PHYSICS

Module 2 – Week 2

Grade 10

OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand physics, physics and technology, physics and life, fundamental and derive
quantities and measurements and units
2. Appreciate the importance of physics

What is Physics?
Physics comes from the Greek word ‘’physike’’ meaning Nature. Physics is the discipline of science
that is directly concerned with the fundamental laws of nature. It aims to explain as many things as
possible in nature from the simplest to the most complicated using simple laws. It is for this reason
that physics was once called natural philosophy.

Physics has been referred to as ‘’the pioneer science’’ in terms of history, this is justified. The
elements of physics began to appear long before other sciences like chemistry and biology were
thought of.it is the fundamental of all sciences. Other sciences build upon physics.

Physics is divided into classical and modern physics. The year 1900 is a convenient boundary
between classical and modern physics.

The main branches of classical physics are mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, optics,
electricity and magnetism, and sound. Modern physics deals with X-rays, nuclear physics and
radioactivity, atomic physics, particle physics, and theory of relativity.

PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY

Technology comes from the Greek words ‘’teckne’’ meaning ‘’art or craft’’ and ‘’logos’’ meaning
‘’articulate speech or discourse’’. The United Nations educational, scientific, and cultural
organization (UNESCO) defines technology as ‘’know how and creative process that may assist
people to utilized tools, resources, and system to solve problems and to enhance control over the
natural and man-made environment in an endeavour to improve human conditions.

Physics and technology are very much related. Physics deals with understanding of the
natural world while technology aims to apply this understanding. Technology might even be
considered as the offspring of physics. The worldwide web, LASER, superconductors that form the
foundations of our modern technology are products of physics.

PHYSICS AND LIFE

Life operates in accordance with the laws of physics. the human body is itself a physical entity.
Biomechanics comprises the force, work, power, motion, momentum, pressure, impulse and energy
experienced or done by the body. Sports activities like running, jumping, and karate are best
understood and optimized with the aid of physics. Thermodynamics explains to us cellular
metabolism, body temperature regulation, and heat generation. Fluid mechanics helps us
understand fluid motion in the circulatory system and diffusion within cells. Optics makes us
understand how our eyes work. The physics of electricity help us understand how electrical signals
are conveyed to and interpreted by the brain. Wave motion explains the physics involved in the
bearing process.
Perhaps the most important impact of physics on life is in instrumentation. With the physics
of lenses, we are able to come up with the microscope, allowing us to observe the characteristics
and behaviour of minutes organisms that are invisible to the naked eye. With the knowledge of light
and wavelike properties, we are able to came up with the LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated
Emission of Radiation). Laser has truly innovated medicine. Same of its applications include non-
invasive surgery of the retina, reshaping of the cornea, capillary sealing, cauterization of stomach
ulcers, clearing of cholesterol blockages in arteries, and therapy for cancer. The physics of
magnetism gave us the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). This technique is used to review internal
body structure like the brain. It is used to detect body tumors, evaluate spinal cord injuries, and
observe other body structures. The physics of sound, medicine was able to acquire ultrasound. This
shatters kidney stones and gall-bladder stones, provides treatment for secondary glaucoma, aids in
the examination of tumors and cysts, and serves as a tool for pregnancy problems. The use of
radiation has provided a way to kill cancer cells in order to prolong life.

Fundamental and Derived Quantities

Quantities in physics may either be fundamental or derived. Fundamental quantities include

length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, luminous intensity, and amount of substance.
Derived quantities are combination of fundamental quantities. For example, speed may be define as
length of space travelled divided by time. Other familiar examples of derived quantities are
acceleration, density, work and energy.

Measurement and Units

The earliest measurement were based on body parts. The width of the thumb was the inch.
The yard was defined as the distance from the tip of the nose to the tip of the middle finger when
the arm is outstretched. The cubit was the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.
The span was the distance between the thumb and little finger when the hand is stretched. The foot
was the size of the foot.
Name:___________________________________Grade/Sec____________________Set_______

Give your own understanding about these following: (Own idea 20pts. Copy Paste 5pts)
1.What is the relation of Physics and technology?

2.What is the importance of physics in our life?

3.What is fundamental and Derive quantities?

4.What is Measurements and Units?

Please do not just copy the definitions of the following questions to the module. Give and write your
own understanding, Thank you!