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Physics
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The study of
matter
Chapter 1:
Introduction to

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Physics: Chapter
1
Objectives:
(what you will learn)
1)

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understand Physics

2)
base quantities & derived
quantities
3)

scalar quantities & vector quantities

4)

measurements, using instruments

5)

processes in scientific investigations

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Physics
Understanding Physics:

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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 Quantity Symbol

l
Length
m
Mass
t
Time
T
Temperature
I
Current

SI Unit Symbol
meter
m
kilogram
kg
second
s
Kelvin
K
Ampere
A

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Physical
Quantities
Derived
Quantities

Quantities derived from base

quantities (through mathematical
combinations).

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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.)

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

Simplifies description of physical quantities

that are either very big or very small
without losing data.
prefi symb valu
prefi symb valu
x
ol
e
x
ol
e
pico
p
10-12
kilo
k
103
nana

10-9

mega

106

micro

10-6

giga

109

milli

10-3

tera

1012

centi

10-2

Small quantities

Big

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Physical
Quantities
Scientific
Notation
The standard form for numerical
magnitude.

Q x 10n

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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.

Consistent,
less
accurate

Accurate,
less
consistent

Not
accurate,
not

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
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Vernier calipe
r
Medium, 0.1
mm

10

Micrometer
screw gauge
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High, 0.01
mm

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Measurement Errors
Systematic Error
Occurs in one direction only.

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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
Changes in the surroundings; i.e.
temperature, air circulation, lighting,
magnetic field, etc.
Can be reduced in several ways.
Repeated measurements taking mean
value
Using mirror beneath pointer of

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Scientific
Investigation
Start
The processes
involved

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Observation

Making use of all human

senses

Inference

Initial explanation or
conclusion

Hypothesis

Making smart guesses

Experiment

Testing in controlled situation

Conclusion

Documentation of results in
report

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Scientific
Experiment
Steps involved
in carrying out

Experiment

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Suggest suitable questions

Aim

Manipulated, responding, &

fixed

Variables

List apparatus/materials,
arrangement

Apparatus

Carry out experiment in proper

order

Procedures

Documenting data obtained

Tabulation

Analyze data through graphs,

etc.

Analysis

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Summary

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What you have learned:

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1.

Understanding Physics

2.

Physical Quantities

3.

Measurements & Instruments

4.

Scientific Investigations &

Experiments

Thank You