Page |1
INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
The primary school science syllabus covers topics such as matter and its
properties, energy in its various forms for example heat, light, sound and their
corresponding sources, machines and the way they make work easier,
balancing and weighing of various shapes of objects, electricity and magnetism.
These topics and more are covered in physics.
MEANING OF PHYSICS
Physics is the study of matter and its relation to energy. Matter is anything that
occupies space and has weight.
The study of physics allows one to understand and enjoy other subjects
As a subject, the study of physics involves measurement of quantities and
collection of data. Through experimentation and observation, hypotheses are
drawn, test and laws and principles established.
BRANCHES OF PHYSICS
Physics may be split into the following key areas;
Mechanics
Electricity and magnetism
Thermodynamics
Geometrical optics
Waves
Atomic physics
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICS AND OTHER SUBJECTS
Physics and religion
Physics and history
Physics and Geography
Physics and Home Science
Physics and Biology
Physics and Chemistry
Physics and Mathematics
Physics and Technology
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A physics student will have the following opportunities in the following
areas;
Medicine
Engineering
Weather Forecast or studies(meteological courses)
Construction
Information technology
Education
Pharmacy
Food Technology e.t.c
BASIC LABARATORY RULES
LABARATORY- This is a room containing facilities, apparatus and equipment
that aid the investigative study of physics
BASIC LABARATORY RULES
1. Proper dressing
2. Note the location of electricity switches, fire-fighting equipments, First
aid kit, gas supply and water supply taps.
3. When in the laboratory open doors and windows to let in fresh air.
4. Follow instructions given carefully.
5. No eating or drinking in the laboratory.
6. Turn off electrical switches, gas and water taps when not in use.
7. When handling electrical apparatus hands must be dry.
8. Do not plug foreign objects into electrical sockets.
9. Keep floors and working surfaces dry.
10.Clean and return all apparatus used in their correct location.
11.All equipments should not be taken out of the laboratory.
12.Wash your hands before leaving the laboratory.
MEASUREMENT (I)
Scientists from various parts of the world were giving measurements in
different units and languages. This made it impossible for them to compare
discoveries.
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In 1960 they met in France and agreed on one Universal System of units called
system international d’ unites (International system of units) SI units which
assigned seven basic quantities as shown below.
UNIT S.I UNIT SYMBOL
OF UNIT
1. Length Metres M
2. Mass Kilogram Kg
3. Time seconds S
4. Electric Current Ampere A
5. Thermodynamic Kelvin K
temperature
6. Luminous Intensity Candela Cd
7. Amount of Substance Mole mol
Basic Physical Quantity -This are quantities that cannot be obtained by any
other quantity e.g. mass, time, length.
Derived Quantity-This are quantities obtained by multiplication or division of
basic physical quantities e.g. Area, Volume, Density.
LENGTH
This is the distance between two fixed points
The S.I Unit is metre (M)
Other units of length include;
unit symbol Equivalence in metres
Kilometre Km 1000
Hectometre Hm 100
Decametre Dm 10
Decimetre dm 0.1
Centimetre Cm 0.01
Millimetre Mm 0.001
Micrometre m 0.000001
Measurement of length
i. Approximation – This includes estimating the length.
ii. Using a standard measure(instruments)
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Metre rules and half metre rules are used.
They are graduated in centimetres and millimetre.
They are made of wood, plastic or steel.
Use of a Ruler
a. Put the zero (0) mark to coincide with the start of the object to be
measured.
b. Look perpendicular to the edge end of the measurement taken
When using a ruler the following should not be done;
Never drop a metre rule
Never use it as a walking stick
Never use it as a cane
Put it at the centre of the table.
Keep it in a dry place away from corrosive substances
Tape measure
It is graduated in millimetre (mm) or centimetre (cm)
They are three types;
i. Tailor’s tape measure
ii. Carpenter’s tape measure
iii. Surveyor’s tape measure
INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
The primary school science syllabus covers topics such as matter and its
properties, energy in its various forms for example heat, light, sound and their
corresponding sources, machines and the way they make work easier,
balancing and weighing of various shapes of objects, electricity and magnetism.
These topics and more are covered in physics.
MEANING OF PHYSICS
Physics is the study of matter and its relation to energy. Matter is anything that
occupies space and has weight.
The study of physics allows one to understand and enjoy other subjects
As a subject, the study of physics involves measurement of quantities and
collection of data. Through experimentation and observation, hypotheses are
drawn, test and laws and principles established.
BRANCHES OF PHYSICS
Physics may be split into the following key areas;
Mechanics
Electricity and magnetism
Thermodynamics
Geometrical optics
Waves
Atomic physics
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICS AND OTHER SUBJECTS
Physics and religion
Physics and history
Physics and Geography
Physics and Home Science
Physics and Biology
Physics and Chemistry
Physics and Mathematics
Physics and Technology
, Page |2
A physics student will have the following opportunities in the following
areas;
Medicine
Engineering
Weather Forecast or studies(meteological courses)
Construction
Information technology
Education
Pharmacy
Food Technology e.t.c
BASIC LABARATORY RULES
LABARATORY- This is a room containing facilities, apparatus and equipment
that aid the investigative study of physics
BASIC LABARATORY RULES
1. Proper dressing
2. Note the location of electricity switches, fire-fighting equipments, First
aid kit, gas supply and water supply taps.
3. When in the laboratory open doors and windows to let in fresh air.
4. Follow instructions given carefully.
5. No eating or drinking in the laboratory.
6. Turn off electrical switches, gas and water taps when not in use.
7. When handling electrical apparatus hands must be dry.
8. Do not plug foreign objects into electrical sockets.
9. Keep floors and working surfaces dry.
10.Clean and return all apparatus used in their correct location.
11.All equipments should not be taken out of the laboratory.
12.Wash your hands before leaving the laboratory.
MEASUREMENT (I)
Scientists from various parts of the world were giving measurements in
different units and languages. This made it impossible for them to compare
discoveries.
, Page |3
In 1960 they met in France and agreed on one Universal System of units called
system international d’ unites (International system of units) SI units which
assigned seven basic quantities as shown below.
UNIT S.I UNIT SYMBOL
OF UNIT
1. Length Metres M
2. Mass Kilogram Kg
3. Time seconds S
4. Electric Current Ampere A
5. Thermodynamic Kelvin K
temperature
6. Luminous Intensity Candela Cd
7. Amount of Substance Mole mol
Basic Physical Quantity -This are quantities that cannot be obtained by any
other quantity e.g. mass, time, length.
Derived Quantity-This are quantities obtained by multiplication or division of
basic physical quantities e.g. Area, Volume, Density.
LENGTH
This is the distance between two fixed points
The S.I Unit is metre (M)
Other units of length include;
unit symbol Equivalence in metres
Kilometre Km 1000
Hectometre Hm 100
Decametre Dm 10
Decimetre dm 0.1
Centimetre Cm 0.01
Millimetre Mm 0.001
Micrometre m 0.000001
Measurement of length
i. Approximation – This includes estimating the length.
ii. Using a standard measure(instruments)
, Page |4
Metre rules and half metre rules are used.
They are graduated in centimetres and millimetre.
They are made of wood, plastic or steel.
Use of a Ruler
a. Put the zero (0) mark to coincide with the start of the object to be
measured.
b. Look perpendicular to the edge end of the measurement taken
When using a ruler the following should not be done;
Never drop a metre rule
Never use it as a walking stick
Never use it as a cane
Put it at the centre of the table.
Keep it in a dry place away from corrosive substances
Tape measure
It is graduated in millimetre (mm) or centimetre (cm)
They are three types;
i. Tailor’s tape measure
ii. Carpenter’s tape measure
iii. Surveyor’s tape measure
