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PHYSICAL QUANTITIES AND MEASUREMENT

Q1: What is Physics? Name a few branches of Physics?

Ans: Physics is a branch of science that deals with the interaction of matter & energy.
We can also define Physics as the branch of natural science that studies matter,
its motion, its behavior through space and time and the related entities of energy
and force. The word “Physics” is derived from the Greek word “Physikos”
meaning “Natural”.

BRANCHES OF PHYSICS

Following are the few main branches of Physics.

1. Mechanics
2. Electricity
3. Electromagnetism
4. Solid-State Physics
5. Atomic Physics
6. Nuclear Physics
7. Plasma Physics
8. Bio-Physics
9. Astro Physics
10. Thermodynamics
11. Geo Physics
12. Optics
13. Sound/Sonics
14. Particle Physics

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Q2: Define few branches of Physics?

Ans: The main branches of Physics are as follows.

1. Mechanics

This branch of physics is mainly concerned with the laws of motion and gravitation.

2. Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics deals with heat and temperature and their relation to energy and
work.

3. Electricity

Electricity is the study of properties of charges in rest and motion

4. Magnetism

Magnetism is the study of magnetic properties of materials

5. Atomic Physics

Atomic physics deals with the composition structure and properties of the atom

6. Optics

Optics studies physical aspects of light and its properties with the help of optical
instruments.

7. Sound

Sound is the study of production, properties and applications of sound waves.

8. Nuclear physics

Nuclear physics deals with the constituents, structure, behavior and interactions of
atomic nuclei.

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9. Particle physics

Particle Physics studies the elementary constituents of matter and radiation, and the
interactions between them.

10. Astrophysics

The study of celestial objects with the help of laws of physics is known as Astrophysics.

11. Plasma physics

The study of ionized state of mater and its properties is known as Plasma Physics.

12. Geo physics

The study of internal structure of earth is known as Geo physics.

Q3: Explain the importance of physics in daily life?

Ans: IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICS IN DAILY LIFE

Physics plays on important role in our lives in many ways which are mentioned below:

1. Electronic and electrical appliances in our homes such as television, radio, smart
phones, computer, washing machines, air conditioners, LED bulbs, Fans, UPS,
etc. and any such appliances bring comfort in our lives.
2. Automobiles such as cars, motor bikes etc. help us in covering large distances in
smaller time.
3. Internet, computers and mobile phones and telecommunication industry have
made easier to communicate with the world.
4. Solar panels along with batteries provide us cheap and uninterrupted electricity.
5. Optical lenses are used to correct eyesight problems. Moreover, these lenses are
used to observe and magnify objects located at large distance including
astronomical objects.

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6. Lenses are also used in microscopes to observe objects and organisms not visible
with naked eye.
7. Camera also uses optical lenses to focus objects and take photographs
8. Sound amplifiers are used to amplify smaller sound so that it can be transmitted
to greater distance.
9. X-ray, Ultrasound, LASER, MRI, CT Scanners, ECG are examples of some
machines used in medical science to diagnose and treat diseases. These machines
are invention of Physics.
10. Scientist can predict changes in weather and natural disasters with the help of
satellites, scanners, RADARs.

Q4. What are physical quantities. Also describe fundamental and derived
quantities?

Ans: PHYSICAL QUANTITIES

A physical quantity is a property of any phenomenon, body or a substance which can

be quantified by measurement. A physical quantity is expressed by a real number along
with its concerned unit.

FUNDAMENTAL QUANTITIES

Those physical quantities which cannot be explained with the help of other physical
quantities are called fundamental quantities. These quantities are independent of each
other.

Fundamental quantities are also called base quantities because they provide a base for
derived physical quantities.

In System International (S.I) system of units there are seven fundamental quantities and
units which are as follows:

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DERIVED PHYSICAL QUANTITIES

Physical quantities which can be explained with the help of other physical quantities are
called derived quantities. Derived quantities are obtained from multiplication or division
of fundamental quantities

Q5. Define?

a) Standard of length
b) Meter Rule
c) Standard of time
d) Standard of mass

Ans:

a) STANDARD OF LENGTH

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The standard of length in S.I system of units is Meter (symbol “m”) and is defined as
“the distance between two marks engraved on an Iridium-Platinum alloy bar kept at
International Bureau of Weights and Measures near Paris”.

It can also be defined as “the length of the path travelled by light in a vacuum in 1/299
792 458 of a second”.

b) METER RULE

A meter rule is a device which is used to measure length of different objects. A meter
rule of length 1m is equal to 100 centimeters (cm). On meter rule each cm is divided
further in to 10 divisions which are called millimeters (mm). So, a meter rule can
measure up to 1mm as smallest reading. It is made up of a long rigid piece of wood or
steel. The zero-end of the meter rule is first aligned with one end of the object and the
reading is taken where the other end of the object meets the meter rule.

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c) STANDARD OF TIME

The standard of time in S.I system of units is Second (symbol “s”) and is defined as
“the time taken by Cesium-133 atoms to vibrate 9192631770 times in an atomic clock”.

d) STANDARD OF MASS

The standard of mass in S.I system of units is Kilogram (Symbol “Kg”) and is defined
as “the mass of Platinum-Iridium alloy cylinder kept at the International Bureau of
Weights and Measures in Paris”. This cylinder is 39 mm tall (height) and 39 mm wide
(diameter).

Q6: What is vernier calipers? What are its major parts?

Ans: VERNIER CALIPERS

Vernier calipers is a meter stick graduated in millimeters used to measure a distance up

to 1 mm. it can also be used to measure a distance up to 0.05mm.

PARTS OF VERNIER CALIPERS

There are four major parts of vernier calipers.

1. Main scale
2. Vernier scale
3. Jaws
4. Thin flat rod
1. Main Scale

A vernier caliper consists of a rectangular steel bar whose one side is graduated in
millimeters each division on the main scale is 1mm (0.1.cm).

2. Vernier Scale

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A small scale usually consisting of 10 division which slides over the main scale is known
as vernier scale.

3. Jaws

There are two Jaws present on a vernier caliper which is also called calipers. One is
called upper law and other is called lower jaw,

4. Thin Flat Rod

A thin flat rod is attached to the sliding scale on its back which can measure the internal
depth of a hallow cylinder.

Q7: Write down the construction and working of vernier calipers?

Ans: CONSTRUCTION OF VERNIER CALIPERS

Vernier caliper consists of two parts. The first part consists of a scale called the main
scale. The longer lines on the main scale represent centimeters and smaller lines,
millimeters. Its left upper part has a Jaw ''A”. The second part consists of a vernier
scale which can slide over the main scale. The left upper part of this scale has a jaw ''B”.
Jaw ''A” is fixed while jaw “B'' is movable.

Working of Vernier Calipers

The diameter of a small spherical object can be measured with the help of this device.
Before the measurement close the jaws of the vernier caliper completely and note down
whether the zero line of the vernier scale coincides with the zero of the main scale. If
they coincide, there is no zero error. Open the jaws now and place an object between
them. Read the scale division to the left of the zero of the vernier scale and also read
the reading of vernier scale note it down in observation table. Again, place the cylinder
In between the jaws to measure the diameter. Read the main scale and vernier scale
reading, note down in the observation table, Repeat the same three times.
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Q8: What is least count of vernier caliper? How is it calculated?

Ans: LEAST COUNT OF VERNIER CALIPER

The smallest reading which can be accurately measured with a vernier caliper is called
its least count (L.C), it is also known as vernier constant. It is the difference between
one main scale division which is 1 mm and one vernier division which is (0.9).

L.C = 1 mm – 0.9 mm =0.1 mm

There is another method to find the least count which is given as:

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Q9: What is zero error of vernier caliper? What are its types?

Ans: VERNIER CALIPER ZERO ERROR

When the jaws of Vernier calipers are brought into contact, the zero of the Vernier
must coincide with the zero of the main scale. Otherwise, the instrument has an error
called zero error. Zero error can be negative or positive.

Negative Zero Error

If the zero of the Vernier scale is to the left of the zero of the main scale, then the error
is negative. Since the zero error is negative, the zero correction will be positive.

Positive zero error

If the zero of the Vernier scale is to the right of the zero of the main scale, then the
error is positive. Since the zero error is positive, the zero correction will be negative.

Q10: Write a note on screw gauge

Ans: SCREW GAUGE

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Micrometer screw gauge is an instrument used to measure the diameter of thin wires,
the thickness of small sheets of glass, plastic, etc. It can measure up-to 1/10 of mm (or
0.01 mm= 0.001 cm) which is usually called the least count of Micrometer.

Parts of screw gauge

It consists of a U-shaped metal frame F with a fixed stud A.

1. The right moveable and R (called Ratchet) is a cylinder type whose other end is
called the spindle.

2. A static linear scale or the main scale (usually in mm) is marked on a cylinder.

3. The second scale (moveable) is called a circular scale or a cap scale (with 50 or
100 divisions) which is drawn on a cap called thimble ‘T’ fitted over a cylinder.

4. The circular scale is designed in such a way that one complete rotation of the cap
moves it horizontally by 1 mm on the main scale if circular scale cap moves it

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horizontally by 1 mm on the main scale if circular scale division is 100 and 0.5
mm in the main scale if the circular division is 50.

Working steps to use of Screw Gauge

 To Find Pitch of Screw

 To Find the Least Count

 To Find Zero Error

Pitch of the screw

The distance moved by linear scale during one complete rotation is called the pitch of
the screw. For a screw gauge of 100 circular division, the pitch is 1 mm.

Least count of screw gauge

A screw gauge of 100 divisions will move the cap scale along the main scale by 1/100
of mm-0.01 mm. This is the minimum value up to which a screw gauge can measure
and is known as its least count. Or it is defined as the ratio between the pitch of the
screw and the number of divisions on the circular scale.

Micrometer least count formula

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Micrometer least count in mm

Least Count L.C

L.C = 0.01 mm

Errors of micrometer

When both ends (stud and spindle) of the screw gauge each other in such a way the
zeros of both circular scale and main scale exactly overlap each other, then there is no
error. Otherwise, the instruments have an error called zero error. Zero error can be
negative or positive.

Negative Zero Error of screw gauge

If the zero of the circular scale above the index line (reference) line, the error is negative.
So, zero correction will be positive.

Positive Zero Error of screw gauge

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If the zero of circular scale is below the reference line or index line then zero error will
be positive. So, zero correction will be positive.

Q11: Write a short note on stop watch.

Ans: STOP WATCH

A stopwatch is a handheld timepiece designed to measure the amount of time interval

that elapses between its activation and deactivation. It consists of two hands. The
smaller hand gives us reading in minutes and a larger hand gives us reading in seconds.
The clock is started and stopped by a person pressing a button. Pressing the top button
starts the timer running, and pressing the button a second time stops it, leaving the
elapsed time displayed. A press of the second button then resets the stopwatch to zero.
Stop watches are usually used in sports competitions like running and swimming to
record time.

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Q12: Write a short note on measuring cylinder.

Ans: MEASURING CYLINDER

A measuring cylinder, also known as graduated cylinder or mixing cylinder is a common

piece of laboratory equipment used to measure the volume of a liquid. It has a narrow
cylindrical shape. Each marked line on the graduated cylinder represents the amount of
liquid that has been measured. The measuring cylinder has a long cylindrical shape with
a mouth on one side. The lower part has wide feet for stability. The cylinder wall is
engraved with a Volumetric range for the user to read the volume. The maximum
measured volume is from a few milliliters to a few liters.

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Q13: Write a note on physical balance.

Ans: The Physical Balance

The Physical balance is an instrument used for measurement of mass. It is mostly used
in laboratory. It works on the principle of moments. It consists of a light and rigid beam
of brass, a metallic pillar, a wooden base, two pans, a metallic pointer and an ivory scale.
The plumb line indicates whether the balance is horizontal. In ideal condition the plumb
line is aligned with the end of the knob fixed with the pillar. When the beam is
horizontal the pointer remains on zero mark on the ivory scale. The whole box has level
adjusting screws at the bottom to set it horizontally. The device is enclosed in a glass
box to avoid wind effects.

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Q14. What is a digital stopwatch?

Ans: Digital Stopwatch

A digital stop watch can measure a time interval up to 0.01 second. It starts to indicate
the time lapsed as the start/stop button is pressed. As soon as start/stop button is
pressed again, it stops and indicates the time interval recorded by it between start and
stop of an event. A reset button restores its initial zero setting. Now a days almost the
mobile phones have a stopwatch function.

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Q15. Write a note on significant figures.

Ans: SIGNIFICANT FIGURES

The numbers of reliably known digits in a value are known as significant figures.

Rules for finding significant figures.

 All non-zero digits are considered significant. For example, 91 has two significant
figures (9 and 1), while 123.45 has five significant figures (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). Zeros
appearing between two non-zero digits (trapped zeros) are significant. Example:
101.12 has five significant figures: 1, 0, 1, 1, and 2.

 Leading zeros (zeros before non-zero numbers) are not significant. For example,
0.00052 has two significant figures: 5 and 2.

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 Trailing zeros (zeros after non-zero numbers) in a number without a decimal are
generally not significant. For example, 400 has only one significant figure (4).
The trailing zeros do not count as significant.

 Trailing zeros in a number containing a decimal point are significant. For

example, 12.2300 has six significant figures: 1, 2, 2, 3, 0, and 0. The number
0.000122300 still has only six significant figures (the zeros before the 1 are not
significant). In addition, 120.00 has five significant figures since it has three
trailing zeros.

 Trapped zeroes in a number are significant. For example, 0.00022005 has five
significant figures. The number 21053 has five significant figures

Q16. What is scientific notation?

Ans: SCIENTIFIC NOTATION

Scientific notation or the standard form is a simple method of writing very large
numbers or very small numbers. In this method numbers are written as powers of ten.
Thus, calculation of very large or very small numbers becomes easy. Numbers in
Scientific Notation are made up of three parts:

The coefficient, the base and the exponent.

1. The coefficient must be equal to or (Not zero) greater than one

2. The base must be 10
3. The exponent can be negative or positive.

Examples

A large number 300000000 can be written as 3 x 108

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A small number 0.00000000000538 can be written as 538 x 10-14

Q17. What are prefixes in physics?

Ans: PREFIXES

A prefix is a symbol that is placed in front of a unit to express multiple or submultiples

(i.e., fractions) of a unit. Prefixes are useful for expressing units of physical
quantities that are either very big or very small.

Some prefixes used in physics are shown in the following table

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