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Chapter # 01:
SHORT QUESTIONS
Q.1 What is Science?
The knowledge gained through observations and experimentations is called science. The word
science is derived from the Latin word Scientia which means knowledge.
Q.2 Define natural philosophy?
Not until eighteenth century, various aspects of material objects were studied under a single subject
called natural philosophy. But as the knowledge is increased, it was divided into two streams.
Q.3 Differentiate between physical sciences & biological sciences?
Physical sciences: Which deal with the study of non-living things.
Biological sciences: which deal with the study of living things.
Q.4 What is andromeda?
Andromeda is one of the billions of galaxies of known universe.
Q.5 Into which five distinct disciplines physical sciences were divided? In which century?
In nineteenth century, physical sciences were divided into five distinct disciplines; Physics,
chemistry, astronomy, geology, meteorology.
Q.6 Which machine is used to produce pollution free(environment-friendly) electricity?
Wind turbines are used to produce pollution free electricity.
Q.7 What is Physics?
Physics is the branch of science in which we study matter, energy and their interaction.
The laws and principles of physics help us to understand nature.
Q.8 What are the physical quantities?
All measurable quantities are called physical quantities. These are characteristics of every object
which are used to be measured to specify them. These characteristics of the object are known
as physical quantities. Examples: Length, time, mass, force, speed, volume, density etc.
Q.9 What are the basic characteristics of physical quantities?
A physical quantity possesses at least two characteristics in common.
(i)Numerical magnitude. e.g., 1,2,3 etc.
(ii)Unit in which it is measured. g,s,m etc.
Q.10 What are the base quantities?
There are seven physical quantities which form the foundation of other physical quantities. These
physical quantities are called base quantities.
These are: Length, Mass, Electric current, Temperature, Intensity of light, Amount of substance.
Q.11 What are the derived quantities?
Those physical quantities which can be expressed in terms of base quantities are known as derived
quantities. Example: Speed, Acceleration, volume, force, pressure etc.
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Q.12 Why a standard unit is needed to measure a quantity correctly?

To measure a quantity, we need to compare it with some standard quantity. While measuring the
physical quantity, we have to see that how many times this quantity is bigger or smaller than the
standard quantity. Therefore, standard unit is needed to measure a quantity correctly.
Q.13 What do you know about System International of Units (SI)?
With the development in the field of science and technology, the need for commonly acceptable
system of units was seriously felt all over the world particularly to exchange scientific and
technical information. The eleventh General Conference on weight and Measures held in Paris in
1960 adopted a worldwide system of measurements called International system of units. The
intonational system of units referred as SI.
Q.14 What are the base units? Write their names and symbols.
The units that describe the base quantities are called base units. Each base quantity has its SI unit.
There are seven base units. The following table shows the base quantities and its units.
QUANTITY UNIT
Name Symbol Name Symbol
Length l Meter M
Mass m Kilogram Kg
Time t second S
Electric current I ampere A
Intensity of light l candela Cd
Temperature T kelvin K
Amount of substance n mole mol
Q.15 What are derived units?
Ans: The units used to measure derived quantities, which are derived from base units, are
called derived units. Examples:
QUANTITY UNIT
Speed v Meter per second ms-1
Force F Newton Kgms-2
Volume V Cubic meter m3
Acceleration a Meter per second per second ms-2
Pressure p Pascal Pa or (Nm-2)
Density ρ Kilogram per cubic meter Kgm-3
Charge Q Coulomb C or (As)

Q.16 Define “prefixes”.

The words or letters added before a unit and stand for the multiples and sub-multiples of that unit
are known as prefixes. These prefixes are used when we have to measure very small or very large
values. Table of prefixes is given as:
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prefix Symbol Multiplier Prefix Symbol Multiplier

deca da 101 deci d 10-1
hecto h 102 centi c 10-2
kilo K 103 milli m 10-3
mega M 106 micro μ 10-6
giga G 109 nano n 10-9
tera T 1012 pico p 10-12
peta P 1015 femto f 10-15
exa E 1018 atto a 10-18

Examples: 20,000 g = 20,000g x100/100 = 20,000Kg/100 = 20Kg

1) 200 000ms-1 = 200 x103 ms-1 = 200 Kms-1
2) 4 800 000 W = 4 800x103 W = 4 800 KW = 4.8x103 KW = 4.8 MW
Q.17 Define scientific Notation.
A way to express a given number as a number between 1 and 10 having an appropriate power is
called scientific notation or standard form.
Examples: Suppose we have an ordinary whole number:
150,000,000,000m (sun’s distance from earth) or 150,000,000 Km
In scientific notation it will be: 1.5x1011m For convenience:
Place value Number Zero
One 1 0
Ten 10 1
Hundred 100 2
Thousand Thousand 1000 3
10 Thousand 10000 4
100 Thousand 100000 5
Million Million 1,000000 6
10 million 10,000,000 7
100 million 100,000,000 8
Billion Billion 1,000,000,000 9
10 billion 10,000,000,000 10
100 billion 100,000,000,0000 11
Trillion Trillion 1,000,000,000,000 12
10 trillion 10,000,000,000,000 13
100 trillion 100,000,000,000,000 14
Q.18 what is meter rule? What is its least count?
It is an instrument which is used in laboratories to measure the length of an object or distance
between two points.
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Scale:
It is one meter long which is equal to 100 centimeters. Each centimeter is divided into 10 small
divisions called millimeter (mm)
Meter rod’s count/Least count:
The least count of meter rule is 1mm. This is the minimum length that can be accurately measured
by the meter rule.
Precautions:
While measuring the length, or distance with the help of meter rule, we should keep the eye
vertically above the reading point. The reading becomes doubtful if the eye is positioned either left
or right to the reading point.
Q.19 What do you know about measuring tape?
Measuring tape is used to measure length in meters and centimeters. Measuring tapes are used by
blacksmith and carpenters.
Formation:/ By which material measuring tape can be measured?
A measuring tape consists of a thin long strip of cotton, metal or plastic. It can measure generally
10 m, 20 m, 50 m, 100 m. Measuring tapes are marked in centimeters as well as in inches.
Q.20 Why we use a Vernier caliper instead of a regular meter rule?
The accuracy obtained in measurements using a meter rule is upto 1mm.However an
accuracy greater than 1mm can be obtained by using some other measuring instruments
such as Vernier calipers. Therefore, we use Vernier caliper.
Q.21What are the lower jaws of a Vernier caliper used for?
The function of the lower jaws is to measure the outer diameter of an object such as a tube,
sphere or cylinder.
Q.22 What are the upper jaws used for?
The function of the upper jaws is to measure the inside diameter of an object such as a tube,
pipe or hollow cylinder.
Q.23 What is meant by the Zero Error of Vernier calipers?
If the empty jaws of a Vernier caliper are closed and the zero value of the main scale does
not line up with the zero value of the Vernier caliper then that Vernier caliper has a zero
error.
Q.24 What are the types of zero errors that can occur in a Vernier caliper/screw gauge?
There are two types of zero errors possible in a Vernier scale. They are called
➢ Positive zero error.
➢ Negative zero error.
Q.25 What is meant by positive zero error of Vernier callipers and how can it be eliminated?
When the two empty lower jaws are closed the zero mark on the Vernier scale should coincide
exactly with the zero marked on the main scale. If the zero marked on the Vernier scale is to the
right of the main scale zero then this is a positive zero error. The reading of the Vernier scale at
the zero position should be subtracted from all subsequent readings to eliminate this error.
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For example: If the zero mark on the Vernier scale is to the right of the main scale zero in a closed
position and the coincident value on the Vernier scale is 1, then the total corrected reading would
be Total Reading – (1xL.C).
Q.26 What is meant by negative zero error of Vernier calliers and how can it be eliminated?
When the lower jaws are brought in contact and the zero mark on the Vernier scale lies the left
of the main scale zero mark then this is known as a negative zero error. The reading on the Vernier
scale in this position should now be added to all subsequent readings obtain an accurate value.
For Example: If the zero mark on the Vernier scale lies to the left of the main scale zero and the
coincident value is 8 then the correct total reading would be; Total Reading + (8 x Least Count).
Q.27 What formula should be used to measure the least count of Vernier
callipers?
The least count can be measured using the formula: if smallest reading on
main scale is 1mm and no. of divisions on Vernier scale 10.
𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒 1𝑚𝑚
Least count (L.C) = 𝑛𝑜.𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒 = 10
= 0.1mm = 0.01cm
Q.28 How can we calculate the total reading of the Vernier calipers?
The total reading is calculated using the formula:
Total Reading = Main Scale Reading + (n x L.C), Where M.S.R= main scale reading,
n= no of divisions till the coincident value of the Vernier scale and L.C = least count of the
Vernier calipers.
Q.29 What is screw gauge? Why we use screw gauge? What is index line?
A screw gauge is an instrument is used to measure small lengths with accuracy greater
than Vernier calipers. It is also called as micrometer screw gauge. A simple screw gauge
consists of a U-shaped metal frame with a metal stud at its one end. A hollow cylinder
(or sleeve) has a millimeter scale over it called index line parallel to its axis.
Q.30 Define pitch of screw.
The distance between consecutive threads on the spindle is 1mm. This distance is called the
pitch of screw on the spindle.
Q.31 How many divisions screw gauge has?
Screw gauge has 100 divisions, on its circular screw gauge.
Q.32 What is the least count of a screw gauge? How can find it?
The minimum measurement can measure a screw gauge is called least count of screw gauge. The
least count of a screw gauge is 0.01mm OR 0.001cm.
Formula:
𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑤 𝑔𝑎𝑢𝑔𝑒 1𝑚𝑚
Least count (L.C) = 𝑛𝑜.𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒 = 100
= 0.01mm = 0.001cm .
Q.33 What do you know about zero error of screw gauge and its types?
 If the zero of circular scale coincides with the index line, then the zero error will be zero.
 Zero error will be positive if zero of circular scale is behind the index line.
 Zero error will be negative if zero of circular scale has crossed the index line.
Q.34 Explain the statement, "A micrometer screw gauge measures more accurately
Than a Vernier caliper & meter rule.
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Least count of a meter rule(ruler) is 1mm.Least count of Vernier caliper is 0.1mm and
0.01mm for micrometer screw gauge. Thus, measurements taken by screw gauge are more
precise than the two others.
Q.35 What do you know about Lever balance?
A lever balance consists of a system of levers. When lever is lifted placing an object in one pan and
standard masses on the other pan, the pointer of the lever system moves. The pointer is brought to
zero by varying standard masses.
Q.36 What is electronic balance? What is its range? And how mass is measured by electronic
balance?
It is an instrument used to measure the mass of the body electronically. The least count of electronic
balance is 0.001g or 1mg.
Range:
Electronic balance comes in various ranges; milligram ranges, gram ranges and kilogram ranges.
Procedure to measure:
 Before measuring the mass of body, it is switched on, and its reading is set to zero.
 Next place the object to be weighted.
 The reading on the balance gives the mass of the body placed over it.
Q.37 What do you know about physical balance?
Physical balance is a modified type of beam balance used to measure small masses by comparison
with greater accuracy. The least count of physical balance is 0.01mg or 10mg.
Q.38 What is a stopwatch used for?
A stopwatch is used to measure the time interval of an event. Mechanical stopwatches have least
count up to 0. 1seconds.Digital stopwatch of least count 0.01s are used common.
Q.39 What is measuring cylinder?
A measuring cylinder is a graduated glass cylinder marked in milliliters. It is used to measure the
volume of a liquid and also to find the volume of an irregular shaped solid objects.
Formula: The formula used to measure the volume of irregular shaped solid is
Vf -Vi .

Q.40 What do you know about significant figures?

All the accurately known digits and the first doubtful digit in an expression are called significant
figures. It reflects the precision of a measured value of physical quantity. For example, a student
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measures the length of a book as 18cm using measuring tape. The number of significant figures in
his measured value are two. The left digit “1” is the accurately known digit, while the digit “8” is
doubtful digit for which student may not be sure.

Q.41 What is the function of balancing screws in physical balance?

Balancing screws in physical balance are used to bring the pointer at zero position.
Q.42 On what pan we place the object and why?
Many balances have a sliding weight. The slide is always marked with increasing weight toward
the right. For these balances the slide reading only corresponds to object weight and adds to the
weights in the pan (if any) if the object is in the left pan and the weights in the right. Thus, no
compelling reason to prefer either side if the balance doesn't have a sliding weight.
Q.43 Define least count of an instrument.
The smallest value can be calculated by an instrument called its least count.
Q.44 Write the rules helpful to identify the significant figures.
See page# 21 for rules & examples.
Q.45 Write the rules to rounding a number off.
See page# 22 for rules & examples.
Q.46 What is meant by zero error of an instrument?
It is a type of error in which an instrument gives a reading when the true reading at that time is
zero.
Q.47 What is meant by zero correction?
The correction which is made by removing the zero error to get correct measurement after finding
the zero error in an instrument.
Q.48 Define second.
The second is the SI base unit of time, commonly understood and historically defined as 1⁄86400
of a day.
Q.49 Define scientific method.
A method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in
systematic observation, hypotheses, experiment, formulation, testing, theory and law.
What is meant by personal error? How can it be removed?
An error comes into play because of faulty procedure adopted by the observer when he is taking
measurements is called “personal error”. Personal error can be removed by taking measurements
by an expert carefully.
Q.50 write two achievements of Al-Biruni.
Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni:
a. Ninety-five of 146 books known to have been written by Biruni were devoted to astronomy.
b. He also invented an early hodometer(odometer).
c. Biruni is regarded as the father of geodesy(also known as geodetics, is the earth science of
accurately measuring and understanding three of Earth's fundamental properties: its geometric
shape, orientation in space, and gravitational field).
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EXERCISE
1.2. What is the difference between base quantities and derived quantities? Give three
examples of each.
Ans. Base Quantities
The seven physical quantities on the basis of which Other quantities expressed are called base
quantities. e.g. length, mass, time and temperature etc.
Derive Quantities
Those quantities that are expressed in term of base quantities are called derived quantities are called
derived quantities. e.g. volume, speed work and power etc.
1.3. Pick out the base units in the following. Joule, Newton, kilogram, hertz, mole, ampere,
meter, Kelvin, coulomb and watt.
Ans. Base Units
(i) kilogram (ii) mole (iii) ampere (iv) meter
(v) kelvin
1.4. Find the base quantities involved in each of the following derived quantities.
(a) speed (b)volume (c) force (d) work
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(a) Speed = ms ,Base quantities involved are length and time (b) Volume = m3 ,Base
-2
quantities involved is length. (c) Force = Kgms , Base quantities involved are mass, length and
time. (d) Work = Kgm2s-2 , Base quantities involved are mass, length and time.
1.5. Estimate your age in seconds.
Use the following formula to convert your age into seconds.
Age in seconds = years x 365 x 24 x 60 x 60s e.g., 15 x 365 x 24 x 60 x 60 s = 505101600s.
1.6. What role SI units have played in the development of science?
SI units have played very important role in the development of science. Particularly this system is
very useful to exchange the scientific and technical information.
1.7. What is meant by Vernier constant?
The difference between one small division on main scale division and one Vernier scale division
is called least count of Vernier callipers or “Vernier constant”.
1.8. What do you understand by the zero error of a measuring instrument?
If the zero of both the scales of a given instrument do not coincide with each other, it means the
given instrument has zero error. So, our measurement will be less or greater than the correct
reading.
1.9. Why is use or zero error necessary in a measuring instrument?
In order to get the correct measurement, the use of zero error is necessary.
1.10. What is a stop watch? What is the least count of a mechanical stopwatch you have used
in the laboratories?
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Stopwatch is an instrument which is used to measure the time interval of an event. The least count
of mechanical stopwatch is 0.1 second.
1.11. What do we need to measure extremely small interval of time?
In order to get more accurate results, we need to measure extremely small interval of time.
1.12. What is meant by significant figures of a measurement?
All accurately known digits and first doubtful digit are called significant figures. It reflects the
precision of a measured value of a quantity.
1.13. How is precision related to the significant figures in a measured quantity? The greater
the number of significant figures, the greater the precision. Each significant figure increases the
precision by factor of ten. An improvement in quality of measurement by using better instrument
increases significant figures in the measured result. More significant figures mean more precision.
For example, 2.0623cm is more precise than 2.0623cm.

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