<<Physics>> 232 - PHYSICS GENERAL OBJECTIVES By the end of the course, the learner should be able to: (a) select and use appropriate instruments to carry out measurements in the physical environment; (b) use the knowledge acquired to discover and explain the order of the physical environment; (c) use the acquired knowledge in the conservation and management of the environment; (d) apply the principles of Physics and acquired skills to construct appropriate scientific devices from the available resources; (e) develop capacity for critical thinking in solving problems in any situation; (f) contribute to the technological and industrial development of the nation; (g) appreciate and explain the role of Physics in promoting health in society; (h) observe general safety precautions in all aspects of life; (i) acquire and demonstrate a sense of honesty and high integrity in all aspects of Physics and life in general; (j) acquire positive attitude towards Physics; (k) acquire adequate knowledge in Physics for further education and/or training. 1.0.0 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS 1.1.0 Specific Objectives By the end of this topic, the learner should be able to: (a) explain what the study of physics involves (b) relate physics to other subjects and to technology (c) identify career opportunities related to physics (d) state and explain basic laboratory safety rules. 1.2.0 Content 1.2.1 Physics as a Science (reference to Primary Science Syllabus) 1.2.2 Meaning of Physics 1.2.3 Branches of Physics 1.2.4 Relation between Physics, other subjects and technology 1.2.5 Career opportunities in Physics 1.2.6 Basic laboratory safety rules 1.2.7 Testing on any aspect of this topic should be in relation to other topics 2.0.0 MEASUREMENT I 2.1.0 Specific Objectives By the end of this topic, the learner should be able to: a) define length, area, volume, mass, density, time interval and state the corresponding symbols and SI units b) convert other metric units to SI units c) estimate length, mass and time d) use accurately various measuring instruments: e) determine experimentally the densities of substances f) solve numerical problems on density 2.2.0 Content 2.2.1 Definition of length, area, volume, mass, density and time 2.2.2 SI units and symbols 2.2.3 Estimation of quantities 2.2.4 Conversion of units 2.2.5 Measuring instruments: metre rule, tape measure, beam balance, stop clock/watch, measuring cylinder, pipette and burette 2.2.6 Experiments on density 2.2.7 Problems on density 3.0.0 MEASUREMENT II 3.1.0 Specific Objectives By the end of this topic the learner should be able to: a) measure length using vernier callipers and micrometer screw gauge b) estimate the diameter of a molecule of oil c) solve numerical problems in measurement 3.2.0 Content 3.2.1 Measurement of length using Vernier callipers and micrometer screw gauge 3.2.2 Decimal places, significant figures and standard form 3.2.3 Estimation of the diameter of a molecule of oil (relate to the size of the HIV virus, mention effects of oil spills on health and environment) 3.2.4 Problems in measurements 4.0.0 FORCE 4.1.0 Specific Objectives By the end of this topic, the learner should be able to: a) define force and state its SI unit b) describe types of forces c) describe experiments to illustrate cohesion, adhesion and surface tension d) state the effects of force e) state the difference between mass and weight f) state the relation between mass and weight, W=mg g) define scalar and vector quantities h) solve numerical problems involving W=mg 4.2.0 Content 4.2.1 Definition of force 4.2.2 Types of forces (including cohesive, adhesive and surface tension) 4.2.3 Experiments to demonstrate cohesion, adhesion and surface tension (actual measurement of surface tension not required) 4.2.4 Effects of force 4.2.5 Mass, weight and their relationship 4.2.6 Scalar and vector quantities 4.2.7 Problems involving W=mg 5.0.0 PRESSURE 5.1.0 Specific Objectives By the end of this topic, the learner should be able to: a) define pressure and state its SI units; b) determine pressure exerted by solids; c) describe experiments to investigate factors affecting pressure in fluids; d) derive the formula p=pgh; e) state the principle of transmission of pressure in fluids (Pascals principle); f) explain atmospheric pressure and its effect; g) state and explain the applications of pressure; h) solve numerical problems involving pressure. 5.2.0 Content 5.2.1 Definition of pressure 5.2.2 Pressure in solids 5.2.3 Factors affecting pressure in fluids (Experimental treatment required) 5.2.4 Derivation of p =p gh 5.2.5 Atmospheric pressure 5.2.6 Simple mercury barometer, manometers 5.2.7 Applications of pressure: drinking straw, syringe, siphon, hydraulic press, hydraulic brakes, bicycle pump, force pump, lift pump 5.2.8 Problems on pressure 6.0.0 PARTICULATE NATURE OF MATTER 6.1.0 Specific Objectives By the end of this topic, the learner should be able to: a) Give evidence that matter is made up of tiny particles b) describe experiments to show that particles of matter are at constant random motion c) explain the states of matter in terms of particle movement d) explain diffusion 6.2.0 Content 6.2.1 Experiments to show that matter is made up of tiny particles (e.g. cutting papers into small pieces, dilution experiments etc.) 6.2.2 Brownian motion 6.2.3 States of matter 6.2.4 Diffusion (Graham’s law not required) 89