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Classifying Physical Quantities in Science

This document classifies and defines physical quantities. It explains that physical quantities can be basic or derived, with basic quantities being fundamental like mass, length, and time. Derived quantities are combinations of basic quantities, such as area being derived from length and width. Examples are given of how quantities like speed, density, and pressure are derived. The document provides a table of the seven basic quantities and their symbols and units. Exercises are included to categorize additional quantities as basic or derived and explain the reasoning.

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Charity Mulig-Cruz
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408 views1 page

Classifying Physical Quantities in Science

This document classifies and defines physical quantities. It explains that physical quantities can be basic or derived, with basic quantities being fundamental like mass, length, and time. Derived quantities are combinations of basic quantities, such as area being derived from length and width. Examples are given of how quantities like speed, density, and pressure are derived. The document provides a table of the seven basic quantities and their symbols and units. Exercises are included to categorize additional quantities as basic or derived and explain the reasoning.

Uploaded by

Charity Mulig-Cruz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Worksheet 1

Physical Quantities: Classifications

Main Concepts/Ideas:
Science uses physical quantities to describe and make sense of nature. A physical quantity is a
property of matter and energy that can be measured. Physical quantities are expressed by a unit which
indicates the standard used in the measurement and a number which indicates how many of the standard was
measured. Physical quantities are classified as basic (a.k.a. fundamental) or derived quantities. Derived
quantities are a combination of two or more basic quantities. The table below lists the seven basic quantities.

Quantity Symbol Used Possible Units Used


Mass m Kilogram (kg)
Length l Meter (m)
Time t Seconds (s)
Temperature T Degree Celsius ( 0C)
Electric Current I Ampere (A)
Amount of Substance n Mole (mol)
Luminous Intensity I Candela (cd)

Detailed Example:
 Distance as well as height, thickness and width are all considered basic quantities because they all
measure the length or the space between two points.
 Area is a derived quantity because area (A) is determined as length (l) multiplied by width (w); length
and width are just other names used to indicate length.
d
 Speed, v= , is another example of a derived quantity because it is just the ratio of two basic
t
quantities.

Exercises:
Decide whether each quantity in the pool of words below is basic or derived. Arrange each quantity under its
appropriate box. Provide an explanation why the quantity is considered as a basic or a derived quantity.

Basic Quantities Derived Quantities


Quantity Reason Quantity Reason

Age Density Volume Force Height Boiling Point

Brightness Thickness Weight Pressure Acceleration

Reflection/Summary of Learning:

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