INTI INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PENANG

COURSE STRUCTURE 2015

COURSE:

PHY1311 PHYSICS 1

PREREQUISITE:
None
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course, the first of a three-semester sequence, is designed to prepare students for the Cambridge A-Level Physics
examination. The course covers physical quantities and units, measurement techniques, kinematics, dynamics, forces,
work, energy, power, circular motion, gravitational field, phases of matter, deformation of solids and waves.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
It aims to:
Develop the understanding of Newtons laws of motion and its applications in various types of motion.
Introduce some basic physical properties of matter and materials.
Develop the comprehension of wave phenomena using classical principles.
Hone problem-solving skills for the above-mentioned topics in an analytical manner.
Develop attitudes relevant to science such as objectivity, accuracy and precision, integrity, enquiry, initiative and
insight.
COURSE FORMAT:
Lecture: 4 hours per week, Laboratory Work: 2 hours per week.
STUDENT EVALUATION:
Test 1:10%, Test 2: 10%, Laboratory Work: 10%. Semester Examination: 70%.
SEMESTER EXAMINATION FORMAT:
Paper 1 (40 marks, 1 hour)
The paper will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions, all of the direct choice type.
Paper 2 (60 marks, 1 hour)
This paper will consist of a variable number of structured questions of variable mark value. Candidates will answer all
questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.
The total marks of 100 will be scaled to 70%.
Paper 3 (10 marks, 1 hour)
This paper will consist of one experiment. Candidates will answer on the question paper.
GRADING SCALE:
A* (90 -100), A (80 89), B (70 79), C (60 69), D (50 59), E (40 49), O (35 39), U (0 34).
Note: Cambridge A-Level Grading Scale
A-Level results are shown by one of the grades A*, A, B, C, D, or E indicating the standard achieved, grade A* being
the highest and grade E the lowest. Grade O indicates failure at Advanced Level but the attainment of at least grade C at
Ordinary Level. Grade U indicates that the candidate has failed to reach the standard required either for a pass at
Advanced Level or for the award of grade C at Ordinary Level. This will be reported on the statement of results but not
on the certificate.
BASIC TEXT:
1. C. Mee, M. Crundell, B. Arnold and W. Brown International A/AS Level Physics. Cambridge University Press 2008
REFERENCES:
1. Breithaupt, J. Understanding Physics for Advanced Level. 4th ed., Cheltenham, Stanley Thornes, 2000.
2. Duncan, T. Advanced Physics. 5h ed., London, John Murray, 2000.
3. Gibbs, K. Advanced Physics. 2nd ed., London, Cambridge University Press, 1990.

PRE-U/CALUK/SESSION: JULY 2015

CALUK: PHY1311 PHYSICS 1 (INTAKE:JAN 2015)

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CLASS SYLLABUS:
Lecture(s) Topics
13
Physical Quantities and Units (AS) (A2)
Physical quantities, SI units, The Avogadro constant, Scalars and vectors. Resultant and resolution of
vectors
46
Measurement Techniques (AS) (A2)
Measurements, Errors and uncertainties.
7 10
Kinematics (AS)
Linear motion, Non-linear motion (projectile motion).
11 14
Dynamics (AS)
Newtons laws of motion, Linear momentum and its conservation.
Test 1
15 17
Forces (AS)
Types of force, Equilibrium of forces, Centre of gravity, Turning effects of forces.
18 22
Work, Energy, and Power (AS)
Energy conversion and conservation, Work, Potential energy, Kinetic energy, Internal energy
Power.
23 25
Motion in a Circle (A2)
Kinematics of uniform circular motion, Centripetal acceleration, Centripetal force.
Test 2
26 30
Gravitational Field (A2)
Gravitational field, Force between point masses, Field of a point mass, Field near to the surface of the
Earth, Gravitational potential.
31 33
Phases of Matter (AS)
Density, Solid, liquids, gases, Pressure in fluids, Change of phase.
34 - 36
Deformation of Solids (AS)
Stress, strain, Elastic and plastic behavior.
37 40
Oscillations (A2)
Simple harmonic motion, Energy in simple harmonic motion, Damped and forced oscillation, Resonance.
41- 42
Waves (AS)
Progressive waves, Transverse and longitudinal waves, Polarization, Determination of speed, frequency
and wavelength, Electromagnetic spectrum
Semester Examination
LABORATORY WORK:
Experiment Title
1.
To investigate the oscillations of a pendulum
2.
Compound pendulum I
3.
To investigate how the period of oscillation of a metre rule is affected by the position of a mass attached to
it.
4.
Compound pendulum II
5.
To investigate the period of torsional oscillations of a suspended bar magnet
6.
To investigate the oscillations of a metre rule inclined at an angle to the horizontal by means of two strings
of unequal lengths
7.
To investigate the oscillations of a pendulum with a yielding support.
8.
To investigate how the position of the pivot affects the period of oscillation of a similar pendulum
9.
To investigate how the period of a suspended magnet depends upon its separation from a fixed magnet
10.
To investigate the force required to maintain equilibrium of a suspended mass.
11.
Equilibrium of a horizontal rule
12.
Stability of a container of water
13.
Determination of the height to which a ball rises when it is released from a stretched rubber
14.
Relationship between the rebound height of a table-tennis ball and the height from which it is dropped
15.
Determination of the mass flow of salt passing through funnel

PRE-U/CALUK/SESSION: JAN 2015

CALUK: PHY1311 PHYSICS 1 (INTAKE: JAN 2015)

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