HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions

Chapter-7: Structural Properties of Matter

1. What is elasticity?
Ans. Elasticity is the tendency of solid materials to return to their original shape after being deformed.
2. Explain the reason of elasticity.
Ans. The forces between the atoms due to electrostatic interaction between the charges of the atoms are
called interatomic forces.
These forces are electrical in nature and these are active if the distance between the two atoms is
of the order of atomic size i.e. 10–10 meter.

Figure shows the atoms of a metallic solid are distributed on a

repetitive three-dimensional lattice. The springs represent
interatomic forces.

Every atom is electrically neutral, the number of electrons (negative charge) orbiting around the
nucleus is equal to the number of proton (positive charge) in the nucleus. So if two atoms are placed at a
very large distance from each other then there will be a very small (negligible) interatomic force
working between them.
When these two atoms are brought close to each other to a distance of the order of 10–10 m, the
distances between their positive nuclei and negative electron clouds get disturbed, and due to this,
attractive interatomic force is produced between two atoms.

This attractive force increases continuously with decrease in r and becomes maximum for one value of r
called critical distance, represented by x (as shown in the figure). Beyond this the attractive force starts
decreasing rapidly with further decrease in the value of r.
When the distance between the two atoms becomes r0, the interatomic force will be zero. This distance r 0
is called normal or equilibrium distance.

Page 1 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
r0 = 0.74 Å for hydrogen
When the distance between the two atoms further decreased, the interatomic force becomes
repulsive in nature and increases very rapidly with decrease in distance between two atoms.
3. The intermolecular force is the reason for the elasticity of solid objects  Explain.[R.B., C.B., Ctg.B., B.B-18]
Ans. Elasticity is the property of matter by which object regains original shape and size after removing the
deforming force. Intermolecular force is the force of attraction between two molecules. Distance between
the molecules. In solid object increases when it is deformed by applying force.
Again distance between the molecules in the solid decreases and object regains original shape when the
deforming force is removed.
Therefore intermolecular force in solid object is cause of elasticity.
4. What is stress?
Ans. For any deformation, the Force applied per unit area is known as stress. If the applied force is F acts
over an area A to deform material, then
𝐹
Stress =
𝐴

It’s unit is Nm-2 and dimension is ML-1T-2

5. What is strain?
Ans. Change in dimension per unit dimension is called Strain.
𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑦−𝑥)
Strain = = [Here, initial length is x and final length is y]
𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑥

Strain has no unit.

6. Define perfectly elastic body.
Ans. If the force applied on a body is removed and the body fully returns to its previous condition then the
body is called perfectly elastic body.
7. Define plasticity.
Ans. The property of deformation of a solid material undergoing non-reversible changes in shape in
response to an applied force is known as plasticity.
8. Define perfectly plastic body.
Ans. If the force applied on a body is removed and the body fully sustained then the body is called
perfectly elastic body.
9. Define perfectly rigid body.
Ans. A solid body in which the deformation is negligible, having no change in size, given any amount of
external force, is called a perfectly rigid body. A perfectly rigid body does not exist in nature.
10. What is elastic limit?

Page 2 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
Ans. The minimum amount of stress up to which an object shows elasticity is known as elastic limit.
11. Define breaking load and breaking stress.
Ans. The minimum load for which a material may become torn is called breaking load and the stress
caused by this heavy load is called breaking stress. Thus, the smallest force applied per unit area for which
any material tears or breaks is called the breaking stress of that material.
12. What is Elastic fatigue?
Ans. When stress is varied or applied constantly on a wire over a long period of time its elasticity
decreases, therefore, after the applied stress is removed it does not return to its original form at all. This
phenomena is called elastic fatigue.
13. What is the difference between Elastic limit and Elastic fatigue?
Ans. Elastic limit refers to the maximum value of stress or force for which a material shows elastic
behaviors. And elastic fatigue is the temporary loss of elastic properties because of the action of repeated
alternating deforming force. Then a wire may break even when a force less than the elastic limit is
applied. The key difference between these two is that if elastic limit is crossed the material loses its
elasticity and doesn't regain its original shape or size but in case of elastic fatigue, a material loses its
elasticity temporarily and regains elasticity again after a while.
14. Explain the causes of creasing elastic fatigue of a body. [D.B.; Dj.B.; S.; .J.B. 18]
Ans. Within elastic limit, if an object is continuously or regularly strained means the stress is increased and
decreased continuously then strain will not occur with stress strain occurs slowly and elasticity of the object
reduces. In this condition, the object might snap or break below the breaking weight. This is the cause of elastic
fatigue.
15. Explain longitudinal strain and longitudinal stress.
Ans. Longitudinal strain: If the applied force acting along a body causes a change in length then each unit
change per unit length is called longitudinal strain. If a body of length L subjected to an applied force along
its length deforms by a length l, then –
𝑙
Longitudinal Strain =
𝐿

Longitudinal stress: The restoring force created per unit cross section area on a body because of its
elasticity for any change in length is known as its longitudinal stress. That is –
𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝐹
Longitudinal stress = =
𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠−𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴

16. Explain Volumetric or Bulk strain and Volumetric or bulk stress.

Page 3 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
Ans. Volumetric or Bulk strain: If the applied force acting along a body causes a change in volume, then
each unit change per unit volume is called volumetric or bulk strain. If a body of volume V subjected to an
applied force reduces by a volume v, then –
𝑣
Volumetric or bulk Strain =
𝑉

Volumetric or Bulk stress: The restoring force created per unit cross section area on a body because of its
elasticity for any change in length is known as its longitudinal stress. That is –
𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝐹
Volumetric or Bulk stress = =
𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴

17. Explain shearing strain and shearing stress.

Ans. Shearing strain: If the applied force acting along a body causes a change in relative displacement of
the two faces of a body due to a change in its shape from an applied force, is known as shearing strain. Let
the thickness of a block be AD = x and the relative displacement AA’ = y then –
𝐴𝐴 / 𝑦
Shearing Strain = = = tan 𝜃
𝐴𝐷 𝑥

Shearing stress: If a shearing deformation is produced on the surface of a body due to an applied
tangential force, the restoring force created per unit area on the at surface in known as shearing stress.
That is –
𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝐹
Shearing stress = =
𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴

18. State Hooke’s law.

Ans. Hooke's law: Within elastic limit the stress induced in the solid due to some external force is always
in proportion with the strain.
That is, stress α strain
Or, stress = constant X strain
𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠
Or, = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛

The magnitude of this constant depends entirely upon the material the body is made of. This is known as
elastic modulus or modulus of elasticity.
Its unit is Nm-2 and dimension is ML-1T-2
19. State Young’s modulus.
Ans. Within elastic limit the ratio of the longitudinal stress to the longitudinal strain produced on a body is
called Young’s modulus. It is denoted by Y and
𝐹
𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝐴 𝐹𝐿
Young’s modulus: Y = = 𝑙 =
𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝐴𝑙
𝐿

20. State Bulk modulus.

Page 4 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
Ans. Within elastic limit the ratio of the volumetric stress to the volumetric strain produced on a body is
called bulk modulus. It is denoted by Y and
𝐹
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝐹𝑉
Bulk modulus: 𝛽 = = 𝐴
𝑣 =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑉
𝐴𝑣

21. "The bulk modulus of mercury is 2.81010Nm–2." What does it mean?

Ans. Bulk modulus of mercury being 2.8  1010 Nm2 implies that is volume is changed due to applying force
within elastic limit, ratio of bulk stress & bulk strain will be 2.8  1010 Nm2.
22. What do you understand by Young's modulus of, Y = 2  1011 Nm2?

Ans. Young's modulus of a material, Y = 2  1011 Nm2 means applying a force of 2  1011 along length of a wire
having cross sectional area of 1 m2 will increase its length so that change of length will be equal to its initial
length.
23. What is compressibility?
Ans. Within elastic limit the ratio of bulk strain to bulk stress is known as compressibility. That is –
𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 1 1
Compressibility = = 𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑘𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 =
𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝛽
𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛

So, the compressibility is opposite to the bulk modulus. That is why, bulk modulus is also called
incompressibility.
24. What is rigidity modulus?
Ans. Within elastic limit the ratio of the shearing stress to the shearing strain produced on a body is called
rigidity modulus. It is denoted by Y and
𝐹
𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝐹
rigidity modulus: 𝜇 = = 𝐴
=
𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝜃 𝐴𝜃

25. Explain Poisson’s ratio.

Ans. Within elastic limit the ratio of the lateral strain to the longitudinal strain of a body is called Poisson’s
ratio. It is denoted by 𝜎. Therefore, if the radius of the wire is r and change in radius is Δr and length of
the wire is L and change in length is ΔL then,
∆𝑟
𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑟 𝐿∆r
Poisson’s ratio, 𝜎 = − = − ∆𝐿 =−
𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑟∆𝐿
𝐿

Here, – Sign indicates increase of length decreases diameter

σ value ranges from -1 to ½
Poisson’s ratio has no unit and dimension.

26. Poisson’s ratio of copper is 0.33 — Explain.

Page 5 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
Ans. Poisson's ratio of copper being 0.33 implies that the ratio of lateral strain to longitudinal strain of a
copper within its elastic limit is 0.33.
27. Why does not the Poisson's Ratio depend on the stress applied, within the elastic limit? [R.B., C.B.,Ctg.B., B.B.-18]
Ans. Poisson's ratio is the ratio of relative lateral strain normal to the applied force to the relative axial strain
in the direction of applied force. The applied most be within elastic limit. So, Poisson’s ration depends on
whether volume of material increases or decreases or remains same when force applied on it. This on the
other hand depends on the property of the material. That's why Poisson’s ratio depends on material only, hot
on applied force.
28. What is elastic potential energy? Or,
𝟏
Show that the potential energy stored per unit volume = 𝐗 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐗 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 .
𝟐

Ans. We know, work done in order to change the shape of any body,
dW = Fdl
𝑙
𝑙 𝑙 𝑌𝐴𝑙𝑑𝑙 𝑌𝐴 𝑙2 1 𝑌𝐴𝑙2 1
W = ∫0 𝐹𝑑𝑙 = ∫0 = [ ] = = 𝐹𝑙
𝐿 𝐿 2 0 2 𝐿 2

1
Thus, elastic potential energy = X applied force X extension
2

𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

Potential energy per unit volume =
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑟𝑒

1 F l 1
= X X = X Stress X Strain
2 A L 2

29. Which one is more elastic – rubber or elastic? Explain.

Ans. We know that the body which exerts a greater restoring force has a greater elasticity. If two different
bodies two of same cross sectional area and length are distorted by the same amount of force then by
knowing the restoring force we can know which one is more elastic.
In order to deform a steel and a rubber wire of equal lengths and xcross sectional areas by the same
quantity, a greater force must be applied to the steel wire, therefore steel is more elastic than rubber.
Suppose the length and cross sectional area of the steel wire and rubber wire are same which are L and A.
When equal amount of force F applied in both the wires then expansion takes place l s and lr respectively.
𝐹𝐿
Thus the Young’s modulus for the steel wire, Ys =
𝐴𝑙𝑠

𝐹𝐿
And Young’s modulus for the rubber wire, Yr =
𝐴𝑙𝑟

𝐹𝐿
𝑌𝑠 𝐴𝑙𝑠 𝑙𝑟
From the above two equation, = 𝐹𝐿 =
𝑌𝑟 𝑙𝑠
𝐴𝑙𝑟

As ls < lr then we can conclude that Ys > Yr that is steel is more elastic than rubber.
30. What is flow of fluid?

Page 6 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
Ans. The state of motion of liquid or gas is known as its flow of fluid.
31. How many types of flow of fluids are there?
Ans. There are two types of flow:
i) Streamline flow: In fluid dynamics, when a fluid in practical layers with no disruption between them.

ii) Turbulent flow: When the molecules of a fluid do not flow parallel to the direction of motion or parallel
to each other.

32. What is called viscosity? [D.B,.Dj.B., S.B., J.B., 18]

Ans. The property of fluid which causes resistivity against relative motion between fluid layers is known
as viscosity. It’s the measure of fluids resistance to flow.
Less Viscous = more flow.
If temperature increases inter molecular force decreases causing the liquid be less viscous.
33. What is viscous force?
Ans. The force between a body and a fluid moving past it, in a direction so as to oppose its flow past the
object is known as Viscous force.
34. Explain coefficient of viscosity. Or, Explain Newton’s law about viscosity.
Ans. Suppose, the velocities of the two layers of a fluid with cross section area A each in streamline motion,
separated by a distance dy, are v and v+dv respectively.
𝑑𝑣
So the rate of change of velocity w.r.t distance is
𝑑𝑦

If a relative velocity exists between two layers, then viscous force will act to oppose their motion.
Newton proved that at a particular temperature the force,

Page 7 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
F α A and
𝑑𝑣
Fα
𝑑𝑦

𝑑𝑣
Therefore, F = -ηA where 𝜂 is constant of proportionality. It’s value depends on the temperature and
𝑑𝑦

nature of the fluid.

- Sign indicates the velocity and the backward dragging force acting in opposite direction
𝑑𝑣
If A = 1 and = 1 then F = η
𝑑𝑦

That is, if the velocity gradient is unity, the viscous force acting over unit surface area between the
adjacent layers of the fluid is defined as the coefficient of viscosity.
The coefficient of viscosity is a measure of the viscosity of the fluid. i.e., coefficient of viscosity measures
how viscous the fluid is. .
It’s unit is Nsm-2 and dimension is ML-1T-1
35. What is 1 poise?
Ans. 1 poise is the unit of co-efficient of viscosity. It is the viscosity of a fluid that requires a shearing force
of 1 dyne to move a square centimeter area of either of two parallel layers of fluid 1 centimeter apart with
a velocity of 1 centimeter per second relative to the other layer, the space between the layers being filled
with the fluid. 1 poise = 0.1 Pa-s.
36. Compare frictional and viscous force.
Ans.
i. Viscous force prevents the relative flow between two layers of a fluid and frictional force prevents
the relative movement of the particles between two layers of solids in contact with each other. So
viscosity is called internal friction.

ii. A viscous force is not observed in stationary fluid but friction is always present in stationary body.

iii. Magnitude of frictional force does not depend on the surface area of contact or the relative speed
where viscous force depends on the relative surface area in contact and relative speed of the fluid.

37. State Stoke’s law.

Ans. When a particle moves through a fluid, the layers in contact with the particle are also dragged along
the particle itself. This creates relative motion of the fluid in-between the various layers of the fluid. But
the viscosity of the fluid opposes this relative motion. That is, a viscous force acts opposite to this motion
of the moving particle. Irish Physicist & Mathematician Sir George Stokes derived a theorem for the
variation of viscous force on a moving sphere inside a fluid known as Stokes’ Theorem.

Page 8 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
According to this theorem, if a sphere of radius r is moving with a velocity v inside a fluid whose
coefficient of viscosity is 𝜂, then
Fαr
Fαv
Fαη
So, F = krvη
Experimentally proved that k = 6π
F = 6πrvη
This expression can be proven using dimension analysis
F = kra vbηc
Therefore, [F] = k[ra] [vb] [ηc]
[MLT-2] = [L]a [LT-1]b [ML-1T-1]c
Equating the indices of ML and T on both sides we get, c = 1,

-b – c = -2, ∴ b = 1
a+b–c=1
a=1
Using mathematical derivations Stokes proved that k = 6 π
F = krvη = 6πrvη
38. What's terminal velocity?
Ans. Terminal velocity is the limiting uniform velocity attained by a falling body when resistance of the air
has become equal to the force of gravity.
39. State the equation for Coefficient of viscosity.
Ans. When a particle falls under the influence of gravity through any fluid, 3 forces acts upon it –
i) weight (W) – downward
ii) upthurst (U) – upward
iii) viscous drag (F) – opposite to the direction of particles
Thus the net force on the particle = W – (U + F)
Thus the net force on the particle = W – (U + F)
Viscous force F depends on the velocity of the particle, v.
Initially, when v = 0, F = 0 and net force = W – U
As the particle’s speed increases, the viscous drag F increases and the net force decreases proportionately.

Page 9 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
At one point net force becomes zero and object comes down at uniform velocity named as terminal
velocity denoted by vt
If the particles is a sphere of radius r, then –
𝟒
The weight of the sphere, (W) = 𝝅𝒓𝟑 𝝆𝒔 𝒈
𝟑
𝟒
Upthurst (U) = weight of the volume of displaced fluid = 𝝅𝒓𝟑 𝝆𝒇 𝒈
𝟑

Viscous force (F) = 6πrvη

4 4
So, the net force W – U – F = 𝜋𝑟 3 𝜌𝑠 𝑔 − 𝜋𝑟 3 𝜌𝑓 𝑔 − 6πrvη
3 3
4 4
So, the net force W – U – F = 𝜋𝑟 3 𝜌𝑠 𝑔 − 𝜋𝑟 3 𝜌𝑓 𝑔 − 6πrvη
3 3
4
= 𝜋𝑟 3 (𝜌𝑠 − 𝜌𝑓 ) − 6πrvη
3

When the sphere reaches to its terminal velocity, v = v t and the net force becomes zero. So,
4
𝜋𝑟 3 (𝜌𝑠 − 𝜌𝑓 ) − 6πrvη = 0
3
4
6πrvη = 𝜋𝑟 3 (𝜌𝑠 − 𝜌𝑓 )
3

2𝑟 2 (𝜌𝑠 −𝜌𝑓)𝑔
Or, 𝜂 =
9𝑣𝑡

40. Why is viscosity produced in fluid? Explain.

Ans. The property of a liquid (fluid) which opposes the relative motion between the different layers is
called viscosity. It is also called internal friction.
Viscosity produces only in fluid (liquid and gas) substances; since in solid medium there is no relative
motion between different layers, so it has no viscosity.
41. What is the effect of temperature on viscosity?
Ans.
In case of liquids:
The viscosity of liquid decreases rapidly with the increase of temperature. According of Physicist Schlott,
𝜂0
𝜂𝜃 =
1+𝛼𝜃+𝛽𝜃2

Another equation which expresses the relationship between viscosity temperature is –

𝐵
log 𝜂 = 𝐴 + where, A and B are constants and T is absolute temperature
𝑇

In case of gas:

Page 10 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
The viscosity of gases increases with the increase of temperature. Experimentally proven that,

𝜂 ∝ √𝑇

42. Explain the change of surface tension with the increase of temperature of liquid.
Ans. Surface tension of a liquid changes with temperature according to this equation T = T (1  α). Here, T
& T0 are respectively surface tension at & 0C,  is a constant. According to this equation, surface tension
decrease as temperature increases. And according to molecular theory of surface tension, it evolves from
intermolecular force which decreases with temperature increase because of increasing temperature. Hence,
surface tension decreases with increase of temperature.
43. What is the effect of pressure on viscosity?
Ans. In case of liquids:
The viscosity of liquid materials increases with the increase of pressure.
In case of gases:
Based on kinetic theory of gases Maxwell observed that there is no effect of pressure on the viscosity of a
gas, however, there are some exception in case of low pressure.
44. What's surface tension?
Ans. If a line is imagined on the surface of a liquid. Then a force is acting on the line perpendicularly but
tangential to the liquid surface. The force per unit length of the imaginary line is known as surface tension.
𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒
Surface tension, T =
𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ

It’s unit is N m-1 and dimension is MT-2

45. What do you mean by surface tension 550 × 103 Nm1?
Ans. The surface tension of liquid being 550 × 103 Nm1 implies that a perpendicular tangential force of
550 × 103 N acts on both sides over a distance of 1 m on the surface of the water.
46. Write down the characteristics of surface tension.
Ans.
1. Surface tension tries to compress the surface.
2. When the area of the surface tries to increase then surface tension prevent that.
47. What are the factors affect surface tension?
Ans. The factors are –
Contamination: presence of oil, fat reduces surface tension
Presence of dissolves substances: ST increases for organic substance and decreases for inorganic
substances
Temperature: ST reduces due to increase of temperature. Exception is Melted copper and Cd.
Page 11 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
Electrification: ST reduces due to electrification
Medium above liquid: For presence of vapour 70X10-3Nm-1 and For presence of air above water 72X10-
3Nm-1

48. What is cohesive force?

Ans. Cohesive force: The force of attraction between the molecules of same kind of a liquid is called
cohesive force.
49. What is adhesive force?
Ans. Adhesive force: The force of attraction between the molecules of different kind of a liquid is called
cohesive force.
50. What is surface energy?[D.B., Dj.B., S.B., J.B.-18]
Ans. The surface energy of a liquid is the work done per unit area to increase the surface area of the
energy of a liquid by a unit amount or the stored potential energy per unit area of a liquid surface. If W
work is done in order to increase the surface area of a liquid by an amount A, or the stored energy over an
area A is W, then the surface energy,
𝑊
E=
∆𝐴

Its unit is Jm-2 and dimension is MT-2

51. Explain the relation between surface energy and surface tension.
Ans. Consider a small rectangular wire frame ABCD whose side BC can move along AB and DC and the
other sides are fixed.
Now, if the frame is dipped into soap solution and removed, a thin film of soap will form on the frame.
Owing to surface tension, the film will pull on each side of the frame, but all of the sides will remain
stationary except BC which will be pulled inward as shown in diagram.
If the length BC is l and the surface tension of the liquid is T, the force on BC will be –
F = 2L X T for 2 surface
Work done to increase area
W = F X x = 2L X Tx
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒 2lTx
Surface energy = = =T
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 2lx

That means Surface tension is equal to surface energy.

52. Explain mathematically the work done in splitting a drop of liquid.

Page 12 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
Ans. If a large drop is divided into several smaller droplets then its surface area INCREASES.
If the radius of small drop r and big drop R then
4 4
𝜋𝑅 3 = 𝑁 𝜋𝑟 3
3 3
𝑅
r= 1
𝑁3

Again surface area of the large drop = 4𝜋𝑅 2

And surface area of small drop = 4𝜋𝑟 2
𝑅2
So, the change in surface area, ∆𝐴 = 4𝜋𝑟 2 N - 4𝜋𝑅 2 = 4𝜋 2 𝑁 − 4𝜋𝑅 2
𝑁3
𝑅2
So, the change in surface area, ∆𝐴 = 4𝜋𝑟 2 N - 4𝜋𝑅 2 = 4𝜋 2 𝑁 − 4𝜋𝑅 2
𝑁3
1
= 4𝜋𝑅 2 (𝑁 3 − 1)

The work done in order to increase the surface area,

1
W = E = 4𝜋𝑅 2 (𝑁 3 − 1)T

53. Explain the change of surface tension with the increase of temperature of liquid.
Ans. Surface tension of a liquid changes with temperature according to this equation T = T (1  α). Here,
T& T0 are respectively surface tension at & 0C,  is a constant. According to this equation, surface tension
decrease as temperature increases. And according to molecular theory of surface tension, it evolves from
intermolecular force which decreases with temperature increase because of increasing temperature. Hence,
surface tension decreases with increase of temperature.
54. What is a capillary tube?
Ans. In Latin, the word 'capillus' means hair or a lock of hair. A capillary tube is a tube that hasan internal
diameter of hair like thinness.
55. What is angle of contact?
Ans. It is defined as the angle made by the tangent at the point of contact with the tangent plane to the
solid surface inside the liquid. It is denoted by .
56. Why water sticks to glass while doesn't stick to taro leaves? Explain.
Ans. Cohesive force between molecules of water is greater than the adhesive force between water of
leaves of taro. So, water doesn't stick with taro leaves. On the other hand, adhesive force between water &
glass is greater than the cohesive force between water molecules. So, water sticks with glass.
57. Explain why hot soup is more tasteful than cold one.
Ans. Soup is a viscous liquid. Its viscosity decreases with temperature. It soup becomes it tends not to flow
over the tongue & doesn't come to the contact of taste buds well. But viscosity of hot soup is less & it

Page 13 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
diffuses all over the tongue & comes to well contact of the taste buds. That's why hot soup tastes better
than the cold one.
58. Why is drop of rain spherical? [D.B,.Dj.B., S.B., J.B., 18]
Ans. There is potential energy stored on liquid surface which depends on the surface. This potential energy
decreases with the decrease of surface area. In nature everything becomes stable when its potential energy is
the lowest. So, for lowest potential energy in this case the surface area has to be minimum. For a certain
volume, an object has minimum surface area when it's spherical in shape. That's why rain drops shape is
spherical.
59. Explain the reason behind the water rise in Capillary tube made of glass.
Ans. Adhesive force between molecules of water and glass is greater than the cohesive force between
molecules of water. That's why water wets glass. Hence contact angle between water and glass is an acute
one. As a result when a capillary tube is inserted into water, upper surface of water inside the tube
become concave & surface area increases. But due to surface tension of water, the surface tends to reduce
its area which in turn produces an upward force that moves up the water inside the capillary tube.
60. Explain the absorption of water by a tissue paper.[J.B. 17]
Ans. The adhesive force between tissue paper & water is greater than the cohesive between water
molecules. Apart from that the fine pores in tissue paper behave as capillary tubes which absorb water.
That's how tissue paper absorbs water.
61. Water speed is more in hot water than cold water – why?
Ans. Flow of liquid depends on its viscosity. The less the viscosity of fluid the more the flow. When
temperature increases then the coefficient of viscosity of water decreases. So hot water speed becomes
more than the cold water.
62. Draw a terminal velocity vs time graph if a metallic ball is dropped in a viscous liquid.
Ans. When a metallic ball is dropped in a viscous liquid then initially due to gravity it’s velocity go on
increasing. But after some time due to increase of frictional force force of gravity and frictional force
becomes same and as a result the ball will start flowing at constant velocity. Which is called terminal
velocity. The graph between terminal velocity and the time graph is as follows:

Page 14 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
63. Explain the relation between liquid density and contact angle.
Ans. The liquids which density is less than the solid those liquids wet the solid surface and in this case
contact angle become acute angle.

64. In a glass surface if equal amount of oil and glycerin are kept then which will take more space? Explain.
Ans. We know, the less the density of material the more spread the substance. Here, density of oil is less
than the glycerin. So, when these two are brought in contact of same material then oil will spread more
that is will take more space.
65. Explain the relation between intermolecular force and intermolecular space.
Ans. We know that the special type of force by which the molecules are attached with each other is called
intermolecular force. And the molecules attract each other from almost 10-9 to 10-10 m distance. When the
distance changes then the force also changes. If the distance increases then the intermolecular force
decreases.
66. In capillary tube why mercury depression is visible?
Ans. We know that the liquids which density is more than the solid those liquids do not wet the solid
surface and in this case contact angle become obtuse angle. As the density of mercury is more than the
solid so mercury does not wet the glass surface. Rather than produces obtuse angle. So, mercury
depression is visible in capillary tube.
67. What do you mean by positive Poisson’s ratio?
Ans. Positive Poisson’s ratio means for positive length deformation lateral strain also remains positive. i.e.,
when force is applied for expanding the length it increases laterally also.
68. Rain water does not go through the umbrella in spite of the pores in the umbrella – explain.
Ans. When the rain drop falls on umbrella then due to surface tension of water it takes the round shape
and rolls down in spite of pores on umbrella fabric.
69. If a large rain drop splits into small drops then will there be any change in heat? Explain.
Ans. When a large water drop splits into small drops then energy is absorbed. As a result heat is produced.
Because, work is done to change the surface area.

Try

o What is matter?

o Explain different states of matter and the reason for different states

o Ionic & covalent bonds

Page 15 of 16 animesh/BISC
HSC Physics: Paper I Knowledge and Comprehension Based Questions
o What do you understand by the spring constant of a spring is 5 N/m?

Ans. Spring constant is the restoring force that's exerted by the spring when its free end is displaced by unit
amount. So, if spring constant of a spring is 5N/M, that means a force of 5N has to be applied on the spring
to cause l m displacement of its free end.

Page 16 of 16 animesh/BISC