PHYSICS

FORM 4

Chapter 1

Introduction to Physics
Edited by

Cikgu
SMK Changkat
Desikan

In collaboration with

Cikgu Khairul
SMK Seri Mahkota,
Anuar
Kuantan

Chapter 1

Introduction to Physics
Dear students,

FORM 4 PHYSICS
2016

With the new day comes new strength and new

thoughts.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

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

Learning
Objectives :

Analysis of Past Year

2007
Questions

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 Quantity
Base
Quantity

Derived
Quantity

Physics
Base Unit

Derived Unit

Prefix

Scientific
Notation
Conversion of
Units

Measurement
Approximation
Instrument for
Measurement
Error
Accuracy
Sensitivity

Consistency

Scientific
Investigation

1.1

Understanding Physics

What is Physics?
Physics is the study to find a rational explanation (why and how) about the nature of matter,
energy and natural phenomena.
2. H_e
Studies the influence of
_t different
heat_a
on
types of matter
1.

F_o_r_c_e_s

&

M_o_t_i_o_n_ Investigate

the action of force and

motion

Fields of study
in physics

7.
_N_u_c_l_e_a_r_P_
h
_y_s_i_c_sStudy of
application
nuclear structure 6.

and their

_E_le_c_t_r_o_n_ic_

s
Studies the use of
electronic devices in
various fields

L_i_g_h_t
3.
Explains the different
phenomena due to light

4. _W_a_v_e_s
Understand the
properties of different
types of waves and
their uses

5.

E_le_c_t_r_o_m_a_g_n_
e_t_i_sm
Investigates the
interactions of electric &
magnetic fields

1.2

Physical Quantities

Physical Quantities is a physical

characteristic that can be measured.

Base quantities are quantities that cannot be

All physical quantities can be classified

into two groups :

_d_e_r_vi _e_d in terms of other base quantities.

Symbol
for S.I.
Base quantity Symbol
S.I. Unit
Unit

1. _B_a_s_e q_u_a_n_t_it_ie_s
2.
i _ e_ d
q_u_a_n_t_it_ie_s
_D_e_r_v
Derived quantities

Derived quantity is one which obtained by

c_o_m

b_ni _i_n_g base quantities

by multiplication, division or both these

operations. Its unit is derived from a
similar combination of the base units.

Base quantities

Length

meter

Mass

kilogram

kg

Time

second

Current

Ampere

Temperature

Kelvin

Derived quantities
(symbol)

Expressed in base quantities

Derived units

Area, A

Area = length x width

m2

Volume, V

Volume = length x width x height

m3

Derived
quantities
(symbol)
Density ,

Velocity , v

Expressed in base quantities

Derived units
Mass

Density
Volume
Velocity

Displacement
Time

Acceleration, a

Acceleration

kgm3

Changeinvelocity
Time

ms1

ms2

Momentum, p

Momentum = mass x velocity

kgms1

Force, F

Force = mass x acceleration

N / kgms2

Pressure, P

Weight, W

Pressure

Force

Area
Weight = mass x gravitational acceleration

Nm2/ Pa / kgm1s2

N / kgms2

Scientific form

Prefixes

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

Prefix is used to simplify the expression of very

big or very small numerical values of physical
quantities

Write the following quantities in standard

form :

Giga
Mega
Kilo
Hecto
Deca
Deci

a. Radius of the earth = 6 370 000 m

Ans : 6.37x
106 m

b. Mass of an electron
= 0.000 000 000 000 000 911 kg
Ans : 9.11x 10
-16 kg

c. Size of a particle = 0.000 03 m

Ans : 3 x 10 -5 m

d. Diameter of an atom = 0.000 000 072 m

7.2 x 10 -8
e. Wavelength of light = 0.000 000Ans
55 :m

m x 10 -7 m
Ans : 5.5

Prefix
Tera

Value

Standard Symbol
form
T
1,000,000,000,
1012
000
1,000,000,000
109
G
1,000,000
106
M
1,000
103
k
2
100
10
h
10
101
da
0.1
d
1
10

Centi

0.01

Mili

0.001

Micro

0.000 001

Nano

0.000 000 001

Pico

0.000 000 000

001

102
103
106
109
1012

c
m

n
p

Conversion of units

x
PREFIX

BASE

PREFIX

PREFIX

Examples:

1. Convert the following masses to kilogram and giving the answer in

scientific notation
(a) 0.041 Mg
(b) 512 000 000 g

Solution :
(a) 0.041
(b)
512 000
Mg.kg
000 g.kg
(prefix(base
to prefix)
to prefix)
6
33
= 512
0.041
000
X 10
000
10
10
kg
kg

= 5.12
0.041xX10
108 6 x- 3 10
kg-3 kg
-2 5
= 5.12
4.1 x x10
10
xkg
103 kg

= 4.1 x 101kg

What are you

waiting for? Try
to answer next
question

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

(a) 2.98 x 1012 m

(b) 2.98 x 103m
(c) 2.98 x 10-6m
(d) 2.98 x 108m
(e) 2.98 x 103m
(f) 2.98 x 10 -2 m
(g) 2.98 x 10 -2 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
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)

4 x 104 m2
3 x 10-3 m2
2.5 x 106 m2
5 x 10-4 m2
2 x 1011 m2
1.15 x 10-5 m2
20 ms-1
5000 kgm-3

1.3 Scalar and Vector Quantities

Scalar Quantities
Quantities that have magnitude but no
direction
Distance
Speed
work
Area
Mass

Vector Quantities
Quantities that have both magnitude
and direction
Displacement
Velocity
Acceleration
Force
Momentum

Distance(s)
Total length of the path traveled
Scalar quantity

Displacement(s)
Distance between two points measured along
a specific direction
Vector quantity

Speed
Rate of change of distance

Velocity
Rate of change of displacement

distance
Speed =

displacement
Velocity =

time
Scalar quantity

Examples

time
Vector 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

High

Low

Low

High

High

High

Low

Low
(Use High / Low)

11

ERROR
Error is uncertainty 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.

_ze_r_o

e_rr_o_r

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

B
A
Reading = 2.6 cm
Reading = 2.5 cm
1

A
Reading = 15.1
ml

15

Reading = 15.0
ml

Reading = 2.7
cm

14

C
Reading = 14.9
ml

Accurate reading = 2.6 cm

Pointers image can be seen

Measuring Instruments & Accuracy
Physical Quantity
Length
Current
Mass
Temperature
Time
Voltage

Pointers image is behind the pointer

Measuring Instrument

Pembaris meter, Angkup vernier , Tolok skru mikrometer

Ammeter
Neraca tiga palang
Termometer
Jam randik (analog, mekanikal)
Voltmeter

13

Outside jaws
Measure external diameter
of an object

Inside
jaws
Measure
internal
diameter/
thickness
of an object

VERNIER CALLIPER
Vernie
r
scale
(in)

Vernie
r
scale
(cm)

Main scale
(in)

Retainer
Block
movable
parts

Reading from main scale

Reading from main Vernier scale
Reading of Vernier caliper

Main scale
(cm)

Depth probe
Measure
depths

Measurements

3.2 cm

0.04 cm

3.24 cm

14

Main Scale

cm

No zero error

10

Positive zero error

Negative zero error

0

Vernier Scale

Main Scale

Main Scale

Vernier Scale
0

10

Vernier Scale
0

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

= - 0.04 cm

= +0.06 cm

15

Try this !!!

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

b)

10

- 0.06 cm

+0.01 cm

10

+0.03 cm
c)

10

d)

10

- 0.03 cm

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

= 4.00 mm
main scale
Horizontal
reference
line

Reading of the thimble scale

Vernie
r
scale

= 0.44 mm
Diameter of ball bearing
= 4.44 mm

17

No Zero Error

Horizontal
reference
line

Positive zero error

Horizontal
reference
line

0 10
5
0
45

10
5
0
45
40

0 mark

Negative zero error

mark
2nd
above 0

Positive zero error = + 0.02 mm

Horizontal
reference
line

5
0
45
40

mark
below 0
3th

Negative zero error = - 0.03 mm

To elliminate the zero error ***

Correct Reading =

Reading Obtained Zero Error

18

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

b)

c)

10

2.96 cm

10

6.66 cm
d)

2.12 cm

10

10

1.11 cm

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

b)
0

25
20

20
15

15
4.71 mm

9.17 mm

19

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

10

- 0.04 cm

(a)

10

5.64 cm
(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.

Zero error

: - 0.04 cm

Reading of Vernier caliper

: 5.64 cm

Thickness of 50 cardboards

: 5.64 cm (-0.04 cm)

= 5.68 cm

Thickness of 1 cardboard

: 5.68 cm / 50
= 0.1136 cm

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

0.1cm

0.1cm

Vernier Calliper

0.01 cm

0.01 cm

Micrometer Screw Gauge

0.001cm /0.01mm

0.001cm /0.01mm

Ammeter (0 5 A)

0.1 A

0.1 A

Miliammeter (0 50 mA)

1 mA

1 mA

Thermometer (-10 C 110 C)

1 oC

1 oC

Mechanical stopwatch

0.2 s

0.2 s

Digital stopwatch

0.01s

0.01s

Miliammeter

Mechanical
Stopwatch

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

_M

a_n_p
i _u
The quantity whose values we deliberately
lchoose
a_t_e_dto
a_r_i_aor
_ v_
_ba
_lprimary variable which
change
ecauses other secondary variable to change.
_R e_s_p_o_n_d_in g_v_a_r_ia_b_l_e
The quantity whose value depend on the
manipulated variable or a secondary variable
which changes in response to the change in
the manipulated variable.
C_o_n_s_t_a_n_t _v_a_r_ia_b_l_e
The quantity whose value is kept constant
throughout the experiment.

23

Form A Hypothesis
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..

Design and Carry out an experiment

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.

Recording and Presenting data

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

Analysing and Interpreting data

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

Making conclusion

Writing a Report
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
F

a1
m
F

a is directly
proportional to F

a 1
m
m

a is inversely
proportional to m

a is directly proportional to 1
m

1
m

y increasing linearly
with x

y decreasing linearly with

x

26

Revision Questions
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?
B. F

x
C.

10

D. F
5
x

2. Which of the following is the best graph ?

A. F

x
3.

A.

D. F

C. F

The equation of the graph above is

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

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

B.

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?

Answers :
a)
b)
c)

Vernier caliper
To increase the accuracy
(i) student X
2.42 2.38 2.40 2.36
2.39 cm
4

d)
e)

Both are same accurate. Their average readings are the same.
Meter ruler

(ii) student Y ?
2.43 2.41 2.38 2.34
2.39 cm
4

28

5.

Load
W/N

Time for 10
oscillations, t/s

Period of
oscillation, T/s

T2/s2

W/T2 N s-2

1.0

6.7

0.67

0.449

2.228

2.0

9.5

0.95

0.903

2.216

3.0

11.6

1.16

1.346

2.229

4.0

13.4

1.34

1.796

2.228

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.
Answers :
a) Weight of load, W
b) Period of oscillation, T
d) kgms-3 / N s-2
f) A straight line originated from 0 and with positive gradient.
g) 0.453 N -1s2
h) T2 directly proportional with W

29

T2 / s2

2.0
1.8
1.6

1.4

1.2

W/N

T2/s2

1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0

0.45
0.90
1.35
1.80

1.0
1.6 0.4

m 3.5
0.85

0.8

0.453

0.6
0.4
0.2
0

3
2

W / N2

30