Physics·Scientific processes · NSSCO 1.1
Maths for physics: shapes, space & bearings
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The second half of the maths toolkit is all about SPACE — the geometry physics uses to describe the world. We'll use the instruments (ruler, compasses, protractor, set square), learn the shape words, find areas and volumes, meet the refractive index n = sin i / sin r, use Pythagoras' theorem, and find our way with compass points and bearings.
What you'll learn in this lesson
By the end you should be able to (NSSCO Physics 1.1):
- Use the usual mathematical instruments — ruler, compasses, protractor and set square
- Explain the meaning of angle, curve, circle, radius, diameter, square, parallelogram, rectangle and diagonal
- Recall and use the formulae for the area of a square, rectangle, triangle and circle
- Recall and use the formulae for the volume of a cuboid and a cylinder
- Use the refractive index n = sin i / sin r
- Recall and use Pythagoras' theorem for a right-angled triangle
- Recognise and use the points of the compass (N, S, E, W), and take bearings using the rules
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