Page 230 - Physics

Physics for Secondary Schools

Atmospheric pressure the force or weight per unit area applied on all objects on
the earth’s surface due to the mass of the surrounding air.
It is measured using barometers.
Average velocity the average rate at which displacement changes with
time
Bicycle pump a type of force pump that consists of a hollow metal
cylinder and a movable piston. It is specially designed
for infl ating bicycle tyres.

Biology the study of living organisms. It is divided into
several specialised fi elds such as botany, zoology, and
microbiology

Buoyancy the ability of an object to fl oat in a fl uid
Buoyant force the upward force that causes immersed objects to fl oat or
rise to the surface of a liquid. It makes the object seem
lighter.

Burette a glass tube with markings for measurement on the side
and a tap at the bottom used for releasing an accurate
amount of liquid. It is usually used in the laboratory.

Chemical energy the energy obtained from food through chemical
processes

Chemistry the scientifi c study of the properties and behaviour of
matter. Chemistry and physics are both physical sciences
and both study sciences as well as the structure and
properties of matter

Cohesion the action of molecules of a substance to attract each
other, for example, water molecules
Cohesive forces molecular force that is exerted between molecules of the
same kind

Compressional forces force applied to an object and results in a decrease in the
size or volume of the object

Contact force force which exists when two interacting objects are
physically touching each other. Examples of contact
forces are friction, tension and elastic forces.
Density mass of an object per unit volume

Digital balance sensitive weighing balance, measuring masses to an
accuracy of 0.001 g or better

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Student’s Book Form One

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