practical skills physics

Base quantities

Fundamental quantities such as length, mass, and time.

Derived quantities

Combinations of base quantities, for example, speed = m/s.

SI units of base quantities

m (metre), kg (kilogram), s (second), A (ampere), K (kelvin), mol (mole), cd (candela).

Practical skills in experiments

Using measuring instruments correctly, identifying variables, drawing conclusions, and evaluating reliability.

Estimating physical quantities

Use known reference values (e.g., human height ≈ 1.7 m), make logical assumptions, and apply them to problem-solving.

Limitations of physical measurements

Instrument resolution, human error, environmental conditions, reaction time, parallax error.

Applying limitations to practical work

By evaluating uncertainty, reducing systematic/random errors, and considering repeatability and reproducibility.

Communicating scientific ideas

Use appropriate physics terminology, labelled diagrams, units, significant figures, and structured explanations.

Applications and implications of science

Science can be used to develop technology, influence policy, improve lives, but also has ethical and environmental impacts.

Validating new knowledge in science

Through peer review, replication of results, publishing in journals, and scrutiny by experts.

Society's use of science for decision-making

By applying scientific evidence to policy (e.g., climate change, medicine), assessing risks and benefits, and shaping public opinion.