Page 232 - Physics

Physics for Secondary Schools

Instrumental error an error that arises as a result of a defect or mishandling
of an instrument. The defect could be from the
manufacturing industry

Law of fl oatation the relationship between a fl oating body and the weight
of displaced fl uid
Least count the difference between the main scale division and the
vernier scale division of the vernier calliper

Length the distance or dimension between two points
Lift pump a pump used to raise underground water to the surface
and is mechanically operated

Mass the quantity of matter in an object. It is measured using a
beam balance

Mathematics the science of numbers and shapes. Branches
of mathematics include arithmetic, algebra and
trigonometry. It aids physics
Matter any substance which has mass and occupies space

Measurement the process of assigning numbers to observations or
events
Meteorology the scientifi c study of the Earth’s atmosphere, especially
its patterns of weather and climate

Metre rule an instrument used for measuring length. It is calibrated
in centimetres and millimetres. It spans from zero cm
mark to 100 cm mark

Micrometre screw gauge an instrument used to measure the diametre of a thin
object which gives more accurate readings. It measures
to the nearest thousandth of a centimetre

Motion continuous movement that involves a change in position
relative to a reference point
Parallax apparent motion of one object relative to another when
the position of the eye is varied

Parallax error error which occurs when the observer changes position
and takes a measurement from the wrong position

Pascal’s principle any external pressure applied to an enclosed liquid is
transmitted equally throughout the liquid
Period the time taken by a pendulum to swing back and forth
once

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Student’s Book Form One

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