
2. Tera to micro
10
-9
nano (n) 1.23 Tm to unit m unit
-12
pico (p)
1.23 Tm = 1.23 x 10 12m
10
= 1.23 x 10 12 – (-6)m
= 1.23 x 10 18m

3. piko to Mega
5456 pA to MA unit
5456 pA = 5.456 x 10 3 + (-12) pA
= 5.456 x 10 -9pA
= 5.456 x 10 -9 –(6) MA
= 5.456 x 10 -15 MA

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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4. Some physical quantities have extremely large magnitudes. These extremely large and
small values can be written in standard form or using standard prefixes. Write the
quantities in standard prefixes:
9.1 x 101 MHz
a. Frequency of radio wave = 91 000 000 Hz = ………………………………………….
12.8 Mm = 1.28 x 10 1 Mm
b. Diameter of the earth = 12 800 000 m = ………………………………………………
383 Mm = 3.83 x 10 2 Mm
c. Distance between the moon and the earth = 383 000 000 m = ………………………
6.0 x 10 12 Tm
d. Mass of the earth = 6 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 kg = ………………………

Derived quantities

1 a physical quantity which combines several basic quantities

A derived quantity is …….…………………………………………………………………
through multiplication, division or both
………………………………………………………………………………………………
2 Determine the derived unit for the following derived quantities.

Derived Name of
Formula Derived unit
quantity derived unit
area area = length x width m x m = m2 –
volume volume = length x width x height m x m x m = m3 –

mass kg
density density   kg m 3 –
volume m3

displaceme nt m
velocity velocity   m s 1 –
time s
momentum momentum = mass x velocity kg m s-1 –

m s 1
 m s -1 s 1
change in velocity s
Acceleration accelerati on  –
time  m s 2

Force force = mass x acceleration kg m s-2 Newton (N)

force kg m s-2 / m2 kg m-1 s-2

pressure pressure
area (Nm-2)
weight weight = mass x gravitational acceleration kg ms -2 Newton (N)
work work = force x displacement Nm Joule (J)
work
power power 
time J s -1 Watt (W)
1
kinetic energy K.E   mass  velocity 2
2 Kg ms-2 Joule (J)

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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Derived Name of
Formula Derived unit
quantity derived unit
potential
P.E = mass x gravitational acceleration x height Kg ms-2 Joule (J)
energy

charge charge = current x time Ampere second Coulomb (C)

(As)
work
voltage voltage  J C-1 Volt (v)
charge

voltage
resistance resistance  v A-1 Ohm (Ω)
current

Note that the physical quantities such as width, thickness, height, distance, displacement,
perimeter, radius and diameter are equivalent to length.

1.3 SCALAR AND VECTOR QUANTITIES

Quantity which has only magnitude or size
1 Scalar quantities are ………………………………………………………………………
Mass, Length, Speed, volume
Examples : …………………………………………………………………………………
Quantity which has magnitude or size and direction.
2 Vector quantities are………………………………………………………………………...
Velocity, Force, Displacement, Acceleration
Examples : …………………………………………………………………………………
3 Study the following description of events carefully and then decide which events require
magnitude, direction or both to specify them.

Description of events Magnitude Direction

1. The temperature in the room is 25 0C Ý

2. The location of Ayer Hitam is 60 km to the

Ý Ý
north-west of Johor Bahru

3. The power of the electric bulb is 80 W Ý

4. A car is travelling at 80 km h-1 from Johor Bahru
to Kuala Lumpur Ý Ý

1.4 MEASUREMENTS

Using Appropriate Instruments to Measure

1 measuring instrument with different measuring capabilities.

There are various types of………………………………………………………………….
measure a particular quantity.
2 We must know how to choose the appropriate instrument to ……………………………..

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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3 Examples of instrument and its measuring ability.

Measuring instrument Range of measurement Smallest scale division

Measuring tape
Up to a few meters 0.1 cm
Meter rule 1m 0.1 cm (0.01 m)

Vernier caliper 10 cm 0.01 cm

Micrometer screw gauge less than 2 cm (20 mm) 0.001 cm (0.01 mm)

4 Sample of measuring instruments :

is use to measure electric current
4.1 Ammeter : ……………………………………………………………………………..
incorret reading 1 2 3 correct
1 2 3
0 4 reading
0 4

pointer mirror
pointer mirror
Pointer’s image can be seen Pointer’s image is behind the pointer
is use to determine the volume of liquid.
4.2 Measuring cylinder : ……………………………………………………....................

wrong position of eye

Right position of eye (eye are in a line perpendicular to the plane
of the scale)
wrong position of eye

water

is use to determine the length

4.3 Ruler : ………………………………………………………………………………………

wrong right wrong

2.5 cm
10 11 12 13 14 15 Reading = ……………… cm

4.4 Vernier calliper

A venier calliper is used to measure :

small object
a. ………………………………………………b. depth of a hole
………………………………………….
external diameter of a cylinder or pipe internal diameter of a pipe or tube
c. ………………………………………………d. ………………………………………….
0.01cm
A vernier calliper gives readings to an accuracy of …………………………………...…. cm.

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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inside jaws
cmVernier
0 scale1 2 3 4 Main scale
SKALA
UTAMA
0
outside jaws
5 10
Main scale in cm
1.0 cm
Length of vernier scale = ……… 0 1

Vernier scale is divided into 10 divisions

0 5 10 Vernier scale
0.01
Length of the divisions = ………. cm The differenct between the main scale and vernier
0.01 cm
scale is = ……………………………. cm

0 1
cm

Main scale 0.2 cm

= …………………. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

0.06 cm Find the division of

Vernier scale = ………………….. vernier scale which is
0.26 cm coincides with any part
Final reading = ………………….. of the main scale
The diagram below shows a vernier calliper with reading.

0 1

0.15
0 5 10 Vernier calliper reading = ……………. cm
4.5 Micrometer screw gauge.
A micrometer screw gauge is used to measure :
objects that are small in size
a. ………………………………………………
diameter of a wire
b. ………………………………………….
diameter of small spheres such as ball bearings
c. ………………………………………………

One complete turn of the thimble

(50 division) moves the spindle by
0.50 mm.
Division of thimble
= …………………..
0.5 ÷ 50
Anvil
= …………………..
0.01 mmspindle sleeve
Sleeve scale (main
4.5 mm scale)
: ……………
A accuracy of micrometer
0.01 mmthimble (circular scale)
screw gauge = …………….. 0.22 mm
Thimble scale : ………….
4.62 mm
Total reading : …………..

ratchet
7
frame
 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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Example :
2.0 mm
Sleeve scale : ……………
0.22 mm
Thimble scale : ………….
2.22 mm
Total reading : …………...

4.6 Some others measuring instruments :

Analogue stopwatch digital stopwatch thermometer miliammeter

……………………… …………………… ……………………… ………..

Measuring tape
………………………. measuring cylinder
…………………….. beaker
………………
Hands-on activity 1.1 on page 1 of the practical book to learn more about choosing
appropriate instruments.
Exercise: Vernier Callipers And Micrometer Screw Gauge

1. Write down the readings shown by the following

(a)
7 8

Answer: …7.89 cm…………..

0 5 10

(b) 4
A B
5

Answer: …4.27 cm…………..

P Q
0 5 10

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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(c)
6 7
Answer: ……6.28 cm………..

0 5 1
0
(d)
0 1 Answer: …0.02 cm…………..

0 5 10

2. (a) The following diagram shows the scale of a vernier calliper when the jaws are closed.

0 1

0 5 10

Zero error = …0.02……… cm

(b). The following diagram shows the scale of the same vernier calliper when there are
40 pieces of cardboard between the jaws.

5 6

0 5 10

Reading shown = …5.64…….cm

Corrected reading = …5.62……..cm

3. Write down the readings shown by the following micrometer screw gauges.
(a) (b)

40 0 35
0 5 5 10

35 30

Answer: ………6.87 cm……… Answer:……12.32 cm…………..

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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(c) (d)
25 0 5 20
0

20 15

Answer:………4.71 cm………………… Answer:……9.17 cm………

4. (a) Determine the readings of the following micrometer screw gauges.

0 0 5
0

45
0

Zero error = …- 0.02…….. mm Zero error = …+0.03…….. mm

(b) Determine the readings of the following micrometer screw gauges.

5 0 5 20
0

0
15

Zero error = +0.03………mm Reading shown = 6.67………..mm

Corrected reading = 6.64………..mm

5. Write down the readings shown by the following micrometer screw gauges.
(a) (b)

40 0 35
0 5 5 10

35 30

Answer: …6.88 mm………… Answer: …..12.32 mm……

(c) (d)
25 0 5 20
0

20 15

Answer:………4.71 mm………… Answer: 9.17 mm…………

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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Accuracy and consistency in measurements.

The ability of an instrument to measure nearest to the actual value
1. Accuracy : …………………………………………………………………………………
The ability of an instrument to measure consistently with little or no relative
2. Consistency : ………………………………………………………………………………
deviation among readings.
The ability of an instrument to detect a small change in the quantity measured.
3. Sensitivity : …………………………………………………………………………………

target
consistent but inaccurate consistent and accurate inaccurate and not consistent
………………………… ……………………… ……………………………..

target
Accurate but not consistent
…………………….. inaccurate but consistent
…………………………….. inaccurate but not consistent
………………………………
Hands-on activity 1.2 on page 2 of the practical book to determine the sensitivity of
some measuring instruments.

Errors in measurements
of approximation only.
1. All measurements are values ………………………………………………………………
2. In other word, it is a matter of ……………………………………………………………
how close the measurement is to the actual value.
3. This is because ……………………………………………………………………………
error exist in all measurements.
4. Two main types of errors:
Systematic errors
4.1 ……………………………………………
Occurs due to :
a weakness of the instrument
a) ………………………………………………………………………………………
the difference between reaction time of the brain and the action.
b) ………………………………………………………………………………………
zero error is when the pointer is not at zero when not in use.
c) ………………………………………………………………………………………
Examples :
Range of the measuring instrument – absolute error .
a) ………………………………………………………………………………………
Reaction time of the brain.
b) ………………………………………………………………………………………
Initial reading is not at the zero scale – zero error
c) ………………………………………………………………………………………

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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Absolute error :
……………………………………………………………………………………….…………
Refer to the smallest reading that can be measured by an instrument.
If, the smallest reading = 0.1 cm
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Then, Absolute error = 0.1 / 2 = 0.05 cm

where the pointer is not at zero when not in used

Zero error : …………………………………………………………………………………...
0 1 cm
0 1 cm

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Zero error =
+0.03 cm Zero error =
- 0.04 cm
Positive zero error Negative zero error

Correct reading = observed reading – zero error

Horizontal Horizontal
reference reference 3 divisions above
2 divisions below
horizontal reference
horizontal reference

Zero error of screw meter gauge

Positive zero error Positive zero error
Zero error = - 0.02 mm Zero error = +0.03

4.2Random error
……………………………………………..
Occurs due to
………………………………………………………………………………………
a) carelessness in making the measurement.
………………………………………………………………………………………
b) parallex error , incorrect positioning of the eye when taking the readings.
………………………………………………………………………………………
c) sudden change of ambient factors such as temperature or air circulation.
Example :
a) Readings are close to the actual value but they are not consistent.
Can be minimized by consistently repeating the measurement at different places in an
identical manner.
Parallax error :
It occurs because the position of the eye is not perpendicular to the scale of the instrument
wrong

Example : right position of the eye (no error)

wrong

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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1.5 SCIENCETIFIC INVESTIGATION
Steps Explanation

Gather all available information about the object or phenomenon

Making to be studied.
1
observation Using the five senses, sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell.

Drawing A conclusion from an observation or phenomena using

2 information that already exist.
inferences

Variables are factors or physical quantities which change in the

course of a scientific investigation.
There are three variables :
i. Manipulated variables
- physical quantity which change according to the aim
Identifying of the experiment.
3 and controlling
variables ii. Responding variables
- physical quantity which is the result of the changed
by manipulated variable.

iii. Fixed variables

physical quantities which are kept constant during the experiment.
Statement of relationship between the manipulated variable and
Formulating a the responding variable those we would expect.
4
hypothesis Hypothesis can either be true or false.

Conducting i. Conduct an experiment includes the compilation and

5 interpretation of data.
experiments
ii. Making a conclusion regarding the validity of the hypothesis.

Plan and report an experiment

Situation : A few children are playing on a different length of swing in a

playground. It is found that the time of oscillation for each swing is different.
Steps Example : refer to the situation above
1 Inference The period of the oscillation depends on the length of the
pendulum.
2 Hypothesis When the length of the pendulum increases, the period of the
oscillation increases.
3 Aim Investigate the relationship between length and period of a
simple pendulum.

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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4 Variables Manipulated variable : the length of the pendulum.
Responding variable : Period
Fixed variable : the mass of the pendulum and the
displacement.

5 List of Retort stand with clamp, 100 cm of thread, bob,

apparatus and meter rule, 2 blocks of clamp wood, protractor and
materials stop watch.
6 Arrangement of
the apparatus

Retort stand
protractor

ll

bob

7 Procedures 1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the figure above.

2. Measure the length of the pendulum,l = 60.0 cm by using a meter
rule.
3. Give the pendulum bob a small displacement 300.Time of
10 oscillations is measured by using a stop watch.
4. Repeat the timing for another 10 oscillations. Calculate the
average time.
Period = t10 oscillations
10
5. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 using l = 50.0 cm, 40.0 cm, 30.0 cm
and 20.0 cm
8 Tabulate the Time for 10 oscillations / s
Length,l / Period/ s
data cm 1 2 Average (T = t10/10)
60.0 15.8 15.7 15.8 1.58
50.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 1.50
40.0 13.1 13.1 13.1 1.31
30.0 11.9 11.9 11.9 1.19
20.0 9.9 9.9 9.9 0.99

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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9 Analyse the
T/s Graf of period, T vs
data pendulum’s length, l
1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 l / cm

10 Discussion Precautions :
1. Oscillation time is measured when the pendulum attained a
steady state.
2. Time for 10 oscillations is repeated twice to increase accuracy.
3. Discussion (refer to given questions)
11 Conclusion
The period increases when the length of the pendulum increases.
Hypothesis accepted.

Reinforcement Chapter 1

Part A :Objective Question

A Newton B kilogram
1. Which of the following is a base SI C ampere D second
quantity?
A Weight B Energy 4. Which of the following quantities
C Velocity D Mass cannot be derived?
A Electric current B Power
2. Which of the following is a derived C Momentum D Force
quantity?
A Length B Mass 5. Which of the following quantities is
C Temperature D Voltage not derived from the basic physical
quantity of length?
3. Which of the following is not a basic A Electric charge B Density
unit? C Velocity D Volume

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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6. Initial velocity u, final velocity v, C 3.45 x 107 mm
time t and another physical quantity k D 3.45 x 1012 m
is related by the equation v - u = kt.
The unit for k is 15. The Hitz FM channel broadcasts radio
A m s-1 B m-1 s waves at a frequency of 92.8 MHz in
-2
C ms D m2 s-2 the north region. What is the frequency
of the radio wave in Hz?
7. Which of the following has the A 9.28 x 104 B 9.28 x 105
smallest magnitude? C 9.28 x 107 D 9.28 x 1010
A megametre B centimetre
C kilometre D mikrometre 16. An object moves along a straight line
for time, t. The length of the line, s is
8. 4 328 000 000 mm in standard form is 1
given by the equation s  gt 2 . The
A 4.328 x 10-9 m B 4.328 x 10-6 m 2
C 4.328 x 106 m D 4.328 x 109 m SI unit of g is
A m2 s2 B m s-2
9. Which of the following measurements C s-1 D s-2 m
is the longest?
A 1.2 x 10-5 cm B 120 x 10-4 dm
C 0.12 mm D 1.2 x 10-11 km

10. The diameter of a particle is 250 m.

What is its diameter in cm?
A 2.5 x 10-2 B 2.5 x 10-4
C 2.5 x 10-6 D 2.5 x 10-8

11. Which of the following prefixes is

arranged in ascending order?
A mili, senti, mikro, desi
B mikro, mili, senti, desi
C mili, mikro, desi, senti
D desi, mikro, mili, senti

12. Velocity, density, force and energy are

A basic quantities
B scalar quantities
C derived quantities
D vector quantities

13. Which of the following shows the

correct conversion of units?
A 24 mm3 =2.4 x 10-6 m3
B 300 mm3=3.0 x 10-7 m3
C 800 mm3=8.0 x 10-2 m3
D 1 000 mm3=1.0 x 10-4 m3

14. Which of the following measurements

is the shortest ?
A 3.45 x 103 m
B 3.45 x 104 cm

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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Part B : Structure Question

1. A car moves with an average speed of 75 km h-1 from town P to town Q in 2 hours as
shown in Figure 1. By using this information, you may calculate the distance between the
two towns.
P Q

Figure 1
(a) (i) Based on the statements given, state two basic quantities and their respective
SI units.
Distance : m and time : s
………………………………………………………………………………………
(ii) State a derived quantity and its SI unit.
Speed – m s-1
………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) Convert the value 1 . m to standard form.
5 x 10-3
3
= 0.2 x 10 m
2
= 2.0 x 10 m

(c) Complete Table 1 by writing the value of each given prefix.

-9
10
-6
10
6
10
9
10

Table 1
(d) Power is defined as the rate of change of work done. Derive the unit for power in
terms of its basic units.
work Force  displaceme nt kgms2  m 2 -3
Power = = Unit = = kg m s
time time s

(e) Calculate the volume of a wooden block with dimension of 7 cm, 5 cm breadth and 12
cm height in m3 and convert its value in standard form.
-2 -2 -2
Volume = (7 x 10 ) (5 x 10 ) (12 x 10 )
-6
= 420 x 10
-4 3
= 4.20 x 10 m

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 Physics Module Form 4
Teacher’s Guide Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
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2. Figure 2 shows an ammeter of 0—3 A range.

Figure 2
Mirror
(a) (i) Name component X. ………………………………………………………………...
To avoid parallax error
(ii) What is the function of X? ………………………………………………………….
(b) Table 2 shows three current readings obtained by three students.

Table 2
No
(i) Did all the students use the ammeter in Figure2? ..………………………………….
(ii) Explain your answer in (b)(i).
3rd readings obtained by student 2 and 3 are out of the meter range.
………………………………………………………………………………………

3. Figure 3 shows the meniscus of water in a measuring cylinder K, L, and M are three eye
positions while measuring the volume of the water.

(a) (i) Which of the eye positions is

correct while taking the reading of the
volume of water?
L
…….……………………………………

Figure 3
(b) The water in the measuring cylinder is
replaced with 30 cm3 of mercury.
(i) In Figure 4, draw the meniscus of the
mercury in the measuring cylinder. Figure 4
(ii) Explain why the shape of the meniscus of mercury is as drawn in (b)(i).
The cohesive force is larger than the adhesive force
……………………………………………

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