PHYSICS – REFERENCE TEXTBOOK (BEGINNER
TO INTERMEDIATE)
1. Introduction to Physics
Physics is the study of nature and natural phenomena such as motion, heat, light, sound, electricity
and forces. To understand nature scientifically, we use measurement, mathematics and laws of
physics.
2. Physical Quantities and Measurement
A physical quantity is anything that can be measured such as length, mass, time, temperature,
speed and force. Measurement means expressing a quantity using a number and a unit. Example:
2 metres, 5 seconds, 10 kg.
3. Systems of Units
A system of units is a complete set of standard units used to measure physical quantities. Earlier
systems: FPS (foot, pound, second) CGS (centimetre, gram, second) MKS (metre, kilogram,
second) Modern system: SI system (International System of Units) used worldwide.
4. SI System of Units
SI system provides standard units: Length – metre (m) Mass – kilogram (kg) Time – second (s)
Electric current – ampere (A) Temperature – kelvin (K) Amount of substance – mole (mol)
Luminous intensity – candela (cd) Definitions: Metre is defined using speed of light. Second is
defined using cesium atomic vibrations. Kilogram is defined using standard reference concepts.
5. Derived Quantities and Units
Derived quantities are formed from fundamental quantities. Examples: Speed = distance / time →
m/s Area = length × length → m² Force = mass × acceleration → kg m/s² (newton)
6. Accuracy, Precision and Errors
Accuracy is closeness to true value. Precision is closeness between repeated measurements. Error
is the difference between measured and true value. Even careful measurements contain small
errors.
7. Types of Errors
Systematic Errors: - Instrumental errors - Theoretical errors - Parallax errors Random Errors: -
Unpredictable variations - Caused by environment and small disturbances - Reduced by taking
average of readings.
8. Combination of Errors
Addition/Subtraction: Absolute errors add. Multiplication/Division: Relative errors add. This helps
estimate total uncertainty in experiments.
9. Significant Figures
Rules: - Non-zero digits are significant - Zeros between digits are significant - Leading zeros are not
significant - Trailing zeros depend on decimal Significant figures show precision of measurement.
10. Unit Conversions and Prefixes
SI prefixes: kilo = 10^3 milli = 10^-3 micro = 10^-6 nano = 10^-9 Conversions: 1 nm = 10 Å 1 GW =
1000 MW 1 dam = 100 dm
11. Importance of Measurement in Physics
Measurement is essential to express physical laws numerically. It ensures accuracy, universality
and consistency in science worldwide.
12. Conclusion
Physics depends on measurement, units and mathematical analysis. SI system provides universal
standards. Understanding errors improves accuracy of experiments.