Unit 1: Physical Quantities

and Measurement

Unit - 1
Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

Physical Quantities
And Measurement
Nature is described as a pragmatic Students Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
set of rules followed by all the things After learning this unit students should be able to:
around us. It is something which is l Describe the crucial role of Physics in Science,
much greater than the imagination Technology and Society
of humans. It is observable, it is l List with brief description of various branches
surprising but it is somehow of physics
explainable, its architecture has been l Choose a proper instrument (meter rule,
designed with very beautiful Vernier calipers, screw gauge, physical balance
patterns, strict rules but with stop watch, measuring cylinder) for the
simplicity. A science which explores measurement of length, diameter, mass, time
the nature is Physics. and volume in daily life activities.
l Interconvert the prefixes and their symbols to
indicate multiple and sub-multiple for both
base and derived units
l Write the answer in scientific notation in
measurements and calculations
l Define term density with S.I unit
l Determine density of solids and liquids
l Describe the need of using significant figures
for recording and stating results in laboratory.
 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

Why do we study physics? Which device will

you choose to measure the length of a small cylinder?
How will you determine the thickness of a piece of
wire? How will you find the volume of small stone?
why ice floats while a coin sinks in the water? After
Quote learning this unit you will be answer these and other
similar questions.
“No one undertakes
research in physics with 1.1 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS
the intention of winning
One of the most basic and ancient science is the
a prize. It is the joy of
Physics. The word science refers to the study of a fact by
discovering something
collecting information through observation, presenting
no one knew before.”
it in a mathematical way, justifying the idea with
Stephen Hawking
experiment and finally making a conclusion about the
fact. Thus physics can be defined as:
Physics is the branch of science which observes
the nature represents it mathematically and conclude
with the experiment.
It basically deals with the behavior and structure
Do You Know! of matter and the energy that derives the matter.
Physics is the branch of natural science that studies
Physics Derived from matter, its motion, its behavior through space and time
A n c i e n t G r e e k and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is
‘physicos’ meaning one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and
‘knowledge of nature’. its main goal is to understand how the universe
behaves.
It is a matter of fact that Physics can be
considered as the mother of all sciences. The beauty of
physics lies in its Laws that govern this whole universe
from an atom to large scale galaxies and in its
experiments from home to large scale experiment labs.
Physicist are categorized into two categories: those who
observe the nature solve its mysteries with available

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

and missing information, present their theories with

mathematical approach. They are known as theoretical
physicist and other are more interested to test those
theories with experiments are known as experimental
physicists.
Since from the beginning of the universe, the
structure of universe is very straight forward, the Fig. 1.1Mechanics
classification of physics was not that much easy but as
the physicist explained the universe, they classified
Physics into many branches. These branches show the
spectrum and scope of Physics around us and help
scientist to describe ideas in a well-organized way.
The main branches of Physics are as follows.

Mechanics Fig 1.2 Thermodynamics

This branch of physics is mainly concerned with
the laws of motion and gravitation.

Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics deals with heat and
temperature and their relation to energy and work.

Electricity Fig 1.3Electricity

Electricity is the study of properties of charges in
rest and motion

Magnetism
Magnetism is the study of magnetic properties
of materials

Atomic Physics
Atomic physics deals with the composition
structure and properties of the atom
Fig 1.4 Magnetism

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

Hydrogen Optics
Optics studies physical aspects of light and its
Helium
properties with the help of optical instruments.
Neon
Sound
Sodium Sound is the study of production, properties
and applications of sound waves.
Mercury

Nuclear physics
Fig. 1.5 Atomic Physics
Nuclear physics deals with the constituents,
structure, behavior and interactions of atomic nuclei.

Particle physics
Particle Physics studies the elementary
constituents of matter and radiation, and the
interactions between them.
Fig. 1.6 Optics
Astrophysics
The study of celestial objects with the help of
laws of physics is known as Astrophysics.

Plasma physics
The study of ionized state of mater and its
properties is known as Plasma Physics.
Fig. 1.7 Sound
Geo physics

The study of internal structure of earth is known

as Geo physics.
Importance of Physics in Science Technology
and Society
Society’s reliance on technology represents the
Fig. 1.8 Nuclear Physics importance of physics in daily life. Many aspects of
modern society would not have been possible without

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

the important scientific discoveries made in the past.

These discoveries became the foundation on which
current technologies were developed.
Discoveries such as magnetism, electricity,
conductors and others made modern conveniences,
such as television, computers, smart phones, medical
Fig. 1.9 Particle Physics
instruments, other business and home technologies
possible. Moreover, modern means of transportation,
such as aircraft and telecommunications, have drawn
people across the world closer together all rely on
concepts of physics.
1.2 MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

Physics is much concerned with matter and Fig. 1.10 Astro Physics
energy and the interaction between them which is
explained with the help of describing the mathematical
relations between various physical quantities. All
physical quantities are important for describing the
nature around us. A physical quantity is a physical
property of a phenomenon, body, or substance that can
be quantified by measurement.
A physical quantity can be expressed as the
combination of a magnitude expressed by a number –
usually a real number – and a unit. Physical quantities Fig. 1.11 Plasma Physics
are classified into two categories:
u Fundamental quantities
u Derived physical quantities.

Physical quantities which cannot be explained

by other physical quantities are called fundamental
physical quantities.
There are seven fundamental physical quantities and
are listed in table 1.1 along with their units. Fig. 1.12 Geo Physics

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

Table 1.1 Fundamental quantities and their S.I units

Fundamental quantities S.I Unit Symbol of Unit
Length meter m

Mass Kilogram kg

Time second s

Electric current Ampere A

Temperature Kelvin K
Do You Know! Amount of substance mole mol

Some Physical Luminous intensity candela cd

quantities are unit-
Physical quantities which are explained on the
less. Such as Elastic
basis of fundamental physical quantities are called
modulus, Plane angle
derived physical quantities.
and solid angle
Table1.2 derived quantities and their units
Derived Symbol of
Quantities S.I Unit Unit
Do You Know!
Volume cubic meter m3
The notion of Velocity meter per second m-1s
Force Newton N
physical dimension
Density kilogram per cubic meter kg/m3
of a physical quantity
Acceleration meter per second square m/s2
was introduced by
Joseph Fourier in All physical quantities are either calculated
1822 by convention, mathematically or measured through an instrument.
physical quantities Scientist, Engineers, Doctors and others like
are organized in a blacksmith, carpenter, and goldsmith even the workers
dimensional system and ordinary human's measure those physical
built upon base quantities with the help of instruments. For instance,
quantities, each of your doctor uses a thermometer to tell your body
which is regarded as temperature, a carpenter uses the inch tape to measure
having its own the length of woods required for furniture.
dimension.

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

A puncture mender uses air gauges to check the

air pressure in the tyre. Similarly, a chemical engineer
uses hydrometer for describing the density of a liquid.
Measuring the physical quantity correctly with
instrument is not an easy task for scientist and
engineers. Scientist are seriously concerned with the
accuracy of the instrument and its synchronization. Do You Know!
Moreover, the instrument they design mostly for their Use of every instrument
own sake of research which readably goes on to is restricted by smallest
commercial market. Many of the instruments we use measurement that it
today are inventions of pioneers of science. Usually, the can perform which is
basic physical quantities that we use in our daily life are called least count.
measured with basic and simple instruments.
The Standard of Length
If there is any measurement that has proven to be Do You Know!
the most useful to humanity, it is length. For examples
1000m = 1km
units of length include the inch, foot, yard, mile,
100cm =1m
meter etc. 1cm = 10mm
The length is defined as the minimum distance 1inch = 2.53cm
between two points lying on same plane. 12 inch = 1 ft
The meter (m) is the SI unit of length and is defined as: 1 yard = 3ft
The length of the path traveled by light in
vacuum during the time interval of 1/299 792 458 of a
second.
The basic measurement of length can be
obtained with the help of a meter rod or an inch tape.

Meter Rule

A meter rule is a device which is used to

measure length of different objects. A meter rule of
length 1m is equal to 100 centimeters (cm). On meter
rule each cm is divided further in to 10 divisions which Fig 1.13 Meter Rule

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

are called millimeters (mm). So, a meter rule can

measure up to 1mm as smallest reading. It is made up of
a long rigid piece of wood or steel(Fig 1.13).
The zero-end of the meter rule is first aligned
with one end of the object and the reading is taken
where the other end of the object meets the meter rule.

Vernier Caliper
Fig 1.14 Vernier Calipers
The Vernier Caliper is a precision instrument
that can be used to measure internal and external
distance extremely accurate. It has both an imperial and
metric scale. A Vernier caliper has main jaws that are
used for measuring external diameter, as well as
smaller jaws that are used for measuring the internal
diameter of objects. Some models also have a depth
Fig 1.15 Digital vernier gauge. The main scale is fixed in place, while the
calipers Vernier scale is the name for the sliding scale that opens
and closes the jaws (Fig1.14).

Reading a Vernier Caliper

Step 1 Step 2
Place the object between the Note the main scale reading by
jaws of the Vernier caliper counting lines before the zero
line of Vernier scale

Vernier Scale reading

Main scale reading =2.8mm
Vernier scale reading=0.6mm
Main scale reading Total reading=3.4mm
Step 3 Step 4
Count the next line of Vernier scale Add the two reading
after zero coinciding main scale for total

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

CHECKING FOR ZERO OBSERVED READING CORRECTED

ERROR READING

0 Main scale 1
3 Main scale 4

3.14cm
(No zero error
0 Vernier scale 10 Vernier scale
0 No correction
Two zero marks 10 required)
coincide Reading=3.14cm
No Zero error.

0 Main scale 1 3 Main scale 4

3.17cm-
(+0.03)=3.14cm
0 Vernier scale 10
Vernier scale
0 10 (The positive zero
zero mark on
error is
vernier scale is Reading=3.17cm subtracted from
slightly to the right
reading)
Zero error is 0.03
0 Main scale 1 3 Main scale 4

3.11cm -(-0.07)
0
=3.18cm
10
Vernier scale Vernier scale
0 10 (Negative zero
Zero mark on vernier
scale is slightly to the error is added to
left. zero error of -0.07
Reading=3.11cm the reading)

Micrometer Screw Gauge

Screw gauge in extensively used in engineering

field for obtaining precision measurements.
Micrometer screw gauge is used for measuring
extremely small dimensions.
A screw gauge can even measure dimensions
smaller than those measured by a Vernier Caliper.
Micrometer Screw gauge works on the simple principle
of converting small distances into larger ones by

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

measuring the rotation of the screw. This “screw"

principle facilitates reading of smaller distances on a
scale after amplifying them (Fig 1.16).

Reading A Micrometer Screw Gauge

Fig 1.16 Screw Gauge Step 1 Step 2

Turn the thimble Take the main scale

until the anvil and reading at the edge of
the spindle gently the thimble.
grip the object. Then
turn the ratchet until
it starts to click.

Sleeve
Thimble
Anvil Spindle Ratchet

Frame

Sleeve treading= 4.5mm

Thimble reads twelve division=0.12mm
Total reading=4.62mm

Step 3 Step 4

Take the thimble scale Now add main

reading opposite the scale reading to
datum line of the thimble reading.
main scale. Multiply This will be the
this reading with least diameter of the
count i.e., 0.01mm object.

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

Checking For Zero Error Observed reading Corrected Reading

Do You Know!
10
5
35 The kilogram,
0 2.0 30
0 0.00 originally defined as:
45 25 0.25
40 20 The mass of one cubic
15 2.25mm
Zero mark on thimble scale decimeter of water at
coincides with the datum line
No zero error
on the main scale and reading Reading = 2.0+0.25 No Correction the temperature of
on the main scale is zero. = 2.25mm is required maximum density.It
No zero error
was replaced after the
15
40 International Metric
0 2.0
10
0.07 35 Convention in 1875 by
5 0.25
0
30 the International
25 2.32 - (+0.07) Prototype Kilogram.
Zero on datum line can be =2.25mm
seen.
Positive Zero Error Reading=2.0+0.32
Reading =+0.07 mm
=2.32mm
(Count from Zero.)

5
0 2.0 30
0
0.02 25
45 0.23
20
40 2.23 - (-0.02)
15 =2.25mm
Zero mark on datum
line cannot be seen Reading=2.0+0.23
negative zero error =2.23mm
Reading= -0.02mm
(count down from 0)

The Standard Of Mass

The kilogram is the SI unit of mass and is equal

to the mass of the international prototype of the
kilogram, a platinum-iridium standard that is kept at
the International Bureau of Weights and Measures Fig 1.17 Kilo gram
(Fig1.17).

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

Do You Know! The kilogram is a cylinder of special metal about

39 millimeters wide by 39 millimeters tall that serves as
1000g = 1kg the world's mass standard.
1g = 1000mg Each country that subscribed to the
1g= 1000000mg International Metric Convention was assigned one or
1g=1000000000ng more copies of the international standards; these are
1g=0.002lb known as National Prototype Meter and Kilogram.
The Physical Balance

The Physical balance is an instrument used for

measurement of mass. It is mostly used in laboratory. It
works on the principle of moments. It consists of a light
and rigid beam of brass, a metallic pillar, a wooden
base, two pans, a metallic pointer and an ivory scale
(Fig 1.18). The plumb line indicates whether the balance
is horizontal. In ideal condition the plumb line is
Fig 1.18 Physical Balance aligned with the end of the knob fixed with the pillar.
When the beam is horizontal the pointer remains on
zero mark on the ivory scale. The whole box has
leveling screws at the bottom to set it to horizontal. The
device is enclosed in a glass box to avoid wind effects.
Agate knife
Beam and agate plate
Balancing
screw
Pillar
Pointer

Plumb
Scale

Pan 100
ml
O
In 20 C Weights

Leveling
Arrestment knob screw

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

The Electronic Balance

The digital mass meter is an electronic

instrument configured with integrated circuits and it
works on the principal of balancing the forces.
The device is turned on and set to zero then object is
placed on the plate. The reading on the screen gives the
mass of object. The electronic balance (Fig 1.19) is Fig 1.19 Electronic Balance
available in different ranges of measurement such as Fig 1.19 Electronic Balance
micro gram, milligram and kilogram etc.
The Standard of Time

Before 1960, the standard of time was defined in

terms of the mean solar day for the year 1900. The
rotation of the Earth is now known to vary slightly with
time, this motion is not a good one to use for defining a
time standard. Fig 1.20 Atomic Clock
In 1967, the second was redefined to take
advantage of the high precision attainable in a device
known as an atomic clock(Fig 1.20), which uses the
characteristic frequency of the cesium-133 atom as the
“reference clock”.
The second is now defined as 9 192 631 770 times
the period of vibration of radiation from the cesium
atom.
Stop Watch

A stopwatch is used to measure the time interval

between two events. There are two types of stopwatch :
Mechanical stopwatch and Digital stopwatch.
Mechanical / Analogue Stopwatch

A mechanical stop watch can measure a time

interval up to 0.1 second (Fig1.21). It has a knob that is Fig. 1.21 Stop Watch

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

used to wind the spring that powers the watch. It can

also be used as a start stop and reset button. The watch
starts when the knob is pressed once. When pressed
second time, the watch stops While the third press
brings the needle back to zero.
Digital Stopwatch

A digital stop watch can measure a time interval

up to 0.01 second (fig 1.22). It starts to indicate the time
lapsed as the start/stop button is pressed. As soon as
start/stop button is pressed again, it stops and indicates
the time interval recorded by it between start and stop
of an event. A reset button restores its initial zero
Fig. 1.22 Digital stop watch setting. Now a days almost the mobile phones have a
stopwatch function.

Human Reaction Time

As analogue or digital or watch is operated by

human manually i.e., they have to be started or stopped
by hand. This causes a random error in measurement
of time i.e called human reaction time. For most people
human reaction time is about 0.3- 0.5 s. Therefore for
more accurate measurement of time intervals light
gates (Fig1.23) can be used.

Light gates

0.00 s 0.00 s
Timer 2 Timer 1
Fig 1.23 Light gates

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:

Do You Know!
Q1: What instrument will you choose to measure height
of your friend? 1 hour = 60 min
Q2: Can you describe how many seconds are there in a 1 hour = 3600 sec
year? 1min=60sec
Q3: Which instrument will you choose to measure your 1sec=1000ms
mass? 1sec=1000000ms

1.3 PREFIXES

The Physical quantities are described by the

scientist in terms of magnitudes and units. Units play a
vital role in expressing a quantity either base or
derived. Prefixes are useful for expressing units of
physical quantities that are either very big or very
small.
A unit prefix is a specifier. It indicates multiples or
fractions of the units.
Units of various sizes are commonly formed by
the use of such prefixes. The prefixes of the metric
system, such as kilo and milli , represent multiplication
by powers of ten. Historically, many prefixes have been
used or proposed by various sources, but only a narrow
set has been recognized by standards organizations.
Human

Pyramid Mosquito
100
Mountain Hair
10,000
Moon 1,000,000
100,000,000 Cells
er

Sm

Moon 10,000,000,000 DNA

gg

Distance
all

1,000,000,000,000
Bi

Solar Atoms
System 100,000,000,000,000
re

Nearest
10,000,000,000,000,000 Nucleus
1,000,000,000,000,000,000
Star Electron ?
100,000,000,000,000,000,000
Galaxy
10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
? Nearest
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
Galaxy Neutrino ?
100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
? Visible
Universe 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
? Edge of 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
the known 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
Planck ?
Scale by 100’S
Table 1.3 SI pre fixes

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

SI Prefixes
Prefix Symbol Meaning Multiplier Multiplier
(Numerical) (Exponential)
Greater than 1
tera T trillion 1 000 000 000 000 1012
giga G billion 1 000 000 000 109
mega M million 1 000 000 106
kilo k thousand 1 000 103
hecto h hundred 100 102
deka da ten 10 101
Less than 1
Unit 1
*deci d tenth 0.1 10-1
*centi c hundredth 0.01 10-2
*milli m thousandth 0.001 10-3
*micro m millionth 0.000 001 10-6
*nano n billionth 0.000 000 001 10-9
pico p trillionth 0.000 000 000 001 10-12
femto f quadrillionth 0.000 000 000 000 001 10-15
atto a quintillionth 0.000 000 000 000 000 001 10-18

SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTION:

Q4: Can you tell if the size of a nucleus is up to 10-15m.
What prefix shall we use to describe its size?

1.4 SCIENTIFIC NOTATION

Scientific notation or the standard form is a

simple method of writing very large numbers or very
Scientific Notation
small numbers. In this method numbers are written as
Exponent powers of ten. Thus calculation of very large or very
small numbers becomes easy.
m x 10 n Numbers in Scientific Notation are made up of three
parts: The coefficient, the base and the exponent.
coefficient base u The coefficient must be equal to or (Not zero)
greater than one
u The base must be 10
u The exponent can be negative or positive.

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

Worked Example 1
Convert mass of Sun 2 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000
000 000 kg. into Scientific Notation.
Solution
Step 1: Since, MSun = 2 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000
000 kg
It's obvious that in this value decimal lies at the end.
Step 2: Converting into scientific notation
Move the decimal to left writing in terms of base of ten
Msun = 2.00 ´ 1030kg. Quick Lab
Note: power of exponent is taken as positive not to be Fill a tub with water to certain
confused as we have displaced decimals but not level and mark.

numbers.
Put some ice in it and observe
Worked Example 2 the water level carefully as
well as floating or sinking.
Convert mass of an electron 9.11 x 10-31 kg into
standard form. Remove the ice from the tub
without being melt and put a
Solution balloon in it and then observe.
Step 1: The decimal lies in the middle of the value.
Likewise, put a spoon in that
Since, melectron = 9.11 ´ 10-31 kg tub and observe.
Step 2: Move the decimal 31 steps towards left
Again put an empty can of
melectron = 0.000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 coke and observe.
911 kg
Can you tell which of all four
1.5 DENSITY AND VOLUME has more density? And which
has more volume?

The three common phases or states of matter are

solid, liquid and gas. A solid maintains a fixed shape
and a fixed size, even if same force is applied it not
readily change its volume. A liquid does not maintain a Do You Know!
fixed shape it takes on the shape of its container. But, 1 liter = 1000cm
3

like a solid it is not readily compressible, and its volume 1m3 = 1000 litr
can be changed significantly only by a large force.

17
 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

However, a gas has neither a fixed shape nor a fixed

volume- it will expand to fill its container.
Often we find the large weight woods floating on the
surface of water. However, an iron needle sinks into the
water. We say iron is “heavier” than wood. This cannot
really be true rather we should say like iron is “denser”
than wood. Physicist are concerned with a physical
quantity, a property of matter which may help to define
the nature of matter in terms of its mass and space.

Measuring the Volume

For density to be measured or calculated we first

need to find the volume of substances. Most of solid
geometrical shapes have formulae for their volume
which is obtained through different parameters such as
radius, height, depth, width, base and length, but for
irregular objects, liquids and gases this approach is
unusual. The volume of liquids can be measured with
the help of Cylinders, and Beakers.

Measuring Cylinder

Measuring cylinder is a glass or plastic cylinder

with a scale-graduated in cubic centimeters or
milliliters (ml)(fig1.24). It is used to find the volume of
liquids. When a liquid is poured, it rises to a certain
height in the cylinder. The level of liquid in the cylinder
is noted and volume of the liquid is obtained.
In order to read the volume correctly we should keep
Eye level
Meniscus the eye in level with the bottom of the meniscus of the
liquid surface as you learned in previous grade.
Fig. 1.24
Measuring Cylinder

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

1. Volume of Liquid Quick Lab

A volume of about a liter or so can be measured Take a measuring cylinder of

1 liter capacity at full place it
using a measuring cylinder. When the liquid is poured in a beaker.
into the cylinder the level on scale gives the volume.
Fill cylinder full with water.
Most measuring cylinders have scales marked in
milliliters (ml) or cubic centimeters (cm3). It should be Pour a stone of irregular shape
in it gradually.
noted that while recording the value from cylinder the
eyes should maintain the level with the value. Angular As you pour the stone in the
observation may result a false reading of the volume. cylinder, the water from
cylinder drops into the
beaker.
2. Regular solid
Drop the stone in cylinder
completely
If an object has a regular shape its volume can be
calculated Calculate the volume of water
ejected out of cylinder.
For instance:
Volume of a rectangular block = length x width x height Volume of water ejected is the
volume of the stone.
Volume of a cylinder = p ´ radius2 ´ height

3. Irregular solid
Rock
For an irregular solid its volume is calculated by
lowering the object in a partially filled measuring
cylinder (fig 1.25). The rise in the level on the volume
scale gives the volume of that object. Thus the volume
of irregular solid is calculated by subtracting the
original volume of liquid from the raised volume of
liquid.
The total volume is found. The volume of the
solid is measured in a separate experiment and then Rock
subtracted from the total volume.

Fig 1.25. Volume Irregular

shaped Solid

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

Density

The term density of a substance is defined as

Do You Know! mass of substance (m) per unit volume (V). It is denoted
During the Cold War between
by Greek letter ρ (rho). m
ρ=
Russia and America. There was V
a race of Astrophysics. America Density is characteristic property of any pure
was facing the period of racism.
A Black lady mathematician
substance. Objects made of a particular pure substance
named Katherine solved the such as pure Gold can have any size or mass but its
problem of putting the first density will be same for each.
orbital satellite.
Recommended!
In accordance with the above equation mass of a
Watch movie “Hidden Figures” substance can be expressed as
Observe the importance of
Reliable Numbers. m = ρV

The S.I unit for density is kg/m 3 kgm - 3 .

Sometimes dens of substances is given in gm/ cm3. The
density of Aluminum is 2.70 gm/cm3 which is equal to
2700 Kg/m3.

Do You Know! Measuring the Density

In Jordan there is sea known
as 'Dead Sea' It is to be noted that there are two ways of
The humans in that sea while finding the density of a substance either
swimming does not sink!
This is because the water of mathematically or experimentally by taking density
sea is much more salty than of water at 4oC as a reference which is sometimes
normal, which raises the known as relative density or 'Specific gravity'. It has
density of water.
no unit, it is a number whose value is the same as that
of the density in g/cm3.

density of substance
relative density =
density of water

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

Worked Example 4
What is the mass a solid iron wrecking ball of radius
18cm. if the density of iron is 7.8 gm/cm3?
Solution:
Step 1: write known physical quantities with units and
point out the quantity to be found.
Density of iron ball ρ = 7.8 gm/cm3 = 7.8 ´ 1000 kg/ m3
Radius of iron ball is r = 18cm = 18 ´ 10-2 m = 0.18m
Volume of the iron ball is V = (4/3) ´ π ´ r3 = (1.33) ´ 3.14
´ (0.18m)3 V = 0.024m3
Step 2: write down the formula and rearrange if
necessary
m=ρ´V
Step 3: put the values in formula and calculate
Since mass of iron ball is m = ρ ´ V = (7.8 x 103) ´ (0.024)
m = 187.2 kg
SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:
Q5: How can you identify which gas is denser among
the gases?
Q6: Can you tell how hot air balloon works?

1.6 SIGNIFICANT FIGURES

Engineers and scientist around the world work

with numbers either representing a large or small
magnitude of a physical quantity. The engineers are
however interested in the accuracy of a value as they
mostly work on estimation but scientist especially
physicist are more concerned in the accuracy of these
numbers. For instance, an engineer records the speed of
wind and explains it on an average. On the other hand,
for the physicist, the speed of earth on its course, the

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

speed of light in vacuum the mass or charge on an

electron is just not a matter of numbers but accurate
numbers.
The numbers of reliably known digits in a value are
known as significant figures.
Table 1.4 Rules for determining significant figures
Rule Example
1. All non-zeroes are 2.25 (3 significant figures)
significant
2. Leading zeroes are 0.00000034 (2 significant
NOT significant figures)
3. Trailing zeroes are 200 (1 significant figure)
significant ONLY if 200. (3 significant figures)
an explicit decimal 2.00 (3 significant figures)
point is present
4. Trapped zeroes are 0.00509 (3 significant figures)
significant 2045 (4 significant figures)

Worked example 5
How many significant figures are there in the area of a
cylinder whose diameter is 5 cm
Solution:
Step 1: write known physical quantities and point out the
unknown quantity
Diameter of the cylinder is d = 5cm = 5 ´ 10-2 m = 0.05m
Radius of cylinder is r = d/2 = 2.5 ´ 10-2 m = 0.025m
Step 2: write down formula and rearrange if necessary
The area of the cylinder is A = p ´ r2 = 3.14 ´ (0.025m)2 =
2
0.0019m
Step 3: put value in formula and calculate
2
Thus area of cylinder can be written as A = 1.9 mm
Thus, there are two significant numbers in the value 1
and 9.

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS:

Q7: Determine the number of significant figures in
00.6022009

SUMMARY

u Physics is the branch of science which deals with

studies of matter its composition, properties, and
interaction with energy.
u The branches of Physics are classified on the basis of
different areas of study with different approaches.
u There are two types of physicist, theoretical and
experimental physicist.
u Physics define mathematical relation between
physical quantities. A physical quantity has
magnitude and unit.
u Physical quantity are mainly classified into two
categorize
(i) Base or fundamental quantities
(ii) Derived physical quantities.
u Base quantities are length, mass, time, temperature,
current, luminous intensity, and amount of
substance.
u The standard of length is meter can be measured by
measuring tape , or meter rule.
u The standard of mass is kilogram can be measured
by physical balance.
u The standard of time is second can be measured by
stop watch.
u The measured or calculated values either
macroscopic or microscopic can be expressed in
Scientific Notations.
u The volume of liquid is calculated or measured with
help of measuring cylinder

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

u The volume of irregular objects can be calculated

through measuring cylinder with displacement of
water.
u The density of a pure substance is its characteristic
property it is the ratio of mass per unit volume.
u The density of objects can be calculated with the
help of water as a reference known as specific
gravity also known as relative density.
u Prefixes can be used to represent large or smaller
values of a physical quantity.
u The most accurate or reliable numbers of a value are
known as significant figures.

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

ACTIVITIES
CONCEPT MAP

Physics Quantities

Based on its types, Based on existing or has

is divided into not direction, divided into

Base Quantities Derived Quantities Scalar Quantity Vector Quantity

There are For examples For examples

1. Length · Area · Distance Displacement

2. Mass Volume · Speed Velocity
3. Time Force · Energy Work
4. Temperature · Energy · Volume, Force
5. Electric current · Density etc.
6. Luminous intensity
7. Amount of substance

Physics Quantities

Length Mass Time Volume

Meter Kilogram Seconds Liter

Ruler/ Spring Balance/ Measuring cylinder/

Measuring Stopwatch/clock
Electronic balance/ flask/ beaker/pipette
Tape Beam balance

Multiple Basic Sub multiple Multiple Basic Sub multiple

km m mm Min, hour Second (s) ms

Multiple Basic Sub multiple

Liter Milliliter
Metric kg mg l ml
Tone (t)

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

End of Unit Questions

Section (A) Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

6 7 cm
1. The Figure 1.26 shows part of a Vernier scale, what is
0
the reading on the Vernier scale
Fig 1.26
a) 6.50 cm b) 6.55 cm
c) 7.00 cm d) 7.45 cm
2. Ten identical steel balls each of mass 27g, are
immersed in a measuring cylinder having 20cm3 of
water. The reading of water level rises to 50cm3.
What is the density of the steel?
a) 0.90 gm/cm3 b) 8.1 gm/cm3
c) 9.0 gm/cm3 d) 13.5gm/cm3
3. An object of mass 100g is immersed in water as
shown in the figure 1.27, what is the density of the
material from which object is made?
Fig 1.27 a) 0.4gcm3 b) 0.9gcm3
c) 1.1 gcm3 d) 2.5gcm3
4. What is the reading of this micrometer in figure 1.28
20
0 5
15
a) 5.43mm b) 6.63mm
10 c) 7.30mm d) 8.13mm
5
5. A chips wrapper is 4.5 cm long and 5.9 cm wide. Its
Fig 1.28
area upto significant figures will be
a) 30 cm² b) 28 cm²
c) 26.55 cm² d) 32 cm²

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

6. A worldwide system of measurements in which the

units of base quantities were introduced is called
a) prefixes
b) international system of units
c) hexadecimal system
d) none of above
7. All accurately known digits and first doubtful digit
in an expression are known as
a) non-significant figures
b) significant figures
c) estimated figures
d) crossed figures
8. If zero line of Vernier scale coincides with zero of
main scale, then zero error is
a) positive b) zero
c) negative d) one
9. zero error of the instrument is
a) systematic error b) human error
c) random error d) classified error
10. Length, mass, electric current, time, intensity of light
and amount of substance are examples of
a) base quantities b) derived quantities
c) prefixes d) quartile quantities

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

Section (B) Structured Questions

1.
Column A Action Column B Branch
Cooking Bar B.Q Thermodynamics
Turning the Bulb on

Riding a bicycle
Looking for Giant Galaxies

Producing a loud sound

Describing an atom
Obtaining energy from Earth

2.
Physical Quantity S.I Unit Type
Ampere
m3
Sec Base
Temperature Base
N
3
Density Kg per m
Acceleration

3. Convert the following values.

a) 230 cm = ______________m
b) 250 g = _____________kg
c) 0.5 s = ________________ms
d) 0.8 m = ____________mm
e) 350ms = ________________s
f) 1.2Kg = _____________g

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Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

4. An engineer measures the width of an aluminum

sheet using Vernier caliper as shown in fig 1.29 2 3 4 5
a)What is the measurement of the width of 0 5 10
aluminum sheet
b)Which gives more precise measurement
Vernier caliper, Screw Gauge or meter rule? Fig 1.29
5. A pendulum swings as shown if figure 1.30 from X to
Y and back to X again
i) What would be the most accurate way of
measuring time for one oscillation? with the
help of a Stop Watch.
a) Record time for 10 oscillations and
multiply by 10
b) Record time for 10 oscillation and
divide by 10
c) Record time for one oscillation
d) Record time from X to Y and double it
ii) Suggest an instrument for measuring time
period more accurately. X Y
Prefixes Fig. 1.30

6. write the correct prefix of notion

a) 75000m = 750 __________
b) 2/1000 sec = 1 __________
c) 1/1000000 g = 1 _________
d) 1000000000 m = 1_________

Scientific Notation

7. Write values in standard and scientific notation

a) The radius of 1st orbit of Hydrogen atom is r =
0
0.53 A = __________
b) 1 light year is 2628000000000m = ___________
c) Vacuum pressure 2.7 x 10-4 torr = __________

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 Unit 1: Physical Quantities
and Measurement

Density and Volume

8. A wooden piece is made in different shapes take

length (l) = radius (r) = 2m Calculate its volume as a:
cm3 cm3 a) Sphere b) Cube
c) Cylinder d) Pyramid
Measuring e) Cylinder
cylinder Water
level
with solid
9. Find the density of wood as sphere and cube if the
mass of wood is 1kg. Is there any change
Water level
without in density due to shape?
solid
10. A measuring cylinder (fig 1.31) is filled with 500cc
Water water. A stone of mass 20g is immersed in to the
Irregular
solid
cylinder such that ,water level rises up to 800cc.
Which statement is correct?
a) The difference between the readings gives the
density of stone.
Fig 1.31 b) The difference between the readings gives
volume of the stone
c) The final reading gives the density of stone
d) The final reading gives the volume of stone

Significant Figures

11. Write significant numbers in the following values.

a) 980 has ________ Significant numbers.
b) 91.60 has _______ Significant numbers.
c) 10010.100 has ________Significant numbers.
d) 0.0086 has ______Significant numbers.

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