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NANDHA POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, ERODE – 52.

FIRST YEAR BASIC SCIENCES

SEMESTER – I

BASIC PHYSICS [PH231330]

English Medium
Study Material - 2 MARKS

Name : .........................................................................................

Roll no : .........................................................................................

Dept : ..........................................................................................

[Link] MSc.,BEd.,DCA., Cell : 99653 63695.

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UNIT - 1
UNITS AND MEASUREMENTS

1. What are fundamental quantities ? Give example.

The quantities which cannot be expressed in terms of any other physical quantity are
called as fundamental quantities.
Example : Length , Mass , Time.
2. What are derived quantities ? Give example.
The quantities which can be expressed in terms of any other physical quantity are
called as derived quantities.
Example : Area , Volume , Velocity.
3. Write the dimensional formula for length, mass and time.
Length - L
Mass - M
Time - T
4. What is least count ?
The smallest value that can be measured by a measuring instrument is called least
count.
Least count of screw gauge is = 0.01 mm
Least count of vernier calliper is = 0.01 cm
5. Define Error.
The uncertainty in a measurement is called an error.
6. What is absolute error ?
The magnitude of difference between the true value and the measured value of a
quantity is called absolute error.
Absolute error = True value - measured value.
7. Define relative error ?
The ratio of mean absolute error and true value of the quantity is called relative
error.
mean absolute error
Relative error =
true value
8. Define error estimation.
The process of using various statistical method to determine the error in experiment
is called error estimation.

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9. Give the expression and derive the dimensional formula and SI units for Velocity and
acceleration.
displacement 𝐦
SI Unit : Velocity = = = m s -1
time 𝐬
L
Dimensional Formula = = L T-1
T

velocity 𝐦 𝐬− 𝟏
SI Unit : acceleration = = = m s -2
time 𝐬
𝐋 𝐓− 𝟏
Dimensional Formula = = L T-2
T

10. Give the expression and derive the dimensional formula and SI units for Momentum
and Force.
SI Unit : momentum = mass x velocity = kg m s - 1
Dimensional Formula = M L T-1

SI Unit : Force = mass x acceleration = kg m s - 2 or Newton ( N )

Dimensional Formula = M L T-2

11. Give the expression and derive the dimensional formula and SI units for Work and
Power.
SI Unit : Work = Force x displacement = Joule ( J ) or kg m2 s - 2
Dimensional Formula = M L T-2 x L = M L 2 T-2

work done 𝐉
SI Unit : Power = = = Watt
time 𝐒
M L 2 T −2
Dimensional Formula = = M L 2 T-3
T

12. Give the expression and derive the dimensional formula and SI units for Energy and
Impulse.
SI Unit : Energy = Force x displacement = N m
Dimensional Formula = M L T - 2 x L = M L2 T - 2
SI Unit : Impulse = Force x time = Ns
Dimensional Formula = M L T-2 x T = M L T-1
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13. Define Unit

An accepted standard value is used to compare the value of physical quantity is
known as unit.
14. Name the measuring instruments used in daily life.
1) Scale 2) Clock 3) Thermometer 4) Speedometer 5) Measuring jar
15. Give the types of measurement.
There are two types of measurement. 1. Direct Method 2. Indirect Method.
16. What is systematic error ?
Every measurement will differ from the true measurement in the same direction. The
difference is called systematic error.
17. What are the causes or occurs in systematic error ?
It occurs i) Imperfect instrument calibration ii) Environment interference.
18. What is random error ?
The error will occur irregularly and hence random. It also called as chance error.
19. How random error arises in an experiment ?
It may arise due to random and unpredictable conditions like pressure , temperature,
voltage supply , ect.
20. One horse power is equal to how many watts ?
1 horse power = 746 watt
21. One calorie is equal to how many joules ?
1 calorie = 4.2 joule

UNIT - 2
STATICS

1. Define scalar quantities. Give example.

Physical quantities having only magnitude are called scalar quantities.
Example : mass, volume, density.
2. Define vector quantities. Give example.
Physical quantities having both magnitude and direction are called scalar quantities.
Example : velocity, acceleration, force.
3. Define concurrent forces.
Two or more forces acting at a point are called concurrent forces.
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4. Define coplanar forces.

Two or more forces acting on same plane are called coplanar forces.
5. Define resultant.
Resultant is a single force acting at the same point along with the other forces and it
gives the combined effect of all other forces.
6. Define equilibrant.
Equilibrant is a single force acting at a point along with the other forces, to keep the
point in equilibrium.
7. What is the relation between resultant and equilibrant ?
The resultant and equilibrant are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.
8. State triangle law of forces.
If two forces at a point to be represented in magnitude and direction by the two
sides of a triangle , then the resultant is represented in magnitude and direction by
the third side of the triangle taken in opposite order.

9. State parallelogram law of forces.

If two forces at a point to be represented in magnitude and direction by the two
adjacent sides of a parallelogram , then the resultant is represented in magnitude
and direction by the diagonal of the parallelogram passing through the point.

[Link] Lami’s theorem.

If three forces acting at a point in equilibrium , then each force is directly
proportional to the sine of the angle between the other two forces.

[Link] is couple ?
Two equal and opposite forces acting on a body form a couple.

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[Link] moment of force.

The product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the fixed point and the
line of action of the force.
[Link] torque.
The moment of couple is called as torque.
[Link] is meant by clockwise moment ?
The moments which try to rotate the body in clockwise direction is called clockwise
moments.
15. What is meant by anti-clockwise moment ?
The moments which try to rotate the body in anti-clockwise direction is called anti-
clockwise moments
[Link] principle of moment.
If a body is in equilibrium under the action of forces , sum of clockwise moment is
equal to sum of anti clockwise moments.
sum of clockwise moment = sum of anti clockwise moment

UNIT - 3
DYNAMICS
1. State Newton’s first law of motion.
An object will not change its rest or motion unless an external force acts on it.
Examples :
i) A book resting on a table.
ii) A ball rolling down a hill will continue to roll unless friction or
another force stops it.
2. State Newton’s Second law of motion.
The force on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration.
F=ma
Examples :
i) Pushing a car and a truck.
ii) Kick the ball.
3. State Newton’s Third law of motion.
For every action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction.
Examples :
i) A horse pulls a cart. ii) Hammer pushes a nail.
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4. Write the fundamental (kinematic) equations of motion for a body in horizontal

motion.
i) v = u + a t
ii) v 2 = u 2 + 2 a s
𝟏
iii) s = u t + a t 2
𝟐

5. Write the fundamental (kinematic) equations of motion for a freely falling body.
i) v = g t
ii) v 2 = 2 g s
𝟏
iii) s = gt2
𝟐
6. Write the fundamental (kinematic) equations of motion for a body is thrown
vertically upwards.
i) u = g t
ii) u2 = 2 g s
𝟏
iii) s = gt2
𝟐
7. What is a projectile ?
A body is thrown into space with some initial velocity in a particular direction is
called projectile motion.
8. Define angle of projection.
Angle between the point of projection and direction of projection.
9. Define trajectory.
The path of the projectile is called trajectory.
[Link] maximum height of a projectile.
The maximum vertical displacement of the projectile is called maximum height of a
projectile.
[Link] time of flight of a projectile.
The time taken from beginning of projection to the end of projection.
[Link] range of a projectile.
The distance between the point of projection and the end of projection.
[Link] is the condition for maximum range ?
The condition for maximum range is 450 .
[Link] is circular motion ?
When a body is moving along a circular path is called circular motion.

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[Link] angular velocity.

The angle turned by the radius in one second is called angular velocity.
𝛉
ω =
𝐭
[Link] period of revolution.
The time taken for one complete revolution is called period of revolution.
𝟐𝛑
T =
𝛚
[Link] frequency of revolution.
Number of revolutions in one second is called frequency of revolution.
𝟏
n =
𝐓

[Link] the relation between linear velocity and angular velocity.

Linear velocity = radius of the circle x angular velocity.
v=rω
[Link] centripetal force.
The force acts towards the axis of rotation or centre of the circle in the circular
motion is called centripetal force.
F = m r ω2
[Link] centrifugal force.
The force acts outwards from the axis of rotation or outwards from the centre of
circular motion is called centrifugal force.
F = - m r ω2
[Link] simple harmonic motion.
It is a periodic motion and its acceleration is always directed towards a fixed point.
Example :
i) The vibrations of tuning fork.
ii) The vibrations of a stretched string.
[Link] Amplitude of simple harmonic motion (SHM).
The maximum displacement from the mean position is called amplitude of SHM.
[Link] period of simple harmonic motion (SHM)
The time taken for one complete oscillation is called period of SHM.
[Link] frequency of SHM.
The number of oscillations in one second is called frequency of SHM.

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UNIT - 4
ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF SOLIDS

1. What is elasticity ?
The property of the body to regain its original shape after the removal of deforming
force.
2. What is plasticity ?
The property of the body does not to regain its original shape after the removal of
deforming force.
3. What are elastic bodies ? Give example.
The body which regain its original size or shape after the removal of deforming force
is called elastic bodies.
Example : Rubber , Quartz.
4. What are plastic bodies ? Give example.
The body which cannot regain its original size or shape after the removal of
deforming force is called plastic bodies.
Example : Plastic toys , Plastic vessels , Clay , Wax.
5. Define Stress.
Force acting per unit area.
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞
Stress = N m-2
𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚
6. Define Strain.
The ratio of change in dimension to the original dimension is called strain.
7. State Hook’s law.
Within the elastic limit stress is directly proportional to strain.
Stress α Strain
8. Define Linear strain.
The ratio of change in length to the original length is called linear strain.
9. Define bulk strain
The ratio of change in volume to the original volume is called bulk strain.

[Link] elastic limit

The maximum value of the stress applied to the body up to which the body will
regain its original shape or size when the stress is removed.

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[Link] plastic limit.

The maximum value of the stress withstand by the body in the plastic region just
before the breaking point.
[Link] are the three types of modulus of elasticity ?
There are three types of modulus.
i) Young’s modulus ii) Bulk modulus iii) Rigidity modulus
[Link] young’s modulus.
It is defined as the ratio of linear stress to the linear strain.
linear stress
Young’s modulus (E) =
linear strain
[Link] bulk modulus.
It is defined as the ratio of bulk stress to the bulk strain.
bulk stress
Bulk modulus (K) =
bulk strain
[Link] Rigidity modulus.
It is defined as the ratio of shearing stress to the shearing strain.
shearing stress
Rigidity modulus (n) =
shearing strain

[Link] is the relation between three types of modulus.

1 1 3
+ =
3𝐾 𝑛 𝐸
[Link] Poisson’s ratio.
It is defined as the ratio of lateral strain to linear strain.
lateral strain
Poisson ratio (σ) =
linear strain

[Link] any two applications of elasticity.

i) It is mostly used in the field of architect of buildings, bridge.
ii) During the designing process.
[Link] is uniform bending ?
When a beam is bent in the form of an arc by applying load, the type of bending is
called uniform bending.
[Link] is non-uniform bending ?
When a beam is bent in the form of an curve by applying load, the type of bending is
called uniform bending.

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UNIT - 5
HEAT

1. What is heat ?
Heat is the total kinetic energy of all molecules of a body.
SI unit is Joules ( J ).
2. Define Temperature.
Temperature is the degree of hotness or coldness of a body.
SI unit is Kelvin ( K ).
3. What are the three scales used to measure the temperature ?
i) Centigrade (or) Celsius scale.
ii) Fahrenheit scale.
iii) Kelvin scale.

4. What are the two fixed points of thermometer on the Celsius and Fahrenheit scale.
Fixed Points
Celsius Fahrenheit Kelvin
(for water)
Boiling Point 100 0C 212 0F 373 K
Freezing Point 0 0C 32 0F 273 K
Absolute Zero - 273 0C - 459 0F 0 K

5. Give the relation between Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin scales.

𝐂 𝐅 − 𝟑𝟐 𝐊 − 𝟐𝟕𝟑
= =
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟖𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎
6. Convert 100 0C into Kelvin scale.
K = 0C + 273
K = 100 + 273
K = 373
7. Convert 106 0F into Celsius scale.
0
C = 5/9 ( 0F - 32 )
0
C = 5/9 ( 106 - 32 )
0
C = 5/9 ( 74 )
0
C = 370 / 9
0
C = 41.11

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8. Convert 373 K into Celsius scale.

0
C = K - 273
0
C = 373 - 273
0
C = 100
9. What are the three types of heat transfer.
i) Conduction ii) Convection iii) Radiation
10. What is Conduction ?
Heat transfer from one place to another place without movement of particles is
called as conduction.
Example : Heating of steel rod.
11. What is meant by Convection ?
Heat transfer from one place to another place with actual movement of particles is
called as convection.
Example : Heating of water.
12. What is meant by radiation ?
Heat transfer from one place to another place without medium is called as radiation.
Example : Solar radiation.
13. What are good conductors ? Give example.
Materials which having high thermal conductivity is called as good conductors.
Example :
Copper, Silver, Steel, Iron, Mercury.
14. What are Poor conductors ? Give example.
Materials which having low thermal conductivity is called as bad (poor) conductors.
Example :
Rubber, Wood, Glass, Brick, Air.
15. Write any two properties of thermal radiation.
i) They travel along straight line.
ii) They travel through vaccum.
16. Define specific heat capacity of a gas at constant pressure.
The quantity of heat required to increase the temperature of 1 mole of the gas
through 1 Kelvin at constant pressure.

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17. Define specific heat capacity of a gas at constant volume.

The quantity of heat required to increase the temperature of 1 mole of the gas
through 1 Kelvin at constant volume.
18. State first law of thermodynamics.
The amount of heat energy supplied to a system is equal to the sum of change in
internal energy of the system and work done by the system.
ΔQ = ΔW + ΔU
[Link] Kelvin statement of second law of thermodynamics.
It is impossible to obtain continuous supply of work from a body by cooling it cooler
than its surroundings.
[Link] Clausius statement of second law of thermodynamics.
It is impossible for a self acting machine without the help of any external agency, to
transfer heat from a low temperature body to a high temperature body.

[Link] Isothermal change.

Any change occurring in the pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature is
known as isothermal change.
Example : Refrigerator, Heat Engine.
P1 V1 = P2 V2
[Link] Adiabatic change.
Any change occurring in the pressure and volume of a gas under thermally isolated
condition is known as adiabatic change.
Example : Compressors, Turbines.
P1 V1γ = P2 V2γ
[Link] Boyle’s law.
At constant temperature, the volume of a gas is inversely proportional to pressure.
𝟏
V α (or) PV = Constant
𝐏

[Link] is an Ideal gas ?

A gas whose molecules occupy negligible space and no interact with each other.
It is called as perfect gas and obeys all the gas laws at all temperature and pressure.
Examples :
Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Etc.

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