CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
THEME: INTRODUCTION
KEY WORDS

• Apparatus • Physics
• Laboratory • Optics
• Career • Phenomena
• Matter
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this chapter, a learner should be able to;

• Define Physics
• Explain the different branches of Physics
• Discuss the benefits of Physics or know the importance of physics in our society.
• Know and follow the laboratory Rules and Regulations
• Understand and explain the significance of following the laboratory Rules
INTRODUCTION
Have you ever asked yourself the following questions as you interact with the environment?
1) How is it possible to communicate using mobile phones, radios, televisions, computers,
radio calls etc.?
2) How electricity is produced and supplied to our communities?
3) How motion sensor lights, figure print scanners, face recognition equipment, alarm clocks
work.?
4) What causes day and night?
All the above probing questions can be easily answered using the knowledge of Physics.
Meaning of Physics
The word Physics comes from a Greek word Physis which means Nature.
Definitions:
➢ Physics is a branch of science which deals with the study of matter in relation to energy.
In nature, so many interesting events take place for instance, lightening, rainbow, mirage,
eclipse and all these natural phenomena can be explained using Physics.
➢ Matter is anything that occupies space and has weight. Eg cups, stones, water, wind, etc.
➢ Energy is the ability to do work for example, solar energy, heat energy, wind energy etc.

Let’s do Activity 1.1 (a) in Baroque S.1 physics learner book page 2;
About identifying Natural Occurrences Related to Physics.
Display pictures showing Natural Occurrences that can be explained using Physics
QUESTION; Ask learners to mention the topics they studied in primary school that relate to
Physics.
These topics include;

• Electricity (Direct current and • Energy

Alternating Current) • Expansion and contraction of materials
• Work • Machines
• Power • States
• of matter etc.
BRANCHES OF PHYSICS AND WHAT THEY DEAL WITH

We have discussed the meaning of Physics and some topics that fall under physics. Physics can
be categorized into the following branches
1) MECHANICS
Deals with behavior of particles under action of forces. It deals with the study of bodies in
motion (dynamics) and those at rest (statics)
Mechanics provides necessary knowledge on the properties of matter required in the designing
of cars, clocks, air crafts, earth satellites, bridges or buildings among others.
2) LIGHT
This deals with the study of a form of energy that enables us to see. Such as stars, bulbs,
mirrors, lenses, telescopes, periscopes, microscopes and many other optical instruments.
3) ELECTRICITY
This is the study of charges at rest (electrostatics) and charges in motion (current electricity).
Electricity deals with generation, measurement, transmission and distribution of electricity.
4) MAGNETISM
This is the study of properties of magnets(metals) that attract or repel other metals. Magnets
are used in loud speakers, electric bells, microphones, generators among others.
5) HEAT AND THERMODYNAMCS
These deal with how energy is transferred between two points owing to temperature
difference between them.
6) ATOMIC PYSICS/ MODERN PHYSICS
This deals with the study of the underlying processes of interactions of matter, utilizing the
tools of science and engineering. It encompasses nuclear and Atomic Physics.
It simply deals with the Deal with the Developments in Physics and their application.
7) WAVES
Deals with the study of periodic disturbances that carry energy from one point to another
without permanent displacement of a medium.
OR deals with the transfer of energy from one point to another without movement of
substances
8) EARTH AND SPACE PHYSICS
This is the branch of Physics that deals with the study of the solar system.

Activity; Use any relevant book of New Vison, Baroque etc )

Which branches of Physics are being applied in the pictures below
In your groups, identify different activities or scenarios in our day to day life and relate them
to the different branches of Physics.

CAREER OPPPORTUNITIES IN PHYSICS

A student who has done Physics has the following career opportunities:

• Electrical Engineering • Telecom engineering

• Civil Engineering • Astronomy
• Architecture • Teaching Physics
• Mechanical Engineering • Medicine
• Geology • Pharmacy
• Agricultural Engineering • Petroleum Engineering
• Chemical engineering • Among others.

Activity 1.2 (f):

The different careers related to Physics
Baroque Learners Book 1 page 6
Exercise
Basing on the nature of Physics, Is it playing any role int the society? Discuss in your groups and
share in your class.
IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING PHYSICS
➢ Physics enables us to understand the occurrence of natural phenomena such as rainbow
formation, earth quakes and many others.
➢ Physics helps to make communication easy through production of phones and
computers.
➢ Physics helps in health through the use of X-rays and radiation treatment.
➢ Physics enables us to make artificial sources of light e.g. Electric bulbs.
➢ It prepares students for further studies in various fields after passing exams
➢ It helps us to ease work through using machines like pulleys, cranes etc.
➢ Physics enables us to explain and understand the principles of working home appliances
like TVs, washing machines, refrigerators, etc.
➢ It helps students develop an experimental attitude by performing experiments and
acquire skills like observation, recording and drawing logical conclusions.
➢ Physics inspires young people and expands their knowledge about nature
➢ Studying physics equips learners with the skills of values which can employ in different
careers e.g. teachers.
 Physics is important to man’s life because it’s used in:
➢ Cooking food
➢ Food production (design of hoes, knives, ox ploughs etc.)
➢ Communications (telephones, radios, TVs etc.)
➢ Energy production (dry cells, batteries, hydroelectric power dams etc.)
➢ Transport (aero planes, cars, buses etc.)
➢ Keeping our bodies cool (fans, air conditioners
➢ Walking, running and games (playing of football, netball, volleyball, pools etc.)
➢ Medical diagnostics (X ray machines, CT scan, UV scan, CAT scan and magnetic
resonance imaging.)
➢ Medical treatment (of cancer using radiation and charged particle accelerators)
➢ Economic development (building of roads, houses, bridges etc.)
➢ Entertainment (musical instruments, production of photographs and videos etc.)
THE PHYSICS LABORATORY
A laboratory is a special room where Physics experiments are done and Physics apparatus are
kept.

Activity: How should one behave in a Physics Laboratory?

Let learners discuss in their respective groups and share their findings.
Activity 1.2(b). Baroque page 9 or display pictures of different Physics laboratory apparatus

Some of the apparatus are:

Retort stand Beam balance
Spring balance Volt meter
Ammeter Vernier caliper
Micrometer screw gauge Measuring cylinder
Lenses Bunsen burner
Metre rule

Activity: show students picture or use any relevant internet sources that show injuries or
challenges that can be encountered during performance of experiments in the laboratory

LABORATORY RULES AND REGULATIONS

✓ Do not drink or drink anything from the laboratory.
✓ Keep floors and working surfaces of the laboratory dry. Any spillage must be wiped off
immediately.
✓ Follow the teacher’s instructions carefully while in the laboratory.
✓ Never attempt to do anything unless you are told to do so.
✓ Avoid unnecessary movements while in the laboratory.
 ✓ All apparatus must be cleaned and returned to the correct location after use.
✓ Report any accident to the teacher or lab technician immediately.
✓ Ensure that all electrical switches, gas and water taps are turned off and closed when
not in use.
✓ Do not enter the laboratory without a teacher.
✓ Keep sweaters and bags away from the working place.
IMPORTANCES OF FOLLOWING LABORATORY RULES
✓ Its crucial for ensuring safety in the lab
✓ Maintaining accuracy in the experiments
✓ It prevents breakage of laboratory equipment.
✓ It fosters a productive working environment.
✓ It helps to prevent accidents in the lab.
END OF CHAPTER QUESTIONS.
1. In groups, discuss any five careers in Physics.
2. State any five ways we can apply Physics at home.
3. Write brief notes on any five personalities who made discoveries in physics and what they
did.
4. (a). How would you advise a fellow form one learner to ensure safety in the laboratory?
b). For each of the rules and regulation that you have named above in 4(a), identify, discuss
and list down the possible accidents that may arise if they are destroyed.
c). Write down importance of following laboratory Rules and Regulations
CHAPTER 2

MEASUREMENTS IN PHYSICS
THEME: MECHANICS AND PROPERTIES OF MATTER.
KEY WORDS

• Density • Purity
• Derived • Ocean currents
• Quantities • Purity
• Estimating • SI Units
• Floating • Scientific methods
• Measuring • Sinking
• Meniscus
LEARNING OUTCOMES
by the end of this chapter, learners should be able to :
understand hoe to estimate and measure Physical quantities like Length, Area, Volume, Mass,
Time etc.
Explain hoe to choose the right measuring instrument and units. Explain how to use the
instruments to ensure accuracy.
Appreciate that the accuracy of measurement can be improved by making several
measurements and taking the average.
Identify potential sources of error sand derive strategies to minimize them.
Understand scientific methods and explain the steps used in relation to the study of Physics.
Understand and be able to use scientific notations and significant figures.
Determine the density of substances and relate them to purity.
Understand the global nature of Ocean currents and how they are driven by changes in water
densities and temperature.
ESTIMATION AND MEASUREMENTS
ESTIMATION
Estimation means using prior experience and logical Physical reasoning to roughly determine or
give a rough idea of a quantity’s value.
Note:
(a). Estimation is not guesswork, it’s a skill that enables one to give answers that are good
enough in real life.
(b). In Physics, estimation is a scientific process. It involves having experiences or prior
knowledge of magnitude of various objects.

Activity: 2.1(a). Baroque page 12

Understanding estimation in Real Life.

EXAMPLES OF SITUATIONS WHERE ESTIMATION IS APPLIED IN REAL LIFE.

When you go to the shop, you have to estimate how much money you need to take to fulfil
your demands.
When cooking, you have to estimate how much salt is needed to make food tasty.
When walking on a busy road, you need to be able to estimate the distance between the
people and you.
When buying a cloth, a person uses the skill of estimation to identify whether he/she is fitting in
the cloth
When crossing the road, it requires to estimate the speed of vehicles and the distance of the
vehicles from you.
Driving requires you to estimate the speed of traffic, distance between cars, time it will take
you to stop etc.
When playing sports, you need to estimate how fast the ball is coming to you, how far it falls or
how long it will take to reach you.
ADVANTAGES OF ESTIMATION
It enables to save time since it allows quick assessment.
It enables to solve problems when exact data is not available or instruments to be used to get
accurate data are not accessible.
It promotes critical thinking among individuals.
It gives one an idea about the scale to use to make an accurate measurement.
In practical applications, estimations can inform decision making process especially in
engineering and Science where