Introduction to Physics

 Science is offered as a
single subject in primary
school
 As the volume of scientific
knowledge increases,
division of science into
different branches is
necessary in order to learn
and specialize in one area
or the other
 Introduction to Physics
 At secondary level and beyond, the subject
is therefore divided into three main areas:
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
 Like all other science subjects, physics
involves carrying out experiments from
which observations are studied to make
important conclusions
 Introduction to Physics
Meaning of physics
 Physics is the scientific study of energy
and its relationship with matter
 It deals with physical quantities such as
mass, length, time and others
 In the subject, we study phenomena like
the eclipse, rainbow, lightning, mirage
twinkle of stars and other wonders of
nature
 Introduction to Physics
 Scientific Method of Studying Physics
 As a science subject, the study of physics
involves five important stages
1. Measurement and Collection of Data

2. Experimentation and Observations

3. Drawing of Hypotheses

4. Testing and Verification of the

Hypotheses
5. Establishment of Laws and Principles
 Introduction to Physics
 Rationale of Physics
 Through the study of physics, the various forms of energy
available can be harnessed for a more easily managed and
satisfying lifestyle
• Waterfalls or hot springs can be sources of electrical
energy
• Radio waves and microwaves can be used to work our
ovens, radios, TVs, computers, telephones and satellites
• Gamma radiations and X-rays can be applied to destroy
cancerous cells in patients’ bodies
• Powerful microscopes can be used to produce pictures of
minute disease-causing organisms such as bacteria,
fungi or viruses thus enabling us to study and control
them.
 Introduction to Physics
 Scope of Physics
 The study of Physics enables us to explain
how and why behind
 The falling of bodies towards the ground
 The seasonal occurrence of tides the sea
 The rising of the sun from the east every morning
 The incidences of lightning in certain localities
 The flying of large metallic aircrafts
 The floating on water of huge ocean liners
 The formation of mirages in deserts or on hot tarmac
roads, and many others
 Introduction to Physics
 Physics as a subject can itself be split into the
following main branches:
 Mechanics – involving motion of bodies
under the influence of forces
 Electricity & Magnetism – dealing with
the relationship between electric
currents and magnetic fields
 Thermodynamics – concerns heat and how it is
changed to or from other forms
of energy
 Geometric Optics – study of the behavior of light
as it traverses various media
 Introduction to Physics
main branches of physics cont’d.
 Waves – involves the propagation of
energy through space in the
form of light and sound waves
 Atomic Physics – study of the behaviour of
particles constituting the atomic
nucleus of the atom and
accompanying energy changes.
 Introduction to Physics
Relationship between physics, other subjects
and technology
 Physics and Religion
 Orderliness of systems in the universe can be
traced back to the Creator
 Many wonders of creation include the anomalous
expansion of water, the rainbow, etc
 Physics and Mathematics
 Many concepts in physics are expressed as
mathematical equations
 Introduction to Physics
Relationship between physics, other subjects
and technology, cont’d
 Physics and Geography
 Accurate use of instruments and physics concepts
can establish weather patterns and explain
formation of rainfall, pressure variations etc
 Use of magnetic properties of lodestone and other
materials help navigators to determine direction
 Physics and History
 Carbon dating serves as a crucial tool to historians
in establishing fossil ages and hence probable
pre-historic past patterns of life
 Introduction to Physics
Relationship between physics, other subjects and
technology, cont’d
 Physics and Chemistry
 Forces within the atom and therefore atomic
structure are studied by use of physics
 Physics and Biology
 Microscopes, a product of physics are used
extensively in the study of the cell, the basic unit of
life. Levers help explain locomotion in biology
 Physics and Technology
 X-ray machines, Scanners and lasers are
applications of physics. So also are home and
industrial equipment. The list is endless
 Introduction to Physics
 Career Opportunities in
Physics
 There is a wide range of
Career opportunities involving
career opportunities physics, cont’d
involving physics • Horticulture
• Building Economics • Food Technology
• Construction • Dairy Technology
Management • Biomedical Science &
• Medicine and Surgery Technology
• Dental Surgery • Architecture
• Pharmacy • Surveying
• Nursing • Computer Science
• Environmental Health • Tourism & Hotel
• Animal Production Management
• Fisheries • Veterinary Medicine
 Introduction to Physics
Career opportunities Career opportunities
involving physics, cont’d involving physics, cont’d
 Production Engineering • Marine Engineering
 Chemical and Processing • Textile Engineering
Engineering • Water & Environ.
 Civil Production Engineering
Engineering • Technology
 Chemical and Processing • Food Nutrition &
Engineering Dietetics
 Civil Engineering • Air Traffic Control
 Electrical and Electronics • Aeronautics
Engineering • Actuarial Science
 Mechanical Engineering • Home Economics
 Agricultural Engineering • Teaching or Lecturing
 Introduction to Physics
Career opportunities Career opportunities
involving physics, cont’d involving physics, cont’d
 Agriculture Education &  Science Education
Extension  Medical Engineering
 Natural Resources Technology
 Range Management  Aviation Science
 Hotel & Institution  Military Science
Management  Beauty Industry
 Interior Design  Agriculture
 Applied Aquatic Science  Transport Technology
 Wildlife Management  Information & Communication
Technology
 Introduction to Physics
 Basic Laboratory Rules
 Avoid handling the apparatus or chemicals in
the laboratory until you are asked to do so by
the teacher
 Instructions from the teacher should be
followed carefully
 Keep doors and windows and all ventilations
open while working in the laboratory
 Proper dressing must be worn: closed shoes,
shirts tucked in, long hair tied up
 Avoid eating or drinking in the laboratory
 Introduction to Physics
 Basic Laboratory Rules, Cont’d
 Never plug in nails bare wires and other foreign
material into electrical sockets
 Keep your hands, floors and working surfaces tidy
and dry; do not let sinks be blocked by waste
material
 Handle all apparatus with care and do not take any
apparatus out of the lab without permission
 All apparatus must be cleaned and returned to the
correct location of storage after use
 In case of an emergency, do not panic; walk out of
the lab in a fast but orderly manner and report the
matter immediately to the nearest authorities
 Introduction to Physics
 First Aid Measures in the Laboratory
 Cuts – In case of n accidental cut by glass or
apparatus, assistance should be sought to
stop bleeding and for immediate and hygienic
dressing of the wound
 Burns – In case of burns from naked flames,
acids or bases, quickly run cold water over
the affected parts as you seek for further
treatment
 Poisoning – This may be caused by inhaling
or ingesting poisonous substances: seek
assistance immediately
 Introduction to Physics
 First Aid Measures in the Lab, Cont’d
 Eye Damage – In case an irritating chemical lands
in the eye, wash it off immediately with a lot of clean
cold water as you seek for further treatment
 Electric Shock –This may result from touching
exposed wires or faulty electrical appliances: should
it occur, first turn off the main switch before treating
the shock. If the main switch cannot be readily
located, use dry non-metallic objects to push off the
source of the shock, remove the victim to safer
location before treating the shock
Introduction to Physics

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