Chapter No: 1

PHYSICAL QUANTITIES AND MEASUREMENT

Comprehensive Questions
Q#1: Define Physics. How Physics play a crucial role in science, technology and society.
Ans: Physics:
Physics is the branch of science that involves the study of physical universe:
energy, matter, and how they are related.
Explanation
The study of physics is to understand the world around us, the world inside us and the world beyond us.
Physics covers a wide range of phenomena, from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the largest galaxies and
universe.
Physics and Science
Physics is at the root of every field of science. Most of the major developments in Chemistry, Biology,
Geology, Agricultural, Environmental science, Astronomy, Engineering and even in medicine have been made
by physicists. Physics, Technology and its impact on our Society:
Physics is concerned with gathering knowledge and organizing it. Technology lets humans use that
knowledge for practical purposes. Physical phenomenon is there behind every technology and therefore physics
has a key role in the progress of humankind and in the improvement of quality of living.
Example # 1:
Physics provide basic understanding for developing new instrumentation for medic al applications such
as CT Scan, MRI and laser technology.
Example # 2:
The use of physics in information technology has improved the standard of communication. Mobile cell
phones are commonly used even by illiterates. Hologram technology is a three-dimensional image.
Example # 3:
Physics investigate the motion of electrons and rockets, the energy in sound waves and electric circuits,
the structure of the proton and of the universe.

Q#2: What is SI? Name SI base quantities and their units?

Ans: International System of Units:
In 1960, an international conference was held near Paris in France. In this conference, it was decided to
introduce a system which could be used all over the world. It was given the name of system international. The
international system of unit’s is abbreviated as SI units. In this system seven quantities were chosen as basic
quantities. The units of these quantities are defined and they are known as Base units, from which all other units
are derived.
The seven basic physical quantities, their SI base units and symbols are given in table.
Base Quantity SI Base Unit Symbol of SI Unit
Length Meter m
Mass Kilogram kg
Time Second s
Electric current Ampere A
Temperature Kelvin K
Amount of substance Mole mol
Luminous intensity Candela cd
Q#3: What are physical quantities? Distinguish between base and derived physical quantities.
Ans: Physical Quantities:
All those quantities which can be measured are called physical quantities.
Example:
Length, mass, time, density and temperature etc.
Difference between base and derived physical quantities:

Base Quantities Derived Quantities

Minimum number of physical quantities The physical quantities defined in term of

selected and their units are defined and base quantities are called derived
standardized such that in terms of these quantities.
all other physical quantities can be
expressed are called base quantities.

These are seven in number. These are infinite, having no fix number.

Examples: Examples:
Length, mass, time, electric current, Speed, area, volume , density, work
temperature, amount of substance and and momentum etc.
intensity of light.

Q#4: What is standard form or scientific notation?

Ans: Scientific Notation:
Scientific notation is a way of writing numbers that are too big or too small to be easily written in decimal
form.
Explanation:
A large or small number ‘N’ can be expressed in terms of a number ‘M’ and a power of 10 like
N=M x 10n
Where ‘M’ represents a number whose first digit is non-zero digit and ‘n’ represent the power of 10
which may be positive or negative.
Example:
The mass of moon is approximately 70,000,000,000,000,000,000,000kg, which in standard form or
scientific notation is 7 x 1022 kg.
Similarly, the diameter of atomic nucleus is about 0.000000000000001m, which in standard form or scientific
notation is 1 x 10-14 m.

Q#5: What are prefixes? Explain with examples.

Ans: Prefixes:
A mechanism through which a very small or very large number is expressed in terms of power of
10 by giving a proper name to it is called prefixes.
Explanation:
Prefixes are used before a standard unit to show how much larger or smaller the given physical
quantity is as compared to the standard unit of that quantity.
Prefixes make standard form to be written even more easily. Large numbers are simply written in
more convenient prefix with units.
Examples:
The thickness of a paper can be written conveniently in smaller units of millimeter instead of meter.
Similarly, the long distance between two cities may be expressed better in a bigger unit of distance, i.e.
kilometer. A useful set of prefixes are given in table:

Decimal Decimal
Prefix Symbol Prefix Symbol
multiplier multiplier
10 18 Exa E 10 -1 deci d
10 15 Peta P 10 -2 centi c
1012 Tera T 10-3 milli m
109 Giga G 10-6 micro μ
106 Mega M 10-9 nano n
10 3 Kilo K 10 -12 pico p
10 2 Hecto H 10 -15 femto f
101 Deca Da 10-18 atto a

Q#6: What is meant by the significant figures of measurement? What are the main points to be kept in
mind while determining the significant figures of measurement?
Ans: Significant Figures:
The number of accurately known figures and the first doubtful figure are known as significant figures.
Explanation:
There are two types of values, exact and measured. Exact values are those that are counted clearly. For
example, while reporting 3 pencils or 2 books, we can indicate the exact number of these items.
On the other hand, values associated with measurements of any kind are uncertain to some extent. For example,
if we want to measure the length of a pencil with an ordinary meter ruler having least count of 1mm and we
note that the length of the pencil is greater than 67 mm and less than 68 mm. We can estimate that the length of
the pencil is 67.5 mm. This length is accurate in mm upto 67, but the last fraction of mm has been guessed.
There is a chance of error in the last figure.
It is known as the doubtful figure.
General Rules For Significant Figures:
1. Non-zero digits are always significant. That is all the digits from 1 to 9 are significant. For example, the
number of significant figures in 47.73 is four.
2. Zero in between two significant digits is always significant. For example, the number of significant figures
in 32.50063 is seven.
3. Zeros to the left of significant figures are not significant. For example, the number of significant figures in
0.00467 is three.
4. Zeros to the right of the significant figure may or may not be significant. In decimal fractions zero to the
right of a decimal fraction are significant. For example, in 7.400 there are four significant figures. For
example, in number 80,000 we may have 1, 2 or even 5 significant figures.
5. In scientific notation or standard form, the figures other than power of ten are all significant, for example
mass of electrons is 9.11 x 10 -31kg. There are three significant figure in it. Rules for Rounding Off
Significant Figures:
a. If the last digit is less than 5 then it will be ignored. e.g. 2.6573 is rounded to 2.657.
b. When the dropping digit is greater than 5 then the last retained digit increased by 1. e.g.
2.6578 is rounded to 2.656.
c. When the dropping digit is 5 and the last retained digit is even then the last digit i.e. 5 will be dropped
without affecting the next one e.g. 2.6585 is rounded to 2.658.
d. If the last digit is 5 and the 2 nd last is an odd digit then the 2 nd last digit is increased by 1 in order to round
off 5. e.g. 2.6575 is rounded to 2.658.

Conceptual Questions:
Q#1: How technology is shaped by physics?
Ans: Physics and technology are closely related. Physics is concerned with gathering knowledge and organizing
it. So, Physical phenomenon is there behind every technology.
For example:
1. Buses, cars, motorcycles etc. are the important means of transport in modern technologies which are
based on the principle of mechanics.
2. Heat engines work on the principle of thermodynamics.
3. Computer is used in the modern technology which works on the principle of physics.
4. The discovery of laws of electromagnetic induction enabled the engineers to develop electric generators.
5. The discovery of nuclear fission led to the development of nuclear power plant which produce huge
amount of energy for use.
6. Physics helps in the development of new instruments for medical applications such as CT scan, MRI and
LASER etc.
From the above discussion, it is clear that physics has played an important role in the development of
various technologies.

Q#2: Physics and biology are considered different branches of science, how physics links with biology?
Ans: Physics helps biology to great extent for example:
i. Physics leads us to great invention like microscope, electron microscope, Computer Tomography (CT
scan), Ultrasonic Machines, X-rays etc.
ii. Physics has invented concave and convex lenses which are widely used to correct short and long
sightedness. iii. The movement of muscles and bones are studied and followed by the principles of
physics (lever and its types).
iv. Physics has helped a lot to understand photosynthesis by describing the nature of light.

Q#3: Why are measurements important?

Ans: Measurement is one of the most basic concepts in science. Physics deals with physical quantities which
can be measured. So, measurement provides a standard for everyday things and processes.
Examples:
Some examples from daily life have shown the importance of measurement.
1. Without the ability to measure, it would be difficult for scientists to conduct experiments.
2. Without measurements, there would be no concept of freezing point, boiling point and density etc.
3. Without measurements, patients are unable to take correct dose of medicines.
4. Without measurements, buying and selling of things are impossible.
5. It is also essential in farming, engineering, construction, and manufacturing etc.
6. From weight, temperature, length, even time is a measurement and it does play a very important role in
our lives.

Q#4: Why area is a derived quantity?

Ans: A derived quantity is the combination of various base quantities. Thus, area is a derived quantity because
in area the same base quantity “length” occurs twice (in the form of length and breadth). As we know that
 Area = Length x breadth
Area = x
= 2
As unit of length is “m”
So,
Unit of area is ‘m2’.

Q#5: Name any four derived units and write them as their base units?
Ans: Four derived units are newton, pascal, joule and ohm.
Derived units in term of base units are given below:
Derived Quantities Derived Units Derived unit in term of base unit

Volume Cubic meter m3

Acceleration Meter per second square ms-2
Force Newton (N) kg ms-2
Pressure Pascal (Pa) kg m-1 s-2

Q#6: Why in physics we need to write in scientific notation?

Ans: Scientific notation is an easy way of writing numbers that are very big or very small. In physics we need to
write number in scientific notation because with the help of scientific notation we can express very large or very
small number easily. A large or small number “N” can be expressed in term of a number “M” and a power of
10. e.g.; N=Mx10n
Where “M” represents a number whose first digit is non-zero digit and “n” represent the power of 10
which may be positive or negative.
For example:
150, 000,000,000 m is expressed in terms of scientific notation as 1.5x1011m.

NUMERICAL QUESTIONS
1. Write the number in prefix to power of ten,
a. Mechanical nano-oscillators can detect a mass change as small as 10-21kg.
b. The nearest neutron star (a collapsed star made primarily of neutrons) is about 3.00x1018m
away from Earth.
c. Earth to sun distance is 149.6 million km.

∵ 1𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 = 103 𝑘𝑘
SOLUTION;
a. Mass = 10-21kg Mass = 10-21x 1kg
=10-21x 103g
=10-21+3g

(∵ 10−18 = atto)
=10-18g
=1x10-18g
Mass = 1 atto g
Or
Mass = 1 ag

b. Distance of nearest neutron from earth = 3.00x1018m

Distance = 3.00x1018m
=3.00 Exa. m (because 1018= Exa)
Or Distance =3.00 Em
 c. Earth to sun distance = 149.6 million km
=149.6x106km (because million=106)
=149.6x106x103m (because kilo= 103)
=149.6x106+3m
=149.6x109m
=149.6 Giga.m (because 109= Giga)
Earth to sun distance = 149.6 Gm

2. An angstrom (symbol A*) is a unit of length (commonly used in atomic physics), defined as 10-10m
which is of the order of the diameter of an atom.
a. How many nanometers are in 1.0 angstrom?
DATA:
1 angstrom = 10-10m SOLUTION:
1 angstrom = 10-10m

(∵ 10−9 =1nano)
=10-1-9m (because am+n=am.an)
=10-1x10-9m
-1
=10 nano. m
=10-1nm
=0.1
nm
1 angstrom= 0.1nm

b. How many femtometers or fermis (the common unit of

length in nuclear physics) are in 1.0 angstrom?
SOLUTION:
1.0 angstrom= 10-10m
Multiplying 10-5 on both sides:
1.0x10-5 angstrom = 10-10x 10-5m
1.0x10-5angstrom= 10-10-5m (because am.an= am+n)
1.0x10-5angstrom=10-15m
1.0x10-5angstrom= Femto.m (because 10 -15= 1 Femto) Multiplying 105 on both
sides :
1.0x 10-5 x 105angstrom= 105 femto m
1.0x10-5+5 angstrom = 105 femto. m
1.0 x 100 angstrom= 105fm
So,
1.0 angstrom= 105fm

c. How many angstroms are in 1.0m? SOLUTION:

1 angstrom=10-10m
1 angstrom = Multiplying 1010 on both
sides:
1x1010angstrom=10 m
1010angstrom= 1m
Or
1m=1010 angstrom
3. The speed of light is c= 299,792,458m/s.
a. Write this value in scientific notation. DATA:
speed light is c= 299,792,458m/s FIND:
Standard form=?
SOLUTION:
For scientific notation we have
N=Mx10n-----------(1)
Then eq (1) becomes
299792458m/s= 2.99792458x108m/s
So, the speed of light in scientific notation is 2.99792458x108m/s.
b. Express the speed of light to
i. Five significant figures ii. Three
significant figures
SOLUTION
i. As c=2.99792458x108m/s
Now, round off “c” upto five significant figures
c= 2.99792458 x108m/s c=2.9979246x108m/s
c=2.997925x108m/s c=2.99793x108m/s
c=2.9979x108m/s

ii. As c=2.9979246x108 m/s

𝑐𝑐 = 2.9979246𝑥𝑥108𝑚𝑚/𝑠𝑠
Now, round off “c” upto three significant figures

𝑐𝑐 = 2.997925𝑥𝑥108𝑚𝑚/𝑠𝑠
𝑐𝑐 = 2.99793𝑥𝑥108𝑚𝑚/𝑠𝑠
𝑐𝑐 = 2.9979𝑥𝑥108𝑚𝑚/𝑠𝑠
𝑐𝑐 = 2.998𝑥𝑥108𝑚𝑚/𝑠𝑠
𝑐𝑐 = 3.00𝑥𝑥108𝑚𝑚/𝑠𝑠

4. Express the following in terms of power of 10

a. 7 nanometer As nano =10-9
So 7 nanometer= 7x10-9 meter

b. 96 megawatt As mega = 106

So 96 megawatt = 96x106watt

c. 2 gigabite As giga = 109

So 2 gigabites= 2x109bite

d. 43 picofarad As pico = 10-12

So 43 picofarad = 43x10-12farad

e. 2 millimeter
As milli=10-3
So 2 millimeter = 2x10-3meter

5. Write the following numbers in standard form;

a. Mass of Bacterial
cell;0.000,000,000,005kg
DATA:
 Mass =0.000,000,000,005kg

FIND:
Standard form=?
SOLUTION:
As we know that
N=Mx10n -------(1) then eq (1) becomes
0.000,000,000,005kg=5x10-12kg
So, mass of the bacterial cell in standard form is 5x10-12kg.

b. Diameter of sun;
1,390,000,000 m DATA:
Diameter of sun =1,390,000,000m FIND:
Standard form=?
SOLUTION
As we know that
N=Mx10n -------(1)
Then, equation (1) becomes
1,390,000,000m=1.39x109m
So, diameter of Sun in standard form is 1.39x109m.