Physics REVISION Length and Time

When measuring length and

volume - REMEMBER Always
align your eye with the position
being measured and this avoids
parallax
errors!!!
Measuring
Time:
Long period of times as years, months, weeks, and days can be
counted easily.
Very short times fractions of seconds can be measured using a
Stopwatch and Stopclock.
Calculation of a period or very short period of time
For measuring short intervals of time (when each period is the same),
multiple measurements can be taken and then averaged
e.g. Period of a pendulum = Time for 10 oscillations / 10
Measure the time needed for n complete swings in T seconds
Periodic time = T/n
Example- 30 swings in 60 seconds
Time of one swing=60 s/ 30 swings = 2 seconds.
Notes:
a) Time of one complete swing is measured when the string starts
its motion from one end and returns back to the same starting point.
b) Remember there is always a reaction time associated with using a
clock or stopwatch
c) To obtain an accurate record (result) you have to repeat the
experiment several times and calculate the average value of your
results.

How to read a Micrometer:

1. Calibrate micrometer/check it is on
zero.
2. Place object in between anvil and
spindle.
3. Turn thimble, then ratchet to ensure
item is locked in frame.
4. Look at the image below, you will see
a number 5 to the immediate left of
the thimble. This means 5.0 mm.
Notice that there is an extra line
below the datum line, this represents
an additional 0.5 mm. So the first
part of the measurement is
5.0+0.5=5.5 mm.
5. Then read the number 28 on the
rotating scale that lines up with the
datum line on the sleeve. This
represents 0.28 mm.
6. Add them together to get the total
length: 5.5+0.28=5.78 mm.

Physics REVISION Mass and Weight

W
M

Weight = Mass x Gravitational Field

Strength

MASS This physical matter something is made up off.

This cannot be changed unless you chopped something up!!
(in N)is
WEIGHT Is the measurement of how strongly gravity pulls on an object. Weight
a force.
DENSITY Is mass/volume meaning it is how much mass fits in per unit of volume or
how compact the mass is.

(in kg)

To demonstrate understanding that mass is a property that resists

change in motion then we need to think of the concept of inertia. If a
force is applied to an object, it will not immediately reach a high speed
because it requires time to accelerate, as shown by the formula F=ma. If the
force is constantly applied then there is a constant acceleration. However if
the force is not constant and only applied in an instant then there will be an
instant of acceleration and then it will take time for the object to speed up.

Earths Gravitational Field

Strength is 10N/kg. In other
words, a 1kg mass is pulled
downwards by a force of 10N.

Your weight varies depending on

your location and the
gravitational pull acting on you.
In outer space you weigh
nothing!!

(in N/kg)

Physics REVISION Density

Measuring Density of
an irregular shape with
a measuring cylinder:
1. Measure items mass
using a balance scale.
2. Fill a measuring
cylinder with water.
Write down the initial
volume.
3. Add the object gently
to the measuring
cylinder and write
down the new value of
volume.
4. The change in volume
is the volume of the
object.
5. Use mass/volume to
calculate the objects
density.

Measuring Density of an
irregular shape with a
displacement can.
1. Measure items mass
using a balance scale.
2. Fill a displacement can
with water and put a
measuring cylinder under
the spout.
3. Add the object gently to
the displacement can.
4. Measure the volume of
water that has been
displaced into the
measuring cylinder. That
is the the volume of the
object.
5. Use mass/volume to
calculate the objects
density.

An objects density and the amount of water it can

displace
determines whether it will sink or float. Density
refers to the measure of the relative heaviness of
an object, based on its volume, or dimensions. For
example a Styrofoam cup is less dense than a
ceramic cup of the same size. In the Ceramic cup,
molecules are packed tighter together, giving it a
higher density, which means it will sink in liquids.
The molecules are spread out in the Styrofoam cup
and it will float.
Liquids also have density and, in order to float, an
object must be less dense that the liquid it floats in.
When water molecules form bonds in the process of
forming ice the particles actually spread out and
become less dense than water therefore explaining
why ice floats!