Summary

• Description:

  The PDF document comprises a complete set of Physics Form 3 Notes, covering all major topics for the year.

  The topics and sub-topics covered in the document include:

  1. Linear Motion

     • Differentiates between kinematics and dynamics.

     • Defines displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration, providing formulas and worked examples for each.

     • Covers motion graphs, including distance-time and velocity-time graphs, and explains how to interpret them to find speed, acceleration, and distance covered.

     • Introduces the ticker-timer as a tool for analyzing motion.

     • Lists and applies the three equations of linear motion, including their use for motion under gravity (free fall and vertical projection).

  2. Refraction of Light

     • Defines refraction and explains the laws of refraction, including Snell's Law.

     • Discusses the refractive index, real and apparent depth, and the conditions for total internal reflection and the critical angle.

     • Covers applications of total internal reflection such as in prism periscopes, binoculars, and optical fibres.

  3. Newton's Laws of Motion

     • States and explains Newton's First Law (Inertia), Second Law (F=ma), and Third Law (Action-Reaction).

     • Introduces concepts of momentum, impulse, and the law of conservation of linear momentum, with applications to collisions and rocket propulsion.

     • Discusses friction, including the laws of friction and methods of reducing it.

  4. Energy, Work, Power, and Machines

     • Defines energy, work, and power, providing their respective formulas and SI units.

     • Explains the principle of conservation of energy.

     • Introduces simple machines, defining Mechanical Advantage (M.A.), Velocity Ratio (V.R.), and efficiency.

     • Covers various types of machines, including levers, pulley systems, the wheel and axle, the inclined plane, the screw, and hydraulic machines.

  5. Current Electricity

     • Defines electric current and potential difference (p.d.).

     • States Ohm's Law (V=IR) and distinguishes between ohmic and non-ohmic conductors.

     • Discusses factors affecting the resistance of a conductor and the concept of resistivity.

     • Explains series and parallel combinations of resistors, providing formulas for calculating equivalent resistance.

     • Defines electromotive force (e.m.f.) and internal resistance of a cell.

  6. Waves II

     • Explores the properties of waves, including rectilinear propagation, reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference (constructive and destructive).

     • The ripple tank is mentioned as a tool to demonstrate these properties.

     • Introduces stationary (standing) waves.

  7. Electrostatics II

     • Describes electric fields and their representation using lines of force.

     • Explains charge distribution on conductors and action at sharp points, leading to phenomena like corona discharge and the principle behind the lightning arrestor.

     • Introduces capacitors, defining capacitance (C=Q/V), and discussing factors affecting capacitance and combinations of capacitors in series and parallel.

  8. Heating Effect of an Electric Current

     • Details the factors affecting heat produced by an electric current.

     • Provides formulas for electrical energy and power (P=VI, P=I²R).

     • Discusses applications of the heating effect, such as in filament lamps, fluorescent lamps, electric heaters, and fuses.

  9. Quantity of Heat

     • Defines heat capacity and specific heat capacity (Q=mcθ).

     • Explains the concepts of fusion and vaporization, defining specific latent heat of fusion and vaporization (Q=mL).

     • Discusses evaporation and the factors affecting its rate.

  10. The Gas Laws

      • States and explains Boyle's Law, Charles's Law, and the Pressure Law.

      • Provides the mathematical expressions and worked examples for each law.

      • Derives the combined gas law or the equation of state for an ideal gas (PV/T = constant).

  These notes offer a complete and thorough guide to the Form 3 Physics syllabus. They are well-organized, neat, and printable, featuring clear explanations, diagrams, and numerous worked examples. This makes them an excellent and comprehensive resource for students for their year-long study and KCSE revision, as well as for teachers in preparing their lessons.

• File Size:

  1.13 MB
• Length:

  50 pages
• Category:

  Lesson Notes
• Level:

  Form 3
• Subject:

  PHYSICS
• Posted By:

  CALEBPETER

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