H1 Physics

This course provides a foundation in physics, emphasizing the understanding and application of core concepts and principles. It aims to develop scientific literacy, preparing students for real-world challenges by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for the nature of science.

I. Measurement

Measurement is fundamental to experimental physics. Precise measurements are crucial for gathering data, testing theories, and advancing scientific knowledge. Understanding uncertainties in measurements and methods to minimize them is essential for drawing valid conclusions. Measurement tools and techniques have broad applications in various fields, from engineering and technology to medicine and geophysics.

Topic 1: Measurement

• Physical Quantities and SI Units: Focuses on base quantities (mass, length, time, current, temperature, amount of substance) and their SI units, including the mole and Avogadro's number. Derived units and prefixes for decimal sub-multiples and multiples are also covered. Estimating physical quantities is a key skill developed in this topic.
• Scalars and Vectors: Differentiates between scalar and vector quantities, covering vector addition, subtraction, and resolution into perpendicular components.
• Errors and Uncertainties: Explores systematic and random errors, precision and accuracy, and methods for assessing uncertainties in derived quantities.

II. Newtonian Mechanics

Newtonian mechanics explains the relationship between force and motion. Kinematics describes how objects move, while dynamics explains why they move in specific ways. This section covers motion in one and two dimensions, including projectile motion and circular motion, focusing on point objects. Newton's laws of motion, forces, energy, work, and power are central themes, with applications in various fields.

Topic 2: Kinematics

• Rectilinear Motion: Covers distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration, using graphical methods and equations for uniformly accelerated motion, including free fall.
• Non-linear Motion: Describes motion with uniform velocity in one direction and uniform acceleration in a perpendicular direction (projectile motion).

Topic 3: Dynamics

• Newton's Laws of Motion: States and applies Newton's three laws, emphasizing inertia, weight, and the relationship between force and momentum.
• Linear Momentum: Defines linear momentum and impulse, relating them to force and time. Covers the principle of conservation of momentum and its application to elastic and inelastic collisions.

Topic 4: Forces

• Types of Force: Explores Hooke's law, forces in gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields, and qualitative understanding of normal contact, frictional, and viscous forces.
• Centre of Gravity and Turning Effects: Defines centre of gravity, moment of a force, and torque of a couple, applying the principle of moments.
• Equilibrium of Forces: Explains equilibrium conditions (no resultant force or torque) and uses vector triangles to represent forces in equilibrium.

Topic 5: Work, Energy, Power

• Work: Defines work done by a force and its calculation in various situations.
• Energy Conversion and Conservation: Provides examples of energy forms, their conversion and conservation, and addresses energy losses and efficiency.
• Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy: Covers equations for kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy, distinguishing between gravitational, electric, and elastic potential energy. Relates force and potential energy in a uniform field.
• Power: Defines power as work done per unit time and as the product of force and velocity.

Topic 6: Motion in a Circle and Orbits

• Kinematics of Uniform Circular Motion: Explores angular displacement, angular velocity, and their relationship to linear speed.
• Centripetal Acceleration and Force: Describes motion in curved paths due to perpendicular forces, including centripetal acceleration and force in uniform circular motion.
• Gravitational Force and Circular Orbits: Applies Newton's law of gravitation, analyzing circular orbits in inverse square law fields and geostationary orbits.

III. Electricity and Magnetism

This section covers electromagnetic interactions, electric charge, and the behavior of charges in electric and magnetic fields. Circuits are analyzed using principles of charge and energy conservation. The relationship between electricity and magnetism is explored, including the forces on moving charges and current-carrying conductors.

Topic 7: Current of Electricity

• Electric Current and Potential Difference: Defines electric current as the rate of flow of charge, exploring its relationship with potential difference, resistance, and resistivity. Covers Ohm's law and the I-V characteristics of various electrical components.
• Electromotive Force: Differentiates between electromotive force (e.m.f.) and potential difference, considering internal resistance and its effects.

Topic 8: D.C. Circuits

• Circuit Symbols and Diagrams: Focuses on drawing and interpreting circuit diagrams with various components.
• Series and Parallel Arrangements: Covers the combined resistance of resistors in series and parallel, and problem-solving involving series and parallel circuits.
• Potential Divider: Explains the use of potential divider circuits, including applications with thermistors and light-dependent resistors.

Topic 9: Electromagnetism

• Concept of Electric and Magnetic Fields: Defines electric field strength and represents electric fields using field lines. Explores magnetic fields as force fields produced by currents or permanent magnets.
• Magnetic Fields due to Currents: Covers magnetic flux patterns due to currents in wires, coils, and solenoids, including the influence of ferrous cores.
• Force on Current-carrying Conductors and Moving Charges: Explores the force on current-carrying conductors in magnetic fields, using Fleming's left-hand rule and the concept of magnetic flux density. Calculates forces on moving charges in magnetic and electric fields.

IV. Nuclear Physics

Nuclear physics explores radioactivity, nuclear reactions (fusion and fission), and the structure of the atomic nucleus. Conservation laws, including mass-energy equivalence, are applied to analyze nuclear processes. The applications and implications of nuclear physics, both beneficial and harmful, are discussed.

Topic 10: Nuclear Physics

• The Nucleus and Isotopes: Infers the existence and size of the nucleus from Rutherford's experiment, distinguishing between nucleon number and proton number. Covers isotopes and their representation.
• Nuclear Processes and Mass Defect: Represents nuclear reactions using equations, applying conservation laws for nucleon number, charge, and mass-energy. Explores mass defect and its relationship to nuclear binding energy, using Einstein's mass-energy equivalence.
• Radioactive Decay: Explores the spontaneous and random nature of radioactive decay, defining activity and half-life. Covers the nature of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation and their biological effects. Discusses background radiation.