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Form 4

Physics
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The study of matter

Chapter 1: Introduction to

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Physics: Chapter 1
Objectives:
1)

(what you will learn)

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understand Physics

2) base quantities & derived quantities 3) 4) scalar quantities & vector quantities measurements, using instruments processes in scientific investigations

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5)

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Physics
Understanding Physics:
1. Physics derives from Latin, physica - the science of natural things; until 19th century, it was called natural philosophy. Through its subfield of astronomy, it may be the oldest academic discipline. 2. Physics is a branch of Science for study of natural phenomena, which involves force, matter & energy; based on experimental observations & quantitative

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Physical BaseQuantities Quantities

Quantities that cannot be defined in any other physical quantity.

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Base Symb SI Unit Symb Quantity ol ol l Length meter m m Mass kilogra kg m t Time second s

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Physical Quantities Derived Quantities

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Quantities derived from base quantities (through mathematical combinations). Volume = Length x Breath x Height = m3 Density = Mass Volume = kg m-3

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Velocity = Displacement Time = m s-1

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Physical Quantities Scalar Quantity

Physical quantity which has magnitude only, such as distance and mass. (Compare them to base quantities.)

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Vector Quantity
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Physical quantity which has both magnitude and direction, such as force and pressure. (Compare them to derived quantities.)

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Physical Quantities Prefixes

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Simplifies description of physical quantities that are either very big or very small without losing data. prefix symbol value prefix symbol value pico nana micro milli centi p n m c 10-12 10-9 10-6 10-3 10-2 kilo mega giga tera k M G T 103 106 109 1012

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Small quantities

Big

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Physical Quantities Scientific Notation

The standard form for numerical magnitude.

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Q x 10n where 1 Q < 10 and n is an integer

Examples:

0.000000696 m = 6.96 x 10-7 m

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911 000 000 kg = 9.11 x 108 kg

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Measurements
Accuracy measures how close a hit is to the target. If it is too far from the target, it is not accurate. Consistency measures how close together a group of hits is to the average value. If they are far apart from each other, they are not consistent. We want results that are both accurate & consistent.

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Consistent, less accurate

Accurate, less consistent

Not accurate, not consistent

Accurate & consistent

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Measuring Sensitivity = how small a change in reading Instruments that can be measured by an instrument
that can be measured by an instrument Ruler Low, 1 mm Vernier caliper Medium, 0.1 mm

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Micrometer scr

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High, 0.01 mm

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Measurement Errors
Systematic Error
Occurs in one direction only. Always too too Always or negativ low hig positiv e h e May arise from various causes. Incorrect calibration of instruments Zero error pointer of instrument does not return to zero when not in use, such as a ruler worn out at one end

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Repeated error in reaction time

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Wrong assumption

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Measurement Errors
Random Error
Size of error not constant & unpredictable. The reading is sometimes positive & sometimes negative from actual value.

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May arise from various causes. Parallax error due to incorrect positioning of the eye when taking measurement surroundings; i.e. Changes in the temperature, air circulation, lighting, magnetic field, etc. Can be reduced in several ways. Repeated measurements taking mean value mirror beneath pointer of instrument Using

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Scientific Investigation Start The processes

involved
Observation
Making use of all human senses Initial explanation or conclusion Making smart guesses Testing in controlled situation Documentation of results in report

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Inference Hypothesis Experiment Conclusion

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Suggest suitable questions Manipulated, responding, & fixed

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Experiment

Scientific Experiment Steps involved in carrying out

Aim Variables Apparatus Procedures Tabulation Analysis

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List apparatus/materials, arrangement Carry out experiment in proper order Documenting data obtained

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Analyze data through graphs, etc.

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Summary
What you have learned:

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1. 2. 3. 4.

Understanding Physics Physical Quantities Measurements & Instruments Scientific Investigations & Experiments

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