Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
BASIC PHYSICS
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BASIC PHYSICS
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Subject: Physics
Class: SHS 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 3
Grade code: 2.1.1.LI.3
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 2.1.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.1.1.LI.3
Theme: MECHANICS AND MATTER
Subtheme: BASIC PHYSICS
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This lesson builds upon our previous discussion of Archimedes' Principle to explore a fundamental question we see in our daily lives: why do some things float while others sink? Think about a massive cargo ship made of thousands of kilograms of steel floating majestically at Tema Harbour, while a small pebble tossed into the sea sinks immediately. Or consider how a wooden canoe used for fishing on the Volta Lake can carry several people and their catch. Understanding the principles of flotation is key to explaining these phenomena and is crucial in engineering, marine transportation, and even cooking in our homes.
A. Recap: Archimedes' Principle
Before we dive into flotation, let's remember what we learned about Archimedes' Principle. It states that: > An object wholly or partially immersed in a fluid experiences an upthrust (or buoyant force) which is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
This upthrust is the upward push from the fluid that opposes the object's weight. B. Conditions for Sinking, Floating, and Rising
Every object in a fluid has two main vertical forces acting on it: Its Weight (W): Acting downwards due to gravity. The Upthrust (U): The buoyant force from the fluid, acting upwards.