Physics 2024 Module 1: Kinematics
Module 1: Kinematics
Principal Focus: Students develop their knowledge,understanding and skills relevant to the study of motion.
Students examine energy in its different forms, and how we describe and measure electricity and magnetism and
their interrelated effects.
Physics is a science that is grounded in experimentation. Often when we think about Physics, we think about
great theories such as Newton’s Law of Gravity or Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity. These are not (and
have never been) the focus of Physics. These theories (and Physics in general) aim to explain the experiments and
observations that we make.
Physics Syllabus
Branches of Physics
Physics comes in many different shapes and forms. Although we might be learning Physics, there are many
different sub-categories.
There are two broad categories of the type of physics that are done:
● Experimental Physics: here we perform experiments to test a theory or model. Within experimental
physics, we try to develop repeatable steps that allow us to find patterns and make observations. These
observations and results are then used to augment and create models and theories.
● Theoretical Physics: here we develop theories and models to explain the results from experiments and
the observations that we make.
There are several domain-specific areas often called the branches of physics. These include mechanics,
waves/acoustics/optics, electromagnetism, thermodynamic and statistical mechanics, special and general
relativity, quantum physics, solid state and condensed matter physics, high energy and particle physics and
cosmology and astrophysics.
Models
A model is a simplified version of a physical (real-world) system that would otherwise be too complicated to
analyse in detail. Models allow us to approach complex systems and try to understand them without worrying
about every factor that goes into making them work. In general, models in physics need to do two things:
● Represent some aspect of the real world
● Make some testable predictions.
1
,Physics 2024 Module 1: Kinematics
Theories
A theory in Physics is an explanation of a natural phenomenon. It uses the observations we make in our day to
day lives as well as the results from experiments to develop the explanations. No theory is regarded as complete
or final. The nature of science says that over time theories will change; theories can either be supported or
contradicted by evidence. The reason why science is so exciting
is that it changes, and we can always learn new things.
The Scientific Method
The scientific method is linked with the development of
models and theories. The scientific method is a process that is
followed by scientists that allow them to explain nature. The
key components of the scientific method are:
● Questions and Observations:This is our aim, what
are we looking at, and what are we interested in.
● Hypothesis:This is a statement that reflects whatwe
think is happening. It allows us to test what we know,
and extend our knowledge depending on the results.
● Experimentation:Central to the scientific methodis detailed, thorough and repeated
experimentation.
● Analysis:Here we go through the data obtained fromthe experiment and relate it to the hypothesis.
Most of our time will be spent in understanding what the results have shown, i.e. is the hypothesis
supported or not. This may include mathematical, statistical or qualitative analysis.
● Review:Finally, all science needs to be reviewedby peers. Peer review is central to the scientific method,
and it ensures that our knowledge is not built on uncertain outcomes.
Note that we will be going into more detail about the scientific method throughout the year. This is an initial
introduction to help us discuss theories.
Validity, Reliability and Accuracy
A first-hand investigation forms the experimentation part of the scientific method. It aims to test a hypothesis in
a repeatable and structured way. Throughout the year we’ll be looking at the structure of a first-hand
investigation as well as second-hand investigations, but for now, let’s look at some key aspects in any first-hand
investigations.
There are elements that any first-hand investigation needs to adhere to. These are validity, reliability, and
accuracy (and precision). It’s important to remember these words mean slightly different things when
considering a second-hand investigation, so we will ONLY concentrate on what this means for a first-hand
investigation.
2
, Physics 2024 Module 1: Kinematics
Validity: Validity refers to the ability of the investigation/experiment to test the aim and hypothesis. That is,
whether the experiment leads to data and information that will provide an answer (either right or wrong) to the
questions raised as part of the scientific method.
A valid experiment should also be reliable and accurate. Validity is improved through changes in the
experimental method
Reliability: Reliability refers to the ability ofan investigation/experiment to reproduce consistent results.
Reliability depends on the repetition of the experiment, so although an experiment may be reliable there is no
way to know unless you repeat the experiment. Often repetition forms a key part of the procedure.
Accuracy and Precision:Accuracy refers to the abilityof the investigation/experiment to obtain the correct
result based on currently accepted scientific theory. Correct result refers to a widely accepted value for the
question being asked. For instance, it is accepted that the speed of light in a vacuum is 3.0 × 108 𝑚𝑠−1. An
experiment that gives this value would be considered accurate.
Precision is the ability of a measurement to obtain the same value, we can also use precision to describe an
instrument. For instance, a weighing scale that outputs 50 is less precise than one that outputs 50.00002.
Scientific Notation
The study of physics often involves calculations with both very small and
very large numbers. For this reason, we use scientific notation to express these
numbers in a more convenient form. Although values such as the speed of
light and the mass of an atom differ greatly in magnitude, they often need to
be used in the same calculation. A number is in scientific notation is written
𝑏
in the form;𝑎𝑥1
0
Where 1 ≤ 𝑎 < 10 and 𝑏 is an integer.
Units
A unit is a standard tool used to help describe a measurement. Measurements
are central to physics since it is an experimental science. Units provide a standard that we can all follow to be able
to communicate our knowledge. We use units to describe physical phenomena quantitatively, that is, with
numbers. Let’s use an example to help us. When we say that the desk is 1.5 metres long, what do we mean? What
we are saying is that the desk is 1.5 times as long as a metre ruler. The metre ruler is a standard that we follow,
and the metre is the unit of measurement.
3
Module 1: Kinematics
Principal Focus: Students develop their knowledge,understanding and skills relevant to the study of motion.
Students examine energy in its different forms, and how we describe and measure electricity and magnetism and
their interrelated effects.
Physics is a science that is grounded in experimentation. Often when we think about Physics, we think about
great theories such as Newton’s Law of Gravity or Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity. These are not (and
have never been) the focus of Physics. These theories (and Physics in general) aim to explain the experiments and
observations that we make.
Physics Syllabus
Branches of Physics
Physics comes in many different shapes and forms. Although we might be learning Physics, there are many
different sub-categories.
There are two broad categories of the type of physics that are done:
● Experimental Physics: here we perform experiments to test a theory or model. Within experimental
physics, we try to develop repeatable steps that allow us to find patterns and make observations. These
observations and results are then used to augment and create models and theories.
● Theoretical Physics: here we develop theories and models to explain the results from experiments and
the observations that we make.
There are several domain-specific areas often called the branches of physics. These include mechanics,
waves/acoustics/optics, electromagnetism, thermodynamic and statistical mechanics, special and general
relativity, quantum physics, solid state and condensed matter physics, high energy and particle physics and
cosmology and astrophysics.
Models
A model is a simplified version of a physical (real-world) system that would otherwise be too complicated to
analyse in detail. Models allow us to approach complex systems and try to understand them without worrying
about every factor that goes into making them work. In general, models in physics need to do two things:
● Represent some aspect of the real world
● Make some testable predictions.
1
,Physics 2024 Module 1: Kinematics
Theories
A theory in Physics is an explanation of a natural phenomenon. It uses the observations we make in our day to
day lives as well as the results from experiments to develop the explanations. No theory is regarded as complete
or final. The nature of science says that over time theories will change; theories can either be supported or
contradicted by evidence. The reason why science is so exciting
is that it changes, and we can always learn new things.
The Scientific Method
The scientific method is linked with the development of
models and theories. The scientific method is a process that is
followed by scientists that allow them to explain nature. The
key components of the scientific method are:
● Questions and Observations:This is our aim, what
are we looking at, and what are we interested in.
● Hypothesis:This is a statement that reflects whatwe
think is happening. It allows us to test what we know,
and extend our knowledge depending on the results.
● Experimentation:Central to the scientific methodis detailed, thorough and repeated
experimentation.
● Analysis:Here we go through the data obtained fromthe experiment and relate it to the hypothesis.
Most of our time will be spent in understanding what the results have shown, i.e. is the hypothesis
supported or not. This may include mathematical, statistical or qualitative analysis.
● Review:Finally, all science needs to be reviewedby peers. Peer review is central to the scientific method,
and it ensures that our knowledge is not built on uncertain outcomes.
Note that we will be going into more detail about the scientific method throughout the year. This is an initial
introduction to help us discuss theories.
Validity, Reliability and Accuracy
A first-hand investigation forms the experimentation part of the scientific method. It aims to test a hypothesis in
a repeatable and structured way. Throughout the year we’ll be looking at the structure of a first-hand
investigation as well as second-hand investigations, but for now, let’s look at some key aspects in any first-hand
investigations.
There are elements that any first-hand investigation needs to adhere to. These are validity, reliability, and
accuracy (and precision). It’s important to remember these words mean slightly different things when
considering a second-hand investigation, so we will ONLY concentrate on what this means for a first-hand
investigation.
2
, Physics 2024 Module 1: Kinematics
Validity: Validity refers to the ability of the investigation/experiment to test the aim and hypothesis. That is,
whether the experiment leads to data and information that will provide an answer (either right or wrong) to the
questions raised as part of the scientific method.
A valid experiment should also be reliable and accurate. Validity is improved through changes in the
experimental method
Reliability: Reliability refers to the ability ofan investigation/experiment to reproduce consistent results.
Reliability depends on the repetition of the experiment, so although an experiment may be reliable there is no
way to know unless you repeat the experiment. Often repetition forms a key part of the procedure.
Accuracy and Precision:Accuracy refers to the abilityof the investigation/experiment to obtain the correct
result based on currently accepted scientific theory. Correct result refers to a widely accepted value for the
question being asked. For instance, it is accepted that the speed of light in a vacuum is 3.0 × 108 𝑚𝑠−1. An
experiment that gives this value would be considered accurate.
Precision is the ability of a measurement to obtain the same value, we can also use precision to describe an
instrument. For instance, a weighing scale that outputs 50 is less precise than one that outputs 50.00002.
Scientific Notation
The study of physics often involves calculations with both very small and
very large numbers. For this reason, we use scientific notation to express these
numbers in a more convenient form. Although values such as the speed of
light and the mass of an atom differ greatly in magnitude, they often need to
be used in the same calculation. A number is in scientific notation is written
𝑏
in the form;𝑎𝑥1
0
Where 1 ≤ 𝑎 < 10 and 𝑏 is an integer.
Units
A unit is a standard tool used to help describe a measurement. Measurements
are central to physics since it is an experimental science. Units provide a standard that we can all follow to be able
to communicate our knowledge. We use units to describe physical phenomena quantitatively, that is, with
numbers. Let’s use an example to help us. When we say that the desk is 1.5 metres long, what do we mean? What
we are saying is that the desk is 1.5 times as long as a metre ruler. The metre ruler is a standard that we follow,
and the metre is the unit of measurement.
3
