Bajwa Science Academy

Physics Short Questions (Chapters 1–9)

Chapter 1: Physical Quantities and Measurements

Short Questions and Answers

Q#1: Can a non-physical quantity be measured? If yes, then how?
Ans: Non-physical quantities cannot be measured directly using an instrument because they do not have a
physical existence.
Q#2: What is measurement? Name its two components?
Ans: Measurement is the comparison of an unknown quantity with a known standard quantity. Name of its
components are:
1. Number
2. Unit
Q#3: Why do we need standard units for measurement?
Ans: Standard units are used to avoid confusion and ensure consistency in measurements.
Q#4: Write three derived and three base quantities.
Ans:
 Base Quantities: Length, Mass, Time
 Derived Quantities: Area, Velocity, Pressure
Q#5: Which S.I unit is used to express the height of your desk?
Ans: The meter (m) is used to express the height of a desk.
Q#6: Write the name and symbol of all base units.
Ans:

Base
Base Quantities Symbol Symbol
Units

Length l Meter m

Mass m Kilogram kg

Time t Second s

Temperature T Kelvin K

Electric Current I Ampere A

Intensity of Light L Candela cd

 Base
Base Quantities Symbol Symbol
Units

Amount of Substance n Mole mol

Q#7: Why prefixes is used? Write three sub-multiples and three multiples’ prefixes with their symbol?
Ans: To express very large or very small quantities in a convenient and standardized way, powers of ten or
multiple of ten are used.
 Multiples:
 Kilo (10³)
 Mega (10⁶)
 Giga (10⁹)
 Submultiples:
o Deci (10⁻¹)

o Centi (10⁻²)

o Milli (10⁻³)

Q#8: What is meant by the following?

a) 5 pm → 5 picometer = 5 × 10⁻¹² m
b) 15 ns → 15 nanosecond = 15 × 10⁻⁹ s
c) 7 µm → 7 micrometer = 7 × 10⁻⁶ m
d) 5 fs → 5 femtosecond = 5 × 10⁻¹⁵ s
Q#9: About Vernier Caliper
a) For what purpose is a Vernier caliper used?
Ans: It is used to measure the small diameter, radius, and volume of a cylinder or rod.
b) Name its two main parts.
Ans:
1. Main Scale
2. Vernier Scale
c) How is least count found?
Ans:
The least count of a Vernier caliper can be found by following method:
Least Count = 1 main scale division – 1 version scale division
OR
Least Count = 1 Small Division on Main Scale/Number of Divisions on Vernier Scale
= 1/10 mm = 0.1 mm
d) What is meant by zero error?
Ans: If the zero of the main scale of vernier caliper does not coincide with the zero of the Vernier scale, then
there is a zero error in the Vernier caliper.
Chapter 2: Kinetics

Short Questions and Answers

Q#1: Define scalar and vector quantities?
Scalar Quantity: A scalar is a physical quantity that can be described completely by its magnitude only. For
example: Distance, Length, Time, Speed, etc.
Vector Quantity: A vector is a physical quantity that can be described by both magnitude and direction. For
example: Displacement, Velocity, Weight, Force, etc.
Q#2: Give 5 examples each for scalar and vector quantities?
Scalars: Distance, Length, Time, Speed, Mass
Vectors: Displacement, Velocity, Weight, Force, Acceleration
Q#3: State head to tail rule for addition of vectors?
Ans: To add vectors using the head-to-tail rule, place the tail of the second vector at the head of the first. The
resultant vector is drawn from the tail of the first vector to the head of the second.
Q#4: What is distance-time graph and speed-time graph?
Distance-Time Graph: It shows how distance changes with time. The slope of the graph gives the speed.
Speed-Time Graph: It shows how speed changes with time. The area under the graph gives the distance
traveled.
Q#5: Falling objects near the Earth have the same constant acceleration. Does this imply that a heavier
object will fall faster than a lighter object?
Ans: No, A heavier object does not fall faster than a lighter one. All objects near the Earth fall with the same
constant acceleration (9.8 m/s²) regardless of their mass. (ignoring air resistance)
Q#6: The vector quantities are sometimes written in scalar notation. How is the direction indicated?
Ans: Vector quantities written in scalar form indicate direction using a positive or negative sign, or by
explicitly mentioning the direction.
Q#7: A body is moving with uniform speed. Will its velocity be uniform? Give reason.
Ans: No. Velocity will not be uniform if the direction changes, even when speed is uniform, because velocity
depends on both magnitude (speed) and direction.
Q#8: Is it possible for a body to have acceleration? when moving with.
1. Constant velocity: No
2. Constant speed: Yes
 Chapter 3: Dynamics

Short Questions and Answers

Q#1: What kind of changes in motion may be produced by a force?
1. Change in speed
2. Change in direction
3. Start of motion
4. Stop of motion
5. Change in shape or size
Q#2: Give 5 examples of constant forces.
1. Frictional force
2. Tension
3. Elastic force
4. Normal force
5. Air resistance
Q#3: An object moves with constant velocity in free space. How long will the object continue to move
with this velocity?
Ans: The object will continue to move with constant velocity forever, as long as no external force (like friction,
gravity, or collision) acts on it.
Q#4: Define impulse of force.
Ans: The impulse of a force is defined as the total change in momentum of the object.

Q#5: Why has Newton’s first law of motion not been proved on the Earth?
Ans: Newton’s first law cannot be directly proved on Earth because external forces (like friction and air
resistance) are always present. However, it is considered valid because it consistently explains and predict
motion when such forces are removed or minimized.
Q#6: When sitting in a car which suddenly accelerates from rest, you are pushed back into the seat.
Why?
Ans: When the car suddenly accelerates forward, our body tends to stay at rest due to inertia. The seat pushes
us forward, but because our body resists this change in motion, we feel as if we are being pushed backward.
Q#7: The force expressed in Newton’s second law is a net force. Why is it so?
Ans: Newton’s second law uses net force because only the total unbalanced force acting on a body causes it to
accelerate.
Q#8: How can you show that rolling friction is lesser than sliding friction?
Ans: Rolling friction is less than sliding friction because less force is needed to roll an object than to slide it on
the same surface.
Q#9: Define terminal velocity of an object?
Ans: Terminal velocity of an object is the maximum constant speed reaches while falling through a fluid (like
air), when the downward gravitational force is balanced by the upward drag force (air resistance).
Q#10: An astronaut walking in space wants to reach his spaceship by firing a hand rocket. In what
direction does he fire the rocket?
Ans: The astronaut should fire the hand rocket in the direction opposite to the spaceship.

Chapter 4: Turning Effect of Force

Short Questions and Answers

Q#1: Define like and unlike parallel forces.
 Like parallel forces: Forces acting in the same direction.
Example: Two people pushing a car in the same direction.
 Unlike parallel forces: Forces acting in opposite directions.
Example: Tug of war opponents.
Q#2: What are rectangular components of a vector and their values?
Ans: Rectangular components of a vector are its horizontal (x) and vertical (y) parts. If vector A makes angle θ
with the x-axis:
 Ax = A cosθ
 Ay = A sinθ
Q#3: What is the line of action of force?
Ans: The line of action of a force is the imaginary straight line along which the force acts on an object. It
determines torque or turning effect.
Example: Force applied on a door to push it.
Q#4: Define moment of force. Prove that τ = rF sinθ.
Ans: The moment of a force (torque) is the turning effect of a force about a pivot or axis of rotation.
It is given by:
τ = rF sinθ
Where r is the position vector and F is the force.
Example: Using a wrench at an angle.
Q#5: With the help of a diagram show that resultant force is zero but resultant torque is not zero.
Ans: When two equal and opposite forces act on an object at different points, the net (resultant) force is zero.
However, they create a torque that causes rotation. This is called a couple.
Diagram:
(Resultant Force = 0, Torque ≠ 0)
Q#6: Identify the state of equilibrium in each case in the figure given below?

a b c
a) Triangle on its tip → Unstable equilibrium
b) Semi-circle curved side down → Stable equilibrium
c) Cylinder lying on its side → Neutral equilibrium
Q#7: Give an example of a body moving yet in equilibrium.
Ans: A car moving at constant speed in a straight line.
This is dynamic equilibrium because all forces are balanced.
Q#8: Define center of mass and center of gravity.
 Center of mass: The point where the total mass of a body is considered to be concentrated.
 Center of gravity: The point where the total weight of a body acts vertically downward.
Example: In a uniform ruler, both are at the midpoint.
Q#9: What are the two basic principles of stability applied in balancing toys and racing cars?
1. Lower the center of mass for better balance and stability.
2. Increase the base area to resist tipping.
Example: Racing cars are wide and low, balancing toys have heavy bottoms.
Q#10: How can you prove that centripetal force always acts perpendicular to velocity?
Ans: Centripetal force always acts towards the center, while velocity is tangential. Since tangential and radial
directions are perpendicular, the centripetal force is always perpendicular to velocity.

Chapter 5: Work, Energy and Power

Short Questions and Answers

Q#1: What is the work done on an object that remains at rest when a force is applied on it?
Ans: The work done will be zero.
Formula: W = F × s
Since displacement (s) = 0 → W = F × 0 = 0
Q#2: A slow-moving car may have more kinetic energy than a fast-moving motorcycle. How is this
possible?
Ans: This is possible because kinetic energy depends on both mass and velocity. A car has much greater mass
than a motorcycle, so even if moving slowly, its kinetic energy may be greater.
Q#3: A force F1 does 5 J of work in 10 s. Another force F2 does 3 J of work in 5 s. Which force delivers
greater power?
Power by F1: P = W/t = 5/10 = 0.5 W
Power by F2: P = W/t = 3/5 = 0.6 W
Ans: Force F2 delivers greater power.
Q#4: A woman runs up a flight of stairs. The gain in her gravitational potential energy is 4500 J. If she
runs up the same stairs with twice the speed, what will be her gain in potential energy?
Ans: Potential energy is given by Ep = mgh. Since speed is not related to Ep, her gain in potential energy will
remain 4500 J.
Q#5: Define work and its SI unit.
Ans: Work is the product of force and displacement in the direction of the force. It is a scalar quantity.
SI Unit: Joule (J)
Q#6: What is the potential energy of a body of mass m when it is raised through a height h?
Ans: Potential energy (Ep) is given by:
Ep = mgh
Q#7: Find an expression for the kinetic energy of a moving body.
Ans: Kinetic energy (Ek) is given by:
Ek = ½ mv²
Q#8: Define efficiency of a working system. Why can a system not have 100% efficiency?
Ans: Efficiency is the ratio of useful output energy to total input energy.
Efficiency = Useful output energy / Total input energy
No system can be 100% efficient because some energy is always lost (e.g., as heat, sound, or friction).
Q#9: What is power? Define its unit.
Ans: Power is the rate of doing work.
Formula: P = W/t
Unit: Watt (W)
1 Watt = Work done at the rate of 1 joule per second → 1 W = 1 J/s
Q#10: Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

Renewable Energy Non-Renewable

Sources Energy Sources

Replaced naturally Depleted with

after use continuous use

Can be replenished Finite supply

 Renewable Energy Non-Renewable
Sources Energy Sources

Examples: solar, Examples: coal, oil,

wind, hydro natural gas

Chapter 6: Mechanical Properties of Matter

Short Questions and Answers

Q#1: Why does a heavy animal like an elephant have a large area of foot?
Ans: A heavy animal like an elephant has a large area of foot so that due to large contact area, the pressure
becomes less; otherwise, their bones would not tolerate the pressure.
Q#2: Why does an animal like a deer, who runs fast, have a small area of foot?
Ans: A deer has a small area of foot to reduce air friction with the ground, which helps it run fast and escape
predators easily.
Q#3: Why is it painful to walk barefooted on pebbles?
Ans: When we walk barefooted on pebbles, the contact area is reduced. The pressure due to reaction force
becomes so high that it feels painful.
Q#4: State Pascal’s law. Give an application.
Statement: When pressure is applied at one point in an enclosed fluid, it is transmitted equally to all parts of
the fluid without loss.
Applications:
 Hydraulic press
 Car lift at service stations
 Hydraulic brakes of vehicles
Q#5: What do you mean by elasticity of a solid?
Ans: Elasticity is the property of solids by which they return to their original shape when the deforming force
ceases to act.
Q#6: What is Hooke’s law? Does an object remain elastic beyond elastic limit?
Statement: Within the elastic limit of a helical spring, the extension or compression in it is directly proportional
to the applied force.
Elasticity beyond limit: No, an object does not remain elastic beyond its elastic limit. Once exceeded, the
object undergoes plastic deformation and does not return to its original shape.
Q#7: Differentiate between force and pressure.
 Force Pressure

An agency which changes or tends to

Defined as the force exerted
change the state of rest or motion of a
normally per unit area.
body.

SI unit: Newton (N) SI unit: Nm⁻² (Pascal, Pa)

Q#8: What is the relationship between liquid pressure and depth of liquid?
Ans: The pressure of a liquid is given by:
P = ρgh
This shows that pressure is directly proportional to the depth of the liquid.
Q#9: What is the basic principle used to measure atmospheric pressure by a mercury barometer?
Ans: Atmospheric pressure is equal to the pressure exerted by the height of the mercury column in a barometer.
Q#10: State the basic principle used in the hydraulic brake system of automobiles.
Ans: The hydraulic brake system works on Pascal’s law: When pressure is applied at one point in an enclosed
fluid, it is transmitted equally to all parts of the fluid without loss.

Chapter 7: Thermal Properties of Matter

Short Questions
Q#1: Why do solids have a fixed volume and shape according to the particle theory of matter?
Solids have a fixed volume and shape because their particles are closely packed and have fixed positions in
space with strong intermolecular forces holding them in place. This rigid structure prevents movement, resulting
in a fixed shape and volume.
Q#2: What are the reasons that gases have neither a fixed volume nor a fixed shape?
Gas molecules are relatively far away from one another and move freely, so gases have neither a fixed shape
nor a fixed volume
Q#3: Compare the spacing between the molecules in the solid, liquid, and gaseous states.
 Solid: Molecules are tightly packed.
 Liquid: Molecules are moderately spaced with some freedom to move.
 Gas: Molecules are widely spaced and move freely.
Q#4: What is the effect of raising the temperature of a liquid?
Raising the temperature increases the kinetic energy of the liquid’s particles, causing them to move faster,
expand, and possibly vaporize.
Q#5: What is meant by the temperature of a body?
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a body, indicating its degree of
hotness or coldness.
Q#6: Define heat as energy in transit.
Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from one system to another due to a temperature difference. It is energy in
transit, not a property of the system.
Q#7: What is meant by the thermometric property of a substance? Enlist some thermometric properties.
A thermometric property is a physical property that changes with temperature. Examples include:
 Good conductor of heat
 Uniform thermal expansion
 High boiling point
 Low freezing point
 Does not wet glass
 Visibility for reading
Q#8: State the main scales used for the measurement of temperature.
The main temperature scales are:
 Celsius (℃)
 Kelvin (K)
 Fahrenheit (℉)
Kelvin is the base SI unit of temperature.
Q#9: What is meant by the sensitivity of a thermometer?
Sensitivity of a thermometer is its ability to detect and measure the smallest change in temperature accurately.
Q#10: What do you mean by the linearity of a thermometer?
Linearity means the thermometer’s readings change proportionally and consistently with actual temperature
changes.
Q#11: What makes the scale reading of a thermometer accurate?
The accuracy of a thermometer depends on its precision and linearity, ensuring correct temperature display.
Q#12: What determines the direction of heat flow?
Heat always flows from an object at a higher temperature to one at a lower temperature.
Q#13: Distinguish between heat and internal energy.
 Heat: Energy transferred due to a temperature difference.
 Internal energy: Total energy (kinetic + potential) of particles within an object.
Q#14: When you touch a cold surface, does cold travel from the surface to your hand or does energy
travel from your hand to the cold surface?
Energy (heat) travels from our hand to the cold surface. Our hand loses heat, making the surface feel cold.
Q#15: Can you feel your fever by touching your own forehead? Explain.
No, touching your own forehead is not reliable, as skin temperature is influenced by other factors. A
thermometer provides an accurate measurement.
Chapter 8: Magnetism
Short Questions
Q#1: What are temporary and permanent magnets?
Temporary magnets work only in the presence of a magnetic field, whereas permanent magnets retain their
magnetic properties forever.
Q#2: Define magnetic field of a magnet.
A magnetic field is a region around a magnet where a magnetic object experiences a force on it.
Q#3: What are magnetic lines of force?
The direction of a magnetic field at any point in space is the direction indicated by the north pole of a magnetic
compass needle at that point, and it is called magnetic lines of force.
Q#4: Name some uses of electromagnets and permanent magnets.
 Electromagnets: Used in audio/video magnetic tapes, hard disks, and other data-storing devices.
 Permanent magnets: Used in electric motors, electric generators, loudspeakers, and for separating iron
objects from mixtures.
Q#5: What are magnetic domains?
Materials in which large groups of atoms (of the order of 10^16) have their electron spins naturally aligned
parallel to each other are called magnetic domains.
Q#6: Which type of magnetic field is formed by a current-carrying long coil?
A current-carrying long coil produces a uniform magnetic field inside the coil.
Q#7: Differentiate between paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials.

Paramagnetic Materials Diamagnetic Materials

The fields due to orbital and spin motion of electrons The fields due to orbital and spin motion of electrons
support each other. cancel out to zero.

Weakly attracted by a magnetic field. Weakly repelled by a magnetic field.

Examples: Aluminum, Platinum. Examples: Copper, Bismuth.

Chapter 9: Nature of Science

Short Questions
Q#1: State in your own words, what is science? Write its two main groups?
Science is a collective knowledge about the natural phenomena, processes, and events occurring around us.
The two main groups of science are:
 Biological science
 Physical science
Q#2: What is physics all about? Name some of its branches?
Physics is the fundamental science that deals with the constituents of the universe, that is, matter, energy, space,
time, and their mutual relationships and interactions.
It strives to understand how the laws of the universe work, from the smallest subatomic particle to the largest
stars and galaxies.
Branches of physics include:
 Mechanics
 Heat and Thermodynamics
 Acoustics
 Optics, etc.
Q#3: What is meant by interdisciplinary fields? Give a few examples?
It refers to integration and interaction of physics with various other fields of study. Physics, being a
fundamental science, provides essential principles, techniques, and methods that are applicable across a wide
range of disciplines.
Examples:
1. Biophysics
2. Medical physics
3. Astrophysics
Q#4: List the main steps of scientific method?
1. Identify or recognize an issue or a problem.
2. Gather information through observation of its various aspects.
3. Propose an explanation or a guesswork known as hypothesis.
4. Perform experiments or collect evidence to test the hypothesis.
5. Recognize, organize, and analyze gathered data, plotting and interpreting graphs to reach a conclusion
which is called a theory.
6. Repeated testing of the theory on a wide range of similar issues then leads towards the formulation of a
law.
Q#5: What is a hypothesis? Give an example?
On the basis of the data collected through observation and experimentation, we can develop a hypothesis.
Example: We assume that the shadow of opaque objects is formed when they come in the path of light because
light travels in a straight line.
Q#6: Distinguish between a theory and a law of physics?

Theory Law

After successful verification of an assumption and with the help When a theory is generally
of careful experimentation, it becomes a theory and is applicable accepted as true, it is called
to similar phenomena. a law.
Q#7: What is the basis of laser technology?
Laser technology is based on the principle of atomic physics.
Q#8: What is falsifiability concept? How is it important?
It is a concept that suggests a theory is considered scientific if it also makes predictions that can be tested and
potentially proven false. The requirement of falsifiability ensures that theories are distinguished from false or
pretended beliefs that cannot be experimentally tested.