Page 27 - Physics
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Introduction to Physics

             previously to investigate whether the    are observed. For example, the theory of
             digital  stopwatch  is more  accurate    gravity  explains why things fall  down
             than the analogue  stopwatch in          when we drop them. It says that all objects
             measuring the time taken to complete     with mass are  attracted  to each  other,
             one  oscillation.  Briefl y  address  the   and  that’s why we stay  on the  ground
             following:                               and  do  not  fl oat  on  air.  Many  theories
            (a)  What was the hypothesis?             explain  various physical  phenomena.  In
            (b)  What kind of an experiment can be    this section, we shall concentrate on the
                used to test the hypothesis?          theory of gravity  and its impact  human
            (c)  What conclusion can be drawn from    beings.
                this experiment?
            (d)  After comparing the measurements,    Theory of gravity
                which stopwatch do you think is
                more accurate than the other? and     The theory of gravity is the fundamental
            (e) Write a report explaining  your       theory that explains the force of attraction
                experiment and conclusions.           between two objects that have mass. It
                                                      says that objects with mass are attracted to
           The measurement from a digital stopwatch is   each other. The force of attraction between
           more accurate than the one from an analogue   such objects is referred to as the force of
           stopwatch. The digital stopwatch therefore,   gravity. This  force is very important for
           gives a more precise measurement of time   our daily activities. Activity 1.4, will help
           than the analogue one.                     you to understand the impact of the force
                                                      of gravity in our daily lives. All objects
                     Task 1.6
                                                      on the earth are attracted toward the earth
            1.   Discuss the steps for carrying out   because the earth is more massive than
                experiments using scientifi c method.  other objects.
            2.   Discuss the application of scientifi c
                investigation method for a simple     Signifi cance of the theory of gravity
                pendulum.
            3.   Briefl y explain the importance of    (i)  It explains the arrangement and motion
                forming hypothesis before doing an         of planets, moon, and other celestial
                experiment.                                bodies in the solar system and beyond.
                                                      (ii)  Helps to understand the tides and

                                                           Earth’s motion around the sun.
           Scientifi c theory
           A theory in  physics is a big idea  or     (iii)  Provide the basis for space exploration
                                                           and satellite technology.
           explanation that scientists come up with
           to describe  how something  in nature      (iv)  It infl uences our daily lives, from

           behaves. Think of it like a story that tries    walking on the earth’s surface to the
                                                           launching of spacecraft into space.
           to explain why things happen the way they

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     Physics Form 1 Final.indd   21                                                         16/10/2024   20:55
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