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Chapter 1:
Introduction to Physics
Form 4
1
Physics
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The study of matter
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Objectives:
(what you will learn)

1) understand Physics

2) base quantities & derived quantities

3) scalar quantities & vector quantities

4) measurements, using instruments

5) processes in scientific investigations
Physics: Chapter 1
2
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Understanding Physics:
Physics
3
1. Physics derives from Latin, physica -
the science of natural things; until 19
th

century, it was called natural
philosophy. Through its subfield of
astronomy, it may be the oldest
academic discipline.
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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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Base Quantities
Physical Quantities
4
Quantities that cannot be defined in
any other physical quantity.
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Base Quantity Symbol SI Unit Symbol
Length l meter m
Mass m kilogram kg
Time t second s
Temperature T Kelvin K
Current I Ampere A
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Physical Quantities
Derived Quantities
Quantities derived from base quantities
(through mathematical combinations).

Volume = Length x Breath x Height = m
3


Density = Mass Volume = kg m
-3

Velocity = Displacement Time = m s
-1


Acceleration = Velocity Time = m s
-2


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.)
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.
prefix symbol value
pico p 10
-12
nana n 10
-9
micro 10
-6
milli m 10
-3
centi c 10
-2
prefix symbol value
kilo k 10
3
mega M 10
6
giga G 10
9
tera T 10
12
1 Small quantities Big quantities
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Physical Quantities
Scientific Notation
The standard form for numerical magnitude.
Q x 10
n

where 1 Q < 10 and n is an integer
Examples:

0.000000696 m = 6.96 x 10
-7
m

911 000 000 kg = 9.11 x 10
8
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.
We want results that are both accurate & consistent.
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
Vernier caliper
Medium, 0.1 mm
Micrometer
screw gauge
High, 0.01 mm
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Measurement Errors
Incorrect calibration of instruments
Systematic Error
Occurs in one direction only.
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
Wrong assumption
too
low
too
high
Always
negative
Always
positive
May arise from various causes.
or
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Measurement Errors
Random Error
Size of error not constant & unpredictable.
The reading is sometimes positive & sometimes
negative from actual value.
May arise from various causes.
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.
Can be reduced in several ways.
Repeated measurements taking mean value
Using mirror beneath pointer of instrument
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Scientific Investigation
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
Start
End
Observation
Inference
Hypothesis
Experiment
Conclusion
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Scientific Experiment
Steps involved in carrying out Experiment
Aim
Variables
Apparatus
Procedures
Tabulation
Analysis
Suggest suitable questions
Manipulated, responding, & fixed
List apparatus/materials, arrangement
Carry out experiment in proper order
Documenting data obtained
Analyze data through graphs, etc.
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Summary
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What you have learned:
1. Understanding Physics
2. Physical Quantities
Thank You
3. Measurements & Instruments
4. Scientific Investigations & Experiments