PHYSICS

FORM 4

Chapter 1

Introduction to Physics
Edited by

In collaboration with

Cikgu Desikan

Cikgu Khairul Anuar

SMK Changkat Beruas, Perak

SMK Seri Mahkota, Kuantan

Chapter 1

Introduction to Physics
Dear students,

FORM 4 PHYSICS
2016

With the new day comes new strength and new

thoughts.
Learning Objectives :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Understanding Physics
Understanding base quantities and derived quantities
Understanding scalar and vector Quantities
Understanding measurements
Analysing scientific investigations

Analysis of Past Year Questions

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

P2 B

P1

P3

2015

Chapter 1

Introduction to Physics
Dear students,

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail !!!

Concept Map
Introduction to Physics
Physics
Concepts
Field of
Physics

Physics Quantity
Base
Quantity

Derived
Quantity

Base Unit

Derived Unit

Prefix

Scientific
Notation

Measurement
Approximation
Instrument for
Measurement

Error
Accuracy

Conversion of
Units

Sensitivity

Consistency

Scientific
Investigation

1.1

Understanding Physics

What is Physics?

2. _________________
Studies the influence of
heat on different
types of matter
1.__________ & ________
Investigate the action of
force and motion
Fields of study
in physics

7. ______________
Study of nuclear
structure and their
application
6. ___________
Studies the use of
electronic devices in
various fields

3. ________________
Explains the different
phenomena due to light
4. _________________
Understand the
properties of different
types of waves and
their uses

5. _______________
Investigates the
interactions of electric &
magnetic fields

1.2

Physical Quantities

Physical Quantities is a physical

characteristic that can be measured.

Base quantities

Base quantities are quantities that cannot be

___________ in terms of other base quantities.

All physical quantities can be classified

into two groups :
1. ____________________________

Base quantity

Symbol

2. ____________________________

S.I. Unit

Symbol
for S.I.
Unit

Length
Derived quantities

Mass

Derived quantity is one which obtained by

__________________ base quantities by
multiplication, division or both these
operations. Its unit is derived from a
similar combination of the base units.

Derived quantities
(symbol)

Time

Current
Temperature

Expressed in base quantities

Derived units

Area, A

Volume, V

Derived
quantities
(symbol)

Expressed in base quantities

Derived units

Density ,

Velocity , v

Acceleration, a

Momentum, p

Force, F

Pressure, P

Weight, W

Scientific form
The values of measurements which is either
very large of very small are written in
Standard Form so as to be neater, brief and
easier to read.
A x 10n ,
1 < A < 10 and n = integer
Write the following quantities in standard
form :
a. Radius of the earth = 6 370 000 m

b. Mass of an electron
= 0.000 000 000 000 000 911 kg

c. Size of a particle = 0.000 03 m

d. Diameter of an atom = 0.000 000 072 m

e. Wavelength of light = 0.000 000 55 m

Prefixes
Prefix is used to simplify the expression of very
big or very small numerical values of physical
quantities
Prefix

Value

Tera

1,000,000,000,
000

Giga

1,000,000,000

Mega
Kilo
Hecto
Deca
Deci
Centi
Mili
Micro

1,000,000
1,000
100
10
0.1
0.01
0.001
0.000 001

Nano

0.000 000 001

Pico

0.000 000 000

001

Standard
Symbol
form

Exercise 3.1
Conversion of Units
Convert each of the following measurements
into metre, m
(a) 2.98 Tm
(b) 298 km
(c) 2.98 m
(d) 2.98 x 10-1 Gm
(e) 2.98 x 10-3 Mm
(f) 29.8 x 107 nm
(g) 298 x 104 m

Convert
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

4 m2 into the units of cm2

30 cm2 into the units of m2
2.5 m2 to unit of mm2
500 mm2 into the units of m2
200 m3 into the units of mm3
11.5 cm3 into the units of m3
72 km h-1 into the units of ms-1
5 g cm-3 into the units of kg m-3

1.3 Scalar and Vector Quantities

Scalar Quantities

Vector Quantities

Examples

Distance(s)
Total

of the path traveled

Displacement(s)
Distance between two points measured along a
specific _________________

quantity

quantity

Speed

Velocity

Rate of ______________of distance

Rate of ______________ of displacement

Speed =

Velocity =

quantity

____________ quantity

10

1.4

Measuring Instruments
Consistency

Accuracy

Sensitivity

Consistency in
measurements refers to how
little deviation there is
among the measurements
made when a quantity is
measured several times.

Accuracy of a measurement
is how close the
measurement made is to the
actual value of the quantity.

Sensitivity of an instrument is
its ability to detect a small
change in the quantity to be
measured in a short period
of time.

The diagram shows the result for four shooters A, B, C and D

in a tournament. Every shooter shot five times.
Shooter

Consistency

Accuracy

A
B
C
D
(Use High / Low)

11

ERROR
Error is _______________caused by measuring instrument or the observer or the physical
factors of the surroundings.
Systematic Error
Caused by:
i. Condition of the measuring instrument
ii. Condition of environment
Example
i. ______________________________
ii. Inaccurate calibration
Way of correction
i. Proper calibration
ii. Adjust the instrument frequently

Random Error

Caused by:
i. Surroundings factors, such as
temperature and wind
ii. Carelessness of the observer
Example
i. Parallax error ii. Error in counting
iii. Natural errors (sudden change)
Ways of correction
i. Take several readings and calculate
the average value.

Parallax Error
A parallax error is an error in reading an instrument because the observers eyes and pointer are
not in line / perpendicular to the plane of the scale.
How to avoid parallax error?
1. position of eyes must be in line/ perpendicular / 90o with the scale of the reading to be taken.
2. When taking reading from an ammeter, we must make sure that the eyes are exactly in front of
the pointer, so that the reflection of the pointer in the mirror is right behind the pointer. In other
words, the reflection of the pointer on the mirror could not be seen by the observer, then it is
free from parallax error.
12

Parallax Error
16

A
Reading = 15.1 ml

A
Reading = 2.6 cm
Reading = 2.5 cm

15

B
Reading = 15.0 ml

Reading = 2.7 cm
1

14

C
Reading = 14.9 ml

Accurate reading = 2.6 cm

Pointers image can be seen

Pointers image is behind the pointer

Measuring Instruments & Accuracy

Physical Quantity
Length
Current
Mass
Temperature
Time
Voltage

Measuring Instrument

13

Outside jaws
Measure external diameter
of an object

VERNIER CALLIPER
Vernier
scale
(in)

Inside
jaws
Measure
internal
diameter/
thickness
of an object

Vernier
scale
(cm)

Main scale
(in)

Retainer
Block
movable
parts

Reading from main scale

Main scale
(cm)

Depth probe
Measure
depths

Measurements

Reading from main Vernier scale :

Reading of Vernier caliper

14

Main Scale

cm

No zero error

Vernier Scale

10

Main Scale

Main Scale

Vernier Scale

Vernier Scale

10

10

Sixth mark on the Vernier scale is in line with

a mark on the main scale

Sixth mark on the Vernier scale is in line with

a mark on the main scale

Negative zero error

Positive zero error

15

Try this !!!

1. Write down the readings shown by vernier calipers in the following figures:
a)

c)

10

10

10

b)

d)

10

16

The object which to be

measured is placed
between the jaws (spindle).

The thimble is
turned until its jaw
touches the object.
The ratchet knob
prevents
overtightening by
making a click
sound when the
micrometer is ready
to be read.

MICROMETER SCREW GAUGE

Reading of the main scale

=
main scale
Horizontal
reference
line

Reading of the thimble scale

Vernier
scale

=
Diameter of ball bearing

17

No Zero Error

Horizontal
reference
line

Horizontal
reference
line

0 10
5
0
45

2nd mark
above 0

Positive zero error =

10
5
0
45
40

0 mark

Horizontal
reference
line

5
0
45
40

3th mark
below 0

Negative zero error =

To elliminate the zero error ***

Correct Reading =

18

Exercise 3.4
1. Write down the readings shown Vernier calipers in the following figures:
a)

c)

d)

10

10

10

b)

10

2. Write down the readings shown by the following micrometer screw gauges.

a)

b)
0

25
20

20
15

15

19

3. The following diagram shows the scale of a vernier callipers when the jaws are closed.
1

10

(a)

10

(b)

The following diagram shows the scale of the same vernier callipers when there are 50
pieces of cardboard between the jaws. Determine the thickness of one piece of cardboard.

20

Sensitivity & Accuracy of Measuring Instruments

Ammeter

Voltmeter
Digital Stopwatch

Metre Rule

20

30

Mercury

Bulb

Mercury column

Thermometer

21

Instrument

Sensitivity

Accuracy

Metre Rule
Vernier Calliper
Micrometer Screw Gauge
Ammeter (0 5 A)
Miliammeter (0 50 mA)
Thermometer (-10 C 110 C)
Mechanical stopwatch
Digital stopwatch
Miliammeter

Mechanical
Stopwatch

22

1.5 Scientific Investigation

Identifying the problems/ questions /
situations

The problem is identified and stated by asking

question. The problem is usually arised from
an observation
The question asked must be one that can be
solved experimentally.

Identifying the variables involve

Forming a Hypothesis

Design and Carry out an experiment

Recording and Presenting data

Analysing and Interpreting data

Making conclusion

Writing a Report

Identifying the problems/ questions /

situations

Identifying the variables involve

Manipulated variable
______________________________
The quantity whose values we deliberately
choose to change or a primary variable which
causes other secondary variable to change.
Responding variable
________________________________
The quantity whose value depend on the
manipulated variable or a secondary variable
which changes in response to the change in
the manipulated variable.
________________________________
Constant variable
The quantity whose value is kept constant
throughout the experiment.

23

4
A general statement about the relationship
between a manipulated variable and a
responding variable.
The hypothesis should be written as :
The greater the, the greater the.
or
The bigger the, the smaller the..

Aim
A statement to show the investigation of
the variables involve. The aim of the
experiment should be written as:
To investigate the relationship between
..and
Apparatus
List the apparatus and materials used so
that at least a set of data for manipulated
and responding variables can be
determined. State the arrangement of the
apparatus that can function by drawing a
labeling diagram.
Procedure
1. State the method of controlling the
manipulated variables
2. State the method of measuring the
responding variables
3. Repeat the experiments at least four
times.

24

7
Based on the analysis and data
interpretation, make a rational conclusion

When the data is organised in a table, it is

easier to analyse than recorded
randomly.

8
6
Plot a graph of ( Responding variable)
against (Manipulated variable)
How to analyze the data ?
(a) Determine the relationship between
two variables.
(b) Determine the gradient of the graph

Report must be written after the scientific

investigation is completed.
The report must consist of aim, problem
statement, hypothesis, variables,
apparatus and material, procedure,
result, discussion and conclusion.

25

Relationship between two variables

a

a
a 1
m

aF

a 1
m
m

1
m

26

Revision Questions

D. F

C. F

1. Which of the following force-compression

graphs shows that the compression,x of a
spring is directly proportional with the force
that is applied, F?
A.

3.

B. F

C. F

10

D. F

Q
5

2. Which of the following is the best graph ?

B. F

A. F

The equation of the graph above is

A) P = 10Q + 5
C) P = 2Q + 10

B) P = 2Q + 10
D) P = 5Q 10

27

4. Table shows the readings of the length of a rod as recorded by two students, X and Y

a)
b)
c)

d)
e)

Reading of student X/cm

Reading of student Y/cm

2.42

2.43

2.38

2.41

2.40

2.38

2.36

2.34

What was the instrument used by both students?

Why four readings were taken for each measurement?
What is the average value of the readings made by
i)
student X ?
ii)
student Y ?
Which set of reading is more accurate? Why?
Apart from the instrument in (a), what instruments can be used although they are
less accurate?

28

5.

Load
W/N

Time for 10
oscillations, t/s

1.0

6.7

2.0

9.5

3.0

11.6

4.0

13.4

Period of
oscillation, T/s

T2/s2

W/T2 N s-2

The above table shows the experimental data that is obtained by a student using the
weighted spring oscillation system.
a) Name the variable that is manipulated.
b) Name the variable that responds.
c) Complete the above table with the corresponding values.
d) State the derived unit for W/T2.
e) Draw the graph of T2 against W.
f) Interpret the shape of the graph that you have drawn.
g) Calculate the gradient of your graph.
h) Write relationship between the load and the period.

29

0.2
0

30