Chapter 1

Chapter 1
Physical Quantities,
Units and
Measurements
Physics Matters for

GCE ’O’ Level
1 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd
Chapter 1 Physical Quantities, Units and Measurements
• 1.1 What is Physics?
• 1.2 What are Physical Quantities?
• 1.3 How Do We Measure Physical Quantities?
• 1.4 What Are Scalars and Vectors?

Textbook
1.1 What is Physics? Page 2
• Physics is the study of our natural world — from the very large (e.g. the solar
system) to the very small (e.g. the atom).
• The Disciplinary Ideas of Physics highlights the overarching ideas of Physics that
can be applied to explain real-life problems or phenomena.
• The Disciplinary Ideas are:
 Matter and energy make up the Universe.
 Matter interacts through forces and fields.
 Forces help us understand motion.
 Waves can transfer energy without transferring matter.
 Conservation laws constrain the changes in systems.
 Microscopic models can explain macroscopic phenomena.

Textbook
1.1 What is Physics? Page 2
• Overview of the
study of Physics:


1.2 What are Physical Quantities?
Learning Outcome(s)
• Show an understanding that physical quantities typically consist of a numerical
magnitude and a unit.
• Recall the following base quantities and their units: mass (kg), length (m), time
(s), current (A), temperature (K), amount of substance (mol).
• Use the following prefixes and their symbols to indicate decimal
sub-multiples and multiples of the SI units: nano (n), micro (μ), milli (m),
centi (c), deci (d), kilo (k), mega (M), giga (G), tera (T).

Textbook
The importance of temperature-taking Page 1
• What is our normal body temperature?

• Besides temperature, what are other examples of physical quantities?
• Why is it important to have standardised measurements?
1.2 Physical Quantities
and SI Unit

Textbook
1.2 What are Physical Quantities? Page 3
• A physical quantity is a quantity that can be

measured. It consists of a numerical magnitude and
a unit.
• In making physical measurements, a system of

standardised units called SI units (International
System of Units) is used. SI is short for “Système numerical unit
International” in French, which means magnitude
“International System” in English.
Question:
Why is there a need to use SI units?

Textbook
1.2 What are Physical Quantities? Page 3, WS
1A Table 1
• There are seven basic physical quantities, or base quantities.

• The following shows some base quantities and their corresponding SI units.
What about other physical quantities not mentioned above?

Textbook
From the base quantities, derived quantities such as area, volume and speed can
be obtained through equations.
Example:
Speed is defined as distance travelled per unit time.
The base quantities are length and time.
The derived quantity is speed.
Hence, the SI unit for speed is metre per second (m/s).

Textbook
Prefixes for SI Units

It is more convenient to use prefixes to represent physical quantities that are either
very small or very big.
E
of a metre = 0.000 001 m = 1 10-6 m = 1 μm (micrometre),
where μ represents the submultiple 10-6
Example 2:
1 000 000 000 000 metres = 1 1012 m = 1 Tm,
where T represents the multiple 1012

Textbook
1.2 What are Physical Quantities? Page 4,
WS 1A
Table 2
Prefixes for SI Units

1.2 What are Physical Quantities? Textbook
Page 4,
WS 1B Table: Skill 1
Prefixes for SI Units: Conversion of Units

Textbook
1.2 What are Physical Quantities? Page 4,
1B Table:
Skill 2
Standard Form
• Another convenient way of expressing physical quantities is to use the standard form.
• A standard form is a way of writing numbers, in which a number between 1 to 10 is
multiplied by an appropriate power of 10.
Example 1: 16 800 = 1.68 104

Example 2: 0.01 nm = 1 10-11

The Earliest Timekeeping Device - Sundial
• The oldest known sundial was found in Egypt
around 1500 BC.
• Sundials are still being used scientifically by
NASA and is currently an important of the Mars
Rover.
Questions:
• How does a sundial work?
• How does a sundial differ from a clock?

Lesson 1.3A
How do we measure
Physical Quantities?


1.3 How Do We Measure Physical Quantities?
Learning Outcome(s)
• Show an understanding of the orders of magnitude of the sizes of common
objects.
• Select and explain the use of appropriate measuring instruments to measure or
determine physical quantities.

The Scale of Objects
• What is the size of an atom?

• What is the diameter of Earth?
What is the order of magnitude of the diameter of human
hair?
A. 10-8 m
B. 10-6 m
C. 10-4 m
D. 10-2 m
Test yourself: https://nrich.maths.org/6349

Order of Magnitude of Sizes

Order of Magnitude of Sizes

APPROXIMATE
LENGTH
Radius of an atom 2 x 10-10 m

Order of Radius of a proton 1.5 x 10-15 m
Magnitude of Radius of the solar 6 x 109 m
Sizes system
Radius of the earth 6 x 106 m

Radius of the sun 7 x 108 m

Textbook
1.3 How Do We Measure Physical Quantities? Page 6
Which measuring instrument is most appropriate to measure the diameter of a

tree trunk?
Textbook
1.3 How Do We Measure Physical Quantities? Pages
6–7
Measurement of Length
• The SI unit for length is metre (m).
• The instruments that can be used to measure length are metre rule, measuring
tape, digital calipers and digital micrometer screw gauge.
Metre Rule and Measuring tape

• A metre rule can measure lengths of up to one metre.
• A measuring tape can measure lengths of up to several metres
and measure straight distances or curved surfaces.

Textbook
Avoiding Errors of Measurement

• When using a metre rule, our eyes should be positioned such that our line of
sight is perpendicular to (directly above) the rule.
• This is to avoid parallax errors.
• Avoid using the zero mark of the metre rule as a start point to take
measurements. This is because wear and tear may make it unsuitable for
measuring purposes. The worn end may introduce errors to the readings.
Textbook
Avoiding Errors of Measurement

• Random errors are unpredictable and cluster around a mean value, which can be
minimized by taking several readings and calculating the average. They cannot be
avoided.
• Systematic errors are constant and predictable. These can be avoided by
calibrating the equipment, which if not corrected, can lead to measurements far
from the true value.
Question:
Can you think of an example each for random and systematic errors?

1.3 Measurement of Length
Causes of Errors: What types are they?

Random Systematic
Making incorrect assumptions
e.g., Taking g to be 10 ms-2
Human reaction time (~0.3-0.5 s)
Fluctuations in electronic balance reading
Errors of judgement e.g., taking

measurements to the wrong precision
Irregularity in quantity measured e.g.,

non-uniform diameter of ball bearing
Textbook
Precision of an instrument
But record up
to 0.01 cm
only
(precision)
But record up
to 0.01 mm
only
(precision)
Note: Smallest division is not always equal to precision of instrument.
Textbook
Precision of an instrument
• The smallest unit an instrument can measure is known as its precision.
• The precision of a metre rule and a measuring tape is 0.1 cm, hence the
measurement is recorded to 0.1 cm.
• To account for other more significant sources of error when using the digital
calipers and digital micrometer screw gauge, we record the measurements shown
on:
– the digital calipers to 0.01 cm; and
– the digital micrometer screw gauge to 0.01 mm.

Textbook
Digital Calipers
• The digital calipers
are used to measure
the internal and
external diameters of
an object accurately.
thumb screw – slide
to adjust jaws
• The tail of the

calipers are used to
measure the depth of
an object.

Textbook
Digital Calipers Step-by-step:

To calibrate:
1. Use the thumb screw to slide and
close outer jaws.
2. Tighten locking screw (do not
over rotate).
3. Press reset button.
To measure:
4. Place object between
outside/inside jaws.
5. Repeat steps 1 & 2.
6. Record reading up to 0.01 cm.
Textbook
Digital Micrometer Screw Gauge

• A digital micrometer screw gauge is used to measure objects that are too small to
be measured using the digital calipers.

Textbook
Digital Micrometer Screw Gauge

To calibrate:
1. Rotate the thimble to close the anvil and
spindle.
2. Tighten by rotating the ratchet (do not
over rotate, stop once you hear a click).
3. Press reset button.
To measure:
4. Place object between the anvil and
spindle.
5. Repeat steps 1 & 2.
6. Record reading up to 0.01 mm.

Lesson 1.3B:
Measurement of Time

Textbook
1.3 How Do We Measure Physical Quantities? Pages
9–10
Measurement of Time
• The SI unit for time is second (s).
• Measuring instruments include stopwatches, clocks and pendulums.
• The instrument used to measure time will depend on the accuracy and precision
needed.
Question:
Can you think of recurrent motions that can be used to measure time?

Textbook
Simple Pendulum
• A complete oscillation is the motion of a pendulum when it starts swinging from
its starting point and ends its swing at its original starting point.
(From R  S  R)

Textbook
Simple Pendulum
• The period of a simple pendulum is the time taken for one complete oscillation.
• The period of oscillation depends on gravitational field strength and length of
pendulum. It is independent of the mass of pendulum bob.
Human Reaction Time

• Most stopwatches can measure time to a precision of 0.01 s.
• As human reaction time is about 0.3–0.5 s, which is a random error, the readings
are usually recorded to 0.1 s to account for this error.

1.3 How Do We Measure Physical Quantities?

Lesson 1.4A:
Scalars and Vectors


1.4 What Are Scalars and Vectors?
Learning Outcome(s)
• State what is meant by scalar and vector quantities and give common examples
of each.
• Add two vectors to determine a resultant by a graphical method.

Capture Interest

Volocopter Air Taxi in Singapore
• Air taxi services will be launched in Singapore in 2024, beginning with frequent flights
in Marina Bay and Sentosa.
• These electric air taxis are claimed to be safer, quieter, more convenient and more
environmentally-friendly way to travel.
Question:
In what ways do you think these air taxis
are more convenient than regular taxis?

Lesson 1.4B
(double period)

Construct
Understanding

Textbook
1.4 What Are Scalars and Vectors? Page 12
• Scalar quantities are physical quantities that have only magnitude.

• Vector quantities are physical quantities that have both magnitude and
direction.

Textbook
Distance and Displacement

Let’s look at the following to understand the meanings of distance and
displacement.
Questions:
• Is it possible to have
a negative distance
or displacement?
• If yes, what is the
possible reason?

Textbook
Speed and Velocity

Let’s compare the differences between speed and velocity.
Speed Velocity
• Defined as the distance moved • Defined as the rate of change of
per unit time displacement
• A scalar quantity • A vector quantity

• SI unit is metre per second (m/s) • SI unit is metre per second (m/s)
• Speed = • Velocity =
As velocity is a vector quantity, it is speed in a specified direction.

Textbook
Adding Two Vectors by the Graphical Method

• A vector diagram is used to add up two or more vectors.
• In a vector diagram, a vector quantity is represented by an arrow where

- length of arrow is proportional to the magnitude of the vector; and
- direction of arrow indicates the direction of the vector.
• A resultant vector is produced and it must be equivalent to the individual vectors

combined in terms of magnitude and direction.

Textbook
Adding Two Parallel Vectors

If a girl walks 100 m due east and then 40 m due west, what is her displacement?
Let’s look at how to add two parallel vectors graphically to find her displacement.
The displacement of
the girl is 60 m due
east.
Textbook
Adding Two Non-Parallel Vectors

Consider the two non-parallel forces acting on a block. The
resultant force can be obtained by using the head-to-tail
method.
The resultant force has a

magnitude of 7.21 N and
acts at an angle 33.7 o
to the horizontal.
Lesson 1.4C
(double period)

Consolidate Learning

What Have Textbook
Page 15
You Learnt?
__
__ _ _
_
___
________ ________
________

Let’s Review
Check your understanding by trying
out the question(s).

Let’s Assess
Let’s Reflect
Check your understanding by trying
out the question(s).

Enrichment

Getting to know the Great Physicists
Galileo Galilei René Descartes (1596–

(1564–1642) is 1650) founded
known as the father geometry, the study of
of modern Physics. angles (an important
He made valuable mathematical concept
contributions to in Physics).
astronomy.
Sir Isaac Newton Albert Einstein (1879–

(1643–1727) is 1955) made many
known as the father discoveries. He won a
of classical Nobel prize for his
mechanics. He explanation of the
discovered the laws photoelectric effect.
of motion and However, he is more
gravity. famous for his theory of
special relativity.
Acknowledgements
• Slides 1, 23, 48: bulb © Sergey Nivens | 123RF.com, solar car © koya79 | 123rf.com, plant and buildings inside bulb © nexusplexus | 123rf.com, electric car
charging station – ID 37965032 © Haiyin | Dreamstime.com
• Slides 3, 25, 50: tablet © Unsplash.com (https://unsplash.com/photos/FjCBPYHZx3A))
• Slide 6: cyclist – ID 74314353 © Madrabothair | Dreamstime.com, oil torch – ID 48132461 © George Spade | Dreamstime.com, ocean wave – ID 14582420 ©
Irabel8 | Dreamstime.com, lightning storm – ID 86267616 © John Sirlin | Dreamstime.com, nuclear power station – ID 7610959 © Meryll | Dreamstime.com
• Slide 10: temperature screening – ID 187372729 © Prasit Rodphan | Dreamstime.com
• Slide 13: 4.5 m sign © MCE
• Slide 22: sundial © pixabay.com (https://pixabay.com/images/search/sundial/)
• Slide 29: surface of Earth © unsplash.com (https://unsplash.com/photos/Q1p7bh3SHj8)
• Slide 32: folding rule – ID 48515404 © Lev Kropotov | Dreamstime.com, measuring tape – ID 95122650 © Nonillion | Dreamstime.com
• Slide 35: inside jaws of digital calipers – ID 187059496 © Funtay _ | Dreamstime.com, outside jaws of digital calipers – ID 105624562 © Maxim Sergeenkov |
Dreamstime.com, digital calipers – ID 119898061 © Olga Popova | Dreamstime.com, empty plastic bottle – ID 153313375 © Uzenix | Dreamstime.com
• Slide 36: digital micrometer screw gauge – ID 153719978 © Puripat Khummungkhoon | Dreamstime.com
• Slide 41: digital stopwatch – ID 137831963 ˝ Richard Villalon | Dreamstime.com
• Slide 47: atomic clock – ID 137083597 ˝ Zniehf | Dreamstime.com
• Slide 54: helicopter © pixabay.com (https://pixabay.com/images/search/helicopter/)
• Slide 67: Galileo Galilei © Justus Sustermans | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain, René Descartes © André Hatala | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain, Sir
Isaac Newton © Sir Godfrey Kneller | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain, Albert Einstein © Oren Jack Turner | Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain

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Physics Matters for

2 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

3 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

4 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

5 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

6 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

• What is our normal body temperature?

8 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

• A physical quantity is a quantity that can be

• In making physical measurements, a system of

9 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

• There are seven basic physical quantities, or base quantities.

What about other physical quantities not mentioned above?

Hence, the SI unit for speed is metre per second (m/s).

11 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

Prefixes for SI Units

12 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

13 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

14 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

Example 1: 16 800 = 1.68 104

15 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

16 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

17 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

18 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

19 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

• What is the size of an atom?

Test yourself: https://nrich.maths.org/6349

21 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

22 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

23 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

Radius of an atom 2 x 10-10 m

Radius of the earth 6 x 106 m

24 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

Which measuring instrument is most appropriate to measure the diameter of a

Metre Rule and Measuring tape

26 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

Avoiding Errors of Measurement

Avoiding Errors of Measurement

28 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

Causes of Errors: What types are they?

Human reaction time (~0.3-0.5 s)

Fluctuations in electronic balance reading

Errors of judgement e.g., taking

Irregularity in quantity measured e.g.,

31 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

• The tail of the

32 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

Digital Calipers Step-by-step:

Digital Micrometer Screw Gauge

34 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

Digital Micrometer Screw Gauge

35 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

39 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

40 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

41 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

Human Reaction Time

42 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

43 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd

47 ©️2023 Marshall Cavendish Education Pte Ltd