Learning Objectives
5 objectives- Understand and apply the fundamental concepts and principles of physics to describe natural phenomena.
- Analyze motion in one and two dimensions using kinematics and dynamics principles.
- Explain energy transformations, work, power, and conservation laws in physical systems.
- Describe the behavior of waves, oscillations, thermodynamic processes, and electromagnetic phenomena.
- Develop problem-solving skills through application of physics concepts across various topics.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 2938: Fundamentals of Physics
1. Introduction to Physics
- Overview of Physics
- Definition and scope
- Role in understanding the natural world
- The Scientific Method
- Observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and theory
- Units of Measurement
- SI units and derived units
- Precision, accuracy, and significant figures
- Fundamental Physical Quantities
- Length, mass, time, electric current, temperature, amount of substance, luminous intensity
2. Kinematics
- Motion Description
- Scalars and vectors
- Position and displacement
- Speed and Velocity
- Average and instantaneous speed
- Average and instantaneous velocity
- Acceleration
- Definition and calculation
- Graphical Analysis of Motion
- Position-time, velocity-time graphs
- Equations of Motion for Uniform Acceleration
3. Dynamics
- Newton's Laws of Motion
- First Law: Inertia
- Second Law: F=ma
- Third Law: Action and reaction
- Force and Mass
- Types of forces: gravitational, normal, frictional, tension, applied
- Inertia and Mass
- Free Body Diagrams
- Applications of Newton’s Laws
4. Energy and Work
- Work
- Definition and calculation (W = F · d · cosθ)
- Energy
- Types: kinetic, potential, mechanical, thermal, chemical, nuclear
- Power
- Definition and calculation (Power = Work/time)
- Conservation of Energy
- Law of conservation of mechanical energy
- Energy Transformations and Efficiency
5. Momentum and Collisions
- Momentum
- Definition (p = mv)
- Impulse and change in momentum
- Conservation of Momentum
- Principle and mathematical formulation
- Collisions
- Elastic and inelastic collisions
- Calculation of velocities post-collision
6. Circular Motion and Gravitation
- Circular Motion
- Uniform circular motion
- Centripetal acceleration and force
- Gravitation
- Newton’s law of universal gravitation
- Gravitational field and force
- Orbits and Satellite Motion
7. Oscillations and Waves
- Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
- Definition and characteristics
- Equations describing SHM
- Wave Properties
- Types of waves: transverse and longitudinal
- Wave parameters: wavelength, frequency, period, amplitude, speed
- Interference and Superposition
- Constructive and destructive interference
- Standing Waves
- Formation and nodes/antinodes
8. Thermodynamics
- Heat and Temperature
- Definitions and units
- Heat transfer mechanisms: conduction, convection, radiation
- Laws of Thermodynamics
- Zeroth, First, Second laws
- Thermal Expansion
- Entropy and Thermal Equilibrium
9. Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric Fields and Forces
- Coulomb’s law
- Electric Circuits
- Current, voltage, resistance, Ohm’s law
- Series and parallel circuits
- Magnetic Fields
- Sources and field lines
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Faraday’s law
- Applications
- Relationship between Electricity and Magnetism
10. Optics
- Nature of Light
- Wave and particle duality
- Reflection and Refraction
- Laws of reflection and Snell’s law
- Lenses and Optical Instruments
- Convex and concave lenses
- Magnification and image formation
- Electromagnetic Radiation Spectrum
- Properties and applications
Unlock the full outline
Get the complete content outline, learning outcomes and assessment methods for Physics Principles.
KSh 20 one-off, or included with a plan
Learning Outcomes
Unlock the outline above to see learning outcomes.
Assessment Methods
Unlock the outline above to see assessment methods.