Perfect Guide

Lower Secondary

SCIENCE Notes
Book A

Christopher N. Prescott

(H)PG_LSSANotes_TP.indd 1 11/28/12 10:48 AM

 Preface
PERFECT GUIDE TO LOWER SECONDARY SCIENCE NOTES is a study aid for school
examinations. With comprehensive notes, this study guide promises to build knowledge and
facilitate understanding for effective learning. These books can be used in conjunction with
the Lower Secondary Science Matters (2nd Edition) textbooks. Textbook links are provided for
convenient referencing and further reading.

Features in these books

• IMPORTANT TERMS AND POINTS are highlighted in bold. These terms are also found in
the Glossary.

TOPIC

5 APPLICATION OF FOR
CES

NOTES

• Concise
5.1 STUDY

an unde rstanding of how

OME actions and show

PHYSIC
LEARNING OUTC ing or pulling

STUDY NOTES with

forces as push
(a) Describe t such forces.
we can detec g:
s involve pushing and pullin
following action

S
action. The
ng or pulling

ample illustrations
a pushi
• A force is fold/bend
lift
twist press
squeeze
stretch
t:
effect of a force on an objec

and photographs.
we can see the
t see forces but
• We canno move.
nary object to
➢ Causes a statio faster.
ng objec t move
➢ Makes a movi t.
moving objec
direction of a
➢ Changes the
ng object.
or stops a movi
➢ Slows down object.
the shape and size of an
➢ Chan ges

Common Error
work is done.
is used up as
move, energy
✓ When forces energy.
of energy as it
causes is not a type of
However, force
✗ Force is a type
motion.

s and state its S.I. unit.

OME measure force
LEARNING OUTC of how you can

• Each LEARNING (b) Show an

• The S.I. unit

understanding

of force is the
d after the Englis
h scientist
newton (N), name of gravity on an apple of
alent to the pull
This is equiv

OUTCOME is Isaac Newton.

mass 100 g.

followed by study
notes. tional (Singap
ore) Private Limited
Topic 5 Forces
and Pressure
57
SCIENT

6 Theory: ll Cavendish Interna

© 2013 Marsha
You can repeat t
he experiment w
always the same ith different volu
. If you had enou mes of water and
gh results, you fi
could plot a grap nd that the results were
IFIC END

Volume of water
evaporated (cm3 h as shown belo
) w.
20 The theory you
have confi rmed
is:

• COMMON ERROR
15
x

10
x
The rate of evapo
ration of a
EAV

liqui d depen
x

5 ds on the surf
area of the ace
x

liquid and
OUR

50 100 150
Surface area (cm2
) of its volume. not

Refutes common
200 water in the container

Common Error

misconceptions. ✗ Inferences a
same.
nd hypotheses ar
e the ✓ Inferences a
lways come after
hypotheses alway experimentation
s come before exp whereas
erimentation.
Exam Tip
In experiments, b

• EXAM TIP Useful

e able to identify t
Also distinguish th he control variabl
e independent var es (variables you
you measure). iable (variable yo keep constant to e
u change) from th nsure fair test).
e dependent varia
ble (variable

hints for exams. 1.2 WORKE

D EXAMPLES

1. A good scie the shape of the

ntist w ill have the follo not depend on
wing tions. It does depth.
science skills: Exam Tip lly in all direc
ure acts equa it increases with
like air press the liquid and
Liquid pressure depend on the density of

• TEXTBOOK LINK
observing
inferring container. It
does
communicating
planning
Match each of t — Section 14.4
he following sc (2nd Edition)
ience activities t Link rs Volume B
(a) Drawing gr o one of the abo Science Matte

For further reading

aphs. ve skills. Lower Secondary
(b) Taking pho (e) Making m
tographs. odels.
(c) Making hy (f) Looki
potheses. ng fo r patterns.
(d) Smelling gr (g) Recording
apes. MS
volumes. RY OF TER
PHYSIC

to Earth.
5.2 GLOSSA
(h) Collecting
data in a comput tion of the air
er. tational attrac
Answer Ana ed by the gravi
lysis pressure caus in newtons (N).
pressure The is measured
(a) Communica
ting: Graphs ca Atmospheric n. Size of force
pulling actio
S

way of displaying n show overall p

large amounts o atterns in results A pushing or ally have springs inside.
and are a g norm
(b) Observing f data. Forceood s. Most of these
: Photographs g to measure force
be used to slow ive a permanent An instrument er. It is a force
record of meter against anoth
down (strobosco
pic photography a result. They canForce material rubs t down and
photography) the
) or speed up (tim also uced when one It will slow a moving objec
recording of re The force prod on.
(c) Planning: A sults. e-lapse ion opposes moti
hypothesis is a p Frict which always to stop.
rediction. After e it
either confi rmed
or rejected. If it experimentation eventually caus

• GLOSSARY OF
, this .
is confi rmed, it be hypo
comes a scientifi thesis is using a lever
t or pivot when
c theory. The turning poin .
© 2013 Marsha
Fulcrum t and the earth
een an objec
ll Cavendish Int
ernational (Sin
gapore) Privat
attraction betw
The force of
e Limited
Topic 1  IntroduGravitational force

TERMS at the
pressure.
cing Science
13 atmospheric
(S)PGLSSBKA_01 (gravity) s with the same
.indd 13
her map joining place
A line on weat
weights.
Isobar or lift heavy
ine used to move

end of every
A simple mach or greas e).
surfaces (oil
02/05/12 2:34
Lever PM
on between
h reduces fricti
A liquid whic iron.
Lubricant materials like
force between
or repulsive

chapter provides
An attractive Pascal).
(1mB = 100
Magnetic force atmo sphe ric pressure
urement of
The unit of meas um (unit is Nm).
Millibar pivot or fulcr
t of that force about a
The turning effec

explanations to
force at right
Moment (forc
es) gravitational
Moon and Sun’s
caused by the
g A small tide
Neap tide actin another.
angles to one

various scientific
force and weight (N).
of You
The S.I. unit at an angle.
Newton an instrument vertically at it.
the scale of
d by reading when looking
The error cause of an instrument
Parallax error read the scale
should always

terms.
re 69
ces and Pressu
Topic 5 For

(Singapore) Private Limited

International
ll Cavendish
© 2013 Marsha

© 2008 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Private Limited Topic 1  Introducing Science iii

(S)PGLSSBKA(2nd Ed)_Preface & Contents.indd 3 11/22/12 9:41 AM

 Contents
SCIENTIFIC ENDEAVOUR

Topic 1 : Introducing Science 1

PHYSICS

Topic 2 : Physical Properties of Matter 15

Topic 3 : Ray Model of Light 32

Topic 4 : Electrical Systems 42

Topic 5 : Application of Forces 57

Topic 6 : Energy and Work Done 71

Topic 7 : Sound Energy 81

Topic 8 : Heat Energy 90

iv Topic 1  Introducing Science © 2008 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Private Limited

(S)PGLSSBKA(2nd Ed)_Preface & Contents.indd 4 11/22/12 9:41 AM

 SCIENTIFIC ENDEAVOUR
TOPIC

1I NTRODUCING SCIENCE

1.1  STUDY NOTES

LEARNING OUTCOME
(a) Describe science as the systematic study of the world around us and technology
as the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.

• Science is the systematic study of the natural and physical world through observation,
experimentation and analysis.

• Science is not confined to the laboratory and shows itself in all aspects of our lives.

• It is important to have a healthy curiosity about the natural and physical world around you.

• Three main areas of science are Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Science

Physics is the study Chemistry is the study Biology is the study of

of matter and energy of molecular structures living things from the
including light, sound, of matter and their tiniest microscopic
electricity, magnetism, interactions. organisms to the
radiation and motion. largest whales.

• Science can give meaningful explanations of why things happen and help to predict what
might happen in the future.

• Science helps to create machines and inventions which improve our surroundings and the
quality of life. We call the use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes technology.
Examples are found in areas like communication (information technology), transportation,
medicine and computers.

LEARNING OUTCOME
(b) State some benefits and abuses of science and technology.

• Show an appreciation of Science as a human endeavour which has been contributed to by

different civilisations over the centuries.

• Recognise that science and technology cannot solve all of society’s problems.

Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Private Limited Topic 1  Introducing 1

(S)PGLSSBKA(2nd Ed)_01.indd 1 11/19/12 8:41 AM

 Benefits of science and technology Abuses of science and technology

Science can solve some of society’s However, science cannot solve all of
problems such as diseases (by developing society’s problems. Sometimes, science
drugs and medicines) and shortage of food itself creates problems, such as drug abuse,
(by using fertilisers and pesticides). pollution and global warming.

LEARNING OUTCOME
(c) State the various safety rules in a science laboratory and recognise the various
hazard symbols used in the laboratory.

• A science laboratory should be a safe place for conducting experiments. To ensure that it is a
place safe to work in, the following safety rules should be observed.

Safety Rules
1. Do not enter a laboratory or carry out any experiments without supervision from
your teacher.
2. Do not run around in a laboratory. Leave coats and school bags outside the laboratory.
3. Do not eat or drink in the laboratory.
4. Read all instructions carefully before carrying out any experiment.
5. Handle all equipment and materials carefully. Never touch or taste chemicals.
6. Always wear safety goggles when heating or mixing chemicals.
7. Report all accidents, breakages or spillages immediately.
8. Try to keep your workbench clean and dry. Dispose of all chemicals in waste bins, not
down the sink.
9. Never remove any chemicals or apparatus from the laboratory.
10. When in doubt whether something is safe or not, ask your teacher.

• Many chemicals used in the laboratory can be dangerous. These substances have hazard
symbols on the labels of their containers. The important hazard symbols are:

Symbol Hazard
Explosive substance
This may react violently when heated or struck. It must be handled carefully.
Example: Flash powder
Flammable substance
This catches fire easily. It must be kept away from naked flames.
Examples: Petrol, alcohol, kerosene
Toxic substance
This is poisonous. Always wash your hands after handling it.
Examples: Methanol, cyanide, mercury, chlorine
Continued

2 Topic 1  Introducing 2013 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Private Limited

(S)PGLSSBKA(2nd Ed)_01.indd 2 11/19/12 8:41 AM

 SCIENTIFIC ENDEAVOUR
Symbol Hazard
Irritable substance
This can irritate the skin. It can produce vapours that irritate the eyes, nose and
throat. When handling it, always use a spatula.
Examples: Phenol, chloroform
Corrosive substance
This eats away some materials. You must quickly wash with tap water if such
substance is spilled.
Example: Sulphuric acid
Radioactive substance
This gives off harmful radiation. It must be stored in lead-lined containers.
Example: Uranium

Common Error

✗ Inflammable substances do not ✓ Inflammable substances catch alight easily. It is best to

catch alight. describe such substances as flammable.

flammable hazard symbol

LEARNING OUTCOME
(d) Identify common laboratory equipment and know its use in the laboratory.

• There are many types of laboratory equipment and apparatus, especially glassware, in your
school laboratory. You should know how to use simple apparatus and be able to draw
sectional diagrams of such apparatus. The diagrams are in outline and must be in the
correct proportions.

Apparatus Diagram Use

Test tube To contain or heat a small amount of solid

or liquid.

Beaker To contain, heat or mix chemicals.

Funnel To separate an insoluble solid from a liquid

using fi lter paper.

Continued

© 2013 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Private Limited Topic 1 Introducing Science 3

(S)PGLSSBKA(2nd Ed)_01.indd 3 11/19/12 8:41 AM

 Apparatus Diagram Use

Conical flask To mix liquid chemicals such as acids

and alkalis.

Round-bottomed flask To prepare gases when heating is required.

Flat-bottomed flask To prepare gases when heating is

not required.

Gas jar To collect gases.

Water trough To hold a large amount of water in

a container.

Measuring cylinder To measure a certain volume of liquid.

Burette To accurately add a measured volume

of liquid.

Thistle funnel To pour a liquid into a flask when

preparing a gas.

Crucible To heat a solid strongly.

Continued

4 Topic 1  Introducing 2013 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Private Limited

(S)PGLSSBKA(2nd Ed)_01.indd 4 11/19/12 8:41 AM