Basic Science and Everyday Science
Basic Science and Everyday Science tests concepts from physics, chemistry and biology that explain daily life: units, laws, food, health, electricity and materials.
Physics
- Newton’s laws: inertia; F = ma; action–reaction.
- Speed = distance/time; velocity includes direction; acceleration = change in velocity/time.
- Ohm’s law: V = IR; power P = VI; units are volt, ampere, ohm and watt.
- Sound needs a medium; light travels fastest in vacuum.
Chemistry
- pH below 7 is acidic, above 7 basic; litmus is a common indicator.
- Common salts: sodium chloride, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and washing soda (sodium carbonate).
- Atoms: atomic number = number of protons; mass number = protons + neutrons.
Biology
- Photosynthesis: chlorophyll uses sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to make glucose and oxygen.
- Vitamins: A for vision, C for scurvy, D for bones, B-complex for beriberi.
- Blood groups: A, B, AB and O; O negative is the universal donor.
Worked example
Question: “A car travels 150 km in 3 hours. What is its average speed?” Speed = distance/time = 150/3 = 50 km/h. The unit must match the units given.
Traps
- Confusing mass (kilogram) with weight (newton).
- Saying sound travels in vacuum.
- Mixing atomic number with mass number.
- Using the wrong vitamin for a deficiency disease.