PHYSICS FORM ONE

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
What is physics?
Physics is a Greek word meaning nature hence it deals with natural
phenomena. Physics is therefore a science whose objective is the
study of components of matter and their mutual interactions.
Physics is also defined as the study of matter and its relation to
energy.A physicist is able to explain bulk properties of matter as well as
other phenomena observed.

Branches of physics
1. Mechanics – the study of motion of bodies under the influence of force.
2. Electricity – this deals with the movement of charge from one point to
another through a conductor.
3. Magnetism – the study of magnets and magnetic fields and their
extensive applications.
4. Thermodynamics / heat – this is the study of the transformation of heat
from one form to another.
5. Optics –the study of light as it travels from one media to another
6. Waves – the study of disturbances which travel through mediums or a
vacuum.
7. Particle physics
8. Nuclear physics
9. Plasma physics

Relation of physics to other subjects

1. Physics and mathematics
2. Physics and chemistry
3. Physics and biology
4. Physics and geography
5. Physics and History
Career opportunities in physics
1. Engineering - Civil ,Electrical, Mechanical, Agricultural, Environmental,
Chemical, Computer.
2. Meteorology
3. Surveying
4. Geology
5. Astronomy
NOTE: - all science based careers i.e. doctors, nurses, technologists,
engineers, pharmacists etc. need physics as a true foundation.

Basic laboratory safety rules

1. Proper dressing must be observed, no loose clothing, hair and closed shoes
must be worn.
2. Identify the location of electricity switches, fire-fighting equipment, first aid
kit, gas and water supply systems.
3. Keep all windows open whenever working in the laboratory.
4. Follow all instructions carefully and never attempt anything in doubt.
5. No eating or drinking allowed in the laboratory.
6. Ensure that all electrical switches, gas and water taps are turned off when
not in use.
7. Keep floors and working surfaces dry. Any spillage must be wiped off
immediately.
8. All apparatus must be cleaned and returned in the correct location of
storage after use.
9. Hands must be washed before leaving the laboratory.
10. Any accidents must be reported to the teacher immediately.

FIRST AID MEASURES

CHAPTER TWO
MEASUREMENT I
In order to measure we need to know or define the quantity to be
measured and the units for measuring it. In 1971 a system known as the
International System of Units (Systeme’ Internationale) and seven
basic units were agreed upon as follows. Other quantities can be obtained
from these basic quantities and are referred to as derived quantities.

Basic quantity SI units Symbo

ls
Length Metre m
Mass Kilogra kg
m
Time Second s
Electric current Ampere A
Thermodynamic Kelvin K
temperature
Luminous intensity Candela Cd
Amount of substance Mole mol
Length
This is the measure of distance between two points in space. The SI
unit for length is the metre (m).Therefore 1 km = 1000 m
1 Hm = 100 m
1 Dm= 10 m
1 mm = 0.001 m
Length is measured using a metre rule (100 cm), tape measure (100 m,
300 m, 500 m)

Area
 This is the measure of the extent of a surface. It is a derived quantity
of length. Its SI units are square metres (m2). Other units are cm2, km2,
etc. Formulas are used to determine areas of regular bodies while for
irregular bodies an approximation of area is used.

Volume
This is the amount of space occupied by matter. The SI units for
volume is cubic metre (m3).
Other sub-multiples are cm3, mm3 and l. Hence 1 m3 = 1,000,000 cm3
and 1l= 1,000 cm3. Volume can be measured using a measuring cylinder,
eureka can, pipette, burette, volumetric flask, beaker, etc.

Mass
This is the quantity of matter contained in a substance. Matter is
anything that occupies space and has weight. The SI unit for mass is the
Kilogram (kg). Other sub-multiples used are grams (g), milligrams (mg)
and tonnes (t). 1 kg = 1,000 g = 1,000,000 mg=100 tonnes. A beam
balance is used to measure mass.

Density
This is mass per unit volume of a substance. It is symbolized by rho
(ρ) and its SI units are kg/m3. Density = mass / volume.

Examples
1. A block of glass of mass 187.5 g is 5.0 cm long, 2.0 cm thick and 7.5 cm
high. Calculate the density of the glass in kgm -3.
Solution
Density = mass / volume = (187.5 /1000) /(2.0 × 7.5 × 5.0 /1,000,000) =
2,500 kgm-3.

2. The density of concentrated sulphuric acid is 1.8 g/cm 3. Calculate the

volume of 3.1 kg of the acid.
Solution
Volume = mass / density = 3,100 / 1.8 = 1,722 cm 3 or 0.001722 m3.

The following is a list of densities of some common substances

Substance Density Density
(g/cm )
3
(kg/m3)
Platinum 21.4 21,400
Gold 19.3 19,300
Lead 11.3 11,300
Silver 10.5 10,500
Copper 8.93 8,930
Iron 7.86 7,860
Aluminium 2.7 2,700
Glass 2.5 2,500
Ice 0.92 920
 Mercury 13.6 13,600
Sea water 1.03 1,030
Water 1.0 1,000
Kerosene 0.80 800
Alcohol 0.79 790
Carbon (iv) 0.00197 1.97
oxide
Air 0.00131 1.31
Hydrogen 0.000089 0.089

Example
The mass of an empty density bottle is 20 g. Its mass when filled with
water is 40.0 g and
50.0 g when filled with liquid X. Calculate the density of liquid X if the
density of water is 1,000 kgm-3.
Solution
Mass of water = 40 – 20 = 20 g = 0.02 kg.
Volume of water = 0.02 / 1,000 = 0.00002 m 3. Volume of liquid = volume
of bottle
Mass of liquid = 50 – 20 = 30 g = 0.03 kg
Therefore density of liquid = 0.03 / 0.00002 = 1,500 kgm -3

Relative density
This is the density of a substance compared to the density of
water.
It is symbolized by (d) and has no units since it’s a ratio.
Relative density (d) = density of substance / density of water. It is
measured using a relative density bottle
Example
The relative density of some type of wood is 0.8. Find the density of the
wood in kg/m3.
Solution
Density of substance = d × density of water
Density of substance = 0.8 × 1,000 = 800 kgm -3

Densities of mixtures
We use the following formula to calculate densities of mixtures
Density of the mixture = mass of the mixture / volume of the
mixture

Example
100 cm3 of fresh water of density 1,000 kgm -3 is mixed with 100 cm 3 of sea
water of density 1030 kgm-3. Calculate the density of the mixture.
Solution
Mass = density × volume
Mass of fresh water = 1,000 × 0.0001 = 0.1 kg
Mass of sea water = 1030 × 0.0001 = 0.103 kg
 Mass of mixture = 0.1 + 0.103 = 0.203 kg
Volume of mixture = 100 + 100 = 200 cm3 = 0.0002 m3
Therefore density = mass / volume = 0.203 / 0.0002 =1,015 kg/m 3.

Time
This is a measure of duration of an event. The SI unit for time is the
second (s). Submultiples of the second are milliseconds, microseconds,
minute, hour, day, week and year. It is measured using clocks, stop
watches, wrist watches, and digital watches.

Accuracy and errors

Accuracy is the closeness of a measurement to the correct value of
the quantity being measured. It is expressed as an error. An error is
therefore the deviation of measurement to the correct value being
measured. The smaller the error the accurate the measurement. % error
= (sensitivity / size measured) × 100.

CHAPTER THREE FORCES.

Force is a push or a pull. Force is therefore that which changes a body’s
state of motion or shape. The SI unit for force is Newton (N). It is a vector
quantity. It is represented by the following symbol.

Types of forces
1. Gravitational force –this is the force of attraction between two bodies of
given masses. Gravity is a non contact force - it acts even if objects are not
in contact with one another.
- Earth’s gravitational force is the force which pulls a body towards its center.
This pull of gravity is called weight.
Factors affecting gravitational force
 Masses of the objects - the larger the mass the stronger the
gravitational force.
 Distance of separation between the two objects - The longer the
distance of separation the weaker the gravitational force.

2. Force of friction – this is a force which opposes the relative motion of two
surfaces in contact with each other. Friction in fluids is known as viscosity.
3.
4. Tension force – this is the pull or compression of a string or spring at both
its ends.
5. Upthrust force – this is the upward force acting on an object immersed in a
fluid.
6. Cohesive and adhesive forces – cohesive is the force of attraction of
molecules of the same kind while adhesive is the force of attraction of
molecules of different kinds.
7. Magnetic force – this is a force which causes attraction or repulsion in a
magnet.
8. Electrostatic force – this is the force of attraction or repulsion of static
charges.
9. Centripetal force – this is a force which constrains a body to move in a
circular orbit or path.
10. Surface tension – this is the force which causes the surface of a liquid to
behave like a stretched skin. This force is cohesive.

Factors affecting surface tension

a) Impurities – they reduce the surface tension of a liquid i.e. addition of
detergent
b) Temperature – rise in temperature reduces tension by weakening inter-
molecular forces.

Mass and weight.

Mass is the amount of matter contained in a substance while weight is the
pull of gravity on an object. The SI unit for mass is the Kg while weight is
the newton (N). Mass is constant regardless of place while weight
changes with place. The relationship between mass and weight is given by
the following formula, W = mg where g = gravitational force.

Differences between mass and weight

Mass Weight
It is the quantity of matter in a body It is the pull of gravity on a body
It is measured in kilograms It is measured in newton’s
It is the same everywhere It changes from place to place
It is measured using a beam Measured using a spring balance
balance
Has magnitude only Has both magnitude and direction

Example
An astronaut weighs 900 N on earth. On the moon he weighs 150 N.
Calculate the moons’ gravitational strength. (Take g = 10 N/kg).
Solution
Moons’ gravitational strength = weight of astronaut on the moon / mass of
astronaut.
= 150 / 90 = 1.67 Nkg-1.

Measuring force
We use a spring balance to measure force. A spring balance is an
instrument that uses the extension of a spring to measure forces.
 Example
The length of a spring is 16.0 cm. its length becomes 20.0 cm when
supporting a weight of 5.0 N. calculate the length of the spring when
supporting a weight of:
a) 2.5 N b) 6.0 N c) 200 N
Solution
5N causes an extension of 4.0 cm, therefore 1.0 cm causes an extension of
4 /5 = 0.8 cm.
a) 2.5 N => 2.5 × 0.8 = 2.0 cm therefore length becomes = 16.0 + 2.0 =
18.0 cm.
b) 6.0 N => 6.0 × 0.8 = 4.8 cm therefore length becomes = 16.0 + 4.8 =
20.8 cm.
c) 200 N => 200 × 0.8 = 160.0 cm therefore length becomes = 16.0 + 160.0
= 176.0 cm.

Vector and scalar quantities

A scalar quantity is a quantity which has magnitude (size) only.
Examples are distance, mass, speed
A vector quantity is a quantity which has both magnitude and
direction. Examples are displacement, weight, velocity.
 CHAPTER FOUR
PRESSURE
Pressure is defined as the force acting normally (perpendicularly)
per unit area. The SI units for pressure is newton per metre squared
(N/m2). One Nm-2 is known as one Pascal (Pa).
Pressure = normal force / area or pressure = thrust / area. Another
unit for measuring pressure is the bar. 1 bar = 105 N/m2. 1millibar = 100
N/m2. Calculating pressure
Examples
1. A rectangular brick of weight 10 N, measures 50 cm × 30 cm × 10 cm.
calculate the values of the maximum and minimum pressures which the
block exert when resting on a horizontal table.
Solution
Area of the smallest face = 0.3 × 0.1 = 0.03 m 2.
Area of the largest face = 0.5 × 0.3 = 0.15 m2.
Maximum pressure = 10 N / 0.03 = 3.3 × 10 2 N/m2. Minimum pressure =
10 N / 0.15 = 67 N/m2.
2. A man of mass 84 kg stands upright on a floor. If the area of contact of his
shoes and the floor is 420 cm2, determine the average pressure he exerts
on the floor. (Take g = 10 N/Kg)
Solution
Pressure = force / area = 840 / 0.042 = 20,000 Nm-2.

Pressure in liquids.
The following formula is used to determine pressure in liquids.
Pressure = h ρ g, where h – height of the liquid, ρ – density and g – is
force of gravity. Examples
1. A diver is 10 m below the surface of water in a dam. If the density of water
is 1,000 kgm-
3 -1
, determine the pressure due to the water on the diver. (Take g = 10 Nkg )
Solution
Pressure = h ρ g = 10 × 1000 × 10 = 100,000 Nm -2.
2. The density of mercury is 13,600 kgm -3. Determine the liquid pressure at a
point 76 cm below the surface of mercury. (Take g = 10 Nkg -1)
Solution
Pressure = h ρ g = 0.76 × 13,600 × 10 = 103,360 Nm -2.
3. The height of the mercury column in a barometer is found to be 67.0 cm at
a certain place. What would be the height of a water barometer at the
same place? (Densities of
mercury and water are 1.36 × 104 kg/m3 and 1.0 × 103 kg/m3 respectively.)
Solution
Let the pressure due to water be h1ρ1g1 = h ρ g, hence;
h1 = h ρ / ρ1= (6.7 × 10-1) × (1.36 × 104) = 911.2 cm or 9.11 m.

U-tube manometer
 It is a transparent tube bent into U-shape. When a liquid is poured into a u-
tube it settles at equal level since pressure depends on height and they
share the same bottom. Consider the following diagrams;

For the levels to differ the pressure P1 must be greater than P2, hence
P1 = P2 + hρg.
If P1 is the lung pressure, P0 is the atmospheric pressure, then if the
difference is‘h’ then lung pressure can calculated as follows.
P1 = P0 + hρg.
Example
A man blows into one end of a U-tube containing water until the levels
differ by 40.0 cm. if the atmospheric pressure is 1.01 × 10 5 N/m2 and the
density of water is 1000 kg/m3, calculate his lung pressure.
Solution
Lung pressure = atmospheric Pressure + liquid pressure
P1 = P0 + hρg. Hence P1 = (1.01 × 105) + (0.4 × 10 × 1000) = 1.05 × 10 5
N/m2.

Measuring pressure
1. Simple mercury barometer– it is constructed using a thick walled glass
tube of length 1 m and is closed at one end. Mercury is added into the
tube then inverted and dipped into a dish containing more mercury. The
space above the mercury column is called torricellian vacuum. The height
‘h’ (if it is at sea level) would be found to be
760 mm. Atmospheric pressure can be calculated as,
P = ρ g h =>where ρ (mercury)- 1.36 × 104 kg/m3, g- 9.81 N/kg, h- 0.76
m.
Then P = (1.36 × 104) × 9.81 × 0.76 = 1.014 × 105 Pa.
NOTE- this is the standard atmospheric pressure, sometimes called one
atmosphere. It is approximately one bar.
2. Fortin barometer–this is a more accurate mercury barometer. The adjusting
screw is adjusted first to touch the mercury level in the leather bag.

3. Aneroid barometer– increase in pressure causes the box to contract, the

movements are magnified by the system of levers and is transmitted to the
pointer by the fine chain and this causes the pointer to move. The scale is
suitably calibrated to read pressure. Since pressure falls or rises as altitude
falls or rises, the pointer can also be calibrated to read altitude.
4. Bourdon gauge– it is also called gauge pressure and is used in gas
cylinders. When air is blown into the rubber tube, the curved metal tube tries
to straighten out and this causes movement which is transmitted by levers
and gears attached to a pointer. This gauge can measure both gas and liquid
pressure.

Examples
1. The height of the mercury column in a barometer is found to be 67.0 cm at a
certain place. What would be the height of a water barometer at the same
place? (densities of mercury- 1.36 × 104 kg/m3 and water- 1.0 × 103 kg/m3).
Solution
Let the pressure due to water be h 1 ρ1 g1 and that of water be h ρ g. Then
h1 ρ1 g1 = h ρ g. Hence h1 = (6.7 × 10-1) × (1.36 × 104) / 1.0 × 103 = 911.2
cm or 9.11 m.

Application of pressure in gases and liquids.

1. Rubber sucker– this is a shallow rubber cap. Before use it is moistened to
get a good seal then pressed firmly on a smooth surface so that the air
inside is pushed out. The
atmospheric pressure will then hold it firmly
against the surface as shown below. They are
used by
printing machines to lift papers, lifting glass
panes, heavy metal sheets etc.
2. Drinking straw– when a liquid is drawn using a straw air is sucked through
the straw to the lungs. This leaves the space in the straw partially
evacuated. The atmospheric pressure pushing down the liquid in the
container becomes greater than the pressure inside the straw and this
forces the liquid into your mouth.
3. The syringe– they work in the principle as the straw. They are used by the
doctors in hospitals for giving injections.

4. Bicycle pump– it uses two valves, one in the pump (greasy leather) and the
other in the tire. When the handle is pushed in, the pressure inside the
barrel becomes greater than the one in the tire and this pushes air inside.
The valve in the tire is made such that air is locked inside once pumped.

5. The siphon– it is used to empty tanks which may not be easy to empty by
pouring their contents out. The tubing must be lowered below the base of
the tank. The liquid flows out due to pressure difference caused by the
difference in height (h ρ g).
6. Lift pump.
7. Force pump.

Transmission of pressure in liquids and gases.

It was first recognized by a French mathematician and physicist called
Blaise Pascal in the 17th century. Pressure is equally distributed in a
fluid and equally transmitted as shown in the following,
a) Hydraulic brake system– the master cylinder transmits pressure to the four
slave cylinders on each wheel. The cylinders contain brake fluid. Fluid is
used because liquids are almost incompressible. When force is applied in
the pedal the resulting pressure in the master cylinder is transmitted to
the slave cylinders. This forces the piston to open the brake shoes which
then pushes the brake lining against the drum. This force the rotation of
the wheel to slow down. It is important to note that pressure is equally
distributed in all wheels so that the car doesn’t pull or veer to one side.
b) Hydraulic press– it consists of two pistons with different cross-sectional
areas. Since pressure is transmitted equally in fluids, when force is applied
in one piston it is transmitted to the other piston. The smaller piston is
called the force while the bigger piston is called the load. They are used to
lift heavy loads in industries, bending metals and sheets etc.

Examples
1. The area of the smaller piston of a hydraulic press is 0.01 m 2 and that of
the bigger piston is 0.5 m2. If the force applied to the smaller piston is 2 N,
what force is transmitted to the larger piston?
Solution
Pressure = force / area – hence P = 2 / 0.01 = 200 Pa.
Force = Pressure × Area = 200 × 0.5 = 100 N.
 2. The master cylinder piston in a car braking system has a diameter of 2.0
cm. The effective area of the brake pads on each of the four wheels is 30
cm2. The driver exerts a force of 500 n on the brake pedal. Calculate a)
The pressure in the master cylinder
b) The total braking force in the car.
Solution
a) Area of the master cylinder – π r2 = 3.14 cm2
Pressure = force /area = 500 / 3.14 × 10-4 = 1.59 × 106 N/m2
b) Area of brake pads = (30 × 4) cm2. Since pressure in the wheel cylinder is
the same as in the master cylinder)
F = Pressure × Area = (1.59 × 106) × (120 × 10-4) = 1.91 × 104 N.

CHAPTER FIVE
PARTICULATE NATURE OF MATTER.
States of matter
Matter is anything that occupies space. Matter exists in three states:
solids, liquids and gases. Matter can be changed in various ways which
includes physical, chemical and nuclear changes.
a) Physical changes– they are normally reversible and no new substances
formed. Examples are;
(i) Change of state such as melting and vaporization
(ii) Thermal expansion due to heating
(iii) Dissolving solids in liquids
(iv) Magnetizing
(v) Charging electrically
b) Chemical changes– they are irreversible and new substances are formed
Examples are;
(i) Changes caused by burning
(ii) Changes occurring in some chemicals due to heating e.g. mercuric oxide
(iii) The reactions resulting from mixing chemicals to form other
substances.
c) Nuclear changes– these are changes occurring in nuclear substances which
give off some particles i.e. Uranium and Radium. As this happens they
change into other substances.

Particulate nature of matter

Matter is made up of millions of tiny particles which cannot be seen with
naked eyes. These particles are called atoms and are made up of sub-
 atomic particles called protons, neutrons and electrons. Atoms join
together to form molecules.

Movement of particles
Particles move from one region to another by the process of diffusion.
Diffusion is the movement of molecules from regions of high
concentration to regions of low concentration until an equilibrium
is reached or achieved. Gases diffuse faster or readily than liquids. The
rate of diffusion depends on the manner of arrangement of individual
particles. Solids
Individual atoms in solids have a small space between them hence their
forces of attraction are very strong. They vibrate in their fixed positions
and this gives solids a fixed shape.
Liquids
Forces of attraction between liquid molecules are not as strong as in solids
where motion is not restricted. They collide with each other as they move
about. They take the shape of the container they are put in hence have no
definite shape.
Gases
Molecules of atoms in gaseous state are further apart experiencing very
small forces of attraction. This makes them almost completely free from
each other. We say they are independent in space. Gases have no definite
shape and volume but they take up the space and volume of the container
they are put in.

CHAPTER SIX
THERMAL EXPANSION.
Introduction
Temperature is the degree of hotness or coldness of a body. Both
Celsius scale (0C) and Kelvin scale (thermodynamic scale) are used
to measure temperature. The Kelvin scale is also known as the absolute
scale temperature and is measured from absolute zero (0 K).

Expansion of solids
When solids are heated they expand. The expansion is so small such that
we can’t see them.
The following experiments will demonstrate actual expansion of solids.
Experiment 1:- Ball and ring experiment
Procedure
1. Obtain a ball and ring apparatus.
2. Pass the ball through the ring at room temperature and observe that it
easily slips through.
3. Heat the ball using a Bunsen burner for one minute.
4. Try to pass the ball through the ring and observe what happens.
5. Let it cool for some time and try passing the ball again.
 Discussion
When the ball is heated it expands and increases in diameter. This makes
the ball not to pass through the ring. After cooling it is found that the ball
slips through the ring easily again.

Experiment 2:- The bar-breaker Procedure

1. Try and break the cast-iron pin with your hands. Can you? (A bar-breaker is
a strong iron frame which holds a steel bar fitted with a wing- nut. The
other end is held by cast-iron pin as shown below).
2. Tighten the nut but do not break the pin.
3. Heat the bar strongly using two Bunsen burners as you keep tightening the
nut.
4. Continue heating for another five minutes then let it cool.
5. Observe what happens.

Discussion
When the bar cools the cast-iron pin breaks. This shows that as the bar
cools it contracts and strong forces pull against the pin. These forces
makes the pin to break.
Experiment 3:- Heating a bimetallic strip
Procedure
1. Heat a brass-iron bimetallic strip using a Bunsen burner and make sure it is
heated evenly.
2. Observe what happens after a short while.
 Discussion
When a brass-iron bimetallic strip is heated it bends towards the iron.
This means that brass expands more than iron and this causes the strip to
bend towards the iron side. This shows that different materials expand at
different rates when heated.

Applications of the expansion of solids

1. Construction of railway lines– an expansion joint is allowed between any
two rails to accommodate expansion. A fish plate is used to join two rails.
Modern railway system use the overlapping joint at the end of rails.

2. Construction of bridges and roof tops (steel girders)– for bridges one side
has rollers while the other is fixed to allow for expansion. Concrete slabs
are also laid on the
 ground leaving space filled with pitch to allow
r expansion.
fo

3. Hot water pipes

– pipes carrying hot water (steam) from boilers are fitted with
expansion joints for expansion.

4. Riveting – used to join two pieces of metal together i.e. bimetallic strips,
car bodies, drums etc. Fitting rail cart wheel using heat uses the principle
of rivets. Bimetallic
strips are used in thermostats (control temperature) – electric iron box,
alarm systems, car flasher units etc.

Expansion of liquids and gases. Expansion of liquids.

Liquids expand more than solids so it is easy to observe and see clearly as
they expand. We use the hot water bottle to demonstrate the expansion of
water. Water is put in the bottle as shown below.
 When the bottle is immersed in hot water, initially there is a drop in the
level of water in the glass tube then it steadily rises after a while. This
shows that liquids expand with increment in volume as shown by the hot
water bottle. Different liquids expand at different rates as shown below.

Expansion of gases
They are the easiest to observe since they expand the most.
Experiment: - Expansion of air
Procedure
1. Obtain an empty 500 ml round bottomed flask fitted with a cork and a
glass tubing.
2. Place a beaker with some water on a bench.
3. Rub your hands together thoroughly and place them on the flask and place
it in the water as shown.
4. Observe what happens.

Discussion
The heat produced by the hands makes the air inside the flask to expand.
This makes the volume to increase and therefore force the excess air out
as bubbles.

Applications of the expansion of gases and liquids.

1. Land and sea breeze– during the day the land is heated by the sun causing
the air above it to expand. The air becomes less dense therefore it rises.
 The space left is quickly filled by another cool air (generally from the sea
since the land gets hot faster). This causes a cool breeze form the sea
during the day. At night the land loses heat faster than the sea. The air
above the sea rises since it is less dense and cool air from the land rushes
to fill the gap. This causes a breeze blowing from the land to the sea.

Thermometers
1. Liquid-in-glass thermometer–this applies to the expansion of a liquid in a
thin-walled glass-tube. The liquid moves up the tube when the bulb is
heated. The liquid must be a good conductor, visible and be able to
contract and expand quickly and uniformly over a wide range of
temperatures. It should also not stick on the sides of the tube. Liquids
commonly used are mercury and coloured alcohol. The scale is obtained
by choosing two temperature points called fixed points. In Celsius lower
point is taken to be 0oC (when placed in ice) and the upper point as 100 oC
(boiling steam). The two points are therefore divided into 100 equal parts
(calibration). The melting and boiling points of both mercury and alcohol
are (-39 oC – 357 oC) and (-112 oC - 78 oC) respectively.
2. Clinical thermometer– this is a special type of mercury-in-glass
thermometer used to measure body temperature. Since body
temperature is normally 37 oC the scale is only a few degrees below and
above 37oC. It has a constriction which prevents mercury from going
back after expansion for convenient reading of temperature. This
thermometer has a narrow bore for greater sensitivity and accuracy.

3. Six’s maximum and minimum thermometer– it is used to measure

temperature of surroundings of an area or a place. It can record both
maximum and minimum temperatures attained. Consists of a large bulb
(A) containing oil of creosote connected to U-shaped stem which
connects to a second bulb (B) containing the same liquid. The base (C)
contains a thin thread of mercury. The range of this thermometer is
between -20 oC and 50 oC. After each reading the indices are pulled down
to the level of mercury by use of a magnet.
4. Bimetallic thermometer– it is made up of a bimetallic strip with one end
fixed and the other connected to a pointer. Metals used are usually brass
and invar. As temperatures increase the strip unwinds and moves the
pointer over a calibrated scale. It is used to measure high temperatures.

5. Thermocouple thermometer– thermocouple is a junction made of copper

and iron looped at both ends. In practice a sensitive millivoltmeter is
used instead of a galvanometer. A cold junction is maintained in melting
ice (0oC) while the other junction is heated steadily. This thermometer does
not apply the principle of expansion.
 Unusual expansion of water.
If water is heated let’s say from -15oC it expands normally like any solid but
only up to 0oC.
At this point it starts to melt and it contracts. This contraction will be
observed up to 4 oC. When heated further water starts to expand up to
boiling point. This is the unusual expansion of water. This makes the top of
water to freeze (0oC) in temperate countries allowing the one below to
remain liquid (4oC). This
supports
marine
life
during
winter.

Molecules and heat.

1. Solids
– when
heated molecules in solids absorb heat
energy and vibrate. They push against one another and this causes
expansion. Further expansion may result to collapse as melting in ice.
2. Liquids – besides vibrating particles in a liquid move short distances. As
they move they collide by hitting each other and this results to more
expansion. For boiling to occur molecules absorb enough energy to be able
to escape from the liquid.
3. Gases – individual particles are free of one another and in rapid motion.
When heated there are collisions with the walls of the container. This
results to high pressure in the container.

CHAPTER SEVEN HEAT TRANSFER.

Heat is transferred in matter through the following methods: conduction,
convection and radiation.
 Conduction
This is the transfer of heat in solids. The rate of conduction depends
on
1. Amount of temperature – the higher the temperature the higher the rate of
transfer.
2. Cross-sectional area – the larger the cross-sectional area the higher the
transfer.
3. Length of material – the shorter the material the higher the rate of
transfer.
4. Type of material – different materials transfer heat at different rates.
Good and bad conductors
Conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct heat. Good
conductors of heat are those materials which are able to transfer heat
easily and steadily. Bad conductors are those which do not conduct heat.
Experiment: Comparing thermal conductivity of metals
Procedure
1. Obtain four identical rods of copper, iron, aluminium and brass.
2. At one end of each rod attach a matchstick using paraffin wax and let it
solidify.
3. Place the rods on a tripod stand with the free ends close to one another as
shown.
4. Heat the free ends strongly with a Bunsen burner.
5. Observe what happens.

Discussion
When done correctly and carefully the matchsticks will fall off in the
following order:
copper, aluminium, brass and finally iron. This shows that different metals
conduct heat at different rates.
NOTE – on a cold morning a metallic chair would feel cold compared to a
wooden chair at the same temperature, this is because the metallic chair
absorbs heat from your body as opposed to wood which is a bad conductor
of heat. Applications of conductors
Good conductors
1. They are used to manufacture cooking utensils
2. They are used as liquids suitable for thermometers i.e. mercury
3. Used as heat dumps (metal clips) when soldering delicate components in a
circuit board i.e. transistors
Poor conductors
1. Used as insulators in handles of cooking utensils
2. Used in making good winter clothes i.e. wool
3. Hot water cylinders are lagged with fibre-glass since glass is a poor
conductor of heat.
4. Houses in cold countries have double walls with air trapped in them to
keep them warm.
Convection
This is the transfer of heat through fluids (liquids and gases). This
occurs when part of the fluid is heated: they become less dense and rise
above the cold fluid. As they move they carry heat with them. In
convection we observe streams of moving fluid called convectional
currents. Convection in air
Experiment: model chimney (smoke box)
Procedure
1. Obtain a model chimney system or construct one as shown
2. Place a lighted candle under one of the chimneys
3. Place a smouldering cloth near the other chimney and observe what
happens.

Discussion
Smoke will be seen going into the chimney and coming out through the
other chimney. The air above the candle gets heated and rises up the
chimney causing convectional currents which carry the smoke out with
them.
Experiment: revolving paper-vane
Procedure
1. Make a paper-vane by cutting a thin card as shown
2. Put a string through the hole in the centre and hold it above a lighted
Bunsen burner.
3. Observe what happens.
 Discussion
As the air above the flame gets heated convectional currents are formed
and rise upwards.as these currents brush against the paper-vane it
rotates. Convection in liquids
Experiment: heating water in a beaker
Procedure
1. Put water in a beaker until it is three quarters full and place it on a tripod
stand.
2. Drop a crystal of potassium permanganate through a tube to settle at one
corner at the bottom of the flask.
3. Heat the water gently using a Bunsen burner and observe the movement
of streams of colour.

Discussion
A stream of colour will be seen moving upwards and downwards again at
the other side of the beaker. This will continue gradually until all the water
 becomes coloured. This shows that convectional currents also exist in
liquids.
Experiment: model of hot water system
Procedure
1. Obtain two flat bottomed flasks and set up the apparatus as shown below.
2. Hold the flasks in place by use of clamp stands.
3. Heat the bottom of the lower flask and observe what happens.

Discussion
When the water in the lower flask becomes hot it rises up to the upper
flask. After some time the water in the upper flask will become hot due to
convectional currents.

Applications of convection
1. Brings about the land and sea breezes.
2. Can be used to explain the weather phenomena.
3. Used in car radiators.
4. Used in immersion water heaters by placing them at the bottom.

Radiation
 This is simply the flow of heat from one point to another by means
of electromagnetic waves.

Radiation from different surfaces

We use the Leslie cube to determine radiation of different surfaces. It is a
rectangular metal container of square base with small opening at the top.
One side is coated with polished silver, another dull black (candle flame
soot), the other grey and the fourth white. Experiment: Radiation from
different surfaces
Procedure
1. Place a Leslie cube on a tripod stand and attach a thermometer on each of
the four sides.
2. All thermometers should be at least 5.0 cm form the surface and should
read the same temperature.
3. Pour hot water (about 80 0C) until it is full and note the reading of each
thermometer after 1 minute.
4. Repeat the above procedure using boiling water (100 0C).

Discussion
The thermometer against the black surface records the highest
temperature, followed by the one on the grey side, then the white surface
while the polished side recorded the lowest temperature. The readings
when the water is boiling were higher, indicating that radiation depends on
temperature. It also depends on the nature of surface.

Applications of radiation
1. Electric kettles have a chrome coat to reduce radiation.
2. Electric iron are silver coated to minimize radiation.
3. Green houses use radiation (heat trap) to grow crops.
4. Clouds reflect radiation back to the earth hence cloudy nights are warmer
than clear nights.
 Vacuum flask
It was developed by Sir James Ivarin 1890. It keeps a liquid hot or cold
(depends on what is put in). The liquid stays at the temperature it is
poured in either hot or cold. It has the following principle features;
(i) The vacuum between the double walls
(ii) The two interior walls coated with silver (iii) Insulating cork supports (anti-
shock pads) (iv) Insulating cork stopper at the top.

CHAPTER EIGHT
RECTILINEAR PROPAGATION AND
REFLECTION AT PLANE SURFACES.
Introduction
Objects that produce their own light are known as luminous objects i.e.
the sun, torch lamps etc. objects that do not produce their own light are
called non-luminous objects i.e. the moon. Opaque objects are those
which do not allow light to pass through them.
Translucent materials are those which allow light to pass through them
but we cannot see through them i.e. church glass and bathroom glass.
Transparent materials are those which allow light to pass through them
and we can see through them i.e. window panes, car windows etc. A ray is
the direction of the path followed by light. A beam is a group of rays
travelling together.
 Experiment: light travels in straight lines
Procedure
1. Obtain three cardboards with a hole at the center and mount them such
that they form a straight line.
2. Arrange them as shown and place a lighted candle at one end and make
sure that you can see the flame from the other end.
3. Move any of the cardboards and observe what happens.

Discussion
When one cardboard is displaced or moved slightly the flame cannot be
seen at the other end. This shows that light travels in a straight line. This
principle is applied in the following,
Pinhole camera
It consists of a closed box with a small hole on one face and a screen of
tracing paper/ frosted glass on the opposite face as shown. An image will
be formed on the screen. Since light travels from one point of the object
through the hole an image will be formed on the opposite screen of the
box. If the object is near the hole it is magnified while diminished if away
from the hole. Magnification is therefore the ration of the image to
object height, expressed as,
Magnification = height of image/ height of object or
= distance of image from pinhole/ distance of object
from pinhole
Shadows
Shadows are formed when an opaque object is placed between a source
of light and a screen. When the shadow is big a dark patch at the centre
is formed (umbra) while a surrounding lighter patch called penumbra is
formed.

Eclipses
Eclipse of the sun (solar eclipse)
This occurs when the moon is between the earth and the earth. The
shadow of the moon falls on the earth’s surface. Sometimes the distance is
large for the shadow to reach the

Annular
eclipse
 earth and when this happens an annular eclipse occurs.

Eclipse of the moon

It is also known as lunar eclipse and occurs when the earth is between the
sun and the moon. The shadow of the earth falls on the moon.

Examples
1. Calculate the height of a building 300 m away from a pinhole camera
which produces an image 2.5 cm high if the distance between the pinhole
and the screen is 5.0 cm.
Solution
Object distance = 300 m, image height = 2.5 cm, image distance = 5.0
cm. Object height/ image height = object distance/ image distance Object
height = (30,000 × 2.5) / 5.0 = 15,000 cm = 150 m.
2. The length of a pinhole camera is 25.0 cm. An object 2.0 cm is placed 10.0
m from the pinhole. Calculate the height of the image produced and its
magnification.
Solution
Image height = (image distance × object height) / object distance
= (25 ×200) / 10 = 500 cm or 5 m.
Magnification = image distance / object distance
= 25 /10 = 2.5

Reflection from plane surfaces

Diffuse and regular reflection
Regular reflection occurs when a parallel beam of light falls on a plane
mirror band reflected as a parallel beam. They occur on polished surfaces.
A diffuse reflection occurs on rough
surfaces where a parallel beam of light is reflected in all directions.

Laws of reflection
1. The incident ray, the normal and the reflected ray at the point of incidence
must be on the same plane
2. The angle of incidence is equal to
the angle of reflection.

Images formed by
reflection from plane
surfaces
Characteristics of
images formed in a plane
mirror
1. The image is the same size as the object
2. The image is the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front
3. The image is laterally inverted 4. The image is virtual
5. The image is erect.

Location of an image by the non-parallax method

Parallax is the apparent relative motion of two objects due to the
movement of the observer. It only occurs when the objects are at a
distance from one another. This can be used to find the position of images
in plane mirrors.
Experiment: To find the position of an image of a pin by non-parallax
method
 Procedure
1. Obtain a sheet of paper and draw a mirror line
2. Place the mirror on the line as shown
3. Place the pin at least 5 cm from the mirror and obtain another pin (search
pin)
4. Move the pin till you get a point where there is no parallax and place your
second pin.
5. Measure the distances (both image and object) and confirm your results.

Mirrors at an angle
When mirrors are placed at an angle several images are obtained
depending on the angle between them. If the angle is 60 0 the images
formed will be five. We use the following formula to find the number of
images
n = (3600 / θ) – 1
When mirrors are parallel then the images formed are infinite.
Kaleidoscope
It applies the principle of mirrors at an angle. Consists of two mirrors
arranged at an angle of 600 to one another inside a tube. The bottom has a
ground-glass plate with brightly coloured glass for allowing light. When one
observes through the tube five images are seen.

The periscope
This consists of two mirrors arranged at an angle of 45 0 as shown. This
principle is used in periscopes (prisms) and telescopes.
CHAPTER NINE ELECROSTATICS I.
Some substances get charged when rubbed against other substances i.e.
nylon, plastic, paper etc. the charge acquired stays within the body i.e. it
does not move and therefore known as electrostatic charge or static
electricity.

The law of charges – types of charges

There are two types of charges i.e. negative and positive charges. The
negative charge consists of electrons which are mobile. The law of
charges in summary states that “like charges repel, unlike charges
attract’’. Just like in magnetism attraction is not a sure way of testing for
charge but repulsion because it will only occur if the bodies are similarly
charged.

Charges, atoms and electrons

The atom is made up of a central part called the nucleus, containing
positively charged ions called protons and outwardly surrounded by
negatively charged electrons. The nucleus also contain the particles
called neutrons which are not charged. When an atom is not charged the
number of protons equals the number of electrons. When a material is
rubbed with another i.e. acetate with silk, electrons are transferred from
one body to another. The body accepting or receiving electrons becomes
negatively charged while the one donating or losing electrons becomes
positively charged. Protons and neutrons in the nucleus do not move. The
SI unit for charge is the Coulomb (Coul.)
1 Coul. = charge on 6.25 × 1018 electrons.
Charge on one electron = 1.60 × 10-19 Coul.
1 Coul. = 1 Ampere second (As).

The leaf electroscope

This is a sensitive instrument for measuring charge. It consists of a
metal cap connected to a stem whose lower part is flattened into a plate
with a thin strip of aluminium foil attached to it. The plate and the leaf are
enclosed in a metal casing which is earthed. The sides of the metal are
made of glass to allow the leaf to be seen.
 Other leaf electroscopes are made using gold strips and are referred to
as gold leaf electroscope.

Charging and discharging an electroscope

When a charged body is brought near the cap of the electroscope the leaf
diverges, and when removed it collapses. When a negatively charged body
is brought near the metal cap electrons are repelled from the cap to the
lower parts of the stem and the leaf. This concentration of negative
charges makes the leaf to diverge. Similarly when a positively charged
body comes near the metal cap the electrons are attracted by the protons
and move up the stem, leaving a high concentration of positive charges
which make the leaf to diverge.

If you touch the metal cap with your finger the leaf collapses showing that
the charges have been discharged through your body. An uncharged body
will always cause the leaf of a charged electroscope to collapse regardless
of the charge on the electroscope. This shows that charge moves from the
charged electroscope to the uncharged body.

Conductors and insulators

Conductors are those substances which allow easy passage of a
charge. Insulators do not allow a charge to pass through easily. A
charged electroscope can be used to classify objects into conductors and
insulators.
Experiment: Arranging objects into conductors and insulators.
Procedure
1. Charge an electroscope by rubbing it with fur until its leaf diverges.
2. Obtain a number of materials like aluminium, paper, copper, iron, cloth,
glass, wood etc.
3. Hold these items in your hand in turns and touch the charged
electroscopes’ metal cap with it.
4. Record your results in the table shown below.
 Material Conduct Insulat
or or
Iron √
Cork √
Aluminiu √
m
Copper √
Paper √

Charging an electroscope by induction

We have seen that when a charged body is brought near a leaf
electroscope, charges are transferred to the electroscope and the leaf
diverges. This method of transferring charge without actual contact
is called induction.

Uses of the electroscope

 1. To detect the presence of charge on a body 2. To test the quantity of
charge on a charge body.
3. To test for insulation properties of a material.
4. To test the sign of charge on a charged body.

Applications of electrostatic charges.

1. Electrostatic precipitator – they are used in chimneys to reduce pollution
by attracting pollutants through electric ionization which then traps them
by use of plates (wire mesh). Finger printing and photocopying uses the
same principle.
2. Spray painting– as air cruises above the paint droplets acquire similar
charges therefore spread out finely due to repulsion. Little paint is then
used.

Dangers of electrostatics
As liquid flows through a pipe its molecules get charged due to rubbing
against inner surface. If the liquid is flammable then this can cause sparks
and explode. The same happens to fuels carried in plastic cans therefore it
is advisable to carry fuel in metallic cans to leak out the continuously
produced charges.

CHAPTER TEN
CELLS AND SIMPLE CIRCUITS.
Introduction
Work done per unit charge is called electrical potential. Current is the flow
of charge. For current to be continuous, potential difference between the
two points must be sustained.

Sources of continuous currents.

In this process work is continuously done in moving electrons against a
repulsive force. A device in which the potential difference is
sustained is called a cell. A cell is a source of continuous current. The
end of a cell with a higher potential (fewer electrons)is called the
positive terminal while the end with lower potential (higher electrons)
is called the negative terminal.
1. Chemical sources
A good example is the electrochemical cell where simultaneous
oxidation-reduction process occurs between the electrolyte and the
electrodes. An external circuit is used to transfer the electrons. Examples
of electrochemical cells are the primary cells i.e. the dry cell and Daniel
cell. The reactants must be replaced after supplying a given amount of
energy. The second type is the secondary cell or storage cell where the
chemical reaction is reversible i.e. the lead-acid battery and nickel-
cadmium cell. The third type is the fuel cell where chemical energy
supplied is continuously converted into electrical energy i.e. hydrogen-
oxygen cell used in spacecraft.
2. Thermoelectric sources
A good example is the thermocouple where p.d is sustained by the
continuous heating which keeps the terminals at different temperatures.
3. Solar sources
This occurs when some semi-conductor material called P and N type
absorbs light at their transition region and gain energy enough to move
electrons just like in cells. They are used in spaceships, calculators,
lighting, etc.

DC circuits
Conventionally current is a flow of positive charge and flows from the
positive terminal to the negative terminal. A dc current is the flow of
current in one direction that is from the positive terminal to the negative
terminal when the loop is closed.

Circuit symbols
The following symbols are used in electrical circuits.
 Potential difference and current
Pd is the work done by moving an electron from one point of a
conductor to another. Current is by definition the rate of flow of
charge.
Current = charge / time
The SI unit for current is the ampere, A.
1 A = 1 Coul/sec
1 milliampere (mA) = 10-3 A
1 microampere (µA) = 10-6 A
Examples
1. The current in a single loop is 3.0 A. How long would it take for a charge of
3600 coulombs to flow?
Solution
Current = charge / time
Time = charge / current => 3600 / 3 = 1200 seconds = 20 minutes.
2.

Primary cells
This is a cell formed by dipping two different metals into an electrolyte.
Experiment: making a simple cell
Procedure
1. Take a piece of copper strip and zinc strip and clean thoroughly with emery
paper.
2. Put the two strips in a beaker containing dilute sulphuric acid.
3. Observe what happens to the strips.
4. Connect the strips externally to a milliameter and a voltmeter.
Discussion
Sulphuric acid is chemically written as,
H2SO4 ----- 2H+ + SO42-
The electrons liberated by the acid move to the zinc electrode
Zn ------ Zn2+ + 2e-
The hydrogen ions move to the copper strip
2H+ + 2e- ---- H2
Copper strip therefore becomes positively charged while the zinc becomes
negatively charged electrode.
The accumulation of bubbles around the copper strip is called polarization.
The bubbles formed around the zinc strip is the reaction of acid with zinc
impurities and is called local action. Polarization produces insulation
between the strip and the acid cutting off production of current eventually.
This is known as the internal resistance of the cell. Local action eats away
the zinc strip and a mercury coat is applied to prevent this
(amalgamation). Polarization and local action are the main defects of
simple cells.

The Leclanche’ cell

In this cell carbon rod is used as the positive terminal and zinc as the
negative electrode. The electrolyte is ammonium chloride solution
(NH4Cl). No polarization since it is reduced by use of manganese (IV)
oxide (MnO2) which oxidizes hydrogen into water. Local action still
occurs. They are used in operating bells and telephone boxes.
 The dry cell
It is referred to as dry because it contains no liquid. The ammonium
solution is replaced with ammonium chloride jelly or paste, the
manganese (IV) oxide and carbon powder are used as the depolarizer.
The hydrogen gas produced is oxidized to water which eventually makes
the cell wet after use. They are used in torches, radios calculators etc.

Secondary cells
They are also called storage cells since they store electrical charge as
chemical energy. Experiment: To charge and discharge a simple secondary
cell
Procedure
1. Set up the apparatus as shown below.
2. Close the switch S1 and observe the changes in the plates if any.
3. Note how the ammeter reading varies with time.
Discussion
When charging oxygen is produced at the anode and hydrogen at the
cathode. The oxygen reacts with lead to form lead (IV) oxide which is
deposited at the anode. The hydrogen formed has no effect.
When discharging current flows in opposite direction with oxygen being
formed at the cathode and hydrogen at the anode. The colour of the
positive electrode changes from brown to grey.

Lead-acid accumulator.
A 12V accumulator has six cells connected in series. Each cell has
several plates forming lattice grid with positive plates carrying lead (IV)
oxide and the negative plates having spongy lead. They are placed close
to one another with an insulating sheet separating them. They are rated in
ampere-hours i.e. 30 Ah means that it can supply 1 ampere for 30 hours
or 2 amperes for 15 hours etc.

Example
A battery is rated at 30 Ah. For how long will it work if it steadily supplies a
current of 3 A?
Solution
Q = I t, hence t = Q / I => 30 / 3 = 10 hours.

Alkaline accumulators
 Potassium hydroxide (KOH).Nickel hydroxide (Ni (OH) forms the
positive electrode while iron forms the negative electrode. They are two
types nickel cadmium (NiCd) and nickel iron (NiFe). They are used in
ships, hospitals and buildings where large currents are required for
emergencies.

Advantages of alkaline accumulators over lead-acid accumulators

1. Large currents can be drawn from them
2. They require little maintenance
3. They are portable
4. They can remain discharged for a long time without getting ruined.
Disadvantages
1. They are very expensive
2. They have lower e.m.f per cell.