Form One Physics Notes – New Syllabus (Updated 2026)
What is Physics
This is the branch science which deals with the study of matter, energy and the mutual interaction between them.
OR
This is the branch of science which deals with the study of matter in relation to energy
OR
This is the study of matter in relation to energy.
MATTER: Is any this that has mass and occupies space.
ENERGY: Is the ability of doing work.
SCIENCE: Is the systematic study of nature.
A person who studies physics is called a
BRANCHES OF PHYSICS
Mechanics
Optics
Atomic Physics
Electromagnetism
Geophysics
Astronomy
Electronics
MECHANICS
This is the motion of bodies in the frame of reference.
OPTICS
This is the study of physical properties of light.
ATOMIC PHYSICS
This is the study atoms specifically the electrons and their properties.
ELECTROMAGNETISM
This is the study of electrical and magnetic fields as two aspects of the same phenomenon.
GEOPHYSICS
This is the study of physical properties of the earth.
ASTRONOMY
This is the study of celestial bodies such as stars, galaxies, planets.
ELECTRONICS
This is the study of the flow of electrons in the circuit.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICS AND OTHER SUBJECTS
Physics, Chemistry and Biology are all natural sciences. Physics is taken to be the most fundamental of the natural sciences. This is because; the operations of the other natural science depend on the application of physics in one way or another.
The relationship of physics with other subjects is discussed below.
CHEMISTRY
Devices used in studying chemistry such as Bunsen burner and centrifugal device are made from the application of physics. The study atomic physics is also very useful in chemistry.
BIOLOGY
Physics has simplified the study of living things. Those powerful microscopes used in studying Biology are made from the application of physics. Different instruments for measuring blood pressure, body temperature, etc. are also made by using physics laws.
GEOGRAPHY
Various devices used in geography to study weather and climate are made from applications of physics. Examples of these devices are Barometers, Thermometers, and Wind vane. Cameras and satellites have been useful in survey.
MATHEMATICS
Physics laws are usually simplified by using mathematical expressions.
Thus, Mathematics is the language used by physicists to simplify calculations and expressions.
HISTORY
The study of radioactivity in physics has enabled the use of carbon-14 to determine dates in Historical excavation.
IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING PHYSICS
Physics help us to know the physical properties of matter.
Physics helps the communication to be easier.
Physics help us to simplify work through the use of simple machine.
Study of physics comes with pleasure to the person studying it.
The study of physics enables people to acquire skills that are required in different professions. Such as engineering, teaching, architecture, nursing, doctoring, etc.
The study of physics imparts knowledge that is applied in designing and manufacturing different items. Example dry cells, simple machines, mobile phones.
APPLICATIONS OF PHYSICS IN REAL LIFE
Physics is applied in many areas of our lives. Some of the areas where physics is applied are as follows.
At home.
All tools and machinery that we use at home to make work easier are made in accordance with the law of physics. Examples hammers, door handles, car jack, pulley and others.
In medical field.
We use various machines in hospitals for diagnosis and treatment. Examples x-ray machine, ultrasound, thermometers, incubators, syringes and needles.
In transport.
We use cars, airplanes, trains and ships for travelling from one place to another place.
In communication.
We use radio, television, telephone, satellite dish, mast for communicating among us every day.
We use exercise machine, camera, music played in Compact Disk (CD), Digital Video Disk (DVD), Visual Compact Disk (VCD), and computer games for entertainment.
In industry.
Example production of simple machines (such as hoe, pulleys), manufacturing of binocular, telescopes, computers, etc.
In school.
We use apparatus such as voltmeter, tongs, ammeter, rheostat, retort stand, tripod stand, wire gauze, etc.
Source of energy.
Some process and machines help us to obtain energy for our daily use. Example generator and car battery.
We use farm equipments such as tractors, harvester, sprinklers, etc.
Physics Form One Notes – All Topics
Chapter One: Introduction to Physics
Chapter Three: Introduction to force.
Chapter Four: Density and relative density
Chapter Five: Sinking and floating
Chapter Six: Mechanical properties of matter.
Chapter Nine: Work, energy, and power.