F.Sc.

Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER # 1: MEASUREMENTS

Q # 1. Name several repetitive phenomenon occurring in nature which can serve as reasonable time
standards.
Ans. Any natural phenomenon that repeats itself after exactly same time interval can be used as time standard.
The following natural phenomenon can be used as time standard.
 The rotation of earth around the sun and about its own axis
 The rotation of moon around earth
 Atomic vibrations in solids
Q # 2. Give the drawbacks to use the time period of a pendulum as a time standard.
Ans. The drawbacks to use the time period of a pendulum as a time standard are
 The value of ‘g’ changes at different places
 The variation in the length of simple pendulum due to change in temperature in different seasons
 Air resistance may affect the time period of simple pendulum
Q # 3. Why do we find it useful to have two units for the amount of substance, the kilogram and the
mole?
Ans. Both units, the kilogram and mole, are useful in different cases describe below
 The unit kilogram is useful when we want to describe the macroscopic behavior of an object without
considering the number of atoms, molecules or ions present in it.
 The unit mole is useful when we want to consider a particular number of atoms of a system. It is used
to determine the microscopic behavior of any object.
Q # 4. Three students measured the length of a needle with a scale on which minimum division is 1 mm
and recorded as (i) 0.2145 m (ii) 0.21 m (iii) 0.214m. Which record is correct and why?
Ans. The record (iii) is correct.
Reason: As the scale used for measurement has the least count of 1 mm = 0.001 m. So the reading must be
taken up to three decimal places when it is written in meters. Therefore, the reading 0.214 m is correct.
Q # 5. An old saying is that “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. What analogous statement
can you make regarding experimental data used in computation?
Ans. The analogous statement for experimental data used in computation will be
“The result obtained by computation of experimental data is only as much accurate as its least accurate
reading in measurements”.
Q # 6. The period of simple pendulum is measured by a stop watch. What types of errors are possible in
the time period?
Ans. The possible errors that might occur are the personal errors and systematic errors. The personal error
occurs due to negligence or inexperience of a person, while the systematic may be due to the poor calibration
of equipment or incorrect marking etc.

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 F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 7. Does the dimensional analysis gives any information on constant of proportionality that may
appear in an algebraic expression. Explain?
Ans. Dimensional analysis does not give any information about constant of proportionality in any expression.
This constant can be determined experimentally.
Example: In the expression of time period of simple pendulum, the constant of proportionality cannot be
determined from dimension analysis.
Q # 8. Write the dimensions of (i) Pressure (ii) Density

(i) By definition,

[ ] [ ]
[ ] [ ]
[ ] [ ]

(ii) By definition,
[ ]
[ ] [ ]
[ ]

Q # 9. The wavelength of a wave depends on the speed of the wave and its frequency . Decide which
of the following is correct, or (ii)

(i) (ii)
[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
[ ] [ ][ ] [ ] [ ]
[ ]
[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[ ] [ ][ ] As
[ ]
As Hence, the equation is dimensionally correct.
Hence, the equation is not dimensionally
correct.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER # 2: VECTORS AND EQUILIBRIUM

Q # 1. Define the terms (i) Unit Vector (ii) Position Vector (iii) Component of a Vector.
(i) Unit Vector
A vector having the unit magnitude is called the unit vector. It is used to indicate the direction of
any vector. The unit vector in the direction of vector A is expressed as

̂
| |
where ̂ is the unit vector in the direction of vector A and | | is its magnitude.
(ii) Position Vector
The position vector describes the location of a point with respect to origin. In two dimension, the
position vector ‘⃗ ’ of point is describe as
⃗ ̂ ̂
In three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, the position vector ‘⃗ ’ of point is
describe as
⃗ ̂ ̂ ̂
(iii) Component of a Vector
A component of a vector is its effective value in a specific direction.
Q # 2. The vector sum of three vectors gives a zero resultant. What can be the
orientation of the vectors?
Ans. If the three vectors are represented by the sides of a triangle taken in cyclic order,
then the vector sum of three vectors will be zero.
Let three vectors ⃗ ⃗ and are the three vectors acting along the sides of
triangle as shown in the figure. As the head of coincides with the tail of ⃗ , so by
head to tail rule, the resultant of these three vectors will be zero.
Q # 3. Vector lies in xy plane. For what orientation will both of its rectangular components be
negative? For what components will its components have opposite signs?
Ans. Figure shows sign with rectangular components of an arbitrary vector ⃗ in different quadrants. It is clear
from figure:
i) When the vector lies in 3rd quadrant, then both of its rectangular
components of vector will negative.
ii) The components of a vector have opposite sign when the vector lies in
2nd or 4th quadrant.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 4. If one of the rectangular components of a vector is not zero, can its magnitude be zero? Explain.
Ans. If and are the rectangular components of vector ⃗ , then magnitude of vector is described by

formula: |⃗ | √

It is clear from the expression that the magnitude of a vector will be zero only if all of its rectangular
components are zero.
Therefore if one of the components is not zero, then the magnitude of vector can’t be zero.
Q # 5. Can a vector have a component greater than the vector’s magnitude?
Ans. No, the component of a vector can never be greater than the vector’s magnitude because the component
of a vector is its effective value in a specific direction.
If and are the rectangular components of vector ⃗ , then magnitude of vector is described by

formula: | ⃗ | √

It is clear from the expression that maximum magnitude of component can be equal to the magnitude
of the vector.
Q # 6. Can the magnitude of a vector have a negative value?
Ans. No, the magnitude of a vector cannot be negative, because the magnitude of vector ⃗ can be described

by the formula: | ⃗ | √

Where and are the rectangular components of ⃗ . As the squares of real quantities always gives the
positive values. Therefore, the magnitude of a vector will always be positive.
Q # 7. If , what can you say about the components of the two vectors.
Ans. Given that: ⃗ ⃗
⃗ ⃗
These vectors can be expressed in terms of rectangular components,
̂ ̂ ( ̂ )̂
̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
Comparing the coefficients of unit vectors ̂ and ,̂ we get:
and
Hence the components of both vectors are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.
Q # 8. Under what circumstances would a vector have components that are equal in magnitude?
Ans. If & are rectangular components of vector ⃗ , then according to given condition:

So the components of a vector will have equal magnitude when vector makes an angle of 45˚ with horizontal.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 9. Is it possible to add a vector quantity to a scalar quantity?
Ans. No it is not possible to add a vector quantity to a scalar quantity because only the physical quantities of
same nature can be added. Vectors and scalars are different physical quantities.
Q # 10. Can you add zero to a null vector?
Ans. No, zero can’t be added to a null vector because zero is a scalar and scalars can’t be added to vectors.
Only the physical quantities of same nature can be added.
Q # 11. Two vectors have unequal magnitudes. Can their sum be zero? Explain.
Ans. No, the sum of two vectors having unequal magnitudes can’t be zero. The sum of two vectors will be
zero only when their magnitudes are equal and they act in opposite direction.
Q # 12. Show that the sum and the difference of two perpendicular vectors of equal lengths are also
perpendicular and of same length.
Ans. Consider two vectors ⃗ and ⃗ of equal magnitude which are perpendicular to each other. The sum and

the difference of both vectors gives the resultant ⃗⃗ and ⃗⃗⃗ , respectively, and are
described below:
⃗⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ̂ ̂
⃗⃗⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ̂ ̂
Magnitude of ⃗⃗ √ -------------- (1)

Magnitude of ⃗⃗⃗ √ -------------- (2)

From (1) and (2), it is clear that the sum and the difference of two perpendicular
vectors of equal magnitude have the same lengths. Now taking dot product of and , we get:
⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ |⃗ | |⃗ |
⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗

As ⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ , therefore, the sum and the difference of two perpendicular vectors of equal magnitude are
perpendicular to each other.
Q # 13. How would the two vector same magnitude have to be oriented, if they were to be combined to
give a resultant equal to a vector of same magnitude?
Ans. The two vectors of equal magnitudes are combined to give a resultant vector of same magnitude when
they act along the sides of equilateral triangle.
Consider two vectors ⃗ and ⃗ of equal magnitude which act along
the sides of equilateral triangle such that they make an angle of with
each other. Both vectors are added by head to tail rule to give resultant ⃗⃗ ,
which is along the third side of equilateral triangle as shown in the figure
below:
From figure it is clear that ⃗⃗ ⃗ ⃗ and |⃗⃗ | |⃗ | |⃗ | , as all the sides of equilateral triangle
have equal lengths.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 14. The two vectors to be combined have magnitude 60 N and 35 N. Pick the correct answer from
those given below and tell why is it the only one of the three that is correct.
(i) 100 N (ii) 70 N (iii) 20 N
Ans. The correct answer is 70 N.
1. The resultant of two vectors has maximum magnitude when they act in same direction. Thus if both
vectors are parallel, then the magnitude of resultant will be: .
2. The resultant of two vectors has minimum magnitude when they act in opposite direction. Thus if both
vectors are anti-parallel, then the magnitude of resultant is .
Hence the sum can’t be less than and more than . Therefore, the only possible value for
correct answer is .
Q # 15. Suppose the sides of a closed polygon represent vector arranged head to tail. What is the sum of
these vectors?
Ans. If there are five vectors ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ and ⃗ which are acting along the sides
of close polygon as shown in the figure:
As the tail of the first vector meets with the head of last vector, so by
head to tail rule:
⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ⃗
Hence the sum of vectors arranged along the sides of polygon will be zero.
Q # 16. Identify the correct answer.
(i) Two ships X and Y are travelling in different direction at equal speeds. The actual direction of X is
due to north but to an observer on Y, the apparent direction of motion X is north-east. The actual
direction of motion of Y as observed from the shore will be
(A) East (B) West (C) South-east (D) South-West
Ans. The correct answer is (B) West
(ii) The horizontal force F is applied to a small object P of mass m at rest on a smooth plane inclined at
an angle to the horizontal as shown in the figure below. The magnitude of the resultant force
acting up and along the surface of the plane, on the object is
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Ans. The forces acting up and along the surface of plane is
, therefore the correct option is (a)

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 17. If all the components of the vectors, ⃗ and ⃗ were reversed, how would this alter ⃗ ⃗ .

Ans. If all the components of the vectors ⃗ and ⃗ are reversed, then both vectors will be represented as
⃗ and ⃗ , respectively.

As ⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ⃗
So the vector product of two vectors will remain unchanged even when the components of the vectors are
reversed.
Q # 18. Name the three different conditions that could makes ⃗ ⃗ ⃗⃗

Ans. The conditions that could make the ⃗ ⃗ are as follows:

 If ⃗ or ⃗ is the null vector
 If both ⃗ and ⃗ are the null vectors
 If the vectors ⃗ and ⃗ are parallel or anti-parallel with each other.
Q # 19. Identify true or false statements and explain the reason.
(a) A body in equilibrium implies that it is neither moving nor rotating.
(b) If the coplanar forces acting on a body form a close polygon, then the body is said to be in
equilibrium.
Ans. i) Statement (a) is false. Because a body may be in equilibrium if it is moving or rotating with uniform
velocity.
ii) Statement (b) is correct. Since the vector sum of all the forces acting on the body along close polygon is
zero, then the first condition of equilibrium will be satisfied and the body will be in state of equilibrium.
Q # 20. A picture is suspended from a wall by two strings. Show by diagram the
configuration of the strings for which the tension in the string is minimum.
Ans. Consider a picture of weight is suspended by two strings as shown in the figure.
From figure,

It is clear from the expression that the tension in the string will be minimum when the
factor will be maximum (equal to 1). This condition can be obtained for .
Q # 21. Can a body rotate about its center of gravity under the action of its weight?
Ans. No a body can’t rotate about the center of gravity under the action of its weight.
The whole weight of the body acts on the center of gravity. Therefore, the perpendicular distance
between line of action of weight and axis of rotation, called moment arm, is zero.
As
So the torque due to weight will be zero because the moment arm is zero. Hence, a body cannot rotate
about center of gravity under the action of its weight.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER # 3: MOTION AND FORCE

Q # 1. What is the difference between uniform and variable velocity? From the explanation of variable
velocity, define acceleration. Give the SI unit of velocity and acceleration.
Uniform Velocity
A body is said to have a uniform velocity if it covers equal displacement in equal intervals of time.
Variable Velocity
A body is said to have a variable velocity if it covers unequal displacements in equal intervals of time.
Acceleration
The time rate of change of velocity of the body is called acceleration. Consider a body is moving with
initial velocity and after some time its velocity becomes , then the acceleration of the object will be:

SI Unit of Velocity: The SI unit of velocity is meter per second or ms-1

SI Unit of Acceleration: The SI unit of velocity is meter per second per second or ms-2
Q # 2. An object is thrown vertically upward. Discuss the sign of acceleration due to gravity, relative to
velocity, while the object is in air.
Ans. During upward motion, the object will move in the opposite direction to the gravitational force. This
results in decrease of velocity and hence the sign of gravitational acceleration relative to velocity will be
taken as negative.
During downward motion, the object will move in the direction of gravitational force. This results in
increase of velocity and hence the sign of gravitational acceleration relative to velocity will be taken as
positive.
Q # 3. Can the velocity of an object reverse the direction when the acceleration is constant? If so, give
an example.
Ans. Yes, the velocity of a body can reverse its direction with constant acceleration.
When a body is thrown vertically upward, its velocity will be in upward direction which will decrease
to zero because the object is moving in the opposite direction to the gravitational force.
At the maximum height, its velocity becomes zero. After that the object will move vertically
downward and the direction of velocity will be reversed. During the whole process, the magnitude of the
acceleration due to gravity remains constant.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 4. Specify the correct statement:

a. An object can have a constant velocity even its speed is changing.

b. An object can have a constant speed even its velocity is changing.
c. An object can have a zero velocity even its acceleration is not zero.
d. An object subjected to a constant acceleration can reverse its velocity.
Ans. The statement (b) is correct:
When an object moves along a circular path with constant speed, its velocity changes due to change
in direction at every instant.
The statement (c) is correct:
When the brake is applied on a moving car, it slows down and comes to rest due to negative
acceleration in opposite direction. Thus, in the last moment, the is zero but is not zero.
The statement (d) is correct:
When a body is thrown vertically upward, its velocity will be in upward direction which will decrease
to zero because the object is moving in the opposite direction to the gravitational force.
At the maximum height, its velocity becomes zero. After that the object will move vertically downward
and the direction of velocity will be reversed. During the whole process, the magnitude of the acceleration due
to gravity remains constant.
Q # 5. A man standing on the top of a tower throws a ball straight up with initial velocity and at the
same time throws a second ball straight downward with the same speed. Which ball will have a larger
speed when it strikes the ground? Ignore the air friction.
Ans. Both balls will hit the ground with same speed.
When a ball is thrown upward with initial velocity , it will have same velocity when it returns
back to the same level. After that the ball will continue its motion in downward direction and hits the ground
with velocity .
Thus if the second ball is thrown vertically downward with initial velocity from the same height, it
will hit the ground with the same final velocity .
Q # 6. Explain the circumstances in which the velocity and acceleration of a car are
(i) Parallel (ii) Anti-parallel (iii) Perpendicular to one another
(iv) is zero but is not zero (v) is zero but is not zero
Ans.
(i) When the velocity of the car is increasing along a straight line then and of the car will be parallel to
each other.
(ii) When the velocity of the car is decreasing along a straight line then and of the car will be anti-parallel
to each other.
(iii) When the car moves along circular path, then will be directed towards the center of the circle while its
velocity will be along the tangent. Thus and of the car will be perpendicular to each other when it
moves on a circular path.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
(iv) When the brake is applied on a moving car, it slows down and comes to rest due to negative acceleration
in opposite direction. Thus is zero but is not zero.
(v) When the car is moving in straight line with uniform velocity, then of the car is zero but is not zero.
Q # 7. Motion with constant velocity is a special case of motion with constant acceleration. Is this
statement is true? Discuss.
Ans. Yes this statement is true.
When a body moves with constant velocity, its acceleration is zero. As the zero is a constant quantity,
so the acceleration of the body will always remains constant during such motion. Therefore, the motion with
constant velocity is a special case of motion with constant acceleration.
Q # 8. Find the change in momentum for an object subjected to a given force for a given time and state
the law of motion in terms of momentum.
Ans. Consider a body of mass is moving with an initial velocity ⃗⃗⃗ . Suppose an external force acts upon it
for time after which the velocity becomes ⃗⃗⃗ . The acceleration ⃗ produced by this force is:
⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗
⃗

By Newton’s second law, acceleration is given as

Equating both equations, we get

⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗

(⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ )

⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗
Where ⃗⃗⃗ and ⃗ are called the initial and final momentum of the body. The above equation can also be
written as:
⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗

Thus the time rate of change of linear momentum is equal to the applied force. This is another statement of 2 nd
law of motion.
Q # 9. Define impulse and show that how it is related to linear momentum?
Ans. When a force is acted on a body for a very short time , the product of force and time is called
impulse. It is a vector quantity and its unit is N s. Mathematically, it is described as:
( )
Where is the impulse of force .
Relationship between Impulse and Momentum
According to the Newton’s second law of motion, the rate of change of linear momentum is equal to the
applied force. Mathematically it is described as:

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ ⃗
⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ ⃗

( ) ⃗

As Impulse ( )
Therefore, the equation (1) will become:
⃗
Hence proved that:
Q # 10. State the law of conservation of linear momentum, pointing out the importance of an isolated
system. Explain, why under certain conditions, the law is useful even though the system is not
completely isolated?
Ans. Statement: The total linear momentum of an isolated system remains constant.
An isolated system is a system on which no external agency exerts any force. In an isolated system,
the bodies may interact with each other but no external force acts on them.
In ever day life, the effect of frictional forces and gravitational force is negligible. Thus law of
conservation of momentum can be applied to the systems which are not completely isolated e.g., firing of gun,
motion of rocket etc.
Q # 11. Explain the difference between elastic and inelastic collision. Explain how would a bouncing ball
behave in each case? Give the plausible reason for the fact that K.E is conserved in most cases?
Ans. A collision in which the K.E. of the system is conserved is called elastic collision. For the case of Elastic
Collision, a ball dropped onto a floor will rebounds with the same velocity and will attain the same height.
A collision in which the K.E. of the system is not conserved is called inelastic collision. For the case
of Elastic Collision, a ball dropped on floor doesn’t attain the same height after the impact. It is because of the
fact that some part of K.E is converted into heat and sound energies. Thus the total energy of the system
remains conserved.
Q # 12. Explain what is meant by projectile motion. Derive the expression for
(a) Time of flight (b) Range of projectile
Show that the range of the projectile is maximum when the projectile is thrown at an angle of 45˚ with
the horizontal.
Projectile Motion
It is the two dimensional motion in which the object moves under constant acceleration due to gravity.
During projectile motion, the object has constant horizontal component of velocity but changing vertical
component of velocity.
Time of Flight
The time taken by the object to cover the distance from the place of its projection to the place where it
hits the ground at the same level is called time of flight.
As the projectile goes up and comes back to the same level, thus covering no vertical distance i.e.,
. Thus the time of flight can be find out by using 2nd equation of motion:

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions

This is the expression of time of flight of a projectile.

Range of the Projectile
The distance which the projectile covers in the horizontal direction is called the range of the projectile.
In projectile motion, the horizontal component of velocity remains same. Therefore the range of the
projectile can be determine using formula:

where is the horizontal component of velocity and is the time of flight of projectile.

( )

Thus the range of projectile depends upon the velocity of projection and angle of projection.
Maximum Horizontal Range
The horizontal range will be maximum when the factor will be maximum. So,
Maximum value of

Hence for the maximum horizontal range, the angle of projection should be .
Q # 13. At what point or points in its path does a projectile have its minimum speed, its maximum
speed?
Ans. The speed of the projectile is minimum at the maximum height of projectile. It is because of the reason
that, at maximum height the vertical component of velocity becomes zero.
The speed of the projectile is maximum at the point of projection and also just before it strikes the
ground because the vertical component of velocity is maximum at these points.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER # 4: WORK AND ENERGY

Q # 1. A person holds a bag of groceries while standing still, talking to a friend. A car is stationary with
the engine running. From the stand point of work, how are these two situations similar?
Ans. In both the above two cases, since there is no displacement, therefore the work done will
be zero. The two situations are similar in the sense that work done in both cases is zero.
Q # 2. Calculate the work done in kilo joules in lifting a mass of 10 kg (at steady velocity) through a
vertical height of 10 m.
Given Data:
To Determine:

Calculations: As W
Q # 3. A force F acts through a distance L. The force is them increased to 3F, and then acts through a
further distance of 2L. Draw the work diagram to scale.
Ans. The force-displacement graph is shown in the figure.
As the work done is equal to the area under the force-displacement curve.
Therefore,
Work Done W  ( F  L)  (3F  2 L)
 FL  6 FL
 7 FL
Q # 4. In which case is more work done? When a 50 kg bag of books is lifted through 50 cm, or when a
50 kg crate is pushed through 2m across the floor with a force of 50 N.
Case-1: When a 50 kg bag of books is lifted Case-2: When a 50 kg crate is pushed through 2m
through 50 cm across the floor with a force of 50 N

Conclusion: More work in done in case-1

Q # 5. An object has 1 J of potential energy. Explain what does it mean?

Ans. It means that work has been dome on the body by the force of 1 N which has lifted the body through a
distance of 1 m. This work has been stored in the body in the form of P.E. which is 1J.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 6. A ball of mass m is held at a height h1 above a table. The table top is at a height h2 above the
floor. One student says that the ball has potential energy mgh1 but another says that it is mg(h1 + h2).
Who is correct?
Ans. The 1st student has taken the table as the point of reference for calculating the P.E. While the 2nd student
has taken the floor as the point of reference. So both are correct according to their own points of references.
Q # 7. When a rocket re-enters the atmosphere, its nose cone become very hot. Where does this heat
energy come from?
Ans. The atmosphere of earth contains a large number of gas molecules, dust particles and water vapors. So
when a rocket enters into the atmosphere and passes through these particles, due to the force of friction, the
kinetic energy of the rocket is lost in the form of heat. That’s why its nose cone becomes very hot.
Q # 8. What sort of energy is in the following:
(a) Compressed spring, (b) Water in a high dam, (c) A moving car
Ans.
a) Elastic Potential Energy
b) Gravitational Potential Energy
c) Kinetic Energy
Q # 9. A girl drops a cup from a certain height, which breaks into pieces. What energy changes are
involved?
Ans. When the cup was in the hands of girl, it had gravitational P.E. When the cup is dropped, its P.E. is
converted into the K.E. On striking the ground, this energy is converted into sound energy, heat energy and
work done in breaking the cup into pieces.
Q # 10. A boy uses a catapult to throw a stone which accidentally smashes a green house window. List
the possible energy changes.
Ans. Initially, the catapult had elastic P.E. when the stone is thrown, its P.E. is converted into K.E. On striking
the window, this energy is converted into sound energy, heat energy and work done in breaking the window
into pieces.
F.Sc. Physics, (1st Year), Complete Physics Notes
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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER # 5: CIRCULAR MOTION

Q # 1. Explain the difference between tangential velocity and the angular velocity. If one of these is
given for a wheel of known radius, how will you find the other?
Ans. Tangential velocity is the linear velocity of a particle moving along a curve or circle. As the direction of
the linear velocity is always along the tangent to the circle, that is why it is called tangential velocity.
The rate of change of angular displacement is called angular velocity. The direction of angular
velocity is along the axis of rotation of the body.
If one of these two quantities are given for a wheel of known radius , then we can find the other by
using the relation:

Where and are the tangential and angular velocity, respectively.

Q # 2. Explain what is meant by centripetal force and why it must be furnished to an object if the object
is to follow a circular path?
Ans. The centripetal force is a force that makes a body follow a circular path. The centripetal force is always
directed towards the center of the circle.
The direction of a body moving in a circular path is always changing. To bend the normally straight
path into circular path, a perpendicular force is needed, called centripetal force.
Q # 3. What is meant by moment of inertia? Explain its significance.
Ans. The product of mass of the particle and square of its perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation is
called the moment of inertia. Mathematically, the moment of inertia is described as:

Where m is the mass of the particle and r is the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation.
The moment of inertia plays the same role in angular motion as the mass in linear motion.
Q # 4. What is meant by angular momentum? Explain the law of conservation of angular momentum.
Ans. The cross product of position vector and linear momentum of an object is known as angular momentum.
The angular momentum of a particle of mass moving with velocity and momentum relative
to the origin is defined as:

where r is the position vector of the particle at that instant relative to the origin .
By solving the above mentioned expression, the magnitude of angular momentum can be determined equal to
product of moment of inertia and angular velocity:

Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum

Statement: If no external torque acts on a system, the total angular momentum of the system remains
constant.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 5. Show that orbital angular momentum .
Ans. The angular momentum of a particle of mass moving with velocity and momentum relative to
the origin is defined as:

̂
The magnitude of angular momentum will be:

Since the angle between radius and tangential velocity is , so

Hence proved.
Q # 6. Describe what should be the minimum velocity, for a satellite, to orbit close to earth around it.
Ans. Consider a satellite of mass is moving in a circle of radius around the earth. In circular orbit for a
low flying satellite, the centripetal acceleration is provided by the gravity.

---------------- (1)

where it the tangential velocity of the satellite. Solving equation (1), we have:
√
Near the surface of the earth, the gravitational acceleration and .
√
This is the minimum velocity necessary to put a satellite into the orbit and is called critical velocity.
Q # 7. State the direction of following vectors in simple situations; angular momentum and angular
velocity.
Ans. The directions of angular momentum and angular velocity are used to described by right hand rule:
Grasp the axis of rotation in right hand with the figures curling in the direction of rotation, then the erected
thumb will give the direction of angular velocity and angular momentum.
Q # 8. Explain why an object, orbiting the earth, is said to be freely falling. Use your explanation to
point out why objects appear weightless under certain circumstances.
Ans. An object is put into an orbit around the earth will move in a curved path under the action gravity. The
curvature of the path is such that it matches the curvature of the earth, and object does not touch the earth
surface. As the object continues to fall around the Earth, so it is said to be freely falling object.
When a body is falling freely, it moves with an acceleration g. And the bodies falling with acceleration g
appear weightless.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 9. When mud flies off the tyre of a moving bicycle, in what direction does it fly? Explain.
Ans. When the mud flies off the tyre of a moving bicycle, it always flies along the tangent to the tyre. This is
due to the reason that the linear velocity is always tangent to the circle, and the mud will fly in the direction of
linear velocity.
Q # 10. A disc and a hoop start moving down from the top of an inclined plane at the same time. Which
one will have greater speed on reaching the bottom?
Ans. The formulae for the velocity of the disc and the hoop are given by:

√ and √

So it is clear from the above relations that the disc will be moving with greater speed on reaching the bottom.
Q # 11. Why a diver does changes its body position before and after diving in the pool?
Ans. When the diver jumps from the diving board, his legs and arm are fully extended. The diver has large
moment of inertia but the angular velocity is small. When the diver curls his body, the moment of inertia
reduces to . In order to conserve the angular momentum, the value to angular velocity increases to such
that

In this way, the diver can make more somersaults before entering the water.
Q # 12. A student holds two dumb-bells with stretched arms while sitting on a turn table. He is given a
push until he is rotating at certain angular velocity. The student then pulll the dumb bells towards his
chest. What will be the effect on rate of rotation?
Ans. Initially, the arms of the students are fully extended, so he has large moment of inertia but angular
velocity is small. When the student curls his body, the moment of inertia reduces to . In order to
conserve the angular momentum, the value of angular velocity increases to such that

Thus the rate of rotation will increase.

Q # 13. Explain how many minimum number of geo-stationary satellites are required for global
coverage of TV transmission.
Ans. The total longitude of earth is and one geostationary satellite covers of longitude . So the
whole earth can be covered by three correctly positioned geostationary satellites.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER # 6: FLUID DYNAMICS

Q # 1. Explain what do you know about the term ‘Viscosity’?

Ans. The term viscosity is used for the degree of internal friction in the fluid. This internal friction is
associated with the resistance between two adjacent layers of the fluid moving relative to each other. It is
denoted by the Greek word .
Q # 2. What is meant by drag force? What are the factors upon which the drag force acting upon a
small sphere of radius r, moving down through a liquid, depends?
Ans. An object moving through a fluid experience a retarding force called the drag force.
The drag force on a sphere depends upon the velocity of object in a fluid, i.e., the drag force increases as the
speed of the particle increases.
Q # 3. Why fog droplets appear to be suspended in air?
Ans. When the magnitude of the drag force on the fog droplet becomes equal to its weight, the net force
acting on the droplet is zero.
In such a case, the droplet starts falling with very small terminal speed and appears to be suspended in air.
Q # 4. Explain what the difference between laminar and turbulent flow.
Laminar Flow
The flow is said to be streamline or laminar, if every particle that passes a particular point moves
along exactly the same path, as followed by particles which passed through that points earlier.
Turbulent Flow
The irregular or unsteady flow of the fluid is called turbulent flow.
Q # 5. State Bernoulli’s relation for a liquid in motion and describe some of its applications?
Ans. The principle states that the sum of pressure, the kinetic and potential energy per unit volume for an ideal
fluid remains constant at every point of its path.
Mathematically, it is described as:

Where P is the pressure, v is the velocity and is density of the fluid.

The Bernoulli relation is important in nozzle design and in flow measurements.
Q # 6. A person is standing near a fast moving train. Is there any danger that he will fall towards it?
Ans. When a person is standing near a fast moving train, then the air between them is also fast. According to
Bernoulli, where the speed is high, pressure will be low. So the pressure between the person and train will be
low as compared to the pressure of side way. So there will be a chance of force acting on the person from
high pressure region to the low pressure region and that he may fall towards the train.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 7. Identify the correct answer. What do you infer from Bernoulli’s theorem?
i) Where the speed of the fluid is high the pressure will be low .
ii) Where the speed of the fluid is high the pressure is also high.
iii) This theorem is valid only for turbulent flow of the liquid.
Ans. The correct answer is (1) where the speed of the fluid is high the pressure will be low.
This is in accordance with the Bernoulli’s equation, which states for a horizontal pipe,

Q # 8. Two row boats moving parallel in the same direction are pulled towards each other. Explain?
Ans. When two boats are moving parallel in the same direction, then the water between them is also flowing
fast. According to Bernoulli, where the speed is high, pressure will be low. So the pressure between the tow
boats decreases as compared to the pressure of side way. So the side way high pressure pushes the two boats
towards each other.
Q # 9. Explain, how the swing is produced in a fast moving cricket ball?
Ans. When the cricket ball is thrown in such a way that is spins as well as moves forward, the velocity of the
air on one side of the ball increases due to the spins and hence the pressure decreases. This gives an extra
curvature to the ball known as swing which deceives opponent player.
Q # 10. Explain the working of a carburetor of a motor car using Bernoulli’s principal.
Ans. The petrol tank is attached with Carburetor’s pipe through a very small inlet. Air moves very fast
through this pipe. As a result, pressure in the pipe decreases as compared to the pressure in the petrol tank
which is atmospheric pressure. So the petrol moves from the tank to the air pipe (i.e., from high pressure to
low pressure), and a correct mixture of petrol and air reaches the engine.
Q # 11. For what position will the maximum blood pressure in the body have the smallest value
(a) Standing up right (b) Sitting (c) Lying Horizontally (d)Standing on one’s head?
Ans. The option (c) is correct. The blood pressure will have the smallest value when a person lying
horizontally.
Q # 12. In orbiting space station, would the blood pressure in the major arteries in the leg ever be
greater than the blood pressure in major arteries in the neck.
Ans. In an orbiting space station, due to weightlessness, the blood pressure in the major arteries in the leg will
be equal to the blood pressure in major arteries in the neck.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER # 7: OSCILLATIONS

Q # 1. Name the two characteristics of simple harmonic motion?

Ans. The characteristics of SHM are
 Acceleration of the body is directly proportional to the displacement and is always directed towards
mean position:

 Total energy of the particle executing SHM remains conserve.

Q # 2. Does frequency depend on the amplitude for harmonic oscillator?
Ans. No, frequency of harmonic oscillator does not depend upon its amplitude. The frequency of the oscillator
is describe by the relation:

The above expression shows that the frequency of harmonic oscillator does not depend upon its amplitude. It
only depend on its mass and spring constant.
Q # 3. Can we realize an ideal simple pendulum?
Ans. No, we can’t realize an ideal simple pendulum. An ideal simple pendulum should consist of a heavy but
small metallic bob suspended from a frictionless rigid support by means of long, weightless and inextensible
string. These conditions are impossible to attain in nature. So ideal simple pendulum can’t be realized.
Q # 4. What is total distance travelled by an object moving with SHM in a time equal to its period, if its
amplitude is A?
Ans. The total distance travelled by ab object moving with SHM in its time period is 4A, where A is
amplitude of viberation.
Q # 5. What happens to period of simple pendulum if its length is doubled? What happens if the
suspended mass is doubled?
Ans. The time period of the simple pendulum is

Where is length of simple pendulum and is gravitational constant.

Case 1: If Length is Doubled If the length of simple pendulum is doubled, then the time period will be:

√ √ ( √ )

So if the length of the simple pendulum is doubled, then its time period increase by 1.41 times of initial time
period.
Case 2: If Mass is Doubled If the mass of bob of simple pendulum is doubled, then there is no effect on time
period, because the period is independent of the mass of simple pendulum.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 6. Does the acceleration of simple harmonic oscillator remains constant during its motion? Is the
acceleration ever zero? Explain.
Ans. No, the acceleration does not remain constant. The acceleration of simple harmonic oscillator is given
by

This means that acceleration is proportional to the displacement and is always directed towards mean position.
The acceleration becomes zero at mean position and acceleration becomes maximum at extreme
position.
Q # 7. What is meant by phase angle? Does it define angle between maximum displacement and the
driving force?
Ans. The angle which specifies the displacement as well as the direction of motion of the point executing
SHM is known as phase.
 It does not define angle between maximum displacement and driving force. It is the angle that the
rotating radius makes with the reference direction.
Q # 8. Under what condition does the addition of two simple harmonic motions produce a resultant,
which is also simple harmonic?
Ans. Addition of two simple harmonic motion produce a resultant, which is also simple harmonic, if the
following conditions are fulfilled:
 Simple harmonic motion should be parallel
 Simple harmonic motion should have same frequency
 Simple harmonic motion should have constant phase difference
Q # 9. Show that in SHM, the accleration is zero when the velocity is greatest and the velocity is zero
when the acceleration is greatest?
Ans. The expressions of velocity and acceleration of the body executing SHM are as follow:
, √
At Mean Position ( )
Acceleration of SHO:
Velocity of SHO: √
So at mean position, the acceleration of SHO is zero but velocity is greatest
At Extreme Position ( )
Acceleration of SHO:
Velocity of SHO: √
So at extreme position, the velocity of SHO is zero but acceleration is greatest

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 10. In relation to SHM, explain the equation: (i) (ii)
Ans.
(i) In this expression , is instantaneous displacement, is amplitude, is initial phase
and is the angle subtended in time t
(ii) In this expression , is acceleration, is angular frequency and is instantaneous
displacement
Q # 11. Explain the relation between the total energy, Potential energy and kinetic energy for a body
oscillating with SHM.
Ans. The total energy of the mass spring system at any instant of time is described as the sum of
potential energy and kinetic energy at that instant. The instantaneous P.E and K.E of SHO is:
&

Thus

Thus total energy of the object executing SHM remains constant.

Q # 12. Describe some common phenomenon in which resonance plays an important role.
Ans. There are some common phenomenon in which the resonance plays an important role such that:
 In radio sets
 In microwave oven
 Musical Instruments
Q # 13. In a mass spring system is hung vertically and set into oscillations, why does the motion
eventually stop?
Ans. If the mass spring system is hung vertically and set into oscillation, the motion eventually stops due to
friction and air resistance and some other damping forces.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER # 8: WAVE

Q # 1. What features do longitudinal waves have in common with transverse waves?

Ans. Following features are common in transverse and longitudinal waves:
 Both are mechanical waves.
 Particles oscillate about their mean position in both types of waves.
 Both transport energy from one place to another.
 Both satisfy the equation:
Q # 2. Is it possible for two identical waves travelling in the same direction along a string to give rise to
stationary waves?
Ans. No, it is not possible for two identical waves travelling in the same direction along a string to give rise to
stationary waves. For stationary waves, two identical waves must travel in opposite direction.
Q # 3. A wave is produced along a stretched string but some of its particles permanently show zero
displacement. What type of wave is it?
Ans. It is a stationary wave and the points are called Nodes.

Q # 4. Explain the terms crest, trough, node and anti-node.

Ans. Crest. The portion of the wave above the mean level is called crest.
Trough. The portion of the wave below the mean level is called trough.
Node. The points of zero displacement in stationary waves are called Nodes
Anti-node. The points of maximum displacement in stationary waves are called anti-nodes.
Q # 5. Why should sound travel faster in solids than in gases?
Ans. The formula for speed of sound is:

where is Modulus of Elasticity and is Density of medium.

Although the density of solids is greater than the density of gases but the modulus of elasticity for
solids is much greater than gases. Hence, sound travel faster in solids than in gases.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 6. How are the beats useful in tuning musical instruments?
Ans. We know that the number of beats produced per second is equal to the difference of frequencies of the
two bodies. To tune a musical instrument to the required frequency, it is sounded together with an instrument
of known frequency. Now the number of beats produce will tell the difference of their frequency.
 The frequency of the untuned instrument is adjusted till the number of beats become zero. At this
stage, the two instruments will have the same frequencies. Thus the musical instrument is said to be
tuned.
Q # 7. When two notes of frequencies and are sounded together, beats are formed. If ,
what will be the frequency of the beats?
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)

Ans. As Number of beats per second is equal to the difference between the frequencies of the notes.
Therefore, the correct answer is (iii)
Q # 8. As a result of a distant explosion, an observer senses a ground tremor and then hears the
explosion. Explain the time difference.
Ans. The waves produced by the explosion reach the observer quickly through the ground as compared to the
sound waves reaching through the air. This is due to the reason that sound travels faster in solid than gases.
Q # 9. Explain why sound travels faster in warm air than in cold air.
Ans. The speed of sound varies directly as the square root of absolute temperature, i.e.,
√
It means that greater the temperature of air, more will be the speed of sound in it. That’s why sound travel
faster in warm air than in cold air.
Q # 10. How should a sound source move with respect to an observer so that the frequency of its sound
does not change?
Ans. If the relative velocity between the source and the observer is zero, then there will be no change in
frequency of the source and the apparent frequency will be zero.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER # 9: PHYSICAL OPTICS

Q # 1: Under what conditions two or more sources of light behave as coherent sources?
Ans. Two or more sources are said to be coherent sources if they emit identical waves (same frequency and
same wavelength) having constant phase difference. For example:
When a single source is splitted into two sources, then these two sources will behave as coherent
sources.
Q # 2: How is the distance between interference fringes affected by the separation between the slits of
Young’s experiment? Can fringes disappear?

Ans. According to the formula of fringe spacing , increasing the distance between the slits, the

distance between the fringes decreases and vice versa.

If we increase the separation between the slits beyond the limit, then there might be a chance that the
interference phenomenon stops occurring and fringes disappear.
Q # 3: Can visible light produce interference fringes? Explain.
Ans. Visible light consist of seven colors of different wavelengths. Each color forms its own fringes but
collectively they overlapped to form no clear fringes pattern.
Q # 4: In the Young’s experiment, one of the slits is covered with blue filter and other with red filter.
What would be the pattern of light intensity on the screen?
Ans. Due to different wavelength, the interference will not take place and we get a mixture of two colors on
the screen with almost constant intensity.
Q # 5: Explain whether the young’s experiment is an experiment for studying interference or
diffraction effects of light?
Ans. In young’s double slit experiment, in addition to interference the phenomenon of diffraction also takes
place. Due to which the central fringe is always bright. But actually the young’s experiment was carried out to
study the interference effects of light.
Q # 6: An oil film over a wet foot path shows color. Explain how does it happen?
Ans. The colors are appeared due to interference of light in thin of oil on the water surface.
Q # 7: Could you obtain Newton rings with transmitted light? If yes, would the pattern be different
from that obtained with reflected light?
Ans. Yes, it is possible to obtain Newton rings with transmitted light. In this case, we will get a central bright
fringe instead of dark.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 8: In the white light spectrum obtained with the diffraction grating, the third order image of a
wavelength coincides with forth order image of a second wavelength. Calculate the ratio of two
wavelengths.
Ans. Using the formula, .
For case 1:
For case 2:
Dividing the two equations, we get:

Q # 9: How would you manage to get more orders of spectra using a diffraction grating?
Ans. Using the formula

This shows that by increasing the value of grating element “ ” or by decreasing the value of wavelength “ ”
used, we can get more order of spectra.
Q # 10: Why the Polaroid sun-glasses are better than ordinary sun-glasses?
Ans. The Polaroid sunglasses reduce the intensity of light passing through them, due to which the glare of
light is decreased. That is why, they are better than ordinary sunglasses.
Q # 11: How would you distinguish between un-polarized and plane-polarized light?
Ans. A Polaroid is placed in the path of light and slowly rotated. If the light become dimmer and dimmer and
then vanishes then the incident light was plane polarized. And if the light keeps on coming on the other side
then it was un-polarized.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER # 10: OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS

Q # 1: What do you understand by linear magnification and angular magnification? Explain how a
convex lens is used as a magnifier?
Linear Magnification: The ratio of the size of image to the size of object is called linear magnification.
Angular magnification: The ratio of the angle subtended by the image as seen through the optical device to
that subtended by the object at the un-aided eye
Convex lens as a Magnifier: A convex lens of short focal length can be used as magnifying glass because
when an object is placed close to the lens then the image formed is erect, virtual and very much magnified.
Q # 2: Explain the difference between the angular magnification and resolving power of optical
instrument. What limits the magnification of an optical instrument?
Ans. Angular magnification means how large or magnified image is formed by the instrument but resolving
power is its ability to provide the details of an object under examination. The magnification of an optical
instrument is limited due to defects in the lenses, such as chromatic and spherical aberrations.
Q # 3: Why would it be advantages to use blue light with compound microscope?
Ans. If blue light is used in compound microscope, it increases the resolving power and more details on an
object can be studied.
Q # 4: One can buy cheap microscope for use of children. The images seen in such microscope have
colored edges, why is this so?
Ans. The images in microscope have colored edges because of defects in lenses. Such a defect is known as
chromatic aberration. In such a problem, a lens can’t bring all rays of white light to a single point on image.
So image is not sharp and has colored edges.
Q # 5: Describe with the help of diagrams, how (a) a single biconvex lens can be used as a magnifying
glass.(b) biconvex lenses can be arranged to form a microscope.
Ans.
(a) Ray diagram of biconvex lens used (b) Ray diagram of two biconvex lens arranged to make
as magnifying glass. microscope.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions

Q # 6: If a person looking through microscope at the full moon, how would the appearance of moon be
changed by covering of objective lens?
Ans. The person will see the full image of the moon if half of the objective lens of a telescope is covered but
its brightness is reduced because less light is transmitted through the lens.
Q # 7: A magnifying glass gives five times enlarge image at the distance of 25 cm from the lens. Find, by
the ray diagram the focal length of lens.
Ans. Magnification M = 5
Image distance = 25 cm
Focal length of lens = ?

Q # 8: Identify the correct answer.

1) The resolving power of a compound microscope depends on:
a) The refractive index of the medium in which the object is placed.
b) The diameter of the objective lens.
c) The angle subtended by the objective lens at the object.
d) The position of an observer’s eye with regard to the eye lens.
Ans. Option (b) is correct
2) The resolving power of an astronomical telescope depends on:
a) The focal length of the objective lens.
b) The least distance of distinct vision of the observer.
c) The focal length of the eye lens.
d) The diameter of the objective lens.
Ans. Option (d) is correct
Q # 9. Draw sketches showing the different light paths through a single-mode and multi-mode fibre.
Why is the single-mode fibre preferred in telecommunications?
Ans. Single Mode fiber optic cable has a small diametral core
that allows only one mode of light to propagate. Because of
this, the number of light reflections created as the light passes
through the core decreases, lowering attenuation and creating
the ability for the signal to travel further. That’s why, single
mode fibre optic is preferred in telecommunication.
Q # 10. How the light signal is transmitted through the
optical fibre?
Ans. The light signals are transmitted through the optical fibre on the principle of (1) Total Internal
Reflection. (2) Continuous Refraction. Pulse of light represented by “1” and absence of light is represented by
“0”. Any information can be represented by the pattern of 1’s and 0’s transmitted through fibre optic to
transfer information from one point to another.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 11. How the power is lost in optical fibre through dispersion? Explain.
Ans. If the source of light signals is not monochromatic then, the light will disperse while propagating
through the core of the optical fibre into different wavelength so the light of different wavelengths reaches the
other end of the fibre at different times and the signal received is distorted. So the power is lost in optical fibre
through dispersion.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
EXERCISE SHORT QUESTIONS
CHAPTER # 11: THERMODYNAMICS

Q # 1.Why is the average velocity of the molecules in a gas zero but the average of the square of
velocities is not zero?
Ans. The molecules of a gas are always in a random motion. The number of molecules moving in a certain
direction are equal to the number of molecules moving in opposite direction with same velocity. Thus their
average velocity is zero. But the average of square of velocities is not zero because square of negative values
becomes positive.”
Q # 2. Why does the pressure of gas in a car tyre increase when it is driven through some distance?
Ans. When a car is driven through some distance the pressure of gas in the tyre increases .This is due to
friction between road and tyre. As a result the velocity of the gas molecules increases and they start colliding
with the walls of container with higher velocities. Thus pressure of the tyre increases.
Q # 3. Specific heat of a gas at constant pressure is greater than specific heat at constant volume. Why?

Ans. When a gas is heated at constant pressure, some part of the heat is used in moving the piston and the
remaining heat is used to increase the internal energy of the gas.
Whereas, when the gas is heated at constant volume, whole of the heat is used to increase the internal
energy of the gas.
Hence for equal rise of temperature for both the cases, more heat has to be supplied for constant
pressure than for constant volume.
Q # 4. Give an example of a process in which no heat is transferred to or from the system but the
temperature of the system changes.
Ans. An adiabatic process is the one in which no heat enters or leaves the system but the temperature of the
system changes.
For example, in adiabatic expansion, the temperature of the system falls at the cost of its own internal
energy. Whereas, in adiabatic compression, the temperature of the system increases without the transfer of
heat to the system.
Q # 5. Is it possible to convert internal energy into mechanical energy? Explain with an example.
Ans. Yes it is possible to convert internal energy into mechanical energy. In adiabatic expansion, the system
expands and moves the piston upward at the cost of its own internal energy.
Q # 6. Is it possible to construct a heat engine that will not expel heat into the atmosphere?
Ans. No it is not possible. According to Kelvin’s statement of 2nd law of thermodynamics, it is impossible to
construct a heat engine without a sink. It means that the heat engine must expel the remaining heat into the
sink or atmosphere.

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions
Q # 7. A thermos flask containing milk as a system is shaken rapidly. Does the temperature of milk
rise?
Ans. When milk is shaken rapidly in a thermos flask, the K.E. of the molecules increases. As a result, its
temperature rises a little.
Q # 8. What happens to the temperature of the room, when an air conditioner is left running on the
table in the middle of the room?
Ans. As the air conditioner is running on a table n the middle of the room, it absorbs and rejects the heat in the
same room. So there will be no change in the temperature of the room.
Q # 9. Can the mechanical energy be converted completely into heat energy? If so, give an example.
Ans. Yes mechanical energy can be converted into heat energy. In adiabatic compression, when the piston of
the cylinder is pushed downwards, the temperature of the gas increases.
Q # 10. Does entropy of a system increases or decreases due to friction?

Ans. Since heat increases due to friction, so according to the relation , entropy also increases, as it

varies directly with the heat.

Q # 11. Give an example of a natural process that involves an increase in entropy.
Ans. When ice melts by taking heat from surroundings, then according to the relation , entropy also

increases, as it varies directly with the heat.

Q # 12. An adiabatic change is one in which:
a) No heat is added to or taken out of a system
b) No change of temperature takes place
c) Boyle’s law is applicable
d) Pressure and volume remains constant
Ans. (a) No heat is added to or taken out of a system
Q # 13. Which one of the following process is irreversible?
a) Slow compression of an elastic spring
b) Slow evaporation of a substance in an isolated vessel
c) Slow compression of a gas
d) A chemical explosion
Ans. (d) a chemical explosion
Q # 14. An ideal reversible heat engine has
a) 100% efficiency
b) Highest efficiency
c) An efficiency which depends on the nature of the working substance
d) None of these
Ans. (b) Highest efficiency

F.Sc. Physics, (2nd Year), Complete Physics Notes

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F.Sc. Physics (1st Year) Exercise Short Questions

B.Sc. Mechanics (Physics)

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