Physics Topics - Form Four

​

TOPIC 1: Waves

 

1. Introduction to Waves

   • Explain the concept of a wave

   • Explain the terms wave length, frequency and velocity of a wave

   • Identify types of waves

2. Behaviour of Waves

   • Explain Reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference of waves

   • Mention the application of reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference of waves in daily life

   • Demonstrate the behaviour of waves

3. Propagation of Waves

   • Describe the propagation of mechanical waves

   • Explain the propagation of electromagnetic waves

   • Determine the relationship between frequency, speed and wavelength of a wave

   • Determine the refractive index of a medium

4. Sound Waves

   • Identify source of sound waves

   • Explain the concept of audibility range

   • Describe the perception of hearing

   • Explain the concept of echo and reverberation

   • Determine the speed of sound in air

5. Musical Sound

   • Explain the concept of a musical sound

   • Identify factors affecting loudness, pitch and quality of a musical sound

   • Identify the different musical instruments

   • Explain the terms stationary wave, nodes and antinodes

   • Determine the frequency of a musical note

   • Distinguish between the fundamental note and overtones

   • Explain the concept of resonance as applied to sound

   • Construct a simple musical instrument

6. ElectroMagnetic Spectrum

   • Explain the concept of the electroMagnetic spectrum

   • Identify the main bands of the electroMagnetic spectrum

   • Detect infra-red, visible and ultra-violet rays

7. Application of ElectroMagnetic Wave in daily life

   • Identify the application of microWaves, radio-Waves, Infra-red, gamma rays and x-rays

   • Explain the importance of electroMagnetic waves in agriculture and climate

 

TOPIC 2: Electromagnetism

 

1. Magnetic Fields due to a Current-carrying Conductor

   • Explain how electric current produces a magnetic field

   • Identify the pattern of the magnetic field lines around a straight conductor

   • Determine the direction of magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor

   • Determine the presence and direction of a force on a current carrying Conductor in a magnetic field

   • Determine the direction of force due to two current '82air-carrying conductors when the current flowing in the same or opposite direction

2. ElectroMagnetic Induction

   • Explain the concept of electroMagnetic induction

   • State the laws of electroMagnetic induction

   • Explain the concepts of self and mutual induction

   • Describe the mode of action of induction coil

   • Describe the mode of action of a.c and d.c generator

   • Construct a simple step-up and step-down transformer

 

TOPIC 3: Radioactivity

 

1. The Nucleus of an Atom

   • Describe the structure of the nucleus of an atom

   • Explain the atomic number, mass number and isotopes of an element and their symbols

   • Mention forces holding the nucleus

2. Natural Radioactivity

   • Explain the concept of radioactivity

   • Describe properties of the radiations emitted by radio-active substances

   • Explain the nuclear changes due to the emission of Alpha α, Betaβ and Gammaγ radiations

   • Explain the detection of α,β andγ radiations

   • Describe half-life as applied to a radioactive substance

   • Determine the half-life of a radioactive element

   • Identify the applications of a natural radioactive Substances

3. Artificial Radioactivity

   • Distinguish between natural and artificial radioactivity

   • Describe methods of producing artificial radioactive isotopes

   • Mention the applications of artificial radioactivity

4. Radiation Hazards and Safety

   • Explain the effects of nuclear radiation on human body

   • Protect himself/herself from nuclear radiation hazards

5. Nuclear Fission and Fusion

   • Explain the nuclear fission and fusion

   • Mention the applications of nuclear fission and fusion

 

TOPIC 4: Thermionic Emission

 

1. Cathode Rays

   • Explain the production of cathode rays

   • State the properties of cathode rays

   • State the application of cathode ray tube

2. X-Rays

   • Describe the structure and mode of action of the x-ray tube

   • Distinguish between soft and hard x-rays and their production

   • State the properties of x-rays

   • Identify the applications of x-rays in daily life

 

TOPIC 5: Electronic

 

1. SemiConductors

   • Explain the concept of energy bands in solids

   • Distinguish between conductors, semiconductors and insulators

   • Describe the effect of temperature on the conductivity of conductors, semiconductors and insulators

   • Identify types of Semiconductors

   • Describe the mechanism of doping intrinsic semiconductors

2. Diodes

   • Describe the construction of P-N junction

   • Explain the mode of action of a P-N junction

   • Identify the types of diodes

   • Construct a half-wave and full-Wave rectifier

3. Transistor

   • Describe the construction of a PNP transistor

   • Explain the mode of action of a PNP transistor

   • Identify the types of transistors

   • Outline the applications of transistors in daily life

4. Single Stage Amplifier

   • Explain the concept of analogue signals

   • Explain the concept of digital signal

   • Design a single-stage amplifier

 

TOPIC 6: Elementary Astronomy

 

1. Introduction to Astronomy

   • Explain the concept of astronomy

   • Explain the importance of astronomy in everyday life

2. Solar System

   • Distinguish between a star and a planet

   • Explain the force of gravitation which maintains celestial bodies in their Orbits

3. Constellations

   • Explain the concept of constellation

   • Identify constellation

   • Uses of constellation in everyday life

4. The Earth and the Moon

   • Describe the surface features and temperature of the moon

   • Explain the causes of ocean tides

 

TOPIC 7: Geophysics

 

1. Structure and Composition of the Earth

   • Describe the structure of the earth

   • Describe the composition of the layers of the earth

   • Explain the importance of the layers of the earth

2. Earthquake and Volcanoes

   • Explain the origin of volcanoes

   • Describe effects of volcanoes

   • Explain the origin of earthquake

   • Describe the principle of measurement of earthquake

   • Identify precaution against earthquake hazards

3. Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere

   • Describe the vertical structure of the atmosphere

   • Describe the composition of the atmosphere

   • Explain the importance of various layers of the atmosphere

4. The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming

   • Explain the greenhouse effect

   • Identify sources of greenhouse

   • Explain the occurrence of global warming

   • State the consequences of global warming