SCIENCEPRO DIGITAL LESSONS
General Introduction
Science and Physics
The word science originated from the Latin word “Scientia” meaning ‘to know’. Science
is a systematic attempt to understand nature and its phenomena in as much details and
depth as possible and use the knowledge so gained to predict, modify and control
phenomena. Science is exploring, experimenting and predicting from what we see
around us. The science unravels the secrets of nature.
Physics is the basic discipline of natural sciences. The word physics comes from a
Greek word ‘fusis’ which means ‘nature’. Its Sanskrit equivalent is ‘Bhautiki’ which
means study of physical world. Physics is the study of the basic laws of nature and
manifestation in different natural phenomena. It deals with the study of ‘nature’ and
‘natural phenomena’, involving ‘matter’ and ‘energy,’ and their interconversion.
Physical Quantities and Measurements
All quantities in terms of which laws of physics can be expressed and measured directly
or indirectly are called physical quantities.
The process adopted for knowing the magnitude of a physical quantity, is called
measurement. It is done by comparing the physical quantity with a standard of same
nature.
Measurement required a reference standard which is arbitrarily chosen, internationally
accepted is called unit. The result of a measurement of a physical quantity is expressed
by a number accompanied by a unit.
Measurement is an important part in the study of physics. Physics is an exact science.
Physics is half mathematics.
Importance of Laboratory in Science
Science, like religion, is a search for truth. A laboratory is a place of worship, where this
search is carried on. Hence, to a scientist his laboratory should be as sacred and pious
as the place of worship to a devotee. In fact, laboratory is such a place of worship
where young scholars should equip themselves for something higher and nobler—a
search for truth and unraveling the mysteries of nature.
Aim of the Experimental Study
From a careful study of history of progress of science, we conclude that an experiment
is the basic foundation for the development and growth of science. The main aim of
experimentation in science is to verify a given law which has already been derived from
a theory. While doing an experiment with open eyes and attentive mind, new
discoveries have been made during experimentation. Physics is an experimental
science. A clear understanding of its principles can be made by demonstrating the
experiments by one’s own hands.
,Scientific Method
A method involving systematic study of a phenomenon or systematic performance of a
process, is called a scientific method.
It involves following steps in the order given as follows:
1. Object. To fix the phenomenon to be studied.
2. Apparatus. To collect the equipment (instruments) required during the study.
3. Experimentation. To measure the quantities involved in the phenomenon with the
help of the acquired instruments.
4. Observation. To record the data (measured quantities) in a tabular form.
5. Hypothesis. To analyse the data and find how that effects the phenomenon. Also
to establish relationship between different quantities of a data, graphically or
otherwise.
6. Verification. It is done by applying the hypothesis to other similar phenomena.
7. Predictions. To name new phenomena by changing the variable (quantities)
involved in the study of main phenomenon.
8. New experiments. These are done to check the existence of predictions.
9. Modifications. With the passage of time more refined instruments become
available. Their use needs modification of old methods and procedures of
experimentation. The above cycle is repeated.
Thus, experimentation is an unending process which is quite vital for the
development of any kind of science. Physics is no exception.
Importance of Practical Work in Laboratory
1. Come prepared from home with the experiment you are going to perform. Read
directions very closely, as in every word there is a significance. In, no case should
an experiment be started without having a clear idea of what is to be done and
how and why is to be done. Doubts, if any, should be got removed from the
teacher before starting the experiment actually.
2. Collect the necessary apparatus by request and to avoid unnecessary waste of
time, the students should carefully checkup each item of the working apparatus. If
you do not understand the principle, construction and the use of the measuring
instruments you are to use, do not hesitate to consult your teacher. It is
particularly important for electrical instrument, where a slight negligence on the
part of the student may damage a costly apparatus.
3. Handle the apparatus very carefully, specially the small weights, nuts, screws and
glass apparatus. In the event of a loss or breakage, report the matter immediately
to the person concerned (Lab. Incharge). Do no wait to be detected.
4. Keep your table neat and clean and free from all unnecessary articles, such as
hats, bags, books, umbrella, etc. Place them at some convenient place in the
laboratory. Do not disfigure the table with chalk, pencil, ink or finger-nail marks.
5. Do not throw water, wasted items and acids on either the table or the floor. For
this purpose sink should be used.
6. Do not allow water, alcohol, mercury or other chemicals to come in contact with
the metallic parts of the apparatus. Apparatus so spoiled should be wiped clean
, with a wet cloth, dried and smeared with Vaseline. Do not disfigure the wooden
parts of the apparatus.
7. While setting the apparatus, take care to see that the apparatus which requires
frequent manipulation or reading, is within easy reach. The apparatus should be
arranged in an orderly manner.
8. Observe twice the each readings and record with a unit on the observation
notebook which should be checked and signed by the teacher incharge. After
getting checked the readings, calculation and result in observation notebook by
your teacher then record them in fair notebook.
Each quantity measured should be recorded in decimals and not in fractions. The
result too should be given in proper units except when the quantity is a pure ratio,
eg., specific heat, specific gravity etc.
9. Always take a series of observations and as far as possible record them in a
tabular form.
10. Long and tedious calculations should be done by logarithms; this saves time as
well as reduces the chances of error. Calculate neatly and in order on the note-
book.
11. Do your work honestly and never cook the result by recording false observations
or by
making wrong calculations to show a correct result.The students should remember
that the purpose of each experiment is to unmask the truth, hence nothing but
truth should be recorded. ,
12. Before leaving the laboratory:
(a) The student should get his notebook signed.
(b) The student should return all the apparatus to the laboratory assistant. No
apparatus should be left on the table. ,
(c) The student should get an experiment assigned for the next turn.
Recording of Experiment in the practical file
The practical file for physics is a well-stitched note-book having left hand page blank
and right hand page ruled. It has pages of useful formulae in the beginning and many
cm graph pages at the end. A neat and systematic recording of the experiment in the
practical file is very important for achieving complete success in the experimental
investigations.
A student may write the experiment under the following heads in his main practical note-
book. There may be slight variations in suggestions from the teacher. In that case,
teacher’s instructions must be followed.
On the Left-Hand Page (Blank Page)
1. Diagram. The diagram shows the sketch of the apparatus used. Different
important parts must be well-labelled. Sometimes more than one diagram may be
required to explain different stages of the experiment.
A circuit diagram for electricity experiment and a ray diagram for optical (light)
experiments is a must.
General Introduction
Science and Physics
The word science originated from the Latin word “Scientia” meaning ‘to know’. Science
is a systematic attempt to understand nature and its phenomena in as much details and
depth as possible and use the knowledge so gained to predict, modify and control
phenomena. Science is exploring, experimenting and predicting from what we see
around us. The science unravels the secrets of nature.
Physics is the basic discipline of natural sciences. The word physics comes from a
Greek word ‘fusis’ which means ‘nature’. Its Sanskrit equivalent is ‘Bhautiki’ which
means study of physical world. Physics is the study of the basic laws of nature and
manifestation in different natural phenomena. It deals with the study of ‘nature’ and
‘natural phenomena’, involving ‘matter’ and ‘energy,’ and their interconversion.
Physical Quantities and Measurements
All quantities in terms of which laws of physics can be expressed and measured directly
or indirectly are called physical quantities.
The process adopted for knowing the magnitude of a physical quantity, is called
measurement. It is done by comparing the physical quantity with a standard of same
nature.
Measurement required a reference standard which is arbitrarily chosen, internationally
accepted is called unit. The result of a measurement of a physical quantity is expressed
by a number accompanied by a unit.
Measurement is an important part in the study of physics. Physics is an exact science.
Physics is half mathematics.
Importance of Laboratory in Science
Science, like religion, is a search for truth. A laboratory is a place of worship, where this
search is carried on. Hence, to a scientist his laboratory should be as sacred and pious
as the place of worship to a devotee. In fact, laboratory is such a place of worship
where young scholars should equip themselves for something higher and nobler—a
search for truth and unraveling the mysteries of nature.
Aim of the Experimental Study
From a careful study of history of progress of science, we conclude that an experiment
is the basic foundation for the development and growth of science. The main aim of
experimentation in science is to verify a given law which has already been derived from
a theory. While doing an experiment with open eyes and attentive mind, new
discoveries have been made during experimentation. Physics is an experimental
science. A clear understanding of its principles can be made by demonstrating the
experiments by one’s own hands.
,Scientific Method
A method involving systematic study of a phenomenon or systematic performance of a
process, is called a scientific method.
It involves following steps in the order given as follows:
1. Object. To fix the phenomenon to be studied.
2. Apparatus. To collect the equipment (instruments) required during the study.
3. Experimentation. To measure the quantities involved in the phenomenon with the
help of the acquired instruments.
4. Observation. To record the data (measured quantities) in a tabular form.
5. Hypothesis. To analyse the data and find how that effects the phenomenon. Also
to establish relationship between different quantities of a data, graphically or
otherwise.
6. Verification. It is done by applying the hypothesis to other similar phenomena.
7. Predictions. To name new phenomena by changing the variable (quantities)
involved in the study of main phenomenon.
8. New experiments. These are done to check the existence of predictions.
9. Modifications. With the passage of time more refined instruments become
available. Their use needs modification of old methods and procedures of
experimentation. The above cycle is repeated.
Thus, experimentation is an unending process which is quite vital for the
development of any kind of science. Physics is no exception.
Importance of Practical Work in Laboratory
1. Come prepared from home with the experiment you are going to perform. Read
directions very closely, as in every word there is a significance. In, no case should
an experiment be started without having a clear idea of what is to be done and
how and why is to be done. Doubts, if any, should be got removed from the
teacher before starting the experiment actually.
2. Collect the necessary apparatus by request and to avoid unnecessary waste of
time, the students should carefully checkup each item of the working apparatus. If
you do not understand the principle, construction and the use of the measuring
instruments you are to use, do not hesitate to consult your teacher. It is
particularly important for electrical instrument, where a slight negligence on the
part of the student may damage a costly apparatus.
3. Handle the apparatus very carefully, specially the small weights, nuts, screws and
glass apparatus. In the event of a loss or breakage, report the matter immediately
to the person concerned (Lab. Incharge). Do no wait to be detected.
4. Keep your table neat and clean and free from all unnecessary articles, such as
hats, bags, books, umbrella, etc. Place them at some convenient place in the
laboratory. Do not disfigure the table with chalk, pencil, ink or finger-nail marks.
5. Do not throw water, wasted items and acids on either the table or the floor. For
this purpose sink should be used.
6. Do not allow water, alcohol, mercury or other chemicals to come in contact with
the metallic parts of the apparatus. Apparatus so spoiled should be wiped clean
, with a wet cloth, dried and smeared with Vaseline. Do not disfigure the wooden
parts of the apparatus.
7. While setting the apparatus, take care to see that the apparatus which requires
frequent manipulation or reading, is within easy reach. The apparatus should be
arranged in an orderly manner.
8. Observe twice the each readings and record with a unit on the observation
notebook which should be checked and signed by the teacher incharge. After
getting checked the readings, calculation and result in observation notebook by
your teacher then record them in fair notebook.
Each quantity measured should be recorded in decimals and not in fractions. The
result too should be given in proper units except when the quantity is a pure ratio,
eg., specific heat, specific gravity etc.
9. Always take a series of observations and as far as possible record them in a
tabular form.
10. Long and tedious calculations should be done by logarithms; this saves time as
well as reduces the chances of error. Calculate neatly and in order on the note-
book.
11. Do your work honestly and never cook the result by recording false observations
or by
making wrong calculations to show a correct result.The students should remember
that the purpose of each experiment is to unmask the truth, hence nothing but
truth should be recorded. ,
12. Before leaving the laboratory:
(a) The student should get his notebook signed.
(b) The student should return all the apparatus to the laboratory assistant. No
apparatus should be left on the table. ,
(c) The student should get an experiment assigned for the next turn.
Recording of Experiment in the practical file
The practical file for physics is a well-stitched note-book having left hand page blank
and right hand page ruled. It has pages of useful formulae in the beginning and many
cm graph pages at the end. A neat and systematic recording of the experiment in the
practical file is very important for achieving complete success in the experimental
investigations.
A student may write the experiment under the following heads in his main practical note-
book. There may be slight variations in suggestions from the teacher. In that case,
teacher’s instructions must be followed.
On the Left-Hand Page (Blank Page)
1. Diagram. The diagram shows the sketch of the apparatus used. Different
important parts must be well-labelled. Sometimes more than one diagram may be
required to explain different stages of the experiment.
A circuit diagram for electricity experiment and a ray diagram for optical (light)
experiments is a must.
