physics assignment 5

N5 (National 5)

Keeping you afloat with Physics

Category: Assignment

Homework n5 starters, this homework is a great introduction to the n5 assignment, which is worth 20% of your exam., national 5 physics assignment starters.

Answer the following Questions from the Understanding Standards website

https://www.understandingstandards.org.uk/Subjects/Physics

It is important that you spend an adequate time on this homework (an hour is advised). If you complete this thoroughly you ought to have a good grasp of what is required for the Assignment at National 5.

• List the twelve experiments that have been given as examples for the N5 Physics Assignment.
• In the marking instructions for the assignment how many marks are available for the underlying Physics?
• What are the six sections in the data collection and handling (and I don’t want 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d! BTW it isn’t even section 4)
• Section 3e and 3f refer to literature and sources. How do you achieve these marks?
• What are the marks awarded for when plotting your graph?
• What must your conclusion be related to, to achieve the mark?
• For candidate 1, how many repeats of the experiment did they make?
• What did candidate 1 do correctly for the graph and what was incorrect?
• Mark Candidate 2’s evidence thoroughly yourself using the marking scheme and compare your answer to the commentary. Record your results and the comparison. Comment on both of these.
• CHOOSE a topic that would be suitable using the Physics Compendium https://mrsphysics.co.uk/n5/  Research some Underlying Physics and find a suitable graph that you can try to replicate.

August 2023

Assignment Practical Sheets

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE SQA

The first thing that you must do before starting your Assignment is to know what you will be doing, what expectations there are and how you will be writing this up. All of this is contained in the candidate guide below.

Candidate Instructions word

Candidate Instructions pdf

Marking Instructions for the N5 Assignment

mark scheme pdf form

mark scheme excel form

In another post ASSIGNMENT PRACTICAL EXPERIMENTAL SHEETS have been uploaded.

I think the following experiments would be suitable-

check that:

• the theory is in the compendium,
• the topic is in the course,
• there is a graph of your experiment online or in one of the text books in school. Does your graph contain data ie, are there proper points on the graph or is it a trendline- which do you think is better?
• there is theory that you can write about that relates to your experiment.

Remember If you’ve used the results from your experiment to determine further values, you should show at least one sample calculation.

Here is the what you can take into the write-up phase. Collect a polypocket and keep it all in there.

Pupil checklist flyleaf     word     Pupil checklist flyleaf pdf ( Thanks N Forwood)

Assignment Investigation Sheets

NOTE: TO ALL TEACHERS,  IT IS  YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THE SHEETS YOU ARE GIVING TO STUDENTS DO NOT BREACH THE STRICT GUIDELINES GIVEN IN THE ASSESSMENT GUIDE AND THAT THESE EXPERIMENT SHEETS MEET THE SPECIFICATIONS . YOU ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING YOUR OWN RISK ASSESSMENTS, ITEMS IN THESE SHEETS ARE A GUIDE. 

I have updated the sheets for the 2023 session,

The ones with the mrsphysics logo have been updated.

This table has more than one page!

3779phys2_tcm4-124418  Again this is a temporary file until I can get the experiment cards organised but the experiments you could choose can be found on pp 33, 34, 36, 37, 76, 77, 87, 125

N5 Assignment from 2020

TEACHERS: Mosey along to Usefullinks and I’m going to put some teacher points there for you. I’ll add the link when I’ve added the materials.

A set of PRACTICAL EXPERIMENTAL SHEETS that are in line with the changes brought in for the 2020/21 session.  

This table has the worksheets in word form.

“The experiments detailed in the course specification can be used. Centres are obviously free to choose other experiments if they wish, as long as they’re commensurate with the level. One of the advantages of using the experiments in the course is that you can be sure that the physics is accessible and at the correct level. In the past, we saw some examples where centres had used rotational motion experiments with N5 candidates, and you could tell that the candidates had no clue what they were doing. It’s also been obvious at National 5 level that some centres are still using kits they had for Standard Grade investigations, which is fine, but you do need to make sure that the underlying physics is accessible. To give an example, solar cells was always a popular topic for Standard Grade and we see centres using them for National 5, but explaining how a solar cell produces a potential difference is something N5 candidates will probably struggle with. Your colleagues may wish to have a look at the Physics pages on the Understanding Standards website: SQA – Understanding Standards: Introduction  (Nat 5) SQA – Understanding Standards: Introduction  (Higher) where they will see several exemplars based on the experiments detailed in the course specification. If you have things that have worked well in the past, then it’s worth remembering that nothing has changed in any of the coursework requirements, and therefore they should still work in the same way.” SQA Good Guy

Here is a marking grid, obviously only if you are able to find time for a practice. It is not to be used to tentatively mark the student assignment being sent to the SQA.

Marking grid.docx

This is the info for N5 from August 2020

The material has recently been published on the Understanding Standards Website SQA Physics N5 INFO

N5 Candidate 1

N5 Commentary 1

Above gives an example of the new Assignment requirements. It is vital that you don’t copy or even attempt to copy this assignment. If you are likely to copy other people’s work it is best to choose another topic.

Initial Task- vital

Before Starting on your assignment take time to go over the following, it is vital that you know what you are doing.

PhysicsN5CAT

Understanding Standards Webinar

To kick you off with your assignment Mr Forwood has supplied the following document.

N5 Assignment instructions  (editable in word)

N5 Assignment instructions (pdf file)

The document below is one that I started in the holidays but got distracted. I will get something together a.s.a.p but until then make do with this starter!

Practical titles

You must also correctly reference your work, learn how to do this with the following link.

Exeter.ac.uk/studyskills/harvard_referencing.htm

https://www.portland-place.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/GCSE-Combined-SciencePhysics-Set-Practicals-1.pdf

Outcome 1, experimental write up

Changes have been introduced this session and you can read details by following the link below, although it is very much “teacher speak”

http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/files_ccc/PhysicsN5GuidanceSession1617.pdf

We will be continuing to use the old system of marking for the unit assessments as there is a possibility that these tests might be abandoned in future years, there is no point re-writing them.

Part of the National 5 course requires you to produce an experimental write up. It is good scientific practice. A threshold was introduced in the session 2016-2017, you are now only required to pass 5 out of 6 assessment standards to pass the overall outcome 1.

Below is the mark sheet to ensure that you’ve covered all the requirements, in both pdf and word format.

There are also two documents to help with your write up.

N5 Outcome 1 word N5 Outcome 1 pdf

Outcome 1 – Guide Nat 5 Thanks to Banff Academy for this document

WRITING UP O1 word    WRITING UP O1 pdf

Here it is in simple form

Experimental Write Up

Your best work. Rulers, sharp pencils etc.

Correct use of terminology and units at all times.

(No voltage in/ through) (No current across)

Title    Short and relevant with date.

Aim     What are you trying to find out/prove?

To find out how “ something ” affects “ something else ”.

Method     Instructions on how to complete the experiment; make it reliable and make it a fair test:

Set up the following apparatus (draw a good labelled diagram).

The “ something ” was set at a “ value ” and increased by an “ amount ” using the “ piece of equipment ”.  The “ something else ” was noted    at each value using the “ other piece of equipment ”.  Other variables were kept constant by…….

Results      Display the findings.

A neat table with headings and units.

An appropriate graph of “ something ” on the x-axis and “ something else ” on the y-axis.

Conclusion     What did you find out?

As the “ something ” is increased / decreased, the “ something else ” increased / decreased / stayed the same.   Also include “directly/inversely proportional” if appropriate.

Evaluation      Are there any improvements that could be made to your experiment to reduce uncertainties?

Active Students

Messages sent, images uploaded, free learning, end of free trial.

Unlock faster, more accurate answers + 20 PRO features.

Phy Pro Trial -

Free but limited access to Phy.

NEW - Phy Model 10 Release

Faster, better, and more useful in every way. For PRO members.

Bookmark Phy.Chat

Access this page faster by googling Phy.chat.

Snap a picture of the problem straight from your phone.

Tired of typing? Just hit up to 8 common quick actions and send!

Learning Lab

Help Phy adapt to you even quicker. Coming Soon.

Hyper Notes

Phy auto generates notes based on your chats. Coming soon.

Adaptive Engine®

The more you solve, the better Phy adapts to your learning style. 

Learn it. Solve it. Grade it. Explain it. With Phy.

Upgrade to Phy Pro.

Phy Version 10 (8.25.24) - Systems Operational

For ultra users. coming soon for pro users., discover the world's best physics resources, continue with.

By continuing you (1) agree to our Terms of Sale  and Terms of Use and (2) consent to sharing your IP and browser information used by this site’s security protocols as outlined in our Privacy Policy .

Learn Smarter, Not Harder with Physics AI

Introducing StudyMonkey, your AI-powered Physics tutor .

StudyMonkey AI can tutor complex Physics homework questions, enhance your essay writing and assess your work—all in seconds.

No more long all-nighters

24/7 solutions to Physics questions you're stumped on and essays you procrastinated on.

No more stress and anxiety

Get all your Physics assignments done with helpful answers in 10 seconds or less.

No more asking friends for Physics help

StudyMonkey is your new smart bestie that will never ghost you.

No more staying after school

AI Physics tutoring is available 24/7, on-demand when you need it most.

Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force.

AI Tutor for any subject

American college testing (act), anthropology, advanced placement exams (ap exams), arabic language, archaeology, biochemistry, chartered financial analyst (cfa) exam, communications, computer science, certified public accountant (cpa) exam, cultural studies, cyber security, dental admission test (dat), discrete mathematics, earth science, elementary school, entrepreneurship, environmental science, essay writer, farsi (persian) language, fundamentals of engineering (fe) exam, gender studies, graduate management admission test (gmat), graduate record examination (gre), greek language, hebrew language, high school entrance exam, high school, human geography, human resources, international english language testing system (ielts), information technology, international relations, independent school entrance exam (isee), lesson planner, linear algebra, linguistics, law school admission test (lsat), machine learning, master's degree, medical college admission test (mcat), meteorology, microbiology, middle school, national council licensure examination (nclex), national merit scholarship qualifying test (nmsqt), number theory, organic chemistry, project management professional (pmp), political science, portuguese language, probability, project management, preliminary sat (psat), public policy, public relations, russian language, scholastic assessment test (sat), social sciences, secondary school admission test (ssat), sustainability, swahili language, test of english as a foreign language (toefl), trigonometry, turkish language, united states medical licensing examination (usmle), web development, step-by-step guidance 24/7.

Receive step-by-step guidance & homework help for any homework problem & any subject 24/7

Ask any Physics question

StudyMonkey supports every subject and every level of education from 1st grade to masters level.

Get an answer

StudyMonkey will give you an answer in seconds—multiple choice questions, short answers, and even an essays are supported!

Review your history

See your past questions and answers so you can review for tests and improve your grades.

It's not cheating...

You're just learning smarter than everyone else

How Can StudyMonkey Help You?

Hear from our happy students.

"The AI tutor is available 24/7, making it a convenient and accessible resource for students who need help with their homework at any time."

"Overall, StudyMonkey is an excellent tool for students looking to improve their understanding of homework topics and boost their academic success."

Upgrade to StudyMonkey Premium!

Why not upgrade to StudyMonkey Premium and get access to all features?

• TPC and eLearning
• What's NEW at TPC?
• Read Watch Interact
• Practice Review Test
• Teacher-Tools
• Request a Demo
• Get A Quote
• Subscription Selection
• Seat Calculator
• Ad Free Account
• Edit Profile Settings
• Metric Conversions Questions
• Metric System Questions
• Metric Estimation Questions
• Significant Digits Questions
• Proportional Reasoning
• Acceleration
• Distance-Displacement
• Dots and Graphs
• Graph That Motion
• Match That Graph
• Name That Motion
• Motion Diagrams
• Pos'n Time Graphs Numerical
• Pos'n Time Graphs Conceptual
• Up And Down - Questions
• Balanced vs. Unbalanced Forces
• Change of State
• Force and Motion
• Mass and Weight
• Match That Free-Body Diagram
• Net Force (and Acceleration) Ranking Tasks
• Newton's Second Law
• Normal Force Card Sort
• Recognizing Forces
• Air Resistance and Skydiving
• Solve It! with Newton's Second Law
• Which One Doesn't Belong?
• Component Addition Questions
• Head-to-Tail Vector Addition
• Projectile Mathematics
• Trajectory - Angle Launched Projectiles
• Trajectory - Horizontally Launched Projectiles
• Vector Addition
• Vector Direction
• Which One Doesn't Belong? Projectile Motion
• Forces in 2-Dimensions
• Being Impulsive About Momentum
• Explosions - Law Breakers
• Hit and Stick Collisions - Law Breakers
• Case Studies: Impulse and Force
• Impulse-Momentum Change Table
• Keeping Track of Momentum - Hit and Stick
• Keeping Track of Momentum - Hit and Bounce
• What's Up (and Down) with KE and PE?
• Energy Conservation Questions
• Energy Dissipation Questions
• Energy Ranking Tasks
• LOL Charts (a.k.a., Energy Bar Charts)
• Match That Bar Chart
• Words and Charts Questions
• Name That Energy
• Stepping Up with PE and KE Questions
• Case Studies - Circular Motion
• Circular Logic
• Forces and Free-Body Diagrams in Circular Motion
• Gravitational Field Strength
• Universal Gravitation
• Angular Position and Displacement
• Linear and Angular Velocity
• Angular Acceleration
• Rotational Inertia
• Balanced vs. Unbalanced Torques
• Getting a Handle on Torque
• Torque-ing About Rotation
• Properties of Matter
• Fluid Pressure
• Buoyant Force
• Sinking, Floating, and Hanging
• Pascal's Principle
• Flow Velocity
• Bernoulli's Principle
• Balloon Interactions
• Charge and Charging
• Charge Interactions
• Charging by Induction
• Conductors and Insulators
• Coulombs Law
• Electric Field
• Electric Field Intensity
• Polarization
• Case Studies: Electric Power
• Know Your Potential
• Light Bulb Anatomy
• I = ∆V/R Equations as a Guide to Thinking
• Parallel Circuits - ∆V = I•R Calculations
• Resistance Ranking Tasks
• Series Circuits - ∆V = I•R Calculations
• Series vs. Parallel Circuits
• Equivalent Resistance
• Period and Frequency of a Pendulum
• Pendulum Motion: Velocity and Force
• Energy of a Pendulum
• Period and Frequency of a Mass on a Spring
• Horizontal Springs: Velocity and Force
• Vertical Springs: Velocity and Force
• Energy of a Mass on a Spring
• Decibel Scale
• Frequency and Period
• Closed-End Air Columns
• Name That Harmonic: Strings
• Rocking the Boat
• Wave Basics
• Matching Pairs: Wave Characteristics
• Wave Interference
• Waves - Case Studies
• Color Addition and Subtraction
• Color Filters
• If This, Then That: Color Subtraction
• Light Intensity
• Color Pigments
• Converging Lenses
• Curved Mirror Images
• Law of Reflection
• Refraction and Lenses
• Total Internal Reflection
• Who Can See Who?
• Lab Equipment
• Lab Procedures
• Formulas and Atom Counting
• Atomic Models
• Bond Polarity
• Entropy Questions
• Cell Voltage Questions
• Heat of Formation Questions
• Reduction Potential Questions
• Oxidation States Questions
• Measuring the Quantity of Heat
• Hess's Law
• Oxidation-Reduction Questions
• Galvanic Cells Questions
• Thermal Stoichiometry
• Molecular Polarity
• Quantum Mechanics
• Balancing Chemical Equations
• Bronsted-Lowry Model of Acids and Bases
• Classification of Matter
• Collision Model of Reaction Rates
• Density Ranking Tasks
• Dissociation Reactions
• Complete Electron Configurations
• Elemental Measures
• Enthalpy Change Questions
• Equilibrium Concept
• Equilibrium Constant Expression
• Equilibrium Calculations - Questions
• Equilibrium ICE Table
• Intermolecular Forces Questions
• Ionic Bonding
• Lewis Electron Dot Structures
• Limiting Reactants
• Line Spectra Questions
• Mass Stoichiometry
• Measurement and Numbers
• Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids
• Metric Estimations
• Metric System
• Molarity Ranking Tasks
• Mole Conversions
• Name That Element
• Names to Formulas
• Names to Formulas 2
• Nuclear Decay
• Particles, Words, and Formulas
• Periodic Trends
• Precipitation Reactions and Net Ionic Equations
• Pressure Concepts
• Pressure-Temperature Gas Law
• Pressure-Volume Gas Law
• Chemical Reaction Types
• Significant Digits and Measurement
• States Of Matter Exercise
• Stoichiometry Law Breakers
• Stoichiometry - Math Relationships
• Subatomic Particles
• Spontaneity and Driving Forces
• Gibbs Free Energy
• Volume-Temperature Gas Law
• Acid-Base Properties
• Energy and Chemical Reactions
• Chemical and Physical Properties
• Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory
• Writing Balanced Chemical Equations
• Mission CG1
• Mission CG10
• Mission CG2
• Mission CG3
• Mission CG4
• Mission CG5
• Mission CG6
• Mission CG7
• Mission CG8
• Mission CG9
• Mission EC1
• Mission EC10
• Mission EC11
• Mission EC12
• Mission EC2
• Mission EC3
• Mission EC4
• Mission EC5
• Mission EC6
• Mission EC7
• Mission EC8
• Mission EC9
• Mission RL1
• Mission RL2
• Mission RL3
• Mission RL4
• Mission RL5
• Mission RL6
• Mission KG7
• Mission RL8
• Mission KG9
• Mission RL10
• Mission RL11
• Mission RM1
• Mission RM2
• Mission RM3
• Mission RM4
• Mission RM5
• Mission RM6
• Mission RM8
• Mission RM10
• Mission LC1
• Mission RM11
• Mission LC2
• Mission LC3
• Mission LC4
• Mission LC5
• Mission LC6
• Mission LC8
• Mission SM1
• Mission SM2
• Mission SM3
• Mission SM4
• Mission SM5
• Mission SM6
• Mission SM8
• Mission SM10
• Mission KG10
• Mission SM11
• Mission KG2
• Mission KG3
• Mission KG4
• Mission KG5
• Mission KG6
• Mission KG8
• Mission KG11
• Mission F2D1
• Mission F2D2
• Mission F2D3
• Mission F2D4
• Mission F2D5
• Mission F2D6
• Mission KC1
• Mission KC2
• Mission KC3
• Mission KC4
• Mission KC5
• Mission KC6
• Mission KC7
• Mission KC8
• Mission AAA
• Mission SM9
• Mission LC7
• Mission LC9
• Mission NL1
• Mission NL2
• Mission NL3
• Mission NL4
• Mission NL5
• Mission NL6
• Mission NL7
• Mission NL8
• Mission NL9
• Mission NL10
• Mission NL11
• Mission NL12
• Mission MC1
• Mission MC10
• Mission MC2
• Mission MC3
• Mission MC4
• Mission MC5
• Mission MC6
• Mission MC7
• Mission MC8
• Mission MC9
• Mission RM7
• Mission RM9
• Mission RL7
• Mission RL9
• Mission SM7
• Mission SE1
• Mission SE10
• Mission SE11
• Mission SE12
• Mission SE2
• Mission SE3
• Mission SE4
• Mission SE5
• Mission SE6
• Mission SE7
• Mission SE8
• Mission SE9
• Mission VP1
• Mission VP10
• Mission VP2
• Mission VP3
• Mission VP4
• Mission VP5
• Mission VP6
• Mission VP7
• Mission VP8
• Mission VP9
• Mission WM1
• Mission WM2
• Mission WM3
• Mission WM4
• Mission WM5
• Mission WM6
• Mission WM7
• Mission WM8
• Mission WE1
• Mission WE10
• Mission WE2
• Mission WE3
• Mission WE4
• Mission WE5
• Mission WE6
• Mission WE7
• Mission WE8
• Mission WE9
• Vector Walk Interactive
• Name That Motion Interactive
• Kinematic Graphing 1 Concept Checker
• Kinematic Graphing 2 Concept Checker
• Graph That Motion Interactive
• Two Stage Rocket Interactive
• Rocket Sled Concept Checker
• Force Concept Checker
• Free-Body Diagrams Concept Checker
• Free-Body Diagrams The Sequel Concept Checker
• Skydiving Concept Checker
• Elevator Ride Concept Checker
• Vector Addition Concept Checker
• Vector Walk in Two Dimensions Interactive
• Name That Vector Interactive
• River Boat Simulator Concept Checker
• Projectile Simulator 2 Concept Checker
• Projectile Simulator 3 Concept Checker
• Hit the Target Interactive
• Turd the Target 1 Interactive
• Turd the Target 2 Interactive
• Balance It Interactive
• Go For The Gold Interactive
• Egg Drop Concept Checker
• Fish Catch Concept Checker
• Exploding Carts Concept Checker
• Collision Carts - Inelastic Collisions Concept Checker
• Its All Uphill Concept Checker
• Stopping Distance Concept Checker
• Chart That Motion Interactive
• Roller Coaster Model Concept Checker
• Uniform Circular Motion Concept Checker
• Horizontal Circle Simulation Concept Checker
• Vertical Circle Simulation Concept Checker
• Race Track Concept Checker
• Gravitational Fields Concept Checker
• Orbital Motion Concept Checker
• Angular Acceleration Concept Checker
• Balance Beam Concept Checker
• Torque Balancer Concept Checker
• Aluminum Can Polarization Concept Checker
• Charging Concept Checker
• Name That Charge Simulation
• Coulomb's Law Concept Checker
• Electric Field Lines Concept Checker
• Put the Charge in the Goal Concept Checker
• Circuit Builder Concept Checker (Series Circuits)
• Circuit Builder Concept Checker (Parallel Circuits)
• Circuit Builder Concept Checker (∆V-I-R)
• Circuit Builder Concept Checker (Voltage Drop)
• Equivalent Resistance Interactive
• Pendulum Motion Simulation Concept Checker
• Mass on a Spring Simulation Concept Checker
• Particle Wave Simulation Concept Checker
• Boundary Behavior Simulation Concept Checker
• Slinky Wave Simulator Concept Checker
• Simple Wave Simulator Concept Checker
• Wave Addition Simulation Concept Checker
• Standing Wave Maker Simulation Concept Checker
• Color Addition Concept Checker
• Painting With CMY Concept Checker
• Stage Lighting Concept Checker
• Filtering Away Concept Checker
• InterferencePatterns Concept Checker
• Young's Experiment Interactive
• Plane Mirror Images Interactive
• Who Can See Who Concept Checker
• Optics Bench (Mirrors) Concept Checker
• Name That Image (Mirrors) Interactive
• Refraction Concept Checker
• Total Internal Reflection Concept Checker
• Optics Bench (Lenses) Concept Checker
• Kinematics Preview
• Velocity Time Graphs Preview
• Moving Cart on an Inclined Plane Preview
• Stopping Distance Preview
• Cart, Bricks, and Bands Preview
• Fan Cart Study Preview
• Friction Preview
• Coffee Filter Lab Preview
• Friction, Speed, and Stopping Distance Preview
• Up and Down Preview
• Projectile Range Preview
• Ballistics Preview
• Juggling Preview
• Marshmallow Launcher Preview
• Air Bag Safety Preview
• Colliding Carts Preview
• Collisions Preview
• Engineering Safer Helmets Preview
• Push the Plow Preview
• Its All Uphill Preview
• Energy on an Incline Preview
• Modeling Roller Coasters Preview
• Hot Wheels Stopping Distance Preview
• Ball Bat Collision Preview
• Energy in Fields Preview
• Weightlessness Training Preview
• Roller Coaster Loops Preview
• Universal Gravitation Preview
• Keplers Laws Preview
• Kepler's Third Law Preview
• Charge Interactions Preview
• Sticky Tape Experiments Preview
• Wire Gauge Preview
• Voltage, Current, and Resistance Preview
• Light Bulb Resistance Preview
• Series and Parallel Circuits Preview
• Thermal Equilibrium Preview
• Linear Expansion Preview
• Heating Curves Preview
• Electricity and Magnetism - Part 1 Preview
• Electricity and Magnetism - Part 2 Preview
• Vibrating Mass on a Spring Preview
• Period of a Pendulum Preview
• Wave Speed Preview
• Slinky-Experiments Preview
• Standing Waves in a Rope Preview
• Sound as a Pressure Wave Preview
• DeciBel Scale Preview
• DeciBels, Phons, and Sones Preview
• Sound of Music Preview
• Shedding Light on Light Bulbs Preview
• Models of Light Preview
• Electromagnetic Radiation Preview
• Electromagnetic Spectrum Preview
• EM Wave Communication Preview
• Digitized Data Preview
• Light Intensity Preview
• Concave Mirrors Preview
• Object Image Relations Preview
• Snells Law Preview
• Reflection vs. Transmission Preview
• Magnification Lab Preview
• Reactivity Preview
• Ions and the Periodic Table Preview
• Periodic Trends Preview
• Chemical Reactions Preview
• Intermolecular Forces Preview
• Melting Points and Boiling Points Preview
• Bond Energy and Reactions Preview
• Reaction Rates Preview
• Ammonia Factory Preview
• Stoichiometry Preview
• Nuclear Chemistry Preview
• Gaining Teacher Access
• Task Tracker Directions
• Conceptual Physics Course
• On-Level Physics Course
• Honors Physics Course
• Chemistry Concept Builders
• All Chemistry Resources
• Users Voice
• Tasks and Classes
• Webinars and Trainings
• Subscription
• Subscription Locator
• 1-D Kinematics
• Newton's Laws
• Vectors - Motion and Forces in Two Dimensions
• Momentum and Its Conservation
• Work and Energy
• Circular Motion and Satellite Motion
• Thermal Physics
• Static Electricity
• Electric Circuits
• Vibrations and Waves
• Sound Waves and Music
• Light and Color
• Reflection and Mirrors
• Measurement and Calculations
• About the Physics Interactives
• Task Tracker
• Usage Policy
• Newtons Laws
• Vectors and Projectiles
• Forces in 2D
• Momentum and Collisions
• Circular and Satellite Motion
• Balance and Rotation
• Electromagnetism
• Waves and Sound
• Atomic Physics
• Forces in Two Dimensions
• Work, Energy, and Power
• Circular Motion and Gravitation
• Sound Waves
• 1-Dimensional Kinematics
• Circular, Satellite, and Rotational Motion
• Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity
• Waves, Sound and Light
• QuickTime Movies
• About the Concept Builders
• Pricing For Schools
• Directions for Version 2
• Measurement and Units
• Relationships and Graphs
• Rotation and Balance
• Vibrational Motion
• Reflection and Refraction
• Teacher Accounts
• Kinematic Concepts
• Kinematic Graphing
• Wave Motion
• Sound and Music
• About CalcPad
• 1D Kinematics
• Vectors and Forces in 2D
• Simple Harmonic Motion
• Rotational Kinematics
• Rotation and Torque
• Rotational Dynamics
• Electric Fields, Potential, and Capacitance
• Transient RC Circuits
• Light Waves
• Units and Measurement
• Stoichiometry
• Molarity and Solutions
• Thermal Chemistry
• Acids and Bases
• Kinetics and Equilibrium
• Solution Equilibria
• Oxidation-Reduction
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Newton's Laws of Motion
• Work and Energy Packet
• Static Electricity Review
• NGSS Alignments
• 1D-Kinematics
• Projectiles
• Circular Motion
• Magnetism and Electromagnetism
• Graphing Practice
• About the ACT
• ACT Preparation
• For Teachers
• Other Resources
• Solutions Guide
• Solutions Guide Digital Download
• Motion in One Dimension
• Work, Energy and Power
• Chemistry of Matter
• Names and Formulas
• Algebra Based On-Level Physics
• Honors Physics
• Conceptual Physics
• Other Tools
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Purchasing the Download
• Purchasing the Digital Download
• About the NGSS Corner
• NGSS Search
• Force and Motion DCIs - High School
• Energy DCIs - High School
• Wave Applications DCIs - High School
• Force and Motion PEs - High School
• Energy PEs - High School
• Wave Applications PEs - High School
• Crosscutting Concepts
• The Practices
• Physics Topics
• NGSS Corner: Activity List
• NGSS Corner: Infographics
• About the Toolkits
• Position-Velocity-Acceleration
• Position-Time Graphs
• Velocity-Time Graphs
• Newton's First Law
• Newton's Second Law
• Newton's Third Law
• Terminal Velocity
• Projectile Motion
• Forces in 2 Dimensions
• Impulse and Momentum Change
• Momentum Conservation
• Work-Energy Fundamentals
• Work-Energy Relationship
• Roller Coaster Physics
• Satellite Motion
• Electric Fields
• Circuit Concepts
• Series Circuits
• Parallel Circuits
• Describing-Waves
• Wave Behavior Toolkit
• Standing Wave Patterns
• Resonating Air Columns
• Wave Model of Light
• Plane Mirrors
• Curved Mirrors
• Teacher Guide
• Using Lab Notebooks
• Current Electricity
• Light Waves and Color
• Reflection and Ray Model of Light
• Refraction and Ray Model of Light
• Teacher Resources
• Subscriptions

• Newton's Laws
• Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity
• About Concept Checkers
• School Pricing
• Newton's Laws of Motion
• Newton's First Law
• Newton's Third Law

READ WATCH INTERACT

TEACHER TOOLS

PRACTICE REVIEW TEST

THE PHYSICS CLASSROOM TUTORIAL

A set of instructional pages written in an easy-to-understand language and complemented by graphics and Check Your Understanding sections. An ideal starting location for those grasping for understanding or searching for answers.

PHYSICS SIMULATIONS

The Physics Interactives includes a large collection of HTML5 interactive physics simulations. Designed with tablets such as the iPad and with Chromebooks in mind, this user-friendly section is filled with skill-building exercises, physics simulations, and game-like challenges.

PHYSICS VIDEO TUTORIAL

Our Video Tutorial provides a video-based alternative to the written Tutorial above. We aim to present relatively short, highly-organized presentations with a strong graphical component on discrete topics. Watch them on our site or follow the links to YouTube. We add videos quite frequently so stop back by if you don't find what you are looking for. Or subscribe to our YouTube channel,  tap the bell , and receive notifications when new videos come out.

CHEMISTRY TUTORIAL

MULTIMEDIA PHYSICS STUDIOS

A large collection of GIF animations and QuickTime movies designed to demonstrate physics principles in a visual manner. Each animation is accompanied by explanations and links to further information.

CONCEPT BUILDERS

Have you tried a Concept Builder lately? You should. This growing collection of cognitively-rich exercises will focus student attention on discrete learning goals. Filled with interactive elements, this section is the perfect tool for getting students thinking about the meaning of concepts. Perfect for students and 1:1 classrooms using iPads, Chromebooks, and the like. And for Chemistry types, we've added a large collection of Chemistry Concept Builders. 

MINDS ON PHYSICS - VERSION 5   

Minds On Physics - Version 5 is the HTML5 version of Minds On Physics that replaces our App and Legacy versions. Relying on a large bank of carefully crafted questions, Minds On Physics seeks to improve students' conceptions of physics. "MOPs" combines interactive questioning modules with a thorough, question-specific Help system to engage students in an exercise in thinking, reflecting, and learning. Version 5 is our best-yet version of Minds On Physics. There is a fully functional free version and a paid version that integrates seamlessly with our Task Tracker system and offers some rather enticing features.  

THE CALCULATOR PAD

Version 2 of the Calculator Pad is now available. Our newest version includes >2500 Physics and Chemistry problems organized into >250 ready-to-use problem sets. Numerical information is randomly-generated. An answer box allows students to solve and check their answers. Most problems are accompanied  by an audio-guided solution that explains how to solve a similar problem while hilighting the habits that can be adopted for solving any problem. Teachers with Task Tracker accounts can modify problems and problem sets and even create their own problems. Task Tracker also allows teachers to assign problems to their students and track their progress. 

CONCEPT CHECKERS  

Concept Checkers were built to coordinate with the Physics Interactives section of our website. Relying upon our Task Tracker tool to deliver questions, check answers, and track student progress, a Concept Checker is designed to coordinate with an interactive simulation. Use it as a follow-up check to understanding after exploring the simulation. Most sims are accompanied by a Concept Checker. Some sims have Task Tracker code built into the simulation. But not all sims will have a Concept Checker.  Concept Checkers can be used with or without a Task Tracker account. 

THE SCIENCE REASONING CENTER

The Science Reasoning Center is our most recent upgrade. This section includes about 70 activities that are perfect for encouraging scientific reasoning skills. Students use science and engineering practices, combined with cross cutting science concepts and core ideas from the disciplines of physics (and chemistry) to analyze phenomenon, experiments, and data presentations. We broke ground in April of 2023; we will continue work throughout the 2023-24 school year.

THE REVIEW SESSION

A collection of pages with questions and answers/explanations which serve as reviews or practice. Each review complements a chapter from The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

PHYSICS HELP

A variety of question-and-answer pages which target specific concepts and skills. Topics range from the graphical analysis of motion and drawing free body diagrams to a discussion of vectors and vector addition.

ACT TEST CENTER

Calling all high school juniors: You've trusted The Physics Classroom to help prepare you for that unit exam in physics. Why not trust us to help prepare you for the biggest test of the year - the ACT test? That's right. Let the TPC help you with the ACT.

CURRICULUM CORNER

A collection of classroom ready worksheets for use by teachers with their classes. Pages are synchronized to readings from The Physics Classroom Tutorial and to assignments of The Minds On Physics Internet Modules. And now teachers can purchase The Solutions Guide containing complete answers, explanations and solutions to all worksheets. This is a section of great usefulness to teachers and of little interest to students. The Solutions Guide is available as a Digital Download.

LESSON PLANS, PACING GUIDES, AND PRE-BUILT COURSES

We have compiled a collection of lesson plans and pacing guides for multiple units for three course types. The lesson plans provide teachers with a concrete demonstration of how resources at The Physics Classroom can be incorporated into a course. This section also includes a compilation of subtopics, learning outcomes, and associated interactive resources for each topic of the three courses. We also have corresponding pre-built courses available for Task Tracker users that mirror the lesson plans viewed in this section. While these lesson plans and pre-built courses are fully customizable, they provide a turn-key solution that allows teachers to easily hit the ground running  with their Task Tracker classes. 

TEACHER PRESENTATION PACK

Our Teacher Presentation Pack is a downloadable product that includes nearly 190 Microsoft PowerPoint slide decks, about 170 animations and videos in .mp4 and .gif formats, too-many-to-count stand-alone images, and a Lesson Notes page for every slide deck. The slide decks are compatible with Google Slides. We did our best to make the product ready-to-use and at the same time fully customizable. It's a great tool in the toolbox for any early-career teacher, cross-over teacher, or even veteran teacher.

QUESTION BANK

Writing good tests and quizzes for your physics class just got a whole lot easier! With The Physics Classroom's Question Bank, physics teachers can quickly put together multiple choice and free-response quizzes and tests that target concepts discussed at The Physics Classroom website. The Question Bank is available for purchase as a both a CD resource and as a Digital Download. Use of the Question Bank requires the Microsoft Word application. (Answers are NOT included on the Question Bank.)

NGSS CORNER

Our newest section, the NGSS Corner assists teachers of Physics and Physical Science in aligning their curricula with the Next Generation Science Standards. Numerous resources are identified and their alignment with the NGSS is described.

TEACHER TOOLKITS

The Teacher Toolkits provide teachers with packages of online resources (simulations, movies, animations, demonstration ideas, etc.) that are organized around a topic and a set of learning objectives. These resources, when combined with the numerous resources on our own site, allow teachers to plan high-quality, engaging instruction and to map out a curriculum that is NGSS-based.

THE LABORATORY

While you explore the approximately 150 labs here at The Laboratory, you will likely generate some questions about how they are used and how you can use them. This page, and the pages it links to, are hoped to provide some answers to those questions.

THE PHOTO GALLERY

The Photo Gallery provides teachers a toolbox of physics-relevant photos from the wealth of photos on Flickr. The Photo Gallery offers teachers three things: access to photos, organized by topic; a collection of nearly 30 galleries; and an invitation to join this exciting project of capturing and sharing physics phenomenon with a camera. Of course, students are welcome to participate as well.  

High School Physics: Newton's 2nd Law of Acceleration Assignment (Grades 9-12)

Also included in

Description

Engage your high school students with this NGSS-aligned High School Physics Forces: Newton's 2nd Law of Acceleration Assignment for Grades 9-12 . This comprehensive resource features 10 review questions and a detailed answer key, focusing on essential physics concepts. Key topics covered include:

• Acceleration
• Net Force Calculation
• Newton's Second Law
• Free Body Diagrams
• Effects of Force and Mass on Acceleration

Additional Features:

• Full Answer Key
• Detailed Forces Unit Outline (20-day Lesson Plan)
• Editable Digital & Printable PDF versions
• Suitable for Distance Learning

Equip your students with the skills needed to understand and apply the law of acceleration effectively with this meticulously crafted resource. This is part of a complete series of 9 assignments within the Forces Unit.

Questions & Answers

Phantastic physics.

• We're hiring
• Help & FAQ
• Privacy policy
• Student privacy
• Terms of service
• Tell us what you think

1.1 Physics: An Introduction

Learning objectives.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Explain the difference between a principle and a law.
• Explain the difference between a model and a theory.

The physical universe is enormously complex in its detail. Every day, each of us observes a great variety of objects and phenomena. Over the centuries, the curiosity of the human race has led us collectively to explore and catalog a tremendous wealth of information. From the flight of birds to the colors of flowers, from lightning to gravity, from quarks to clusters of galaxies, from the flow of time to the mystery of the creation of the universe, we have asked questions and assembled huge arrays of facts. In the face of all these details, we have discovered that a surprisingly small and unified set of physical laws can explain what we observe. As humans, we make generalizations and seek order. We have found that nature is remarkably cooperative—it exhibits the underlying order and simplicity we so value.

It is the underlying order of nature that makes science in general, and physics in particular, so enjoyable to study. For example, what do a bag of chips and a car battery have in common? Both contain energy that can be converted to other forms. The law of conservation of energy (which says that energy can change form but is never lost) ties together such topics as food calories, batteries, heat, light, and watch springs. Understanding this law makes it easier to learn about the various forms energy takes and how they relate to one another. Apparently unrelated topics are connected through broadly applicable physical laws, permitting an understanding beyond just the memorization of lists of facts.

The unifying aspect of physical laws and the basic simplicity of nature form the underlying themes of this text. In learning to apply these laws, you will, of course, study the most important topics in physics. More importantly, you will gain analytical abilities that will enable you to apply these laws far beyond the scope of what can be included in a single book. These analytical skills will help you to excel academically, and they will also help you to think critically in any professional career you choose to pursue. This module discusses the realm of physics (to define what physics is), some applications of physics (to illustrate its relevance to other disciplines), and more precisely what constitutes a physical law (to illuminate the importance of experimentation to theory).

Science and the Realm of Physics

Science consists of the theories and laws that are the general truths of nature as well as the body of knowledge they encompass. Scientists are continually trying to expand this body of knowledge and to perfect the expression of the laws that describe it. Physics is concerned with describing the interactions of energy, matter, space, and time, and it is especially interested in what fundamental mechanisms underlie every phenomenon. The concern for describing the basic phenomena in nature essentially defines the realm of physics .

Physics aims to describe the function of everything around us, from the movement of tiny charged particles to the motion of people, cars, and spaceships. In fact, almost everything around you can be described quite accurately by the laws of physics. Consider a smart phone ( Figure 1.3 ). Physics describes how electricity interacts with the various circuits inside the device. This knowledge helps engineers select the appropriate materials and circuit layout when building the smart phone. Next, consider a GPS system. Physics describes the relationship between the speed of an object, the distance over which it travels, and the time it takes to travel that distance. GPS relies on precise calculations that account for variations in the Earth's landscapes, the exact distance between orbiting satellites, and even the effect of a complex occurrence of time dilation. Most of these calculations are founded on algorithms developed by Gladys West, a mathematician and computer scientist who programmed the first computers capable of highly accurate remote sensing and positioning. When you use a GPS device, it utilizes these algorithms to recognize where you are and how your position relates to other objects on Earth.

Applications of Physics

You need not be a scientist to use physics. On the contrary, knowledge of physics is useful in everyday situations as well as in nonscientific professions. It can help you understand how microwave ovens work, why metals should not be put into them, and why they might affect pacemakers. (See Figure 1.4 and Figure 1.5 .) Physics allows you to understand the hazards of radiation and rationally evaluate these hazards more easily. Physics also explains the reason why a black car radiator helps remove heat in a car engine, and it explains why a white roof helps keep the inside of a house cool. Similarly, the operation of a car’s ignition system as well as the transmission of electrical signals through our body’s nervous system are much easier to understand when you think about them in terms of basic physics.

Physics is the foundation of many important disciplines and contributes directly to others. Chemistry, for example—since it deals with the interactions of atoms and molecules—is rooted in atomic and molecular physics. Most branches of engineering are applied physics. In architecture, physics is at the heart of structural stability, and is involved in the acoustics, heating, lighting, and cooling of buildings. Parts of geology rely heavily on physics, such as radioactive dating of rocks, earthquake analysis, and heat transfer in the Earth. Some disciplines, such as biophysics and geophysics, are hybrids of physics and other disciplines.

Physics has many applications in the biological sciences. On the microscopic level, it helps describe the properties of cell walls and cell membranes ( Figure 1.6 and Figure 1.7 ). On the macroscopic level, it can explain the heat, work, and power associated with the human body. Physics is involved in medical diagnostics, such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonic blood flow measurements. Medical therapy sometimes directly involves physics; for example, cancer radiotherapy uses ionizing radiation. Physics can also explain sensory phenomena, such as how musical instruments make sound, how the eye detects color, and how lasers can transmit information.

It is not necessary to formally study all applications of physics. What is most useful is knowledge of the basic laws of physics and a skill in the analytical methods for applying them. The study of physics also can improve your problem-solving skills. Furthermore, physics has retained the most basic aspects of science, so it is used by all of the sciences, and the study of physics makes other sciences easier to understand.

Models, Theories, and Laws; The Role of Experimentation

The laws of nature are concise descriptions of the universe around us; they are human statements of the underlying laws or rules that all natural processes follow. Such laws are intrinsic to the universe; humans did not create them and so cannot change them. We can only discover and understand them. Their discovery is a very human endeavor, with all the elements of mystery, imagination, struggle, triumph, and disappointment inherent in any creative effort. (See Figure 1.8 and Figure 1.9 .) The cornerstone of discovering natural laws is observation; science must describe the universe as it is, not as we may imagine it to be.

We all are curious to some extent. We look around, make generalizations, and try to understand what we see—for example, we look up and wonder whether one type of cloud signals an oncoming storm. As we become serious about exploring nature, we become more organized and formal in collecting and analyzing data. We attempt greater precision, perform controlled experiments (if we can), and write down ideas about how the data may be organized and unified. We then formulate models, theories, and laws based on the data we have collected and analyzed to generalize and communicate the results of these experiments.

A model is a representation of something that is often too difficult (or impossible) to display directly. While a model is justified with experimental proof, it is only accurate under limited situations. An example is the planetary model of the atom in which electrons are pictured as orbiting the nucleus, analogous to the way planets orbit the Sun. (See Figure 1.10 .) We cannot observe electron orbits directly, but the mental image helps explain the observations we can make, such as the emission of light from hot gases (atomic spectra). Physicists use models for a variety of purposes. For example, models can help physicists analyze a scenario and perform a calculation, or they can be used to represent a situation in the form of a computer simulation.

[start new paragraph] The word theory means something different to scientists than what is often meant when the word is used in everyday conversation. In particular, to a scientist a theory is not the same as a “guess” or an “idea” or even a “hypothesis.” The phrase “it’s just a theory” seems meaningless and silly to scientists because science is founded on the notion of theories. To a scientist, a theory is a testable explanation for patterns in nature supported by scientific evidence and verified multiple times by various groups of researchers. Some theories include models to help visualize phenomena whereas others do not. Newton’s theory of gravity, for example, does not require a model or mental image, because we can observe the objects directly with our own senses. Although models are meant only to describe certain aspects of a physical system accurately, a theory should describe all aspects of any system that falls within its domain of applicability. In particular, any experimentally testable implication of a theory should be verified. If an experiment ever shows an implication of a theory to be false, then the theory is either thrown out or modified suitably (for example, by limiting its domain of applicability).

Some theories include models to help visualize phenomena, whereas others do not. Newton’s theory of gravity, for example, does not require a model or mental image, because we can observe the objects directly with our own senses. The kinetic theory of gases, on the other hand, is a model in which a gas is viewed as being composed of atoms and molecules. Atoms and molecules are too small to be observed directly with our senses—thus, we picture them mentally to understand what our instruments tell us about the behavior of gases.

A law uses concise language to describe a generalized pattern in nature that is supported by scientific evidence and repeated experiments. Often, a law can be expressed in the form of a single mathematical equation. Laws and theories are similar in that they are both scientific statements that result from a tested hypothesis and are supported by scientific evidence. However, the designation law is reserved for a concise and very general statement that describes phenomena in nature, such as the law that energy is conserved during any process, or Newton’s second law of motion, which relates force, mass, and acceleration by the simple equation F = m a F = m a . A theory, in contrast, is a less concise statement of observed phenomena. For example, the Theory of Evolution and the Theory of Relativity cannot be expressed concisely enough to be considered a law. The biggest difference between a law and a theory is that a theory is much more complex and dynamic. A law describes a single action, whereas a theory explains an entire group of related phenomena. And, whereas a law is a postulate that forms the foundation of the scientific method, a theory is the end result of that process.

Less broadly applicable statements are usually called principles (such as Pascal’s principle, which is applicable only in fluids), but the distinction between laws and principles often is not carefully made.

Models, Theories, and Laws

Models, theories, and laws are used to help scientists analyze the data they have already collected. However, often after a model, theory, or law has been developed, it points scientists toward new discoveries they would not otherwise have made.

The models, theories, and laws we devise sometimes imply the existence of objects or phenomena as yet unobserved. These predictions are remarkable triumphs and tributes to the power of science. It is the underlying order in the universe that enables scientists to make such spectacular predictions. However, if experiment does not verify our predictions, then the theory or law is wrong, no matter how elegant or convenient it is. Laws can never be known with absolute certainty because it is impossible to perform every imaginable experiment in order to confirm a law in every possible scenario. Physicists operate under the assumption that all scientific laws and theories are valid until a counterexample is observed. If a good-quality, verifiable experiment contradicts a well-established law, then the law must be modified or overthrown completely.

The study of science in general and physics in particular is an adventure much like the exploration of uncharted ocean. Discoveries are made; models, theories, and laws are formulated; and the beauty of the physical universe is made more sublime for the insights gained.

The Scientific Method

Ibn al-Haytham (sometimes referred to as Alhazen), a 10th-11th century scientist working in Cairo, significantly advanced the understanding of optics and vision. But his contributions go much further. In demonstrating that previous approaches were incorrect, he emphasized that scientists must be ready to reject existing knowledge and become "the enemy" of everything they read; he expressed that scientists must trust only objective evidence. Al-Haytham emphasized repeated experimentation and validation, and acknowledged that senses and predisposition could lead to poor conclusions. His work was a precursor to the scientific method that we use today.

As scientists inquire and gather information about the world, they follow a process called the scientific method . This process typically begins with an observation and question that the scientist will research. Next, the scientist typically performs some research about the topic and then devises a hypothesis. Then, the scientist will test the hypothesis by performing an experiment. Finally, the scientist analyzes the results of the experiment and draws a conclusion. Note that the scientific method can be applied to many situations that are not limited to science, and this method can be modified to suit the situation.

Consider an example. Let us say that you try to turn on your car, but it will not start. You undoubtedly wonder: Why will the car not start? You can follow a scientific method to answer this question. First off, you may perform some research to determine a variety of reasons why the car will not start. Next, you will state a hypothesis. For example, you may believe that the car is not starting because it has no engine oil. To test this, you open the hood of the car and examine the oil level. You observe that the oil is at an acceptable level, and you thus conclude that the oil level is not contributing to your car issue. To troubleshoot the issue further, you may devise a new hypothesis to test and then repeat the process again.

The Evolution of Natural Philosophy into Modern Physics

Physics was not always a separate and distinct discipline. It remains connected to other sciences to this day. The word physics comes from Greek, meaning nature. The study of nature came to be called “natural philosophy.” From ancient times through the Renaissance, natural philosophy encompassed many fields, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and medicine. Over the last few centuries, the growth of knowledge has resulted in ever-increasing specialization and branching of natural philosophy into separate fields, with physics retaining the most basic facets. (See Figure 1.11 , Figure 1.12 , and Figure 1.13 .) Physics as it developed from the Renaissance to the end of the 19th century is called classical physics . It was transformed into modern physics by revolutionary discoveries made starting at the beginning of the 20th century.

Classical physics is not an exact description of the universe, but it is an excellent approximation under the following conditions: Matter must be moving at speeds less than about 1% of the speed of light, the objects dealt with must be large enough to be seen with a microscope, and only weak gravitational fields, such as the field generated by the Earth, can be involved. Because humans live under such circumstances, classical physics seems intuitively reasonable, while many aspects of modern physics seem bizarre. This is why models are so useful in modern physics—they let us conceptualize phenomena we do not ordinarily experience. We can relate to models in human terms and visualize what happens when objects move at high speeds or imagine what objects too small to observe with our senses might be like. For example, we can understand an atom’s properties because we can picture it in our minds, although we have never seen an atom with our eyes. New tools, of course, allow us to better picture phenomena we cannot see. In fact, new instrumentation has allowed us in recent years to actually “picture” the atom.

Limits on the Laws of Classical Physics

For the laws of classical physics to apply, the following criteria must be met: Matter must be moving at speeds less than about 1% of the speed of light, the objects dealt with must be large enough to be seen with a microscope, and only weak gravitational fields (such as the field generated by the Earth) can be involved.

Some of the most spectacular advances in science have been made in modern physics. Many of the laws of classical physics have been modified or rejected, and revolutionary changes in technology, society, and our view of the universe have resulted. Like science fiction, modern physics is filled with fascinating objects beyond our normal experiences, but it has the advantage over science fiction of being very real. Why, then, is the majority of this text devoted to topics of classical physics? There are two main reasons: Classical physics gives an extremely accurate description of the universe under a wide range of everyday circumstances, and knowledge of classical physics is necessary to understand modern physics.

Modern physics itself consists of the two revolutionary theories, relativity and quantum mechanics. These theories deal with the very fast and the very small, respectively. Relativity must be used whenever an object is traveling at greater than about 1% of the speed of light or experiences a strong gravitational field such as that near the Sun. Quantum mechanics must be used for objects smaller than can be seen with a microscope. The combination of these two theories is relativistic quantum mechanics, and it describes the behavior of small objects traveling at high speeds or experiencing a strong gravitational field. Relativistic quantum mechanics is the best universally applicable theory we have. Because of its mathematical complexity, it is used only when necessary, and the other theories are used whenever they will produce sufficiently accurate results. We will find, however, that we can do a great deal of modern physics with the algebra and trigonometry used in this text.

Check Your Understanding

A friend tells you they have learned about a new law of nature. What can you know about the information even before your friend describes the law? How would the information be different if your friend told you they had learned about a scientific theory rather than a law?

Without knowing the details of the law, you can still infer that the information your friend has learned conforms to the requirements of all laws of nature: it will be a concise description of the universe around us; a statement of the underlying rules that all natural processes follow. If the information had been a theory, you would be able to infer that the information will be a large-scale, broadly applicable generalization.

PhET Explorations

Equation grapher.

Learn about graphing polynomials. The shape of the curve changes as the constants are adjusted. View the curves for the individual terms (e.g. y = bx y = bx ) to see how they add to generate the polynomial curve.

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/college-physics-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-science-and-the-realm-of-physics-physical-quantities-and-units

• Authors: Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
• Publisher/website: OpenStax
• Book title: College Physics 2e
• Publication date: Jul 13, 2022
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/college-physics-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-science-and-the-realm-of-physics-physical-quantities-and-units
• Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/college-physics-2e/pages/1-1-physics-an-introduction

© Jul 9, 2024 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.

Pardon Our Interruption

As you were browsing something about your browser made us think you were a bot. There are a few reasons this might happen:

• You've disabled JavaScript in your web browser.
• You're a power user moving through this website with super-human speed.
• You've disabled cookies in your web browser.
• A third-party browser plugin, such as Ghostery or NoScript, is preventing JavaScript from running. Additional information is available in this support article .

To regain access, please make sure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled before reloading the page.

• Accessibility
• Main SQA Website
• Using the site
•  >  Subjects
•  >  Physics
•  >  Higher
•  > Assignment

In this section

Select a subject Accounting Administration and IT Applications of Mathematics Apprenticeships Art and Design Baccalaureates Barista Skills Biology Business Management Care Chemistry Childcare & Development Classical Studies Computing Science Core Skills Dance Design and Manufacture Drama Economics Engineering Science English Environmental Science ESOL Fashion and Textiles French Gaelic Gaidhlig Geography German Graphic Communication Health and Food Technology History HN Human Biology Italian Latin Mandarin Mathematics Mathematics of Mechanics Media Modern Studies Music Music Technology National 1 & 2 NPA Philosophy Photography Physical Education Physics Politics Practical Cake Craft Practical Cookery Practical Electronics Practical Metalworking Practical Woodworking Psychology RMPS Scots Language Skills for Work Sociology Spanish Statistics SVQ Urdu

• Question paper
• Advanced Higher
• Presentations
• Course Reports
• Additional resources for sessions 2020-22

Higher Physics - assignment

Assignment 2023  (all links open as pdf files), candidate 1: to determine planck's constant.

• Candidate 1 Evidence

Candidate 2: Determining Internal Resistance of an Electrical Supply

• Candidate 2 Evidence

Candidate 3: To find out the relationship between the peak voltage of an A.C supply and its D.C equivalent voltage

• Candidate 3 Evidence

Candidate 4: The inverse square law of irradiance

• Candidate 4 Evidence

Candidate 5: Verifying the refractive index of water

• Candidate 5 Evidence
• Candidates 1 to 5 Commentaries

Assignment 2018    (All links to PDF files)

Candidate 1  -  mass of the earth.

• Candidate 1 Commentary  

Candidate 2  -  Batteries

• Candidate 2 Commentary   (Revised March 2023)

Candidate 3  -  Switch on Voltage

• Candidate 3 Commentary   (Revised March 2023)

Candidate 4  -  Thermistors

• Candidate 4 Commentary

Candidate 5  -  Simple Pendulum

• Candidate 5 Commentary   (Revised March 2023)

Candidate 6  -  Verification of an Equation of Motion

• Candidate 6 Evidence
• Candidate 6 Commentary

Candidate 7  -  Measuring g

• Candidate 7 Evidence
• Candidate 7 Commentary

Candidate 8  -  Acceleration of a Trolley

• Candidate 8 Evidence
• Candidate 8 Commentary
• Terms & Conditions
• Back To Top

Please ensure that your password is at least 8 characters and contains each of the following:

• a special character: @$#!%*?&