Nauman Ahmad Zyrak (M.

Phil) Assistant Professor of Physics 1

1.1 The purpose of study and discoveries in Physics is:

(a) the probing of interstellar spaces
(b) the betterment of mankind
(c) the development of destructive technology in warfare
(d) development in aesthetics for the world
1.2 The length of a steel pipe is in between 0.7 m to 0.8 m. Identify from the
following, the appropriate instrument to be used for an accuracy of 0.001 m.
(a) A micrometer screw gauge (b) A metre rule
(c) Aten metres measuring tape (c) A Vernier Callipers
1.3 The diameter of a steel ball is measured using a Vernier calipers and its
reading is shown in the figure. What is the
diameter of the steel ball?
(a) 1.30cm (b) 1.39cm
(c) 1.40 cm (d) 1.31 cm
1.4 The figure shows the reading on a micrometer screw gauge used to measure
diameter of a thin rod. One complete turn of the thimble
is 0.50 mm and there are 50 lines on the circular scale.
The diameter of the rod is:
(a) 3.67mm (b) 3.17mm
(c) 4.17mm (d) 4.20 mm
1.5 The number of significant figures of a measurement are defined as:
(a) they reflect the accuracy of the observation in measurement
(b) they are the figures which are reasonably reliable
(c) they are the accurately known digits and the first doubtful digit of a
measurement
(d) all of the above
1.6 The number of significant figures in the measured mass 2500.0 kg is:
(a) two (b) three (c) four (d) five
1.7 The sum 12 kg+ 2.02 kg+ 5.1 kg according to appropriate precision is:
(a) 19kg (b) 19.0kg (c) 19.1kg (d) 19.12kg
1.8 The answer to appropriate precision for the subtraction (1.126-0.97268) is:
(a) 0.15 (b) 0.153 (c) 0.1533 (d) 0.15332
 Nauman Ahmad Zyrak (M.Phil) Assistant Professor of Physics 2

1.9 The answer of the product (2.8723x1.6) to the appropriate number of significant
figures is:
(a) 4.59568 (b) 4.595 (c) 4.59 (d) 4.6
1.10 The answer to the mathematical division (45.2 ÷ 6.0) in appropriate number
of significant figures is:
(a) 7.5 (b) 7.53 (c) 7.533 (d) 7.5333
1.11 The answer to the following mathematical operation 24.4 m x 100 m / 5.0 m to
the appropriate number of significant figures is:
(a) 4880 m (b) 4900 m (c) 4.88x103 m (d) 4.9x102 m
1.12 The ratio of the dimensions of force and energy is:
(a) T (b) T-1 (c) L (d) L-1
1.13 Identify which pair from the following does not have identical dimensions.
(a) Work and torque (b) Angular momentum and Planck's constant
(c) Moment of inertia and moment of force (d) Impulse and momentum
1.14 The following figures are of the same Vernier calipers. Figure (1) shows the
reading when the jaws are closed while Fig. (2) shows the reading when a solid cylinder
is placed between the
jaws. The length of the
cylinder is:
(a) 3.26 cm
(b) 3.30 cm
(c) 3.34 cm
(d) 4.20 cm
1.15 The least count of an instrument determines:
(a) precision of a measurement
(c) accuracy of a measurement
(c) fractional uncertainty of a measurement
(d) percentage uncertainty of a measurement
1.16 A measuring tape has been graduated with a minimum scale division of 0.2
cm. The allowed reading using this tape may be:
(a) 80.5 cm (b) 80.6 cm (c) 80.65 cm (d) 80.7 cm

Short Answer questions

 Nauman Ahmad Zyrak (M.Phil) Assistant Professor of Physics 3

Short Answer questions

Short Answer Questions

1.1 What are base units and derived units? Give some examples of both these units.
Base Quantities are the independent physical quantities in terms of which the other
physical quantities can be defined. e. g. mass, length, time etc.
Derived Quantities are those which depend on base quantities. These are defined by
using one or more base quantities. e. g. velocity, force, acceleration etc.
1.2 How many significant figures should be retained in the following?
(i) Multiplying or dividing several numbers: In case of multiplication and division, keep
number of significant figures in the product or quotient not more than that contained in
the least accurate factor i.e., the factor containing the least number of significant figures.
e. g. if we are to solve 45.2 ÷ 6.0 answer should contain up to 02 significant figures i.e.
7.5.
(ii) Adding or subtracting numbers: In case of addition and subtraction, the number of
decimal places retained in the answer should be equal to the smallest number of decimal
places in any of the quantities being added or subtracted. e. g. 12 kg+ 2.02 kg+ 5.1 answer
should contain no decimal i.e. 19.
1.3 How is the Vernier scale related to the main scale of a Vernier Callipers? What is
meant by L.C. of the Vernier Callipers?
• Vernier scales slides over main scale. It is for the precise reading of object that is
measured. The divisions on the Vernier scale are slightly smaller than those on
the main scale. e.g. a typical Vernier Callipers has 10 divisions on its Vernier scale
in front of 9 divisions on main scale.
• Minimum possible measure that can be taken by instrument is called its least
count. Least count of Vernier Callipers can be found as:
𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝐷𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑛 𝑀𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒
𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑒𝑟 𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒
1.4 Write the following numbers in scientific notation.
a) 143.7 → 1.437 × 102
(b) 206.4 × 102 → 2.064 × 104
1.5 Write the following numbers using correct prefixes:
 Nauman Ahmad Zyrak (M.Phil) Assistant Professor of Physics 4

(a) 580 × 102 𝑔 → 58.0 × 103 𝑔 → 58.0 𝑘𝑔

(b) 0.45 × 10−5 𝑠 → 4.5 × 10−1 × 10−5 𝑠 → 4.5 × 10−6 𝑠 → 4.5 𝜇𝑠
1.6 Kinetic energy of a body of mass m moving with speed vis given by 1/2 mv2. What
are the dimensions of kinetic energy?
1
As 𝐾. 𝐸. = 𝑚𝑣 2 → [𝐾. 𝐸. ] = [𝑚][𝑣 2 ]
2
1
( 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑡. 𝑠𝑜 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑛𝑜 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠)
2
[𝐾. 𝐸. ] = [𝑀][𝐿𝑇 −1 ]2 → [𝐾. 𝐸. ] = [𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −2 ]
1.7 How many significant figures are there in the following measurements?
(i) 37 km → 2 significant figures (all non-zero digits are significant
(ii) 0.002953 m → 4 significant figures (zeros to the left are not significant)
(iii) 7.50034 cm → 6 significant figures (zeros between significant figures
are also significant
(iv) 200.0 m → 4 significant figures (In decimal fraction, zero to the right
are significant)

1.8 Write the dimensions of: (i) Planck's constant

𝐸 [𝐸]
As 𝐸 = ℎ𝑓 → ℎ= → [ℎ] = ----------- (1)
𝑓 [𝑓]

[𝐸] = [𝑚][𝑐 2 ] = [𝑀][𝐿𝑇 −1 ]2 = [𝑀][𝐿2 𝑇 −2 ] = [𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −2 ]

[𝑓] = [𝑇 −1 ]
[𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −2 ]
Put in eq. (1) → [ℎ] = → [ℎ] = [𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −2+1 ]
[𝑇 −1 ]

[ℎ] = [𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −1 ]
(ii) angular velocity
𝜃 [𝜃]
As 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 𝜔 = → [𝜔] = -------------------- (2)
𝑡 [𝑡]

𝜃 𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 and [𝑡] = [𝑇]

Put in eq. (2) [𝜔] = [𝑇 −1 ]
Constructed Response Questions
1.1 Why do we find it useful to have two units for the amount of a substance, the
kilogram and the mole?
These two units represent two aspects to observe matter.
1) If we have to count matter, then the unit of mole is used as 1 mol = 6.02×1023
particles.
 Nauman Ahmad Zyrak (M.Phil) Assistant Professor of Physics 5

2) If we are to observe quantity of matter in any substance, then the unit kg is

likely to be used.
1.2 Three students measured the length of a rod with a scale on which minimum
division is 1 mm and recorded as: (i) 0.4235 m (ii) 0.42 m (iii) 0.424 m. Which record is
correct and why?
As the least count of scale is 1mm (=0.001m). The measurement should be as accurate
as least count of instrument. 1st measurement is beyond the limit of scale because it
has no. of decimals beyond the calibration of instrument. 2nd is also not up to the mark
because scale has the ability to measure up to 3 decimals. 3rd reading is acceptable
because it has as many decimals as least count of scale. Hence it is more accurate than
others.
1.3 Why is the kilogram (not the gram), the base unit of mass.
Base quantities are suggested on the basis of their convenient measurement and easy
availability of instruments to measure. Kilogram is more easily measurable for daily life
objects than gram. Moreover SI units are mainly adopted from metric units historically
where kilogram was used so it becomes convention to use kilogram instead of gram.
1.4 Consider the equation; P= Q + R If Q and R both have the dimensions of [MLT], what
are the dimensions of P? What are the units of P in SI? If the dimensions of Q were
different from those of R, could we determine dimensions of P?
If Q and R both have dimensions of [MLT} then P will also have same dimensions because
addition is only possible for same type of quantities. i.e.
P=Q+R → P = [MLT]+[MLT] = constt. [MLT] → P = [MLT]
For such dimensions, P must have units kg m s.
Only quantities having same dimensions can be added/subtracted. If Q and R have
different dimensions, we could not be able to find dimensions of P.
1.5 What is the least count of a clock if it has:
(a) Hour's hand, minute's hand and second's hand
If clock has all three hands, then least count will be according to smallest count i.e.
second’s hand. So least count will be 01 second in this case.
(b) Hour's hand and minute's hand
If clock has only two hands, then least count will be according to smallest of
these i.e. minute hand. So least count will be 01 minute in this case.
1.6 How can the diameter of a round pencil be measured using metre rule with the
same accuracy as that of Vernier Callipers? Describe.
Place the pencil between two blocks, then measure distance between the blocks. It
will be diameter of pencil. To get more accuracy, measure distance between blocks at
 Nauman Ahmad Zyrak (M.Phil) Assistant Professor of Physics 6

more than one points and take average of all values. It will increase the accuracy and
will give result close to Vernier calipers.
1.7 How would be the readings differ if the screw gauge is used instead of a Vernier
Callipers to measure the thickness of a glass plate?
A screw gauge typically provides more precise reading (least count 0.001cm) than
Vernier Callipers (typical least count 0.01cm). So, by using screw gauge instead of
Vernier Callipers, reading will be more precise as well as accurate.
1.8 Write the correct reading of the length of a solid cylinder as shown in the figure
if there is an error of +0.02 cm in the Vernier Callipers.
Zero Error = +0.02 cm
Zero Correction = −0.02 𝑐𝑚
Main Scale Reading = 2.6 cm
Vernier Scale reading = 9
Measurement of Length of Solid Cylinder = 2.6 + (9x0.01) = 2.69 cm
Corrected Measurement of length = 2.69 − 0.02 = 2.67 𝑐𝑚
1.9 There are 50 divisions on the circular scale of a screw gauge. If the head (thimble)
of the screw is given 10 revolutions, then the spindle
advances by 5 mm. There is also zero error as the 2nd
division of the circular scale coincides with the datum
line and zero of circular scale is below the datum line.
What is the thickness of a glass slab as measured by the
described screw gauge shown in the figure?
Pitch of screw gauge = Distance advanced by the spindle per revolution = 0.5 mm
0.5𝑚𝑚
Least Count of screw gauge = = 0.01 𝑚𝑚
50
Zero error = 2 × 0.01𝑚𝑚 = 0.02𝑚𝑚
(zero error is positive since zero of circular scale is below the datum line)
Zero Correction = −0.02 𝑚𝑚
As is clear from the figure: Main Scale reading = 6.5 mm
Circular scale reading = 27
Thickness of Glass Slab = 6.5 + (27x0.01) = 6.77 mm
Corrected Thickness of Glass Slab = 6.77 − 0.02 = 6.75 𝑚𝑚
1.10 What is meant by a dimensionless quantity? Give one example.
A dimensionless quantity is the one having no dimensions. Such quantity is generally
 Nauman Ahmad Zyrak (M.Phil) Assistant Professor of Physics 7

ratio of same quantities.

𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑚
e.g. 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 = 𝑛 = is a dimensionless quantity .
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑀𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑚
𝐴𝑟𝑐 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ
𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 𝜃 = is a dimensionless quantity.
𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠

Point to Ponder: Neither all ratios are dimensionless nor all dimensionless quantities
necessarily unitless. e.g. plane angle is dimensionless but have unit radian.
Dimensionless quantities must not have base units but can have units.

1.11 A student uses a screw gauge to determine the

thickness of a sheet of paper. The student folds the
paper three times and measures the total thickness of
the folded sheet. Assume that there is no zero error in
the screw gauge. The reading of screw gauge is shown
in the figure. Find the thickness of the sheet.
Main Scale reading = 1.5 mm
Circular scale reading = 26
Thickness of 3-fold sheet = 1.5 + (26x0.01) = 1.76 mm
As the sheet was folded 3 times, total layers = 23 = 8
1.76 𝑚𝑚
Thickness of sheet = = 0.22 𝑚𝑚
8
1.12 Round off each of the following numbers to 3 significant figures and write
your answer in scientific notation.
(a) 0.02055 → 𝟐. 𝟎𝟓𝟓 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟐 → 𝟐. 𝟎𝟓𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟐
(b) 4656.5 → 𝟒. 𝟔𝟓𝟔𝟓 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 → 𝟒. 𝟔𝟓𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑 → 𝟒. 𝟔𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎𝟑
Comprehensive Questions
1.1 What is meant by uncertainty in a measurement? How the uncertainty in a
digital instrument is indicated?
The uncertainty of measurement describes the approximate value by which the
actual value differs from the true value.
In a digital instrument, we usually estimate one digit beyond what is certain. This is
reflected in some fluctuations of the last digit. If the last digit fluctuates by 1 or 2, we
write down that last digit. If fluctuation is more than 2 or so in the last digit, it may
mean that the reading is being influenced by some other factor like air currents.
Regardless the reason, a large fluctuation may mean that the displayed digit is not
really significant.
 Nauman Ahmad Zyrak (M.Phil) Assistant Professor of Physics 8

1.2 Differentiate between the terms precision and accuracy with reference to
measurement of physical quantities.

Sr. No. Precision Accuracy

It is also called as absolute It is also called as fractional/%age
1
uncertainty. uncertainty.
It is maximum possible uncertainty Lesser the %age uncertainty, greater will
2
from all the sources. be the accuracy.
Lesser the least count, greater will
3 It is related to the measurement.
be the precision.
It is related to the instrument and
4 helps to choose instrument for the
measurement.
An instrument is said to be precise A measurement is said to be accurate if all
5 if all the measured values closely the measured values are closely related to
related to each other. the true value.

1.3 (a) What is meant by significant figures? Write two reasons for using them in
measurements. How to find the uncertainty in a timing experiment such as the time
period of a simple pendulum?
(b) The mass of a solid cylinder is 12.85 g. Its length is 3.35 cm and diameter is
1.25 cm. Find the density of its material expressing the uncertainty in the density.

1.4 Explain with examples the writing of physical quantities into their dimensions.
Write its two benefits.
For sake of qualitative analysis, physical quantities are written within square brackets.
This method is used for determining the dependence of physical quantities. e.g.
Lemgth [L], mass [M], time [T], force [𝑀𝐿𝑇 −2 ]
Advantages of dimensional Analysis:
1 It provides us, qualitative analysis of physical quantities.
2 It helps us to check homogeneity/correctness of physical equation.
3 It helps us to derive possible formulae.
𝑻×𝒍
1.5 Check the homogeneity of the relation: 𝒗 = √ where v is the speed of transverse
𝒎
wave on a stretched string of tension T, length£ and mass m.
To check the homogeneity, 1st take dimensions of L.H.S.
 Nauman Ahmad Zyrak (M.Phil) Assistant Professor of Physics 9

[𝑣] = [𝐿𝑇 −1 ]
Now by taking dimensions of R.H.S
1
[𝑇]×[𝑙] [𝑀𝐿𝑇 −2 ]×[𝐿] 2 1
√ [𝑚]
={ [𝑀]
} = [𝐿2 𝑇 −2 ]2

➔ [𝐿𝑇 −1 ]
Hence it is proved that the given equation is homogeneous.
Numerical Problems
1.1 Astronomers usually measure astronomical distances in light years. One light year
is the distance that light travels in one year. If speed of light is 3 X 108 m/s, what is one
light year in meters?
t = 1 year = 365 X 24 X 60 X 60 sec = 31536000 sec = 3.15 X 107 sec
Speed of Light = c = 3 X 108 m/s, Distance = S = ?
As, S = ct = 3 X 108 X 3.15 X 107 = 9.45 X 1015 m
1.2 Write the estimated answer of the following in standard form.
(a) How many seconds are there in 1 year?
t = 1 year = 365 X 24 X 60 X 60 sec = 31536000 sec = 3.15 X 107 sec
(b) How many years are in 1 second?
As 1 year = 3.15 X 107 sec
1
1 sec = 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 = 0.317 × 10−7 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
3.15×107
1 sec = 3.17 × 10−8 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
1.3 The length and width of a rectangular plate are measured to be 18.3 cm and
14.60 cm, respectively. Find the area of the plate and state the answer to correct
number of significant figures.
𝑙 = 18.3 𝑐𝑚, 𝑤 = 14.60 𝑐𝑚, Area = A = ?
𝐴 = 𝑙 × 𝑤 = 18.3 × 14.60 = 267.18 𝑐𝑚2
In case of multiplication, no. of significant figures must be according to least
accurate measurement in the expression that is 3 is this case.
So, A = 267 𝑐𝑚2
1.4 Find the sum of the masses given in kg up to appropriate precision:
(i) 3.197 (ii) 0.068 (iii) 13.9 (iv) 3.28
3.197 + 0.068 + 13.9 + 3.28 = 20.445 kg
In case of addition, no. of decimals must be according to least number
 Nauman Ahmad Zyrak (M.Phil) Assistant Professor of Physics 10

measurement in the expression that is 01 is this case.

So, 20.445 ≅ 20.4 𝑘𝑔
1.5 The diameter and length of a metal cylinder measured with the help of a Vernier
Callipers of least count 0.01 cm are 1.22 cm and 5.35 cm respectively. Calculate its
volume and uncertainty in it. (Ans: 6.2 ± 0.1cm)

1.6 Show that the expression 𝒗𝟐𝒇 − 𝒗𝟐𝒊 = 𝟐𝒂𝑺 is dimensionally correct, where 𝒗𝒊 is
the initial velocity, a is the acceleration and 𝒗𝒇 is the velocity after covering a distance
S.

1.7 Show that the famous "Einstein equation" E =mc2 is dimensionally consistent.
To show that 𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐 2 is dimensionally consistent, we are to show that dimensions on
both sides are equal. For this, 1st take dimensions of L.H.S.
[𝐸] = [𝑊] = [𝐹][𝑑] = [𝑀𝐿𝑇 −2 ][𝐿] = [𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −2 ] ---------- (1)
Now, take dimensions of R.H.S.
[𝑚][𝑐 2 ] = [𝑀][𝐿𝑇 −1 ]2 = [𝑀][𝐿2 𝑇 −2 ] = [𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −2 ] ---------- (2)
1.8 Derive a formula for the time period of a simple pendulum using dimensional
analysis. The various possible factors on which the time period T may depend are:
(i) length of the pendulum 𝑙
(ii) mass of the bob m
(iii) angle 0 which the thread makes with the vertical

(iv) accelerates due to gravity g. (Ans: T constant √ 𝑙 )

𝑔