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Physics
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The study of matter

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Chapter 1: Introduction to Physics

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Physics: Chapter 1
Objectives:
(what you will learn)
1) understand Physics base quantities & derived quantities scalar quantities & vector quantities measurements, using instruments processes in scientific investigations

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2) 3) 4)

5)
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Physics
Understanding Physics:
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 measurements.

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Physical Quantities
Base 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

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Density = Mass Volume = kg m-3 Velocity = Displacement Time = m s-1 Acceleration = Velocity Time = m s-2

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Force = Mass x Acceleration = kg m s-2

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Physical Quantities
Scalar Quantity
Physical quantity which has magnitude only, such as distance and mass. (Compare them to base quantities.)

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Vector Quantity
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.

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prefix symbol value

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prefix symbol value

pico
nana micro

p
n

10-12
10-9 10-6

kilo
mega giga tera

k
M G T

103
106 109 1012

milli
centi

m
c

10-3
10-2

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Small quantities

Big quantities

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Physical Quantities
Scientific Notation
The standard form for numerical magnitude.

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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.

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We want results that are both accurate & consistent.

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Consistent, less accurate

Accurate, less consistent

Not accurate, not consistent

Accurate & consistent

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Measuring Instruments
Sensitivity = how small a change in reading that can be measured by an instrument Ruler Low, 1 mm

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Vernier caliper
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Medium, 0.1 mm

Micrometer screw gauge

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High, 0.01 mm

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Measurement Errors
Systematic Error
Occurs in one direction only. Always negative too low or too Always high positive

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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 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.

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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.

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Can be reduced in several ways. Repeated measurements taking mean value

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Using mirror beneath pointer of instrument

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Scientific Investigation
Start
Observation

The processes involved

Making use of all human senses
Initial explanation or conclusion Making smart guesses Testing in controlled situation Documentation of results in report

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Inference
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Hypothesis

Experiment
Conclusion

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Scientific Experiment
Steps involved in carrying out Experiment
Suggest suitable questions

Aim Variables Apparatus Procedures Tabulation

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Manipulated, responding, & fixed

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List apparatus/materials, arrangement Carry out experiment in proper order Documenting data obtained

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Analyze data through graphs, etc.

Analysis

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Summary
What you have learned:

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1. 2. 3. 4.

Understanding Physics Physical Quantities Measurements & Instruments Scientific Investigations & Experiments

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