What to expect
This section is the place to start if you are commencing your course or kicking your revision into gear. Having a good understanding of the basics is essential for the topics.
Learning objectives
After studying this topic, you should be able to:
- Use mathematical techniques, such as number, equations, substitution, radians and trignometry, to solve physical problems.
- Use both Greek and English alphabets to choose the correct symbol for physical quantities.
- Use units and prefixes to present the magnitude of a physical quantity.
- Present data effectively using a range of techniques.
- Express the uncertainty in a calculated value.
- Distinguish scalar and vector quantities.
Mathematics
In physics, maths is used as a tool to solve problems related to the relationships between quantities.
Greek alphabet
Almost all of the letters of the Greek alphabet are used to represent physical quantities and units.
Units
In IB Physics there are six fundamental units from which all others required can be derived.
Prefixes
You actually get a list of these in the databook but it's better if you know them.
Presenting data
There are a few rules to follow when presenting data...
Error and uncertainty
An error is the difference between the value you determine and the true value.
Vectors
All physical quantities can be classified as either a scalar or a vector.
Density
Density is perhaps the most-used concept in physics that doesn't have a specific location in the Subject Guide. It can be used in gases, standing waves, gravitation, fuels and heat transfer.