U 1 Physics Quantities and Measurement Chapter Wise Notes Which unit was used by ancient Egyptians while building pyramids? Ans: The “cubit" was the measurement unit used by Egyptians to build the pyramid. The cubit is the measure from your elbow to the tip of your middle finger when your arm is extended. For the construction of the pyramids, particularly the Great Pyramid of Giza, the royal cubit is thought to have been used, which is about 52.4 centimeters (20.6 inches) long, POINT TO PONDER ‘Measurement is a comparison between an unknown physical quantity (ike length, mass, time etc) and a standard to see how large or small, it is compared to that standard, Unit is a standard with which physical quantities are compared DO YOU KNOW? Standard form or scientific notation represents a number as the product of a number greater than 1 and less than 10 (called the mantissa) and a power of 10 (termed as exponent): number = mantissa x 10=*Ponent DO YOU KNOW? Volume is a derived quantity. 1 L = 1000 ml 1 L=1 dm? =(10 cm)= 1000 em? Iml = 1 cm?Unit-01 Physics Quantities and Measurement Qi. Can you write the number in power of ten and choose prefiy ul lowing ni TS. a) The mass of Sun is about 1,970, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000 kg. _b) _ radius of a hydrogen atom, is about 0.00000000005 m. c) The age of earth is about 143, 300, 000, 000,000,000 s. Ans: (a) The mass of Sun is about 1,970,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 kg. Ans: = 197 x 10%8kg = 1.97 x 1078+7 kg Number in power of ten = 1.97 x 10%kg Prefix: A proposal lodged with the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Paris recommends new name quecca — as prefix for 102° respectively. + 1.97 x 10%kg = 1.97 quecca kg (b) Radius of a hydrogen atom, is about 0.00000000005 m. Ans: 5 x 107'!m = 50x 10" m= 50pm (+ 1pm = 1 pico metre = 10-” m: (c) The age of earth is about 143,300,000,000,000,000 s. Ans: 1433 x 10's = 1.433 x 10's = 1.433 Ps (« 1Ps = 1 Peta second = 10'S s) 2. Can you express the following in terms of powers of 10. 3 The thickness of sheet of paper is about 100, 000 nanometers. b) _ Pakistan has a total installed power generation capacity of over 40,000 megawatt. ©) Asingle hard disk capacity of computers has exceeded 30 terabyte. Ans: (a) The thickness of sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometres. Ans: 100,000 nanometres = 100000 x 10-° m = 105 x 10°? m = 10-*m (: 1nm = 1 nanometre = 10-9 m) (b) Pakistan has a total installed power generation capacity of over 40,000 megawatt. Ans: 40,000 megawatt = 40000 x 10° W =4 x 10* x 10°W =4x 106w=4x 10°W (= IMW = 1 megawatt = 10° W) (c) Asingle hard disk capacity of computers has exceeded 30 terabyte. Ans: 30 terabyte = 30 x 10'? byte = 3 x 10"? byte (+ 1TB = 1 terabyte = 10'? byte)> Convert the following numbers in Standard form / scientific notation. a) 149,530,000,000 m which is the average distance between eartt and Sun. b) 0.0008 g which is the average mass of human hair. ¢) The number of seconds in a day Solution: (a) For Standard form / scientific notation we can write the term:as Distance = 149530000000. 0 x 10°m Distance 4953 x 107m Distance = 1.4953 x 107*# m Distance = 1.4953 x 10"! m ...... (Answer) (b) In Standard form / scientific notation we can write the term as Mass of hair = 0.0008 x 10° g Mass of hair = 8 x 10 g ...... (Answer) (c) We know that there are 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, and 60: in a minute. These three relationships are conversion factors. As 1 day = 86,400s For Standard form/scientific notation we can write the term as: 1 day = 86,400.0 x 10°s 1 day = 8.64 x 10‘s.......Amswer > Write the numbers in standard / scientific notation and also represent using appropriate prefix. (a) One ton of rice in gram (b) The diameter of neutron is 0.0000000000000018 m. Solution: (a) One ton is equal to a mass of 1000 kilograms Aton = 1000 kg ‘As we know that: 1kg = 1000 g, therefore 1ton = 1000 x 1000 g 1ton = 1,000, 000 g = 1,000, 000.0 x 10°g In scientific form: — For Standard form / scientific notation in order to get mantissa (M), we have to move the decimal 6 digits towards left. Therefore, the power of 10 will be positive 6, given by: Iton = 1.0 x 10°g....... (Answer) Using prefix: As 10° = Mega, therefore 1ton = 1.0 Mg....... (Answer)(b) The diameter of proton is 0.0000000000000017 m, which can be written as Diameter of proton = 0.0000000000000018 x 10° m. Diameter of proton = 1.7 x 10745 m....... (Answer) Using prefix: 10-15 = femto, therefore Diameter of proton = 1.7 fm (Answer) So oe ot te te te oe Q3. What is the term used to describe the point where the horizontal and vertical axis intersect in a coordinate system? Ans: A coordinate system is used to locate the position of any point and that point can be plotted as an ordered pair (x,y) known as Coordinates. The horizontal number line is called “X ~ axis’ and the vertical number line is called ‘Y — axis’ and the point of intersection of these two axes is known as the origin and it is denoted as ‘0’. The reference frame is the coordinate system from which the positions of objects are described. r (44) (42) x (2,34 t . I ro mI v Q4. How are vectors represented symbolically and graphically? Ans: Vector Representation: Symbolically a vector can be represented by a letter either capitalized or small, (e.g. F and f or A and B) with an arrow over it. Graphically a vector is represented by an arrow, the length of the arrow gives the magnitude with the proper unit (under a certain scale) and the arrowhead points the direction of the vector To use vectors we place them in the coordinate axis. The Aeroplane route from Islamabad to Karachi is shown as a vector in the figure. Here a Geographical Coordinate System having directions as North (N), East (E), West (W) and South (S) is used.Unit-01 Physics Quantities and Measurement = QS. What are the steps involved in representing a vector in a coordinate system? Ans; Steps to Represent a Vector in Coordinate System: The following method is used to represent a vector: 1. Choose and draw a coordinate system 2. Select a suitable scale 3. Drawa line in the fixed direction. Cut the line equal to the magnitude of the vector according to the chosen scale 4, Put an arrow along the direction of the vector For example, the representation of a helicopter as it moves to 20 km from origin towards 60° south of west is shown in the figure. the process called for combi geometrically achieved? g vectors into a single resultant vector, and how is it Ans: Adding Vector Quantities: The process of combining two or more vectors into a single vector (called as resultant vector) to determine their cumulated effect is termed as vector addition. In vector algebra, the resultant vector cannot be simply obtained by adding vector values. Vectors may be added geometrically by drawing them to a common scale and placing them head to tail. Joining the tail of the first vector with the head of the last will give another vector which will be its resultant vector. For example, the addition of three vectors is shown in the figure.'s and Measurement R Consider two vectors * A (along x-axis) and *° (along y-axis), which are perpendicular to each other. We can add the two vectors by placing vector ‘on the head of vector ‘ 4, the resultant vector “R’ will be obtained by joining the tail of vector * A-with the head of vector ‘ B*, as shown in the figure a pe (b) ¥ LZ’ . K (a) Q7. Does vector addition depend on the order? Will it make any difference if we add vector ‘ A-with vector ‘Bor vector ‘ A.with veetor «22 Ans: No, vector addition does not depend on the order in which the vectors are added. It will not make any difference whether we add vector * A.with vector ‘Bor vector ‘ Bvith vector“, the resultant vector will be the same. This property is known as the commutative property of vector addition Q8. What role do measuring instruments play in physics and how does least count influence the precision of measurements? Ans: Measuring Instruments: Physics is built on definitions that are expressed in terms of measurements. For measurements of physical Guantities, we need devices termed as measuring instruments. These range from simple objects such as rulers and stopwatches to Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) and Scanning Tunnelling Electron Microscope (STEM) All measuring instruments have some measuring limitations.Unit-01 Physics Quantities and Measurement Least count is the minimum value that can be measured on the scale of the measuring instrument. The measurement of every instrument is therefore limited to its least count. Q9. How do meter rules and measuring tapes differ, and why is their least count important for accurate length measurements? Ans; Metre Rul A metre rule is a physics laboratory tool, used to measure the length of objects. Metre rules are one metre long (as compared to the standard metre). Metre rulers usually have 1000 small divisions on them called millimetres. Such metre rulers have a least count of 1 mm, ‘These instruments have a similar scale on them as drawn on our rulers, principally rulers are a shorter version of the metre rule. Measuring Tape: ‘A measuring tape is a flexible ruler used to measure larger distances or lengths. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, metal, or fiberglass with linear measurement markings on it. The tape is usually housed in a compact case, and it can be pulled out and locked in place to measure distances. ‘The most common units of measurement on a measuring tape are inches and centimetres. Measuring tapes come in various lengths, typically ranging from a few feet to several meters. 10. Can you measure distances smaller than 1 mm on metre rul Ans: No, One millimeter is the smallest reading that can be taken using a meter rule and is called its least count. Least count of meter rule = 0.1 cm or | mm The limitation of meter scale is that it cannot measure the length of an object smaller than 1 mm or 0.1 cm. QIL. Some meter rulers like the one shown in the figure are marked with inches and feet? What is the least count of meter rule on this scale?Ans: Some meter rulers are marked in centimeters, inches as well as in feet. Therefore least count of these measuring meter rulers is = 0.1 cm or | mm QI2. What is the length of the object measured by metre rod if it is 20.14 em measured by vernier caliper? Ans: Least count of the meter rod is 0.1 em, The least count of the vernier caliper is 0.01 cm. Since least count of metre rod is 0.1 cm. Therefore, the length of the object measured by the meter rod is 20.1 cm. QI3, Read the following Vernier Caliper measurement and answer the following questions + Ifthe main scale is in millimetre, what is the least count? ‘Ans: Least Count =——Stalles vision on main scale ‘Total number of divisions on vernier scale If the smallest main scale division is 1 mm and vernier scale division has 10 divisions on it then the Teast count is Least Count ===" = 0.1 mm + What is the main scale reading? Ans: 2.9cm + What is the vernier scale reading? Ans: 3 * What is total reading of the measurement? Ans: 2.9 +3x0.1=29+0.3=3.2emUnit-01 Physics Quantities and Measurement Q14. A screw gauge has the least count of 0.01 mm. Read the following screw gauge measurement, and answer the following questions ‘+ What is the main scale reading? Ans: 7 em ‘+ What is the circular scale reading? Ans: 23 ‘+ What is total reading of the measurement? Ans: 7 +23 x 0.01=7+0.23=7.23 em 15, You have to measure the thickness of a page and the internal diameter of a beaker, which instrument would you use: an vernier caliper or a screw gauge? Why? Ans: To measure the inside diameter of a beaker, one could use a Vernier calliper. Inside small jaws (upper) — ‘These are used to measure the internal diameter of an object. The callipers have sharp edges in between the measurement’s length. Since paper is a soft material, the callipers can give an inaccurate thickness, For thickness measurement of paper, the screw gauge will be ideal Least count of ruler is 1 mm, It is 0.1 mm for Vernier Callipers and 0.01 mm for micrometre screw gauge ‘Thus, measurements taken by micrometre screw gauge are the most precise than the other two. Q16. Describe the construction and working of physical balance. Ans: Construction: The balance (also balance scale, beam balance, and laboratory balance) was the first mass measuring instrument invented. A physical balance, as shown in the figure, is a very sensitive common balance that can measure weights in milligram order. It consists of a vertical pillar having a horizontal beam, resting on a knife edge with two pans. A long pointer is attached to the middle of the beamies and Measurement (Pointer is at zero. Beam is balanced Leveling knob ‘Screw A Physical Balance Leveling screws are used to level the physical balance, while the pointer is set at the center of the scale by adjusting screws. It is placed in a protective glass case so that even dust and wind cannot affect the accuracy of the instrument. A weight box containing standard weights comes with the balance Working: The mass of a body is found by placing the body in one pan, placing some standard weights in the other, and then calculating it from the standard weights placed and the resting point of the pointer 17. Books in a library were counted one by one. There were a total of 57,000 books in the many significant digits are there in the result? Will the result change packets of 1 rary. How the books are measured in the Ans: 57,000 contains 2 significant digits 5 and 7. No, if the books are measured in the packets of 10, the significant figure will remain the same. O18. Describe the need for using significant figures for recording and stating results in the laboratory. Ans: Significant Figures: ‘All the accurately known figures and the first doubtful figure are termed as, significant figures. ‘Advantages/Need for using significant figures: A significant figure is a number that is believed to be correct with some uncertainty only in the last digit Significant figures (also known as significant numbers) are an integral aspect of statistical and mathematical calculations, which deal with numerical accuracy and precision. 19. Measure the length, width and thickness of physics textbook and report your observations in significant figures. Does your reading depend upon the instrument you used for measurement? ‘Ans: Yes, the readings may depend on the instrument used for measurement. Different instruments have different levels of precision and smallest divisions, yypich can affect the accuracy of your measurements,Unit-01 Physics Quantities and Measurement ‘To measure the length, width, and thickness of a physics textbook, you would typically use a ruler or a measuring tape (i) Length: Place the textbook horizontally on a flat surface and align the ruler or measuring tape along one edge of the textbook. Record the measurement where the opposite edge ends. For example, if the measurement reads 25.4 centimeters, it should be reported as 25.4 em. (ii) Width: Turn the textbook 90 degrees so that it's now vertical. Use the same ruler or measuring tape to measure the width from one side to the other. Record the measurement. For instance, if the measurement reads 178 centimeters, it should be reported as 17.8 cm. (ii) Thickness: Keep the textbook in the same vertical position and measure the thickness by placing the ruler or measuring tape along the spine of the textbook. Record the measurement, For example, if the measurement reads 3.2 centimeters’, it should be reported as 3.2 cm. Yes, the readings may depend on the instrument used for measurement. Different instruments have different levels of precision and smallest divisions, which can affect the accuracy of your measurements. Q20. What are the rules to determine the significant figures? Explain by giving examples. Ans: General rules for writing significant figures: Rules to Determine Significant Figures (with Examples) + Non-Zero Digits: All non-zero digits are ALWAYS significant. ‘o Example: 5432.1 has five significant figures. + Zeros Between Non-Zero Digits: Zeros between non-zero digits are ALWAYS significant. Example: 600.87 has five significant figures + Leading Zeros: Zeros to the LEFT of the first non-zero digit are NEVER significant. They only indicate the position of the decimal point. ‘o Example: 0.0032 has two significant figures + Trailing Zeros in a Decimal: Zeros to the RIGHT of a decimal point AND after a non-zero digit are ALWAYS significant. o Example: 4.500 has four significant figures + Trailing Zeros ina Whole Number: Zeros at the end of a whole number without a decimal point are ambiguous. They may or may not be significant. To avoid confusion, use scientific notation. ‘o Example: 8200 could have two, three, or four significant figures. Better to write as 8.2 x 10° (wo significant figures), 8.20 x 10° (three significant figures), or 8.200 x 10° (four significant figures) Key Point: The number of significant figures in a measurement reflects its precision. More significant figures. indicate a more precise measurement. Q21. What role do rounding rules and significant figures play in scientific and quantitative contexts? Ans: Rounding off numbers and significant figures: 11