O LEVEL PHYSICS

DEFINITIONS,EXPERIMENTS AND LAWS

by
STEPHEN KAZIBA

A
m
δl1

mB δl2

mC
Figure 1: Extension of a spring when loaded(Hooke’s law).

This book contains the common definitions,laws,experiments,and

explanations in the following topics
• NEWTONIAN MECHANICS
• HEAT
• LIGHT
• WAVES
• ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
• MODERN PHYSICS
.

The illiterates of the future are not those who are not able to read and write,but
those who are unwilling to learn,unlearn and re learn
BY Stephen KAZIBA

NEWTONIAN MECHANICS relative motion between two surfaces in

contact.SI units N or newton
1. Scalar Quantities: These are quantities
that have only magnitude but no direc- 13. Static friction: This is the frictional force
tion.e.g mass,length ,time,distance, between bodies tending to slide against
temperature,pressure,Power,work,Energy, one another.
Speed,Temperature,area,Density, Volume
14. Dynamic friction: This is the frictional
,Current,Potential difference
force between two bodies moving relative
2. Vector Quantities: These are quantities to one another.
that have both magnitude and direction.
15. Centripetal force: This is the force that
.e.g velocity,acceleration,displacement,
keeps a body to move in a circular path
momentum,force,magnetic field,Impulse,
and is directed towards the centre of the
electric field,Weight, Tension,Up-thrust,
circle.
Friction, Magnetic flux density
,Magnetic field intensity,Viscous drag, 16. Gravitational force: This is the force
Electric field Intensity that pulls bodies towards the centre of earth.
3. Length: This is the distance between two 17. Pressure: This is the force acting nor-
points irrespective of the path taken.SI units mally per unit area .SI units Nm−2 or
metre (m) Pa(pascal)
4. Matter: This is anything that occupies 18. Atmospheric pressure: This is the force
space and has weight. acting normally per unit area exerted against
5. Mass: This is the quantity of matter con- a surface by the weight of the air above
tained in an object.SI units kilogram(kg) that surface.

6. Density: This is mass per unit volume of LINEAR MOTION

an object.SI units kgm−3
19. Linear motion:This is motion in a straight
7. Relative Density: This is the ratio of line
density of a substance to density of an
equal volume of water. 20. Distance: This is the length between two
fixed points.SI units metre(m)
8. Volume:Is the amount of space occupied
by matter.SI units m3 21. Displacement: This is the distance moved
in a specificied direction.SI units metre(m)
9. Fundamental quantities: These are quan-
tities which can’t be expressed in terms of 22. Speed: This is the rate of change of dis-
any other quantities by using any mathe- tance moved with time.SI units ms−1
matical equation.e.g mass,length and time
23. Uniform speed: This is the constant rate
10. Derived quantities: These are quanti- of change of distance moved with time.SI
ties which can be expressed in terms of units ms−1
fundamental quantities of mass, length and
24. Velocity: It is the rate of change of displacement
time.e.g velocity,acceleration,force
.SI units ms−1
11. Force: This is a push or a pull that changes
25. Uniform velocity: This is the constant
a bodys state of rest or uniform motion in
rate of change of displacement .OR it is
a straight line.SI units N or newton
the constant rate of change of distance
12. Friction: This is the force that opposes moved with time in a specified direction

2 Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier

 BY Stephen KAZIBA

. SI units ms−1 together after collision and move with a

common velocity, momentum is conserved
26. Acceleration: This is the rate of change
but kinetic energy is not conserved.e.g col-
of velocity.SI units ms−2
lision between a bullet and a block of wood,car
27. Uniform acceleration: Is the constant rate crush(car crashing against th tree).
of change of velocity .SI units ms−2
38. Moment: This is the turning effect of the
28. Deceleration: This is the rate of decrease force about the fixed point.
of velocity .SI units ms−2
39. Moment of a force: This is the product
29. Uniform deceleration: This is the of the magnitude of force and the perpendicular
constant rate of decrease of velocity .SI distance of its line of action from the point.SI
units ms−2 units Nm
30. Acceleration due to gravity: This is 40. Centre of gravity: This is the point of
the rate of change of velocity for an object application of the resultant force due to
falling freely under gravity.SI units ms−2 the earths attraction on it.OR is the point
31. Projectile: Is any body that is given an where its resultant weight acts
initial velocity and then follows a path de- 41. Neutral Equilibrium: This is when a
termined by the effects of gravitational ac- body is slightly displaced its Centre of grav-
celeration and air resistance. ity doesnot change position relative to the
32. Inertia: This is the tendency of a body ground.
to remain at rest or keep moving with uni- 42. Stable equilibrium: This is when a body
form motion.OR Inertia is the reluctance is slightly displaced its Centre of gravity is
of a body to start moving once its at rest raised and the body returns to its original
or to stop moving if its already in motion. position.
33. Momentum: This is the product of mass 43. Un-Stable equilibrium: This is when
of a body and its velocity.SI units kgms−1 a body is slightly displaced its Centre of
34. Linear Momentum:This is the product gravity is lowered and the body does not
of mass and velocity of a body moving in return to its original position.
a straight line.SI units kgms−1 44. Work: This is the product of force and
35. Impulse:Is the product of force and the distance moved in the direction of force.OR
time of action of the force on the body Is the product of force and its displace-
OR This is the product of the force and ment. SI units joules or J
time for which the force acts on a body.SI 45. Energy: This is the ability to do work.OR
units kgms−1 or Ns is the capacity to perform work.SI units J
36. Elastic collision: This is the type of col-
46. Potential energy: This is the energy pos-
lision where the colliding bodies separate
sessed by a body by reason of its position
after collision and both momentum and
in the field of force.SI units joules or J
kinetic energy are conserved.e.g collision be-
tween atoms,collision between two billiard 47. Kinetic energy: This is the energy pos-
balls,when we throw a ball on the floor,it sessed by a body by reason of its motion.SI
bounces back units joules or J

37. Inelastic collision: This is the type of 48. Mechanical energy: This is the energy
collision where the colliding bodies stay possessed by a body by virtue of its mo-

Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier 3

BY Stephen KAZIBA

tion and its position in the gravitational between molecules of different substances.
field.SI units joules or J
60. Viscous drag(fluid friction): This is
49. Weight: This is the force acting on a the force that opposes motion of a body
body due to gravitational attraction on falling in a fluid.
it.SI units N or newton
61. Terminal velocity: This is the maxi-
50. Renewable sources of energy(Non ex- mum constant velocity a body attains when
haustible): These are sources of energy it falls through a fluid
that can be re-used to produce other forms
62. Up-thrust: This is the upward force act-
of energy.e.g wind.water(HEP),solar(sun)
ing on a body immersed in a fluid. SI units
51. Non-renewable(Exhaustible) sources N or newton
of energy: These are sources of energy
63. Capillarity: This is the action by which
that cannot be re used to produce other
the surface of a liquid where it is in con-
forms of energy.e.g kerosene,coal,biogas,
tact with a solid is elevated or depressed
petroleum
depending on the adhesive and cohesive
52. Power: This is the rate of doing work.OR properties of the liquid.
is the rate of transfer of energy.SI units W
64. Capillary action: This is the rising of
( watt)
aliquid in a narrow tube
53. Mechanical advantage: This is the ra-
65. Diffusion: This is the spreading of molecules
tio of load to effort.
from a region of higher concentration to a
54. Velocity ratio: This is the ratio of the region of lower concentration.
distance moved by the effort to the dis-
66. Brownian motion: This is the random
tance moved by the load in the
motion of molecules of the fluid.
same time interval

55. Efficiency: This is the ratio of useful work MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF

done by the machine to work put into a MATTER
machine expressed as a percentage.Or Its
67. Elasticity: This is the ability of a sub-
the ratio of work output to work input ex-
stance to regain its original shape, size and
pressed as a percentage.
length when the tensile force applied on it
56. Pitch in machines : This is the dis- is removed.
tance between two successive threads of
68. Elastic deformation: This is when a
the screw.
material can recover its original length and
57. Surface tension: This is the force acting shape when the deforming load has been
normally per unit length on an imaginary removed
line drawn tangentially on the surface of
69. Elastic material: This is a material which
the liquid.OR Is the force on the liquid
regains its original shape and size when
surface that causes it to behave as if it is
the deforming load has been removed.E.g.
covered with a thin stretched elastic mem-
Rubber band, spring.
brane.
70. Elastic limit: This is the maximum load
58. Cohesion: This is the force of attraction
which a material can experience and still
between molecules of the same substance.
regain its original size and shape once the
59. Adhesion: This is the force attraction load has been removed.

4 Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier

 BY Stephen KAZIBA

71. Plasticity:This is the ability of a material proportional to the extension.

to remain permanently deformed when a
84. Yield point: Is a load of material be-
deforming force has been removed.
yond which the material stops undergoing
72. Toughness:This is the ability of a mate- plastic deformation and instead undergoes
rial to resist wearing e.g. rubber auntil rapid increase in its extension when
loaded beyond this point until the mate-
73. Strength: This is the ability of the mate-
rial breaks
rial to withstand the applied force before
breaking. 85. Plastic deformation: This is the type of
deformation in which the material cannot
74. Stiffness: This is the ability of the ma-
regain its original shape or size.
terial to resist change in size or shape.OR
Its the ability of a material to resist being 86. Tensile Stress: This is the ratio of force
bent. applied to cross sectional area of the ma-
75. Strength:This is the ability of a material terial. SI units Nm−2 or Pa
to withstand or to resist an applied force 87. Tensile Strain: This is the ratio of ex-
before it brakes. tension to original length of the material.
76. Ductility: This is the ability of a material 88. Young’s modulus: This is the ratio of
to be hammered, moulded, bent, stretched tensile stress to tensile strain. SI units
and rolled into different shapes without Nm−2 or Pa
breaking.
89. A girder: This is a piece of material that
77. Brittleness: This is the ability of a ma- strengthens a structure.
terial to break just after elastic limit is
reached. 90. Strut: This is the girder under compres-
sion.
78. Hardness:This is the ability of a material
to resist wearing 91. Tie: This is the girder under tension.

79. Stiff material: This is the material that 92. Notch: This is a cut or a weak point in a
resists change of size or shape. given material.

80. Ductile material: This is the material 93. Concrete: This is a stone like material
that can be hammered, moulded, bent, which is obtained by proportionate mix-
stretched and rolled into different shapes ture of cement, sand, gravel and water and
without breaking.e.g copper, steel, iron, is left to harden.
lead,plasticine
HEAT DEFINITIONS:
81. Brittle material: These are materials
that can not be permanently stretched.It 94. Heat: This is the form of energy which
breaks as soon as the elastic limit has been is transferred from one place to another
reached e.g. glass, chalk, rocks and cast owing to a temperature difference between
iron them.SI units joules or J

82. Plastic material: This is the material 95. Temperature:Is a number which expresses
that cannot regain its original size or shape its degree of hotness or coldness on some
when the applied force has been removed. choosen scale.S.I units kelvin or K

83. Proportional limit: This is the point 96. Fundamental interval:Is the difference
beyond which force applied is not directly between the two fixed points

Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier 5

BY Stephen KAZIBA

97. Thermometric property: This is a phys- perature to aregion of low temperature b

ical property which changes continuously with the movement of the fluid as a whole.
and linearly with change in temperature.
109. Radiation: This is the transfer of heat
98. Fixed point: This is temperature at which through a vacuum by means of electro-
a physical change is expected to occur. magnetic waves.

99. Lower fixed point(ice point): This is 110. Heat capacity: This is the heat required
the temperature at which pure ice can ex- to raise the temperature of a body by one
ist in dynamic equilibrium with pure wa- kelvin.SI units JK−1
ter at standard atmospheric pressure of
111. Specific heat capacity: This is the heat
760mmHg.OR is the temperature of pure
required to raise the temperature of a unit
melting ice
mass of a body by one kelvin.S.I units
100. Upper fixed point(steam point): This Jkg−1 K−1
is the temperature at which steam and wa-
112. Latent heat: This is the heat required
ter exist in equilibrium.OR Is the temper-
to change the state of a substance without
ature of steam from water boiling under
change in temperature.SI units J
standard atmospheric pressure of 76ommHg
113. Latent heat of fusion: This is the heat
101. Gas: This is the state of a substance above
required to change the state of a substance
its critical temperature.
from solid to liquid without change in tem-
102. Ideal gas: Is one which obeys all the perature.SI units J
three gas laws perfectly.OR This is a gas
114. Latent heat of vaporization: This is
whose intermolecular forces are negligible
the heat required to change the state of a
and its molecules undergo perfectly elastic
substance from liquid to vapour without
collision.
change in temperature.SI units J
103. Real gas: This is a gas whose intermolec-
115. Specific latent heat: This is the heat re-
ular forces attraction or repulsion are not
quired to change the state of one kilogram
negligible.
mass of substance without change in tem-
104. Equation of state of a gas(ideal gas perature.SI units Jkg−1
equation): Is one which relates pressure
116. Specific latent heat of fusion: This
P,volume V and temperature T of a given
is the heat required to convert the state
mass of a gas.
of a unit mass of a substance from solid
105. Anomalous expansion of water:This to liquid at constant temperature.SI units
is the unusual expansion of water when Jkg−1
cooled below 40 C
117. Specific latent heat of vaporization:
106. Heat transfer: This is the transition of This is the heat required to convert the
heat from a hot region to a cold region. state of a unit mass of a substance from
liquid to vapour without change in tem-
107. Conduction: This is the transfer of heat
perature.SI units Jkg−1
through matter from a region of high tem-
perature to a region of low temperature 118. Absolute zero temperature: This is
without the movement of matter as a whole. the temperature at which the molecules
of the gas have minimum kinetic energy.
108. Convection: This is the transfer of heat
through fluids from a region of high tem- 119. Triple point of water: This is the tem-

6 Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier

 BY Stephen KAZIBA

perature at which pure water, pure melt- 133. Fluorescent bodies: These are bodies
ing ice and saturated vapour exist in equi- that produce light without being hot.
librium.
134. Transparent medium: This is the type
120. Saturated vapour: This is the vapour of medium which allows almost all the light
which is in dynamic equilibrium with its to pass through it and objects are seen
own liquid. clearly.
121. Unsaturated vapour: This is the vapour 135. Translucent medium: This is the type
which is not in dynamic equilibrium with of medium which allows some of the light
its own liquid. to pass through it and objects are not seen
clearly.
122. Evaporation: This is the escape of molecules
of the liquid from its surface. 136. Opaque medium: This is the type of
medium which does not allow any light to
123. Boiling: This is the process which oc-
pass through it and objects are not seen
curs when the saturated vapour pressure
at all.
is equal to external pressure.
137. A ray of light: This is the direction or
124. Boiling point: This the temperature at
the path along which light travels.
which the saturated vapour pressure is equal
to external pressure(atmospheric pressure). 138. A beam: This is a collection of light rays.

125. Freezing: This is the process that oc- 139. Convergent beam: This is the collection
curs when a substance changes from liquid of light rays originating from different di-
state to solid state at constant temperature. rections but meeting at one point.
126. Freezing point: This is the temperature 140. Divergent beam: This is the collection
at which a substance changes from liquid of light rays originating from one point but
state to solid state. travel in different directions.
127. Melting: This is a process which occurs 141. Rectilinear propagation of light: This
when a substance changes from solid state is the process by which light travels in
to liquid state at constant temperature. straight lines when produced from its source.
128. Melting point: This is the temperature 142. Shadow: This is an area or space where
at which a substance changes from solid light cannot reach.
state to liquid state.
143. Umbra: This is the region of the shadow
LIGHT DEFINITIONS: where no light reaches at all.

129. Light: This is a form of energy which is 144. Penumbra: This is the region of the shadow
responsible for the sense of sight. where some light reaches.

130. Luminous bodies: These are bodies which 145. Eclipse: This occurs when the sun, the
produce their own light.e.g .sun, fire worms, moon and the earth appear in a straight
firefly . line.

131. Nonluminous bodies: These are bodies 146. Solar eclipse: This occurs when the moon
which dont produce their own light. is between the sun and the earth.

132. Incandescent bodies: These are bodies 147. Lunar eclipse: This occurs when the earth
which give off light when hot. is between the moon and the sun.

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BY Stephen KAZIBA

148. Annular eclipse: This occurs when the axis to which al rays parallel and close to
sun is far away from the earth and the the principal axis converge and appear to
moon is between the sun and the earth. diverge after reflection from the mirror.

149. Magnification: This is the ratio of size 162. Principal focus (focal point)of a con-
of the image to size of the object. verging mirror: This is the point on the
principal axis to which all rays parallel and
150. Reflection of light: This is the bouncing
close to the principal axis converge after
off of light from the reflecting surface.
reflection from the mirror.
151. Regular (Specular) reflection: This is
163. Principal focus (focal point)of a di-
the type of reflection when a parallel beam
verging mirror: This is the point on the
incident on a smooth surface is reflected as
principal axis to which all rays parallel and
a parallel beam.
close to the principal axis appear to di-
152. Irregular (Diffuse) reflection: This is verge after reflection from the mirror.
the type of reflection when a parallel beam
164. Virtual image: This is the image formed
incident on a rough surface is scattered in
by apparent intersection of rays.
different directions.
165. Real image: This is the image formed by
153. Paraxial rays: These are rays nearly par-
actual intersection of rays.
allel to the principal axis and make small
angles with the mirror axis. 166. Refraction: This is the bending of light
ray as it moves from one medium to an-
154. Marginal rays: These are rays furthest
other medium of different optical densi-
from the principal axis of the mirror.
ties.
155. Centre of curvature of the mirror:
167. Refractive index: This is the ratio of
This is the center of the sphere of which
sine of angle of incidence to sine of angle
the mirror forms apart.
of refraction for light moving from air to
156. Radius of curvature of the mirror: any other given medium.
This is the distance between the center
168. Total internal reflection: This is a phe-
of curvature and the pole of the mirror.SI
nomenon which occurs when light is mov-
units m
ing from a denser medium to a dense medium
157. Pole of the mirror: This is center point and the angle of incidence is greater than
of the mirror. the critical angle.

158. Focal length the mirror:This is the dis- 169. Critical angle: This is the angle of in-
tance between the principal focus and the cidence in a denser medium for which its
pole of the mirror.SI units metre(m) angle of refraction in a dense medium is
ninety degrees.
159. Aperture of the mirror: This is the
width of the mirror. 170. A perture of lens:This is the width of
the lens
160. Principal axis of the mirror: This is
the straight line joining the center of cur- 171. Principal axis of the lens: This is the
vature to the pole of the mirror through line joining the principal focus to the op-
its principal focus. tical center of the lens.

161. Principal focus(Focal point) of the 172. Optical center of the lens: This is the
mirror: This is the point on the principal center point between the poles of the lens.

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 BY Stephen KAZIBA

173. Centre of curvature of a lens: Is the 184. Secondary colours: Are those colours of
centre of a sphere of which the spherical light that can be obtained by mixing two
surface of the lens is part. primary colours.e.g yellow,magenta,cyan
174. Principal focus(focal point) of the lens: 185. Complementary colours: These are pri-
This is the point on the principal axis to mary and secondary colours which when
which all rays parallel and close to the added together white light is produced.e.g
principal axis converge and appear to di- Red and cyan,Green and Magenta,Blue and
verge after refraction from the lens. yellow
175. Principal focus of a converging lens:
This is the point on the principal axis to
which rays parallel and close to the princi- WAVES DEFINITIONS:
pal axis converge after refraction from the
lens. 186. A wave: This is a disturbance in the medium
which transfers energy from one point to
176. Principal focus of a diverging lens: another without causing any permanent
This is the point on the principal axis to displacement of medium itself.
which rays parallel and close to the princi-
pal axis appear to diverge after refraction 187. Frequency: This is the number of oscilla-
from the lens. tions made per second.S.I units hertz(Hz)

177. Focal length of the lens: This is the 188. Velocity of a wave:Is the distance cov-
distance between the principal focus and ered by the wave profile per second in the
the optical center of the lens. direction of travel of the wave.S.I units
ms−1
178. Power of the lens: This is the reciprocal
of its focal length measured in metres.SI 189. Period: This is the time taken to com-
units Dioptre(D) plete one oscillation.S.I units s

179. Accommodation: This is the ability of 190. Amplitude: This is the maximum dis-
the eye to view objects at different posi- placement of the particles of the wave from
tion by changing the focal length of the their rest position
eye lens. 191. Wave length: This is the distance be-
180. Short sightedness (Myopia): This is tween two successive crests or troughs.OR
a defect of the eye whereby a person can- is the distance covered by the wave profile
not see far objects clearly but can only see in a periodic time. SI units m
nearby objects clearly.
192. Interference : This is the effect which
181. Long sightedness (Hypermetropia): This occurs when two waves of the same speed,
is the defect of the eye whereby a person frequency and wavelength moving in the
cannot see nearby objects clearly but can same direction meet.OR Is the superposi-
see far objects clearly. tion of two coherent waves giving rise to
bright and dark bands
182. Dispersion: This is the splitting or spread-
ing of white light into its constituent com- 193. Constructive interference: This is the
ponent colours by an optical prism. type of interference which occurs when a
crest of one wave meets a crest of another
183. Primary colours: Are those colours of
wave.
light that cannot be obtained by mixing
any other colours.e.g blue,red, green 194. Destructive interference: This is the

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BY Stephen KAZIBA

type of interference which occurs when a bouncing off of the waves when they meet
crest of one wave meets a trough of an- a barrier.
other wave.
204. Refraction of waves: This is the change
195. Electromagnetic waves: These are waves of direction or speed of the waves when
made up of electric and magnetic vibra- they move from one medium to another of
tions of high frequency. different optical densities.

196. Progressive waves:It is a wave in which 205. Diffraction of waves: This is the spread-
the disturbance moves from the source to ing of the waves of the same speed, fre-
the surrounding places and energy is trans- quency and wavelength around a corner
ferred from one point to another along the or barrier.
wave form .e.g Water waves, All electro-
magnetic waves 206. Sound: This is a form of energy produced
when particles of the medium are set into
197. Transverse wave: This is a wave where vibrations.
the direction of travel of the particles is
perpendicular to the direction of travel of 207. Echo: This is the reflected sound.
the wave. 208. Reverberation: This is the prolonged
198. Longitudinal wave: This is a wave in sound produced when the echo joins its
which the direction of travel of the parti- original sound.OR This is the effect which
cles is the same as the direction of travel occurs when the original sound produced
of the wave. appears prolonged due to reflections from
neighbouring objects
199. Stationary wave(Standing wave): This
is the wave formed when two identical pro- 209. Ultrasonic sound: This is the sound of
gressive waves of the same speed,frequency very high frequency which cannot be de-
and wavelength moving in opposite direc- tected by the human ear.
tion meet.OR This a wave formed as a 210. Music:This is an organized sound produced
result of superposition of two progressive by regular vibrations.
waves of equal amplitude and frequency
but travelling at same speed in opposite 211. Noise: This is a disorganized sound pro-
direction. duced by irregular vibrations.

200. Nodes: This is a point on a stationary 212. Pitch of sound: This is the sharpness or
wave in which particles are always at rest mildness of the musical note.OR This is
(zero displacement).OR is a position of zero the loudness or softness of sound.
displacement of a particle of a wave.
213. Loudness of sound: This is the sensa-
201. Antinodes: These are points on a sta- tion of the musical note in the mind of an
tionary wave where particles have maxi- individual.
mum displacement.
214. Fundamental note: This is the lowest
202. Wave front: This is the surface of the musical note produced by any musical in-
wave form on which every particle trans- strument.
mitting the wave is at the same distance
215. Fundamental frequency: This is the
from the source of the wave and in the
lowest predominat frequency note produced
same state of disturbance.
by any musical instrument on which other
203. Reflection of the waves: This is the notes are derived from.

10 Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier

 BY Stephen KAZIBA

216. Resonance: This occurs when a body Lead acid accumulator,Nickel alkaline(Nickel
is set into vibrations with its own natu- cadmium)cell
ral frequency as a result of vibrations re-
227. Polarization: This is the accumulation
ceived from another body vibrating with
of hydrogen bubbles around the copper
the same frequency.
plate.

ELECTRICITY DEFINITIONS:
ELECTROSTATICS DEFINITIONS:
228. Current electricity: This is the study of
217. Electrostatics: This is the study of elec- electric charges in motion.
tric charges at rest.
229. Charge: This is the quantity of electricity
218. A conductor: This is a material in which that passes any section of a conductor.
electrons are free to move and conducts
230. Charge density: This is the charge per
heat and electricity easily.e.g All metals
unit area.
,copper,Iron,zinc
231. Current: This is the rate of flow of charge.SI
219. An insulator: This is a substance in which
units ampere or A
electrons are not free to move and does not
conduct heat and electricity easily.e.g Dry 232. Electrical Resistance: This is the op-
wood,Rubber,Dry cloth position to the flow of current with in a
conductor.SI units ohm or Ω
220. Electrostatic induction: This is the method
of charging a conductor using the charged 233. Potential difference (p.d): this is the
body without touching it.OR This is the work done to move one coulomb of charge
making of a conductor acquire charge by from one to another.
the presence of a near by inducting charge.
234. Electromotive force (e.m.f ): This is
221. Surface density:This is the quantity of the work done to move one coulomb of
charge per unit area of the surface of the charge from one point to another in a cir-
conductor. cuit in which a cell is connected.OR is the
total workdone in joules per ccoulomb of
222. Electric field: This is an area around a
electricity conveyed in a circuit in which
charged body where an electric force is ex-
the cell is connected.SI units volts(V)
perienced.
235. Electromotive force of a cell :This is
223. An electrolyte: This is a substance when
the energy supplied by the cell to transfer
in solution or molten form conducts elec-
1C of charge round a complete circuit in
tricity.
which the cell is connected.SI units ohm
224. Cell:This is a chemical device that causes or Ω
electric current to flow
236. Internal resistance of a cell: This is
225. Primary cells: These are chemical cells the opposition to the flow of current with
which cannot be recharged when they are in the cell.OR Is the opposition to current
used up e.g simple cell,Dry lechlanche cell,wet flow offered by the battery itself.SI units
lechlanche cell ohm or Ω

226. Secondary cells: These are cells which 237. Electrical power: This is the rate of
can be recharged when they are used up by change of electrical energy.SI unit watt or
passing current backwards through it.e.g W

Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier 11

BY Stephen KAZIBA

238. A Fuse: Is a wire of low melting point by which electrons are emitted from the
which heats up and melts to break the metal surface by application of heat en-
circuit when current exceeds the recom- ergy.OR Is the process by which hot met-
mended value als emit electrons from thin surfaces.
239. Short circuit: This occurs when the pos- 251. Photoelectric Emission: This is a pro-
itive terminal is connected to the negative cess by which electrons are emitted from
terminal. the metal surface when exposed to an elec-
tomagnetic radiation of given frequency.
MODERN(NUCLEAR) PHYSICS DEF-
INITIONS: 252. Work function:This is the minimum en-
ergy required to remove an electron from
240. An atom: This is the smallest particle of a metal surface.
an element that can take part in a chemi-
cal reaction. 253. Diode: This is an electrical device that
conducts electricity in only one direction.
241. Atomic number: This is the number of
protons in the nucleus of an atom. 254. Rectification: This is a process of chang-
ing alternating current to direct current by
242. Atomic mass: This is the number of pro-
use of a diode.
tons and neutrons in the nucleus of an
atom. 255. Cathode rays: These are streams of elec-
trons moving at a very high speed.
243. Isotopes: These are atoms of the same
element with the same atomic number but 256. Radio isotope:Are nuclides which are un-
different mass number.e.g Neon,hydrogen, stable and undergo radioactive decay emit-
chlorine,carbon ting alpha,or beta particles or gamma rays
during return to stable form.OR Radioiso-
244. Radioactivity: This is the spontaneous
tope is an isotope which undergoes sponta-
disintegration of unstable nucleus to form
neous decay (radioactivity) with emission
a stable nucleus with emission of radia-
of radiations.OR This is an element which
tions.
can undergo radioactive decay by emitting
245. Radioactive decay: This is a sponta- alpha, beta and gamma rays.e.g Uranium
neous break down of radioactive nuclide 235.
with emission of radiations.
257. X-Rays: These are electromagnetic radi-
246. Nuclear fusion: This is the process by ations of short wavelength produced when
which two light nuclei combine to form a cathode rays are stopped by a heavy metal.
heavy nucleus with a release of energy.
258. Soft X-Rays: These are produced when
247. Nuclear fission: This is the process by a low potential difference is applied a cross
which a heavy nucleus splits into two light the x-ray tube.
nuclei with release of energy.
259. Hard X-Rays: These are produced when
248. Activity: This is the number disintegra-
a high potential difference is applied a cross
tions per second.
the x-ray tube.
249. Half-life: This is the time taken for a ra-
dioactive substance to decay to a half its MAGNETISM DEFINITIONS:
original value.
260. A magnet: This is a piece of metal that
250. Thermionic Emission: This is a process attracts other metals.

12 Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier

 BY Stephen KAZIBA

261. Pole of a magnet:This is a place in a the magnetic field where the resultant mag-
magnet where the resultant attractive force netic flux density is zero.
appears to be concentrated.
273. Angle of dip or Inclination: This is the
262. Ferro magnetic substances: These are angle between the direction of the earths
substances which are strongly attracted by magnetic flux and the horizontal.
a magnet.e.g Iron,Nickel,cobalt
274. Electro magnet: This is a piece of soft
263. Non-Ferro magnetic substances: These iron that becomes magnetized when an
are substances which are not attracted by electric current passes through the coil sur-
a magnet at all.e.g copper,silver,carbon, rounding it.OR This is the magnet pro-
wax,glass,wood,plastics,brass duced when an electric current flows in a
solenoid with soft iron core.
264. Soft magnetic materials:Is a magnetic
material that is easy to magnetize and de- 275. Electromagnetic induction: This is the
magnetize process by which an electric current is in-
duced in coil due to the change in mag-
265. Hard magnetic materials:Is a magnetic
netic flux linking the coil.
material which are difficult to magnetize
but retain their magnetism for a long time 276. Self-induction: This is a process by which
an emf is induced due the change of cur-
266. Diamagnetic materials : These are mag-
rent in the coil itself.
netic materials that are slightly repelled
by a magnetic field . 277. Mutual induction: This is the process
by which emf is induced in coil due to
267. Paramagnetic materials: These are ma-
change of current in the nearby coil.
terials that are slightly attracted by a mag-
netic field and the material does not retain 278. Step up transformer: This is the type
the magnetic properties when the external of transformer in which the number of turns
field is removed. in the secondary coil is greater than the
number of turns in the primary coil.
268. Magnetic field: This is the area around
a magnet where the magnetic force is ex- 279. Step down transformer: This is the
perienced.OR Is the region a round a mag- type of transformer in which the number
net where a magnetic force is experienced of turns in the secondary coil is less than
the number of turns in the primary coil.
269. Uniform Magnetic field:Is one whose
flux lines are equally spaced and parallel
Definitions for S.I units
to each other.
280. newton(N): This is a force that gives a
270. Magnetic screening (shielding): This
body of unit mass an acceleration of one
is where the magnetic field lines are pre-
metre per second squared.
vented from crossing(going through) a given
space OR This is protecting a delicate in- 281. joule(J): This is the work done when a
strument from the magnetic fields using a force of one newton moves a body through
soft iron ring. a distance of one metre in the direction of
force.
271. Magnetic saturation: This is the point
where a magnetic substance cannot be mag- 282. watt(W): This is the rate of transfer of
netized any more. energy of one joule in one second.

272. Neutral point: This is a point with in 283. Pascal(Pa): This is the pressure exerted

Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier 13

BY Stephen KAZIBA

when a force of one newton is acting nor- the sum of clockwise moments about any
mally on an area of one metre squared. point is equal to the sum of anticlockwise
moments about the same point.
284. coulomb(C): This is the quantity of elec-
tric charge which passes any point in an 3. The principle/Law of conservation of
electric circuit in one second when a steady energy: It states that energy can neither
current of one ampere is flowing through be created nor destroyed but it only be-
the conductor. comes transferred to a different form of
energy.
285. Ampere(A): This is a constant current
which when flowing in two long straight 4. Archimedes’ principle: It states that
pallel conductors placed one metre apart when a body is wholly or partially im-
in a vacuum produces a force of 2x10−7 N mersed in a fluid ,the fluid exerts an up-
per metre length between them. ward force on the body equal to the weight
of the fluid that is displaced by the body.
286. Hertz(Hz): This is the frequency of one
oscillation made in one second. 5. The law of floatation: It states that a
287. Kilowatt hour(kwh): This is the rate floating body displaces its own weight of
of working of one thousand watts(1000W) the fluid in which it floats.
for one hour(1 hour). 6. Laws of friction
288. ohm(Ω): This is the resistance of a con-
ductor in which a current of one ampere (i) Frictional force is directly proportional
flows when a potential difference of one to the normal reaction.
volt is applied across its ends.
289. A volt (V): This is the potential differ- (ii) Frictional force between two surfaces
ence between two points when one joule opposes their relative motion.
of work is done to move one coulomb of
charge from one point to another.
(iii) Frictional force is independent of the
COMMON SCIENTIFIC LAWS ,THEO- relative velocity of the two surfaces
REMS AND PRINCIPLES in motion.
1. Newton’s laws of motion:
1st Law : It states that everybody continues (iv) Frictional force is independent of the
in its state of rest or uniform motion area of contact of the given surfaces
in a straight line unless compelled by when the normal reaction is constant.
some external force to act otherwise.
2nd Law :The rate of change of momentum of 7. The principle of transmission of pres-
a body is directly proportional to the sure in fluids (Pascal’s principle): It
force applied and takes place in the states that pressure applied at any point
direction of the force. of an enclosed fluid is transmitted equally
throughout the whole fluid.

3r d Law :To every Action there is an equal OR

and opposite reaction.
Pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is
2. Principle of moments: transmitted undiminished to every portion
It states that when abody is in equilibrium of the fluid and the walls of the containing

14 Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier

 BY Stephen KAZIBA

sin i
vessel For two given media , sin r
is a constant,where
i is the angle of incidence and r is the an-
8. Hooke’s law: It states that the exten-
gle of refraction
sion of a an elastic material is directly pro-
portional to the applied force provided the 14. The law of reversibility of light: It
proportional limit is not exceeded states that light will follow exactly the same
path if its direction of travel is reversed.OR
9. Kinetic theory of matter: It states that It states that the path of light rays are re-
matter consists of molecules which are in versible.
constant vibratios for solids and continous
random motion for gases and liquids. 15. Boyle’s law: It states that the pressure of
a given mass of a gas at constant temper-
10. Kinetic theory of Gases:Gases consist ature is inversely proportional to its vol-
of molecules which are always in continous ume.
random motion colliding with each other
and with the wall of the container and the 16. Charles’ law: It states that the volume
higher the temperature,the higher the ki- of a fixed mass of gas is directly propor-
netic energy of the gas molecules tional to the absolute temperature pro-
vided pressure is kept constant.
11. The principle of conservation of lin-
17. Pressure law: It states that pressure of
ear momentum: It states that ,for a sys-
a fixed mass of a gas at constant volume is
tem of colliding objects,their total linear
directly proportional to its absolute tem-
momentum in a given direction remains
perature.
constant provided no external force acts
on them.OR when two or more bodies col- 18. The law of charges(law of electrostat-
lide the total momentum remains constant ics): It states that like charges repel and
provided no external forces act on a sys- unlike charges attract each other.
tem of colliding bodies
19. The law of conservation of charge: Tt
12. Laws of reflection of light: states that charge can neither be created
nor destroyed but it is transferred from
1st law:The incident ray, the reflected ray
one body to another.
and the normal to the mirror at the point
of incidence all lie in the same plane. 20. Ohm’s law: It states that current flow-
ing through a conductor is directly pro-
2nd law: The angle of incidence is always portional to the potential difference across
equal to the angle of reflection. its ends provided temperature and other
physical factors are kept constant.
13. Laws of refraction of light:
21. The law of magnetism: It states that
1st law: The incident and refracted rays, like poles repel and unlike poles attract
and the normal at point of incidence all lie each other
in the same plane.
22. Domain theory of magnetism: It states
2st law(Snell’s Law) The ratio of sine of that all magnetic materials are made up
angle of incidence to the sine of angle of of tiny magnets called dipoles which are
refraction is a constant for a ray of light grouped into regions called domains such
moving from one medium to other medium that their magnet effects cancel out in un-
of different optical density. magnetized materials.
OR 23. Principle of super position of waves:It

Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier 15

BY Stephen KAZIBA

states that for two wave travelling in the felt ).

same region, the total displacement at any
3. Why is a burn from steam more harmful
point is equal to the vector sum of their
than one due to boiling water
displacement at that point when the two
When steam makes contact with the
waves over lap
body, it condenses on the body thus
24. Lenz’s law: It states that the direction of it loses its hidden (latent) heat to
the induced e.m.f in a coil or closed circuit the body.The condensed water also
acts in such a way as to oppose the change looses heat to the body from 1000 C
that caused it. to the body temperature.The total
heat lost by the body by steam is
25. Faraday’s law: It states that the magni-
thus greater than that lost by boiling
tude of the emf induced in a coil or circuit
water only.This results into a more
is directly proportional to the rate of mag-
burning
netic flux linked with it.
4. The specific heat capacity of water is
Common explanations 4200Jkg−1 k−1 .What does the statement mean.
1. Explain It means that one unit mass(1kg) of
water requires 4200J of heat energy
(a) why one feels more pain when pricked to raise its temperature by 1K
with a needle(pin) than when pricked
with a nail. 5. An electric appliance is rated 12V,24W.Explain
The needle has a tip with a smaller what is meant by this statement. It means
area compared to the nail hence that when the appliance is connected
under the same force, the needle to a 12V main supply consumes or
ex- erts more or a much higher supplies energy of 24J every second.It
pressure compared to the nail, means when the appliance is connected
therefore causing more pain. to a power source of 12V, it converts
energy (electrical) to other source (heat)
(b) An elephant is able to walk on a soft at a rate of 2000 joules every second
ground where as a goat can not
An elephant has toes made of 6. State why the efficiency of a machine is
flat surface area thus exerts less always less than 100%
pressure on the ground while a
goat has pointed toes thus a small • Some energy is used to overcome
surface area hence exerts much friction.
pressure on the ground.Therefore
• some energy is used to lift the
it sinks in the soft ground and
useless parts of the machine.
the elephant doesnot sink
7. State the ways of improving efficiency of
2. Explain why a long jumper bends knees.
the machine
• The force exerted on a long jumper
on coming to rest is F= changetime
in momentum
taken • Using light strings and pulleys
• As the high jumper flexes his knees,
• Lubricating the moving parts of
he takes longer time to come to rest.
the machine
• The rate of change of momentum
is therefore lowered which leads to a 8. A radio station broadcast on 12metre band.
small force to be exerted on his body. what is meant by the above statement
• He is therefore not hurt(less pain It means that the radiowaves used by

16 Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier

 BY Stephen KAZIBA

that radio station have a wavelength • Apendulum bob is fixed on one

of 12metre end of the string and then sus-
pended on a retort stand.
9. Describe an experiment to show diffusion
in liquids. • The initial length l of the string
is measured using a metre rule
• Place clean water in a clean beaker
and recorded
• Using a capillary tube, place a • The bob is displaced through a
crystal of potassium small angle and released
permanganate(purple) at the bot-
tom of the beaker • The time t ,for 20 oscillations is
noted using a stopclock.
• leave it to stand for some time
and observe • The period T for one oscillation
is calculated from T = 10t
• it is observed that the crystals
dissolve and spreads throught out • The procedure is repeated with
the water in the beaker forming different values of the length l of
a purple solution. the string

10. Describe an experiment to determine the • The measured values are tabu-
centre of gravity of an irregular lamina(object) lated in a table including values
of l, t,T,T2 ,
• Three small holes are made at
well spaced intervals round the l(m) t(s) T(s) T2 (s2 )
edge of the irregular object(card
board)

• A stout pin is then put through • A graph of T2 against l is plotted

one of the holes and held firmly giving a straight line through the
by a clamp and stand so that the origin
card can swing freely on it.
• The slope M of the graph is cal-
• A pendulum bob fixed on a string culated
is suspended on the pin
• The acceleration due to gravity
2
• When the cardboard stops swing- g is determined from g= 4π
M
ing,two marks are made on the
cardboard where the string passes 12. Describe an experiment to estimate the
thickness of an oil molecule
• A plumbline is drawn through
the points marked • Dissolve a known volume of oil
in a known volume of aliquid to
• The procedure is repeated with make a solution V
the other holes
• Fill a clean beaker with water
• The point of intersection of the and sprinkle lycopodium powder
plumblines is the centre of grav- on the surface of water
ity for the irregular object
• A drop of known volume V is
11. An experiment to determine the accelera- carefully dropped on the water
tion due to gravity using a pendulum bob surface with lycopodium powder

Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier 17

BY Stephen KAZIBA

• Measure and record the diame- 16. Sound is clearer at night than during day.
ter d of the oil patch formed Explain this phenomenon.
During day the air near the earth
• The thickness t of the oil drop is
4V
surface is warm thus less dense than
determined from t= πd 2
the one above it. Sound produced
13. Explain why evaporation causes cooling during the day travels from less dense
The liquid is made up of molecules medium to a denser medium and is
that are in continous random motion therefore refracted upwards thus sound
moving at different speed.When the is not clear during the day. At night,
temperature of the liquid increases air is colder thus its more dense than
the average kinetic energy of the vapour during the day. The air nearer the
molecules and hence their mean speed atmosphere is denser than the one
increases.The more energetic molecules above it. The sound produced in the
escape from the liquid surface leav- lower dense air will then be totally
ing behind the less energetic molecules. internally reflected within the lower
The average kinetic energy of the denser air, without wastage in the
molecules reduces and since kinetic atmosphere.
energy is directly proportional to tem-
perature,the temperature reduces hence17. Use the kinetic theory of matter to explain
causing cooling the gas laws
Boyle’s law:
14. Describe the structure of a gold leaf When the volume of the fixed mass
electroscope of a gas is reduced at constant tem-
perature the speed of the gas molecules
• It consists of a metal case with
increases hence the rate of collision
glass windows to protect it from
with the walls of the container in-
draught.
creases thus the pressure of the gas
• The metal cap is joined to the increases since the temperature is con-
metal rod which is supported by stant(pressure is inversely proportional
an insulator so that charges are to volume. However increasing the
not conducted to the metal case. volume reduces the pressure of the
gas since the speed of the molecules
• The rod is joined to agold leaf of the gas reduces hence reducing on
on a plate and the metal case is the rate of collision with the walls of
earthed by a wire. the container.
Charles’ law:
15. State the uses of a gold leaf electroscope
When the temperature of the fixed
• To detect the presence of charge mass of a gas is increased at constant
on a body pressure the speed of the molecules
of a gas increases and the rate of col-
• To test the sign of the charge on lision with the walls of a container in-
the body creases hence the volume of the gas
• To test for insulation and con- increases to keep the pressure con-
duction properties stant.
Pressure law:
• To measure potential difference When the temperature of the fixed
between two points mass of a gas is increased at constant

18 Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier

 BY Stephen KAZIBA

volume the speed of the molecules of is equal to the weight of water dis-
a gas increases and the rate of col- placed, hence verifying the law of floata-
lision with the walls of a container tion.
increases hence the pressure of the
gas increases to keep the volume con-
stant

18. Explain why a ship made of steel can float

on water of lower density. A ship made
of steel floats because it is made hol-
low and contains air so the average
density of the ship is less than that
of water.

19. Describe an experiment to verify the law

of floatation

• A measuring cylinder is half filled with

water and the reading, V1 is noted.

• An ordinary test tube with cotton

loop attached is then placed in the
measuring cylinder.

• Lead shots are added to the test tube

little at a time until the test tube
floats upright.

• The new water level reading V2 of the

measuring cylinder is noted .

• The difference between the final vol-

ume V2 and initial volumeV1 (V2 -V1
)is calculated and gives the volume of
water displaced by the test tube.

• The mass of water displaced is equal

to its volume since the density of wa-
ter is 1gcm−3 .

• The test is removed from the cylin-

der ,dried and then weighed,using the
cotton loop to attach it to the bal-
ance hook

• The experiment is repeated several

times,each time adding a little extra
lead shot and the results are tabu-
lated.

• It is noted from the table that the

weight of the test tube with lead shots

Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier 19

BY Stephen KAZIBA

Dos and Don’ts( 535/1 and 535/2) 535/3 Physics Practical

1. Force diagrams to have arrows(directions)
Nature of the practical examination
2. Include conditions for some Laws and prin-
1 The paper is divided into three main parts.
ciples e.g provided no external force · · ·
Mechanics,heat and light,and eletricity.The
3. Stating a formula earns you a mark paper is done for 2 41 hours
4. Diagrams must be working,Do not label 2 Candidates are required to attempt two
what you are not sure about.No marks for questions of which one is a compulsory
correct explanations coming from a wrong number (mechanics) and one optional ques-
diagram tion either from light and electricity
5. Cathode rays travel in straight lines but 3 The Paper is marked out of 60 marks were
not in a straight line each number is carrying 30 marks.
6. Always start with the questions you know DOS AND DON’TS
most to gain confidence
1. Data must be presented in column form ,
7. spend a maximum of 25 minutes on each both horizontal and vertical lines should
question for paper 2 be drawn.Related values should be next
8. Do not answer more than the required num- to each other and carefully written using
ber of questions a blue or black ink.E.G

9. Always label your diagrams since they nor- L(m) L2 (m2 ) t(s) T(s) T2 (s2 ) 1
T2
(s−2 )
mally take any four correctly labelled parts
10. For electricity numbers that require calcu-
lation of costs must include the units e.g
2. The units written should be in brackets ( )
Shs or UGX
i.e In closed brackets.e.g (kg),(m),(s),(N)
11. Unless when insructed to draw the dia-
3. Candidates must use the best handwriting
gram but otherwise donot draw when not
possible that is legible to the examiner in
asked because any error made on the draw-
order to maximise the marks in the table.
ing makes everything wrong
4. Letter construction is still challenging to
12. Avoid using symbols that are not scien-
candidates therefore they should polish their
tifically known .for example D for density
handwriting .e.g 2,7,m,kg
instead of using ρ
13. Questions that require describing,and ex- Treatment of values
plaining ,candidates should give their ob- This is the gist of the practical ,that candi-
servations,why it happens by explainig the dates should be familiar with.understanding
hidden physics concept and then make their the treatment of values,puts a candidate
conclusion. at higher chances of scoring good grades
in practicals.
14. mention the use of each part of the dia-
gram in an experiment. 5. Significant figures.
The rules for S.Fs should be very clear to
candidates.
• All non zero digits in a variable (num-
ber) are significant.e.g 4321(4 S.F),26(2

20 Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier

 BY Stephen KAZIBA

S.F) a test for the two quantities which yield

the largest product and quotient respec-
• All zeros occuring between non zero
tively,take into account the least signifi-
digits are significant figures.e,g 1.004(4
cant numbers of the two quantities and
S.F),1002(4 S.F)
maintain the rest of the variables to that
• All zeros to the right of the last non number of decimal places .
zero digit are not significant if its ob-
9. In case the given values are not written to
tained as a result of rounding off e.g
the accuracy of the instrument being used
6259=6260(3 S.F).
then take this into consideration.
But if the trailing zero is not obtained
E.V >G.V>C.V>F.V
as a result of rounding off , then it is
significant.e.g 72x10=720(3S.F) 10. use of Appropriate scale:The scale used
should be a multiple of 1,2, 5 and at worst
• All zeros to the right of a non zero
a sub multiple of 2.5.The scale mustnot be
digit in the decimal part are signifi-
written on the graph paper since it does-
cant e.g 1.4750(5 S.F),1.02(3S.F)
not carry any mark but if the candidate
• Zero’s before non zero digits are not wishes to write it he/she can write it in
significant e.g 0.06(1 S.F),0.0054(2 S.F) the answer booklet.
SI Units 11. Graph work.Axes must be well labelled,the
graph must have a centred title and the
6. Units that are named after scientists must
starting values must be a multiple of the
have their symbols written in capital let-
scale used.
ters.e.g
The vertical slope line should cover atleast
Name Formula symbol 12cm and the horizontal line slope should
amperes A cover atleast 10cm thereby making a Right
Volts V Angled Triangle(RAT).
newtons Mg N 12. Slope:marks are given for correct substitu-
V
Omega I
Ω tion,arithmetic and Accuracy (value and
Grammes g correct units).
watts VI W
13. Trigonometric functions of sin, cos, tan, log
centimetres cm
should be written to 3 d.ps
joules J
metres m REFERENCE BOOKS
1 Sears.zemansky.young ,6th edition ,college
7. Division and multiplication of variables physics ,Addison wesley publishing com-
.Candidates must be very careful when deal- pany
ing with quantities that involve products 2 A.F ABBOTT ,3rd edition ,ordinary level
and quotients. physics,
When multiplying two digits consider the
least number of significant figures. 3 M.NELKON and M.PARKER ,5th edition
e.g( 1 S.F) X( 2 S.F)= 1S.F. When divid- A dvanced level physics ,East African ed-
ing variables consider the least number of ucational publisher
significant figures.e.g (1S.F )
(2S.F )
=1S.F
8. For two varying variables in the table, when
multiplying and dividing first carry out

Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier 21

BY Stephen KAZIBA

WISDOM CORNER THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF

EDUCATION
1. Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.The
way to success is trying one more time 1. THOU SHALT NOT HAVE ANY PPRI-
ORITY BEFORE ME AS LONG AS YOU
2. We must accept finite dissappointments but
ARE STILL IN SCHOOL.
never loose infinite hope
2. THOU SHALT NOT BOW DOWN TO
3. Procrastination makes easy things hard and
ANY LAZINESS OR WORSHIP SLEEP
hard things harder
FOR I EDUCATION THE KEY TO YOUR
4. The people who achieve incredible success FUTURE WILL PURNISH YOU WITH
in the world aren’t always the most nat- ALL KINDS OF FAILURE.
urally brilliant but are rather the hardest
3. DONOT USE MY KNOWLEDGE OR MA-
workers
TERIALS FOR ANY EVIL PURPOSES
5. The road to success is often a lonely one LIKE BURGLARY, THEFT CORRUP-
6. you are braver than you believe,stronger TION OR EMBLEZZLEMENT.
than you seem and smarter than you think 4. OBSERVE ALL CLASS DAYS AND KEEP
7. The more that you read,the more things YOURSELF BUSY BY SEEKING ME (ED-
you will know,the more that you learn,the UCATION)
more places you will go. 5. RESPECT YOUR CLASS LEADERS, AU-
8. Every successful person has a painful story. THORITY IN SCHOOL.
Every painful story has a successful end- 6. DONOT MURDER YOUR TEACHERS’
ing.Accept the pain and get ready for suc- EFFORTS. READ HARD AND PASS WITH
cess FLYING COLOURS
9. Successful people have two things on their 7. DONOT COMMIT CRIMES WITH YOUR
face silence (to avoid problems) and smile PARENTS’ SCHOOL FEES BY USING
(to solve problems) IT FOR DANCES, DRUGS, GAMBLING,
10. The problem is most people give up dur- DRINKING OR SEX.
ing the struggle · Never knowing how close 8. DONOT STEAL EXAMS OR EVEN TEST
they were to victory!!The only way you’ll PAPERS OR ENGAGE IN ANY FORM
fail is if you QUIT. NEVER QUIT OF EXAMS MALPRACTICES.
9. THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WIT-
NESSES WHEN THOU LAST BEEN CAUGHT
IN WRONG. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
For any inquiries,corrections and FOR YOUR ACTIONS AND SUFFER
additions you can reach me on the THE PURNISHMENT.
following addresses: 10. THOU SHALT NOT DESIRE ANOTHER
[email protected] MAN’S GOOD MARKS AND END UP
0703822752/0787698238 STEALING THEM, BOOKS OR EVEN
PRAYING FOR THEIR DOWN FALL.
BY M .G. GRAHAM UNIVERSITY OF
LONDON UNITED KINGDOM (UK)

22 Practice,Continuous reading and Hard work makes physics easier