CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS – PHYSICS S1-S2 NOTES

1.1  INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS

At secondary level, science is divided into:

• Biological Science and
• Physical Science

  Biological Science  – is the branch of Science which deals with the study of living things.
  

Physical Science  – is a branch which deals with the study of non-living things.

Physical Science is further divided into Physics and Chemistry.

Physics

Physics is a branch of physical science, which deals with the study of matter in relation to energy.

Matter – is anything that occupies space and has mass.

Energy  – is the ability to do work.

In physics, the main topics studied include:

• Mechanics, Optics (Light), Waves, Electricity & Magnetism, and

Modern Physics.

1.2  Aims and Objectives of teaching Physics

(a)  Aims

1. To make a society that knows about physics and enjoys the fruits of physics. E.g. Physics teachers, Engineers, Electricians, Electronic (T.V, Computer, Radio, Watch etc) technicians, medicine doctors.
2. To make a society that understands everyday phenomena (happenings) both naturally and artificially and their scientific explanations.
3. To produce a large number of people capable of harnessing natural resources e.g. minerals, scientifically and technically in an innovative way for the service of the society.
4. To produce an effective team workers for the advancement of knowledge.

(b)  Objectives

1. To make the student aware of the effects of scientific discoveries and knowledge on everyday life through the application of physics.
   1. To help the student understand the world around us.
2. To enable the student to develop an experimental attitude of the mind by performing experiments and to equip him/her with the techniques of performing the experiments, making correct observations, recording the values and drawing appropriate conclusion from the experimental data.
3. To prepare the student to pass examinations in physics for further studies.
4. To familiarise the student with the scientific Hypothesis, Theories, Principles and laws.

1.3  Hypothesis, Theory and Law (Principle)

(a)  Hypothesis  – is a scientific idea put forward and is still in the stage of experimental investigation.

However, if proved to be correct and therefore generally accepted, it then becomes a scientific law or principle.

(b)  Scientific Law or Principle  

A Scientific Law or Principle is a generalised statement of observed facts.

1. Scientific Theory:  

   A Scientific
   Theory is an idea put forward to explain the existence of a scientific laws or
   principle.

    

1.4  Characteristics of Materials  

All the materials/substances that exist in the universe either naturally or artificially are scientifically called matter. Every matter has some characteristic properties which make it different from others.

Examples of such properties are:  State, Colour, Density, Smell, etc.

These properties are called the physical properties of matter. Using a simple classification, based on the physical properties of matter, matter can be classified into several classes. However, it is convenient to first classify matter according to the physical states and then further classification to be considered after words.

States (Phases) of Matter

Matter exists in three states namely:

1. Solid, e.g.  stone, wood etc.
2. Liquid e.g.  water, paraffin etc.
3. Gas e.g.  oxygen, nitrogen etc.

Self-Check 1.0

1. (a)  Define the following terms.

   (i)  Physics  (ii)  Matter (iii)  Energy

   1. State any three aims and three objectives of teaching physics in secondary schools.
2. Define the following terms

   (a)  Hypothesis  (b)  Scientific law or scientific principle

   (c)  Scientific theory

 3.  State the states of matter. In each case, give two examples.