Summary - Topic 2: Foundations of Physics

Topic 2: Foundations of Physics –
Summary Notes.

2.1 Physical Quantities - Units and Measurements

2.1.1 Physical Quantities

 Numerical Value and Unit:
o Physical quantities are described by a numerical value and a
corresponding unit. The numerical value represents the
magnitude of the quantity, while the unit defines the
measurement standard. For example, in "5 meters," 5 is the
numerical value, and meters (m) is the unit.
o It is essential for learners to understand that without a unit,
the numerical value of a physical quantity is meaningless in
practical applications.
 Estimates of Physical Quantities:
o Learners should be able to make reasonable estimates of
physical quantities. This skill involves approximating values
based on known references or everyday experiences. For
instance, estimating the height of a building, the mass of an
object, or the distance between two points.
o Estimation helps in developing an intuitive understanding of
scale and magnitude, which is useful in both theoretical and
practical physics.

2.1.2 S.I. Units

 Système International (S.I.) Base Quantities and Units:
o The S.I. system is the international standard for measuring
physical quantities. The base quantities and their units
include:
 Mass (kilogram, kg)