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Sp Heat Capacity
Q = m x c x ∆ t
P t = m x c x ∆ t
V I t = m x c x ∆ t
Thermal Capacity = m x C Or = Q / ∆ t
Sp Latent Heat of Fusion
Q = m X Lf or P t = m x Lf
VIt = m X Lf
Sp Latent Heat of Vaporisation
Q = m x Lv or Pt = m x Lv
V I t = m x Lv
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PHYSICS NOTES REVISION.
1.1 Length and time
The Use of rules to measure length
Submultiples of m
How measurements are done:
Stare directly above a ruler
The use of measuring cylinder for volume
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Measuring Time: Instruments are the stop clock or stopwatch
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1.2 Speed, velocity and acceleration
Speed is the distance travelled in unit time.
Start to Point A- Constant speed To find distance- find area under
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A to B- Uniform Acceleration- To find acceleration find its slope or
Driving away from A is Constant speed
Then the body is at rest or not moving
EQUATIONS OF MOTION
When a (acceleration) is a constant:
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Accelerationof free fall= Any body falling under the effect of gravity alone will fall
down at a constant and uniform acceleration is called acceleration of free fall. Value- 10m/s2
What is Terminal Velocity?
As a body falls from a particular height the air resistance opposing it
increases as its speed increases, thus its accelerations falls. Gradually,
the air resistance increases and eventually its value will match the value
of the object’s weight or gravitational force. (Air resistance=Weight)
The resultant force is zero so the body will travel at a constant velocity
called terminal velocity.
Value of Terminal Velocity differs.
Depends on: weight, size and shape.
Example 1: A small dense object.
It will have a high terminal velocity as it will travel a longer distance
before air resistance equals its weight.
Example 2: A light object with larger area
It has a low terminal velocity as it will travel a shorter distance before
air resistance equals its weight.
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1.3 Mass and weight
The above beam balance balances when we add an object to one pan and more objects of
known mass to the other pan. The balance actually compares the weights i.e. gravitational
force on both the pans. Since the pans balance when both weights are equal, the masses
should also be equal. So both mass and weight can be compared at the same time using the
What is mass?
1. It is the amount of matter in a substance.
2. Mass can be related to inertia, which is the resistance of the body or its inability to a
change in velocity and motion.
What is weight?
1. Weight is the gravitational force of the earth acting on a body.
2. “g” can be of two meanings. Firstly it is the gravitational field strength that is the
force of gravity acting on unit mass of a body that is at rest (g=10 kg/N). Secondly it
is called acceleration of free fall that is the uniform acceleration of a body falling
under effect of gravity alone (g=10 m/s2). Both are denoted by the letter “g”.
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Density is defined as the mass per unit volume.
1 g/cm3=1000 kg/m3
a. Use a measuring cylinder to find the volume.
b. Use a balance to get the mass.
c. Use the formula to get the density. D=m/v
2. Regular solid
a. Use a ruler to measure the necessary dimensions. Then
use correct formula to get the volume.
b. Use a balance to get mass.
c. Use d=m/v to get the density
3. Irregular solid
a. Use a balance to get the mass.
b. Pour water to the measuring cylinder. Note initial
volume, then add the solid inside and measure final
volume. Find the difference between both, which is the
volume of the solid.
c. Or just use the displacement method.
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d. Use d=m/v to get the density.
a)Effects of forces.
• Forces acting on an object may cause a change in its
size and shape.
• A force can change the speed and direction of a moving
• On force-extension graphs the stretching force is
plotted in the y-axis while the total extension on the x-
To interpret Force-extension graphs:
• This shows a spring stretched beyond its elastic limit
• Extension means difference between stretched and unstretched lengths
• Hooke’s Law applies here. It states that stretching force and extension are both proportional
only if the elastic limit is not exceeded.
• In the proportional limit, removing the load, returns the spring to its origin length.
• Beyond the elastic limit, at any point where we remove the load the spring will not return to
its original length.
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Important points about Hooke’s Law
• Extension and stretching force are both proportional to each other as long as the elastic
limit is not exceeded.
• For force-extension questions use the formula: F=kx
• Where “k” is the force constant which can be found from two other readings F and x. X is the
• Motion along a circular path is Circular Motion.
• It is an accelerated motion because velocity keeps changing i.e. direction of speed
• This acceleration is called Centripetal acceleration.
• The force needed to move an object in a circular path is called centripetal force.
• Both centripetal acceleration and force act inwards and towards the centre of the
• The force depends on mass of the mass and speed of the object, and the radius of the
• Different type of forces causes centripetal force on the object:
a. Frictional force gives the force between road and tire of the car.
b. Tension of the string gives the centripetal force to move a stone in a circle
If an object is released from the circular path it will move through the tangent.
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b) Turning Effect
Moment of a force is a measure of its turning effect. It is measured by
multiplying the force into the distance from a pivot or fulcrum.
Examples include balancing pans in a beam balance.
A beam is normally balanced when:
1. The weights on both pans are same.
2. Same mass.
3. Equal distance from the pivot.
4. So in the end the clockwise moment is equal to the
All equilibrium systems follow the Law of moments which says:
When a system is in equilibrium the sum of clockwise moment
equals the sum of anticlockwise moment about the same pivot.
C)Conditions for equilibrium to
1. Sum of the forces in one direction equals the sum of forces in the
2. Law of moments should apply.
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d) Centre of Mass
Centre of mass of a plane lamina (Very important for Paper 6)
1. Make a hole in the lamina.
2. Hang it so it can swing freely.
3. Hang a plumb line in the hole and mark the line it passes through.
4. Repeat the procedure again to get another line
5. Their intersection point is the centre of mass.
Stability of simple objects
The position of the centre of mass affects its stability. If the centre of mass of an object is
low, it is less likely that will tip over if we tilt it. To increase stability we should:
1. Increase surface area
2. Making the object shorter.
How to know if an object will not tip over after tilting them?
The vertical line through the centre of mashould be within the base.
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e) Scalars and vectors
Has a magnitude. Has a magnitude.
No direction. Direction present.
Eg: distance, speed Eg: Force,weight,velocity
Resultant of two vectors
We should use the Parrallogram law:
1. Give a suitable scale to the forces such as 10 N= 1cm. So 50 N will be 5 cm and 100 N
will be 10 cm.
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2. Draw the two lines using the suitable scale given with the correct angle in between
in graphical form (on paper).
3. Using a compass with 10 cm wide length, place the needle on the point A, and draw
4. Change the compass to 5 cm and make a 5cm wide length and place it on point B.
Draw another arc.
5. Draw a line through point A to the intersection point of the arc. And draw another
line through point B to the arc. So now we got a complete parellogram.
6. Draw the diagonal from the intersection point of the two arcs to the centre of the
angle 50 degrees.
7. Measure the diagonal. Convert the length to Newton. That is the resultant force.
8. The direction will be stated as “making an angle X0 with the force 100 N”
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1.6 Energy, work and power
Kinetic Energy: An energy possessed by a body by the virtue of its motion.
K.E= ½ mv2
Potential energy: An energy possessed by a body by the virtue of its position.
Different forms of energy
a) Kinetic energy
b) Gravitational potential energy (a
form of potential energy)
c) Chemical energy
d) Elastic potential energy (a strained
condition of potential energy)
e) Nuclear energy
f) Internal energy
g) Electrical energy
h) Light/ heat energy
i) Sound energy
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Conversion of energy
Energy is not lost, but is converted from one form to another.
Law of Conservation of energy
Energy cannot be created nor destroyed. If it disappears, it converts to another form
in which the total energy is still the same.
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b) Energy Resources
Renewable and Non renewable resources
Renewable sources of energy are natural sources of energy which can be replaced and be
used over and over again. Non-renewable sources of energy are natural sources which
cannot be replaced and so once using it, there is no more use of it in the future.
Obtaining useful forms of energy
Fossil fuels- The fuels are burned in a thermal power station which in turns heat up the
water in a boiler and turns it to steam. The steam drives the turbines which in turn drives
the generator that generates electricity.
Chemical energy Heat energy Kinetic energy Electrical energy
Water-They are used in Hydroelectric power stations. The water is stored behind dams,
found in a large water reservoir. When the dam is opened so water moves which rotates a
turbine which in turn drives a generator to create electricity.
Potential energy Kinetic energy Electrical energy
Geothermal energy: If water is pumped into the hot rocks down the earth they can be
heated to steam. This steam can drive a turbine and in turn allows a generator to generate
Nuclear energy: The radioactive materials are decomposed by nuclear fission and so they
release heat that boils water in a boiler. The steam drives the turbine and so electricity is
generated by the generator.
Nuclear energy Heat energy Kinetic energy Electrical energy
Solar energy: Solar cells convert light energy directly to electrical energy.
Light energy Electrical energy
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Advantages and disadvantages
A. Fossil fuels
1. High energy density
2. Ready availability
3. Small size of energy transfer device
1. Non Renewable
2. Causes air pollution by waste gases CO2 and SO2
B. Nuclear fuels
2.High energy density
3.Does not cause air pollution with CO2 and SO2.
1. Expensive to build and to decommission
2. Wastes from fuels are very dangerous and will stay reactive for many years.
3. High safety standards are needed.
Renewable Resources advantages: They are renewable so it can be replaced. And they do
not pollute the atmosphere.
1. It is not always renewable
2. Low energy density
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1. Wind is variable.
2. Spoils landscape and is very noisy.
3. It needs a large site to build turbine towers
Wave energy: Difficult to build.
1. Expensive to build.
2. Not all sites are suitable
3. Can damage the environment
Geothermal Energy: Difficult and expensive to dig deep inside the earth.
Biofuel: Large sites are needed to grow enough plants.
Work is done when a force moves an object through a particular distance. When a work is
done energy is being converted to another form.
Work= Force x Distance
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Power is defined as the rate at which work is done.
P = E/t
Pressure is defined as the force acting on unit area. Lower the surface area, the higher is
the pressure. The higher is the surface area, the lower is the pressure.
The mercury barometer is used to measure the atmospheric
pressure. It consists of a glass tube placed upside down on a
reservoir. The entire device is filled with mercury. It works on the
principle that the weight of the mercury should balance the
atmospheric pressure. If its weight is less than the air, then it will
rise so that it can balance itself with the air pressure. If it is more
than the air, its level will reduce.
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Liquid pressure depends on both density and depth inside
the liquid. Denser the liquid like oil, has higher pressure
than a water. Deep sea divers face more pressure inside the
water than when at near the surface.
A manometer is used to measure gas pressure. At first, the
liquid levels will be the same, as atmospheric pressure is
same. But when we add an extra supply of gas, the pressure
will be different. Thus, the liquid will increase by a certain
height. So the gas pressure will be=
Atmospheric pressure + pressure due to the liquid column
The pressure on the liquid column AB can be found by the
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2.1 Simple kinetic molecular model of
(a) States of matter
Distinguishing features of solids, liquids,
Property Solid Liquid Gas
Molecules are closely
packed, arranged in
Loosely packed, so they
are slightly further
apart than in solids.
Molecules are much
farther apart than in
solids and liquids.
Definite shape No definite shape. Takes
shape of container.
No definite shape.
Definite volume Definite volume No definite volume
Vibrate in its place Moves rapidly past each
other in short distances
Moves quickly in all
Difficult. Possible but only at a
Easy to compress.
repulsion both balance.
Weak force of attraction
No forces seen only
when molecules are
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Temperature of a gas
As a gas is heated, its molecules will gain energy and they will move faster in
all directions. This means that their average speed and kinetic energy
increases. So temperature can be said to be the measure of the average
kinetic energy of molecules.
Pressure of a gas
Molecules are in constant and rapid motion in gas, and so they collide with the
walls of the container many times a second. So they will exert a pressure by
giving an average force on a unit area.
Relations of temperature and pressure at
When the volume of a gas is kept constant, and there is a temperature increase in the gas
molecules; the gas particles will move around at a greater speed with a great average
kinetic energy, so there will be more number of collisions on the wall of the container per
second. And so the pressure increases.
Formula= p/t= constant
Random motion of smoke particles when viewed under a
microscope in a zig-zag manner. This is because of random
collisions between smoke particles and molecules of air.
NOTE: Large and heavy particles can be moved by collisions with
light and smaller particles like air.
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Evaporation occurs when fast moving
water molecules from the liquid surface
escape to the atmosphere. The average
kinetic energy of the liquid left behind
falls. So the temperature of the liquid
Temperature: The rate of evaporation
increases as the temperature increases.
Surface area: The greater the surface
area, the more the molecules evaporate.
Humidity: The lower the humidity more is the rate of evaporation.
d) Pressure changes
Eg: Temperature of a gas in a container is kept constant, and then we half the volume of
the gas by halving the volume of the container. The pressure will increase as there will be
more molecules of gas per cm3 so the number of collisions per second is more on the walls
of the container.
2.2 Thermal properties
(a) Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases
Thermal Expansion: Most substances increase in size when heated. This is called thermal
expansion. Remember= V/T=constant
Effect of temperature on volume: When the pressure of a gas is kept constant and
temperature increases. The gas molecules will gain more kinetic energy so they move
around at a much greater average speed at longer distances. So the gas will increase in
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And so the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature if the pressure is constant.
(b) Measurement of temperature
Properties of a thermometer:
The liquid must expand
Liquid must be easily seen
Liquid must not stick on wall of glass
Liquid must expand or contract rapidly and by large range of
Fixed points of a thermometer
Fixed points on a thermometer are very important for finding the scale and unit of temperature. The two
fixed points are:
Lower fixed point: The temperature of melting ice which is taken as 0oC.
Upper fixed point: The temperature of pure boiling water which is taken at 100oC.
Then the ranges between these points are divided into equal divisions called degrees. This means that the thermometer
has now been calibrated.
Typical terms needed
Sensitivity: How easily the liquids expand from small changes in temperature.
Linear scale: Equal distance between each degree on the scale.
Range: The set of degrees between two points on the scale of a thermometer.
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This mainly consists of a digital thermometer that has two wires
joint together. The wire are of two different metals kept at different
junctions: hot and cold. Electrons start to flow through it and so
give a reading on the meter.
This is used to measure large temperatures and rapidly changing
(c) Thermal capacity
When the temperature of a body rises, this occurs when the internal energy increases.
Internal energy means heat energy that is as the increase in both the kinetic and potential
energy of molecules.
Specific heat capacity/ Thermal capacity: It is the heat energy needed to increase the
temperature of 1 kg of an object by 1oC.
d) Melting and boiling
Melting is defined as the process in which a solid changes to a liquid by supplying it with heat energy. There is
no temperature change during this process.
Melting point is the fixed temperature in which the solid changes to a liquid.
Boiling is the process in which liquid changes to a gas by supplying it with heat energy. There is no
Boiling point is the temperature in which a liquid changes itself to a gas.
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Latent heat of fusion and vaporization
Specific Latent heat of fusion: Is defined as the amount of heat needed to change a unit
mass of a solid to liquid without a temperature change.
In terms of Kinetic theory: Latent heat of fusion is the energy needed by solid molecules
to overcome the force of attraction between them and become a liquid. Their potential
energy increases but not their kinetic energy so the temperature remains constant.
Q-m x lf
Specific latent heat of vaporization: Is defined as the amount of heat needed to change a
unit mass of a liquid to gas without temperature change.
In terms of Kinetic theory: The latent heat of vaporization is defined the energy needed
by liquid molecules to overcome their force of attraction and become a gas. An extra energy
is needed to push back air molecules from atmosphere as it becomes a gas. Their potential
energy remains the same but not their kinetic energy. So temperature is constant.
Q=m x lv
Differences between boiling and evaporation
• Occurs only at a particular temperature called the boiling point
• Occurs throughout the liquid
• Bubbles are formed
• Occurs at any temperature
• Occurs only at the liquid surface
• No bubbles formed.
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Experiments demonstrating good and bad conductors
The Rod and Wax experiment
Suppose each of the rods A,B,C, D,E,F are made of different metals. A match if
fixed to each end of the rods using a little piece of wax. The other ends are
The result: The rod falls down from metal B. Because the end of B reaches the
melting point of wax the match immediately falls off. So B is the best
conductor of heat.
What causes conduction?
1. In metals: The free electrons of the warmer end move faster and so “jostle” atoms in
colder areas. So the energy is passed, the kinetic energy of the atoms in the colder
region have their temperature increased.
2. In non metals: The atoms in the region being heated move faster and collide with
the atoms in the colder region. So they vibrate much faster and so the temperature
Remember: Heat always flows from hotter to colder regions.
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Convection is a way of carrying heat in liquids and gases. Suppose
we place potassium permanganate crystals in a beaker. And then
we heat the beaker. The crystals will move upwards and
The streams of warm moving fluid are called convection currents.
The convection currents rise when the fluid expands and becomes
less dense. And falls down when the colder fluid is more dense.
The concept is same for all kinds of convection.
Flow of heat from one place to another by electromagnetic waves.
Good and bad absorbers/ Good and bad emitters:
Dull black surfaces are good absorbers and good emitters.
Shiny surfaces are bad absorbers and bad emitters. They are good reflectors.
3 Double walled glass vessel: Reduces conduction
4 Vacuum: Reduces conduction and convection
5 Silvered surface: Reduces radiation
6 Felt pad
7 Additional insulation
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3.Properties of waves, including light and
Wave is a way of carrying energy from one place to another.
Components of a wave:
Crest- Upper tip
Wavelength- Distance between two crests or
Frequency- Number of waves produced in a
Speed- Distance moved by a crest or any point in one second.
Amplitude- Distance between undisturbed position with the crest or trough.
Type of waves
(a)Transverse wave: Moves perpendicular
to the direction of wave
Example: Light waves
(b)Longitudinal wave: Moves parallel the
direction of wave.
Example: Sound wave
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Applying wave properties in a ripple tank
Angle of incidence= Angle of reflection
The angle is measured by measuring the
angle between the direction of the wave and
the normal. Or the wavefront with the
Deep water Shallow water
(Longer wavelength) (Shorter
(Higher speed) (Low speed)
So the direction of the wave is bent towards
Diffraction- The spreading of waves
(Left)- Waves are passing through a
wide gap. There will be less
spreading of waves.
(Right) Waves are passing through a
narrow gap. There will be more
spreading of waves.
Remember for all waves : speed= frequenecy x wavelength
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Reflection of light
Virtual iamge: Image that
cannot be formed on a
a.The distance of the image
from the mirror is same as
the object in front.
b. Same size as object
c. Laterally inverted
Angle of incidence= Angle of reflection
Refraction= Bending of light rays
From rarer (eg;air) to denser medium (eg: glass)
the light rays bend towards the normal.
Reason: Speed is changing i.e the speed is less in
the denser medium.
From denser (eg: glass) to rarer mediums (air)
the light rays bend away from the normal.
Reason: Speed is changing i.e. the speed is more
in the rarer medium.
The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of emergence!
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Critical angle: The angle of incidence in a denser medium where the angle of refraction is
Total internal reflection: When the angle of incidence in the
denser medium is greater than the critical angle and the
incident ray is in the denser medium, the light ray reflects
back in the denser medium.
Refractive index=speed of light in air/speed of light in
Refractive index=sin i/sin r
Total internal Reflection in fibre optics
(Important for Paper 3)
1. They are denser mediums surrounded by
2. The light rays striking each boundary of
the fiber is more than the critical angle so
total internal reflection occurs. All the light
rays are reflected back in the denser
3. There will be multiple reflections till it
reaches the other end of the fiber.
4. There are many fibers together to increase
flexibility. This “flexibility” gives a more
detailed image of the object.
5. When the light rays reach the other end, they get reflected back again to the fiber when
they strike the object!
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Thin Converging Lens
Three rays are needed to find the image:
A ) A ray parallel to the principal axis ( a
horizontal access drawn through a lens) which
is refracted through the principal focus.
B )A ray pass immediately through the centre of
the lens without bending at all!
C) A ray passing through the principal focus and
then bends. The ray will be parallel to the
Two or more of these two rays will meet each other. A line is drawn from the intersection point
straight/perpendicular to the horizontal axis.
Principal focus: When a light ray parallel to the principal axis passes through a lens and bends. It touches a
point of the principal axis called the Principal focus.
Focal length: The line between the focus and centre of a lens.
Images formed by a convex lens
Object position Image position Size Upright or inverted Real or virtual
Beyond 2F Between F and 2F Small Inverted Real
At 2F At 2F Same size Inverted Real
Between F and 2F Beyond 2F Larger Inverted Real
Between F and lens Behind the object Larger Upright Virtual
At F At infinity Larger Inverted Real
Dispersion is the splitting of white light into different
colors of the rainbow. Remember them as VIBGYOR
Violet bends the most because it has the highest
Red deviates least!
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1. Travels at 3 x 108 m/s
2. Uses the wave equation speed= frequenecy x wavelength
3. Are tranverse waves (moves perpendicular to the direction of wave)
4. Able to travel in a vacuum
What is needed to know:
1. As we go forwards the wavelength decreases
2. The frequency increases as we go forwards
Nothing else is needed to know but the names of the rays and their typical uses and basics:
Radiowaves -> Radio and television communication
Microwaves -> Satellite and telephones (Living cells are endangered from such rays)
Infrared -> Remote controllers
X-rays -> Medicines for x-ray detection of bones (Dangerous so safety precautions are
Gamma rays ->Kills cancer cells
And remember ultra-violet rays are the powerful rays causing skin cancer.
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Sound is produced by objects such as a tuning
fork by vibrating the air molecules. There will
be a series of compressions (regions of high
pressure when air molecules are close) and
rarefactions (regions of low pressure when
molecules are far apart.
a.Sound waves are longitudinal waves
b.Humans are able to hear within the range of
10Hz to 10KHz.
c.A medium is needed for sound to travel
d.Frequency means pitch and amplitude
relates to the loudness!
e. Sound travels fastest in solids then liquids, and finally gases.
To find the speed of sound: speed=distance/time
Echo is the reflection of sound waves.
A sonar is used to transmit sound waves
which detect an object and then gets
reflected. This way the distance of a target
can be found. Using this formula:
Distance= speed x time
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4.Electricity and magnetism
Properties of a magnet:
1.It has a magnetic field around it
2.They run from the north pole to the south pole of the magnet
3.They attract magnetic materials to it by induced magnetism. (induced can be said as
introduced or “created” magnetism”. It works by this:
The magnet attracts the iron paper
clips because it creates poles on
each iron clip!
Each iron clip will have a pole that
attracts each other and the magnet.
For example North and south to
attract each other.
To magnetise and demagnetize:
Magnetising can be done by placing
a steel bar in a solenoid (a coil with
Demagnetising can be done by
moving the bar magnet from a
solenoid carrying an alternating
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Iron is a temporary magnet. While steel is permanent.
Ferrous meterials are magnetic materials such as iron and other metal alloys (cobalt,
nickel). Non-ferrous materials are non magnetic materials such as aluminum and copper.
Magnetic field around a wire
A current carrying wire has a magnetic field around in the
form of circles. To know the direction of the magnetic field use the right hand grip rule.
Imagine you are holding the wire, the direction of your thumb is the direction of the
current and the direction of your fingers are the same as the magnetic field. This is shown
on the given diagram.
Magnetic field around a solenoid
A solenoid is a coil with many turns. The
magnetic field lines are like those of a bar
magnet. Hold your hands as shown. Your
finger tips should be like the direction of the
solenoid. Your fingers point to the north. So
the left side is the North Pole and right is the
south pole. The magnetic field runs now
from north to south!
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Magnetic force on a current
If you know the direction of the field lines and
the current you can find the direction of force
acting on the wire if placed between two
magnets. You have to use Flemming’s left hand
rule. First old your left hand this way:
Remember it as FFC: Force, field current.
Your fingers point to the direction of the
Main idea: Changes electrical energy to
How it works?
When the coil is horizontal a force acts on the
coil that makes it turn. The commutator
rotates with it. The brushes are needed to
keep contact with the coil.
Then the coil is vertical, and no current
passes through. It relies on its own
momentum to turn, and so it makes contact
again with the commutator. The current
direction of the coil changes, so the direction
of the forces change. This principle keeps turning the motor on and
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When a magnet is moved through a wire
an e.m.f./ voltage is generated in the wire
because the field lines are cut.
The current changes direction
based on the movement of the
Len’z law states that:
The direction of the current
flows in a direction that opposes
the changing that produced it.
It works by the principle of Mutual induction:
where an AC current in the primary coil produces
a changing magnetic field. The magnetic field gets
cut and an e.m.f. is induced in the secondary coil.
The more the number of turns in the secondary
coil, the higher is the voltage. The less the number
of turns, lower is the voltage.
Three important points to know:
Step up transformer; Secondary coil has
more number of turns
Step down transformer: Secondary coil has less number of turns.
High voltage transmission is very important because less current is used, cheaper
and thinner cables can be used. There will be less risk of the cables being heated
from the high current. So less power is lost.
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AC Generator and the oscilloscope
The coil is rotated many times in between two
magnets. An AC current is produced as a result. It
will look like this on the oscilloscope:
<>At the center is the nucleus, containing the protons
<> Electrons revolve around it
Detection of radioactivity
1. The radiation coming from the various objects around us are called background
2. A radioactive substances releases: gamma particles y, beta particles β and alpha
3.A GM tube is used to measure the radiation from the
radioactive source. It is a high priority to subtract the
measured value with the value of background radiation
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Characteristics of the three kinds of emission
Alpha Gamma y Beta
Made up of 2 protons and 2
Electromagnetic wave An electron
Strong ionizing effect Very low ionizing effect Weak
Weak penetration Able to penetrate but stops when a
metal is placed
Radium-226 (atomic number 88) decays by alpha emission. The loss of the alpha particles leaves
the nucleus with 2 protons and 2 neutrons less than before. It changes to element radon.
88Ra226 -> 86Rn22 + 2a4
Idionine-131 decays by beta emission. When this happens the neutron is that it changes to a proton, an
electron and a antineutrino. Idione-131 changes to Xenon-131
I131 -> 54
Xe131 + -1 β0 + 0
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Half life and activity
Half life is the time taken for half of nuclei of a radioactive sample to decay. Activity
is the number of disintegrations per second.
There is an important relation between these two ideas. Activity is proportional to
half-life. So as the radioactive material decays, the activity halves at the same time.
This can be shown by this graph:
Suppose the half life is every 1
day. We can say that half life is
the time taken for the activity of a
radioactive sample to be halved.