Grade 8 Science Notes
Grade 8 Science Notes
For example,
H is the chemical symbol of hydrogen.
O is the chemical symbol of Oxygen.
K is the chemical symbol of potassium. For potassium the K is derived from Latin word
Kalium.
Some elements might start with same first letters, such as Carbon, Calcium, Chlorine
and Copper have their names starting with letter C, therefore letter C cannot be used to
represent all of them as chemical symbol.
The first letter C is assigned to represent Carbon, while the rest of the elements are
assigned two letters from their name as follows.
Carbon represented by C.
Calcium represented by Ca.
Chlorine represented by Cl
Copper represented by Cu from Latin word cuprum
The first letter of a symbol is always capitalized, while the second letter is written in
small letters.
The symbols of some elements derived from English names are as follows:
Name of Chemical symbol Name of Chemical symbol
element element
1 Hydrogen H Nitrogen N
2 Helium He 8 Oxygen O
3 Lithium Li 9 Fluorine F
4 Beryllium Be 10 Neon Ne
5 Boron B 11 Magnesium Mg
6 Carbon C 12 Aluminium Al
The symbols of some elements derived from Latin names are as follows:
Name of Latin name. Chemical Name of Latin Chemical
element symbol element name symbol
1 Sodium Natrium Na Silver Argentum Ag
2 Iron Ferrum Fe 8 Tin Stannum Sn
3 Copper Cuprum Cu 9 Zinc Zincum Zn
4 Lead Plumbum Pb
5 Gold Aurum Au
6 Mercury hydrargyrum Hg
pg. 1
Application of common elements in our day-to-day life.
Food nutrients are chemical compounds found in foods. These nutrients are used by the body
to function properly and maintain health.
Examples of food nutrients include:
Proteins.
Fats.
Carbohydrates.
Vitamins.
Mineral salts.
pg. 2
Food nutrients are made up o various elements such as: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
and nitrogen.
Various food sources that contain various elements.
Mineral element of Examples of food sources
compound
Carbon present in all foods
Nitrogen Meat, chicken, fish, milk and eggs.
Flouride Fish, potatoes, spinach and black tea.
Calcium Milk, cheese, green leafy vegetables, soya beans, bread and fish
Copper Nuts and shellfish.
Iron Liver, meat, beans, nuts and whole grain.
Magnesium Spinach, bread, fish, meat and dairy foods.
Phosphorus Read meat, dairy foods, fish, bread and rice.
Potassium Banana, vegetables, milk, fish, beef, chicken and bread.
Sodium chloride Salt is found naturally at low levels in all foods.
Some salt is added to processed foods and meat products.
Plants receive water, mineral and other nutrients from the soil which are carried to the
other parts of the plant
There are various mineral elements present in the soil that are absorbed by the roots
of plants.
The following are some of the important mineral elements required by plants:
Phosphorus & magnesium – they are essential for the growth, development
and reproduction of the plant.
Potassium – increases the quality of fruits and vegetables.
Various elements are used in manufacture of different toiletries that we use in day-to-
day life.
Some toiletries, for example toothpaste contains flouride compounds to prevent tooth
decay while soaps and detergents contain a compound of potassium.
Silver:
It is a precious metal.
It is used in making jewellery but it tends to discolour.
It is also used in making cutlery, teapots and medals.
pg. 3
Iron:
It is one of the most useful metals.
It is strong, can be sharpened and it is easy to work with.
Many items are made of iron or steel.
Steel is a combination of iron and carbon.
Steel is important in construction.
pg. 4
1.2-Physical and Chemical changes.
Matter is anything that occupies space and has mass.
All solids, liquids and gases are made up of matter.
The three states of matter have different physical properties.
These properties depend on intermolecular forces.
Intermolecular forces are forces that hold the particles of matter together.
Liquids.
A liquid has no definite shape.
That means a liquid changes its shape to take the shape of the container or vessel in which
it is put.
A liquid also changes its shape when spilled on the floor.
For example, when a liquid id poured in two different containers, the liquid will display
two different shapes that resemble or are similar to the container they are placed in. this
means liquids lack a definite shape
Gases.
Gases-a gas has no definite shape.
A gas changes its shape to look like that of container in which it is held in.
For example, when a balloon is inflated with air, the air inside takes the shape of the balloon.
pg. 5
b.) Solids, liquids and gases are different in terms of their volumes.
Solids.
When a solid is totally immersed in a liquid, the volume of the displace liquid
is equivalent, (equal) to the volume of the solid.
The volume of the stone remains the same when place in two different
measuring cylinders. Therefore, solids have a definite shape.
Liquids.
The volume of water poured in a measuring cylinder remains unchanged even when it
is transferred from one measuring cylinder to other measuring cylinders of different
capacities.
For example, if you pour 30ml of water in a 50mli measuring cylinder, its reading will
be 30ml.
If the same water is transferred to a 100ml measuring cylinder, the reading will
still remain 30ml.
Therefore, liquids have a definite shape just like solids.
Gases.
A given mass of a gas can occupy different volumes in different containers. This is
an indication that gases, do not have a fixed volume.
c.) Solids, liquids and gases are different in terms of their Compressibility. Comp
is the ability of a substance to be reduced in volume or size by applying force or pressure on it.
Compressibility can also be defined as how much a given volume of matter decreases when
pressed.
When a bottle id filled with air, it can easily be squeezed compared to one filled up
with water.
If the two are replaced with sand, we cannot squeeze the bottle anymore.
This experiment proves that gases are highly compressible, liquids have little
compressibility while solids are incompressible.
Gases.
Occupies entire volume of container.
Their particles move freely because the intermolecular forces are very weak.
This makes particles to move far apart from each other and can be brough closer when
pressure is applied. This is the reason gases are highly compressible.
Liquids.
Their properties lie between those of gases and solids.
Their intermolecular forces in liquids are weaker than in solids but stronger than in gases.
The particles in liquids do not move freely as in gases, therefore, it is difficult to compress
liquids since the liquid particles can move but keep same volume.
pg. 6
Solids.
Particles in solids are very close to each other (closely packed) and the intermolecular forces
between the particles are very strong. The strong forces keep the particles in fixed position.
This is the reason why solids are hard, firm and rigid.
Therefore, solids are incompressible.
c.) Solids, liquids and gases are different in terms of their ability to flow.
Particles in liquids can move from one place to another, therefore, a liquid can flow and
change shape. This makes liquids such as water to flow from a tap to fill a jar or a
bucket. This is applied when pouring tea in a cup.
Solids have particle that do not move therefore solids cannot flow.
Gases have freely moving particles which can be moved from an area. For example,
when you breathe, you force air (gas) into and out of your lungs. This is an indication
that gas flow in and out of the body. This is also applied when cooking gas flows from
the gas cylinders to the burners when cooking.
Therefore, liquids and gases can flow while solids cannot flow.
pg. 7
Melting point of pure substances (Ice).
It is the temperature at which a solid change into liquid state.
pg. 8
The melting point of ice is the temperature at which ice is converted from its solid state to
its liquid state.
Heat from a heat source is used to melt the ice.
The thermometer helps to note the temperature at which the ice melts.
After the initial and final readings are taken, it will be observed that once the ice attained
its melting temperature (0oC), the temperature remains the same until all the ice is
converted into liquid state.
Pure solids have specific melting points. Therefore, it means that ice is a pure substance.
pg.
10
Temporary chemical changes
Experiment to demonstrate temporary chemical changes.
Requirements:
Safety googles.
Two test tubes.
Delivery tube (right-angled)
Beaker (250ml).
Bunsen burner.
Clamp.
Stand.
5g of hydrated copper (II) sulphate.
Procedure:
• Put 5g of powdered blue hydrated copper (II) sulphate in the test tube.
• Set up the experiment as shown below.
Conclusion.
When blue hydrated copper (II) sulphate is heated in the test tube as show above, it
turns colour from blue to white. This because it loses water which was making it
hydrated.
After losing water, it become white anhydrous copper (II) sulphate.
When water is added to the white anhydrous copper (II) sulphate, it turns back to its
original blue colour.
The chemical change that had occurred is reversed. Some chemical changes are therefore
temporary and can be reversed easily. These changes are referred to as temporary
chemical changes or reversible chemical changes.
pg.
12
Permanent Chemical changes
Experiment to demonstrated permanent chemical change.
Requirements:
5cm magnesium ribbon.
A source of heat.
Sand paper.
A pair of tongs.
Writing materials.
Procedure:
• Clean the magnesium ribbon by rubbing it with sand paper. Examine the appearance of
the magnesium ribbon.
• Hold the ribbon with a pair of tongs over a burning candle or Bunsen burner for a
few minutes.
Caution:
Burning magnesium ribbon produces a very bright flame that can damage your eyes. Avoid
looking directly at the flame.
pg.
13
Ice cream vendor.
• Ice cream vendors place ice inside their ice cream carts. The ice absorbs heat from the
container surrounds and change to a gas. This leaves the inside of the ice cream cart
cold, thus maintaining the ice cream in frozen state.
Melting metals.
• Metals are heated to a molten state making it possible to shape and form them
into desired objects or structures.
Generating electricity.
• Water can be converted to steam, which can in turn be used to drive turbines to
generate electricity.
Fog formation.
• Fog forms when water vapour (gaseous state) condenses. During condensation, molecule
of water of water vapour combine to make tiny liquid water droplets that are suspended
in the air. Fog reduces visibility. Some animals such as insects, depend on fog as a
source
of water, especially in desert climate.
-Classes of Fire.
🢖 Fires can be classified between four and seven classes.
🢖 The following are six classes of fire mostly widely used and accepted.
Class Type Involves
Class A Ordinary fires. Fires that burn materials such as wood, cloth, paper and
plastics.
Class B Flammable liquids. Fires that involve liquids such as grease, oils, paraffin,
petrol, diesel and alcohol.
Class C Flammable gases. Fires that involve gases such as propane, butane and
methane.
Class D Metallic fires. Fires that are ignited by combustible metals such as
potassium, sodium, aluminium and magnesium.
Class E Electrical fires. Fores that are caused by electricity or involve electrical
equipment and appliances, for example mobile phone and
computer chargers.
Class F Cooking fires These fires are ignited by cooking oil and animal fats.
pg.
14
Fire control measures.
To prevent the start and spread of fire, one or more components should be removed from the
fire triangle.
A fire triangle in a simple model of understanding the components of fire which are fuel,
heat and oxygen.
pg.
15
Therefore, to control fire one or more components should be removed from the fire triangle
as follows:
Removing fuel:
• Use fire-resistant materials where possible.
• This will help to prevent the fire from starting and spreading.
Removing heat:
• Water is mostly used to remove the heat from fire.
• A water fire extinguisher would be the safest way of doing this.
• However, these extinguishers cannot be used on all types of fire.\
Removing oxygen:
• It is important to remove oxygen gas from fore triangle to prevent spread of a fire.
• This can be achieved by using either a carbon (IV) oxide or a form fire extinguisher.
Fire extinguisher come in different types depending on the kind of environment you are in.
Some places such as school, work or home, one or more types of fire extinguishers may be
required.
The following are different types of fire extinguishers and the classes of fire they put.
Form fire extinguisher Water fire extinguisher Carbon (IV) oxide fire
extinguisher.
In case of fire out break this is the Show the route to use and exit the Used to alert the users of the
point to assemble. affected area in case of fire. premises to exit the area due to fire
outbreak
pg.
17
indicates the position where one can make indicates location of
of a fire extinguisher an emergency call in a fire hose in the
in the building or case of fire outbreak. building or in the
location. area.
Fire hose is a high-
pressure pipe used
to carry water or
retardant
Components of a
plant cell.
The following diagram shows different components of the animal cell as seen under a
light microscope.
pg.
18
Components of an animal cell.
pg.
19
Part/structure Function Found in
Vacuole It is the space that has a watery fluid (cell sap) that Both plant and
contains dissolved water, mineral salts and waste animal cells.
products.
Cell membrane Cell membrane is a thin layer around the cell that Both plant and
holds the cell together. animal cells.
It acts like a fence and controls what goes in and
out of the cell.
Therefore, the cell can take in substances it needs
and get rid of waste products.
Cytoplasm. It is a jelly-like liquid that fills inside the cell. Both plant and
The cytoplasm is where chemical reactions of the animal cells.
cell take place.
It also contains small structures called organelles
which have special functions
Nucleus The nucleus carries genetic information and Both plant and
controls what happens or all the activities of the animal cells.
cell.
Cell wall It is a thick, tough layer made from cellulose Plant cells.
found on the outside of the cell. It covers the cell
membrane in plants cells.
Cell wall helps the cell to keep its shape.
It protects the cell form mechanical damages.
Chloroplast It is an organelle in the cytoplasm of plant cells. Plant cells.
Chloroplast contain green pigment called
chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll absorbs light that is used by plants to
make their own food through photosynthesis.
Functions of the cell structures found in plants and animals’ cells.
pg.
20
Magnification of Cells.
🢖 Magnification of a specimen is the measure of how much bigger a specimen is when it
is viewed through a hand lens or microscope compared to its original size.
🢖 Magnification is usually expressed using “X” before the digits, for example, X2, X10 and
X20. The X stands for ‘times.’
🢖 It is a measure of how much bigger an object appears when viewed through a hand lens or
microscope, for example X2 means the object has been magnified or enlarged two times
or the image is twice bigger than the actual object.
🢖 For alight microscope, the final magnified image of an object as seen by the observer is the
product of the magnifying power of the lenses that are used. These lenses include eyepiece
lens and the objective lens.
🢖 The magnifying power of each of these lenses is marked on the sides of the objective
and eye piece lens holder.
In a light microscope, the revolving nosepiece holds three different objective lenses, each with a
specific magnifying power of X4, X10 and X40. The eyepiece lens further magnifies the image
formed by the objective lens.
pg.
21
2.2 Movement of Material in and Out of the Cell.
Diffusion and
Osmosis. Meaning of
Terms.
a.) Solutes and solvent.
When a solid is dissolved in a liquid, we get a solution
formed. The solid that dissolves in this solution is called the
solute.
The liquid that dissolves the solid is known as the
solvent. For example,
Sugar and salt are examples of substances (solutes) that are soluble in water (solvent)
pg.
22
b.) Concentration.
o When there are more solute molecules compared to solvent molecules, a solution is said
to be concentrated.
o When there are more solvent molecules compared to solute molecules, then the solution
is said to be dilute.
DIFFUSION.
An experiment to demonstrate diffusion in liquids.
Requirements:
🢝 A beaker.
🢝 Water.
🢝 Dye or ink.
🢝 A dropper.
🢝 writing materials.
Procedure:
pour some water in a beaker.
Put a drop of the dye or ink in the water.
What observations do you make after a few minutes?
pg.
23
Diffusion is defined as the movement of molecules from a region of high concentration to a
region of low concentration.
Procedure:
• Place the scented flower in a corner of the classroom.
• Remove the stopper of the perfume, hold it a few centimetres away from your friend’s nose.
pg.
24
Factors that affect the rate of diffusion.
• Concentration gradient-molecules move from region of high concentration to that of low
concentration. The greater the difference in concentration between high and low regions,
the faster the rate of diffusion.
• Mass of particles- heavy particles move slowly hence slower rate of diffusion.
Light particles on the other hand move fast hence faster rate of diffusion.
•
• Diffusion distance- rate of diffusion depends on distance that particles have to travel
in order to be evenly distributed within available space.
• Surface area to volume ration- diffusion occurs faster in smaller organisms as compared
to larger organisms. This is because small organisms have a large surface area to volume
ratio.
OSMOSIS.
Experiment to demonstrate osmosis process.
Requirements:
🢖 Capillary tube. 🢖 Visking tubing.
🢖 A thread. 🢖 Dyed concentrated sugar solution.
🢖 A clamp. 🢖 A measuring cylinder.
🢖 Distilled water. 🢖 Writing material.
Procedures:
o Moisten a piece of visking tube and rubber between your fingers to open it.
o Tie one end of the visking tubing tightly with a thread.
o Put the dye concentrated sugar solution in the Visking tubing using a measuring cylinder.
o Insert one end of capillary tube to the open end of the visking tubing and tie that end.
pg.
25
o Slowly lower it into a beaker containing distilled water and hold the capillary tube with
a clamp.
o Mark the level of dyed concentrated sugar solution in the capillary tube at the beginning
of the experiment.
o Leave the experiment for about 20 minutes. Observe and record your results
Questions to answer.
What happens to the level of the dye concentrated sugar solution in the capillary tube
after 20 minutes?
The level of the dye concentrated sugar solution increases in the capillary tube.
🢖 Osmosis is the random movement of water (solvent) molecules from there they are more
to where they are less through a semi-permeable membrane.
🢖 Osmosis can also be defined as the random movement of water (solvent) molecules from a
dilute solution to a more concentrated solution through a semi-permeable membrane
until the concentration on each side is equal.
🢖 Visking tubing is similar to the cell membrane. It is also a semi-permeable membrane, it has
tiny holes (pores) that allows small molecules through but prevents large molecules from
passing through.
pg.
27
Questions to answer.
Why is it necessary to peel off the potato tuber before carrying out this experiment?
Explain the changes in the petri dish A and B.
What biological process is being investigated?
🢖 Petri dish B-the slat did not dissolve because no water moved by osmosis in to the cavity.
This is because the boiled potatoes have destroyed semi-permeable cells membranes that
cannot carry out osmosis.
🢖 The process being investigated is osmosis in living cells.
pg.
28
Role of osmosis in living things.
🢖 In plants Osmosis plays the following roles:
Absorption of water from the soil-roots absorb water from the soil by osmosis.
Support-some plants have cells that absorb water, become turgid hence providing support
to the plants.
Feeding in insectivorous plants-insectivorous plants such as pitcher plant prey on insects.
They trap insects when there is a sudden change in their stiffness when disturbed by the
insect. Trapped insects are digested to provide the plant with nitrogen.
Similarities.
Both are mean to equalize concentration of two solutions.
Both are passive transport processes, i.e., they do not require any energy to occur.
In both, particles move from an area of higher concentration to an area of low concentration.
Differences.
Osmosis happens in liquid medium while diffusion happens in liquids, gases and
even solids.
Semi-permeable membrane is required in osmosis while in diffusion no membrane
is needed.
Osmosis requires water for movement of particles while diffusion does not require water.
In osmosis there is only one way for particles to flow while in diffusion particles can flow
in any direction.
pg.
29
2.3 Reproduction in Human Beings.
Menstrual cycle.
Menstrual cycle consists of natural changes that occur to the body of a female
human being every month in preparation to pregnancy.
A menstrual cycle lasts between 28-35 days. However, this can vary between female
and from one cycle to the next. The cycle depends on hormones.
Hormones are chemical messengers in the body.
They direct the body on what to do and when to do it.
The menstrual cycle is a process controlled by hormones in the female body.
The menstrual cycle is divided in to the following phases:
Approximate Event(s)
day(s)
1-5 day Bleeding from the vagina begins. This is caused by
the loss of the lining of the uterus.
This is called menstruation or monthly periods
6-14 days Blood loss stops.
The lining of the uterus begins to regrow and an
ovum starts to mature in one of the ovaries.
14-25 days Ovulation occurs.
The ovum travels through the oviduct towards the uterus.
25-28 days If the egg becomes fertilized by a sperm and attaches itself
to the uterus wall, the woman becomes pregnant.
If pregnancy does not occur, the uterus lining begins to
break down again, repeating the cycle.
pg.
30
Absent periods.
In some cases, some females may fail to get periods.
Others might not get their first period by the age of 16 years.
Other cases when some females stop getting their regular periods for 6 months or more.
Irregular bleeding.
Bleeding very little or no bleeding at all with each menstrual cycle is another
challenge related to the menstrual cycle.
Light or lack of bleeding can result from being extremely underweight or overweight.
If you are overweight, losing weight might help to make your periods regular.
If you are underweight, slow and steady weight gain may help to regulate your
menstrual circle.
Excessive bleeding is another challenge related to the menstrual cycle.
Bleeding is considered heavy if it interferes with normal activities.
However, though common, you should see a doctor.
Heavy periods can be a sign of a health problem.
Painful periods.
Most women experience menstrual cramps before or during their period at some point
in their lives.
For some of them it is part of the regular monthly routine.
However, if the cramps are painful and persistent, you should see a doctor.
Management of Menstrual challenges.
A doctor can prescribe hormonal medication that can help control heavy bleeding.
If one experiences heavy bleeding, an iron supplement might help to prevent anaemia.
Mild to moderate pain or cramps can be lessened (reduced) by taking an appropriate
pain reliever.
Taking a warm bath might also help to relieve cramps.
Surgery can also be performed.
If symptoms persist, always visit a doctor.
pg.
31
Sperm
Ovum
pg.
32
Prevention.
Abstain from unnecessary sex.
Self control in drinking.
Carry out blood transfusion only in extreme need and consider safety.
Gonorrhea.
Symptoms.
Vaginal discharge with bad
odours. Penis becomes sore at the
tip.
Urination is difficult and painful.
If untreated it spreads to rest of the organs blocking passages.
Prevention.
Avoid unnecessary sexual
behaviours. Abstain from sexual
intercourse.
Faithfulness in marriage is encouraged.
Syphilis.
Symptoms.
Sore resembling blisters appear at site of infection
Rashes appear on the skin.
Patient feels feverish, suffers body pains and loses hair.
Can be prevented by using same measures as in gonorrhea.
Herpes
Symptoms.
Painful sores on the
genitals. Blisters may
disappear.
Can be prevented by;
Not indulging in promiscuous sexual
behavior. Being faithful in marriage.
Avoiding sexual contact with an HSV-II infected person
pg.
33
Strand 3 FORCE & ENERGY.
3.1 Transformation of energy.
Energy is the ability to do work
Energy is not visible, has no mass and neither does it occupy space.
Energy exists in different forms.
Energy transformation is the process of changing one form of energy to another.
Forms of energy in nature.
Forms of energy in nature include:
Heat or thermal energy.
Sound energy.
Electromagnetic energy.
Nuclear energy.
Electrical energy.
Chemical energy.
Mechanical energy- divided into potential and kinetic energy.
Heat energy.
Heat is a form of energy transferred from one body to another due to difference in
temperature. In an experiment where a metal rod on which different pins are attached using
candle wax is heated on a source of heat, the pins start to fall starting with one closest to the
source of heat.
This means heat flows through the metallic rod from the burning candle to the other end
of metallic rod.
Sound energy.
Sound energy is the energy associated with vibration or disturbance of bodies or particles. Such
as striking a drum with a piece of wood or plucking the wire.
Nuclear energy.
Nuclear energy is the energy that results from nuclear reactions in the nucleus of atom.
Very large amounts of energy can be released when changes take place within the nucleus of
an atom.
Examples of these changes are nuclear fission in which a nucleus breaks down to give two
smaller nucleus or nuclear fusion where two small nuclei join to form one big nucleus and
radioactive decay in which the nucleus of an element change to different nucleus by releasing
certain particles.
Electrical energy.
Electrical energy is energy produced by flow of electric charges (electrons)
pg.
34
Chemical energy.
Is a type of energy stored in atoms and molecules that make up a substance.
For example, a thermometer records a higher temperature reading after the steel and vinegar are
mixed. This reaction of vinegar and steel wool produces heat.
People and other living things get their energy needs from the chemical energy stored in food.
Other sources are dry cells and fuels.
Mechanical energy.
Mechanical energy is the energy possessed by a body due to its motion or due to its
position. It can either be kinetic or potential energy or both.
When an object is falling down through air, it possesses both potential energy (PE) and
kinetic energy (KE) due to its speed as it falls. The sum of its PE and KE is its mechanical
energy.
Mechanical energy=kinetic energy + potential energy.\
In conclusion. Kinetic energy is possessed by a moving body while potential energy is
possessed by a body due to its position.
The sum of an object’s kinetic energy and potential energy is its mechanical energy.
In the same way, when a compressed spring or a stretched catapult is released, it goes back to
its original shape and size. This indicates that the spring had stored energy due to
compression. The energy possessed by a body dur to compression (for example the spring) or
stretch (for example a catapult) is called elastic potential energy.
pg.
36
Demonstrating energy transformation in
nature. a.) Using a flash light.
When using a flashlight, the circuit closes.
Chemical energy is transformed into electrical energy in the dry cells.
The electrical energy is then converted into light energy.
The torch bulb therefore lights which is light energy.
Chemical energy to Electrical energy to Light energy
b.) Using a basketball.
When you dribble a basketball, the ball had potential energy at its starting point above the
ground.
The potentials energy is converted to kinetic energy as the ball starts o fall to the ground.
Some of the energy is lost on impact (as it produces sound) and generate heat as it hits the floor)
When the ball bounces back, it may not return to its starting height.
If your hand is there to put more energy into the ball (by pushing it down again), the ball can
continue to bounce up and down and the energy will shift back and forth between potential
and kinetic energy.
Potential energy to kinetic energy to potential energy.
pg.
37
We should take precaution when handling electrical appliances. We should also observe
safety measures during a thunderstorm.
Risks or accidents associated with use of electricity include electrical shocks, electrical burns
and electric fires.
To reduce electricity accidents the following should be done:
Move electrical appliances away from water.
Repair any faulty wirings.
Replace faulty appliances.
Loud sounds.
Various transformations of energy results in production of sound.
For example, a motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The mechanical
rotation of the fan, blenders and other appliance produces sound. In our environment, sound
can be classified into loud or soft sound.
Loud sounds such as loud music and shouting or screaming are not good for the environment.
Loud soud affect living things by:
Causing irritation.
Damaging our eardrums
To reduce loud sounds, we should do the following:
Use more efficient appliances that minimise production of loud sound.
Wear hearing protection devices to protect our ears from loud sounds.
pg.
38
3.2 Pressure I.
Meaning of pressure.
Pressure is defined as the force acting normally per unit
area. Normally here means at a right angle or
perpendicularly.
For example,
If two leaners of equal mass walked on mud and the boy pus on flat-sole shoes while the girl
wears sharp-high heeled shoes, which of the two would make deeper impression on the muddy
ground?
In the scenario above, the girl makes deeper impressions on the muddy ground than the boy.
This is because the weight of the boy is spread over a large surface area than that of the girl.
The greater the force (weight) acts on, the less the effect or impression made on the muddy
surface.
The sharp heel shoes of the girl have a small surface area in contact with the ground. The
smaller the area the deeper the impressions or more sinking than the shoes of the boy for
the same weight
Example 2,
If a leaner has two identical bags, but one has wider shoulder strap and the other has narrow
shoulder straps.
If the learner places same books with similar weight in the two bags, which bag will the learner
feel the straps squeezing more into their shoulder?
In this case, the bag with narrow straps will produce more squeezing effect than that one with
wider straps for the same force (weight) of books carried. This is because, pressure is high
when the surface area is small, and it is low when the surface area is large.
Pressure in liquids.
Pressure is represented by a symbol “P”
It is defined as force acting normally per unit area applied to the surface of an
object. Pressure increases as the force increases.
In mathematical terms, pressure can be expressed as:
Pressure = Force
Area
pg.
39
Form the equation, we obtain unit of pressure as (N/m2)
Pressure can also be measured in Pascal (Pa) where
1N/m2 = 1 Pascal (Pa)
From the observation, It is easier to cut an orange with a sharp knife than with a blunt knife.
This is because, while cutting, the sharp knife has very small area of contact with the orange.
When using the blunt edge of the knife, the force requires to apply for cutting the orange is
over a large area. The sharp knife has a smaller area that produces a greater cutting effect. The
blunt knife has a large area that produces a lesser cutting effect.
The cutting effect is equivalent to pressure. For the same applied force, pressure is higher with
a smaller area and it is less with a large area.
It is easier to cut with a sharp knife, axe, panga than trying to cut with a blunt knife, axe or
panga.
A farm tractor has wide wheels that prevent it from sinking into the soil because pressure
is distributed over a large area of the wide wheels.
A trailer or trailers are fitted with many wheels to reduce pressure exerted on the road since the
wheels increase surface area.
1m
1.5m
2m
Pressure is calculated by dividing Force over Area (F/A)
From the block above Force, F is given as 20kg.
Change 20k into Newtons (N) this is done by multiplying the weight given in Kg by
the gravitational force (g) =10N/kg
Therefore, F =20 x 10N/kg
= 200 N.
pg.
40
a.) To calculate the maximum m pressure the block exerts on the surface.
Use the force provided divided by the smallest area of the block.
Force = 200N
Smallest area of the block is
1mx1.5m
= 1.5m2.
Pressure is therefore =F/A
=200N/1.5m2
=133.33N/m2
=66.67N/m2
If a force is exerted on a small area of contact, it will exert higher or more pressure than if
the same force is exerted over a large area.
Since weight of force of a brick is constant (does not change), a higher pressure is exerted on
the sand when the brick lands on narrow face than when it lands on the wide face.
The narrow face therefore, produces a deeper depression on the sand than the wide face.
Example 2.
Suppose the mass of a learner is 40kg and the total area of her feet is 500cm2. What
pressure does the girl exert when standing on one of her feet? Assume het feet have equal
area. (g=10g/Kg)
Solution.
Pressure
=F/A.
Force the student exerts on the ground is her weight, which is 40kg x 10N/Kg.
=400 N.
Area =500cm /2 =250 cm2.
2
Example 3.
A mass of 50kg exerts a pressure of 2000N/m2. What area is in contact with the
ground? Pressure =Force/Area/
Pressure =2000N/m2.
Area? to be
determined.
Pressure in liquids.
Demonstrating that a liquid exerts equal pressure at the same depth.
pg.
42
Therefore, we conclude that:
🢖 A liquid exerts pressure on the walls of its container.
🢖 A liquid exerts pressure at the same depth.
The formation of fountains of water from the leaking pipes of water supply tells is that water
exerts pressure on the walls of its container.
If a bottle is filled with water and equal size holes made from the bottom to the tops as show
above.
You will observe that after opening all the holes, water jet fall in different horizontal
distances depending on the depth they are on the bottle.
For example, in the diagram above. The water jet C is observed to move the farthest
horizontally.
As the depth from the surface decreases like in hole A and B, the distance from the container
to where the jet strikes decrease, indicating a lower pressure by the water.
The weight of the liquid acts downwards. The more the depth, the more the liquid is above
the point. This increases the weight causing more pressure at that level.
The pressure at this level acts on the container, on any object in water and on the liquid
below this level.
pg.
43
Formular for pressure at appoint in liquids
Pressure =Force/Area
(F/A) Area
density , ρ
Liquid
h
P=hρg.
pg.
45