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01 NATURE OF PHYSICAL WORLD AND MEASUREMENT

TWO MARKS AND THREE MARKS:
1. Briefly explain the types of physical quantities.
1. Physical quantities are classified into two types. They are fundamental and derived
quantities.
2. Fundamental or base quantities are quantities which cannot be expressed in terms of
any other physical quantities. These are length, mass, time, electric current,
temperature, luminous intensity and amount of substance.
3. Quantities that can be expressed in terms of fundamental quantities are called
derived quantities. For example, area, volume, velocity, acceleration, forces.
2. How will you measure the diameter of the Moon using parallax method?
i) C is the centre of the Earth. A and B are two diametrically opposite places on the
surface of the Earth. From A and B, the parallaxes θ1 and θ2 respectively of Moon M
with respect to some distant star are determined with the help
of an astronomical
telescope. Thus, the total parallax of the Moon subtended on
Earth

If θ is measured in radians, then

Knowing the values of AB and θ,

We can calculate the distance MC of Moon from the Earth.
3. Write the rules for determining significant figures.
i) All non-zero digits are significant. Ex.1342 has four significant figures
ii) All zeros between two non zero digits are significant.
Ex. 2008 has four significant figures
iii) All zeros to the right of a non-zero digit but to the left of a decimal point are significant
Ex. 30700. has five significant figures
iv) The number without a decimal point, the terminal or trailing zero(s) are not significant
Ex. 30700 has three significant figures
All zeros are significant if they come from a measurement
Ex. 30700 m has five significant figures
v) If the number is less than 1, the zero (s) on the right of the decimal point but to left of
the first non zero digit are not significant.
Ex. 0.00345 has three significant figures
vi) All zeros to the right of a decimal point and to the right of non-zero digit are
significant. Ex. 40.00 has four significant figures and
0.030400 has five significant
figures
vii) The number of significant figures does not depend on the system of units used
Ex.1.53 cm, 0.0153 m, 0.0000153 km, all
have three significant figures

M.Sudharshan M.Sc. B.Ed MS STUDY CIRCLE PH: 9566631115 1

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4. What are the limitations of dimensional analysis?

1. This method gives no information about the dimensionless constants in the
formula like 1, 2, ……..π,e, etc.
2. This method cannot decide whether the given quantity is a vector or a scalar.
3. This method is not suitable to derive relations involving trigonometric, exponential
and logarithmic functions.
4. It cannot be applied to an equation involving more than three physical quantities.
5. It can only check on whether a physical relation is dimensionally correct but not the
1
correctness of the relation. For example using dimensional analysis, s = ut + at2 is
3
1
dimensionally correct whereas the correct relation is s = ut + at2
2
5. Define precision and accuracy. Explain with one example.
Precision: The closeness of two or more measurements to each other.
Accuracy: The closeness of a measure value to the actual value of the object being
measured is called accuracy.
Ex.: The true value of a certain length is near 5.678 cm. In one experiment, using a
measuring instrument of resolution 0.1 cm, the measured value is found to be 5.5 cm. In
another experiment using a measuring instrument of greater resolution, say 0.01 cm,
and the length is found to be 5.38 cm. We find that the first measurement is more
accurate as it is closer to the true value, but it has lesser precision. On the contrary, the
second measurement is less accurate, but it is more precise.
1. i) Explain the use of screw gauge and vernier caliper in measuring smaller
distances.
ii) Write a note on triangulation method and radar method to measure larger
distances.
i) Measurement of small distances:
Screw gauge: The screw gauge is an instrument used for measuring accurately the
dimensions of objects up to a maximum of about 50 mm. The principle of the instrument
is the magnification of linear motion using the circular motion of a screw. The least count
of the screw gauge is 0.01 mm
Vernier caliper: A vernier caliper is a versatile instrument for measuring the dimensions
of an object namely diameter of a hole, or a depth of a hole. The least count of the
vernier caliper is 0.1 mm
ii) Measurement of large distances
For measuring larger distances such as the height of a tree, distance of the Moon or a
planet from the Earth, some special methods are adopted. Triangulation method,
parallax method and radar method are used to determine very large distances.
iii)Triangulation method for the height of an accessible object
Let AB = h is the height of the tree or tower to be measured. Let C be the point of
observation at distance x from B. Place a range finder at C and measure the angle of
elevation, ∠ACB = θ as shown in Figure.
From right angled triangle ABC,
𝐴𝐵 ℎ
tan θ = =
𝐵𝐶 𝑥
(or)
Height h = x tan θ
Knowing the distance x, the height h can be
determined.

M.Sudharshan M.Sc. B.Ed MS STUDY CIRCLE PH: 9566631115 2

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RADAR method
The word RADAR stands for radio detection and ranging. Radar can be used to
measure accurately the distance of a nearby planet such as Mars. In this method, radio
waves are sent from transmitters which, after reflection from the planet, are detected by
the receiver.
By measuring, the time interval (t) between the instants the radio waves are sent and
received, the distance of the planet can be determined as

Distance (d) = Speed of radio waves × time taken

where v is the speed of the radio wave.
As the time taken (t) is for the distance covered during the forward and backward path of
the radio waves, it is divided by 2 to get the actual distance of the object. This method
can also be used to determine the height, at which an aeroplane flies from the ground.
2. Explain in detail the various types of errors.
Random error, systematic error and gross error are the three possible errors
Systematic errors:
Systematic errors are reproducible inaccuracies that are consistently in the same
direction.
Instrumental errors
1) When an instrument is not calibrated properly at the time of manufacture, these errors
can be corrected by choosing the instrument carefully.
Imperfections in experimental technique or procedure
2) These errors arise due to the limitations in the experimental arrangement. To
overcome these, necessary correction has to be applied.
Personal errors
3) These errors are due to individuals performing the experiment, may be due to
incorrect initial setting up of the experiment or carelessness of the individual making the
observation due to improper precautions
Errors due to external causes
4) The change in the external conditions during an experiment can cause error in
measurement. For example, changes in temperature, humidity, or pressure during
measurements may affect the result of the measurement
5) Least count error
Least count is the smallest value that can be measured by the measuring instrument,
and the error due to this measurement is least count error.
ii) Random errors
6) Random errors may arise due to random and unpredictable variations in experimental
conditions like pressure, temperature, voltage supply etc.
7) Errors may also be due to personal errors by the observer who performs the
experiment. Random errors are sometimes called “chance error”
8) It can be minimized by repeating the observations a large number of measurements
are made and then the arithmetic mean is taken.
Gross Error
9) The error caused due to the shear carelessness of an observer is called gross error.
These errors can be minimized only when an observer is careful and mentally alert.

M.Sudharshan M.Sc. B.Ed MS STUDY CIRCLE PH: 9566631115 3

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3. What do you mean by propagation of errors? Explain the propagation of

errors in addition and multiplication.
A number of measured quantities may be involved in the final calculation of an
experiment. Different types of instruments might have been used for taking readings.
Then we may have to look at the errors in measuring various quantities, collectively.
The error in the final result depends on
1) The errors in the individual measurements
2) On the nature of mathematical operations performed to get the final result. So we
should know the rules to combine the errors. The various possibilities of the
propagation or combination of errors in different mathematical operations are
discussed below
(i) Error in the sum of two quantities
Let ΔA and ΔB be the absolute errors in the two quantities A and B respectively.
Then,
Measured value of A = A ± ΔA
Measured value of B = B ± ΔB
Consider the sum, Z = A + B
The error ΔZ in Z is then given by
Z ± ΔZ = (A ± ΔA) + (B ± ΔB)
= (A + B) ± (ΔA + ΔB)
= Z ± (ΔA + ΔB)
(or) ΔZ = ΔA + ΔB
The maximum possible error in the sum of two quantities is equal to the sum of the
absolute errors in the individual quantities.
(ii) Error in the difference of two quantities
Let ΔA and ΔB be the absolute errors in the two quantities, A and B, respectively. Then,
Measured value of A = A ± ΔA
Measured value of B = B ± ΔB
Consider the difference, Z = A – B
The error ΔZ in Z is then given by
Z ± ΔZ = (A ± ΔA) + (B ± ΔB)
= (A - B) ± (ΔA ∓ ΔB)
= Z ± (ΔA ∓ ΔB)
(or) ΔZ = ΔA + ΔB
The maximum error in difference of two quantities is equal to the sum of the absolute
errors in the individual quantities.

4. Write short notes on the following.

a) Unit
b) Rounding - off
c) Dimensionless quantities

5. Explain the principle of homogeneity of dimensions. What are its uses? Give
example.

M.Sudharshan M.Sc. B.Ed MS STUDY CIRCLE PH: 9566631115 4