Module 2 - Physics

2.1 Matter

Nature of matter: the chemical elements, structure of atoms, molecules;
Chemical compounds;
States: solid, liquid and gaseous;
Changes between states.

2.2 Mechanics

2.2.1 Statics 

Forces, moments and couples, representation as vectors;
Centre of gravity;
Elements of theory of stress, strain and elasticity: tension, compression,
shear and torsion;
Nature and properties of solid, fluid and gas;
Pressure and buoyancy in liquids (barometers).

2.2.2 Kinetics

Linear movement: uniform motion in a straight line, motion under constant
acceleration (motion under gravity);
Rotational movement: uniform circular motion (centrifugal/centripetal
forces);
Periodic motion: pendular movement;
Simple theory of vibration, harmonics and resonance;
Velocity ratio, mechanical advantage and efficiency

2.2.3 Dynamics

(a) Mass; 
(b) Momentum, conservation of momentum; 
Impulse;
Gyroscopic principles;
Friction: nature and effects, coefficient of friction (rolling resistance).

2.2.4 Fluid dynamics

(a) Specific gravity and density; 2 2 2 2
(b) Viscosity, fluid resistance, effects of streamlining; 1 2 1 1
Effects of compressibility on fluids;
Static, dynamic and total pressure: Bernoulli’s Theorem, venturi.

2.3 Thermodynamics

(a) Temperature: thermometers and temperature scales: Celsius, Fahrenheit 
and Kelvin; Heat definition;
(b) Heat capacity, specific heat; 
Heat transfer: convection, radiation and conduction;
Volumetric expansion;
First and second law of thermodynamics;
Gases: ideal gases laws; specific heat at constant volume and constant
pressure, work done by expanding gas;
Isothermal, adiabatic expansion and compression, engine cycles,
constant volume and constant pressure, refrigerators and heat pumps;
Latent heats of fusion and evaporation, thermal energy, heat of
combustion.

2.4 Optics (Light)

Nature of light; speed of light;
Laws of reflection and refraction: reflection at plane surfaces, reflection by
spherical mirrors, refraction, lenses;
Fibre optics.

2.5 Wave Motion and Sound

Wave motion: mechanical waves, sinusoidal wave motion,
interference phenomena, standing waves
Sound: speed of sound, production of sound,
intensity, pitch and quality, Doppler effect.