V
,CONTENT
Introduction
Learning Outcomes
Topic 1.1 Physical Quantities & Units
Topic 1.2 Measurement Techniques
Topic 1.3 Kinematics
Common Exam Mistakes
Practice Questions
Answers
INTRODUCTION
These notes are simplified summaries designed to help students understand key physics
concepts quickly and clearly. They focus only on important syllabus points and exam-
relevant explanations.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After studying this guide, you should be able to:
understand key physics concepts from Theme 1
apply formulas correctly
distinguish between important physics quantities
solve calculation problems step-by-step
identify common mistakes
, TOPIC 1.1: PHYSICAL QUANTIES AND UNITS
1.1.1 Physical quantities
DEFINITION: A physical quantity is anything that can be measured, all physical quantities
consist of magnitude and unit.
Example:
a) 20 Kg : 20 =magnitude, Kg= unit
1.1.2 SI Base units
Quantity unit symbol
Length Meter M
Mass Kilogram Kg
Time Second S
Current Ampere A
Temperature Kelvin K
Amount of substance Mole Mol
DERIVED UNITS
Derived units are a combination of base units.
Examples:
Velocity = m/s
Acceleration= m/s²
Density= kg/m³
Let’s look at how we find the derived units of a given parameter.
STEPS:
1. Write the formula.
2. Write the units for each parameter in the formula.
3. Add powers of the same unit when multiplying and subtract powers of the same unit
when dealing with division.
4. Write the remaining units as your final answer
Now let’s apply these steps to the following examples stated above
a) Velocity (V)
𝑑
V= , we know that distance d is measure in meters (m),
𝑡
And time is measured in seconds (s)
𝑚
V= , since we don’t have the same units present, we don’t subtract anything
𝑠
from their powers. Therefore V= m/s
,CONTENT
Introduction
Learning Outcomes
Topic 1.1 Physical Quantities & Units
Topic 1.2 Measurement Techniques
Topic 1.3 Kinematics
Common Exam Mistakes
Practice Questions
Answers
INTRODUCTION
These notes are simplified summaries designed to help students understand key physics
concepts quickly and clearly. They focus only on important syllabus points and exam-
relevant explanations.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After studying this guide, you should be able to:
understand key physics concepts from Theme 1
apply formulas correctly
distinguish between important physics quantities
solve calculation problems step-by-step
identify common mistakes
, TOPIC 1.1: PHYSICAL QUANTIES AND UNITS
1.1.1 Physical quantities
DEFINITION: A physical quantity is anything that can be measured, all physical quantities
consist of magnitude and unit.
Example:
a) 20 Kg : 20 =magnitude, Kg= unit
1.1.2 SI Base units
Quantity unit symbol
Length Meter M
Mass Kilogram Kg
Time Second S
Current Ampere A
Temperature Kelvin K
Amount of substance Mole Mol
DERIVED UNITS
Derived units are a combination of base units.
Examples:
Velocity = m/s
Acceleration= m/s²
Density= kg/m³
Let’s look at how we find the derived units of a given parameter.
STEPS:
1. Write the formula.
2. Write the units for each parameter in the formula.
3. Add powers of the same unit when multiplying and subtract powers of the same unit
when dealing with division.
4. Write the remaining units as your final answer
Now let’s apply these steps to the following examples stated above
a) Velocity (V)
𝑑
V= , we know that distance d is measure in meters (m),
𝑡
And time is measured in seconds (s)
𝑚
V= , since we don’t have the same units present, we don’t subtract anything
𝑠
from their powers. Therefore V= m/s
