CHAPTER # 1

PHYSICS & MEASUREMENT

\ QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q#1 Define Physics. Discuss the main branches of Physics.

A#1 Definition:
Physics is the branch of science which deals with the properties of matter and energy along with
the interaction b/w them.

BRANCHES OF PHYSICS:
Some of the major branches of physics are discussed below:
 Mechanics:
It is a branch of physics that deals with the study of motion and its causes which involves the
relation b/w the forces and motion of objects.
It is further divided into following two branches:

Classical mechanics:
It deals with the study of macroscopic objects and their motion under the influence of forces.
Example:
 The motion of planets and stars.
 The motion of objects on Earth.
 The motion of fluids.

Quantum mechanics:
It deals with the study of behavior of particles on a microscopic level.

 Thermodynamics:
It deals with the relationship b/w heat, energy and work involving the laws that explain the
transfer of energy to work and vice versa.

 Cryogenics:
It deals with the study of behavior of materials at extremely low temperatures.

 Plasma physics:
It is a branch of physics that studies plasmas, which are highly ionized gases consisting of ions,
electrons, and neutral particles.

 Solid state physics:

It deals with the study of structure, properties and behavior of solids.

 Geo physics:
It is the study of the physical properties and processes of the Earth and its environment
including its structure, composition, and behavior.

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 Astro physics:
It deals with the generalized study of behavior and properties of celestial objects.

 Acoustics:
It deals with the study of production, control, transmission and reception of sound to make the
sound as good as possible.

 Electromagnetism:
It deals with the study of relationship b/w electricity and magnetism.

 Fluid mechanics:
It deals with the study of behavior of liquids and gases along with their interaction to the solid
surfaces.
It is further divided into following two branches:

Fluid statics:
It deals with the behavior of fluids at rest.
Fluid dynamics:
It deals with the behavior of fluids in motion.

 High energy physics:

It deals with the study of subatomic particles and their interactions at very high energies,
including the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales.

Q#2 Describe the scope/role of physics in science and technology.

A#2 Scope of physics in science and technology:

 Physics is the fundamental science that provides the underlying knowledge and understanding
to develop new technologies and improve the existing technologies to enhance the quality and
quantity of products.
 The development of new technologies in the field of renewable energy resources, medical
science and computer science are necessary to give positive shape to our lives by using the
principles of physics.
 Use of renewable energy sources includes solar energy, wind energy and hydropower energy
along with the use of relevant technologies provides the evidence of application of physics in
daily life.
 Bringing new technologies to help improve the engineering designs and the use of new allows
and polymers also shows significance and importance of physics.

Q#3 Describe the role of physics in shaping our society.

A#3 Role of physics in our society:

 Physics keeps a profound impact on society, shaping our understanding of the natural world
and shaping the way of our lives.
 From the development of technologies such as the wheel and the engine to the development of
nuclear energy.

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 The development of new technologies and the understanding of physical phenomena keeps a
profound impact on society, changing the way we communicate, travel, and live.
 In recent years, physics has continued to play a critical role in shaping our world, including the
development of renewable energy sources, the advancement of medical technologies, and the
exploration of outer space.

Q#4 Define physical quantity and discuss fundamental and derived quantities.

A#4 Definition:
Physical quantity refers to any physical property that can be measured.

 FUNDAMENTAL QUANTITIES:
Definition:
Those physical quantities that cannot be expressed in terms of other physical quantities are
called Fundamental quantities.
Examples:
 Length
 Mass
 Time

 DERIVED QUANTITIES:
Definition:
Those physical quantities that can be expressed in terms of fundamental quantities are called
Derived quantities.
Examples:
Some of the examples of derived quantities are:
 Force
 Velocity
 Pressure

Q#5 Define the term ‘unit’. Elaborate the three systems of units.

A#5 UNIT:
Definition:
It is a standard physical quantity whose value is fixed for the measurement.

The three system of units are elaborated in the following manner:

C.G.S SYSTEM OF UNITS:

Base Quantities Base Units

 Length  Centimeter (cm)
 Mass  Gram (gm)
 Time  Second (s)

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F.P.S SYSTEM OF UNITS:

Base Quantities Base Units

 Length  Foot (ft)
 Force  Pound (lb)
 Time  Second (s)
In F.P.S system of unit, mass is a derived quantity which has a unit called ‘Slug’,

M.K.S SYSTEM OF UNITS:

Base Quantities Base Units
 Length  Metre (m)
 Mass  Kilogram (Kg)
 Time  Second (s)

Q#6 Explain in brief, the S.I system of Units.

A#6 S.I SYSTEM OF UNITS:

Definition:
It is the modified and modern form of Metric or M.K.S system.

Historical Background:
In 1960, the General conference on Weights and Measures selected seven base units on the basis
of recommending an international system of Units they called S.I system.

Base Quantities & Units of S.I System:

Base Quantities Base Units

 Length  Metre (m)
 Mass  Kilogram (Kg)
 Time  Second (s)
 Amount of Substance  Mole (mol)
 Thermodynamic Temperature  Kelvin (K)
 Electric Current  Ampere (A)
 Luminous Intensity  Candela (cd)

Q#7 Define supplementary units along with examples.

A#7 Definition:
Supplementary units are those units of measurement which are used to express certain physical
quantities that are not the part of the Base units.

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Examples:
 Radian (for measurement of plane angle)
 Steradian (for measurement of solid angles)
 Astronomical unit (for measurement of distances within the solar system)
 Bel (for measurement of sound pressure levels)

Q#8 Define the term measurement. Also discuss several types of measurement or measurement
techniques.

A#8 Definition of measurement:

The numerical comparison of any physical quantity with its specified standard is called
measurement.

TYPES OF MEASUREMENT OR MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES:

 Direct measurement:
It involves the measurement of length, size, or other characteristic of an object or system
physically.
Example:
Measuring the length of a piece of string with a ruler.

 Indirect measurement:
It Involves the use of known mathematical relationship between two or more physical
quantities to determine the value of a quantity that is difficult or impossible to measure
directly.
Example:
Measuring the speed of light by timing the flight of a light pulse between two points.

 Numerical simulation:
It involves the use of mathematical models and computer algorithms to predict the behavior of
a physical system.
Example:
Using computer simulations to predict the flow of a fluid in a pipe.

 Instrumentation:
It involves the use of specialized tools and devices to make measurements.
Example:
Using a voltmeter to measure the voltage of a circuit.

 Observational techniques:
It is done by observing the behavior of a system to gather information about its properties.
Example:
By observing the movements of the planets to gather information about their orbits.

Q#9 Define the term ‘Dimension’. Also discuss the term ‘dimensionality’.
A#9 Definitinon of dimension:
Dimension refers to the nature of any physical quantity.

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Definition of dimensionality or dimensional analysis:
Dimensionality refers to the process of using independent variables or parameters that are
needed to describe a physical quantity.

Q#10 Discuss salient or prominent applications of dimensionality or dimensional analysis.

A#10 Applications of dimensionality:

 It is use to verify the consistency of dimensional equation.
 To derive the relation b/w physical quantities regarding any physical phenomenon.
 To change units from one system to another.

Q#11 Discuss limitations of dimensionality or dimensional analysis.

A#11 Limitations of dimensionality:

 It doesn’t provide information regarding dimensional constant.
 Formula containing trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions cannot be derived.
 It doesn’t provide information about whether a physical quantity is scalar or vector.

Q#12 Determine the dimensions of the following derived quantities:

 Force  Work  Torque
 Linear momentum  Angular momentum  Gravitational constant

A#12 Dimensions for Force:

m
Since, unit of force is = ( kg ) ( )
s2
Therefore;
Dimension of force is = [ M ] [ L ] [ T -2 ]
Dimensions for Work:
m
Since, unit of work is = ( kg ) ( )(m)
s2
Therefore;
Dimension of work is = [ M ] [ L2 ] [ T -2 ]

Dimensions for Torque:

m
Since, unit of torqe is = ( kg ) ( )(m)
s2
Therefore;
Dimension of torque is = [ M ] [ L2 ] [ T -2 ]

Dimesions for Linear momentum:

Since, unit of linear mommentum is = ( kg ) ( )
Therefore;
Dimension of linear momentum is = [ M ] [ L ] [ T -1 ]

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Dimensions for Angular momentum:
Since, unit of angular momentum is = ( kg ) ( )(m)
Therefore;
Dimension of torque is = [ M ] [ L2 ] [ T -1 ]

Dimensions for Gravitational constant:

( )( )
Since, unit of Gravitational constant is =
( )
( )
=
( )( )
Therefore,
Dimensions of ‘G’ is = [M-1][L3][T-2]
Q#13 Using dimensionality, prove that the following equations are dimensionally correct:

st
A#13 1 Equation Of Motion:
As we know that;
v = v + at
Therefore, putting the units in above equation, we get;
= + (s)

= +
Now, putting dimensions in above, we get;
[ ] [ ] [ ]
= +
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[ ] [ ]
= 2
[ ] [ ]
Ignoring constants, we get;
[𝐋] [𝐋]
=
[𝐓] [𝐓]
Hence proved, that the equation is dimensionally correct.

2nd Equation Of Motion:

As we know that;
S = v t + ½ at
Therefore, putting units in the above equation, we get;
m = (s) + ½ (s )
m = m + ½ (m)
Now, putting dimensions above, we get;
[L] = [L] + ½ [L]

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[L] = 3/2 [L]
Ignoring constants, we get;
[L] = [L]
Hence proved, that the equation is dimensionally correct.

3rd Equation Of Motion:

As we know that;
2aS = v - v
Therefore, putting units in the above equation, we get;
2( )(m) = ( ) - ( )
2 = -

2 + =

3 =
Now, putting dimensions in above, we get;
[ ] [ ]
3 =
[ ] [ ]
Ignoring constant, we get;
[𝐋]𝟐 [𝐋]𝟐
=
[𝐓]𝟐 [𝐓]𝟐
Hence proved, that the following equation is dimensionally correct.

Equation For Time Period Of Pendulum:

As we know that, the time period of oscillating pendulum is;

T = 2π
Therefore, putting units in above equations, we get;

s = 2π

s = 2 π √s
Or s = 2π (s)
Now, putting dimensions in above, we get;
[T] = 2 π [T]
Ignoring constant, we get;
[T] = [T]
Hence, the above equation is dimensionally correct.

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Equation For Time Period Of Mass Attached To A Spring:
As we know that, time period of mass attached to an oscillating spring is;

T = 2π
Therefore, putting units in above equations, we get;

s = 2π

s = 2π
( )( )

s = 2 π √s
Or s = 2π (s)
Now, putting dimensions in above, we get;
[T] = 2 π [T]
Ignoring constant, we get;
[T] = [T]
Hence, the above equation is dimensionally correct.

Work Energy Equation:

As we know that;
∆P.E = ∆K.E + f x
Or m g h = ½ m v2 + f x
Therefore, putting units in above equation we get;

( kg ) ( )(m) = ( kg ) ( ) + ( kg ) ( )(m)

( kg ) ( ) = ( kg ) ( )
Now, putting dimensions in above we get;
[ ][ ] [ ][ ]
=
[ ] [ ]
Ignoring constants in above equation we get;
[𝐌] [𝐋]𝟐 [𝐌] [𝐋]𝟐
=
[𝐓]𝟐 [𝐓]𝟐
Hence proved that, the following equation is dimensionally correct.

Equation For Law Of Gravitation:

As we know that gravitational force acting on body 1 by body 2 can be written as;
F12 = G ( )
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Therefore, putting units in above equation we get;
( )
( kg ) ( ) =
( )(
( )
)
Or ( kg ) ( ) = ( kg ) ( )
Now, putting dimensions in above equation we get;
[𝐌] [𝐋] [𝐌] [𝐋]
=
[𝐓]𝟐 [𝐓]𝟐

Q#14 Define the term error and discuss its types.

A#14 Definition of Error:

The difference b/w the actual value and the measured value of any quantity is termed as error.

TYPES OF ERROR:
Errors are generally classified into the following two types:
 Systematic error
 Random error

Definition of Systematic error:

This type of error arises because of the use of faulty apparatus.
Examples:
Use of incorrectly labeled scale.
Use of an stop watch running slowly.

Definition of Random error:

This type of error arises when the measurement gives different results under the same
experimental conditions.
Examples:
 When weighing yourself on a scale, you position yourself slightly differently each time.
 When taking a volume reading in a flask, you may read the value from a different angle each
time.

Q#15 Differentiate b/w systematic error and random error.

A#15 Difference b/w systematic error and random error:
Systematic error Random error
It arises due to fault in measuring instrument It arises due to irregular and unpredictable
or lack of proper setting of apparatus or variations in experimental conditions.
avoiding proper precautions.
Example of systematic error includes zero Example of random error includes
error etc. fluctuation in atmospheric temperature etc.
This error remains consistent. This error can be varied time to time.
It can be reduced by improving experimental It can be reduced by repeating the
techniques or selecting better equipments. measurements several times and taking the
average of them.

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Q#16 Define the term uncertainty. Also define various ways or methods to determine uncertainty in any
measurement.

A#16 Definition of uncertainty:

The uncertainty is a range of values around a measurement, within which the true value is
expected to lie.

WAYS/METHODS TO DETERMINE UNCERTAINTY:

Following are the ways or methods by which uncertainty in any measurement can be calculated or
determined.
Random uncertainty:
It is calculated when there is an uncertainty due to the presence of random error in the
measurement. Mathematically,
Random uncertainty =

Absolute uncertainty:
Absolute uncertainty or simply uncertainty is the half of the least count or resolution of any
measuring instrument. It is calculated when there is an uncertainty due to the resolution of the
measuring instrument. Mathematically,
Absolute uncertainty/uncertainty =

Q#17 How to calculate uncertainties when adding or subtracting the measured values?

A#17 Calculation of uncertainty in addition and substraction:

If two values are getting added or subtracted then their absolute uncertainties will be added.

Example:
Let the length of two metallic bars is measured as (10 ± 0.1 )cm and (15 ± 0.1)cm respectively
then their combined or total length including total absolute uncertainties will be calculated as;
(10 + 15)cm + (0.1 +0.1) cm = (25) cm + (0.2) cm = (25 ± 0.2) cm.

Q#18 How to calculate uncertainties when multiplying or dividing the measured values?

A#18 Calculation of uncertainity in multiplication and division:

If two values are getting multiplied and divided with each other then their percentage
uncertainties will be added.

Example:
Let the length and width of a rectangular surface is measured as ( 50 ± 1 ) m and ( 30 ± 1)m
respectively then the area of rectangular surface including the combined percentage uncertainties
will be calculated as;
Area of rectangular surface is = A = (L) (w)
Or A = (50 ) (30) = 1500 m2
Now,
Percentage uncertainty in length of the rectangular surface is found as;

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( 1/ 50 ) x 100% = 2%
And the percentage uncertainty in width of the rectangular surface is found as;
( 1/ 30 ) x 100% = 3.333%
Now, the total percentage uncertainty in area of rectangular surface is found as;
Total percentage uncertainty = 2% + 3.333% = 5.333% = 5 %
Therefore we can write;
Area of rectangular surface is = ( 1500 m2 ± 5% )
Or
Area of rectangular surface is = ( 1500 ± 75 ) m2

Q#19 Define the terms ‘accuracy’ and ‘precision’.

A#19 Definition of accuracy:

It describes that how close the measurement is to the actual value of the quantity being
measured.
Definition of precision:
Precision refers to the degree of reproducibility of a measurement.

Example of accuracy and precision:

If you throw a dart at a bull’s-eye and it consistently lands near the same spot, but not necessarily
at the center, then you have good precision, but low accuracy as shown in diagram below;

Q#20 How the accuracy and precision of a measuring instrument related to each other?
A#20 The least count or resolution of a measuring instrument determines the precision of the
instrument and thus the level of detail that can be obtained from a measurement. Therefore, least
count is inversely proportional to the precision of measurement equipment. The smaller the
minimum value of an instrument can measure, the lower will be L.C., and the higher will be the
precision.

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Q#21 Differentiate b/w accuracy and precision.
A#21 Differences b/w Accuracy and precision:
Accuracy Precision
It defines that how close is the measured It defines that how close the measured
value with respect to the actual value. values are with respect to their selves.
An accurate measurement is the one which A precise measurement is one which is less
has less percentage uncertainty. absolute uncertainty.
Accuracy is related with measurement itself. It is related with the least count of measuring
instrument.
The greater the number of significant digits Smaller the least count of the instrument the
the better is the accuracy and vice versa. better will be the precision and vice versa.

Q#22 What are significant figures. Also write down the rules for determining significant figures in a
measured value.
A#22 Definition of significant figures:
Those digits in a number that are meaningful in terms of precision and accuracy are known as
significant figures. The larger the number of significant figures obtained in a measurement, the
greater is the accuracy of the measurement and vice-versa.

Rules for determining significant figures in a measured value:

 All non-zero digits are significant. For example, the number 12.3 has three significant figures.
 Zeros between two non-zero digits are significant. For example, the number 102 has three
significant figures.
 Leading zeros are not significant.
 Trailing zeros in a decimal value are significant.
 Trailing zeros are not significant when the value doesn’t contain the decimal.

Rule for determining significant figures after addition and subtraction of values:
When values are added or subtracted then the final result must contain as many decimal places as
are in the figure containing least decimal places of the quantities that were added or subtracted.
Example:
264.68 – 2.4711 = 262.2089 = 262.21
In this operation, the least number of digits after the decimal is two so the final answer must be
rounded off to two digits after the decimal point.

Rule for determining significant figures after multiplication and division of values:
When values are multiplied or divided, the result has the same number of significant figures as the
quantity with the smallest number of significant figures.
Example:
2.345 x 3.56 = 8.3482 = 8.35
The final answer has three significant figures because the least number of significant figures in the
operation is three that is 3.56.

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