Singapore JC Subject List - Physics (H1)

This course aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of physics principles, developing scientific literacy and preparing them for the challenges of a technologically-driven world. It emphasizes the application of core ideas to explain and analyze real-world phenomena, and promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

I. Measurement

Measurement is fundamental to experimental physics. Precise measurements allow for the collection of reliable data, which can be compared to theoretical predictions. This process is crucial for refining physical theories and advancing scientific knowledge. Understanding uncertainties in measurements and methods to minimize them is essential for drawing valid conclusions from experimental data. The development of advanced measuring devices and techniques has significantly impacted various fields, including engineering, medicine, and materials science.

• Topic 1: Measurement
• Base quantities and their SI units: mass (kg), length (m), time (s), current (A), temperature (K), amount of substance (mol).
• Avogadro's number (NA = 6.02 x 10²³ mol⁻¹).
• Derived units and their representation as products or quotients of base units.
• Homogeneity of physical equations.
• Conventions for labeling graph axes and table columns.
• Prefixes for decimal sub-multiples and multiples of units (e.g., pico, nano, micro, milli, kilo, mega).
• Estimation of physical quantities.
• Distinction between scalar and vector quantities.
• Vector addition and subtraction.
• Vector components.
• Systematic and random errors.
• Precision and accuracy.
• Uncertainty in derived quantities.

II. Newtonian Mechanics

Newtonian mechanics explains the relationship between force and motion. Kinematics describes how objects move, while dynamics explains why objects move in a particular way. Newton's three laws of motion form the basis of this theory, which applies to a wide range of systems. Forces, including tension, friction, and air resistance, are central to understanding motion. Energy, work, and power are also key concepts in Newtonian mechanics, providing alternative approaches to problem-solving. This field has significant applications in engineering, applied science, and space technology.

• Topic 2: Kinematics
• Distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration.
• Graphical representation of motion.
• Interpretation of displacement-time and velocity-time graphs.
• Equations of uniformly accelerated motion.
• Motion under gravity (with and without air resistance).
• Projectile motion.
• Topic 3: Dynamics
• Newton's laws of motion.
• Inertia and mass.
• Weight as a force.
• Linear momentum and impulse.
• Relationship between force and rate of change of momentum.
• Principle of conservation of momentum.
• Elastic and inelastic collisions.
• Topic 4: Forces
• Hooke's law.
• Forces on masses, charges, and current-carrying conductors in fields.
• Normal contact forces, frictional forces, and viscous forces.
• Center of gravity.
• Moment of a force and torque of a couple.
• Principle of moments.
• Equilibrium of forces and torques.
• Topic 5: Work, Energy, Power
• Work done by a force.
• Energy conversion and conservation.
• Efficiency.
• Kinetic energy and potential energy (gravitational, electric, elastic).
• Relationship between force and potential energy.
• Power as work done per unit time and as the product of force and velocity.
• Topic 6: Motion in a Circle and Orbits
• Angular displacement and angular velocity.
• Relationship between linear and angular velocity.
• Centripetal acceleration and force.
• Newton's law of gravitation.
• Analysis of circular orbits.
• Geostationary orbits.

III. Electricity and Magnetism

Electromagnetism is one of the fundamental forces in physics. It involves interactions between electrically charged particles. Electric current is the flow of charge, driven by potential differences (voltage). Circuits provide a means of conveying energy and information. Magnetic fields are produced by moving charges and exert forces on other moving charges. Maxwell's laws describe the interconnected nature of electricity and magnetism. Applications of electromagnetism are widespread in modern technology, from power generation and transmission to semiconductor devices and quantum technologies.

• Topic 7: Current of Electricity
• Electric current as rate of flow of charge.
• Potential difference and its relationship to energy.
• Resistance and resistivity.
• I-V characteristics of various electrical components.
• Electromotive force (e.m.f.) and internal resistance.
• Topic 8: D.C. Circuits
• Circuit symbols and diagrams.
• Series and parallel circuits.
• Potential divider circuits.
• Thermistors and light-dependent resistors.
• Topic 9: Electromagnetism
• Electric fields and field lines.
• Magnetic fields and flux patterns.
• Force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field.
• Magnetic flux density.
• Force between current-carrying conductors.
• Force on a moving charge in a magnetic field.

IV. Nuclear Physics

Nuclear physics deals with the structure and behavior of atomic nuclei. Radioactivity is the result of the decay of unstable nuclei. Nuclear reactions involve fusion or fission processes. Conservation laws, particularly the conservation of mass-energy (E=mc²), are crucial for analyzing nuclear reactions. Applications of nuclear physics include radioactive dating, nuclear energy, and nuclear weapons. Nuclear accidents highlight the potential dangers associated with this field.

• Topic 10: Nuclear Physics
• Rutherford scattering experiment and the atomic nucleus.
• Nucleon number and proton number.
• Isotopes.
• Nuclear reactions and equations.
• Conservation of nucleon number, charge, and mass-energy.
• Mass defect and nuclear binding energy.
• Nuclear fusion and fission.
• Radioactive decay and activity.
• Half-life.
• Background radiation.
• Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation.
• Biological effects of ionizing radiation.