CSEC Physics (Grade 10) by Dr. Marfo Douglas
RATIONALE
The application of scientific principles and the conduct of relevant research are of significant importance in identifying, assessing and realising the potential of the resources of Caribbean territories. A good foundation in the sciences will enhance the ability of our citizens to respond to the challenges of a rapidly changing world using the scientific approach.
Physics is a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions. It is concerned with systems, laws, models, principles and theories that explain the physical behaviour of our world and the universe. Physics is regarded as a fundamental scientific discipline since all advances in technology can be traced either directly or indirectly to the physical laws and theories.
AIMS
This syllabus aims to:
- acquire technical and scientific vocabulary;
- develop the ability to apply an understanding of the principles and concepts involved in Physics to situations which may or may not be familiar;
- appreciate the contributions of some of the outstanding regional and international scientists to the development of Physics;
- develop critical thinking and problem solving skills;
- plan, design and perform experiments to test theories and hypotheses;
- collect and represent data in an acceptable form;
- report accurately and concisely;
- develop the ability to appraise information critically, identify patterns, cause and effect, stability and change, and evaluate ideas;
- develop the ability to work independently and collaboratively with others when necessary;
- appreciate the significance and limitations of science in relation to social and economic development;
- develop an awareness of the applications of scientific knowledge and a concern about the consequences of such applications, particularly the impact on the environment;
- integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and skills.
Lessons
TERM 1 2021/2022
- ASSIGNMENT#1( Temperature,Thermometer and Thermometric properties)
- Quiz 1
- Speed, velocity and acceleration
- THERMAL PHYSICS - Heat and Temperature
- Kinetic Molecular Theory
- Thermal Expansion
- Quiz 2- Thermal physics
- Thermal Physics- Methods of Heat Transfer
- Gas laws and the kinetic model
- Application of the Gas laws
- Gas laws Problems
- Discuss how the methodology employed by Galileo contributed to the development of Physics
- Investigate the factors which might affect the period of a simple pendulum
- Use graphs of experimental data from simple pendulum
- Draw a line of ‘best fit’ for a set of plotted value
- Determine the gradient of the straight line graph
- Express the result of a measurement or calculation to an appropriate number of significant figures
- Discuss possible types and sources of error in any measurement
- Use a variety of instruments to measure different quantities
- Assess the suitability of instruments on the basis of sensitivity, accuracy and range
- Apply the formula for density: p = m/v
SECTION A
- Explain the effects of forces
- Identify types of forces
- Determine the weight of objects
- Show how derived quantities and their related units are produced
- Recall the special names given to the units for some derived quantities
- Express derived units using the index notation
- Identify situations in which the application of a force will result in a turning effect
- Define the moment of a force, T
- Apply the principle of moments
- Explain the action of common tools and devices as levers
- Determine the location of the centre of gravity of a body
- Relate the stability of an object to the position of its centre of gravity and its weight
- Investigate the relationship between extension and force
- Solve problems using Hooke’s law
- Define the terms: distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration
- Apply displacement-time and velocity-time graphs
- Discuss Aristotle’s arguments in support of his “law of motion”
- State Newton’s three laws of motion
- Use Newton’s laws to explain dynamic systems
- Define linear momentum
- Define linear momentum describe situations that demonstrate the law of conservation of linear momentum
- Apply the law of conservation of linear momentum
- Define energy
- Identify the various forms of energy
- Describe the energy transformation(s) in a given situation
- Apply the relationship: work = force x displacement
- Discuss the use of energy from alternative sources, and its importance to the Caribbean
- Define potential energy
- Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy
- Define kinetic energy
- Calculate kinetic energies
- Apply the law of conservation of energy
- Define power and apply definition
- Explain the term efficiency
- Calculate efficiency in given situations
SECTION B
- Relate temperature to the direction of net thermal energy transfer
- Identify physical properties which vary with temperature and may be used as the basis for measuring temperature
- Relate the use of a thermometer to its design
- Define the fixed points on the Celsius scale
- Relate the temperature of a body to the kinetic energy of molecules
- Distinguish among solids, liquids and gases
- Use the Kinetic theory to explain the different macroscopic properties of solids, liquids and gases
- Explain observations of the effects of thermal expansion
- Relate graphs of pressure or volume against temperature to the establishment of the Kelvin temperature scale
- Use the relationship between Kelvin and Celsius scale.
- Apply the gas laws
- Give qualitative explanations of the gas laws in terms of the Kinetic theory
- Distinguish between specific heat capacity, ‘c’ and heat capacity ‘C’
- Apply the relationship EH= mcΔѲ, or EH= mcΔT
- Determine the specific heat capacity of metals and liquids
- Demonstrate that temperature remains constant during a phase change
- Apply the relationship EH= ml
- Determine the specific latent heat of vaporization lv, and fusion, lf of water
- Distinguish between evaporation and boiling
- Explain the transfer of thermal energy by conduction
- Explain the transfer of thermal energy by convection
- Explain the transfer of thermal energy by radiation
- Conduct experiments to investigate the factors on which absorption and emission of radiation depend
- Recall that good absorbers are good emitters
- Relate the principles of thermal energy transfer to the design of devices
SECTION C
- Compare the rival theories of light held by scientists
- Conduct a Young’s double slit experiment to show that light is a wave
- Explain why the diffraction of light is not normally observed
- Apply the principle that light travels in straight lines
- Apply the laws of reflection
- Describe the formation of images in a plane mirror
- Give examples of observations which indicate that light can be refracted
- Describe the refraction of light rays
- Describe how a prism may be used to produce a spectrum
- Apply Snell’s Law
- Explain ‘critical angle’ and ‘total internal reflection’
- Relate critical angles to total internal reflection
- Draw diagrams illustrating applications of total internal reflection
- Illustrate the effect of converging and diverging lenses on a beam of parallel rays
- Define the terms: a)principal axis, b)principal focus, c)focal length, d)focal plane, e)magnification
- Differentiate between real and virtual images
- Apply the equations for magnification
- Determine the focal length of a converging lens
SECTION D
- Distinguish between conductors and insulators
- State that an electric current in a metal consists of a flow of electrons
- Differentiate between electron flow and conventional current
- State the unit of electrical current
- Apply the relationship Q = It
- Differentiate between direct and alternating currents
- Analyse current-time or voltage-time graphs
- Use symbols to construct circuit diagrams
- Differentiate between series and parallel circuits
- Explain the functions of the various parts of a zinc-carbon cell
- Distinguish between primary and secondary cells
- Draw a circuit diagram to show how a secondary cell can be recharged
- Investigate the relationship between current and potential difference
- Explain the concept of resistance
- Apply the relationship R = I/V
- Explain why it is necessary for an ammeter to have a very low resistance
- Explain why it is necessary for a voltmeter to have a very high resistance
- Solve problems involving series and parallel resistance
- Solve problems involving series, parallel and series-parallel circuits
- Discuss the reasons for using parallel connections of domestic appliances
- Explain the purpose of a fuse or circuit breaker and the earth wire
- Select a fuse or circuit breaker of suitable current rating for a given appliance
- State the adverse effects of connecting electrical appliances to incorrect or fluctuating voltage supplies
- Describe how a semi-conductor dioxide can be used in half wave rectification
- Differentiate between direct current from batteries and rectified alternating current by a consideration of the V–t graphs for both cases
- State the function of each gate with the aid of truth tables
- Recall the symbols for AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR logic gates
- Analyze circuits involving the combinations of not more than three logic gates
- Discuss the impact of electronic and technological advances on society
- Differentiate between magnetic and non-magnetic materials
- Explain how a magnet can attract an unmagnetised object
- Distinguish between materials used to make “permanent” and “temporary” magnets
- Identify the poles of a magnetic dipole
- Investigate the forces between magnetic poles
- Define a magnetic field
- Map magnetic fields
- Conduct simple experiments to investigate the magnetic field pattern around current-carrying conductors
- Apply suitable rules which relate the direction of current flow to the direction of the magnetic field
- Describe a commercial application of an electromagnet
- Conduct an experiment which demonstrates the existence of a force on a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field
- Sketch the resultant magnetic flux pattern when a current carrying wire is placed perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field
- Apply Fleming’s left-hand (motor) rule
- Identify the factors that affect the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field
- Explain the action of a D.C. motor
- Describe simple activities which demonstrate an induced e.m.f.
- Conduct simple experiments to show the magnitude of the induced e.m.f.
- Predict the direction of induced current given the direction of motion of the conductor and that of the magnetic field
- Explain the action of the A.C. generator
- Explain the principle of operation of a transformer
- State the advantages of using a.c. for transferring electrical energy
- Apply the ideal transformer formula Pout= Pin
SECTION E
- Sketch the structure of simple atoms
- Compare the mass and charge of the electron with the mass and charge of the proton
- Explain why an atom is normally neutral and stable
- Apply the relationship A = Z+ N
- Explain what is meant by the term “isotope”
- Relate the shell model of the atom to the periodic table
- Describe Marie Curie’s work in the field of radioactivity
- State the nature of the three types of radioactive emissions
- Describe experiments to compare the ranges of alpha, beta, and omega emission
- Describe the appearance of the tracks of radioactive emissions in a cloud chamber
- predict the effects of magnetic and electric fields on the motion of alpha and beta particles and gamma rays
- Interpret nuclear reactions in the standard form
- Conduct an activity to demonstrate the random nature of radioactive decay
- Recall that the decay process is independent of the conditions external to the nucleus
- Use graphs of random decay to show that such processes have constant half-lives
- Solve problems involving half-life
- Discuss the useful applications of radio-isotopes
- Relate the release of energy in a nuclear reaction to a change in mass
- Cite arguments for and against the utilisation of nuclear energy