Questions & Definitions Chapter 1 Measurements

Science: The inventory of all things observable together with carefully drawn
statements about the habitual behaviour of things animate and inanimate.

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Physics: It is the study of the properties of matter, energy and of their mutual
relationship.

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Philosophy: The study and knowledge of the principles that cause, control, or explain
facts and events.

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Natural Philosophy: The study and knowledge of facts and events pertaining to
physical universe. hi
Biology: The science, which deals with the origin and life history of plants and animals
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including botany and zoology.
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Biological science: The science, which deals with living things.

Natural science: Relating to the physical universe of a particular branch of nature.

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Physical: Pertaining to nature; material as opposed to moral or spiritual.

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Physical science: The science, which deals with non-living things.

Chemistry: The study of the elements and compounds they form.

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Astronomy: The science, which treats of the heavenly bodies, their composition, their
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distances, their motions, and the laws which control them.

Geology: The science that collects, studies, and explains the facts about the history of
the earth and its life, especially as recorded in the rocks.

Mechanics: The study of the effects of forces on matter.

Heat & Thermodynamics: The study of heat and thermodynamics with inter-linked
matters.

Heat: Heat is a form of energy associated with molecular motion.

Thermodynamics: Study of quantitative relationships between heat and other forms
of energy.

Electromagnetism: The study of electricity and magnetism with inter related

phenomena.

Electricity: The nature and effects of moving or stationary electric charges.

Magnetism: The study of the nature and cause of magnetic force fields, and how
different substances are affected by them.

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Optics: Branch of Physics which deals with the study of the behaviour of light.

Sound: The series of disturbances in matter to which the human ear is sensitive. Also

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similar disturbances in matter above and below the normal range of human hearing.

Hydrodynamics: A branch of science of deformable bodies, being a study of the

motion of fluids. (liquid and gases)

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Special relativity: It gives a unified account of the laws of mechanics and of

of reference.
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electromagnetism. It is concerned with relative motion between non- accelerated frames

General relativity: It deals with general relative motion between accelerated frames
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of reference

Quantum Mechanics: A branch of Mechanics that deals with quantum numbers and
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other applications of the quantum theory.

Atomic physics: Branch of physics that deals with the structure and interaction of
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atoms and ions with one another, and their interaction with electromagnetic field and
free electrons.
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Molecular physics: Branch of physics, which deals with structure and properties of
molecules.
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Nuclear Physics: It deals with the questions of nuclear structure and the radiation
from unstable nuclei.

Solid State Physics: The study of the structure and physical properties of solids.

Particle Physics: Study of elementary particles, the fundamental constituents of all

matter.

Super conductivity: The effective disappearance of electrical resistance in certain

substances when they are cooled close to absolute zero.
Super-fluid: A fluid that flows without any resistance.

Super fluidity: A property of liquid helium at very low temperatures. At 2.186 K liquid
helium makes a transition to a super-fluid state, which has a high thermal conductivity
and flows without friction.

Plasma: A highly ionized gas containing approximately equal numbers of positively

charged ions and negatively charged electrons.

Plasma Physics: The study of the properties and behaviour of the matter in plasma
state.

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Magneto hydrodynamics (MHD): The study of the behaviour of a conducting fluid
(e.g. an ionized gas, plasma, or collection of charged particles) under the influence of a

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magnetic flux.

Plasma: A mixture of free electrons and ions or atomic nuclei. Plasmas occur in
thermonuclear reactions, as in the Sun.

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Magnetic flux: The strength of the magnetic field through an area, based on the idea
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of the number of lines of force passing through the area.
a
Space physics: The study of the properties and behaviour of celestial bodies and
regions above the earth.
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Astrophysics: The study of the internal structure, properties, and evolution of celestial
bodies, and the production and expenditure of energy in such systems and in the
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universe as a whole.

Celestial: Pertaining to the heavens; as stars are celestial bodies.

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Biophysics: Physics of biological systems, with the use of physical methods in the
study of biological problems, and with the biological effects of physical agents.
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Chemical physics: Branch of physics which deals chemical laws based upon quantum
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physics.

Engineering physics: Branch of physics which deals with the design and construction
of public works such as roads, railways and harbours.

Geophysics: The Physics of the Earth and the air and space surrounding it.

Medical physics: The application of physics to medicine, as in the radiotherapy,

nuclear
medicine, and medical electronics.
Radiotherapy: The use of the beams of ionizing radiation, such as, X-rays, gamma
rays, and energetic electrons in the treatment of cancer.

Nuclear medicine: The branch of medicine concerned with the application of

radioactive nuclei in diagnosis and therapy.

Electronics: The study and use of circuitry involving such components as

semiconductors, resistors, capacitors, and inductors.

Physical oceanography: Physical study and description of the ocean.

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Music: The art or science of making pleasing or harmonious combinations of sound
tones.

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Noise: Sound produced by irregular vibrations in matter.

Harmony: A combinations of musical tones which is pleasant to the ears.

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Physics of music: Physics of expressions in sound, in melody and harmony, including
composition and executing, especially instrumental performance.
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Telescope: An optical system for collecting radiation from a distant object and
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producing an enlarged image.
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Radio telescope: A type of telescope used in radio astronomy to record and measure
the radio frequency emissions from celestial radio sources.
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Radio astronomy: The study of astronomy through the radio signals emitted by some
celestial body.
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Radio: Use of electromagnetic radiation to transmit or receive electrical impulses or

signals without connecting wires. Also the process of receiving or transmitting such
signals.
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Radio waves (Hertzian waves): Electromagnetic radiation produced by rapid

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reverses of current in a conductor.

Expanding universe: Lines in the spectrum of the light from remote galaxies are
shifted towards the long wavelength end by an amount that is greater for those galaxies
known to be farthest away. This leads to the conclusion that the distance between
clusters of galaxies is continuously increasing.

Big-bang theory: The theory in cosmology that all matter and radiation in the
universe originated in a violent explosion that occurred 10-20 x 109 years ago. Since this
initial state of extreme density & temperature, universe has expanded and cooled.
Galaxy: A giant assembly of stars, gas, and dust held together and organized largely by
the gravitational interactions between its components. Galaxies contain most of the
observable matter in the universe.

Proton: An elementary particle having a rest mass of 1.6725 x 10(-27) kg with a unit
positive electric charge.

Neutrons: An elementary particle with zero charge and a rest mass of 1.67492 x 10(-
27) kg.
Neutrons are nucleons, found in all nuclides except Hydrogen's isotope Protium.

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Mesons: Elementary particles, that more massive than electrons but lighter than
protons and neutrons. Mesons are thought to be involved in the exchange forces
between nucleons in the nucleus.

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Nucleon: A particle found in the nucleus of atoms; i.e. a proton or a neutron.

Molecule: A single atom or a group of atoms joined by chemical bonds. It is the

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smallest unit of a chemical compound that can have an independent existence.

relationship.
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Physics: It is the study of the properties of matter, energy and of their mutual

Electromagnetic radiation: Energy propagated by vibrating electric and magnetic

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fields.
Electromagnetic radiation forms a whole electromagnetic spectrum, depending upon
frequency and ranging from high frequency cosmic rays to low frequency microwaves.
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Cosmic rays: High-energy particles, apparently coming from beyond our solar system.
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Microwave: An electromagnetic wave with a wavelength in the range 1 mm to 100 mm,

i.e. with a frequency in the range 300 to 3GHz.
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Nuclear Physics: It deals with the questions of nuclear structure and the radiation
from unstable nuclei.
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Nucleus (plural Nuclei): The positively charged dense central part of an atom.

Relativistic Mechanics: Mechanics based on theory of relativity which leads to four-

dimensional space-time concept.

Solid State Physics: The study of the structure and physical properties of solids.

Physical chemistry: The study of physical changes associated with chemical reactions
and dependence of physical properties on chemical composition.
Biophysics: Physics of biological systems, with the use of physical methods in the
study of biological problems, and with the biological effects of physical agents.

Astrophysics: The study of the internal structure, properties, and evolution of celestial
bodies, and the production and expenditure of energy in such systems and in the
universe as a whole.

Celestial: Pertaining to the heavens; as stars are celestial bodies.

Health physics: A branch of medical physics concerned with the health and safety of
personnel in medical, scientific, and industrial work. It is most particularly concerned

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with protection from ionizing radiation and from neutrons.

Information technology (IT): Any form of technology, primarily electronic

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equipment and techniques, used by people to handle and distribute information. It
includes the technology of both computing and of telephony, television, and other forms
of telecommunication.

i.
Chip: A small piece of a single crystal of semiconductor material containing either a
single electronic component or an integrated circuit.
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Diameter: The length of a straight line through the centre of a circle.
a
Metalloid: One of those non-metallic elements that resemble the metals in some of
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their properties, as arsenic and antimony.

Semiconductor (or Semiconductor device): A material such as silicon or

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germanium that has a resistivity midway between that of conductors and that of
insulators.
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Silicon: (14Si) An element of fourth group of periodic table, having four electrons in its
outermost shell called valence electrons. It is used in semi-conductor devices in the form
of single crystal.
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Physical quantity: The quantity, in terms of which, the laws of physics are expressed,
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e.g. mass, length, and time, etc.

Mass: A measure of the quantity of matter.

Length: Basic dimension for measuring linear translation.

Time: A measurable period during which something exists, continues, or takes place.

Velocity: The distance covered in unit time in a particular direction.

Force: That which produces or prevents motion, or has a tendency to do so.

Density: The ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume.

Temperature: Degree of hotness as determined by a thermometer.

Electric current: A flow of electric charge.

Base quantities: Certain physical quantities such as length, mass and time.

Derived quantities: The physical quantities defined in terms of base quantities.

Velocity: The distance covered in unit time in a particular direction.

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Acceleration:

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 Rate of change of velocity.
 Change of velocity in unit time.

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Force: That which produces or prevents motion, or has a tendency to do so.
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Accessible: Easy to reach; open to influence.
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Invariable: Constant; uniform; unchanging.
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Compromise: A settlement by which each party gives up something; to combine of

two systems, plans, or the like, made by sacrifice on the part of each.
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System International (SI):The internationally adopted system of units used for

scientific purposes. It has seven base units ( the metre, kilogram, second, kelvin,
ampere, mole, and candela ) and two supplementary units ( the radian and steradian ).
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FPS System: The system in which the three fundamental units are the units of length,
weight and time; namely, foot, pound, and second respectively.
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MKS System: The system in which the three fundamental units are the units of length,
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mass, and time; namely, metre, kilogram and second respectively.

CGS System: The system in which, the three fundamental units are the units of length,
mass, and time; namely, centimeter, gram, and second respectively.

British Engineering System: The system in which the three fundamental units are
the units of force, length, and time; namely, pound, yard, and second.

Amenable: Easy to lead; ready to accept advice.

Arithmetical manipulation: To operate skillfully and artfully with numbers and figures.
Base units: There are seven base units for various physical quantities namely: length,
mass, time, temperature, electric current, luminous intensity and amount of substance.

Unit: A reference value of a quantity used to express other values of the same quantity.

Derived units: The units of physical quantities expressed in terms of fundamental

units.

Fundamental units: The units, for example, length, mass, and time that form the
basis of most systems of units.

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Supplementary units: Certain SI units, for time being, plane angle and solid angle,
which are not yet classified by the General conference of Weights and Measures.

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Angle: Figure formed by lines/surfaces meeting or the space between such
lines/surfaces.

Plane angle: The figure formed by lines meeting in a flat or even surface.

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Solid angle: The three dimensional analogue of angle; it is subtended at a point by a
surface ( rather than by a line ).
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Radian: The angle subtended at the centre of a circle by an arc equal in length to its
radius.
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Steradian: It is the solid angle (three-dimensional angle) subtended at the center of a

sphere by an area of its surface equal to the square of radius of the sphere.
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Newton: The force required to accelerate one kilogram of mass at the rate of one metre
per second squared.
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Joule: The amount of work done, when a force of one Newton acting on a body
displaces it through a distance of 1 meter along the direction of force.
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Watt: It is the power of an agency which does work at the rate of 1 joule per second.
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Pascal: The SI unit of pressure, equal to a pressure of one Newton per square metre.

Coulomb: The SI unit of electric charge, equal to the charge transported by an electric
current of one ampere flowing for one second.

Scientific notation: A system of signs or symbols of science, used in place of

language.

Symbol: A mark, character or letter representing something; as a symbol in

mathematics.
Prefix: A letter or a syllable placed at the beginning of a word to modify its meaning.

Micrometer screw gauge: A measuring instrument with a fine screw for very mall
and accurate measuring up to 0.01 mm.

Error: A mistake; an inaccuracy.

Uncertainty: Not sure; doubtful.

Random error: Error due to fluctuations in the measured quantity.

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Systematic error: Error due to incorrect design or calibration of the measuring
device.

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Significant figures: In any measurement, the accurately known digits and the first
doubtful digit are called significant figures.

Uranium: A hard heavy, white metallic element which possesses radioactive

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properties, having three isotopes 92U238, 92U235, 92U234 .
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Mount Everest: The highest mountain in the world, with a height 8,850 m, rises in the
Himalayas on the frontier of Nepal and Tibet.
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Round: Exact; whole; complete.
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Rounded off figure: The figures of whole number up to (say) two decimal point.
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Accuracy: In measurements considering the relative error. The less relative error gives
more accurate result.
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Precision (or absolute uncertainty): In measurements considering the magnitude

of error. The less magnitude of error gives more precise measurement; it is equal to the
least count of the measuring instrument.
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Fractional uncertainty: The ratio of the least count of the measuring instrument
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with the recorded reading.

Percentage uncertainty: Obtained after multiplying fractional uncertainty with

100/100 to get % of that quantity.

Primary colours: Red, yellow, green and blue, by mixing of which any desired colour
may be obtained.

Four colour scheme: Combining four printing plates of primary colours to get the
natural colour of certain object.
Basic colours: Black, white and red are traditional colours for chalk or crayon
drawings.

Exquisite: Highly finished and refined.

Bunsen burner: A laboratory gas burner having a vertical metal tube into which the
gas is led, with a hole in the side of the base of the tube to admit air.

Aluminium (Al): A silvery-white lustrous metallic element belonging to group III of

the periodic table.

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Mercury (Hg): A heavy silvery liquid metallic element belonging to the zinc group.

Alcohols: Organic compounds that contain the –OH group.

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Pluto: Ninth planet from the Sun and outermost known member of the solar system.

Cesium (Cs): White, soft, chemically reactive metallic element in group 1a of the

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periodic table. The atomic number is 55.
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Atomic clock: The clock in which the periodic process is a molecular or atomic event
associated with a particular spectral line.
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Dimension: A measurement of any sort; especially length, height and width.
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Dimensional analysis: A technique whose main uses are:

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 to test the probable correctness of an equation between physical quantities;

 to provide a safe method of changing the units in a physical quantity;
 to solve partially a physical problem whose direct solution cannot be achieved by
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normal methods.
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Homogeneity (adj. homogeneous): Uniform; of the same kind or nature;

composed of similar elements.
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Principle of homogeneity: The dimensions of the quantities on both sides of the

equation should be same, irrespective of the form of the formula.

Anchor: A heavy iron implement for securing vessel to the ground under water or any
similar thing to hold fast a movable object.

Pallet: A click or pawl used to convert or reciprocating into a rotatory motion or the
reverse.

Modulus of elasticity (or Elastic Modulus): The ratio of the stress on a body to the
strain produced. There are various modulii of elasticity depending on the type of stress
applied.

Question 1.1 Name several repetitive phenomenons’ occurring in nature

which could serve as reasonable time standards?
Answer 1.1 Every type of natural phenomenon which is repetitive after same intervals

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of time acts as reasonable time standards for e.g.

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1. Rotation of earth around the sun in 365 days,
2. Change of shadows of objects position of sun position of star,
3. Moon revolve around earth in 28 to 29 days.

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Question 1.2 Give the draw backs to use time period of a pendulum as a time
standards?
Answer 1.2 Drawbacks to use time period of a pendulum as a time standard
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1. Air friction can change the time period.
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2. Due to increase in temp length of pendulum

3. Increase and hence the time period increases.
4. Due to change in position from sea level gravitational acceleration changes hence
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time period changes.

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Question 1.3 Why do we find it useful to have two units for the amount of
substance, the kilogram and the mole?
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Answer 1.3 It is very useful to have two units for the amount of substance i.e. kg mole.

1. Kilogram is a macro level unit it only gives the amount of substance.

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2. Mole is a micro level unit one mole of substance contains the same no of
molecules, no of radicals no of atoms etc.

Question 1.4 Three students measured the length of a needle with a scale on
which minimum
division is 1mm and recorded as (1)0.2145m (2).21m (3).214m
which is correct and why?
Answer 1.4 In these readings option (3).214m is correct because the least count
is 1m=.001mm it measures accurately up to three decimal places.
Question 1.5 An old saying is that “A chain is as strong as its weakest link”
what analogous statement can you make regarding experimental data used
in computation?
Answer 1.5 The analogous statement is: A given data is as much accurate as its
least accurate values.

Question 1.6 The period of a simple pendulum is measured by a stop watch

what type of errors are possible in the time period?
Answer 1.6 Following errors is possible in the time period:

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1. Systematic error
2. Random error
3. Personal error

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4. Air friction.

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Question 1.7 Does a dimensional analysis give any information on constant
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of proportionality that may appear in an algebraic expression? Explain.
Answer 1.7 Two answers are possible here: Yes, we can find the units of constants by
using dimensional analysis (e.g. G). If the constant is a number such as 2π and 6π, then
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dimensional analysis gives no information about the constant.
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Question 1.8 Write the dimensions of (1) pressure and (2) density?
Answer 1.8 (1) Pressure: P = F/A= ma/A
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So [P] = [m] [a]/ [A] = [M] [LT-2]/ [L2]

[P]= [M1] [L1] [T-2] [L-2] = [M1] [L-1] [T-2]

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[P] = [ML-1T-2]
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(2) Density: =m/v

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[d] = [M] / [L3] = [ML-3]

[d] = [ML-3]

Question 1.9 The wavelength ƛ of a wave depends on the speed v of the

wave and its
frequency f. Knowing that [ƛ] = [L] [v] = [LT-1] [f] =
[T-1].
Decide which of the following is correct. f=v ƛ or f=v/ ƛ.
Answer 1.9 Given [ƛ] = [L] [v] = [LT-1] [f] = [ T-1]

(i) f=v ƛ

[T -1]= [LT-1] [L]

Or [T -1] = [L2T-1]

As the dimension on both are not same so ( I ) is incorrect.

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(ii) f=v/ ƛ

[T -1] = [LT-1]/ [L]

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[T -1] = [T-1]

As the dimension on both sides are same so formula (ii) is correct.

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Short Questions & Definitions Chapter 2 Vectors

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and Equilibrium
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Scalar quantity or Scalar: A physical quantity which is completely specified by a

number associated with a suitable unit without any mention of direction in space.
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Vector quantity or Vector: A physical quantity which requires both a magnitude in

proper units and a direction for its complete description; Graphically it is represented by
a straight line, length of which is equal to its magnitude and arrow-head shows its
direction.

Coordinate: Suitable sets of numbers with which the positions of points are specified.

Cartesian coordinates (or Rectangular coordinates): Coordinates referred to

three mutually perpendicular straight lines.
Addition of vectors (head-to-tail rule): Addition of vectors is obtained by drawing
their representative lines in such a way that tail of first vector coincides with the head of
the second vector and so on. Join tail of first vector with the head of last vector. This
joining vector will represent the vector sum.

Resultant vector: The resultant of a number of similar vectors, is the single vector
which would have the same effect as all the original vectors taken together.

Vector subtraction: The subtraction of a vector is equivalent to the addition of the

same vector with its direction reversed.

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Multiplication of a vector by a scalar: The product of a vector A and a number n >
0 is defined to be a new vector nA having the same direction as A but a magnitude n
times the magnitude of A.

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Unit vector: A vector in a given direction with magnitude one in that direction.

Null vector: It is a vector of zero magnitude and arbitrary direction.

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Equal vectors: Two vectors A and B are said to be equal if they have the same
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magnitude and direction, regardless of the position of their initial points.
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Components of a vector: A component of a vector is its effective value in a given
direction.
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Rectangular components (of a vector): Resolving of a vector into components

along mutually perpendicular directions called rectangular components.
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Position vector: The position vector r is a vector that describes the location of a
particle with respect to the origin.
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Acrobat: One who performs skilled or daring gymnastic feats.

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Aisle: A passageway leading to the seats in a place of assembly.

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Product of two vectors: There are two types of vector multiplications. The product of
these two types is known as scalar product and vector product.

Scalar Product ( or Dot Product ): The Scalar or dot product of vectors A and B is
the scalar quantity obtained by multiplying the product of the magnitudes of the vectors
by the cosine of the angle between them. Mathematically,
A ⋅ B = A B cos θ

Vector Product ( or Cross Product ): The vector product of two vectors (say) A and
B is defined to be a vector such that:
its magnitude is A B sin θ , θ being the angle between A and B
its direction is perpendicular to the plane of A and B and can be determined by right-
hand-rule. Mathematically,
A x B = A B sin θ n

Right-hand rule (in Vector Product): First place together the tails of the two
vectors. Then rotate the vector that occurs first in the product into the second vector
through the smaller of the two possible angles. Curl the fingers of the right hand along
the direction of rotation. The direction of the thumb will represent direction of the
vector product.

Commutative Law: For a binary operation ∗ ,

a∗b=b∗a

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Example : a + b = b + a and a ⋅ b = b ⋅ a

Associative Law: For a binary operation ∗ ,

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( a ∗ b ) ∗ c = a ∗ ( b ∗ c)
Example : ( a ⋅ b ) ⋅ c = a ⋅ ( b ⋅ c ) and ( a + b ) + c = a + ( b + c )

Distributive law: For two binary operations ∗ and o . The operation ∗ is said to be

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distributive over the operation o , if
a∗(boc)=(a∗b)o(a∗c)
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Example : a⋅( b + c ) = ( a ⋅ b ) + ( a ⋅ c ) & a + ( b ⋅ c ) ≠ ( a + b ) ⋅ ( a + c )
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Spanner: A wrench for tightening or loosening nuts.
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Nut: A metal piece having an internal screw thread, as for securing or adjusting a bolt.

Torque (or Moment of force): The physical quantity which produces angular
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acceleration. Product of the force and its moment arm.

Moment arm: Perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of
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force.
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Concurrent forces: Forces acting together on a body.

Angular velocity (ω): The rate of change of angular displacement.

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Angular acceleration (α): The rate of change of angular velocity.

Coplanar forces: Forces in a single plane.

Equilibrium: State of balance in which the sum of all the forces and the sum of all the
moments are equal to zero. If a body remains at rest or moves with uniform velocity, it is
said to be in equilibrium.

Static equilibrium: State of rest.

Dynamic equilibrium: The state of a body moving with a uniform velocity or rotating
with a uniform angular velocity.

Translational equilibrium: A body will be in translational equilibrium if and only if

the vector sum of external forces acting on a body equal to zero.

Rotational equilibrium: An object is in rotational equilibrium if and only if the

vector sum of external torque about any axis acting on it equals to zero.

Rigid body: A body is said to be rigid, if it is not possible to change its shape by the
application of a force, however large.

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Equilibrium of forces: If a body, under the action of a number of forces, is at rest or
moving with uniform velocity, it is said to be in equilibrium.

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First condition of equilibrium: Sum of all the force acting on a body along x-axis
and along y-axis should be equal to zero. Mathematically Fx = 0 and Fy = 0

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Second condition of equilibrium: The algebraic sum of all the torques acting on the
body should be zero. Mathematically: Σ τ = 0
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Astride: With the legs wide apart.
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Polygon: A closed figure having many side and angles.
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Rotation: Turning around its own axis or centre.

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Configuration: Structured arrangement; figure; the spatial arrangement of atoms in a

molecule or nucleons and electrons in an atom.
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Span: The distance between two definite ends.

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Question 2.1 Define the terms (i) unit vector (ii) Position vector (iii)
Components of a vector?
Answer 2.1 Definition of these terms is given below

1. Unit Vector: A unit vector in a given direction is a vector with magnitude one in
that direction.
2. Position Vector: The position vector r is a vector that describes the location of
a particle with respect to the origin.
 3. Components of a vector: A component of a vector is its effective value in a
given direction.

Question 2.2 The vector sum of three vectors gives a zero resultant. What
can be the orientation of the vectors?
Answer 2.2 If three vectors are drawn, to make a closed triangle, then their vector sum
will be zero.

Question 2.3 Vector A lies in the xy plane. For what orientation will both of
its rectangular components be negative? For what orientation will its
components have opposite signs?

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Answer 2.3 Orientation of a vector having components negative and opposite is given
below:

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1. Vector A lies in 3rd quadrant, its rectangular components will be negative.
2. When the vector will lie in 2nd or 4th quadrant, its components will
have opposite signs.

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Question 2.4 If one of the rectangular components of a vector is not zero,
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can its magnitude be zero? Explain.
Answer 2.4 No. Its magnitude cannot be zero, when one of the components of the
a
vector is not zero. E.g. if Ax ≠0 & Ay = 0 then A = √ ((Ax) 2 + (0)2) = √ (Ax) 2
= Ax ≠ 0
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Question 2.5 Can a vector have a component greater than the vector’s
magnitude?
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Answer 2.5 No. A vector cannot have a component greater than the vector’s
magnitude.
As A = √ ((Ax) 2 + (Ay) 2)
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Question 2.6 Can the magnitude of a vector have a negative value?

Answer 2.6 No. The magnitude of a vector has always positive values; As A = √ ((Ax) 2
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+ (Ay) 2).
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Question 2.7 If A+B=0, what can you say about the components of the two
vectors?
Answer 2.7 A + B = 0 Two Vectors sum will be zero vector if their components are
equal and opposite.

Question 2.8 Under what circumstances would a vector have components

that are equal in magnitude?
Answer 2.8 When θ = 45 degree , the components will have equal magnitude for a
vector making angle 45 degree with X-axis.
Question 2.9 Is it possible to add a vector quantity to a scalar quantity?
Explain.
Answer 2.9 No. It is not possible to add a vector quantity to a scalar quantity.
Different physical quantities cannot be added according to the rules of algebra.

Question 2.10 Can you add zero to a null vector?

Answer 2.10 No. We cannot add zero to a null vector. Because zero, a scalar quantity
cannot be added with a vector quantity the null vector.
Question 2.11 Two vectors have unequal magnitudes. Can their sum be
zero? Explain.
Answer 2.11 No. The sum of two unequal vectors cannot be zero. For the sum of
vectors to be zero, the vectors must have equal magnitude with opposite directions.

m
Question 2.12 Show that the sum and differences of two perpendicular

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vectors of equal lengths are also perpendicular and of the same length.
Answer 2.12 Vectors A and B are perpendicular to each other having equal lengths we
have:
(A + B) is ⊥ to (A - B) i.e. sum and difference of the vectors are perpendicular to each

i.
other.
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Question 2.13 How would the two vectors of the same magnitude have to be
a
oriented, if they were to be combined to give a resultant equal to a vector of
the same magnitude?
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Answer 2.13 When the angle between two vectors of same magnitude is 120 degree,
the magnitudes of the resultant will be same.
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Question 2.14 The two vectors to be combined have magnitude 60N and
35N. Pick the correct answer from those given and tell why it is only one of
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the three that is correct. (i) 100N (ii) 70N (iii) 20N.
Answer 2.14 A1 = 60N and A2 = 35N
Answer (ii) 70N is correct.
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For maximum value, both vectors in same direction,

A1 + A2 = 60 + 35 = 95 → cannot be (i) 100N.
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For minimum value, both vectors having opposite direction,

A1 - A2 = 60 + 35 = 25 → cannot be (iii) 20N.

Question 2.15 Suppose the sides of a closed polygon represent vector

arranged head to tail .What is the sum of these vectors?
Answer 2.15 The sum will be zero. Because the tail of first vector meets the head of
last vector. Whenever vector representation makes a closed shape its resultant vector is
a null vector.
Question 2.16 Identify the correct answer.

1. Two ships X and Y are traveling in different directions at equal speeds. The actual
direction of motion of X is due north but to an observer on Y, the apparent
direction of motion of X is north-east. The actual direction of motion of Y as
observed from shore will be (A) East (B) West (C) south-east (D) south-west.
2. A horizontal force F is applied to a small object P of mass m at rest on a smooth
plane inclined at an angle θ to the horizontal as shown in fig The magnitude of
the resultant force acting up and along the surface of the plane, on the object is
(a) F cos θ -mg sin θ (b) F sin θ -mg cos θ (c) F cos θ +mg cos θ (d) Fsin θ+mg sin
θ (e) mgtan θ.

m
Answer 2.16 (1) The correct answer is (B) West.
(2) The correct answer is (a) F cos θ - mg sin θ the resultant force acting Up and along

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the surface of the plane is = F cos θ - mg sin θ.

Question 2.17 If all the components of the vectors, A1 and A2 were

reversed, how would this alter A1 x A2?

i.
Answer 2.17 For A1 = - A1& A2= - A2
-A1 x -A2 = A1 x A2 hi
There will be no effect, if all the components of the vectors A1 & A2 are
reversed.
a
Question 2.18 Name the three different conditions that could make A1 x A2
ar

= 0.
Answer 2.18 A1 x A2 could be zero, if
.p

1. A1 is null vector; 0 x A2 = 0
2. A2 is null vector; A1 x 0 = 0
3. A1 x A2 are parallel or anti-parallel, i.e. A1 x A2 = A1 A2 sin θ = A1 A2 sin 180
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degree = 0
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Question 2.19 Identify true or false statement and explain the reason.
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1. A body in equilibrium implies that it is neither moving nor rotating.

2. If co planar forces acting on a body from a closed polygon, then the body is said
to be in equilibrium.

Answer 2.19 a) It is false. A body moving with constant velocity can also be in
equilibrium.
b) It is true. The vector sum will be zero, for the coplanar forces forming a closed
polygon, fulfills the 1st condition of equilibrium.
Question 2.20 A picture is suspended from a wall by two strings. Show by
diagram the configuration of the strings for which the tension in the strings
will be minimum.
Answer 2.20 For T minimum, θ = 90 degree
Σ Fy = 0 Ty + Ty - w = 0 2Ty - w = 0
2 T sin θ = w T = w / 2 sinθ
For minimum T, θ = 90 degree i.e. T = w / 2 sin 90 degree
T = w / 2.

Question 2.21 Can a body rotate about its center of gravity under the action
of its weight?
Answer 2.21 No. A body cannot rotate about its center of gravity under the action of

m
its weight. Because moment arm will be zero, so torque or turning effect will be zero.

i. co
hi
Short Questions & Definitions Chapter 3 Motion
and Force
a
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Dynamics: The branch of Mechanics which deals with the motion of bodies under the
influence of one or more forces.

Motion: Continuous change of location of a body with respect to its surroundings.

.p

Linear motion: Motion in a straight line.

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Translational motion ( or Rectilinear motion): A body moves with translational

motion if each particle of the body undergoes the same displacement in a straight line in
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a given time.
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Rotational motion: A body moves with rotational motion if each particle of the body
moves in a circle about a straight line called the axis of rotation.

Vibratory motion: If the motion is back and forth over the same path about a mean
position, it is called vibratory or oscillatory motion.

Rest: The position of the body with respect to its surroundings when it does not change.

Relative motion: The difference of two motions.

Relative velocity: The vector difference of the two velocities.

Trajectory: The path of a moving particle.

SR-71(reconnaissance jet): The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is the world’s fastest

airplane. Originally designed for high-altitude military spy missions. Now used by NASA
[National Aeronautical and Space Administration] for scientific research.

Falcon: Fighter-bombers aircraft. They are dual purpose aircraft that can drop bombs
and also fight enemy planes. e.g. F-16 fighting Falcon.

Leopard: A large catlike beast of prey, with a beautiful spotted skin of yellow and
black.

m
Cheetah: An animal of the cat family, resembling the leopard, found in Pakistan,
Persia, India and Northern Africa, often tamed and trained to hunt gazelles.

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Porpoise: Any of several small friendly whales from 5 to 8 feet long; commonly the
dolphin.

i.
Displacement: Distance moved from a reference point in certain direction.

Speed:
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 The distance covered in unit time.
 When a body moves, the rate of change of its position.
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Velocity: The distance covered in unit time in a particular direction.

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Acceleration:
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 Rate of change of velocity.

 Change of velocity in unit time.
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Average speed: Total distance covered divided by total time.

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Instantaneous Speed: The speed of a body in a particular instant.

Uniform Speed: If a body moves over equal distances in equal intervals of time,
however small, it is said to move with uniform speed.

Variable Speed: When a body traverses unequal distances in equal intervals of time, it
is said to move with variable speed.

Uniform Velocity ( or Constant Velocity ): If a body moves over equal distances in

equal intervals of time, however small, in a particular direction, it is said to move with
uniform velocity.

Variable Velocity: When a body traverses unequal distances in equal intervals of

time, or when its direction of motion changes, it is said to move with a variable velocity.

Gradient: The degree of inclination of a slope. Mathematically, it is the ratio of vertical

distance to horizontal distance.

Average Velocity: Total distance covered divided by total time taken in a particular
direction.

m
Root mean square velocity: Square root of average of the square of molecular
velocities.

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Instantaneous Velocity: Velocity of a body in a particular instance. Symbolically it is
defined as :
V = limΔt→ 0 ΔS/Δt

i.
Average Acceleration: If the change in velocity of a moving body during the time
interval Δt is ΔV , then the average acceleration is defined as :
hi
a(av) = ΔV/Δt
a
Instantaneous Acceleration: The rate of change of velocity in a particular instant,
symbolically,
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a(inst) = limΔt → 0 ΔV/Δt

Uniform Acceleration: If the velocity increases by equal amounts in equal intervals

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of
time, it is said to be uniform acceleration.
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Variable Acceleration: If the velocity increases by unequal amounts in equal

intervals of time, it is said to be variable acceleration.
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Deceleration ( or Retardation ): Rate of change of decrease of velocity; negative

acceleration.
w

Wobble: To move unsteadily as a top (children’s toy) while rotating at a low speed.

First Law of Motion: A body continues its state of rest or uniform motion in a
straight line unless it is compelled to change that state of motion by a force impressed
upon it.

Inertia:

 The resistance of matter to any acceleration of its state of rest or motion.

 The mass of the object is a quantitative measure of its inertia.
Second Law of Motion: The effect of an applied force on a body is to cause it to
accelerate in the direction of the force. The acceleration is in direct proportion to the
force and is inversely proportional to the mass of the body.

Third Law of Motion: To every action ( force ) there is always an equal and opposite
reaction (force).

Impulse: The product of force and time for which it acts on a body.

Impulsive force: A large force but acts for a short time; it is time rate of change of
momentum of a body.

m
Crumple: To press into wrinkles.

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Skull: The bones forming the head and the face.

Cranium: The skull especially the bony part enclosing the brain.

i.
Momentum: In a moving body, the product of its mass and velocity.

and linear velocity.

a hi
Linear momentum: In a body moving along a straight line, the product of its mass

Isolated system: A system for which there is no transfer of mass and energy across the
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boundary.

Law of conservation of linear momentum: The total linear momentum of an

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isolated system remains constant.

Wind shield: Front transparent screen of a motor car.

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Elastic collision: The collision in which the momentum and the kinetic energy of the
system is conserved.
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Inelastic collision: The collision in which the momentum of the system is conserved
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and not the kinetic energy.

Dimension: A measurement of any sort; especially length, height and width.

One dimension: A measurement which needs a single reference point; e.g. a point on
a line.

Two dimensions: Measurement which needs two references; e.g. a point on a plane
(x-y plane).
Three dimensions: Measurement which needs three references; e.g. a point in space
(x-y-z coordinate system).

Four dimensions: Measurement which needs four reference; e.g. a point in space +
time coordinates (relativistic frame of reference).

Missile: A thing thrown to injure another; a projectile.

Rocket: A missile or space vehicle powered by ejecting gas that carries both its own fuel
and oxidant. They are independent of the earth’s atmosphere and are the power system
used in space flights.

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Chamber: An enclosed space, such as, of a rocket, containing the explosive chemicals.

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Fuel: Inflammable material for supplying a fire or explosion.

Liquid oxygen: Condensed gaseous oxygen to a pale blue liquid that is strongly
magnetic.

i.
Liquid hydrogen: Condensed gaseous hydrogen. It is colourless in small amounts but
light blue in thick samples.
a hi
Propeller: Such thing which drives forward especially a device with blades for causing
an airplane or a ship to progress.
ar

Rocket propulsion: Rocket driving or pushing obtained from thrust of hot gases from
engine exhaust.
.p

Thrust: The forward reaction force of a jet or rocket engine.

Helicopter: A flying machine lifted and held up by horizontal propellers (rotating

w

wings).

Aeroplane: An aircraft or flying machine, kept aloft by the reaction of motor-propelled

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planes upon the air also moves to wing borne flight.

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Jet: Abbreviation for Joint European Torus.

Jet propulsion: Propulsion of aircraft or other vehicles in which one or more jets of
hot gases are ejected at high speed from backwardly directed nozzles.

Rocket motion: The motion due to jet propulsion, i.e. due to thrust of hot gases from
backwardly directed nozzles.

Aeroplane motion: The motion due to aeroplane’s wings designed to deflect the air
and the propellers for causing the plane to move forward.
Helicopter motion: The motion due to the moving fans at the top of a helicopter.

Projectile motion: Projectile motion is two dimensional motion under constant

acceleration due to gravity.

Projectile:

 An object launched in an arbitrary direction in space with the initial velocity

having no mechanism of propulsion is called a projectile.
 Any particle in the gravitational field of the earth, whose trajectory is assumed to
be sufficiently short to consider the earth flat, and the effects of air resistance and

m
the rotation of the earth are neglected.

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Propulsion: A mechanism for driving forward with the mixture of fuel, engine or some
shaft.

Simultaneously: Happening, done, or existing at the same time..

i.
Trajectory: The path of a projectile. hi
Height of the projectile: The highest point a projectile attains during its flight.
a
Time of flight of projectile : The time taken by body to cover the distance from the
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place of its projection to the place where it hits the ground.

Range of the projectile: Maximum distance which a projectile covers in the

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horizontal direction.

Parabola: It is the locus of all points whose distance from a fixed point equals their
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distance from a fixed line.

Ellipse: A smooth oval curve as followed by planet Mars round the Sun.
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Circle: It is the locus of points whose distance from a given fixed point (centre) is
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constant, (constant distance is called radius).

Ballistic: Of an instrument. Designed to measure an impact or brief flow of charge.

Ballistic motion: A motion in which a projectile is given an initial push and is then
allowed to move freely due to inertia and under the action of gravity.

Ballistic missile: An un-powered and un-guided missile is called a ballistic missile.

Ghori Missile: On 25 May 2002, Pakistan marks the third successful test fire of
surface-to- surface ballistic Ghori Missile with a range of 1,500 km and the Shaheen
Missile with 800 km range. On May 28 1998, Pakistan successfully tested its nuclear
capability.

Abdali: Short range domestically developed surface-to-surface missile having a range

of 180 kilometers, and would be able to reach most border positions in India.

Ghaznavi: The missile capable of carrying warheads accurately up to a range of 290

km.

Aerodynamics: The study of the motion of gases (particularly air) and the motion and
control of solid bodies in air.

m
Aerodynamic forces: Forces exerted upon a body when it moves in air, such as, air
friction.

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Parallel: Having a like course, lines lying in the same direction and being equidistant
at all points from another.

Anti-parallel: Lines lying in the opposite direction and being equidistant all points

i.
from another line.

truth.
a hi
Plausible: Seeming to be true without necessary being so; having the appearance of

Amoeba: A one-celled, microscopic animal found in ponds; one of the simplest forms
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of life.

Propel: To drive onward; push as a bicycle.

.p

SLBM (Submarine launched ballistic missile): Ballistic missile submarines carry

up to 24 SLBMs tipped with nuclear warheads. These missiles are stored in vertical
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launch tubes within the submarine, and can be launched while the sub is hidden
underwater.
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Question 3.1 What is the difference between uniform and variable velocity? From
the explanation of variable velocity, define acceleration. Give SI units of velocity
and acceleration.
Answer 3.1 Uniform Velocity: The velocity of a body is said to be uniform if its direction
and magnitude does not change with time. e.g. i) velocity of earth ii) velocity of satellites.
Variable Velocity: The velocity of a body is said to be variable if its direction or magnitude or
both changes with time. A motion with variable velocity is called accelerated motion. In this case
velocity may be increasing or decreasing. For e.g. motion of a car on road.
Acceleration: Rate of change of velocity is known as acceleration. When velocity is increasing
acceleration is positive and when velocity is decreasing acceleration is negative.Units: The SI
units of velocity is m/s and that of acceleration is m/s-2

Question 3.2 An object is thrown vertically upward. Discuss the sign of

acceleration due to gravity, relative to velocity, while the object is in air.
Answer 3.2 When an object is thrown upward its velocity is +ve and its acceleration due to

m
gravity is –ve, as the object is moving against the direction of gravitational force. But at
maximum height its velocity becomes zero and then it starts moving downward. Now its
acceleration and velocity is +ve.

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Question 3.3 Can the velocity of an object reverse the direction when acceleration
is constant? If so, give an example.

i.
Answer 3.3 Yes, velocity of an object can reverse direction when initially acceleration and
velocity are opposite in direction. For e.g. when a body is thrown vertically upward its velocity
hi
goes on decreasing due to gravity, becomes zero at maximum height, and then the direction of
the body is reversed.
a
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Question 3.4 Specify the correct statements:

1. An object can have a constant velocity even its speed is changing.

2. An object can have a constant speed even its velocity is changing.
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3. An object can have a zero velocity even its acceleration is not zero.
4. An object subjected to a constant acceleration can reverse its velocity.
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Answer 3.4 All statement are true expect: 1).

2) Circular motion.
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3) When body is thrown upward, at maximum height.

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4) Vertical motion.

Question 3.5 A man standing on the top of a tower throws a ball straight up with
initial velocity vi and at the same time throws a second ball straight downward
with the same speed. Which ball will have larger speed when it strikes the ground?
Ignore air friction.
Answer 3.5 Both the balls will have same speed when striking the ground. The ball thrown
upward will pass from the same path with the same velocity while moving down and gains the
same velocity as that of the ball thrown vertically downward, until it reaches the surface of the
ground.
Question 3.6 Explain the circumstances in which the velocity v and the
acceleration a of a car are:

1. Parallel
2. Anti-Parallel
3. Perpendicular to one another
4. v is zero but a is not zero
5. a is zero but v is not zero.

Answer 3.6 Circumstances in velocity v and acceleration a of a car are given below:

1. When v and a are parallel the velocity of the car is increasing.

m
2. When v and a are anti-parallel the velocity of the car is decreasing.
3. When v and a are perpendicular, the car is moving in a circular path. Here velocity is
along the tangent and acceleration is along the radius.

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4. v is zero when car comes to rest but acceleration is –ve but not zero or when there is a
hurdle in front of the car it cannot move in the passage of car.
5. When car move on a straight road with uniform speed (neglecting friction).

i.
hi
Question 3.7 Motion with constant velocity is a special case of motion with
constant acceleration, Is this statement true? Discuss.
a
Answer 3.7 Yes, motion with constant velocity is a special case of motion with constant
acceleration. In this case the acceleration of the object is zero and velocity is uniform.
ar

Question 3.8 Find the change in momentum for an object subjected to a given force
.p

for a given time and state law of motion in terms of momentum.

Answer 3.8 Consider a body mass m moving with an initial velocity vi. Suppose an external
force F acts upon it time t after which velocity becomes vf the acceleration a produced by the
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force is given by:

a= vf – vi /t
by second law on Newton a=F/m
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comparing two equations F /m = vf – vi /t or F x t= mvf – mvi

where mvf is the final momentum and mvi is the initial momentum. F = (mvf – mvi )/t
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“Time rate of change of momentum of a body equals the applied force”

Question 3.9 Define impulse and show that how it is related to linear momentum?
Answer 3.9 Impulse is defined as the product of force and time i.e.
Impulse = Force x Time
I=F x t= mvf - mvi
I = pf - pi= p change in momentum
I= p

Question 3.10 State the law of conservation of linear momentum, pointing out the
importance of isolated system. Explain, why under certain conditions, the law is
useful even through the system is not completely isolated?
Answer 3.10 Law of conservation of linear momentum: Total linear momentum of an
isolated system remains constant. An isolated system is a system of bodies free from external
force. This law holds good only for an isolated system. But under certain circumstances where
external force is very small as compared to mutually interacting forces, the law can be applied to
good approximation.

Question 3.11 Explain the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions.
Explain how would a bouncing ball behave in each case? Give plausible reasons for
the fact that K.E is not conserved in most cases?
Answer 3.11

m
A collision in which K.E remains constant after and before collision is called elastic collision.
In a collision where K.E does not remains constant is called inelastic collision.
Ideally the bouncing ball will rebound to some height in case of an elastic collision, but if it

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rebounds to nearly to the initial height, the collision is considered elastic one. In case of inelastic
collision the ball will rebound to a small height as compared to dropping point.

i.
Question 3.12 Explain what is meant by projectile motion. Derive expressions for

1. the time of flight

hi
2. the range of projectile.
a
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Show that the range of projectile is maximum when projectile is thrown at an

angle of 45 degree with the horizontal.
Answer 3.12 Projectile Motion: It is a two dimensional motion under constant
acceleration due to gravity
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1) The time of flight:

The time taken by the body to cover the distances from the place of its projection
to the place where it hits the ground at the same level is called the time of
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flight. This can be obtained by taking S=h=0, because the body goes up and comes back to the
same level, thus covering no vertical distance. If the body is projecting with velocity v making
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angle with a horizontal, then its vertical components will be visinθ

We have S = 0 ; vi = vi sinθ ; a = -g
Using S = vi t + ½ a t2
⇒ 0 = vi sinθ t – ½ g t2
or t = 2 vi sinθ/g
t= 2vi sin/g
where t is the time of flight of the projectile when it is projected from the ground.
2) Range of the Projectile:
Maximum distance which a projectile covers in the horizontal direction is called
the range of the projectile.To determine the range R of the projectile, we multiply the
horizontal components of the velocity of projection with the time taken by the body after leaving
the point of projection thus. We have
S = R , vx = vi cosθ, t = 2vi sinθ
Using S = v t g
⇒ R = (vi cosθ x 2 vi sinθ)/g = (vi2 2 sinθ cosθ)/g
or R = (v sin 2θ)/g
for maximum range, sin 2θ should have maximum value ( i.e.) = 1
sin 2θ = 1 ⇒ 2θ = 90 ⇒ θ = 45

m
Question 3.13 At what point or points in its path does a projectile have its
minimum speed, its maximum speed?

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Answer 3.13 A projectile has its minimum speed at the maximum height where vertical
component of the velocity becomes zero. A projectile has its maximum speed at its minimum
height if air friction is neglected.

i.
Question 3.14 Each of the following questions is followed by four answers, one of
what correct answer. hi
Identify that answer.
1)What is meant by a ballistic trajectory?
a
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1. The paths followed by an un-powered and unguided projectile.

2. The paths followed by the powered and unguided projectile.
3. The paths followed by an un-powered but guided projectile.
4. The paths followed by an powered and guided projectile.
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2)What happens when a system of two bodies undergoes an elastic collision?

w
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1. The momentum of the system changes.

2. The momentum of the system does not change.
3. The bodies come to rest after collision.
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4. The energy conservation law is violated.

Answer 3.14 i) The statement (a) is correct as ballistic trajectory follows an un-powered and
unguided projectile.
ii) The statement (b) is correct as momentum of the system does not
change.
Work:

 The work is done on a body when it is moved or stopped through a certain

distance by the action of an applied force.
 The product of force and component of displacement in the direction of force.

m
Joule: The amount of work done, when a force of one Newton acting on a body
displaces it through a distance of 1 meter along the direction of force.

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Gravitation: Universal attraction between masses.

Gravitational field: The space around the earth within which it exerts a force of

i.
attraction on or near the surface of a celestial object.
hi
Gravitational force (or Force of gravitational attraction): The mutual force of
attraction which acts universally between two bodies of matter.
a
Conservative field: In which the work done between two points in the field is
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independent of the path followed between the two points.

Gravitational field: The space around the earth within which it exerts a force of
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attraction on other bodies.

Electric field: The region in which an electric force acts on a charge brought into the
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region.
w

Magnetic field: The region or space near a magnet where the effects of magnetism
such as the deflection of a compass needle can be detected.
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Elastic spring force: A weighing spring normally spiral coils, and its elongation is
proportional to the applied force, so that the spring can be calibrated to measure this
force.

Electric force (Electrostatic force): Force between two charged bodies. It is

proportional to the product of charges, divided by the square of the distance that
separates them;
F = (K(q1.q2))/r(square)

Frictional force: Tangential force exerted by a surface on a body in contact which

tend to prevent or retard motion.
Propulsion force: The force to drive onward.

Conservative force: A force is conservative if the work done by that force when
moving an object from one point to another is independent of the path taken between
those two points; e.g. gravitational force.

Non-conservative force: The force by which work done is dependent on the path
followed.

Jumbo Jet: Massive airplanes capable of carrying hundreds of passengers. e.g.

Concorde commercial jet, to fly faster than the speed of sound.

m
Fission (or Nuclear fission): The disintegration of an atomic nucleus into two or
more large fragments.

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Uranium: A hard heavy, white metallic element which possesses radioactive
properties, having three isotopes 92U238, 92U235, 92U234 .

i.
Ton: Any of various relatively large measures of weight.
hi
Long ton: The weight of 2,240 pounds used in Great Britain.
a
Short ton: The weight of 2000 pounds used in America.
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Metric ton: The weight of 2,204.6 pounds (or 1000 kg).

Power ( P ): The time rate of doing work.

.p

Instantaneous power: The ratio of work done to the time interval, which is extremely
small.
w

Average power: The uniform rate of doing work.

w

Watt : It is the power of an agency which does work at the rate of 1 joule per second.
w

Horsepower ( hp ): The power is said to be a hp if 550 ft-lb of work is done per

second.

Energy: The ability or capacity for doing work.

Kinetic Energy: The energy possessed by a body due to its motion.

Potential energy: It is the energy possessed by a body due to its position.

Gravitational potential energy: The energy possessed by a body due to its position
in the gravitational field.
Elastic potential energy: The amount of work done against the elastic force or in
compressing an elastic spring.

Absolute potential energy: Energy required to move a mass from the earth up to an
infinite distance.

Work-Energy Principle: Work done on the body equals change in its kinetic energy.
Mathematically;
F.d = ½ m vf(2) - ½ m vi(2)

Fossil: Any trace, impression or remains of a plant or animal preserved in earth, clay,

m
or rock from a past age.

Fossil fuel: Remains of a plant or animal preserved in earth and is used for producing

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heat or energy..

Escape velocity: The initial velocity, which a projectile must have at the earth’s
surface in order to go out of earth’s gravitational field.

i.
Law of conservation of energy: The total energy of a system cannot change unless

thermodynamics.
a hi
energy is taken from or given to the outside. The law is equivalent to the first law of

Methanol (Methyl alcohol) [CH3OH]: A colourless liquid. It is made by catalytic

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oxidation of methane (from natural gas) using air.

Dam: A bank or wall built so as to hold water.

.p

Tidal energy: Electricity obtained from the power plant that uses the ‘head’ of water
created by the rise and fall of the ocean tides to spin the water turbines.
w

Solar energy: The energy produced by nuclear fusion and comprises almost entirely
electromagnetic radiation.
w

Solar cell: A device which converts solar energy or artificial light into electrical energy.
w

Photo voltaic cell: An electronic device that uses the photovoltaic effect to produce an
e.m.f.

Photovoltaic effect: The production of an e.m.f. between two layers of different

materials by incident electromagnetic radiation.

Electromotive force (e.m.f.): A measure of the energy supplied by a source of

electric current. The unit of e.m.f. is the volt.

Satellite: A smaller body that revolves around a larger body.

Turbine: An engine in which a shaft is rotated by fluid impinging upon a system of
blades or buckets mounted upon it.

Turbine generator: A generator which produces electric current with the help of
turbines.

Hydroelectric plant: An electricity-generating plant powered by water falling under

gravity through water turbine.

Electric generator: Machine that drives electric current when it itself is driven
mechanically.

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Hydal energy: Electricity produced from water power by the arrangement of
machinery.

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Wind energy: Mechanical energy obtained from wind mills installed in windy regions
to be used in tube wells or flour mills.

i.
Wind mills: A plant consisting of shafts to produce mechanical energy, work by the
action of the wind. hi
Biomass energy: Energy taken from plant material or vegetation as a source of fuel.
a
Combustion: The act of burning, or the state of being burned.
ar

Fermentation: A slow breaking down of organic substances (vegetable and animal

origin) by yeasts and bacteria usually accompanied by evolution of heat and gas.
.p

Organic material: A material containing carbon combined with hydrogen , and often
also with oxygen, and other elements.
w

Fertilizer: Any material put in or on the ground , which contains plant food.
w

Geothermal energy: Energy generated by tapping the energy of the hot, molten areas
inside the earth crust.
w

Methane (CH4): A colourless odourless gas. It is the simplest hydrocarbon, being the
first member of the alkane series.

Nuclear energy: The energy liberated by a nuclear reaction (fission or fusion ) or by

radioactive decay.

Radioactivity: The spontaneous, uncontrollable decay of an atomic nucleus with the

emission of particles and gamma rays.

Radioactive: Describing an element or nuclide that exhibits natural radioactivity.

Radioactive decay: The spontaneous disintegration of unstable (radioactive) nuclei to
give other a lighter more stable nuclei, accompanied by the emission of particles and/or
photons.

Volcano: An opening in the earth’s surface, usually surrounded by a mass of ejected

material forming a conical hill or mountain from which molten rock, fire, and steam are,
or have been, exploded.

Volcanic region: The area or region in which the mass of ejected material of volcano
can have affect.

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Spring: A natural fountain or supply of water rising to the surface of the earth.

Hot springs: Supply or explode or discharge suddenly hot water from a spring.

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Geyser:

 A natural spring that spouts a column of hot water and steam into the air at

i.
frequent and irregular intervals.
 A hot spring which frequently throws forth jets of water, mud, etc.
hi
a
Aquifer: A layer of rock holding water that allows water to pass through it with
pressure.
ar

Percolate: To pass, as a liquid, through very small spaces; as, water percolate through
sand.
.p

Magma (or lava): Semi-fluid material within the earth from which a volcanic rock
results by cooling.
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Catapult: A forked stick with an elastic band by which stones are thrown.
w
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Question 4.1 A person holds a bag of groceries while standing still, talking
to a friend. A car is stationary with its engine running. From the stand point
of work, how are these two situations similar?
Answer 4.1 Since Work = Force* displacement. In both cases displacement is zero
so work done in both cases is zero.

Question 4.2 Calculate the work done in kilo joules in lifting a mass of 10 kg
(at a steady velocity) through a vertical height of 10 m.
Answer 4.2 In this case work is stored in the body in the form of potential energy
So Work = P.E = mgh = 10*9.8*10 = 980 J = 0.98 KJ.

Question 4.3 A force F acts through a distance L. The force is then increased
to 3F, and then acts through a further distance of 2L. Draw the work
diagram to scale.
Answer 4.3 A force F acts through a distance L, then work done =FL.
If force is increased to 3F and distance is increased to 2L.
Then work done = 3F.2L = 6FL. Total work done = 6FL+FL=7FL.

m
Question 4.4 In which case is more work done? When a 50 kg bag of books
is lifted through 50 cm, when a 50 kg crate is pushed through 2m across the
floor with a force of 50N?

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Answer 4.4 (a) m= 50kg h= 50cm = 0.5m.
So Work Done = W1= mgh= 50*9.8*.5.
Work done = W1 = 245J.

i.
(b) m= 50kg d= 2m F=50N.
So Work Done = W2= F.d= 50*2. hi
Work done = W2 = 100J.
a
Question 4.5 An object has 1J of potential energy. Explain what does it
ar

mean?
Answer 4.5 An object has potential energy when it is in a force field such as
gravitational field or it is in a constrained state such as stretched spring.
.p

1. When an object is raised by doing 1J work. P.E = mgh = W.h =1J (1N*1m). When
w

1N force is applied on a body to lift it through 1m. The work appears as

gravitational P.E.
2. When a spring is stretched or extended by doing 1J of work. The work is
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conserved in it as elastic P.E.

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Question 4.6 A ball of mass m is held at a height h1 above a table. The table
top is at a height h2 above the floor. One student says that the ball has
potential energy mgh1 but another says that it is mg(h1+h2). Who is
correct?
Answer 4.6 Both statements are correct. It is a matter of relative position for
specifying the P.E of the ball. The P.E relative to the table top is mgh1 and P.E relative to
ground is mg (h1+h2).
Question 4.7 When a rocket re-enters the atmosphere, its nose cone
becomes very hot. Where this heat does comes from?
Answer 4.7 When a rocket re-enters the atmosphere, its nose cone becomes very hot
due to air friction and dust particles.

Question 4.8 What sort of energy is in the following:

1. Compressed spring
2. Water in a high dam
3. A moving car.

m
Answer 4.8 Energy stored in stated above is given below:

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1. Elastic P.E.
2. Gravitational P.E.
3. Kinetic Energy.

i.
hi
Question 4.9 A girl drops a cup from a certain height, which breaks into
pieces. What energy changes are involved?
a
Answer 4.9 The cup has gravitational P.E due to its height. When it is dropped its P.E
changes to K.E just before hitting the ground the P.E completely changes to K.E. On
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hitting the ground K.E changes to heat, sound, and work done in breaking the cup.
.p

Question 4.10 A boy uses a catapult to throw a stone which accidentally

smashes a green house window. List the possible energy changes?
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Answer 4.10 The elastic P.E of the catapult is given to stone as its K.E. When the stone
smashes the green house window the K.E of the stone is changed into sound, heat and
work done in breaking the glass.
w
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Linear motion: Motion in a straight line.

Rectilinear motion ( or Translational motion): A body moves with translational

motion if each particle of the body undergoes the same displacement in a straight line in
a given time.

Rotational motion: A body moves with rotational motion if each particle of the body
moves in a circle about a straight line called the axis of rotation.

Curvilinear motion: Motion along a curved path.

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Circular motion (or Angular motion): Motion of a body along a curved path of
constant radius.

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Angular displacement: Angle subtended at the center of a circle by a particle moving
along the circumference in a given time.

i.
Instantaneous angular velocity: Angular velocity of a body in a particular instance.
hi
Symbolically it is defined as
ω = Lim (Δt→0) Δθ/Δt
a
Angular displacement: Change of position in circular path.
ar

Radian: The angle subtended at the centre of a circle by an arc equal in length to its
radius.
.p

Arc: A part or section of a curved line, as an arc of a circle.

w

Chord: A string or straight line, as between two points of a curve.

Angular velocity (ω): The rate of change of angular displacement.

w

Average angular velocity:

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Average angular displacement per second.

The total angle turned per unit time. Symbolically ωav = Δθ / Δ t

Time period (or Period of motion): Time to complete one revolution.

Angular acceleration (α): The rate of change of angular velocity with time.

Centripetal acceleration: The instantaneous acceleration of an object traveling with

uniform speed in a circle is directed towards the center of the circle.
Roller coaster: A circular switchback railway with many steep inclines, over which
small cars are run; common at amusement parks.

Tangential distance: Taking distance along the direction of its tangent.

Centripetal force: The force needed to bend the normally straight path of the particle
into a circular path.

Tension: A force experienced by a certain body through the string.

Centrifugal force:The outward force acting on an object that is moving along a curve

m
path.

Stunt: A sensational or remarkable feat or undertaking.

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Stunt man: In motion pictures, a man employed to perform dangerous actions, such as
falling, jumping etc.

i.
Moment of inertia: The rotational analogue of mass in angular motion.

fulcrum; axis of rotation.

a hi
Pivot: A fixed pin or short shaft on which some object, as a ball or wheel, turns;

Rigid body: A body is said to be rigid, if it is not possible to change its shape by
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the application of a force, however large.

Tangential velocity: Velocity at a point along the direction of its tangent at that point.
.p

Spin angular momentum: It is the angular momentum of a spinning body.

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Orbital angular momentum: It is the angular momentum associated with the

motion of a body along a circular path.
w

Angular momentum:
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 A particle is said to posses an angular momentum about a reference axis if it so

moves that its angular position changes relative to that reference axis.
 The product of the moment of inertia of a body and its angular velocity.
 The cross product of position vector and linear momentum.

Law of conservation of angular momentum: When the net external torque acting
on a system about a given axis is zero, the total angular momentum vector of the system
about that axis remain constant.

Gymnastics: Bodily exercises for developing the physical powers.

Skate: A metallic runner attached to a frame shaped to fit a shoe and used for gliding
rapidly over ice.

Ice skating: To skate on the ice.

Clutch: Any of variously constructed and operated devices for coupling two working
parts; the appliance suitable for seizing and holding.

Rotational kinetic energy: Energy due to rotation of a body; it is equal to the half of
the product of moment of inertia and the square of the angular velocity.
Mathematically, KErot = ½ I ω(2)

m
Disc: A flat circular plate or anything resembling it.

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Hoop: A circular band such like a ring; anything curved like a ring.

Satellite: A smaller body that revolves around a larger body.

i.
Artificial satellite: An artificial body orbiting the earth. Many have been launched
falling under two classes; a) Information satellites, b) Communication satellites.
hi
Information satellites: They are designed to provide information concerning the
a
earth, other celestial objects, or space itself, and to relay it back by radio.
ar

Communications satellites: They are designed to provide high-capacity

communications links between widely separated locations on the earth’s surface.
.p

Critical velocity: The minimum velocity necessary to put a satellite into the orbit.

Global positioning system (GPS): GPS is a satellite Navigation System. Four GPS
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satellite signals are used to compute position, velocity and time. The system was
designed for and is operated by the U.S. military. While there are many thousands of
civil users of GPS world-wide. Intelsat (ITSO): ITSO is the world’s largest commercial
w

satellite communication services provider. Currently it has over 100 members and
provides service to over 600 Earth stations in more than 149 countries. Intelsat
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maintains it headquarters in Washington DC. Spacecraft operations are controlled

through ground stations in Italy, USA, Germany and Australia. Launched new satellite
IS-907 on 15 February 2003. it will provide enhanced (circular frequency) coverage
from 5850 to 6425 MHz and (linear) high power from 14.00 to 14.50 GHz.

Orbital velocity: The tangential velocity to put a satellite in orbit around the Earth.

Artificial gravity: The gravity like effect produced in orbiting space ship to overcome
weightlessness.
Spaceship: A manned spacecraft, especially one making a journey between planets or
stars.

Space station: A place that lies beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, in which the density of
matter is very low, used as base for scientific experiments.

Geostationary orbit: A circular orbit around the earth that lies in the plane of the
equator and has a period of the earth’s rotation on its axis, i.e. nearly 24 hours.

Geostationary satellite: The satellite whose orbital motion is synchronized with the
rotation of the Earth.

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Synchronization: Sameness in time of two or more events; happening at the same
time rate; having the same rate of vibration.

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Navigation: The act of traveling by water; steering or managing (a ship) in sailing.

Communication satellites: They are designed to provide high-capacity

i.
communications links between widely separated locations on the earth’s surface.
hi
Intrinsic: Pertaining to the very nature of a thing.
a
Geodesics: The path with minimum length between two points in a mathematically
defined space. In three dimensions it is a straight line. In four dimensions (Einstein’s
ar

theory), it is the path of electromagnetic radiation, or of a particle that is subject to no

non-gravitational force.
.p

Eclipse: The ‘hiding’ of one heavenly body behind another. The eclipsed object, the
eclipsing object, and the observer are in a straight line.
w

Solar eclipse: It occurs when the shadow of the moon passes over the surface of the
earth.
w

Space time curvature: Einstein’s view of gravitation that space time is curved
especially locally near massive bodies.
w

Analogy: Likeness between things somewhat different.

Dumb-bell: One of a pair of weights of wood or iron, used for muscular exercise.

Divergence: Moving apart or deviation from a standard.

Gramophone: An instrument for recording and reproducing sound.

Question 5.1 Explain the difference between tangential velocity and the angular
velocity. If one of these is given for a wheel of known radius, how will you find the
other?
Answer 5.1 Linear velocity of a particle moving along a curve or circle directed along the
tangent at any point on the curve is known as tangential velocity .
Rate of angular displacement to unit time is known as angular velocity .

Question 5.2 Explain what is meant by centripetal force and why it must be
furnished to an object if the object is to follow a circular path?
Answer 5.2 The force which compels the body to move in a circle is known as centripetal
force.When a body follows a circular path its direction changes every moment. To change the

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direction of motion continuously a continuous perpendicular force is required which is known
as centripetal force it is directed towards the center of the circle.

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Question 5.3 What is meant by moment of inertia? Explain its significance.
Answer 5.3 A property of a body to resist its uniform circular motion. Product of mass and
perpendicular distance of the body from the axis of rotation is known as moment of inertia.

i.
conservation of angular momentum?
a hi
Question 5.4 What is meant by angular momentum? Explain the law of

Answer 5.4 Cross product of linear momentum P and position vector r is known as angular
momentum.
ar

Law of conservation of Angular Momentum. The angular momentum of an isolated

system remains the same if no external torque is applied on it.
L=I1w1=I2w2
If I decrease its w increases so product remains the same.
.p
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Question 5.5 Show that orbital angular momentum Lo = mvr?

Answer 5.5 We know that and its magnitude is given by
L=r*p = rpsinθ = mvrsinθ
w

where θ is the angle between r and p .

In case of circular orbital motion θ =90 degree between r and p .
w

Hence Lo = mvrsin90 = mvr

Lo = mvr ( sin90=1)

Question 5.6 Describe what should be the minimum velocity, for a satellite, to
orbit close to the Earth around it?
Answer 5.6 We that minimum to put a satellite in orbit vo=√gR .
As low flying satellite has g = 9.8m\s(2)
And R= 6400m.
putting the values vo=√9.8*6400 =7.9km\s .
This is the minimum velocity for a satellite to orbit close to earth.
Question 5.7 State the direction of the following vectors in the simple situations
angular momentum and angular velocity?
Answer 5.7 In simple situations angular momentum and angular velocity both are parallel to
the axis of rotation.

Question 5.8 Explain why an object, orbiting the Earth, is said to be free falling.
Use your explanation to point out why object appear weightless under certain
circumstances.
Answer 5.8 If the object is thrown fast enough parallel to the earth, the curvature of its path
match the curvature of the earth the object in this case will simply circle around the earth this is

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known as free fall.
Weightlessness is a sensation experienced by any individual when there are no external
objects touching one's body and exerting a push or pull upon it. In free fall, the only force acting

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upon your body is the force of gravity a non-contact force. So the object appears weightless.

Question 5.9 When mud flies off the tire of a moving bicycle, in what direction

i.
does it fly explain?
Answer 5.9 When mud flies off the tire of a moving bicycle it flies along the tangent to the tire.
hi
When tire is moving every part of it has tangential velocity, angular momentum and centripetal
force. The adhesive forces of mud provides the required centripetal force when speed of tire
a
increases. When required centripetal force increases the adhesive force the mud flies off the tire.
ar

Question 5.10 A disc and a hoop start moving from the top of an inclined plane at
the same time. Which one will be moving faster on reaching the bottom?
Answer 5.10 The velocity of disc on reaching the bottom of the inclined plane,
.p

v=√4gh/3=√4/3√gh and for hoop velocity at the bottom of the inclined plane v1 =√gh
So v=√4/3v1=1.15v1
w

Hence Disc will reach the bottom earlier.

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Question 5.11 Why does a diver change his body positions before and after diving
in the pool?
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Answer 5.11 To follow law of conservation of momentum.

Question 5.12 A student holds two dumb-bells with stretched arms while sitting on
a turn table. He is given a push until he is rotating at certain angular velocity. The
student then pulls the dumb-bells towards his chest. What will be the effect on rate
of rotation?
Answer 5.12 Using Law of conservation of momentum: I1wi=I2wf .
With stretched arms moment of inertia I1and angular velocity wi .The product I1wi is the
angular momentum remains the same when he pulls the dumb bells towards his chest his
moment of inertia I2 decrease and angular velocity wf increases to keep angular momentum
I2wf constant.
Question 5.13 Explain how many minimum number of Geo-stationary satellites are
required for global coverage of TV transmission?
Answer 5.13 A Geo-stationary satellite covers an angle of 120 degree so whole of the earth’s
surface can be covered by three correctly poisoned Geo-stationary satellites for global coverage
of TV transmission.

m
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Dynamics: The branch of Mechanics which deals with the motion of bodies under the

i.
influence of one or more forces.

including liquids and gases.

a hi
Fluid: A substance that takes the shape of the vessel containing it; a collective term

Fluid dynamics: The study of gases and liquids in motion.

ar

Acetone (or propane) [CH3 CO CH3]: A colourless flammable volatile compound.

Methanol (Methyl alcohol) [CH3OH]: A colourless liquid. It is made by catalytic

.p

oxidation of methane (from natural gas) using air.

Benzene [C6 H6 ]: A colourless liquid hydrocarbon. It is now made from gasoline

w

from petroleum. (formerly obtained from coal tar)

w

Ethanol (or Ethyl alcohol) [C2 H5 OH]: A colourless water soluble alcohol. It is the
active principle in intoxicating drinks, in which it is produced by fermentation of sugar
using yeast.
w

Glycerine (or glycerol) [HOCH2CH(OH)]: A tri-hydric alcohol. It is a colourless

sweet-tasting viscous liquid, mixable with water.

Law of conservation of mass (in fluids): The total inward mass flowing through a
pipe is equal to the total mass of the fluid that flows outward during the same time
interval.

Law of conservation of energy: The energy of the system upon which it does work
increases by exactly the same amount so the total energy of the system does not change.
Tar: A thick , brownish black, oily substance obtained by the distillation of wood, coal
or peat.

Peat: A substance valuable as a fuel, formed of partly decayed vegetable matter and
found principally in swamps and marshy places.

Drag: To pull by force or draw along slowly and heavily.

Drag force: A retarding force experienced by an object moving through a fluid.

Fluid friction: Resistive force experienced by a body when it moves through a fluid.

m
Laws of friction:

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 The frictional force is independent of the area of contact ( for the same force
holding the surfaces together ).
 The frictional force is proportional to the force holding the surfaces together. In

i.
kinetic friction it is independent of the relative velocities of the surfaces.
hi
Viscosity: The property of fluids by which they resist their flow due to the internal
a
friction.
ar

Coefficient of viscosity: It is equal to the tangential force per unit area required to
maintain a unit relative velocity between its two layers, unit distance apart.
.p

Stokes’ law: In fluid resistance; The drag force F of a sphere of radius r moving with a
velocity v through a fluid of infinite extent is
F = 6 π η r v,
w

where η is the viscosity.

Terminal velocity: Maximum constant velocity of an object falling vertically

w

downward.
w

Droplet: To fall in a small spherical mass of free liquid.

Density: The ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume.

Laminar flow (or streamline flow): Smooth sliding of layers of fluid past each
other.

Turbulent flow: Disorderly and changing flow pattern of fluids.

Incompressible: Which cannot be condense or press together.

Equation of continuity: The product of cross sectional area of the pipe and the fluid
speed at any point along the pipe is a constant. This constant equals to the flow rate.

Bernoulli’s equation: In the steady frictionless motion of a fluid acted on by external

forces which posses a gravitational potential ρgh , then
P + ½ ρ v2 + ρgh = constant
where P and ρ are the pressure and density of the fluid, v is the velocity of the fluid along
a streamline.

Bernoulli effect: The relation between the pressure in a steadily flowing fluid, and its
velocity. “Where the speed is high, the pressure will be low”.

m
Torricelli’s theorem: The speed of efflux is equal to the velocity gained by the fluid
in

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falling through the distance (h1 – h2 ) under the action of gravity.

Speed:

i.
 The distance covered in unit time.
 When a body moves, the rate of change of its position.
hi
a
Pressure: At a point in a fluid, the force exerted per unit area on an infinitesimal plane
situated at the point; P = F/a
ar

Speed and pressure relation: Where the speed is high, the pressure will be low.
.p

Aeroplane: An aircraft or flying machine, kept aloft by the reaction of motor-propelled

planes upon the air.
w

Venturi relation: It is the following relation: P1 – P2 = ½ ρv2(Square)

Venturi-meter: A device used to measure speed of liquid flow.

w

Blood pressure: It is the force of blood against the walls of arteries.

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Artery (pl: Arteries): One of the tubes, which carry blood from the heart.

Vein: One of the tube-like vessels, which carry the blood to or toward the heart.

Torr: A unit of pressure equal to a pressure of 133.322 pascals. It is equal to the mm of

Hg.

Pascal: The SI unit of pressure, equal to a pressure of one Newton per square metre.

Systolic pressure: It is force of blood in the arteries as the heart beats.

Diastolic pressure: It is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart relaxes between
beats.

Sphygmomanometer: An instrument used to measure blood pressure dynamically.

Valve: A fold in the wall of a blood vessel, canal, or other organ, which allows the
contents to flow through it in one direction only.

Stethoscope: An instrument for examining the heart, lungs, or like organs of the body,
by listening to the sounds which they make.

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Globular protein: Any of a group of proteins that are generally insoluble in water and
present in blood, eggs, milk and as a reserve protein in seeds.

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Protein: Any of a large group of organic compounds found in all living organisms.
Proteins compromise carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen also sulphur.

Aorta: Principal artery of the body that carries oxygenated blood to most other arteries

i.
in the body.

dimensions, power, amount of anything.

a hi
Gauge: An instrument for measuring, indicating or regulating the capacity, quantity,

Duct: A passage or tube by which a fluid is carried.

ar

Nobel Laureate/ prize: A fund of $ 9 million was set up. The interest of which is
annually distributed among six important discoveries or inventions in Physics,
.p

Chemistry, Medicine, literature, Economics, and for peace among nations. It is

according to the will of Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833 – 1896).
w
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Question 6.1 Explain what do you understand by the term viscosity?

w

Answer 6.1 Viscosity means how much force is required to slide one layer over
another in a fluid. Substances that do flow easily like honey or tar have large co-efficient
of viscosity. On the other hand fluid those flows easily like water have low value of co-
efficient of viscosities.

Question 6.2 What is meant by drag force? What are the factors upon which
drag force acting upon a small sphere of radius r moving down through a
liquid, depend?
Answer 6.2 An object moving through a fluid experience a retarding force which
opposes its motion is known as drag force.
By Stoke’ Law its eq is: F = 6πηrv
Velocity: Drag force is directly proportional to the velocity of the body in the fluid.
Radius: Drag force also depends upon the radius of the body.
Nature of Fluid: It also depends on the co-efficient of viscosity of the fluid. i.e. nature
of fluid.

Question 6.3 Why fog droplets appear to be suspended in air?

Answer 6.3 As we know that: vt=mg/6πηr.
As mass of the fog droplet is very small so its terminal velocity will be very small. For
this reason fog droplet appears to be suspended in air.

m
Question 6.4 Explain the difference between laminar flow and turbulent
flow?

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Answer 6.4 The flow is said to be laminar if every particle that passes a particular
point moves along exactly the same path as followed by particles which passed that
points earlier. i.e. the traffic on motorway. The irregular or unsteady flow of the fluid is
called turbulent flow. i.e. as a driver changes line randomly on a road.

i.
some of its applications?
a hi
Question 6.5 State Bernoulli’s relation for a liquid in motion and describe

Answer 6.5 Bernoulli’s relation P + ½ ρ v2 + ρgh = constant

Torricelli’s Theorem: The speed of efflux is equal to the velocity gained by the fluid
ar

in falling through the distance (h1-h2) under the action of gravity. v2 = √2g (h1 –
h2)
Venturi Relation: The effect of the decrease in pressure with the increase in speed of
.p

the fluids in a horizontal pipe is known a venturi relation. P1 - P2 = ½ ρ v2(2).

w

Question 6.6 A person is standing near a fast moving train. Is there any
danger that he will fall towards it?
Answer 6.6 From Bernoulli's Theorem. Where speed is faster streamlines are forced
w

together and pressure will be low there. Between train and a person streamlines are
close due to high speed but pressure exerted by fluid will be low. On the other hand
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streamlines are further and pressure will be greater. Therefore there will be a danger
that a person will fall towards a fast moving train.

Question 6.7 Identify the correct answer. What do you infer from
Bernoulli's theorem?

1. Where the speed of the fluid is high the pressure will be low.
2. Where the speed of the fluid is high the pressure is also high.
3. The theorem is valid only for turbulent flow of the liquids.
Answer 6.7 Correct answer is (i) Where the speed of the fluid is high the
pressure will be low.

Question 6.8 Two row boats moving parallel in the same direction are
pulled towards each other. Explain?
Answer 6.8 According to Torricelli Theorem Where the speed is high, the pressure will
be low. Between row boats velocity is high and pressure is low outside row boats velocity
is low but pressure is high so boats are pulled towards each other.

Question 6.9 Explain, how the swing is produced in a fast moving cricket
ball?
Answer 6.9 When a bowler bowls a cricket ball it spins and moves forward. The

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velocity of air on the shiny Surface is greater than on the dull surface and pressure is low
on the shiny surface and greater on the dull surface. This gives an extra curvature to the
ball which is known as swing which may deceive the batsman.

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Question 6.10 Explain the working of a carburetor of a motorcar using by
Bernoulli's principle.
Answer 6.10 The carburetor of the car uses venturi duct to feed the correct mix of air

i.
and petrol to the cylinders. Air is drawn through the duct and along a pipe to the
cylinders. A tiny inlet at the side of the duct is fed with petrol. The air through the duct
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moves very fast, creating low pressure in the duct, which draws petrol vapors into the air
stream.
a
Question 6.11 For which position will the maximum blood pressure in the
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body have the smallest values?

1. Standing up right.
.p

2. Sitting.
3. Lying horizontally.
4. Standing on one’s head.
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Answer 6.11 The maximum blood pressure in the body has the smallest value when
body is lying horizontally
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Question 6.12 In an orbiting space station, would the blood pressure in

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major arteries in the leg ever be greater than the blood pressure in major
arteries in the neck?
Answer 6.12 No. Due to lack of force of gravity, the blood pressure in major arteries in
the leg will be equal to that in arteries of the neck, due to weightlessness.
Translatory motion (or Rectilinear motion): A body moves with translational
motion if each particle of the body undergoes the same displacement in a straight line in
a given time.

Rotatory motion: A body moves with rotational motion if each particle of the body
moves in a circle about a straight line called the axis of rotation.

Vibratory motion (or Oscillatory motion):

 To and fro motion of a body about its mean position.

m
 If the motion is back and forth over the same path about a mean position, it is
called vibratory or oscillatory motion.

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Periodic motion: A motion which repeats itself in equal intervals of time.

i.
Periodic: Pertaining to a definite round of time; occurring or reoccurring at definite
intervals. hi
Bob: A weight, e.g. a cork or small metallic mass, as on a pendulum.
a
Clamp: Anything that fastens, e.g. a piece of metal used to bring two corks together.
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Skyscraper: A very tall building.

Elasticity: The property of a material body to regain its original condition, on the
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removal of the deforming forces.

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Stress: The distorting force per unit area set up inside the body.

Strain: The change produced in the dimensions of a body under a system of forces.
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Hook’s Law: Within the limits of perfect elasticity stress is directly proportional to
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strain.

Hooke’s law (modified form): Applied force on a body is directly proportional to

the displacement.
As stress ∝ strain
F/A ∝ l /Lo
F ∝ (A/Lo ) l
F ∝ l [ A & Lo being constant ]
F∝x
F=kx
Simple Harmonic Motion:

 The projection of uniform circular motion upon any diameter of a circle.

 A particle is said to posses a simple harmonic motion if its acceleration is always
directed towards the centre and its value is proportional to the displacement of
the particle from its central position.

Mean position: In to and fro motion, the central position around which a body moves.

Displacement: Distance from the equilibrium position at certain instant.

m
Instantaneous displacement: In a vibrating body, the value of its distance from the
mean position at any instant of time.

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Amplitude: The maximum distance traveled by a vibrating particle from its mean
position.

Vibration: One complete round trip of the body.

i.
hi
Time period: It is the time required to complete one vibration.

Frequency: It is the number of vibrations executed by a body in one second.

a
Angular frequency: The number of complete rotations per unit time.
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Sinusoidal waveform: Wave shape made like sine wave or like a curve plot of the
function
.p

y = sin θ.

Circular motion: A form of periodic motion, that of an object moving at constant

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speed in a circle of constant radius.

Trigonometry: The study of triangles, and various relations of sides and angles of
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triangles.
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Algebra: That branch of mathematics which uses letters and other symbols instead of
actual numbers and quantities for calculations.

Arithmetic: The branch of mathematics in which we use figures for calculations.

Trigonometric functions: Relations between the angle and sides of a right angled
triangle, such as, sinθ , cosθ .

Sine θ: In right angled triangle, sine θ is equal to the opposite side divided by
hypotenuse.
Cosine θ: In right angled triangle, cosine θ is equal to the base divided by hypotenuse.

Tangent θ: In right angled triangle, tangent θ is equal to opposite side divided by the
base.
Instantaneous velocity: Velocity at a particular instant of time.

Acceleration:

 Rate of change of velocity.

 Change of velocity in unit time.

m
Phase:

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 The angle θ = ωt which specifies the displacement as well as the direction of
motion of the point executing SHM is known as phase.
 The state or condition as regards its position and direction of motion with respect
to the mean position.

i.
with a known period.
a hi
Pendulum: A device consisting of a mass , suspended from a fixed point, that oscillates

Simple pendulum: It consists of a small mass oscillating to and fro at the end of a
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very light string.

Second’s pendulum: A pendulum whose time period is two seconds.

.p

Elastic potential energy: The amount of work done against the elastic force or in
compressing an elastic spring.
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Free oscillations: Oscillations of a body at its own frequency without the interference
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of an external force.

Forced oscillations: The oscillations of a body subjected to an external force.

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Oscillator: Any system, which is capable of oscillating about a stable equilibrium

position.

Harmonic oscillator:

 A physical system under going forced vibrations.

 A signal oscillator that produces a large number of odd and even harmonics of the
fundamental frequency of the input.
Simple Harmonic oscillator(or linear oscillator): It is one in which the restoring
force is directly proportional to the displacement with respect to its stable equilibrium
position.

Damped harmonic oscillator: An oscillator which moves in a resistive medium.

Magnetron: A type of electron tube used for producing microwaves.

Metal mesh: One of the open spaces between the metal wires of a net.

Elongation: Stretching out to become longer.

m
Resonance: A specific response of a vibrating system to a periodic force acting with the
natural period of the system.

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Mechanical resonance: In a mechanical vibrating system, the enhanced response to
a driving force as the frequency of this force is increased through a resonant frequency.

i.
Natural frequency: The frequency at which an object or system will vibrate freely.
hi
Natural period: The time period of a body or system for free oscillation.
a
Electrical resonance: The condition arising when a maximum of current or voltage
occurs as the frequency of the electrical source is varied; such as, tuning a radio.
ar

Microwave: An electromagnetic wave with a wavelength in the range 1 mm to 100 mm,

i.e. with a frequency in the range 300 to 3GHz.
.p

Oven: A chamber used for baking, heating, or drying.

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Microwave oven: An oven in which food is cooked by the heat produced as a result of
microwave penetration of the food.
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Tacoma Narrow bridge: In November 7, 1940 the first Tacoma Narrows suspension
bridge collapsed due to wind-induced vibrations, situated on the Tacoma Narrows in
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Puget Sound, near the city of Tacoma, Washington, USA. The bridge had only been open
for traffic a few months.

Damping: A process whereby energy is dissipated from the oscillatory system.

Damped oscillations: Decreasing in amplitude with time due to the resistance of the
medium to the oscillations or vibrations.

Driven Harmonic oscillator: A physical system under going forced vibrations.

Condition for resonance: Resonance occurs when the frequency of the applied force
is equal to one of the natural frequencies of vibration of the forced or driven harmonic
oscillator.

Dissipation: The removal of energy from a system to overcome some form of resistive
force (mechanical or electrical). Without resistance (as in motion in vacuum) there can
be no dissipation.

Shock absorber: Any of several devices for absorbing the energy of sudden impulses
or shocks in machinery or structure.

Pith ball: A bob or small suspending ball made of some soft , spongy substance.

m
co
Question 8.1 What features do longitudinal waves have in common with
transverse waves?

i.
Answer 8.1 Common features between longitudinal and transverse waves.
hi
1. They produce disturbance in the medium in which they are traveling.
2. Transport energy from one place to another.
3. The equation v = f λ is valid for both waves.
a
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Question 7.9 As a result of distant explosion, an observer senses a ground

tremor and then hears the explosion. Explain the time difference.
.p

Answer 8.7 Sound waves travel faster in solids than in air. The sound waves produced
by the explosion travel from two paths. One through ground reaches faster than
traveling through air. This is the reason for time difference.
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Question 7.10 Explain why sound travels faster in warm air than in cold air.
Answer 7.10 v ∝ √T and v = √ (γ P / ρ)
The speed of sound varies directly as the square root of absolute temperature and
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inversely to the square root of density of medium. As the temperature of air increases,
the pressure increases and density decreases. So, speed of sound increases in warm air.

Question 7.11 How should a sound source move with respect to an observer
so that the frequency of its sound does not change?
Answer 7.11 Both the source and the observer should not move so their relative speed
be zero. From Doppler Effect, Then there will be no change in the frequency of its
sound.
 m
Mechanical waves: The waves which require a medium for their movement.

Electromagnetic waves: Transverse waves in spaces having an electric component

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and a magnetic component.

Matter waves: These waves carry energy and pilot the particle and move along with it.

i.
Wave: A disturbance in the medium. hi
Water waves: The waves produced in the water.
a
Ripples: Tiny waves on the surface of water; any slight curling wave.
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Ripple tank: An apparatus which consists of a rectangular tray containing water, fitted
with glass bottom.
.p

Shock waves: Waves of compression and rarefaction that originate in the

neighbourhood of sharp points or roughness on obstacles exposed to the flow of a
compressible fluid at high speeds.
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Ultrasonic frequency: A sound frequency above the range normally audible by

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humans, i.e. greater than about 20 KHz.

Ultrasonics: Study and application of mechanical vibrations with frequencies beyond

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limits of hearing of the human ear, i.e. with frequencies about 20 KHz and upwards.

Ultrasonic waves: Sound waves having frequency greater than 20 KHz.

Radar: (Radio Direction And Ranging) A system for locating distant objects by means
of reflected radio waves, usually of microwave frequency.

Radar speed trap: An instrument used to detect the speed of moving object on the
basis of Doppler shift.
Oscillation: A vibration; a periodic variation of an electrical quantity, as current or
voltage.

Space: That which has length, breadth, and height, and is unlimited in extension.

Guitar: A six stringed instrument played with the fingers.

Music: The art or science of making pleasing or harmonious combinations of sound

tones.
Aeroplane: An aircraft or flying machine, kept aloft by the reaction of motor-propelled
planes upon the air.

m
Electric field: Region in which an electric force acts on a charge brought into that
region.

co
Magnetic field: The region or space near a magnet where the effects of magnetism
such as the deflection of a compass needle can be detected.

i.
String: A small cord; thick thread.
hi
Spring: An elastic object or device usually of metal of spiral shape, that yields under a
distorting force and returns to its original form when the force is removed.
a
Magnifying glass (or Simple microscope): An ordinary convex lens held close to
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the eye.

Pebble: A small roundish stone, worn smooth, as by water.

.p

Progressive wave: The wave, which transfers energy away from the source.
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Traveling waves: Waves produced by a driving force, and they travel away from the
source which produces them.
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Longitudinal wave: The wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to
the propagation of the wave.
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Hump: To make such shape like the back of a camel; bend or curve as the back

Energy: The ability or capacity for doing work.

Momentum: In a moving body, the product of its mass and velocity.

Wave: A disturbance in the medium.

Pulse: Single unrepeated disturbance.

Jerk: To give a sudden quick pull, twist or push to.

Slinky spring: A loose spring which has small initial length but relatively large
extended length.

Sag: T sink or hang down by weight, or under pressure; as the rope sags.

Transverse waves: The waves in which particles of the medium are displaced in a
direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation of waves.

Longitudinal waves: The waves in which the particles of the medium have

m
displacements along the direction of propagation of waves.

Periodic motion: Any kind of regularly repeated motion, such as the swinging of a

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pendulum, the orbiting of a satellite, the vibration of a source of sound, or an
electromagnetic wave.

Periodic waves: Any kind of regularly repeated waves.

i.
Snap: To produce a sharp sudden sound; to throw or seize with a jerk.

Snapshot: An instantaneous photograph.

a hi
Rhythm (rhythmic adv.): The regular recurrence (i.e. coming back at intervals) as in
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music, stress, speech, or quantity; movement marked by a regular measured recurrence

of sound.
.p

Vibrator: A device for producing an alternating current by periodically interrupting or

reversing the current obtained from a direct-current source.
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Crest: A region of upward displacement in a transverse wave.

Trough: A region of downward displacement in a transverse wave.

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Harmonic motion: A regularly repeated sequence that can be expressed as the sum of
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a set of sine waves. Each component sine wave represents a possible simple harmonic
motion.

Amplitude: The maximum distance traveled by a vibrating particle from its mean
position.

Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive wave fronts.

Snapshot: An instantaneous photograph.

Profile: Drawing an outline of a curved or sweeping figure.

Sine curve: The curve made by plotting the function of y = sin θ.

Transverse periodic waves: The transverse waves which pass one after the other
through any point in the medium periodically.

Longitudinal periodic waves: The longitudinal waves in which the particles of the
medium vibrate with simple harmonic motion.

Compression: The region of a longitudinal wave in which the vibrating particles are
closer than their equilibrium distance.

m
Rarefaction: The region of a longitudinal wave in which the vibrating particles are
farther apart than their equilibrium distance.

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Compressional waves (or longitudinal waves):

 Waves in which the particles of the medium vibrate to and fro along the path
which the waves travel through the medium.

i.
 The waves in which the vibrations are parallel to the direction of travel of the
wave. hi
a
Sound: The series of disturbances in matter to which the human ear is sensitive. Also
similar disturbances in matter above and below the normal range of human hearing.
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Inertia:
.p

 It is a property by virtue of which it is necessary to exert a force on a body at rest

if it is to be set into motion.
 The resistance of matter to any acceleration of its state of rest or motion.
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Elastic modulus: The ratio of stress on a body to the strain produced.

Elasticity: The property of a material body to regain its original condition, on the
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removal of the deforming forces.

Bulk modulus: Elasticity of volume, corresponding to volume strain.

Young’s modulus: Linear elasticity, or elasticity of length.

Rigidity modulus: Elasticity of shape.

Density: The ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume.

Boyle’s law: The volume of a given mass of a gas in inversely proportional to the
pressure, if the temperature is kept constant.

S.T.P. : (Standard temperature and pressure) The standard temperature is 0 oC

(273 K) and the standard pressure is 1 atm or 760 mm of Hg or 760 torr or 101325 Nm-
2.

Newton’s formula for the velocity of sound: Velocity of sound is directly

proportional to the square root of the elasticity and inversely proportional to the square
root of the density of the medium. Mathematically, V = √ E / ρ

m
Laplace’s correction: In calculations of the velocity of sound, to use coefficient of
adiabatic elasticity and not to use isothermal elasticity.

co
Molar specific heat at constant volume, CV: The amount of heat energy required
to raise the temperature of one mole of a gas through 1 K at constant volume.

Molar specific heat at constant pressure, CP: The amount of heat energy

i.
required to raise the temperature of one mole of a gas through 1 K at constant pressure.

ratio of Cp to CV . or γ = Cp / CV
a hi
The ratio ( γ ): It is the ratio of adiabatic elasticity to isothermal elasticity; it is the

Binomial theorem: It mathematical form is, (1 ± x)n = 1 ± nx + n(n – 1) x2 + …… (x <

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1)1! 2!

Mono-atomic: Describing a molecule that consists of a single atom. The rarer gases
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are mono-atomic.

Diatomic: Describing a molecule that consists of two atoms; e.g. H2 , O2 & N2 .

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Polyatomic: Describing a molecule that consists of several atoms (three or more) e.g.
Benzene C6 H6.
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Bat: Any of an order of insect-eating animals, with soft, furry body, and wings formed
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by skin stretched between the fingers, legs, and tail, which fly by night.

Coefficient of volume expansion (β): The change in unit volume of a substance

when its temperature is changed one degree.

Absolute temperature: Temperature measured with respect to absolute zero, i.e.

zero of Kelvin scale, a scale which cannot take negative value.

Absolute zero: The least possible temperature for all substances. At this temperature
the molecules of any substance possess no heat energy. A figure of –273.15 C is generally
accepted as the value of absolute zero.
Supersonic: Pertaining to speed in air with a speed exceeding the speed of sound in
air.

Ultrasonic: Sounds of frequency higher than 20,000 hertz which are not audible to
human ear.

Infrasonic: Vibrations in matter below 20 cycles per second.

Auditory sensation area: The region of intensity and frequency bounded by the
lower and upper curves of frequency verses intensity level for sound waves.

m
Threshold of hearing: The intensity of the average faintest audible sound; 10-12 watt
/m2

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Threshold of pain: The upper intensity level for audible sounds.

Supersonic plane: A plane moving in air with a speed exceeding the speed of sound in
air. At this speed shock waves are produced.

i.
Sonic barrier (or sound barrier): The sudden sharp increase in aerodynamic drag
hi
experienced by aircraft approaching the speed of sound.
a
Sonic boom :
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 An explosive sound caused by the shock wave preceding an aircraft traveling at or

above the speed of sound.
 The noise originating from the backward projected shock waves set up by an
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aircraft travelling at greater than the speed of sound. A stationary source of sound
emits a series of concentric wave fronts, the radius of which will increase with
time.
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Shock waves:
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 A large amplitude compression waves, as that produced by an explosion or by

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supersonic motion of a body in a medium.

 When an airplane moves relatively slow, air pressure disturbances move faster
than the airplane and are able to disperse. However, when an airplane moves
faster than the speed of sound, air pressure disturbances are unable to disperse;
instead, they amass in front of the airplane. A cone shaped shockwave forms,
audible to those on the ground as a sonic boom.

Mach number (Ma): The ratio of the speed of a high-speed aircraft to the speed of
sound in air; Ma = v / c. An airplane traveling at less than Mach 1 is traveling at
subsonic speeds; at about Mach 1, transonic, or approximately the speed of sound; and
greater than Mach 1, supersonic speeds; in excess of 5 it is said to be hypersonic. An
aircraft flying at Mach 2, for example, is traveling at twice the speed of sound.

Cone: A solid body, which tapers uniformly to a point from a circular base.

Conical surface: The surface made like the outer surface of a cone.

Boeing Company: The world’s largest manufacturer of commercial airplanes and

military aircraft. Boeing controls almost two-thirds of the global market for jet airliners.
Its headquarters is in Seattle, Washington.

Boeing 747 (called Jumbo Jet): A cargo transport flight with 490 passengers

m
capacity. Four jet engines propel the plane, which reaches cruising speeds of 885 km/hr.

Concord plane: Concord is the only operating commercial supersonic jet airliners. Its

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speed is 1400 mile/hr with 128-passenger capacity. Both Air France and British Airways
operate it.

Falcon: Fighter-bombers aircraft. They are dual purpose aircraft that can drop bombs

i.
and also fight enemy planes. e.g. F-16 fighting Falcon.
hi
F-16 (Fighting Falcon): The F-16 is world’s most successful warplane of recent times,
over 4000 Falcons have been build. Its speed is 2124 km/hr at 12190 m altitude with
a
range 3890 km. Pakistan have 40 F-16 of A/B model.
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Types of planes:

 Land planes: Aircraft that take off from and land on the ground.
.p

 Seaplanes: Aircraft that take off from and land on water.

 Amphibians: Aircraft that can operate on both land and sea.
 Airplanes: They can leave the ground using the jet thrust of their engines or
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rotating wings and then switch to wing borne flight.

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Superposition: Combining the displacements of two or more wave motions

algebraically to produce a resultant wave motion.
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Principle of superposition of waves:

 When two (or more) waves of the same type pass through the same region, the
amplitude of vibration at any point is the algebraic sum of the individual
amplitudes.
 When two waves act upon a body simultaneously they pass each other without
disturbing each other, and act upon the particles of the medium quite
independent of each other, and their resultant displacement is the resultant of all
individual waves.
Beats:

 The condition whereby two sound waves form an outburst of sound followed by
an interval of comparative silence.
 The periodic alternations of sound between maximum and minimum.

Stationary waves (or standing waves):

 Waves apparently standing still resulting from the similar wave trains travelling
in opposite directions.

m
 Resultant of two wave trains of the same wavelength, frequency, and amplitude
travelling in opposite directions through the same medium.

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Interference: The phenomenon in which the two waves support each other at some
points and cancel at others.

i.
Phase coherence: Producing of two waves of same wavelength and time period at the
same instant.

Constructive interference:
a hi
 Whenever path difference is an integral multiple of wavelength displacements,
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the two waves are added up. This effect is called constructive interference.
 The interference of two waves, so that they reinforce one another.
.p

Destructive interference:
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 At points where the displacements of two waves cancel each other’s effect, the
path difference is an odd integral multiple of half the wavelength. This effect is
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called destructive interference.

 When two waves overlap each other in opposite phases.
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Audio generator: A device to generate electric charges (electrons) to move to and fro
repeatedly (A.C. signals) with frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

Amplifier: A device for reproducing an electrical input at an increased intensity.

Power amplifier: An amplifier producing an appreciable current flow into a relatively

low impedance (i.e. the ratio of voltage to current) or a large increase in output power.

Microphone: A device for converting sound energy into electrical energy.

Cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO) : A device used to display input signal into
waveform.

Tuning fork: A metal two-prong fork which produces a sound of a definite pitch.

Sonometer: A device consisting of two or more wires or strings stretched over a

sounding board, used for testing the frequency of strings and for showing how they
vibrate.

Sound waves: Longitudinal wave motion through a material medium produced in

matter having frequency range from 20 to 20,000 hertz.

m
Law of length: The frequency of transverse vibration of a stretched string is inversely
proportional to its vibrating length under constant stretching force.

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Law of tension: The frequency of transverse vibration of a stretched string is directly
proportional to the square root of its tension for given length.
Mathematically; ν ∝ √ T , l & m are constants

i.
Law of mass: The frequency of transverse vibration of a stretched string is inversely

constant tension. Mathematically;

a hi
proportional to the square root of its mass per unit length for as given length and

ν ∝ √ l / m , l & T are constants

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Plasticene: A soft plastic material used, especially by children for modeling.

Organ (or organ pipe): A musical instrument played by means of one or more
.p

keyboards. It produces sound by means of a vibrating air column enclosed in one or

more pipes.
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Sitar: Indian instrument, with seven metal strings, a gourd body, and long neck with
moveable frets.
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Violin: A four stringed musical instrument played with a bow.

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Piano: The largest musical stringed instrument. It is enclosed in a case and played from
a keyboard.

Guitar: A six stringed instrument played with the fingers.

Reflection: The turning back of a wave from the boundary of a medium.

Stationary waves (or Standing waves):

 The resultant of two wave trains of the same wavelength, frequency, and
amplitude travelling in opposite directions through the same medium.
  Waves apparently standing still resulting from two similar wave trains travelling
in opposite directions.

Node: A point of no disturbance of a stationary wave.

Antinode: A point which oscillate with the maximum amplitude in stationary waves.

Harmonic series: A series having a sequence of numbers, each of which is obtained

from the preceding number of the sequence by adding the same number; such as, f, 2f,
3f, etc.

m
Peg: A small usually cylindrical pointed or tapered piece (as of wood) used to pin down
or fasten things or to fit into or close holes.

co
Organ (or organ pipe): A musical instrument played by means of one or more
keyboards. It produces sound by means of a vibrating air column enclosed in one or
more pipes.

i.
Flute: A musical wind instrument furnished with finger holes and keys.

Odd: Not exactly divisible by two.

a hi
Even: Divisible by two without a remainder.
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Stationary longitudinal wave: Stationary waves in which the particles of the

medium vibrate parallel to the propagation of the wave.
.p

Fundamental frequency (or Fundamental): The lowest frequency produced by a

vibrating object.
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Harmonics (or Overtones): The fundamental and the tones whose frequencies are
whole number multiples of the fundamental.
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Echo: The repetition of sound caused by the reflection of sound waves.

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Echolocation: Such location where the echo is heard.

Dolphin: Any of various agile sea mammals, akin to the whales.

Doppler’s effect: The change in the pitch of sound caused by the relative motion of
either the source of sound or the listener.

Locomotive: Pertaining to motion or travel from one place to another; an engine or

motor for drawing railway cars.

Relative velocity: The vector difference of the two velocities.

Doppler shift: Apparent change in frequency due to relative motion of source and
observer.

Artery (pl: Arteries): One of the tubes, which carry blood from the heart.

Vein: One of the tube-like vessels, which carry the blood to or toward the heart.

Electromagnetic waves: Transverse waves in spaces having an electric component

and a magnetic component.

Radar: (Radio Direction And Ranging) A system for locating distant objects by means

m
of reflected radio waves, usually of microwave frequency.

Sonar: (SOund NAvigational Ranging) A technique for locating objects underwater by

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transmitting a pulse of ultrasonic sound and detecting the reflecting pulse.
Satellite: A smaller body that revolves around a larger body.

Echo: The repetition of a sound or of sounds already heard, caused by the throwing

i.
back of sound waves.
hi
Acoustics: Study of the production, properties and propagation of sound waves.
a
Acoustical: Pertaining to acoustics.
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Submarine: Something that functions or operates underwater; such as, a warship

designed for under sea operation.
.p

Astronomy: The scientific study of the heavenly bodies, their motions, relative
positions, and nature.
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Astronomer: One who is skilled in astronomy or who makes observations of heavenly

bodies and their phenomena.
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Astronaut: Somebody from a non-communist country who travels beyond the Earth.
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Cosmonaut: Somebody from a communist country who travels beyond the Earth.

Star: Any celestial body visible as a point of light.

Nova: A faint variable star that can undergo a considerable explosion during which the
luminosity increases by up to 105 times.

Supernova: Stars that suffer an explosion becoming some 108 times brighter than the
Sun during the process.
Pulsars: Stars that emit radio frequency electromagnetic radiation in brief pulses at
extremely regular intervals.

Nebula: A luminous, cloud-like formation seen among the stars. It may represent the
initial form of a star cluster that may condense out of it or the final form of a supernova.

Crab Nebula: the name of a star of supernova type.

Black hole: An astronomical body with so high a gravitational field that it causes
gravitational self-closer, i.e. a region is formed from which neither particles nor photons
can escape, although they can be captured permanently from the outside.

m
Planet: Any one of the larger celestial bodies of the solar system, revolving round the
sun in a nearly circular orbit and shining by reflected light; distinguished from the stars.

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Galaxy (or Milky way): The star system to which the Sun and the Solar System
belong.

i.
Cosmos: The observed universe regarded as an orderly collection of galaxies, stars,
planets, comets, etc. hi
Spectrum:
a
 The set colors obtained on the screen by dispersion.
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 Array of colors arranged according to their wave length.

.p

Blue shift: The shift of received wavelength from a star into the shorter region.

Red shift: The shift in the wavelength of light from a star towards longer wavelength
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region.

Microwave: An electromagnetic wave with a wavelength in the range 1 mm to 100 mm,

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i.e. with a frequency in the range 300 to 3GHz.

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Transmitter: A device used in a telecommunication system to generate and propagate

an electrical signal.

Explosion: A sudden and violent outburst from a solid to a gaseous state with a loud
report.

Tremor: Quick vibration or shaking.

Prong: Sharp pointed instrument or branch; such as one leg of a tuning fork.
Absorption spectrum: A spectrum having dark lines because of the absorption of
some wavelengths.

Question 8.1 What features do longitudinal waves have in common with

transverse waves?
Answer 8.1 Common features between longitudinal and transverse waves.

m
1. They produce disturbance in the medium in which they are traveling.
2. Transport energy from one place to another.
3. The equation v = f λ is valid for both waves.

i. co
Question 8.2 The five possible waveform obtained, when the output from a
microphone is fed into the Y-input of the cathode ray oscilloscope, with the
hi
time base on, are shown in fig8.23 (on book). These waveform are obtained
under the same adjustment of the cathode ray oscilloscope controls.
Indicate the waveform.
a
a. which trace represents the loudest note?
b. which trace represents the highest frequency?
ar

Answer 8.2 Loudness of sound depends on the intensity of sound which is directly
related with the square of amplitude of the waves. Hence fig b represents the loudest
note. Trace b has the highest frequency as the wavelength is small than other waves.
.p

Question 8.3 Is it possible for two identical waves traveling in the same
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direction along a string to give rise to a stationary wave?

Answer 8.3 No, there is no possibility for two waves traveling in the same direction
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along a string to give rise to a stationary wave. As stationary wave is produced by the
superposition of two identical waves traveling in opposite direction.
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Question 8.4 A wave is produced along a stretched string but some of its
particles permanently show zero displacement. What type of wave is it?
Answer 8.4 The wave in which some of its particles permanently show zero
displacement is known as stationary wave and these zero displacement maximum
tension points are known as nodes.

Question 8.5 Explain the terms crest, trough, node and anti nodes.
Answer 8.5 Crest: The portion of wave above mean position in a traverse wave is
called crest.
Trough: The portion of wave below mean position in a traverse wave is called trough.
Node: Points having zero amplitude in a stationary wave is called node.
Anti nodes: Points having maximum amplitude in a stationary wave is called anti
nodes.

Question 8.6 Why does a sound travel faster in solids than in gases?
Answer 8.6 In the relation v = √ (E / ρ) ‘E’ Elasticity of the medium is directly
proportional to velocity of sound its value is greater for solids than in gases. The effect
of density, ρ is very less as compared to E. The ratio of (E / ρ) is greater for solid than
gases, so sound travel faster in solids then in gases.

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Question 8.7 How are the beats useful in tuning musical instruments?
Answer 8.7 A new instrument is tuned as it is played with the standard musical

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instruments. They are sounded together thus beats are produced. The frequency of the
new instrument is changed until the resonance occurs.

i.
Question 8.8 When two notes of frequency f1 and f2 are sounded together,
beats are formed if f1>f2. What will be the frequency of beats?
hi
a
1. f1+f2
2. 1/2(f1+f2)
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3. f1-f2
4. ½(f1-f2)
.p

Answer 8.8 Since we know that no of beats per second is equal to the difference
between the frequencies of the tuning forks. Hence option iii) f1-f2 is correct.
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Question 8.9 As a result of distant explosion, an observer senses a ground

tremor and then hears the explosion. Explain the time difference.
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Answer 8.9 Sound waves travel faster in solids than in air. The sound waves produced
by the explosion travel from two paths. One through ground reaches faster than
traveling through air. This is the reason for time difference.
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Question 8.10 Explain why sound travels faster in warm air than in cold air.
Answer 8.10 v ∝ √T and v = √ (γ P / ρ)
The speed of sound varies directly as the square root of absolute temperature and
inversely to the square root of density of medium. As the temperature of air increases,
the pressure increases and density decreases. So, speed of sound increases in warm air.

Question 8.11 How should a sound source move with respect to an observer
so that the frequency of its sound does not change?
Answer 8.11 Both the source and the observer should not move so their relative speed
be zero. From Doppler Effect, Then there will be no change in the frequency of its
sound.

m
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Optics: Branch of Physics which deals with the study of the behaviour of light.

Physical optics: It treats the distinctive wave phenomena of light.

i.
Light: The aspect of radiant energy of which an observer is visually aware.
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Luminous: Objects that give off light of their own.
a
Interference: The phenomenon in which the two waves support each other at some
points and cancel at others.
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Vibration: One complete round trip of the body.

.p

Concentric: Having a common center, as circles.

Wave front:
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 A surface on which all the points have the same phase of vibration.
 Locus of all points having the same phase of vibration.
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Phase: The state or condition as regards its position and direction of motion with
respect to the mean position.

Ray: A single line of light coming from a luminous point.

Luminous: Objects that give off light of their own.

Beam: Several parallel rays of light considered collectively.

Spherical (circular) wave front: In homogeneous medium, from a point source,

concentric spheres (circles) of wave fronts with center at the source.
Plane wave front: A small portion of a spherical wave front which is very nearly
plane.

Huygen’s principle: Every point on a wave front can be considered as a source of

secondary spherical wave-lets, and the new position of the wave front after a time t can
be found by drawing a plane tangential to the secondary wave-lets.

Tangent: A line, curve, or surface which touches another at a single point.

Diffraction: The bending or spreading of waves around the edge of an opening or

obstacle.

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Phase: The state or condition as regards its position and direction of motion with
respect to the mean position.

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Constructive interference: The interference of two waves, so that they reinforce one
another.

i.
Destructive interference: The interference of two waves, so that they cancel one
another. hi
Phase coherence: Producing of two waves of same wavelength and time period at the
a
same instant.
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Monochromatic: Light consisting of only one colour.

Polychromatic: Light composed of several colours.

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Coherent source: Having a source or sources, that are always in phase, i.e. peaks and
troughs always come together.
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Superposition: Combining the displacements of two or more wave motions

algebraically to produce a resultant wave motion.
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Fringe: One of various light or dark bands produced by the interference or diffraction
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of light.

Crest: A region of upward displacement in a transverse wave.

Trough: A region of downward displacement in a transverse wave.

Maxima: The bright fringes made in the interference of light.

Minima: The dark fringes made in the interference of light.

Slit: A narrow opening; to cut lengthwise or into long strips.

Integral multiple: Multiples having a whole number.

White light: Light such as daylight, containing all wavelengths of the visible spectrum
at normal intensities so that no coloration is apparent.

Thin film: A thin skin or layer.

Plano-convex lens: A convex lens whose one side is plane.

Refraction: The bending of a wave disturbance at it passes obliquely from one medium
into another of different density.

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Periphery: The circumference of a circle, ellipse, or similar figure; the outside surface
of a rounded solid.

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Microscope: An optical instrument for producing an enlarged image of small objects.

Simple microscope: The magnifying glass, or simple magnifier. The small object is

i.
viewed between the lens and its focal point.

objects with a combination of lenses.

a hi
Compound microscope: A device used for producing large images of close small

Concentric rings: Rings having a common center.

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Newton’s rings: Circular interference fringes formed between a lens and a glass plate
with which the lens is in contact.
.p

Michelson’s interferometer: The device includes one half silvered mirror and two
plane mirrors, using interference of light waves to measure very small distances.
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Precision: In measurements considering the magnitude of error. The less magnitude

of error gives more precise measurement.
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Telescope: A device for collecting and producing an image of distant objects.

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Cadmium: ( 48Cd112 ) A soft bluish metal, used in low-melting point alloys to make
solders in some batteries.

Rim: A border, edge, or margin of an object, especially when bound or raised.

Diffraction:

 The property of bending of light around obstacles and spreading of light waves
into the geometrical shadow of an obstacle.
 The bending or spreading of waves around the edge of an opening or obstacle.
Diffraction grating: An optical surface, either transmitting or reflecting with several
thousand equally spaced and parallel lines ruled on it.

Grating element: Distance of the width of slit and the separation between two
consecutive slits, which is equal to length of grating divided by number of ruled lines.

X-rays: Electromagnetic radiation of extremely short wave length, having great

penetrating power.

Crystal: A (usually transparent) body formed by a substance solidifying so that it has

flat surfaces in regular, even arrangement.

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Electromagnetic radiation: Energy propagated by vibrating electric and magnetic
fields. Electromagnetic radiation forms a whole electromagnetic spectrum, depending

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upon frequency and ranging from high frequency cosmic rays to low frequency
microwaves.

Array: An orderly collection or series of things imposingly displayed.

i.
Bragg equation: The equation setting out the condition for the diffraction of a parallel
hi
beam of monochromatic x-rays from a crystal; n λ = 2 d sin θ
a
Biology: The science, which deals with the origin and life history of plants and animals
including botany and zoology.
ar

Biological: Pertaining to the science, which deals with the origin and life history of
plants and animals including botany and zoology.
.p

Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a protein that is carried by red cells. It picks up oxygen in

the lungs and delivers it to the peripheral tissues to maintain the life of cells.
w

Helix: Anything in the shape of the thread of a screw, or of a coiled spring.

w

Analyzer: A device for determining the plane of polarization of plane-polarized

radiation
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DNA: (Deoxyribonucleic acid) The genetic material of most living organisms, which
is a major constituent of the chromosomes within the cell nucleus and plays a central
role in the determination of hereditary characteristics by controlling protein synthesis in
cells.

Transverse mechanical waves (or Transverse waves): The waves in which

particles of the medium are displaced in a direction perpendicular to the direction of
propagation of waves.
Electric field: The region in which an electric force acts on a charge brought into the
region.

Electric field vector: The vector area in which an electric force acts on a charge
brought into the region.

Magnetic field: The region or space near a magnet where the effects of magnetism
such as the deflection of compass needle can be detected.

Magnetic field vector: The vector area near a magnet where the effects of magnetism
such as the deflection of compass needle can be detected.

m
Polarization (of light): The limiting of the vibrations of light, usually to vibrations in
one plane.

co
Plane polarized light: A beam of light in which all the vibrations are in one direction.

Polarizer: Crystal which stop light vibrations in all but one direction.

i.
Polaroid filter: A light filter which polarizes the light passing through it.
hi
Optical activity: The property of rotating the plane of polarization of light.
a
Incandescent: Glowing with heat; white-hot.
ar

Absorption: In radiation. Reduction in the intensity of electromagnetic radiation, or

other ionizing radiation, on passage through a medium.
.p

Reflection: The turning back of a wave from the boundary of a medium.

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Scattering: The spreading out of a beam of radiation as it passes through matter,

reducing the energy moving in the original direction.
w

Dichroism: The property of some crystals, such as tourmaline, of selectively absorbing

light vibrations in one plane while allowing light vibrations at right angles to this plane
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to pass through.

Dichroic substances: The property of some substances (or crystals), such as

tourmaline, of selectively absorbing light vibrations in one plane while allowing light
vibrations at right angles to this plane to pass through.

Polaroid: A doubly refracting material that plane-polarizes unpolarized light passed

through it.

Crystal: A (usually transparent) body formed by a substance solidifying so that it has

flat surfaces in regular, even arrangement.
Amorphous: Describing a solid that is not crystalline; i.e. one that has no long-range
order in its lattice.

Quartz: (SiO2) The most abundant and common mineral, consisting of crystalline
silica, crystallizing in the trigonal system.

Sodium chlorate: (NaClO3 ) A white crystalline solid. It decomposes above its

melting point to give oxygen and sodium chloride.

Optically active crystal: The property possessed by some crystals of rotating the
plane of vibration of polarized light passing through it.

m
Organic chemistry: The branch of chemistry concerned with compounds of carbon.

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Organic substance: A substance containing carbon compounds; vegetable and animal
origin substances.

Sugar: Any of a group of water-soluble carbohydrates of relatively low molecular

i.
weight and typically having a sweet taste.
hi
Tartaric acid: [(CHOH)2 (COOH)2 ] A crystalline naturally occurring carboxylic acid.
a
ar

Question 9.1 Under what conditions two or more sources of light behave as
.p

coherent sources?
Answer 9.1 Two or more sources of light behaves as coherent sources if they have no
phase difference or have a constant phase difference between the waves emitted by them.
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A common method for producing two coherent light sources is to use single source to
illuminate a screen containing two narrow slits. Hence two or more sources derived from
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a single source of light behaves as coherent source because they are in the same phase.
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Question 9.2 How is the distance between interference fringes affected by the
separation between the slits of Young’s experiment? Can fringes disappear?
Answer 9.2 The fringe spacing or distance between two consecutive bright or dark
fringes in the young's experiment is given by:
Fringe spacing = Δy = λL / d
Where λ is the wavelength of light used, L is the distance between screen and source and
d is the separation of the slits. This relation shows that the fringe spacing is inversely
proportional to the separation of slits. It means that greater the separation between the
slits, the smaller will be fringe spacing. If by increasing the separation, the fringe spacing
decreases and the bright fringes becomes so close that uniform intensity of light is seen
and fringes disappear.
Question 9.3 Can visible light produce interference fringes? Explain.
Answer 9.3 Yes, the white light or visible light can produce the interference fringes.
Since the white light is the mixture of seven colors so each color will produce interference
fringes corresponding to its own wavelength. Hence the fringe pattern will be colored but
the fringes will be so closed that it would be difficult to observe the interference fringes of
visible or white light.

Question 9.4 In the Young’s experiment, one of the slits is covered with blue
filter and other with red filter. What would be the pattern of light intensity

m
on the screen?
Answer 9.4 Since red and blue light have different wavelength and will not be in phase
coherence. Therefore there will be no dark and bright bands on the screen. So the

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interference of light cannot be observed properly. For better interference pattern, the
monochromatic light should be used.

i.
Question 9.5 Explain whether the Young’s experiment is an experiment for
studying interference or hi diffraction effects of light.
Answer 9.5 Young's double slit experiment is basically used to study the interference of
light. However spreading of light around corners of the slits also produce diffraction of
a
light. However interference on the screen takes place only when the light coming out of
the narrow slits suffers from diffraction first.
ar

Question 9.6 An oil film spreading over a wet footpath shows colors. Explain
.p

how does it happen?

Answer 9.6 The colors are seen on the oil film spreading on the wet foot path due to
interference of light waves. When a light beam is incident, a part of it is reflected from the
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upper surface of the oil film and a part of it is reflected from the lower surface of the thin
film. The two reflected beams are coherent. When oil film is very thin, these coherent
beams overlap. Hence constructive and destructive interference exhibit colors.
w
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Question 9.7 Could you obtain Newton’s rings with transmitted light? If yeas,
would the pattern be different from that obtained with reflected light?
Answer 9.7 Yes, Newton rings can be obtained with transmitted light. However no
phase is changed in transmitted light, so bright fringes can be replaced by dark fringes
and so on. In case of transmitted light, the central point is bright.

Question 9.8 In the white light spectrum obtained with a diffraction grating,
the third order image of a wavelength coincides with the fourth order image
of a second wavelength.
Answer 9.8 For diffraction grating, the equation is:
 d sinθ = nλ
where d sinθ is the phase difference, and n is the number of order and λ is the wavelength
of the light used.
For first wavelength λ, and 3rd order
d sinθ = 3λ1 .....(i)
and for second wavelength λ2 and fourth order
d sinθ = 4λ2 ......(ii)
equating the eq (i) and (ii)
3λ1 = 4λ2
λ1\λ2 = 4\3
λ1:λ2 = 4:3

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Question 9.9 How would you manage to get more orders of spectra using a
diffraction grating?

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Answer 9.9 For diffraction grating, the equation is given by:
d sinθ = nλ
where d is the grating element λ is the wavelength. In order to get more orders of spectra
from θ = 0 to θ = 90 for a given wavelength, the grating element d must be increased i.e.

i.
Less number of lines per unit length be ruled on diffraction grating.
hi
Question 9.10 Why the Polaroid sunglasses are better than ordinary
a
sunglasses?
Answer 9.10 The sunlight reflected from smooth surfaces such as water, wet roads,
ar

lakes and glass is horizontally polarized and produce glare. This glare can be reduced by
using Polaroid sunglasses because they can decrease the intensity of light passing through
them. Hence the Polaroid sunglasses are better than ordinary sunglasses. Since Polaroid
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sun-glass reduce the glare of light entering into the eye.

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Question 9.11 How would you distinguish between UN-polarized and plan-
polarized lights?
Answer 9.11 UN-polarized and plane polarized light can be distinguished from each
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other by using polariser. When light is viewed through polariser and it can be seen
continuously even if the polariser is rotated, the light seen is unpolarized. However if on
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rotating the polarizer, the light becomes dim and cuts off by rotating the polariser through
90, then the light observed is plane polarized light.

Question 9.12 Fill the blanks.

1. According to _________ principle, each point on a wave front acts as a source of

secondary _______.
2. In Young’s experiment, the distance between two adjacent bright fringes for violet
light is _______ than that fore green light.
 3. The distance between bright fringes in the interference pattern______ as the
wavelength of light used increases.
4. A diffraction grating is used to make a diffraction pattern for yellow light and then
for red light. The distances between the red spots will be_____ than that for yellow
light.
5. The phenomenon of polarization of light reveals that light waves are______
waves.
6. A Polaroid glass_______ glare of light produced at a road surface.

Answer 9.12

1. Huygen's , wavelets.

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2. less.
3. increases.
4. more.

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5. transverse.
6. polarizer.
7. reduce.

i.
a hi
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.p

Optical instrument: The device based on the principles of reflection and refraction.
w

Lens: A portion of a transparent medium such as glass bounded by two faces, one of
which is at least curved.
w

Convex lens (or Converging lens): A lens which converges parallel light rays. It is
thicker in the middle than it is at the edge.
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Concave lens (or Diverging lens): A lens with concave surfaces which diverges
parallel light rays.

Reflection: The turning back of a wave from the boundary of a medium.

Refraction: The bending of a wave disturbance at it passes obliquely from one medium
into another of different density.

Principal axis: Line through center of curvature and center of a lens or mirror.
Aperture: The angular portion of a sphere included by the mirror or lens.

Focus: A point at which light rays meet or from which rays of light diverge.

Principal focus: A point to which rays parallel to the principal axis converge, or from
which they diverge, after reflection or refraction.

Focal length: Distance from an optical device to the point where it focuses parallel
rays.

Refractive index: A measure of the extent to which a ray of light is bent as it passes

m
from one transparent medium to another.

Optical center: A fixed point of a lens lying inside or outside on its axis such that a ray

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of light passing through it suffers no deviation.

Image: The reproduction of an object formed by lenses or mirrors.

i.
Real image: An image which is formed by actual rays of light.

the position the image appears to occupy.

a hi
Imaginary (or Virtual) image: Image formed by rays not actually passing through

Least distance of distinct vision: The distance equal to 25 centimeter for a normal
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person to see clearly an object.

Fuzzy: Not clear; indistinct; moving the camera causes.

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Iris: The circular coloured membrane of the eye.

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Retina: The inner, sensitive coating of the eye containing the ends of the nerves of
sight; that part of the eye which receives images of object.
w

Pupil: The opening in the iris of the eye, through which rays of light pass to the retina.
w

Magnification: The ratio of the angle subtended by the image as seen through the
optical device to that subtended by the object at the unaided eye.

Linear (or Transverse) magnification: The ratio of the linear dimensions of the
image to those of the object.

Magnifying power (or Angular magnification): The ratio of the angle subtended
by the image of an object seen through a telescope and the angle subtended by the same
object seen without the telescope.
Resolving power: The ability of an instrument to reveal the minor details of the object
under examination.

Spectrometer: Optical instrument used for the study of spectra. It consists of

collimator, turntable and telescope.

Grating spectrometer: A spectrometer attached with diffraction grating.

Magnifying glass (or Simple microscope): An ordinary convex lens held close to
the eye.

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Chromatic aberration: The non-focussing of light of different colours.

Spherical aberration: The failure of parallel rays to meet at a single point after

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reflection or refraction.

Compound microscope: It is used to produce a very large magnification of very

small objects. It consists of an objective and an eyepiece.

i.
Telescope: A device for collecting and producing an image of distant objects.
hi
Astronomical telescope: A telescope used to see heavenly bodies; it consists of two
a
converging lenses.
ar

Objective: That part of a telescope or binoculars that faces the objects; it has large focal
length and large aperture.
.p

Eye piece: A convex lens of short focal length and small aperture.

Unaided eye: Looking with naked eye without using optical device; such as, telescope
w

or microscope.

Planet: Any one of the larger celestial bodies of the solar system, revolving round the
w

sun in a nearly circular orbit and shining by reflected light; distinguished from the stars.
w

Star: Any celestial body visible as a point of light.

Reflecting telescope: A device used to see distant objects in which concave mirror is
used as an
objective.

Light year: A unit of distance. It is the distance that light travels through space in one
year; equal to 9.46 x 10(15) meters.

Spectrum: A band of seven colours formed by the dispersion of the components of

white light, when it is passed through a prism.
Spectrometer: Optical instrument used for the study of spectra. It consists of
collimator, turntable and telescope.

Collimator: The part of the spectrometer consisting of slit and a convex lens, which is
called collimating lens.

Turn-table: The part of the spectrometer between collimator and telescope. This turn-
table is provided with three leveling screws. It is used for supporting the prism or the
diffraction grating.

Grating (or diffraction grating): An optical surface, either transmitting or

m
reflecting with several thousand equally spaced and parallel lines ruled on it.

Speed of light in vacuum: Speed of electromagnetic radiation; a fundamental

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constant is defined as,
c = 2.99792458 x 108 m s(-1).it is recommended since 1975 for universal use. The speed
decreases when the radiation enters a material medium.

i.
Photo phone: An instrument for talking along a beam of light instead of telegraph
wire; telephoning without wires by varying the intensity of a beam of light by the action
hi
of voice, and allowing the light to fall upon a piece of crystalline selenium.
a
Modulation:
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 Variation of radio frequency waves by means of audio frequency waves.

 Variation of the amplitude, frequency or phase of electromagnetic waves,
especially for carrier waves.
.p

Radio: The process of communication across space by the transmission and reception
w

of an electromagnetic wave of radio frequency without the use of connecting wires or

other material link.
w

Radio frequencies: Frequencies of radio waves above audio frequency; between 3

KHz and 300 GHz (wavelength 1 cm to 100 km).
w

Audio frequencies: Frequencies to which the ear is sensitive; about 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Technology: The practice of any or all of the applied sciences that have practical value
and/or industrial use.

Bandwidth:

 The difference between the upper and lower frequency limits of a band, normally
measured in hertz.
  The range of frequencies over which a particular characteristic of an electronic
device or system lies within specified limits.

Illumination: A measure of the visible-radiation energy reaching a surface in unit

time.

Fibre optics: The use of fine transparent fibres to transmit light. The light passes along
the fibres by a series of internal reflections.

Fibre: Raw material, which can be separated into threads for making up textile or
some, woven like system.

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Internal reflection: Reflection within a medium.

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Total internal reflection:

 The reflection of light at the boundary of two transparent media when the angle
of incidence exceeds the critical angle.

i.
 Reflection which occurs when the angle of incidence is greater than the critical
angle.
a hi
Refractive index (Absolute index of refraction): The ratio of velocity of light in
vacuum to its velocity in a given substance. n = c1 / c2
ar

Relative refractive index (relative index of refraction): The ratio of velocity of

light in one medium to its velocity in another medium.
.p

Critical angle: The angle of incidence for which the angle of refraction is 90 degree .
w

Axial: Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an axis; situated around, in the
direction of, on, or along an axis; extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to
the plane of a cyclic structure.
w

Laws of reflection: The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, and the
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incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal to the reflecting surface at the point of
incidence lie in the same plane.

Cross section: A cutting or piece of something cut off at right angles to an axis.

Propagation: Spreading or transmitting through a medium.

Hypothetical: Based on supposition, or on something assumed.

Optical fibre: An optical fibre consists of a single flexible rod of high refractive index,
less than 1mm in diameter, having polished surfaces coated with transparent material of
lower refractive index.

Multi layer fibre: The fibre having many layers.

Core: The central part of a wire.

Cladding:

 A layer of lower refractive index (less intensity) over the central core of high
refractive index (high density).
 The process of bonding one metal to another to prevent corrosion of one of the

m
metals.

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Stepped-index fibre: Here the indexes of both cladding and core are constant
throughout.

Graded index fibre: In it the refractive index of the core decreases radially outwards.

i.
Light rays then spiral smoothly around the central axis rather than zig zagging.
hi
Single mode fibre: Here the core is very narrow relative to the cladding and rays
travel parallel to the central axis; it may be stepped or graded index.
a
Single (or mono) mode step index fibre: It has a very thin core of about 5 μm
ar

diameter and has a relatively larger cladding of glass or plastic.

Multimode step index fibre: Here a core of relatively larger diameter such as 50 μm
.p

is used. The fibre core has a constant refractive index such as 1.52.

Multimode graded index fibre:

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 An optical fibre in which the central core has high refractive index which
gradually decreases towards its periphery.
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 Its core ranges in diameter from 50 to 1000 μm, which has relatively high
refractive index and the refractive index decreases gradually from the middle to
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the outer surface of the fibre. There is no noticeable boundary between core and
cladding.

LED: (Light emitting diode) A semi-conductor diode, made from certain materials
(e.g. gallium arsenide), in which light is emitted in response to the forward-bias current.

Ultraviolet light: Light of shorter wavelength than visible light but longer than X-
rays; frequencies from 8x10(14) to 2x10(16) Hz.
Infra-red light: Light waves longer than waves of ordinary light but shorter than
radio-waves; frequencies from 3x10(11) to 4x10(14) Hz.

Audio signal:

 Sound or information transmitted electrically at the normally audible frequencies

of 20 to 20,000 cps or Hz.
 An alternating voltage proportional to the sound pressure produces in an electric
circuit by a microphone.

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Ear piece: In a signal transmitter, the device nearest the ear which converts electrical
signals into sound.

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Microphone: A device for converting sound energy into electrical energy.

Modulation:

i.
 Variation of radio frequency waves by means of audio frequency waves.

especially for carrier waves.
a hi
Variation of the amplitude, frequency or phase of electromagnetic waves,

Digital modulation:
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 A modulation by digital method. The laser is flashed on and off at extremely fast
rate. The communication is represented by code of 1s and 0s. the receiver is
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programmed to decode 1s and 0s.

 Variation of the amplitude, frequency or phase of electromagnetic waves and
sending signals in digital form of zero or one shape, especially for carrier waves.
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Laser: (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) a device

which is able to produce a beam of radiation with unusual properties, generally the
beam is coherent, monochromatic, parallel with high intensity.
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Stimulate: To rouse and produce greater activity in.

Coherent: Having same phase, i.e. peaks and troughs always come together.

Phase coherence: Producing of two waves at the same instant, having same
wavelength and time period.

Monochromatic: Light consisting of only one colour.

Intensity: The energy transmitted per second through a unit area by the light waves.
Repeater: A device used to amplify or regenerate signals in order to extend the
transmission between two stations.

Photodiode: A semiconductor diode that produces a significant photo-current when

illuminated.

Photo-current: Current produced due to photo electric effect.

Photo electric effect: The emission of electrons by a substance when illuminated by

electromagnetic radiation.

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Dispersion:

 The separation of polychromatic light into its component wavelengths.

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 Separation of white light into colours.

Biconvex lens: A type of convex lens whose both sides curved outwards.

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Question 10.1 What do you understand by linear magnification and angular
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magnification? Explain how a convex lens is used as a magnifier?

Answer 10.1 Linear Magnification: It is defined as the ratio of the size of image to
the size of object.
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M=I/O=q/p
Angular Magnification: It is the ratio of the angle subtended by the image as seen
through the optical instrument to the angle subtended by the object i.e.
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M=β/α
A Convex lens as a Magnifier: A convex lens of short focal length can be used as
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magnifying glass because when an object is placed close to the lens then the image
formed is erect, virtual and very much magnified.
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Question 10.2 Explain the difference between angular magnification and

resolving power of an optical instrument. What limits the magnification of
an optical instrument?
Answer 10.2 Angular magnification means how large or magnified image is formed by
the instrument but resolving power is its ability to provide the details of an object under
examination. The magnification of an optical instrument is limited due to defects in the
lenses. Such as chromatic and spherical aberrations.

Question 10.3 Why would it be advantageous to use blue light with a

compound microscope?
Answer 10.3 In case of grating spectrometer, the resolving power 'R' of the grating is
defined as:
R = λ / (λ2 - λ1)
Thus we see that a grating with high resolving power can distinguish small distance in
wavelength. If blue light is used in compound microscope, it increase the resolving
power and more details on an object can be studied.
Question 10.4 One can buy a cheap microscope for use by the children. The
image seen in such a
microscope have colored edges. Why is this so?
Answer 10.4 It is due to the defects of lenses known as chromatic aberrations. This is
because of the prism like formation of the lens which cause dispersion of white light.

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Question 10.5 Describe with the help of diagrams, how (a) a single biconvex
lens can be used as a

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magnifying glass. (b) biconvex lenses can be arranged to form a
microscope.
Answer 10.5 (a) Ray diagram of biconvex lens used as magnifying glass.

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(b) Ray diagram of two biconvex lens arranged to make microscope.

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Question 10.6 If a person were looking through a telescope at the full moon,
how would the appearance of the moon be changed by covering half of the
objective lens.
Answer 10.6 The person will see the full image of the moon if half of the objective lens
of a telescope is covered but its brightness is reduced because less light is transmitted
through the lens.

Question 10.7 A magnifying glass gives a five times enlarged image at a

distance of 25 cm from the
lens. Find, by ray diagram, the focal length of the lens.
Answer 10.7 Magnification = m = 5 Image distance = 25 cm Focal length of
lens = ?
M = 1 + d/f
f=d/M–1
f = 25/5-1
f = 6.2 cm

Question 10.8 Identify the correct answer.

1) The resolving power of a compound microscope depends on:

1. The refractive index of the medium in which the object is placed.

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2. The diameter of the objective lens.
3. The angle subtended by the objective lens at the object.
4. The position of an observer’s eye with regard to the eye lens.

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2) The resolving power of an astronomical telescope depends on:

1. The focal length of the objective lens.

i.
2. The least distance of distinct vision of the observer.
3. The focal length of the eye lens. hi
4. The diameter of the objective lens.
a
Answer 10.8 (1) The formula for resolving power of a lens of diameter D is given by:
R = D / 1.22 λ
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Hence the resolving power of a lens depends upon the diameter of the objective
so (b) is correct.
(2) As we know that the resolving power of an astronomical telescope depends upon the
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diameter of the objective lens so (d) is correct.

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Question 10.9 Draw sketches showing the different light paths through a
single-mode and multi-mode fibre. Why is the single-mode fibre preferred
in telecommunications?
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Answer 10.9 It has a very thin core of about 5 * 10(-6 )m and has a relatively larger
cladding. It can carry more than 14 TV channels or 14000 phone calls so it is preferred
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in telecommunication.
Question 10.10 How the light signal is transmitted through the optical fibre?
A10.10 The light signals are transmitted through the optical fibre on the principle of

1. Total Internal Reflection.

2. Continuous Refraction.

Question 10.11 How the power is lost in optical fibre through dispersion?
Explain.
Answer 10.11 If the source of light signals is not monochromatic then, the light will

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disperse while propagating through the core of the optical fibre into different
wavelength so the light of different wavelengths reaches the other end of the fibre at
different times and the signal received is distorted. So the power is lost in optical fibre

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through dispersion.

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Heat:
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 Heat is a form of energy associated with molecular motion.

 Heat is energy that flows between a system and its environment by virtue of a
temperature difference between them.
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Temperature: Degree of hotness as determined by a thermometer.

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Absolute zero: The temperature of –273.16 oC at which the volume of a gas

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theoretically becomes zero. It is taken as zero on the Kelvin scale of temperature.

Thermodynamics: Study of quantitative relationships between heat and other forms

of energy.

Technology: The science of industrial arts and manufactures.

Hypothesis: A theory, which may or may not prove to be true.

Postulate: A statement which is taken for granted as a fact; to assume without proof.
Law: A scientific statement of the action and relation of things in nature, observed to be
always the same under given conditions with the same result performed anywhere in the
world.

Kinetic theory: A theory explaining physical properties in terms of the motion of

particles.

Kinetic theory of gases: The molecules or atoms of a gas are in continuous random
motion and the pressure exerted on the walls of a containing vessel arises from the
bombardment by these fast moving particles.

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Brownian motion: The continuous random motion of microscopic solid particles (of
about 1 micrometer in diameter) when suspended in a fluid medium.

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Microscopic: Very small; invisible without a microscope.

Macroscopic state: The state of matter characterized by the statistical properties of

its components. Kinetic theory is an analysis of the macroscopic state.

i.
Microscopic state: The state of matter characterized by the actual properties of each

microscopic state.
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individual elemental component. Quantum theory is typically an analysis of the

Pressure: At a point in a fluid, the force exerted per unit area on an infinitesimal plane
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situated at the point..

Density: The ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume.

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Pascal’s law: Pressure applied at any point of a fluid at rest is transmitted without loss
to all other parts of the fluid.
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Temperature: Degree of hotness as determined by a thermometer.

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Boyle’s law: The volume of a given mass of a gas is inversely proportional to the
pressure, if the temperature is kept constant.
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Charles’ law: The volume of a given mass of a gas is proportional to its absolute
temperature provided the pressure of the gas is kept constant.

General gas law: The product of pressure and volume of a given mass of a gas is
proportional to its absolute temperature.

Ideal gas: A gas, which obeys the gas laws at all temperatures and pressures.

Real gas: A gas, which does not obey the gas laws at all temperatures and pressures.
Mole:

 The amount of that substance whose mass, expressed in grams, is numerically

equal to the molecular weight of the substance.
 A quantity which contains Avogadro’s number of units i.e. atoms, molecules, ions
or whatever under consideration.

Avogadro’s law: Equal volumes of all ideal gases at same temperature and pressure
contain equal number of molecules.

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Avogadro’s number (or Avogadro constant): The number of atoms or molecules
in one mole of a substance. It has the value 6.02252 x 10(23).

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Rotation: Turning around its own axis or centre.

Internal energy: Total heat energy retained by the system in the form of potential
energy and kinetic energy.

i.
Enthalpy (H):


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The total heat content of a system is termed as enthalpy of a system.
a
 The sum of the internal energy and the product of pressure and volume of a
system; H = U + PV
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Function of state: It is a macroscopic property of a system which has some definite

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value for each state and which is independent of path in which the state is reached; e.g.
P,V,T & U.
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Work: The product of magnitude of force and that of displacement in the direction of
force.
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Mechanical: Pertaining to the laws of matter and motion; produced by machines.

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Mechanical equivalent of heat (J): Amount of work obtainable by the complete

conversion of unit quantity of heat into mechanical work.

Mechanical work: Work done with some mechanical device, e.g. work done in heat
engine.

Mechanical energy: The energy transmitted by a machine; energy in the form of

mechanical power; the kinetic plus potential energy, if there is no frictional loss.

Environment: Conditions around something, which influence the working of that

thing.
Zeroth law of thermodynamics: If systems A and B are each in thermal equilibrium
with a third system C, then A and B are in thermal equilibrium with each other.

First law of thermodynamics:

 In any thermodynamic process, when heat Q is added to a system, this energy

appears as an increase in the internal energy ΔU stored in system plus work W
done by the system on its surroundings.
 When heat is converted to another form of energy, or when other forms of energy
are converted into heat, there is no loss of energy.

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Thermocouple:

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 Two dissimilar metallic conductors joined at their ends.
 Junction of two dissimilar metals, in which an emf is generated by reason of a
temperature difference.

i.
down in
a cylinder or tube.
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Piston: A small solid cylinder of metal or wood, fitting exactly, and moving up and

Cylinder: A hollow vessel or chamber like empty space in a solid in which force is
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executed
on the piston of a steam engine.
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Monitor: A device that observes and records selected activities within a system for
analysis.
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Millivoltmeter: A meter used to measure electrical voltage whose range is measured

in 10(-3) volts.
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Metabolism:
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 Energy transforming processes that occur within an organism.

 The sum of the chemical reactions occur within living organisms.

Cell: A tiny, usually microscopic , mass of protoplasm, one of the units of structure of
living
matter in both plants and animals.

Protoplasm: The vital substance from which develops all forms of animal and plant
life.
Organism: Anything that has life in itself; a body composed of parts performing
special
duties, but mutually dependent.

System: A collection of matter which has a distinct boundary.

Surroundings: The remaining portions around a system are called surroundings.

Closed system: A system for which there is no transfer of mass across the boundary.

Isolated system: A system for which there is no transfer of mass and energy across the

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boundary.

Isothermal process: The process in which the temperature of the system remains

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constant.

Isotherm: The curve representing an isothermal process in P-V diagram is called

isotherm.

i.
Adiabatic process: The process in which no heat flows into or out of the system.
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Adiabat: The curve representing an adiabatic process in P-V diagram is called adiabat.
a
Isobaric process: The process in which the pressure of the system remains constant.
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Isochoric process: The process in which the volume of the system remains constant.
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Specific heat: The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of unit
mass
through one degree.
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Molar specific heat: The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of
one
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mole of a substance through 1 K.

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Molar specific heat at constant volume (Cv): The amount of heat energy required
to raise
the temperature of one mole of a gas through 1 K at constant volume.

Molar specific heat at constant pressure (Cp): The amount of heat energy
required to raise
the temperature of one mole of a gas through 1 K at constant pressure.

Universal gas constant: The constant of proportionality R in the equation of state,

pV = nRT, of an ideal gas. R has the value 8.2057 x 10(-21) atm/mole K.
Reversible process: If the process can be reversed in such a way that the system and
its
surroundings are both brought back to their original states, then the
process is said to be reversible.

Irreversible process: If a process can not be retraced in the backward direction by

reversing the controlling factors, it is an irreversible process.

Liquification: Changing into liquid.

Evaporation: A change of state from solid or liquid to gas (or vapour).

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Sublimation: It is a process in which a solid, when heated, vapourizes directly without
passing through the liquid place.

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Engine: A mechanical device that changes a physical force in one form such as heat,
into another form more easily used.

i.
Heat engine: A device which transforms heat energy into mechanical energy.
hi
Steam engine: A heat engine in which water is boiled in a vessel covered with a piston,
the steam inside tries to push the piston up showing the ability to do work.
a
Reservoir: A place where anything, as water, is collected and stored up for use; e.g.
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large trees in a jungle.

Heat reservoir : It is supposed to be so big that its temperature remains constant even
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if some heat enters or leaves the reservoir.

Hot reservoir (or Source):A hot body, which can supply heat at a high temp. to a
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cold body.

Cold reservoir (or Sink):A cold body, which can receive heat at a low temperature
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from a hot body.

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Second law of thermodynamics:

 According to Lord Kelvin’s statement, “It is impossible to devise a process which

may convert heat, extracted from a single reservoir, entirely into work without
leaving any change in the working system”.
 According to Clausius statement, “It is not possible in a cyclical process for heat
to flow from one body to another body at higher temperature, with no other
change taking place”.
Carnot engine: An ideal heat engine, free from all the imperfections of actual engines,
and hence never realized in practice.

Carnot cycle: A cycle in which reversible process occurs.

Third law of thermodynamics: It is impossible by any procedure, no matter how

idealized, to reduce any system to the absolute zero of temperature in a finite number of
operations.

Efficiency: The ratio of the useful work output of a machine to total work input.

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Thermal equilibrium:

 The condition of a system in which the net rate of exchange of heat between the

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components is zero.
 If two bodies at different temperatures are placed together, heat transfer occurs
until they have the same temperature. They are then at thermal equilibrium.

i.
do not change with time.
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Mechanical equilibrium: A state of a system in which the properties (e.g. p,V,T, etc)

Carnot Theorem: No heat engine can be more efficient than a Carnot engine
operating between the same two temperatures.
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Extension of Carnot theorem: All Carnot’s engines operating between the same two
temp. have the same efficiency, irrespective of the nature of the working substance.
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Isothermal expansion: The expansion in which the temp. of the system remains
constant.
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Triple point: The only point at which the gas, solid, and liquid phases of a substance
can coexist in equilibrium. The temperature of the triple point of water is defined to be
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273.16 Kelvin.
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Petrol engine: An engine based on the principle of Carnot cycle. It undergoes 4

processes;

1. intake of petrol air mixture into the cylinder with a outward piston.
2. adiabatic compression of the mixture with the inward piston
3. a spark fires the mixture causing its adiabatic expansion that forces the piston to
move outward which delivers power to crank shaft to derive the flywheel.
4. the residual gases are expelled from the outlet valves and piston moves inward.
Carburetor:

 A device used to charge air with gas from petrol for producing light or power.
 A device in an engine that mixes liquid fuel and air in the correct proportions,
vaporizes them, and transfers the mixture to the cylinders.

Valve: A mechanical device for opening and closing the movement of a gas or liquid; a
fold which allows the movement in one direction only.

Spark plug: An ignition device, the insulated conductor set in the wall or top of each

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cylinder. At the inner end of the spark plug is a small gap between two wires. The high
voltage current arcs across this gap, yielding the spark that ignites the fuel mixture in
the cylinder.

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Flywheel: A large heavy wheel, with large moment of inertia, used in mechanical
devices.

i.
Piston: A solid cylinder of metal or wood, fitting exactly and moving up and down in a
tube. hi
Crank: Of a boat, easily upset; opposite of stiff.
a
Shaft: Anything shaped like an arrow, as the stalk of a plant or broken handle of cricket
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bat.

Crankshaft: A shaft driven by a crank.

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Petroleum: Naturally occurring green to black coloured mixtures of crude

hydrocarbon oils, found as earth seepages or obtained by boring.
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Gas oil: A petroleum distillation fraction intermediate between kerosene and light
lubricating oil. Slightly more viscous grades are used as diesel fuels.
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Diesel (or diesel fuel): Fuel used for diesel (compression ignition) engines. The
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composition varies but is near that of gas oil.

Petrol (or gasoline): A light hydrocarbon liquid fuel for spark-ignition engines; a
complex mixture consisting mainly of hydrocarbons such as hexane, heptane and
octane.

Diesel engine: Its like a petrol engine but without sparkplug. It undergoes four
processes;

1. the diesel is sprayed into the cylinder with a outward piston.

 2. adiabatic compression of the mixture with the inward piston.
3. fuel mixture ignites on contact with air due to high temperature causing its
adiabatic expansion that forces the piston to move outward which delivers power
to crank shaft to derive the flywheel.
4. the residual gases are expelled from the outlet valves and piston moves inward.

Entropy: The physical quantity, which describes the ability of a system to do work;
describes disorder of a system. Mathematically, ΔS = ΔQ / T

Electric motor: The machine which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

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Battery: A number of similar units, such as electric cells, working together.

Power plant (or generating station): A complete assemblage of plant, equipment,

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and the necessary buildings at a place where electric power is generated on a large scale.

Nuclear power plant: A power plant using a nuclear reactor as the source of energy.

i.
Nuclear reactor: A device in which nuclear reactions take place on a large scale.

compounds.
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Solid state laser: A laser consisting chiefly of semi-conducting materials or

Internal combustion engine: An engine in which the fuel is burned within the
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engine cylinders.

External combustion engine: An engine in which the fuel is burned outside the
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engine cylinders, in a separate boiler.

Fluorescent lamp: A lamp in which light is generated by an electrical discharge

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through a low pressure gas, causing it to emit radiation.

Incandescent lamp: An electric lamp in which light is produced by the heating effect
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of a filament.
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Incandescence: The radiation of visible light by a surface at high temperature.

Fluorescence: The absorption of energy by atoms, molecules, etc. followed by

immediate emission of electromagnetic radiation as the particles make transitions to
lower energy states.

Environmental crisis: Global scale problems created by man in the physical

environment and by use of physical resources. It concerns with temperature, humidity,
atmosphere and contamination.
Thermal pollution: The discharge of heated gases into the surrounding air, causing a
rise in
air temperature that sometimes affects local weather conditions.

Metabolism:

 Energy transforming processes that occur within an organism.

 The sum of the chemical reactions occur within living organisms.

Futile: Useless; of no importance; worthless.

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Ecology: The study of the relation of plants and animals to their environment and each
other.

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Ecological balance: The balance between the relation of plants and animals to their
environment and each other.

i.
Fragile: Easily broken; delicate.
hi
Engineering: The application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical
ends; such as the design, manufacture, and operation of structures, machines, processes
a
and systems.
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Engineer: One who is trained or professionally engaged in a branch of engineering.

Mechanical engineer: The engineer who deals the generation and application of heat
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and mechanical power and the design, production, and use of machines and tools.

Boiler: A strong metallic vessel in which steam is produced for diving engines.
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Question 11.1 Why is the average velocity of the molecules in a gas zero but
the average of the square of velocities is not zero?
Answer 11.1 According to the assumption of kinetic molecular theory of gasses, there is
a large number of molecules in gas which are not in the state of rest. These molecules
move in all directions. It means that direction with some velocity is equal to the number
of molecules moving in opposite direction with the same velocity the number of
molecules moving in one. So sum of their velocities will be zero but the average of the
square of the velocities will not be zero i.e.,
(-v2) = <-v2>

Question 11.2 Why does the pressure of a gas in a car Tyre increase when it
is driven through some distance?
Answer 11.2 When a car is driven on road through some distance. There is a force of
friction between the Tyre and the road. Due to this force of friction, the Tyre heats up
and the gas inside the Tyre. Work done by the car is converted into heat which raises the
temperature of the gas in the Tyre. This increases the kinetic energy of the molecules.
Since pressure is directly proportional to the temperature. i..e,
P ∝ <K.E>

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Question 11.3 A system undergoes from state P1 V1 to state P2 V2 as shown

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in the fig. What will be the change in internal energy?
Answer 11.3 As internal energy depends on temperature. In this case the temperature
is constant. So internal energy is also constant. Hence there will be no change in internal
energy.

i.
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Question 11.4 Variation of volume by pressure is given in the fig. A gas is
taken along the paths ABCDA, ABCA and A to A. What will be the change in
a
internal energy?
Answer 11.4 There will be no change in the internal energy in all three cases because
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the system returns to its initial state.

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Question 11.5 Specific heat of a gas at constant pressure is greater than

specific heat at constant volume. Why?
Answer 11.5 When a gas is heated at constant volume, heat supplied only increase the
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internal energy i.e., temperature because the piston is fixed so no external work is done
to expand the gas i.e., W = 0, the total heat supplied is used to increase the internal
energy and temperature of the gas. But when a gas is heated at constant pressure, the
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heat supplied is used in two ways i.e., some heat is used to do external work to expand
the gas and the remaining heat is used to increase the internal energy.
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Thus more heat is required at constant pressure than at constant volume. So the specific
heat at constant pressure is greater than specific heat at constant volume.
Cp > Cv

Question 11.6 Give an example of a process in which no heat is transferred

to or from the system but the temperature of the system changes.
Answer 11.6 In adiabatic expansion or compression, no heat is transferred to or from
the system but the temperature of the system changes. During adiabatic expansion
temperature of the system falls while during adiabatic compression temperature of the
system rises.

Question 11.7 Is it possible to convert internal energy into mechanical

energy?Explain with example.
Answer 11.7 Yes, in adiabatic expansion, internal energy is changed into mechanical
energy.
According to 1st law of thermodynamics.
Q = ΔU + W
In adiabatic process Q = 0
Then 0 = ΔU + W

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W = -ΔU
Thus the internal energy decreases because some internal energy is converted into
mechanical energy.

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Exp: In petrol engine, hot gases expand and the piston moves so internal energy is
converted into work.

i.
Question 11.8 Is it possible to construct a heat engine that will not expel
heat into the atmosphere? hi
Answer 11.8 No it is impossible to construct a heat engine that will not expel heat into
the atmosphere. According to second law of thermodynamics. "No heat engine
a
operating continuously in a cycle can convert all heat supplied into work"
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Question 11.9 A thermos flask containing milk as a system is shaken rapidly.

Does the temperature of milk rise?
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Answer 11.9 When the milk is shaken rapidly, kinetic energy of the milk molecules
increases which causes the increase in temperature and the internal energy of the
molecules of milk. When we are shaking, some work is done on it which converts into
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K.E of the molecules of milk so the temperature of milk increases.

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11.10 What happens to the temperature of the room, when a air conditioner
is left running on a table in the middle of the room?
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Answer 11.10 Temperature of the room increases, as heat absorbed from the room is
expelled in the same room. Also work done by the compressor is changed into heat
which is expelled in the same room.

Question 11.11 Can the mechanical energy be converted completely into heat
energy? If so give an example.
Answer 11.11 Yes, mechanical energy can be converted into heat energy. When work is
done in compressing the gas by adiabatic process, the increase in internal energy of the
gas is equal to the work done according to 1st law of thermodynamics. Fox exp: If we rub
our hands, the whole mechanical energy is converted into heat energy.
Question 11.12 Does entropy of a system increases or decreases due to
friction?
Answer 11.12 Entropy of a system increases,as work done due to friction is changed
into heat and this heat goes into surrounding and becomes useless. According to law of
increase of entropy, entropy increases for irreversible process.

Question 11.13 Give an example of a natural process that involves an

increase in entropy.
Answer 11.13 When ice is melted due to high temperature of surroundings. The heat

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transferred to ice from surroundings is positive. Since ΔS = ΔQ / T. As ΔS is positive
thus the entropy of this natural process increases.

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Question 11.14 An adiabatic change is the one in which
a. No heat is added to or taken out of a system
b. No change of temperature takes place

i.
c. Boyle's law is applicable
d. Pressure and volume remains constanthi
Answer 11.14 (a) is correct because in an adiabatic process, no heat enters or leaves
the system.
a
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Question 11.15 Which one of the following process is irreversible?

a. Slow compressions of an elastic spring
b. Slow evaporation of a substance in an isolated vessel
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c. Slow compression of a gas

d. A chemical explosion
Answer 11.15 (d) is correct because a chemical explosion cannot be reversed. It is a
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irreversible process.
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Question 11.16 An ideal reversible heat engine has

a. 100 % efficiency
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b. Highest efficiency
c. An efficiency, which depends on the nature of working substance
d. None of these.
Answer 11.16 (b) is correct because according to 2nd law of thermodynamics, the
efficiency of an ideal heat engine cannot be 100%. It has highest efficiency.

Written By Ali FAISAL

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