PHYSICS

Class 9th

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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
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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
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
1018 Exa E 10-1 deci d
1015 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
103 Kilo K 10-12 pico p
102 Hecto H 10-15 femto f
101 Deca Da 10-18 atto a

Q#6: Describe the construction and use for measurement of the following instruments:
a. Vernier Calliper
b. Screw Gauge
Ans(a): Vernier Calliper:
A device used to
measure a fraction of smallest
scale division by sliding
another scale over it is called
vernier calliper.
Construction:
There are two scales on
vernier calipers.
1. Main Scale:
A main scale which has markings of usually of 1mm each and it contains jaw A on its left
end.
2. Vernier Scale:
A vernier (Sliding) scale which has markings of some multiple of the marking on the
main scale. The vernier scale usually has length of 9mm and is divided equally into 10
divisions. The
separation between two lines on vernier scale is 9 mm = 0.9mm. Vernier scale contains jaw B
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on its left end.
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Vernier Constant or Least Count:
Minimum length which can be measured accurately with the help of a vernier callipers
is called vernier constant or least count of vernier callipers. The least count of vernier callipers
is calculated b:
Smallest division on main scale
Least count= Total no. of divisions on vernier scale.
If the smallest main scale division is 1mm and vernier scale division has 10 divisions on it then
the least count is:
Least count = 1mm
10
= 0.1mm
= 0.01 cm
Uses of Vernier Calliper:
Vernier calliper is an instrument used to measure small length accurately upto 0.1mm or
0.01 cm. It can be used to measure the thickness, diameter or width of an object and the internal,
external diameter of hollow cylinder.

(b). Screw Gauge:

A device used to measure a fraction of smallest scale division by rotatory motion of
circular scale over it is known as screw gauge.
Construction:
A screw gauge consists of a
“U” shaped frame, which is attached
to a hollow cylindrical tube on one
end. The hollow tube has a uniformly
threaded nut inside it. A long stud
with a plane face is fitted into this
nut. Exactly on the opposite side of
this nut and on -the other end of “U”
shaped frame, a smaller stud with a
plane face is also attached. Faces of
both the studs are exactly parallel to
each other.
The smaller stud is known as the anvil and the longer one is known as the spindle. The anvil is
fixed part of device, whereas the spindle moves. The object to be measured is held between the
anvil and the spindle.
Least Count of Screw Gauge:
The minimum length which can be measured accurately by a screw gauge is called least
count of screw gauge. The least count of screw gauge is found by dividing its pitch (pitch is the
distance travelled by the circular scale on linear scale in one rotation) by the total number of
circular scale division.
Pitch of Screw Gauge
Least count= Total no.of division on circular scale
If the pitch of the screw gauge is 0.5mm and the number of divisions on circular scale is 50 then
0.5 mm
Least Count =
50
= 0.01 mm
or
= 0.001 cm
Uses of Screw Gauge:
The screw gauge is used to measure very short lengths such as the thickness of metal
sheet or diameter of a wire up to 0.01 mm or 0.001cm.

Q#7: 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 2nd last is an odd digit then the 2nd last digit is increased by 1 in
order to round off 5. e.g. 2.6575 is rounded to 2.658.
TOPIC WISE QUESTIONS

Q.8 Discuss the contribution of Muslim scientists in the development of physics?

Ans. Scientists of the Islamic world contributed in the development of physics. Few of the notable
scientists are;
YAQUB KINDI (800-873 AD)
He was born in Basra, Iraq. He had done valuable work in the field of meteorology,
specific gravity and on tides. His most important work was done in the field of optics, especially
on reflection of light.

IBNAL HAITHAM (965-1039 AD)

He was born in Basra, Iraq. He was great scholar of his time. His greatest work is the book
on optics named Kitab-ul-Manazir. He is also considered as the inventor of the pin-hole camera.

AL-BERUNI (973-1048 AD)

He was an Afghan scholar and wrote 150 books on physics, cosmology, geography,
culture, archeology and medicine. Al Beruni discussed the shape of earth the movement of the
sun, moon and the phases of moon.

Q.9 Discuss the work of famous Pakistani physicists?

Ans:
Dr. Abdus Salam (1926-1996)
He was born in Jhang in 1926. He was a Pakistani theoretical physicist. He shared the
1979 Nobel prize in physics with Sheldon Glashow and Steven Weinberg for his contribution
to the electroweak unification theory. He was the first Pakistani to receive a Nobel prize in
Science.
Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan
He was born in Bhopal, India in 1936. He is a Pakistani nuclear physicist and a
metallurgical engineer, who founded the uranium enrichment program for Pakistan’s atomic
bomb project. He founded and established the Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) in 1976,
and served as both its senior scientist and Director- General until he retired in 2001.

Q.10 What is Physics? Describe main branches of physics.

Ans. Physics:
Physics is the branch of science which deals with the properties of matter, energy
and their mutual relationship.
Branches of Physics:
1. Mechanics:
The branch of physics which deals with the motion of material objects under the
action of forces.
Examples:
Falling objects, friction, weight, spinning objects.
2. Heat and Thermodynamics:
The branch of physics which deals with the heat and temperature and their relation to
energy. It also deals with the transformation of heat energy into other forms of energy.
Examples:
Melting and freezing processes, engines, refrigerators.
3. Oscillations and Waves:
The branch of physics which deals with the study of to and fro motion and various
properties of waves.
Examples:
Mass-spring system, water waves, sound waves etc.
4. Optics:
The branch of physics which deals with the nature of light, its propagation, reflection,
refraction, dispersion and the wave properties of light.
Examples:
Mirrors, lenses, telescopes, Eye.
5. Electricity and Magnetism:
The branch of physics which deals with the study of static as well as moving charges and
associated physical phenomena.
Examples:
Electrical charge, circuitry, magnets, electromagnets.
6. Atomic And Nuclear Physics:
The branch of physics which deals with the structure and properties of individual atoms
and nuclei of an atom.
Examples:
X-rays, lasers, nuclear reactor, MRI, CT scan, PET Scan.
7. Relativity:
The branch of physics which deals with the objects moving with very high speed and
gravitation.
Examples:
Particle accelerators, Nuclear energy.
8. Quantum Physics:
Quantum Physics is that branch of physics which deals with discrete, indivisible units of
energy called quanta as describe by quantum theory.
Examples: The atom and its parts.
9. Particle Physics:
It is the branch of physics in which we study the nature of the particles
matter and radiation.
Examples:
Quarks, Leptons, photons, Bosons etc.
10. Cosmology and Astrophysics:
It deals with the study of the origin, evolution and eventual fate of the universe.
Examples:
Stars, galaxies and black holes.
11. Biophysics and Medical Physics:
It deals with the study of physical interactions of biological processes and application of
physics health processes such as prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Examples:
MRI, CT scan, Radiotracers and conduction in living cells.

Q11: What are physical quantities? Discuss its types.

Ans:
PHYSICAL QUANTITIES:
All those quantities which can be measured are called physical quantities.
Examples:
Length, mass, time, density and temperature etc.

TYPES OF PHYSICAL QUANTITIES:

There are two types of physical quantities which are given below;
1. Base physical quantities
2. Derived physical quantities

BASE PHYSICAL QUANTITIES:

Minimum number of physical quantities selected and their units are defined and
standardized such that in terms of these all other physical quantities can be expressed are called
base quantities.
There are seven base quantities which are mass, length, time, current, temperature,
intensity and amount of substance.

BASE UNITS:
In SI, seven physical quantities are chosen as base and their units are defined,
standardized and are called base units.
OR
The units of base quantities are known as base units.
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The seven base physical quantities, their SI base units and symbols are given in table.
Base Quantity SI Base Unit
Name Symbol Name Symbol
Length L Meter m
Mass m Kilogram kg
Time T Second s
Electric charge I Ampere A
Temperature T Kelvin K
Luminous intensity I Candela cd
Amount of substance N Mole mol

DERIVED PHYSICAL QUANTITIES

The physical quantities defined in terms of base quantities are called derived physical
quantities.
Examples:
work, area, volume, speed, power etc.
DERIVED UNITS
Units derived from multiplying and dividing base units are termed as derived units. In SI
units for all other physical quantities can be derived from seven base units.
Some derived quantities with derived units are given in the table.
Derived Quantity Derived Unit
Name Symbol Name Symbol
Area A Square meter m2
Speed V Meter per second ms-1
Force F Newton N=kgms-2
Energy E,U Joule J=kgm2s-2
Pressure P Pascal Pa=kgm-1s-2

Q.12 What is system of units?

Ans. SYSTEM OF UNITS:
A complete set of units for all physical quantities is called system of units.
There are several system of units.
For example;
Meter kilogram second system (MKS)
Foot pound second system (FPS)
But the system which is used internationally is system International (SI).

Q.13 What are measuring

instruments? Ans. MEASURING
INSTRUMENTS:
Measuring instruments are devices to measure physical quantities.
Physicists use large number of measuring instruments. These range from simple objects
such as rulers and stopwatches to Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and Scanning Tunneling
Electron microscope (STEM). All measuring instruments have some measuring limitations.
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LEAST COUNT:
Least count is the minimum value that can be measured on the scale of a measuring
instrument.

Q.14 What is meter rule?

Ans. Meter rule is used to measure the length of objects or the distance between two points.
Rulers are made from different materials and in a wide range of sizes.

Q.15 Describe the purpose, construction and use for measurement of vernier
caliper? Ans. VERNIER CALLIPERS:
A device used to measure a fraction of smallest scale division by sliding another
scale over it is called vernier caliper.
PURPOSE:
Vernier calliper is
used to measure the length,
thickness, diameter or width of
an object and the internal,
external diameter of hollow
cylinders and the depths.
CONSTRUCTION:
There are two scales
on vernier calliper;
1. Main Scale
2. Vernier Scale
MAIN SCALE:
A main scale which has markings of usually 1mm each and it contains jaw A on its left
end.
VERNIER SCALE:
A vernier scale (sliding) scale which has markings of some multiple of the markings
on the main scale. The vernier scale usually has length of 9mm and is divided equally into 10
divisions. The separation between two lines on vernier scale is 9/10 mm=0.9mm. Vernier scale
contains jaw B on its left end.
VERNIER CONSTANT OR LEAST COUNT:
Minimum length which can be measured accurately with the help of a vernier
callipers is called vernier constant or least count of vernier calipers. The least count of vernier
callipers is calculated by
smallest division on main scale
Least Count =total no.of divisions on vernier scale
If the smallest main scale division is 1mm and vernier scale division has 10 division
on it then the least count i.e.
Least count= 1mm
10
= 0.1 mm
=0.01 cm
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ZERO ERROR:
On closing the jaws of the callipers, the zero of the vernier scale may or may not coincide
with the zero of the main scale. If their zero does not coincide, there is zero error in the
instrument. POSITIVE ZERO ERROR:
When the zero of the vernier scale remains right to the zero of the main scale, such error is
called positive zero error.
NEGATIVE ZERO ERROR:
When the zero of the vernier scale is left of the zero of the main scale, such error is called
negative zero error.

HOW TO FIND ZERO ERROR:

Bring the jaws of vernier calliper towards each other so that they touch each other. Now
note the division of vernier scale which exactly coincides with any division of the main scale.
Note it as “n” and multiply it with the least count.
ZERO CORRECTION:
If the error is positive this value (n×L.C) is subtracted from the actual reading. If the error is
negative, the value is added to the actual reading.

MEASUREMENT WITH VERNIER CALLIPERS:

Suppose we want to measure the diameter of a small solid cylinder with the vernier calipers,
we will use the following method;
1. First of all check the zero error of the vernier callipers.
2. Now place the object between the jaws of vernier calipers and tight them.
3. Now note the reading on main scale. Let this reading be represented by “x”.
4. Now note a division on the vernier scale which coincides with any division of main scale.
Now multiply this division of vernier scale with least count. Let this reading be “y”.
5. Now add “x” and “y” (x+y) which is measurement of the given object.
6. In case of zero error, add negative error with (x+y) and in case of positive error subtract
the error from (x+y).
i.e Accurate Measurement= (x+y)± zero error.

Q.16 Describe the purpose, construction and use for measurement of screw
gauge? Ans. SCREW GAUGE:
A device used to measure a fraction of smallest scale division by rotatory motion
of circular scale over it is known as
screw gauge.
CONSTRUCTION:
A screw gauge consists
of a “U” shaped frame, which is
attached to a hollow cylindrical tube
on one end. The hollow tube has a
uniformly threaded nut inside it. A
long stud with a plane face is fitted
into this nut. Exactly on the opposite
side of this nut and on the other end
of
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“U” shaped frame, a smaller stud with a plane is also attached. Faces of both the studs are
exactly parallel to each other. The smaller stud is known as the anvil and the longer one is
known as the spindle. The anvil is fixed part of device, whereas the spindle moves. The object
to be measured is held between the anvil and the spindle.
PITCH OF SCREW GAUGE:
The distance travelled by the circular scale on linear scale in one rotation is called the
pitch of screw gauge.
LEAST COUNT OF SCREW GAUGE:
The minimum length which can be measured accurately by a screw gauge is called least
count of screw gauge. The least count of screw gauge is found by dividing its pitch by the total
number of circular scale divisions.
If the pitch of the screw gauge is 0.5mm and the number of divisions on circular scale is
50 then
Least count= 0.5 mm
50
= 0.01 mm
or =0.001 cm

ZERO ERROR:
Turn the thimble until the anvil and spindle meet. If the zero mark on the thimble scale
does not lie directly opposite the datum line of the main scale, we say that there is zero error.
POSITIVE ZERO ERROR:
If the zero of the circular scale remains below the horizontal line then such zero error is
called positive zero error.
NEGATIVE ZERO ERROR:
If the zero of the circular scale remains above the horizontal line of the linear scale then
such zero error is called negative zero error.

HOW TO FIND ZERO ERROR:

Bring the bolt towards the stud by rotating cap of the screw, so that they touch each other.
Note the division on the circular scale that exactly coincides with the horizontal line of the
linear scale. Multiply this division “n” with the least count to get the zero error.
ZERO CORRECTION:
If there is zero error, then for correct measurement, we add the negative error or subtract the
positive error from the actual reading.

MEASUREMENT WITH SCREW GAUGE:

Suppose we want to measure the diameter of a small sphere by using screw gauge we will
use the following method;
1. First of all check the screw gauge for zero error.
2. Place the object between anvil and spindle and tight the sphere by rotating the thimble.
3. Now note the reading on linear scale and denote it by “x”.
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4. Now note a division on circular scale which coincides with the horizontal line of the
linear scale. Now multiply this division with the least count. Let this reading be
denoted by“y”.
5. Now add “x” and “y” (x+y) to get the result.
6. In case of zero error, to get the actual measurement, subtract positive zero error an add
negative zero error to (x+y).
i.e Accurate Measurement = (x+y)± zero error

Q.17 What is physical

balance? Ans. PHYSICAL
BALANCE:
It is a device which is used for measuring the mass of a body.
EXPLANATION:
Physical balance is a common balance where there are two pans and we measure
weight of an object by putting it in one pan and a known weight in the other.
A physical balance is a very sensitive common balance which can measure weight
in milligram order. It is placed in a protective glass case so that even dust and wind can not
affect the accuracy of the instrument.

Q.18 What is stop watch? Discuss its types and their

working? Ans. STOP WATCH:
It is a device which is used for measuring specific intervals of time.
There are two main types of stop watch;
1. Mechanical or Analogue Stop Watch
2. Digital Stop Watch
MECHANICAL/ ANALOGUE STOP WATCH:
It consists of two hands a small minute hand and a long second hand. Scales for each
hand are marked on a circular dial.
WORKING:
To note the time both the hands are set at zero by pressing and releasing the knob. As the
knob is pressed and released again, the watch starts.
When the second’s hand completes two rotations of 30 seconds each, the minute hand
advances by one division. When it is required to be stopped, again the same knob is pushed, the
watch stops, and time can be noted.

DIGITAL STOP WATCH:

A digital clock is a type of clock with a digital display.
OR
Digital Stopwatch shows the time in the form of digits.
WORKING:
The timing functions in digital stopwatch are usually controlled by two buttons on the case.
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. The second button is also
used to record split times or lap times. When the split time button is pressed while the watch is
running, the display freezes, allowing the elapsed time to that point to be read, but the watch
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mechanism continues running to record total elapsed time. Pressing the split button a second
time allows the watch to resume display of total time.

Q.19 Discuss the purpose, construction and working of measuring

cylinder. Ans. MEASURING CYLINDER:
Measuring cylinder is a device with the help of which we can determine the volume of a
liquid as well as volume of irregular solid body such as key.
CONSTRUCTION:
It is made of transparent plastic or glass and it has a vertical scale in milliliter (ml) or
cubic centimeter (cm3).
WORKING:
Water is poured into a measuring cylinder until the cylinder is about half full. Note the
volume of water.
Now an irregular shaped object is lowered gently into the cylinder such that it is immersed
completely and note the volume of water again. The final volume is the sum of volume of water
and volume of the object.
The volume of the object is found by subtracting the first reading from the second.

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.
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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 = 𝜾𝜾 x 𝜾𝜾
= 𝜾𝜾 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.
16
Q#7: What is least count? How least count for vernier caliper and screw gauge are
defined? Ans: Least Count:
Least Count is the minimum value that can be measured on the scale of measuring
instrument.
Least Count of Vernier Calliper:
The minimum length which can be measured accurately with the help of vernier caliper
is called least count of vernier calliper.
Least count can be obtained from dividing the value of smallest division on main scale by total
number of divisions on vernier scale.

smallest division on main scale

Least Count= total no.of dividion on vernier scale
If smallest main scale division is 1mm and vernier scale division has 10 divisions then
the least count is
Least Count = 1mm = 0.1mm
10

Least Count of Screw Gauge: The minimum length which can be measured accurately by a
screw gauge is called least count of the screw gauge.
The least count can be obtained by dividing its pitch by the total number of circular scale division:

Pitch of the screw gauge

Least count = total no.of divisions on circular scale

If the pitch of the screw gauge is 0.5mm and the number of divisions on circular scale is 50 then
Least count = 0.5mm = 0.01mm
50

Q#8: How can we find the volume of a small pebble with the help of measuring cylinder?
Ans: Take a measuring cylinder and put some water into it about half full. Note the initial
volume of water. i.e. Initial volume =Vi
Now a pebble is lowered gently into the cylinder such that it is immersed completely and note
the final volume. The final volume is the sum of volume of water and volume of pebble which
is Vf. Now, find the difference “∆V” in volume which is the volume of the pebble.
Volume of the pebble = ∆V = Vf – Vi

ASSIGNMENTS
1.1 The mass of earth is 5,980,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 kg. Write this number in
standard form/ scientific notation.
DATA:
Mass of earth = 5,980,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 kg
FIND:
Standard form=?
SOLUTION:
As we know that
N= M×10n
So,
5,980,000,000,000,000,000,000,000kg= 5.98×1024kg
Therefore, mass of earth in scientific notation is 5.98×1024kg.
1.2 Calculate the number of seconds in a week. Express the number in power
notation.
Data:
Number of seconds in a week=?
SOLUTION:
No. of days in1 week =7 days
No. of hours in 1 day =24 hours
No. of minutes in 1 hour =60 min
No. of seconds in 1 min=60 sec
So,
1 week=1×7×24×60×60
1 week= 604800 sec
In scientific notation,
N=M×10n
1 week = 6.048 ×105 sec

1.3 Adult housefly (Musca domestica) is having a mass of only about 0.0000214kg. Express
this number in standard form/ scientific notation.
DATA
Mass of housefly= 0.0000214 kg
SOLUTION
As we know that
N=M×10n
So,
0.0000214kg=2.14×10-5kg
Therefore, mass of housefly in scientific notation is 2.14×10-5kg.

1.4 The smallest bird is the bee hummingbird. Males measure only 0.057m, convert this
number to standard form and write this number in millimeters.
DATA:
Size of bee in meter= 0.057m
FIND:
a. Standard form=?
b. Size of bee in millimeter=?
SOLUTION:
a. In scientific notation, we know that
N=M×10n
0.057= 5.7x10-2m
b. Now, to convert in “mm”we also know that
1m=10-3mm
So, Size of bee =5.7x10-2 x10-3mm
=5.7x10-2+3m
=5.7x101mm
=57x101-1mm
=57x100 mm
Size of bee =57mm
So, the size of bee in millimeter is 57mm.
1.5 Calculate the distance from Peshawar to Lahore in millimeters.
DATA:
Distance from Peshawar to Lahore=489km
FIND:
Distance from Peshawar to Lahore in millimeter=?
SOLUTION:
Distance from Peshawar to Lahore=489km
=489x103m (because kilo=103)
=489x103x103mm (because 1m=103mm)
=489x103+3mm
= 489x106mm
=4.89x102x106mm
=4.89x102+6mm
=4.89x108mm
Therefore, distance from Peshawar to Lahore in millimeters is 4.89x108mm.

1.6 Which of the following is the accurate device for measuring length;
a. A vernier calipers with main scale of 1mm marking and 50 divisions on sliding
scale.
b. A screw gauge of pitch 1mm and 25 divisions on the circular scale.
DATA
Smallest division on main scale of vernier callipers= 1mm
Total no. of divisions on vernier scale= 50
Pitch of screw gauge= 1mm
Total no. of divisions on circular scale= 25
SOLUTION
a. Least count of vernier callipers is given by
Smallest division on main scale
Least count =total no.of divisions on vernier scale
1mm
= 50
=0.02 mm
b. Least count of screw gauge is given by
Pitch of screw gauge
Least count =
total no.of divisions on circular scale
Least count = 1mm
25
=0.04 mm
As the least count of vernier calliper is smaller than that of screw gauge, so in this case vernier
calipers will give more accurate result for measuring length.

1.7 A breaker contains 200ml of water, what is the volume of water in cm3 and m3.
DATA:
Volume of water in ml=200ml
FIND:
Volume of water in cm3=?
Volume of water in m3=?
SOLUTION:
Volume of water =v= 200ml
a. As V=200ml------------(1)
And we know that
1ml=1cm3
So eq (1) becomes
V=200x1ml
=200x1cm3
V=200cm3--------------(2)

b. Now find the volume of water in m3

As we know that
1m=100cm
Taking cube on both sides
(1m)3=(100cm)3
1m3=(100)3 cm3
= 100x100x100 cm3
1m3=1000000 cm3
1m3
1000000 3
1000000 = 1000000cm
1 3 3
106 m = 1cm
10-6m3 = 1cm3
Or
1cm3 = 10-6m3
So eq (2) becomes
V=200 cm3
=200x1 cm3
V=200x10-6m3 (because 1cm3= 10-6m3)
=2.0 x 102x 10-6 m3
=2.0x102-6m3
V=2.0x10-4m3

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.
SOLUTION;
a. Mass = 10-21kg
Mass = 10-21x 1kg ∵ 1𝑘𝑔 = 103 𝑔
-21 3
=10 x 10 g
=10-21+3g
=10-18g
=1x10-18g (∵ 10−18 = atto)
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
=10-1-9m (because am+n=am.an)
=10-1x10-9m (∵ 10−9 =1nano)
-1
=10 nano. m
=10-1nm
= 1 nm
10
=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 = 1 m
1010
10
Multiplying 10 on both sides:
1
1x1010angstrom=1010x m
1010
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

Now, round off “c” upto three significant figures
𝑐 = 2.9979246𝑥108𝑚/𝑠
𝑐 = 2.997925𝑥108𝑚/𝑠
𝑐 = 2.99793𝑥108𝑚/𝑠
𝑐 = 2.9979𝑥108𝑚/𝑠
𝑐 = 2.998𝑥108𝑚/𝑠
𝑐 = 3.00𝑥108𝑚/𝑠

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.