Study Physics notes for O-Level. Useful for revision, homework, and exam preparation in Zimbabwe.
A free account is needed to download. Sign in or create one
This is the ZIMSEC O-Level Physics notes. It is a free notes for revision.
PHYSICS
Physics is a branch of science that deals with the study of matter, energy and their interactions.
Branches of Physics
1. Mechanics: Motion and properties of matter.
2. Heat: A form of energy that causes rise in temperature.
3. Optics: Light and waves.
4. Electricity and Magnetism.
5. Modern Physics: Atomic and Nuclear Physics.
Why we study Physics
- To help students develop an experimental attitude by performing experiments and acquire skills such as observation, measuring, drawing logical conclusions.
- To understand scientific theories, principles and concepts
- To prepare students for further studies in Physics.
- To understand the applicability of Physics in other disciplines like security, medicine, engineering, e.t.c and improve the world's technology.
1
MECHANICS AND PROPERTIES OF MATTER
1:1. MEASUREMENTS:
Physics is concerned with measurement of physical quantities and classifying them into groups according to their nature.
To measure is to find the value of a physical quantity using a scientific instrument with a standard scale.
Physical Quantities
A physical quantity is a physical property that can accurately be measured.
Types of Physical Quantities
There are two types of Physical Quantities namely;
(i) Fundamental Quantities or Basic Quantities
(ii) Derived Quantities
1:1:1. FUNDAMENTAL QUANTITIES OR BASIC QUANTITIES
These are quantities from which all other quantities are obtained. They are seven in total and these are:
Fundamental Quantities | S.I unit | Symbol
1. | Length | Metre | M
2. | Mass | Kilogrm | Kg
3. | Time | Second | S
4. | Thermodynamic Temperatur | Kelvin | K
5. | Electric current | Ampere | A
6. | Amount of a substance | Mole | Mol.
7. | Luminous Intensity | Candela | Cd
Note: In mechanics, we use only three fundamental quantities; i.e length, mass and time.
1:1:1:1. LENGTH:
Length is the distance between any two points.
It can also be defined as the distance covered by matter. It is a measurement of the extent of something from end to end.
The S.I unit of length is a metre (m).
Other units of length include; Miles, kilometer, Hectometre, Decametre, Decimetre, Centimetre, etc.
CONVERSIONS
Example: 1
Convert the following as instructed:
(i) 16.4 mm to metres
(ii) 20 m to centimetres
(iii) 0.092 km to metres
(iv) 250 cm to metres
Solution
(i) 16.4 mm to metres
km | Hm | Dm | $\mathbf{M}$ | dm | cm | $\mathbf{m m}$
| & | $\mathbf{1}$ …