INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES:

AT THE COMPLETION OF THIS COVERAGE / CHAPTER, THE STUDENTS SHALL BE ABLE TO:

IDENTIFY IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICS IN DAILY LIVING

UNDERSTAND LENGTH, MASS TIME

UNDERSTAND SCIENTIFIC NOTATION AND SIGNIFICANT FIGURES AND HOW THEY ARE APPLIED.
Physics is a branch of science that describes matter, energy, space and time at the most
fundamental level. Physics is concerned with describing the interactions of energy, matter,
space, and time, and it is especially interested in what fundamental mechanisms underlie
every phenomenon.
• Since Physics describes matter and its basic interactions, all natural sciences are built on a
foundation of laws of physics. A full understanding of chemistry requires knowledge of
physics of atoms. A full understanding of biological processes in turn is based on
underlying principles of physics.
• By studying Physics, you acquire skills that are useful in other disciplines. This include
thinking logically and analytically; solving problems, making simplifying assumptions;
constructing mathematical models; using valid approximations and making precise
definitions.
WHETHER YOU ARE PLANNING TO STUDY BIOLOGY, ARCHITECTURE,
MEDICINE MUSIC, CHEMISTRY OR ART, THERE ARE PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS
THAT ARE RELEVANT TO OUR FIELD.
MASS VS WEIGHT
Mass can never be zero. Weight can be zero if no gravity acts upon an
object, as in space.
Mass does not change according toWeight varies according to location.
location.
Mass is a scalar quantity. It hasWeight is a vector quantity. It has magnitude
magnitude. and is directed toward the center of the Earth
or other gravity well.

Mass may be measured using an ordinaryWeight is measured using a spring balance.

balance.
Mass usually is measured in grams andWeight often is measured in newtons, a unit
kilograms. of force.
• Mass is the measure of the amount of matter in a body. Mass is denoted using m or M.
The SI unit for mass is the kilogram (abbreviated kg). Mass is a property of matter. The
mass of an object is the same everywhere.
• Weight is the measurement of the amount of force acting on a mass due to the 
acceleration due to gravity. Weight usually is denoted by W. Weight is mass multiplied by
the acceleration of gravity (g). Weight depends on the effect of gravity. Weight increases
or decreases with higher or lower gravity