A level Physics 2020 -21

INDUCTION WORK

Student

Class 12 ______ Form

SGS 2020
1. Physical Quantities
Maths and Physics have an important but overlooked distinction by students. Numbers in Physics have
meaning – they are the size of physical quantities which exist. To give numbers meaning we suffix them with
units. There are two types of units:

Base units These are the seven fundamental quantities Unit

Basic quantity
defined by the Système international Name Symbol
d’Unités (SI units). Once defined, we can Mass kilogram kg
make measurements using the correct unit Length metre m
Time second s
and make comparisons between values.
Current ampere A
Temperature kelvin K
Amount of substance mole mol
Luminous intensity candela cd

Derived units These are obtained by multiplying or Derived Unit

dividing base units. Some derived units quantity Name Symbols
are complicated and are given simpler Volume cubic metre m3
names, such as the unit of power Watt Velocity metre per second ms-1
Density kilogram per cubic metre kgm-3
(W) which in SI units would be m2kgs-3.

Quantity Quantity symbol Unit name Unit symbols

Notice that at A-Level we use the equivalent Length L or l or h or d or s metre m
notation ms-1 rather than m/s. Wavelength metre m
λ
Mass m or M kilogram kg
Do not become confused between the Time t second s
symbol we give to the quantity itself, and the Temperature T kelvin K
symbol we give to the unit. For some Charge Q coulomb C
examples, see the table on the right. Momentum p kilogram metres per second kg ms-1

Prefix Symbol Name Multiplier Often the value of the quantity we are interested in is very big or
small. To save space and simplify these numbers, we prefix the
femto f quadrillionth 10-15
units with a set of symbols.
pico p trillionth 10-12
nano n billionth 10-9 Knowledge of standard form and how to input it into your
micro µ millionth 10-6 calculator is essential.
milli m thousandth 10-3
centi c hundredth 10-2 For example: 245 x 10-12 m = 245 pm
kilo k thousand 103 2.45 x 103 m = 2.45 km
mega M million 106
giga G billion 109 We may need to convert units to make comparisons.
tera T trillion 1012
peta P quadrillion 1015 For example: Which is bigger, 0.167 GW or 1500 MW?
0.167 GW = 0.167 x109 W
= 167 x106 W
= 167 MW < 1500 MW
Physical Quantities - Questions
1) The unit of energy is the joule. Find out what this unit is expressed in terms of the base SI units.

2) Convert these numbers into normal form:

a) 5.239 x 103 e) 1.951 x 10-2
b) 4.543 x 104 f) 1.905 x 105
c) 9.382 x 102 g) 6.005 x 103
d) 6.665 x 10-6

3) Convert these quantities into standard form:

a) 65345 N e) 0.000567 F
b) 765 s f) 0.0000605 C
c) 486856 W g) 0.03000045 J
d) 0.987 cm2

4) Write down the solutions to these problems, giving your answer in standard form:
a) (3.45 x 10-5 + 9.5 x 10-6) ÷ 0.0024
b) 2.31 x 105 x 3.98 x 10-3 + 0.0013

5) Calculate the following:

a) 20mm in metres
b) 3.5kg in grams
c) 589000 μm in metres
d) 1m2 in cm2 (careful)
e) 38 cm2 in m2

6) Find the following:

a) 365 days in seconds, written in standard form
b) 3.0 x 104 g written in kg
c) 2.1 x 106 Ω written in MΩ
d) 5.9 x 10-7 m written in μm
e) Which is bigger? 1452 pF or 0.234 nF

Mark = /27
2. Significant Figures
Number in Physics also show us how certain we are of a value. How sure are you that the width of this page is
210.30145 mm across? Using a ruler you could not be this precise. You would be more correct to state it as
being 210 mm across, since a ruler can measure to the nearest millimetre.

To show the precision of a value we will quote it to the correct number of significant figures. But how can you
tell which figures are significant?

The Rules
1. All non-zero digits are significant.

2. In a number with a decimal point, all zeros to the right of the right-most non-zero digit are significant.

3. In a number without a decimal point, trailing zeros may or may not be significant, you can only tell
from the context.

Examples

Value # of S.F. Hints

23 2 There are two digits and both are non-zero, so are both significant
123.654 6 All digits are significant – this number has high precision
123.000 6 Trailing zeros after decimal are significant and claim the same high precision
0.000654 3 Leading zeros are only placeholders
100.32 5 Middle zeros are always significant
5400 2, 3 or 4 Are the zeros placeholders? You would have to check how the number was obtained

When taking many measurements with the same piece of measuring apparatus, all your data should have the
same number of significant figures.

For example, measuring the width of my thumb in three different places with a micrometer:
20.91 x 10-3 m 21.22 x 10-3 m 21.00 x 10-3m all to 4 s.f

Significant Figures in Calculations

We must also show that calculated values recognise the precision of the values we put into a formula. We do
this by giving our answer to the same number of significant figures as the least precise piece of data we use.
There is no way we can state the
For example: A man runs 110 m in 13 s. Calculate his average speed. runners speed this precisely.

Speed = Distance / Time = 110 m / 13 s = 8.461538461538461538461538461538 m/s

This is the same number of sig figs as the = 8.5 m/s to 2 s.f.
time, which is less precise than the distance.
Significant Figures - Questions
1) Write the following lengths to the stated number of significant figures:
a) 5.0319 m to 3 s.f.
b) 500.00 m to 2 s.f.
c) 0.9567892159 m to 2 s.f.
d) 0.000568 m to 1 s.f.

2) How many significant figures are the following numbers quoted to?

a) 224.4343
b) 0.000000000003244654
c) 344012.34
d) 456
e) 4315.0002
f) 200000 stars in a small galaxy
g) 4.0

3) For the numbers above that are quoted to more than 3 s.f, convert the ↑
number to standard form and quote to 3 s.f.

4) Calculate the following and write your answer to the correct number of significant figures:

a) 2.65 m x 3.015 m

b) 22.37 cm x 3.10 cm

c) 0.16 m x 0.02 m

5 0 m
d)
m

Mark = /19
3. Using Equations
You are expected to be able to manipulate formulae correctly and confidently. You must practise rearranging
and substituting equations until it becomes second nature. We shall be using quantity symbols, and not
words, to make the process easier.

Key points
 Whatever mathematical operation you apply to one side of an equation must be applied to the other.
 Don’t try and tackle too many steps at once.

Simple formulae
The most straightforward formulae are of the form (or more correctly ).

Rearrange to set b as the subject: Divide both sides through by c therefore

Rearrange to set c as the subject: Divide both sides through by b therefore

Alternatively you can use the formula triangle method. From the formula you know put the
quantities into the triangle and then cover up the quantity you need to reveal the a
relationship between the other two quantities. This method only works for simple formulae,
b×c
it doesn’t work for some of the more complex relationships, so you must learn to rearrange

More complex formulae

Formulae with more than 3 terms Formulae with additions or subtractions Formulae with squares or square roots
Find ρ Find h Find √

Divide by l Add Φ
Square
Cancel Φ
Cancel l
Multiply by
Divide by
Multiply by A
Divide by T2
Cancel
Cancel A

Symbols on quantities Symbol Meaning

Δx A change in x (difference between two values of x)
Sometimes the symbol for a quantity may A rate of change of x
Δx/Δt
be combined with some other identifying
symbol to give more detail about that <x> or ̅ Mean value of x
quantity. Here are some examples. ⃗ Quantity x is a vector
x1 x2 Subscripts distinguish between same types of quantity
Using Equations - Questions

1) Make t the subject of each of the following 2) Solve each of the following equations to find the
equations: value of t:
a) V = u +at a) 30 = 3t - 3

b) S = ½ at2 b) 4(t +5) = 28

5
c) Y = k (t - t0) c) = 10
t

m
d) F = d) 3t2 = 36
t

k
e) Y = e) t -1/2 = 6
t

f) Y = 2t1/2 f) t1/3 = 3

Δs
g) v = Δt

Mark = /13
4. Straight Line Graphs Value along y-axis Value along x-axis

If a graph is a straight line, then there is a formula that will describe it. y=mx+c
gradient y-intercept
Here are some examples:

y=x A positive line through the origin

Gradient, m = 1 y-intercept, c = 0

y=x–5 Parallel to y = x but transposed by -5.

Gradient, m = 1 y-intercept, c = -5

y = 2x A positive line through the origin

Gradient, m = 2 y-intercept, c = 0

y = 2x + 4 Parallel to y = 2x ,transposed by 4.
Gradient, m = 2 y-intercept, c = 4

y = -x + 1 A negative line, parallel to y = -x

Gradient, m = -1 y-intercept, c = 1

DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL describes any straight line

through the origin. Both y α x and Δy α Δx

Using Straight Line Graphs in Physics LINEAR describes any other straight line. Only Δy α Δx.

If asked to plot a graph of experimental data at GCSE, you would plot the independent variable along the x-axis
and the dependent variable up the y-axis. Then you might be able to say something about how the two
variables are related.

At A-Level, we need to be cleverer about our choice of axes. Often we will need to find a value which is not
easy to measure. We take a relationship and manipulate it into the form y = mx + c to make this possible.

Example: is the relationship between the resistance R of a conductor, the resistivity ρ of the
material which it is made of, its length l, and its area A.

We do an experiment to find R, l and A, which are all easy to measure.

We want to find the resistivity ρ, which is harder.

This example doesn’t need rearranging,

just rewriting into the shape y = mx + c:

So it is found that by plotting R on the y-axis

and l/A on the x-axis, the resitivity 𝜌 will be
the gradient of the graph.
Straight Line Graphs - Questions
1) For each of the following equations that represent straight line graphs, write down the gradient and
the y intercept:

a) y = 5x + 6

b) y = -8x + 2

c) y = 7 - x

d) 2y = 8x - 3

e) y + 4x = 10

f) 3x = 5(1-y)

g) 5x - 3 = 8y

Mark = /14
5. Trigonometry
When dealing with vector quantities or systems involving circles, it will be necessary to use simple
trigonometric relationships.

Angles and Arcs

There are two measurements of angles used in Physics.
 Degrees There are 360o in a circle
 Radians There are π radians in a circle
Whichever you use, make sure your calculator is in the correct mode!

To swap from one to the other you need to find what fraction of a circle you are interested in, and then
multiply it by the number of degrees or radians in a circle.

degrees radians
radians or degrees

For example: To convert 90o into radians: radians

(We tend to lea e answers in radians as fractions of π)

To find the length of an arc, use . The angle must be in radians. What would the relationship be if you
wanted the entire circumference? Compare to this formula.

Sine, Cosine, Tangent

Recall from your GCSE studies the relationships between the lengths of the sides and the angles of right-
angled triangles.

Using SOHCHATOA:

Vector Rules
A vector is a quantity which has two parts: SIZE and DIRECTION
(e.g. force, velocity, acceleration)
A scalar is a quantity which just has SIZE
(e.g. temperature, length, time, speed)

We represent vectors on diagrams with arrows.

To simplify problems in mechanics we will separate a vector into horizontal and
vertical components. This is done using the trigonometry rules.
Trigonometry - Questions
1) Calculate:
a) The circumference of a circle of radius 0.450 m

b) the length of the arc of a circle of radius 0.450m for the following angles between the arc and
the centre of the circle:
i. 340o

ii. 170o

iii. 30o

2) For the triangle ABC shown, calculate:

a) Angle θ if AB = 0cm and BC = 0cm

b) Angle θ if AC = 80cm and AB = 5cm

c) AB if θ = 36° and BC = 50 mm

d) BC if θ = 65° and AC = 15 km

3) Calculate the horizontal component A and the vertical component B of

a 65 N force at 40o above the horizontal.

Mark = /10
 6.Uncertainty Calculations

Uncertainty is part of Physics and has to be considered whenever a measurement is taken

Over history there have been a miriad of ways of

measuring distance, volumes, forces
and time. This has lead to miscommunication and
potentially fatal errors being made. An example
was the need to convert metric to imperial
measurements where parts for NASA are
manufactured in Europe and the USA.
The SI proposals have unified measurement so
that a standard has been set and accurate
comparisons can be made and a common system
used for communication.

Every measurement made has an error, the resolution of the instrument used is limited
as has bounds. In the examples the the right the limit of resolution is half a division and
this leads to an uncertainty in the actual value. Essentially it is a 'best fit'

This 'uncertainty in the accuracy' of the measurement has to be accounted for and included in all
experiments.
Therefore every experiment will expect a consideration and/or a calculation of the uncertainty

Task: Research the different forms of uncertainty which are used, their definitions and
equations used and reference where you find the information in Harvard
referencing format.

The final page of this document has been left for you to write your
research findings on.
7. Exam Technique
It is vital that you are able to communicate a numerical answer appropriately to an examiner.

Students will often make these mistakes in questions that involve calculations:
 Copying values or equations incorrectly from the question or the data sheet.
 Mistakes when rearranging formulae.
 Ignoring prefixes to units.
 Inputting into calculator wrong, especially standard form and accurate use of brackets.
 Having the calculator in the wrong mode (radians/degrees)
 If asked for, not writing final answer to the correct number of significant figures or writing the unit.
 Writing down a value which would be silly in the context of the question.
 Messy working that is difficult to decipher.

A method for numerical questions

Example question: Data sheet:
Speed of electromagnetic radiation in free space,
Calculate the wavelength of a quantum of c = 3.00 x 106 m s-1
electromagnetic radiation with energy of 1.99 J. Planck’s constant, h = 6.63 x 10-34 J s

(1) Write down the values of everything you are given. c = 3.00 x 108 ms-1
h = 6.63 x 10-34 Js
(2) Convert all the values into SI units (e.g. put time into
seconds, distance in meters...) and replace unit prefixes E = 0.199 pJ
with their equivalent values in standard form. = 0.199 x 10-12 J
λ = ?

(3) Pick the equation you need. If you need to find it on the
data sheet, look for one that contains the quantities you
E =
know and the quantity you are trying to work out.

(4) Rearrange the formula so the quantity you want is the

subject of the equation. λ =

(5) Insert the values into your equation, taking care to lay out - -
=
your working clearly -

(6) Use your calculator to accurately input the numbers to = 9.9949 x 1011 m
find the solution.
= 9.99 x 10-13 m to 3 s.f.
(7) Write down the answer to more decimal places than you
need at first, in case you need the value for later calculations. Check the answer seems sensible. In
this example I got a massive wavelength the first time because I mistyped the energy as 0.199 x 10 12 J.

(8) Write your final answer and underline it. All the input values were to 3 s.f., so the answer should be
written to the same precision.
Uncertainty research notes:

References: