Topic outline
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Physics
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In this Physics taster course you will complete the following.
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Introduction
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Welcome to the introduction to Physics to course, this will help to prepare you for college when you join us! But what is physics? The dictionary definition of physics is “the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them”, but what that really means is that physics is about asking fundamental questions and trying to answer them by observing and experimenting.
Physicists ask really big questions like:
- How did the universe begin?
- How will the universe change in the future?
- How does the Sun keep on shining?
- What are the basic building blocks of matter?
If you think these questions are fascinating, then you’ll like physics.
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What do Physicists do?
Many physicists work in ‘pure’ research, trying to find answers to these types of question. The answers they come up with often lead to unexpected technological applications. For example, all of the technology we take for granted today, including games consoles, mobile phones, mp3 players, and DVDs, is based on a theoretical understanding of electrons that was developed around the turn of the 20th century.
Physics doesn’t just deal with theoretical concepts. It’s applied in every sphere of human activity, including:
- Development of sustainable forms of energy production
- Treating cancer, through radiotherapy, and diagnosing illness through various types of imaging, all based on physics.
- Developing computer games
- Design and manufacture of sports equipment
- Understanding and predicting earthquakes
…in fact, pretty much every sector you can think of needs people with physics knowledge.
Preparing for your course in Physics:
Many apparently complicated things in nature can be understood in terms of relatively simple mathematical relationships. Physicists try to uncover these relationships through observing, creating mathematical models, and testing them by doing experiments. The mathematical equations used in physics often look far more complicated than they really are. Nevertheless, if you are going to study physics, you will need to get to grips with a certain amount of maths.
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Task 1
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Before starting the course, it would be well worth developing your skills in the following areas:
- Using standard form to represent very large and very small numbers
- Rearranging equations/changing the subject of an equation
- S.I. units (Système Internationale)
These video links may be useful in helping you to developing these important skills.
Standard Form
Prefixes and Standard Form (Youtube)Rearranging equations
Using and Rearranging Equations (Youtube)S.I. Units
S.I. base units and derived units (Youtube)
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Task 2
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Rearranging Formulae is another area for you to look at and cement your skills. Have a look at the following Youtube video for a refresher before trying some of the questions in the booklet below.
Try the questions from the ‘Rearranging Formulae’ booklet; answers are provided at the end of the booklet.
Open Rearranging Formulae Booklet
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Task 3
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Lastly, have a look at Standard Form, have a look at the YouTube video for a refresher.
Try the questions on standard form Corbett Maths; Answers are provided for you to check your responses.
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Summary
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Thank you for completing this short introductory course on Physics, we hope you’ve found it useful and enjoyable! We are looking forward to meeting you soon when you join us at Gower College Swansea!
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Extended Reading
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If you would like to do some extended reading and work, have a look at the following websites for some more tutorial and exercises.
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Here are some videos that might interest you from GCS TV.
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