Mce Igcse Physics PPT c01

PowerPoint Slides for
Cambridge IGCSETM Physics

Student’s Book
CHAPTER 1
MEASUREMENT
OF PHYSICAL
QUANTITIES
© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd The following content has not been through the Cambridge Assessment International Education endorsement process. 1
Student’s Book
• What do you understand by

the term average?
• Other than head

circumference, what are
two other important
measurements taken to
monitor a baby’s growth
pattern?
• What are some other

physical quantities that are
commonly used as
measurements in daily life?
© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 2

Answers
• What other things are commonly measured in everyday life?
LO
• Define and differentiate between various physical
quantities
• Physical quantities are those quantities which can be measured whereas non physical quantities
are those quantities which cannot be measured.
Student’s Book
1.1 Physical Quantities
In this section, you will learn

the following:
• Describe the use of rulers and

measuring cylinders to find a length or
a volume.
• Describe how to measure a variety of

time intervals using clocks and digital
timers.
• Determine an average value for a

small distance and for a short interval
of time by measuring multiples.

Student’s Book
What are physical quantities?
The sign warns drivers on the clearance limit to pass underneath the
bridge. Height is a physical quantity — ‘3.8’ is the numerical magnitude
and ‘m’ is the unit. (Figure 1.1 of SB (Student’s Book))

Student’s Book
Some physical quantities and their commonly used units

Some physical quantities and their commonly used units (Table 1.1 of SB)
Some common physical quantities that are derived from other physical quantities (Table 1.2 of SB)

Student’s Book
Prefixes and standard form
Some common prefixes and their symbols (Table 1.3 of SB)
• Prefixes: Useful and

convenient for
expressing physical
quantities that are either
very big or very small

LO
• Define prefixes and standard form

Student’s Book
Standard form
• Standard form: Useful and convenient way of writing numbers, in which one integer
(1 to 9) is multiplied by an appropriate power of 10

• ● One kilometre (km) is 1 × 10 3 m.
• ● One milliampere (mA) is 1 × 10 –3 A.
• ● Three megajoules (MJ) is 3 × 10 6 J.
• ● Six microcoulombs (μC) is 6 × 10–6 C.
• ● Eight nanoseconds (ns) is 8 × 10 –9 s.
LO
• Describe the use of rulers and measuring cylinders to find a
length or a volume.
Student’s Book
How do we measure length?
• Length: Important quantity that is often used in physics
• Measured using : Kilometre (km), metre (m),

centimetre (cm) and millimetre (mm)
• Instruments commonly used to measure length:

metre rule and measuring tape
A metre rule and a retractable steel

measuring tape are used to measure
lengths. (Figure 1.3 of SB)

Student’s Book
How do we avoid errors in measurement?
Parallax error Zero error
• Your eyes should be positioned such that your • When the zero-mark end of a rule is worn, it is
line of sight is perpendicular to the rule. better to measure from another point and subtract
it from the final reading.
• If this is not done, a parallax error will be
introduced into the measurement. • If this is not done, a zero error may be introduced
into the reading.
Taking several
readings and
calculating the
average also
minimises errors and
uncertainties.
How to take accurate readings by avoiding parallax error and zero error (Figure 1.6 of SB)

Student’s Book
How do we measure volume? – Irregular solids
Type of irregular
Description Set-up
solid
Volume of a small object, V = V2 – V1

Finding the volume
of a small object
Small object that sinks where
that sinks (Figure
V1 = volume of water before putting in the object
1.7 of SB)
V2 = volume reading after putting in the object
Small object that floats Volume of a small object, V = V4 – V3

Finding the volume of a
A sinker is used to ensure where small object that floats
that the small object is V3 = volume of water before putting in the object (Figure 1.8 of SB)
totally immersed in the V4 = volume reading after putting in the object
water.
Finding the volume

For large objects (such as a stone) that sink, we of a large object
Large object that sinks use a displacement can and a measuring that sinks (Figure
cylinder to find the volume. 1.9 of SB)

Student’s Book
How do we measure volume? – Regular solids

Measured using: cubic metre (m3) and cubic centimetre (cm3)
Volume of regular solids

• A metre rule can be used to measure the dimensions of a solid.
• The volume of the solid can then be determined by using the appropriate formula.
Formulae to find volume of some regular solids
Regular solid Formula
Rectangular block
where = length, = breadth and = height
Cylinder
where = diameter and = height
3
Sphere
where = diameter

Student’s Book
How do we measure volume? – Liquids
• Pour the liquid into a measuring cylinder.
• Read the volume V directly.
• Ensure that the measuring cylinder is resting on a

flat horizontal surface.
• Ensure and that any bubbles in the liquid are

removed.
(Figure 1.10 of SB)
© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

1.1 Physical Quantities
• LO: -Describe how to measure a variety of time
intervals using clocks and digital timers.
Starter
• Imagine that you are stranded on an island .You do
not have a watch or a mobile phone .How would you
able to tell time ?
Student’s Book
How do we measure time?
• Events that repeat at regular intervals or periods can be used to tell time.
• Measured using: hour (h), minute (min) and second (s).
What type of events (both natural and man made) can be

used to tell time? Give examples.
Can scientific work rely on the observation of natural

events? Explain Why.

Student’s Book
How do we use a simple pendulum to measure time?
• Period of a simple pendulum = Time taken for one complete oscillation
• One complete oscillation → complete to-and-fro motion
• The period of a pendulum depends on its length. Pendulum clocks are calibrated by adjusting the length of the pendulum.
When the bob moves from R to S and back to R, the pendulum completes one oscillation. (Figure 1.11 of SB)

Student’s Book
What instruments are used to measure time?
Pendulum clock - keeps time Wall clock Digital stopwatch Analogue stopwatch
using a pendulum’s periodic
swing.

Student’s Book
Investigation
Objective
To calibrate a simple pendulum to measure time in seconds
(Table 1.5 of SB)
Experimental set-up to calibrate a

simple pendulum (Figure 1.14 of SB)

• Q1 Ans: The length of the pendulum with a period of one second can
be read off the graph. By using a pendulum of this length, we can
measure time by counting the number of oscillations (e.g. if 1
oscillation takes 1 s, then 60 oscillations take 60 s or 1 min).
• Q2 Ans: The period increases with length, but not linearly.
• Q3 Ans: It tells us that the square of the period is directly proportional
to the length. This gives rise to a straight-line graph when we plot T2
against l (graph on the right). By extending the straight-line graph, we
can easily predict the period of the pendulum for lengths that are not
included in the graph we have plotted
Student’s Book
(continued)
Results and discussion
1. How does this experiment

allow us to use a pendulum to
measure time in seconds?
2. What can we observe about

the graph of T against l ?
Plot of Period (T) against Length () Plot of T2 against Length () (Figure
(Figure 1.15 of SB) 1.16 of SB)
3. What does the plot of T 2
The period increases with The square of the period is directly against l tell us?
length, but not linearly. proportional to the length

Student’s Book
Worked Example 1A
A student checks the accuracy of an antique clock. He uses a digital stopwatch to
find the period of the clock’s pendulum.
(a) If X and Y are the two extreme positions of each oscillation, state the path of
one complete oscillation.
(b) The student’s timings for two separate measurements of 20 oscillations are
35.70 s and 34.98 s. Calculate the average period of the clock’s pendulum.
Solution
(a) X to Y and back to X or Y to X and back to Y.
(b) Average time for 20 oscillations
= = 35.34 s
Antique clock (Figure 1.17 of SB)
Average period of the clock’s pendulum = = 1.767 s

Student’s Book
(Question numbers as in SB)
2. A measuring cylinder is used to measure the volume of

a liquid (Figure 1.18).
(a) What type of error can be introduced when reading
the measurement?
(b) What should you do to read the measurement
correctly?
(Figure 1.18 of SB)
4. Figure 1.19 shows a voltmeter scale with a strip of
mirror mounted under the needle. Suggest how this may
help reduce errors when readings are taken.
(Figure 1.19 of SB)

Student’s Book
1.2 Scalars and

Vectors
In this section, you will learn the
following:
• Understand the terms scalar
quantity and vector quantity.
• Know some examples of scalar

and vector quantities.
• Determine, by calculation or
graphically, the resultant of two
vectors at right angles.

1.2 Scalars and Vectors
• Differentiate between scalars and vectors
Student’s Book
What are scalars and vectors?
Two types of physical quantity:

Scalar quantity: Physical quantity that has magnitude only
Vector quantity: Physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction
Common scalars and vectors (Table 1.5 in SB)

Student’s Book
How are vector quantities

represented?
We use vector diagrams.
• Arrow: represents the vector quantity
• Length of the arrow: proportional to the
magnitude of the vector
• Direction of the arrow: indicates the direction
of the vector
Can we add vectors?

Vector diagram of a force of 20 N in the direction 45°
north of east (Figure 1.21 of SB)

Student’s Book
How do we add two parallel vectors?
Type of Parallel
Description Addition of Vectors
Vectors
The resultant force is 8 N

Acting in the same (i.e. 3 N + 5 N = 8 N)
direction and is directed towards
the right.
Addition of vectors acting in the same direction (Figure 1.22 of SB)

Acting in the opposite (i.e. 5 N + (–3 N) = 2 N)
direction and is directed towards
the right.
Addition of vectors acting in the opposite direction (Figure 1.23 of
SB)
Equal in magnitude,
acting in the opposite
(i.e. 3 N + (–3 N) = 0 N).
direction Addition of vectors that are equal in magnitude but act in opposite
directions (Figure 1.24 of SB)

Home work
LO
• Determine, by calculation or graphically,

the resultant of two vectors at right
angles.
Student’s Book
How do we add two non-parallel vectors?
Parallelogram method Calculation method

• We can obtain the resultant force R graphically by Using Pythagoras’ Theorem,
drawing a parallelogram.
• The resultant force R is the diagonal of the

parallelogram.
• By measuring the angle θ and the length the diagonal,

we obtain the resultant force R = 5 N at an angle
θ ≈ 37° to the horizontal. Hence, the resultant force R has a magnitude of
R = 5 N, making an angle of θ = 36.9 ° with the horizontal.
Adding vectors using the

parallelogram method
(Scale 1 cm: 1 N)
(Figure 1.26 of SB)
Addition of non-parallel vectors (Figure 1.25 of SB)

Student’s Book
Let’s Practise 1.2
1. Distinguish between a scalar quantity and a vector quantity. Give one example of each.
2. Figure 1.27 shows the forces acting on a box. What is the resultant force?
(Figure 1.27 of SB)

Student’s Book
What
have you
learnt?

Student’s Book
What
have you
learnt?

Student’s Book
Acknowledgements
• Slide 1: baby © rafaelbenari | 123rf.com

• Slide 2: baby © rafaelbenari | 123rf.com
• Slide 4: height limit sign © Emil Ivanov | 123rf.com
• Slide 7: ruler – ID 15538563 © Ksena2009 | Dreamstime.com, tape © OLEKSANDR MARYNCHENKO | 123rf.com
• Slide 15: hydrogen maser © SkywalkerPL | Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:
ESA_Galileo_Passive_Hydrogen_Maser.jpg) | CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en), old
wall clock © cocozero003 | 123rf.com, analogue wall clock – ID 165133531 © Szefei | Dreamstime.com, electric stopwatch
– ID 53387685 © Vadimgozhda | Dreamstime.com, analogue stopwatch – ID 15556434 © Alex Kalmbach |
Dreamstime.com

Mce Igcse Physics PPT c01

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mce Igcse Physics PPT c01

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PowerPoint Slides for

Cambridge IGCSETM Physics

• What do you understand by

• Other than head

• What are some other

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 2

1.1 Physical Quantities

In this section, you will learn

• Describe the use of rulers and

• Describe how to measure a variety of

• Determine an average value for a

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 6

What are physical quantities?

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 7

Some physical quantities and their commonly used units

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 8

Prefixes and standard form

Some common prefixes and their symbols (Table 1.3 of SB)

• Prefixes: Useful and

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 9

• Define prefixes and standard form

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 11

How do we measure length?

• Length: Important quantity that is often used in physics

• Measured using : Kilometre (km), metre (m),

• Instruments commonly used to measure length:

A metre rule and a retractable steel

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 14

How do we avoid errors in measurement?

Parallax error Zero error

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 15

Volume of a small object, V = V2 – V1

Small object that floats Volume of a small object, V = V4 – V3

Finding the volume

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 16

How do we measure volume? – Regular solids

Volume of regular solids

Formulae to find volume of some regular solids

Regular solid Formula

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 17

How do we measure volume? – Liquids

• Pour the liquid into a measuring cylinder.

• Read the volume V directly.

• Ensure that the measuring cylinder is resting on a

• Ensure and that any bubbles in the liquid are

(Figure 1.10 of SB)

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

How do we measure time?

• Measured using: hour (h), minute (min) and second (s).

What type of events (both natural and man made) can be

Can scientific work rely on the observation of natural

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 21

How do we use a simple pendulum to measure time?

• Period of a simple pendulum = Time taken for one complete oscillation

• One complete oscillation → complete to-and-fro motion

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 22

What instruments are used to measure time?

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 23

(Table 1.5 of SB)

Experimental set-up to calibrate a

© 2021 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd 24

Results and discussion