JPN Pahang

Physics Module Form 4

Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Mechanical Energy

CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS

1.1 Understanding Physics
PHYSICS

Mechanical Energy

Study of the natural phenomena and the

properties of matter.
Matter

Solid

Light Energy

Energy

states

Liquid

Heat Energy

Wave Energy

forms

Electrical Energy

Gas

Nuclear Energy
Chemical Energy

Properties of
Matter

Relationship
with
matter

Relationship
with
energy

Properties of
Energy

in the fields of

Mechanics

Properties
of matter

Wave

Heat

Electronics

Electricity &
Electromagnetism

Light

Atomic Physics
& Nuclear

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

1.2

PHYSICAL QUANTITIES

Base quantity
1
2
3

any quantity that can be measured by a scientific instrument.

A physical quantity is ..
Stopwatch, metre rule balance, thermometer, ammeter
Examples of scientific instruments:
etc.
A base quantity is a physical quantity which cannot be defined in terms of other physical
quantities.

Study the following picture and list the physical quantities that can be measured.
The list of physical quantities :
Height,
1. .
mass,
2. .
size,
3. .
age,
4. .
temperature,
5. .
current
6. .
Power,
7. .
Thermal energy
8. .
Pressure
9. .

List of 5 basic physical quantities and their units.

Base quantity

Symbol

S.I. Unit

Length

meter

Mass
Time

kilogram

kg

second

Ampere

Kelvin

Current
Temperature

Symbol for S.I. Unit

m

6. Two quantities that have also identified as basic quantity. There are:
i) ..unit .. ii) . unit
Light intensity
candela
Amount of substance
mol
..

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Standard Form
1

the
large and small numbers
Standard form = A x 10nsimplify
,
1 <expression
A < 10 andofnvery
= integer

Standard form is used to ...

Some physical quantities have extremely small magnitudes. Write the following
quantities in standard form :

6.37 x 106 m

9.11 x 10-31 kg
a. Radius of the earth = 6 370 000 m =.
-5

10 000
m 000 000 000 000 911 kg =...
b. Mass of an electron = 0.000 000 0003.0
000x 000
-8

7.2 x 10 m
c. Size of a particle = 0.000 03 m =
-7

5.5 x 10 m
b. Diameter of an atom = 0.000 000 072 m = ...
c. Wavelength of light = 0.000 000 55 m = ..
represent a large physical quantity or extremely small quantity in S.I
units.
before
the
unit
as a multiplying factor.
1. Prefixes are usually used to
...
Prefixes

2. It will be written
Eg :

3. The list of prefixes :

1 1012 m
1 Tm = .
3.6 10-3A

Tera (T)

12

10

109

Giga (G)

106

Mega (M)

103

kilo (k)

102
1
10
0

10

-1

10

-2

10-310

mili (m)

10-6

micro ()

10-9

nano (n)

10-12

pico (p)

3.6 mA = .
How to change the unit ;
Eg :
1.33 MA = 1.33 106 A
Hekto (ha) 1. Mega to nano
Deka (da)
desi (d)
centi (c)

= 1.33 10 6-(-9) nA
= 1.33 10 -15 nA
1.23 Tm to unit m unit
2. Tera to micro
1.23 Tm = 1.23 x 10 12m
= 1.23 x 10 12 (-6)m
= 1.23 x 10 18m
3. piko to Mega
5456 pA to MA unit
5456 pA = 5.456 x 10 3 + (-12) pA
= 5.456 x 10 -9pA
= 5.456 x 10 -9 (6) MA
= 5.456 x 10 -15 MA

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Some physical quantities have extremely large magnitudes. These extremely large and
small values can be written in standard form or using standard prefixes. Write the
quantities in standard prefixes:
9.1 10 1MHz
a. Frequency of radio wave = 91 000 000 Hz = .
12.8 Mm = 1.28 10 1 Mm
b. Diameter of the earth = 12 800 000 m =
383 Mm = 3.83 10 2 Mm
c. Distance between the moon and the earth = 383 000 000 m =
6.0 10 15 Tg
d. Mass of the earth = 6 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 kg =
Derived quantities
1
2

a physical quantity which combines several basic quantities through

A derived quantity is .
multiplication, division or both

Determine the derived unit for the following derived quantities.

Derived
quantity

Formula

Derived unit

Name of
derived unit

area

area = length x width

m x m = m2

volume

volume = length x width x height

m x m x m = m3

density
velocity

density
velocity

kg

mass
volume

m3

displacement
time

kg m 3

m
m s 1
s

m s 1
m s -1 s 1
s
m s 2

Acceleration

change in velocity
acceleration
time

momentum

momentum = mass x velocity

kg m s-1

Force

force = mass x acceleration

kg m s-2

Newton (N)

kgms 2
m2

kg m-1 s-2
(Nm-2) @ Pa

pressure

pressure

force
area

weight

weight = mass x gravitational acceleration

kg ms -2

work

work = force x displacement

Nm

power
kinetic energy

power
K.E

work
time

1
mass velocity 2
2

Newton (N)

Joule (J)

J s -1

Watt (W)

kg m2s-2

Joule (J)

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Derived
quantity

Formula

Derived unit

Name of
derived unit

potential
energy

P.E = mass x gravitational acceleration x height

kg m2s-2

Joule (J)

charge

charge = current x time

Ampere second
(As)

Coulomb (C)

J C-1

Volt (V)

work
charge

voltage

voltage

resistance

resistance

voltage
current

VA-1

Ohm ()

Note that the physical quantities such as width, thickness, height, distance, displacement,
perimeter, radius and diameter are equivalent to length.
1.3
1
2

Quantity which
has only magnitude or size
SCALAR AND VECTOR
QUANTITIES
Mass, Length, Speed, volume
Scalar quantities are
Quantity which has magnitude or size and direction.
Examples :
Velocity, Force, Displacement, Acceleration
Vector quantities are...
Examples :

Study the following description of events carefully and then decide which events require
magnitude, direction or both to specify them.

Description of events
Magnitude
0
1. The temperature in the room is 25 C
2. The location of Ayer Hitam is 60 km to the north
west of Johor Bahru
3. The power of the electric bulb is 80 W

4. A car is travelling at 80 km h-1 from Johor Bahru

to Kuala Lumpur

1.4

Direction

MEASUREMENTS

Using Appropriate Instruments to Measure

measuring instrument with different measuring capabilities.
1 There are various types of.
measure a particular quantity.
5

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

We must know how to choose the appropriate instrument to ..

is used
to determine
the volume of liquid.
Examples of instrument and
its measuring
ability.
Measuring instrument
Measuring tape
Meter rule
Vernier caliper
Micrometer screw gauge

Range of measurement

Up to a few meters

Smallest scale division

0.1 cm

1m

0.1 cm (0.01 m)

10 cm

0.01 cm

less than 2 cm (20 mm)

Sample of measuring instruments:

0.001 cm (0.01 mm)

is used
to determine the length
4.1 Ammeter
: ..
incorrect reading
correct
1
2
3
1
2 is3use to measure electric current
0
4 reading
0
4
mirror

pointer

pointer

mirror

Pointers image is behind the pointer

Pointers image can be seen

4.2 Measuring cylinder : ....................

wrong position of eye

Right position of eye (eye are in a line perpendicular to the plane of
the scale)
wrong position of eye
water

4.3 Ruler :
wrong
10

11

12

right
13

wrong
14

15

Reading = cm

4.4 Vernier calliper

A venier calliper is used to measure:

small object

depth of a hole

external diameter of a cylinder or pipe

internal diameter of a pipe or tube

a. b. .
c. d. .

0.1 cm

A vernier calliper gives readings to an accuracy of .... cm.

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

inside jaws
Vernier
scale1
cm
0

4 Main scale
SKALA
UTAMA

outside jaws

10

Main scale in cm

0.9

Length of vernier scale = cm

Vernier scale is divided into 10 divisions

0

0.09

Length of the divisions = . cm

10

The different between the main scale and vernier

0.01 cm
scale is = .
cm

Main scale

0.2 cm

= .

Vernier scale

1 2 3 4 5

cm

6 7 8 9 10

Find the division of

vernier scale which is
coincides with any part of
the main scale

0.06 cm

Vernier scale = ..

0.26 cm

Final reading = ..

Example:
The diagram below shows a vernier calliper with reading.
0

objects that are small in size

diameter of
0 a wire

10

diameter of small spheres such as

0.15
Vernier calliper reading = . cm
ball bearings

0.5 50
4.5 Micrometer
screw gauge.
0.01 mm
A micrometer screw gauge is used to measure :
0.01 mm
a.

4.5 mm
0.22 mm

4.62 mm
b. .
One complete
turn of the thimble
c.
(50 division) moves the spindle by
0.50 mm.
Division of thimble
= ..
7
= ..
A accuracy of micrometer
screw gauge = ..

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Sleeve scale :
Thimble scale : .
Total reading : ..
Example :
2.0 mm
Sleeve scale :
0.22 mm
Thimble scale : .
2.22 mm
Total reading : ...
4.6 Some others measuring instruments :

Analogue stopwatch
digital stopwatch
thermometer
Ammeter

..

Measuring tape
.

measuring cylinder
..

beaker

Hands-on activity 1.1 on page 1 of the practical book to learn more about choosing
appropriate instruments.
Exercise: Vernier Callipers
1. Write down the readings shown by the following
(a)

Answer: 7.79 cm..

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

(b)
Answer: 4.27 cm..

(c)

Answer: 6.28 cm..

0

(d)

1
0

Answer: 0.02 cm..

10

2. (a) The following diagram shows the scale of a vernier calliper when the jaws are closed.
1

10

Zero error = + 0.02 cm

(b).

The following diagram shows the scale of the same vernier calliper when there are
40 pieces of cardboard between the jaws.
5

Reading shown

=0 5.64.cm
5

10

Corrected reading = 5.64 - (+ 0.02)= 5.62..cm

3.

Diagram 3 (a) shows the reading on a pair of vernier callipers when its jaws are closed
with nothing in between them. Diagram 3(b) shows the reading when it is used to
measure the thickness of a piece of wood.
4

9
0

10

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

0 cm

2
1

10
(a)

(b)

What is the actual thickness of the wood?

Zero error

-0.05
= .. cm

Reading shown

4.51
= ..cm

4.51- (-0.05) =4.56

Actual thickness of the wood = .cm
Exercise: Micrometer Screw Gauge
1. (a) Determine the readings of the following micrometer screw gauges.
0

0
45

Zero error = -0.02.. mm

Zero error = +0.03.. mm

(b) Determine the readings of the following micrometer screw gauges.

20

15

Zero error = +0.03mm

Reading shown

= 6.67..mm

Corrected reading = 6.67-(+0.03)=6.64 mm

2. Write down the readings shown by the following micrometer screw gauges.
(a)
(b)
0

40

35

10

35

30

10

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer: 6.88 mm
(c)

Answer: ..12.32 mm
(d)

25

20

20
15

Answer:4.71 mm

Answer:

9.17 mm

Accuracy and consistency in measurements.

The ability of an instrument to measure nearest to the actual value
1. Accuracy :
The ability of an instrument to measure consistently with little or no relative
2. Consistency :deviation

among readings.
The ability of an instrument to detect a small change in the quantity measured.
3. Sensitivity :

inaccurate but consistent

consistent and accurate

..

of approximation only.
how close the measurement is to the actual value.
Accurate but not consistent
inaccurate and not consistent
..

error exist in all measurements.

Hands-on activity 1.2 on page 2 of the practical book to determine the sensitivity of
some measuring instruments.
Systematic errors

Errors in measurements

1. All measurements are values

a weakness of the instrument
2. In other word, it is a matter of
the difference between reaction time of the brain and the action.
3. This is because
zero error is when the pointer is not at zero when not in use.
4. Two main types of errors:

Range of the measuring instrument 11 absolute error .

Reaction time of the brain.

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

4.1
Occurs due to :
a)
b)
c)
Examples :
Refer to the smallest reading that can be measured by an instrument.
a)
b)
c)
Absolute error :
If,
the smallest reading = 0.1 cm
.
Then,
Absolute error = 0.1 / 2 = 0.05 cm

It occurs because the position of the eye is not perpendicular to the scale of the
.
instrument.
Parallax error :
wrong
Example :
position of the eye (no error)
wrong

where the pointer is not at zero when not in use

Zero error : ...
Correct reading = observed reading zero error
Zero error
Posit of Vernier calliper
Positive zero error
0

Negative zero error

1

cm

+0.03 cm

cm

- 0.04 cm

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Zero error =

Zero error =

Zero error of screw meter gauge

Negative zero error

Positive zero error

12

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Horizontal reference Horizontal reference

2 divisions below
horizontal reference
Zero error = + 0.02 mm

3 divisions above
horizontal reference

Zero error = - 0.03 mm

Random error
4.2 ..
Occurs due to
carelessness in making the measurement.
a)
parallex error , incorrect positioning of the eye when taking the
readings.
b)
sudden change of ambient factors
such as temperature or air circulation.
c)
Example :
Readings are close to the actual value but they are not consistent.
a) ..
Can be minimized by consistently repeating the measurement at different places in
b) ..
an identical manner.
.....................................................................................................................
1.5

SCIENCETIFIC INVESTIGATION
Steps

Explanation

Making
observation

Gather all available information about the object or phenomenon

be studied.
Using the five senses, sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell.

Drawing
inferences

A conclusion from an observation or phenomena using information that

already exist.

to

Variables are factors or physical quantities which change in the course

of a scientific investigation.
There are three variables :
i.
Manipulated variables physical quantity which change according
to the aim of the experiment.
Identifying ii. Responding variables physicals quantity which is the result of
and controlling
the changed by manipulated variable.
variables iii.
Fixed variables physicals quantities which are kept constantduring
the experiment.

Statement of relationship between the manipulated variable and the

Formulating a responding variable those we would expect.
hypothesis Hypothesis can either be true or false but in correct direction.
i. Conduct an experiment includes the compilation and
interpretation of data.
ii. Making a conclusion regarding the validity of the hypothesis.
13

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Conducting
experiments

Plan and report an experiment

Situation : A few children are playing on a different length of swing in a
playground. It is found that the time of oscillation for each swing is different.
Steps
1

Inference

Hypothesis

Aim

Variables

List of
apparatus and
materials

Example : refer to the situation above

The period of the oscillation depends on the length of the
pendulum.
When the length of the pendulum increases, the period of the
oscillation increases.
Investigate the relationship between length and period of a
simple pendulum.
Manipulated variable : the length of the pendulum.
Responding variable : Period
Fixed variable : the mass of the pendulum and the displacement.
Retort stand with clamp, 100 cm of thread, bob,

Arrangement of
the apparatus

Retort stand

protractor

bob

14

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________
1. Set up the apparatus as shown in the figure above.
7 Procedures
2. Measure the length of the pendulum,l = 60.0 cm by using a meter
rule.
3. Give the pendulum bob a small displacement 300.Time of
10 oscillations is measured by using a stop watch.
4. Repeat the timing for another 10 oscillations. Calculate the average
time.
Period = t10 oscillations
10
5. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 using l = 50.0 cm, 40.0 cm, 30.0 cm
and
20.0 cm

Tabulate the
data

Length,l
Length,l / cm
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0

Analyse the
data

T/s
1.4

Time for 10 oscillations / s

2
1
Average
15.8
15.7
15.8
15.0
15.0
15.0
13.1
13.1
13.1
11.9
11.9
11.9
9.9
9.9
9.9

Period/ s
(T = t10/10)
1.58
1.50
1.31
1.19
0.99

Graf of period, T vs
pendulums
length, l

1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2

10

20

30

40

10 Discussion

11 Conclusion

50

60 l / cm

Precautions :
1. Oscillation time is measured when the pendulum attained a steady
state.
2. Time for 10 oscillations is repeated twice to increase accuracy.
3. Discussion (refer to given questions)
The period increases when the length of the pendulum increases.
Hypothesis accepted.

15

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Reinforcement Chapter 1
Part A :Objective Question
1. Which of the following is a base SI
quantity?
A Weight
B Energy
C Velocity
D Mass

10. The diameter of a particle is 250 m.

What is its diameter in cm?
A 2.5 x 10-2
B 2.5 x 10-4
C 2.5 x 10-6
D 2.5 x 10-8

2. Which of the following is a derived

quantity?
A Length
B Mass
C Temperature D Voltage

11. Which of the following prefixes is

arranged in ascending order?
A mili, senti, mikro, desi
B mikro, mili, senti, desi
C mili, mikro, desi, senti
D desi, mikro, mili, senti

3. Which of the following is not a basic

unit?
A Newton
B kilogram
C ampere
D second

12. Velocity, density, force and energy are

A basic quantities
B scalar quantities
C derived quantities
D vector quantities

4. Which of the following quantities

cannot be derived?
A Electric current B Power
C Momentum
D Force

13. Which of the following shows the

correct conversion of units?
A 24 mm3 =2.4 x 10-6 m3
B 300 mm3=3.0 x 10-7 m3
C 800 mm3=8.0 x 10-2 m3
D 1 000 mm3=1.0 x 10-4 m3

5. Which of the following quantities is

not derived from the basic physical
quantity of length?
A Electric charge B Density
C Velocity
D Volume

14. Which of the following measurements

is the shortest ?
A 3.45 x 103 m
B 3.45 x 104 cm
C 3.45 x 107 mm
D 3.45 x 1012 m

6. Initial velocity u, final velocity v,

time t and another physical quantity k
is related by the equation v - u = kt.
The unit for k is
A m s-1
B m-1 s
C m s-2
D m2 s-2

15. The Hitz FM channel broadcasts radio

waves at a frequency of 92.8 MHz in
the north region. What is the frequency
of the radio wave in Hz?
A 9.28 x 104
B 9.28 x 105
C 9.28 x 107
D 9.28 x 1010

7. Which of the following has the

smallest magnitude?
A megametre
B centimetre
C kilometre
D mikrometre
8. 4 328 000 000 mm in standard form is
A 4.328 x 10-9 m B 4.328 x 10-6 m
C 4.328 x 106 m D 4.328 x 109 m

16. An object moves along a straight line

for time, t. The length of the line, s is
given by the equation s

9. Which of the following measurements

is the longest?
A 1.2 x 10-5 cm B 120 x 10-4 dm
C 0.12 mm
D 1.2 x 10-11 km

SI unit of g is
A m2 s2
B m s-2
C s-1
D s-2 m
16

1 2
gt . The
2

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Part B : Structure Question

1. A car moves with an average speed of 75 km h-1 from town P to town Q in 2 hours as
shown in Figure 1. By using this information, you may calculate the distance between the
two towns.
P
Q

Figure 1
(a) (i) Based on the statements given, state two basic quantities and their respective
SI units.
Distance : m and time : s

(ii) State a derived

quantity and its SI unit.
Speed m s-1

(b) Convert the value

= 0.2 x 103 m
= 2.0 x 102 m

1 . m to standard form.
5 x 10-3

(c) Complete Table 1 by writing the value of each given prefix.

10-9
10-6
106
109

Table 1
(d) Power is defined as the rate of change of work done. Derive the unit for power in
terms of its basic units.
Power =

work
Force displacement
=
time
time

Unit =

kgms 2 m
= kg m2 s-3
s

(e) Calculate the volume of a wooden block with dimension of 7 cm, 5 cm breadth and 12
cm height in m3 and convert its value in standard form.
Volume = (7 x 10-2) (5 x 10-2) (12 x 10-2)
= 420 x 10-6
= 4.20 x 10-4 m3

17

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Figure 2 shows an ammeter of 03 A range.

Figure 2
Mirror
(a) (i) Name component X. ...
To avoid parallax error
(ii) What is the function of X? .
(b) Table 2 shows three current readings obtained by three students.

Table 2
No
(i) Did all the students use the ammeter in Figure2? ...
(ii) Explain your answer in (b)(i).
3rd readings obtained by student 2 and 3 are out of the meter range.

3. Figure 3 shows the meniscus of water in a measuring cylinder K, L, and M are three eye
positions while measuring the volume of the water.
(a) (i) Which of the eye positions is
correct while
L taking the reading of the volume of
water?
.

Figure 3
(b) The
water in the measuring cylinder is
replaced
with 30 cm3 of mercury.
(i) In The cohesive force is
Figure
drawthe
theadhesive
meniscus
of the
larger4,than
force
mercury in the measuring cylinder.
Figure 4
(ii) Explain why the shape of the meniscus of mercury is as drawn in (b)(i).
18

JPN Pahang
Physics Module Form 4
Teachers Guide
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Physics
_________________________________________________________________________________________

19