(Chapter # 1 Physical Quantities and Measurement)

Q#1. Define physics.

Physics is the branch of science which deals with the study of properties of matter, energy
and their mutual relationship.
Q#2. Write branches of physics.
Following are the main branches of physics.
Mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, atomic physics, nuclear physics, plasma physics,
astrophysics, geo physics , biophysics, solid state physics, Electricity and magnetism.
Q#3. Define Mechanics.
Mechanics is the study of motion of material objects under the action of forces.
Q#4. Define heat and thermodynamics.
Thermodynamics deals with the transformation of heat into other form.
Q#5. Define optics.
Optics is the branch of physics which deals with ray and wave properties of light.
Q#6. Define electricity and magnetism.
It is the study of relationship between electricity and magnetism.
Q#7. Define Atomic physics.
It is the study of structure and properties of individual atoms.
Q#8. Define nuclear physics.
It deals with the structure and properties of nucleus of an atom.
Q#9. Define solid state physics.
The study of specific properties of matter in solid form is called solid state physics.
Q#10. Define astrophysics.
It is the study of heavenly bodies and matter and energy in space.
Q#11. Define plasma physics.
It is the study of the ionized state of matter called plasma.
Q#12. Define Geophysics.
It is the study of various physical properties of the earth.
Q#13. Define Biophysics.
It is the study of physics which deals with the applications of physics in biology.
Q#14. Define Plasma.
Plasma is the ionized state of matter.
Q#15. Define physical quantities. Write its types.
The quantities which can be measured are called physical quantities. There are two types of
physical quantities. 1. Base physical quantities 2. Derived physical quantities.
Q#16. Define base physical quantities and give example.
Base physical quantities are simplest and prominent in term of which other physical
quantities can be defined. Length, mass, time, electric current, temperature, luminous
intensity and amount of substance are 7 base physical quantities.
Q#17. Define derived physical quantities and give examples.
A physical quantity obtained by multiplying or dividing one base quantity with another base
physical quantity is known as derived quantity for example, speed, velocity, area, volume.
Q#18. Describe international system of units.
The international system of units is based on seven base units of seven base quantities.
Base quantity Unit Symbol
Length Meter m
Mass Kilogram Kg
Time Second S
Electric current Ampere A
Temperature Kelvin K
Luminous intensity Candela Cd
Amount of substance Mole Mol

Q#19. Define Prefix.

In order to express small or very large quantities in simple form, multiples and sub multiples
of ten are used called prefix.
Q#20. What is scientific notation?
To represent a number in term of power of ten is called scientific notation.
Q#21. Convert 628 nm into meters.
Solution: 628 nm = 628 x 10¯⁹ m = 6.28 x 10² x 10¯⁹ = 6.28 x 10¯⁷ m.
Q#22. Define Measuring instruments.
Instruments used to measure physical quantities are called measurement instruments. For
example meter rule, vernier caliper, screw gauge, physical balance, etc.
Q#23. Define Meter Rule.
Meter rule is used in laboratory to measure length of objects or the distance between two
points. The least count of meter rule is 1mm.
Q#23. Define vernier caliper.
Vernier caliper is an instrument used to measure small length accurately up to 0.1 mm.
Q#24. Define vernier constant.
The difference between one main scale division and one vernier division is called vernier
constant.
Q#25. Define least count.
Minimum measurement that can be made by a measuring instrument is called least count.
Q#25. What is the least count of a vernier caliper?
Least count of vernier caliper is 0.1 mm.
Q#26. How least count of a vernier caliper is found?
Least count of vernier is found by dividing smallest division on main scale to total number of
divisions on vernier scale.
Q#27. What is zero error?
Every instrument contain error due to its continuous use or during manufacturing. It is called
zero error.
Q#28. What is zero correction?
Positive zero error is subtracted while negative zero error is added to the measured reading.
It is called zero correction.
Q#29. Define Screw gauge.
It is an instrument used to measure very short length like thickness of a metal sheet. Least
count of a screw gauge is 0.01 mm.
Q#30. How least count of screw gauge is found?
The least count of screw gauge is found by dividing its pitch by the number of circular
divisions.
Q#31. Define Pitch of screw gauge.
Pitch is the distance covered by thimble on the main scale after one complete rotation.
Q#32. Define stop watch. Write types of a stop watch.
The stopwatch is an instrument which is used to measure the duration of specific time
interval. There are two types of stop watch. 1. Mechanical stop watch 2. Digital stop watch.
Q#31. What is difference between mechanical or analogue stop watch and a digital or
electronic stopwatch?
A mechanical stopwatch can measure a time interval up to a minimum 0.1 second.
A digital stop watch can measure a time interval of 0.01 second.
Q#32. Define physical balance.
It is an instrument used to measure mass of very small amount.
Q#33. Define measuring cylinder.
It is an instrument made up of transparent plastic or glass and is used to measure the volume
of a liquid.
Q#34. What is meniscus?
The surface of the liquid curves upward at the point where it touches the inner side of the
cylinder. This is called meniscus.
Q#35. Define significant figures.
Accurately known digits and first doubtful digit are called significant figures.
Q#36. Write rules for significant figures.
1. All non-zero digits are significant digits.
2. Zero may be or may not be significant digit.
3. Zero between two non-zero digits are significant.
4. 4. Zero to the left of a significant digit are not significant.
Q#36. Write rules for rounding off significant digits.
1. If last digit is greater than 5 then increase the second last by one.
2. When last digit is less than five it will be ignored.
3. When last digit is 5 then increase second last by one if it is odd and ignore if it is even.
( Short Question / Answers )
Q#1. Why area is called a derived quantity?
Because area is obtained by multiply the base quantity length to the same base quantity
length. Area = length x length.
Q#2. What problem would we face, if volume is chosen as fundamental quantity instead
of length?
If we choose volume as fundament quantity then whole system of calculation will become
faulty.
Q#3. Before international system of units there were FPS, CGS, MKS systems. Whose
extended form is SI system and why?
SI system is extended form of M.K.S system because SI units are actually derived from MKS
system.
Q#4. Which prefix represents the biggest value mega or Giga? Also mention their values.
Prefix Giga represent highest value than mega. Giga = 10 ⁹ , Mega = 10⁶
Q#5. The radius of hydrogen atom is approximately 40 pm. What will be its value in mm?
Radius of hydrogen atom = r = 40 pm = 40 x 10¯ⁱ² m = 40 x 10¯⁹m = 40 x 10¯⁹ mm.
Q#6. Explain the statement, “ A micrometer screw gauge measures more accurately than
a vernier caliper.
A screw gauge measure more accurately than vernier caliper because least count of screw
gauge is less than least count of vernier caliper.
Q#7. How can we find the volume of small pebble with the help of measuring cylinder?
Cylinder is half filled and reading is noted. Then pebble is dropped in cylinder and reading is
noted. Volume of pebble is the difference between two readings.
Q#8. How can we find the volume of small metallic sphere?
Volume of small metallic sphere is found using screw gauge by finding its diameter.
Q#9. When are zeros in a certain figure significant?
Zeros between two non-zero digits are significant. Zero to the right of a significant digits are
significant.
Q#10. How many significant figures are there in 19.5120g?
The significant figures in 19.5120 g are six.
(Chapter # 2 Kinematics)
Q#1. Define Kinematics.
Kinematics is the branch mechanics concerned with the motion of objects without
considering the forces.
Q#2. Define dynamics.
Dynamics is the branch of mechanics concerned with motion as well as forces that cause
motion.
Q#3. Define rest and motion.
A body is said to be at rest, if it does not change its position with respect to some observer.
A body is said to be in motion if it changes its position with respect to some observer.
Q#4. What are different types of motion? Explain.
There are three types of motion.
1. Translatory motion 2. Rotatory motion 3.Vibratory motion
Q#5. Define Translatory Motion.
It is a type of motion in which all particles of body change their position completely from
one point to another. For example motion of a car.
Q#6. Define Rotatory Motion.
It is a type of motion in which each point of body moves around an imaginary tins called
axis of motion. For example motion of a fan.
Q#7. Define Vibratory motion.
The back and forth motion of a body over the same path about its position of equilibrium is
called vibratory motion. For example motion of pendulum.
Q#8. Define the term Position.
The location of a body with respect to certain reference point is called its position.
Q#9. Define Distance.
Length of the actual path followed by a body during its motion is called distance.
Q#10. Define Displacement.
Shortest possible distance between two points is called displacement. It is a vector quantity
Q#11. Define Speed.
Distance covered by a body in unit time is called speed. V = s/t. its unit is m/s.
Q#12. Define Average speed.
The ratio of total distance to the total time is called average velocity.
Q#13. Define instantaneous speed.
The speed on an object at a particular instant of time is called instantaneous speed.
Q#14. Define uniform speed.
If a body covers equal distances in equal intervals of time it is called uniform speed.
Q#15. Define velocity.
The displacement covered in unit time is called velocity. It is a vector quantity.
Q#16. Define average velocity.
The ratio of total displacement to the total time is called average velocity.
Q#17. Define Uniform velocity.
If a body covers equal displacements in equal interval of time it is called uniform velocity.
Q#18. Define Variable Velocity.
If a body does not cover equal distances in equal interval of time it is called variable velocity
Q#19. Define acceleration. Write types of acceleration.
Rate of change of velocity with respect to time is called acceleration. It is a vector quantity.
There are two types of acceleration. 1. Positive acceleration 2. Negative acceleration.
Q#20. Define positive acceleration and negative acceleration.
If the magnitude of velocity increases with respect to time, it is called positive acceleration.
If the magnitude of velocity decreases with respect to time, it is called negative acceleration
Q#21. Define scalar quantities.
A scalar is a physical quantity with is completely specified by magnitude only. For example
mass, time, length etc.
Q#22. Define Vector quantities.
A Vector is a physical quantity which needs both magnitude and direction for its complete
description. For example velocity, acceleration, force etc.
Q#23. What is the graphical representation of Vector?
Graphically a vector is represented by a straight line with an arrow head. The magnitude of
vector is represented by the length of line while arrow head shows direction.
Q#24. Write equations of motions.
Vf = vi + at (first equation of motion)
S = vi t + ½ a t² (second equation of motion)
2 a s = Vf² - Vi²
Q#25. Explain acceleration due to gravity (Free fall acceleration)
Rate of change of velocity due to force of gravity is called acceleration due to gravity.
(Short Question / Answers)
Q#1. A body is moving along a circular path of radius R. What will be the distance and
displacement of the body when it completes half a revolution?
Distance will be equal to π r and the displacement will be equal to the diameter of the
circle.
Q#2. Under what condition can a body travel certain distance and yet its resultant
displacement is zero.
When a body is moving in a circular path then it travel distance but displacement is zero.
Q#3. Does a body moving with uniform velocity have acceleration? If your answer is yes,
what type of acceleration is this?
No, a body moving with uniform velocity have no acceleration.
Q#4. What do you understand non-uniform speed? Give two examples of such a motion.
If a body covers unequal distance in equal interval of times then speed is called non-
uniform speed. Examples are a racing horse, throwing of a soft ball etc.
Q#5. Out of energy and acceleration which one is vector and why?
Acceleration is vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction.
Q#6. We know that symbolically a scalar can be represented by a symbol like “m” for
mass. Is there any graphical method to represent a scalar?
No, Scalar quantities cannot be represented by any specific method.
Q#7. What is the direction of acceleration? Can the direction of velocity be different than
the direction of acceleration?
The direction of acceleration is same as the direction of change in velocity but when a body
moves in a circular path then direction of acceleration is towards the center of circle.
Q#8. If velocity-time graph is horizontal line parallel to time axis, what is the magnitude
of acceleration? What is the name of such a motion?
Horizontal line shows that body is moving with uniform velocity and acceleration is zero.
 (Chapter # 3 Dynamics)
Q#1. Define force.
Force is an agent which produce or tends to produce motion, stops or tends to stop a
moving object. Unit of force is Newton. N
Q#3. Define unit of force or Define one newton.
One newton is that force which produces an acceleration of one meter per second in a
body of one kilogram.
Q#4. State and explain Newton’s first law of motion.
It states that “ In the absence of external force, a body at rest will remain at rest and a body
in motion will continue its motion along a straight line with uniform speed.
Mathematically, If F=0, then V = 0 or V = constant.
Q#5. Define inertia.
Inertia is the property of matter due to which it resists a change in its state of rest or of
uniform motion.
Q#6. State and explain newton’s second law of motion.
It states that, “When a net force acts on a body it accelerates the body in the direction of
the net force. The acceleration is directly proportional to the net force and inversely
proportional to the mass of body.
Q#7. State and explain newton’s third law of motion.
It states that, “ To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction.
Q#8. Differentiate between mass and weight.
Mass of the body is the quantity of matter contained in it.
Weight of a body is the force with which it is attracted towards the Centre of earth.
Q#9. Define tension in string.
The force acting along the string is known as tension in string.
Q#10. Define Momentum.
The product of mass and velocity of a body is called momentum. It is denoted by P.
P = m x v . Unit of momentum is Kg m/s.
Q#11. Describe physical significance of momentum.
Momentum is a physical quantity which tells us how difficult or easy it to stop a moving
body.
Q#12. Define Law of conversation of momentum.
It states that, “If there is no external force applied on a system then the total momentum of
that system remains constant”.
m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁V₁ + m₂V₂
Q#13. Define friction / frictional force.
The force which oppose the motion of one body over another body in contact with it is
called force of friction or just friction.
Q#14. What are types of friction?
There are three types of friction. 1. Static friction 2. Rolling friction 3. Sliding friction
When a body does not move but force is applied then friction is called static friction.
When a body rolls over a surface, the force of friction is called rolling friction.
When a body slides over a surface, the force of friction is called sliding friction.
Q#15. What are advantages of friction?
1. Friction enables us to write on paper.
2. Friction enables us to walk on ground.
3. Force of friction hold nails and screw in wood.
Q#16. What are disadvantages of friction?
1. Extra energy is needed to overcome friction in machines.
2. Friction cause wear and tear in the machines.
3. It reduces the efficiency of machines.
Q#17. Write methods of reducing friction.
1. Friction can be reduced by polishing the rough surfaces.
2. It can be reduced by applying lubricants to surface.
3. It can be reduced by using ball bearing.
Q#18. Define circular motion.
The motion of a body in a circular path is called circular motion.
Q#19. Define centripetal force.
The force that compels a body to move in a circular path is called centripetal force.
Q#20. Define centrifugal force.
The reaction of centripetal force is called centrifugal force. It is equal but opposite in
direction of centripetal force.
Q#21. Write application of centripetal force.
Application of centripetal force are:
1. Banking of roads: outer bank of a round track is kept slightly higher than that of inner
bank to provide centripetal force.
2. Washing machine dryer: Tinny hole are made in the cylinder of washing machine
dryer to pull out water from clothes applying centripetal force.
3. Cream separator: centripetal force is applied to separate cream from milk in cream
separator.
 (Chapter # 3 Short Question / Answers)
Q#1. A body moving in a curved path with constant with a constant speed of 20 m/s. Does
the body possess any acceleration? Explain.
As the body is moving in curved path so there will be acceleration called centripetal
acceleration.
Q#2. Can centripetal and centrifugal force balance each other? If not why?
These two forces are acting on two different bodies and therefore cannot balance each other.
Q#3. A glass laying on the table does not possess friction. Why?
Because no force is applied on glass laying on table.
Q#4. Why do we put some powder on a carom board while playing?
We put powder on carom board to reduce friction.
Q#5. Why does the motion of a vehicle become uncontrolled on an oily road?
The motion on oily road become uncontrolled due to less friction.
Q#6. Can we walk if there is no friction? Give reasons.
We cannot walk if there is no friction. Without friction we will keep our legs on the same spot
without going anywhere.
Q#7. How friction does reduces efficiency of a machine?
1. Friction causes wear and tear in machinery.
2. Extra energy is needed to overcome friction.
Q#8. Which string would you prefer to use for knitting, a nylon or cotton and why?
We will prefer to use cotton thread for knitting due to higher friction as compare to nylon.
Q#9. Name the principle on which the rocket works.
Rocket motion is based on the law of conversation of momentum.
Q#10. State whether momentum is a scalar or a vector quantity?
Momentum is a vector quantity and its direction is same as that of its velocity.
 (Chapter # 4 Turning Effect of Forces)
Q#1. Differentiate between Parallel and anti-Parallel forces.
The forces acting in the same direction are called parallel forces.
The forces acting on opposite direction are called Anti-parallel forces.
Q#2. Differentiate between mass and weight.
The force with which earth attracts a body towards it center is called its weight.
The amount of matter in a substance is called its mass. It is a scalar quantity.
Q#3. Define resultant force.
The vector sum of a number of forces is called resultant force.
Q#4. Describe the method of addition of forces.
A number of forces can be added to get a resultant force. Forces can be added by head- to -
tail rule.
Q#5. Describe Head-to-tail rule.
Head-to-tail rule is used for addition of vectors. Following steps are used for Head-to-tail
rule.
1. Draw North-South-East-West directions.
2. Now draw the first vector and connect the tail of the second vector with head of first
3. Draw the resultant from the tail of first to the head of last vector.

Q#6. Define resolution of Vector into rectangular components.

Splitting of a force or vector into its components is called resolution of forces. Following
steps are used for resolution of vector into its component.
1. From the head of vector draw perpendicular to X-axis. It is called Y component.
2. From the tail draw a line horizontal to x axis.
3. End the horizontal line where it bisects perpendicular. It is called X-component.
Fx = F sin ϴ , Fy = F cos ϴ
Q#7. Define Torque.
The turning effect of force is called torque. It is denoted by “ ʈ “ , ʈ = F x r. Unit
of torque is Nm
Q#8. Define Moment arm.
The perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of force is called
Moment arm.
Q#9. Write applications of torque.
1. It is easier to open a bolt using a longer spanner than a short spanner.
2. It is easier to pull a nail wood with the hammer because of longer moment of arm.
Q#10. Write types of torques or types of rotations.
There are two types of torques or rotations: 1. Clock wise torque 2. Anti clock wise torque
If the force is capable of rotating a body in clockwise direction the torque is called
clock wise torque.
If the force is capable of rotating a body in clockwise direction the torque is called
anti clock wise torque.
Q#11. Define Principles of moments.
If a system is in equilibrium then sum of clockwise torques about pivot is exactly equal to
the sum of anti-clockwise torques about the same pivot.
Q#12. Differentiate between center of mass and center of gravity.
The center of mass of the body is the point where all the mass of the body is concentrated.
The point at which entire weight of the body is supposed to act is called center of gravity.
Q#13. Define couple.
A couple is formed by two parallel forces that are equal in magnitude, opposite in direction
and have same line of action.
Q#14. Define Equilibrium and write its types.
An object is said to be in equilibrium when its state of rest or of uniform motion remains
unchanged. There are two types of equilibrium.
1. Translational equilibrium 2. Rotational equilibrium.
Q#15. Define Translational equilibrium and write its types.
A body is said to be in translational equilibrium if it is either at rest or moving with constant
velocity. It has two types.
1. Static translational equilibrium 2. Dynamic translational equilibrium
A body at rest is said to be in static translational equilibrium.
A body moving with constant speed in a straight line is said to be in
dynamic translational equilibrium.
Q#16. Define Rotational equilibrium and write its types.
Rotational equilibrium if it is at rest or moving with constant angular speed.
It has two types. 1. Static Rotational Equilibrium 2. Dynamic Rotational Equilibrium.
A body in rest is said to be in static rotational equilibrium.
A body moving with constant angular speed is said to be in dynamic rotational equilibrium.
Q#17. What conditions are necessary for equilibrium? What are the conditions of
equilibrium?
There are two conditions of equilibrium.
1. According to first condition vector sum of all the forces acting on body must be zero.
2. According to second condition vector sum of all torques acting on body must be zero
Q#18. Define Stability, also define types of stability.
The stability of a body depends on how the body in equilibrium behaves when disturbed by
some external agent. There are three types of it.
1. If a body comes back to its original position after being disturbed it is called
stable equilibrium.
2. The state of equilibrium in which body does not come back to its original position but
moves away is called unstable equilibrium.
3. The state of equilibrium in which body again comes to rest position after disturbance
is called Neutral equilibrium.
(Short Question / answers)
Q#1. In the figure (A) why does the body comes down towards ground although he is
not exerting any force.
The body comes down due to force of gravity.
Q#2. What is angle at which both X-component and Y-component of a force are equal?
The angle at which both components are equal is of 90 degree.
Q#3. Why a helicopter does has a second rotor on its tail?
Small rotor is used to provide anti torque.
Q#4. Give an example of a case when resultant force on a body is zero but resultant
torque is not zero.
When a body is rotating about its axis of rotation then resultant force is zero but
resultant torque is not zero.
Q#5. Explain in figure (B) which of the following represents neutral equilibrium and
why?
The diagram ( c ) is showing neutral equilibrium because its center of gravity remains
same on disturbance.
 Q#6. If only first condition of equilibrium is satisfied, then explain why it does not
ensure complete equilibrium of the body?
A body will be in complete equilibrium if it satisfy both conditions of equilibrium.
Q#7. In figure ( C ) can 100 kg and 5 kg balls balance each other?
100 kg and 5 kg balls can balance each other because in figure moment arm of 5 kg is
longer than moment arm of 100 kg ball.
Q#8. Why the height of a racing car is kept small?
Height of racing car is kept small to lower the center of gravity at minimum distance
from center of earth.
Q#9. Why torque is zero when force is applied to a point that passes through pivot
point?
Because moment arm is zero so why torque is zero in this case.
Q#10. How it is possible to balance a body at a single point?
A body can be balanced on single point by finding its center of gravity.
Q#11. Two forces of equal magnitude, opposite in direction and having same line of
action are acting on a body. Will they produce a couple? Explain.
These forces will not produce couple because line of action of forces is same.

Q: How can we find center of gravity of a rod?

Take a rod and support it horizontally on one finger of your each hand. Gently bring your
fingers closer. When your fingers meet and the rod is still balanced, your fingers are at the
center of gravity.

Q: How we can find center of gravity of irregular shaped objects. (lamina)

We make small holes at a number of points on boundary of object and suspend it freely by
the help of string passing through these holes one by one.
By using plumb line straight lines are drawn on the suspended object along the direction of
suspension string.
All these straight line drawn would intersect each other at a single point. This is the center
of gravity.