Chapter # 2

Measurement
SHORT QUESTIONS
Question#1. What are physical quantities? Name them.
Answer: There are some characteristics of material objects which are to be measured to specify them.
These are called physical quantities. Some are mass, length, time, temperature, electrical charge,
intensity of light, quantity of a material.
Question#2. Why a standard unit is needed to measure a quantity correctly?
Answer: To measure a physical quantity correctly, we need to compare it with a standard unit.
Question#3. What is meant by base and derived units?
Answer: Base units: Those quantities which play a key role are called base units. For example, mass,
length, time etc.
Derived units: All those units which are explained with reference to base units are called derived units.
For example, density, force, velocity etc.
Question#4. What is the number of base units in SI? Write their names and symbols.
Answer: There are seven base units in SI. Their names and symbols are given below:
1. Length

Meter (m)

2. Mass

kilogram (Kg)

3. Time

Second (S)

4. Electric current

Ampere (A)

5. Temperature

Kelvin (K)

6. Luminous Intensity

Candela (Cd)

7. Amount of substance

Mole (mol)

Question#5. Write the names of some derived Physical quantities with units.
Answer: Ten derived Physical quantities.
1. Speed

m/s

2. Acceleration

m/s2
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Chapter # 2
Measurement
3. Volume

m3

4. Force

Newton (1N=kgm/s2)

5. Pressure

Pascal (1Pa=1N/m2)
Joul (1J=1Nm=1kgm2/s2)

6. Work
7. Momentum

kgm/s

8. Power

Watt (1W=1J/s=1kg m/s2)

Question#6. What does a Standard Unit mean? Define the Unit of length, Mass and Time?
Answer: Standard Unit: To measure a physical quantity correctly, we compare it with a standard
quantity. This standard quantity is called Standard unit.
Unit of Length (Meter): The unit of length is meter. One meter is the distance between two points on a
Platinum Iridium rod kept at 0oC at international bureau of weights and measurements near Paris.
Or

One meter is the distance traveled by light in vacuum during a time of

1
th
3 108

of a second.

The multiples and sub multiples of meter are,

1 km

1000 m
1 100

1 cm

m
1 1000

1 mm

Unit of Mass (Kilogram): The unit of mass is Kilogram (kg). One Kilogram is taken as the mass of
Platinum Iridium cylinder placed at international Bureau of weights and measurements near pairs.
Multiple and sub multiples of kilogram are;
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Chapter # 2
Measurement
1 1000
1 gram

or

10-3 kg.

kg

or

kg
1 1000000

1 mg

10-6 kg.
1 86400 th

Unit of Time (Second): The unit of time is second. One second is defined as

part of a mean

solar day in 1900 AD.

Question#7. Where the multiples and submultiples of units are used. Describe some standard
prefixes.
Answer: In physics, sometimes we have to deal with quantities that are either very large or very small.
These are more conveniently expressed in multiples or submultiples of 10 or prefixes. Some standard
prefixes are:

1. Milli
2. Kilo
3. Micro

103
103
106
102

4. Centi
etc.
Question#8. What is scientific notation?
Answer: The scientific method based on the powers of ten or prefixes is called scientific notation or

standard form. For example, 145.7 can be written as

1.457 103

Question#9. Explain the statement, A screw gauge can measure more accurately than a vernier
caliper

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Chapter # 2
Measurement
Answer: Yes, the statement is true, because a vernier caliper can measure upto one tenth of a
millimeter, while a screw gauge can measure upto one hundredth of a millimeter.
Question#10. What is the pitch of the vernier calliper?
Answer: The separation between two smaller lines on the main scale is called pitch of the vernier. It is
equal to 1 mm.
Question#11. Differentiate between random error and a systematic error in a measurement.
Answer: Random error is due to unknown reasons while systematic error is due to the zero error of the
instrument.
Question#12. Define personal error and how it can be minimized?
Answer: this error arises due to inappropriate way of taking a reading. For example, the aye may or
may not be in front of the scale while taking a reading. This error can be minimized with experience
and care.
Question#13. What should be kept in mind while determining the significant figures in result of
an experiment?
Answer: The result of an experiment cannot contain more number of significant figures than the least
number of significant figures in any of the observed quantities.
Question#14. What should be kept in mind while rounding of data?
Answer: If the digit to be rounded off is more than 5, then the number of the last digit is increased by
one and if it is less than 5, then that is kept unchanged.
Question#15. What is the difference between independent and dependent variable quantities?

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Chapter # 2
Measurement
Answer: The quantity which we can change according to our wishes is called independent variable
quantity, while the quantity which changes due to the change in the first quantity is called dependent
quantity.
LONG QUESTIONS
Question#16. Explain with examples the need for introducing multiples and submultiples of the
basic units.
Answer: Need of Prefixes: Sometimes, we have to deal with quantities that are either very large or
very small. These are more conveniently expressed in multiples or submultiples of 10 or prefixes.
For example, the thickness of a piece of paper or the diameter of a fine wire is measured in
millimeters, rather than in meters. It is appropriate to express the length of a pencil or the width of a
book in centimeters. Similarly, it is more appropriate to express the long distance between two cities in
kilometers rather than in meters.
Question#17. Describe the purpose, construction and use for measurement of the Vernier
Calliper.
Answer: Vernier Calliper: It is an instrument, which can measure length accurately up to 0.1 mm or
0.01 cm.
Construction: It consists of two parts. One part is called main scale, on the left of which there is jaw
A. the larger lines on it represent centimeters while the smaller lines represent millimeters. The other
part is called vernier scale on the left of which there is a jaw B. vernier scale can be moved forward or
backward. The length of vernier scale is 9mm and it is divided into ten equal parts. Each part is called a
vernier division. The length of each vernier division is 0.9mm.

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Chapter # 2
Measurement

Least count or

Vernier

Constant (LC) or (VC): The difference between one main scale division and one vernier scale
division is called vernier constant It is the minimum length which can be measured by Vernier
callipers. Thats why it is called least count.
Zero Error: On closing the jaws of the Vernier Callipers, if zero of the Vernier scale does not
coincide with zero of the main scale. Then there is an error in the instrument called zero error. It
may be positive or negative.
Positive Zero Error: If the zero of the vernier scale is on right side of the zero of the main scale,
then the error is Positive. It will show slightly more than the actual length. This zero error is
subtracted from the observed value.
Negative Zero Error: If the zero of the vernier scale is on left side of the zero of the main scale,
then the error is Negative. It will show less than the actual. This zero error is added to the observed
value.
Use for measurement: it consists of the following steps:
1. Note the pitch and least count of the vernier.
2. Join the jaws A and B. If the zeros of the main scale and vernier scale are exactly in front of
each other then
3. Fix the sphere in between the two jaws and tight it with the help of screw P and note the main
scale reading. For example, it is 2.1 cm.
4. Now look for that division of vernier which is in front of any division of main scale and note
the vernier scale reading. For example, it is the 8 th division. Multiply it with the least count i.e.,
0.01cm and add it to main scale reading to get the length.
Question#18. Describe the purpose, construction and use for measurement of Screw gauge.
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Chapter # 2
Measurement
Answer: It is an instrument used to measure the thickness of very small object such as a sheet
accurately up to one hundredth of a millimeter.
Construction: It consists of U-shaped metal frame fitted with a stud A at one end and an empty
cylinder B at other end. A scale in millimeter is engraved over it. The cylinder has threads inside and
acts as a nut. There is a bolt C inside this nut which moves forward or backward.
The right end D of the cylinder is a cap type which is used to rotate the cylinder. On the left of it
is a circular scale E which is usually divided into 100 equal parts. When the bolt is rotated clockwise, it
moves forward and backward when rotated anticlockwise.

Use for measurement: it consists of the following steps:

1. Note the pitch and least count of the screw gauge.
2. Join the bolt C and stud A. if the zero of the circular scale is exactly in front of the horizontal
line, then
3. Place the sphere in between the stud A and bolt C and fix it tight.
4. Note the main scale reading. For example, it is 7 mm.
5. Look for the division of the circular scale which is in front of the horizontal line. For example it
is 25.
6. Multiply 25 by the least count and add it to main scale reading to get the diameter.
Calculation of zero error: if on joining the bolt C with stud A the zero of the main scale is not in front
of the horizontal line of main scale, then there is a zero error in the instrument.
If the zero of the circular scale is above the horizontal line, it will show slightly less than the
actual thickness and it will be added to the observed measurement and vice versa.
Question#19. Describe the purpose, construction and use for measurement of the Physical
balance.
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Chapter # 2
Measurement
Answer: Physical Balance: This instrument is used to measure the mass of an object. It consists of a
beam, from two ends of this beam two pans are hanging with the help of two knife edges. The beam
rests on a support. When the arresting knob is rotated, the rod rises up from pillar. So the beam is lifted
up. If the masses in the two pans are equal, then the beam remains horizontal and if not then it is
adjusted with the help of screws. The mass of a body can be found by placing it, in the left pan while
the standard mass is placed in the right pan.
Question#20. Describe the purpose and construction of stop watch:
Answer: Stop Watch: The duration of time of a specific period is measured by a stop watch. The
watch contains two needles, one representing seconds and the other minutes. In rest position, the two
needles are at zero position. When the duration of a period is to be measured, the button B is pressed
down and the two needles start motion. When it is to be stopped, again the button B is pressed down
and the watch stops. After noting the time, again the button B is pressed down and the needles come to
zero position again.
Question#21. Define Errors and explain its different reasons. Also explain different types of
error.
Answer: An error is defined as the difference between the measured value and actual value of a
quantity.
Reasons of error: there are three reasons for the error:
1. Inexperience or casualness of the observer.
2. The fault in the measuring instrument.
3. Inappropriate method of measurement.
Types of error: there are three types of error:
1. Personal error: this error arises due to inappropriate way of taking a reading. For example, the
aye may or may not be in front of the scale while taking a reading. This error can be minimized
with experience and care.
2. Random error: If different measurements are obtained on repeating the experiment under
similar conditions, then error in the measurement is called random error. This error arises due to
unknown reasons. For example, temperature, moisture or voltage may change during the

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Chapter # 2
Measurement
experiment. This error can be minimized by taking a large no. of readings and then taking the
average.
3. Systematic error: This is the error which affects equally all the measurements taken with the
same instrument. This occurs because of the zero error of the instrument or wrongly marked
graduation. This error can be eliminated by comparing the instrument with the standard one and
then applying a correction factor.
Question#22. What do you mean by significant figure in a measurement? Give the rules of
determining the number of significant figures?
Answer: In any measurement the accurately known digits and the first doubtful digit are called
significant figures.
Explanation: Suppose two students are measuring the length of a cylinder with the help of a meter rod.
One student measures it as 13.4cm while the other measures it as 13.5cm. Both the students are agree
on 13 but the third digit is doubtful. The set of these accurately known digits and the first doubtful digit
is called significant figures.
General Rules for Significant Figures: All the digits 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 are significant figures.
1. Zeros in between the digits are considered significant.
2. Zeros to the left of a significant figure are not significant, because they are used for the
location of decimal point, e.g 0.000135, 0.0632 have three significant figures.
3. The zeroes on the right of a decimal are considered significant .e.g, in 2.4500, there are five
significant figures.
4. When numbers are recorded in scientific notation, then all the digits before the power of ten

are significant e.g., in

6.673 10 11

there are four significant figures.

Question#23. What is meant by proportionality constant? Explain by giving an example.

Answer: Proportionality constant is a number which is used to describe the relationship between two
quantities in the form of an equation.
For example, the distance S covered by a moving body is related with time as
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Chapter # 2
Measurement

St
Here

is called sign of proportionality. To convert it into a mathematical equation, we will put a

constant. So the resulting equation will become

s vt
Here V is called a constant of proportionality.
NUMERICAL PROBLEMS
Prob#2.1:

l 19.23cm

and

m 38.9 g
Prob#2.2:

and

w 3.2cm

v 3.9cm

Area length width 19.23 3.2 61.824cm 2 62cm 2

; As

density

; As

mass
38.9

9.974 g / cm3 10 g / cm3

volume 3.9

MULTIPLE CHIOCE QUESTIONS

1. The standard with which things are compared is called a _______________
(a). System

(b). Prefix

(c). Unit

(d). Derived unit

2. 1 meter = _______________
(a). 106 mm

(b). 103 mm

(c). 1012 mm

(d). 10-2 mm

3. The S.I Unit of Mass is _______________

(a). Gram

(b). Kilogram (c). Milligram

(d). None of these

4. If there are 20 vernier divisions on the vernier scale then the least count will be
(a). 0.01 cm

(b). 0.01mm

(c). 0.05cm

(d). 0.05 mm (e). 0.05km

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Chapter # 2
Measurement
1
th
299, 792, 458
5. The distance traveled by light in vacuum during a time interval of

of a Second is

called
(a). Kilometer
(b). Centimeter
(c). millimeter
(d). Kilogram (e). meter
6. If length, breadth and height of a rectangular block are 3cm, 4 cm and 5 cm respectively then the
volume is
(a). 60cm (b). 60cm3
7.

(c). 60 m 3

(d).12 cm3

(e). 23 cm2

Which one of the following is a derived unit?

(a). kg (b). Sec

(c). Kelvin

(d). mole.

(e). m/sec

8. 0.1 mm= _________________

(a). 0.01 cm

(b). 0.001 cm

(c). 0.01 mm (d). none of the above (e). 0.02 mm

9. The number 146.7 in scientific notation is written as

(a). 14.67

(b).1.467

(c).

1.467x102

(d).

1.467x103

(e). 1.467x102

10. There are 10 small subdivisions of a second in a stop watch. It least count is_____________
(a). 0.01 sec

11.

b 0.025 sec

c 0.02 sec

(d). 0.1 sec

(e). 1 minute

pitch

no. of circular divisions

(a). Volume

(b). Least count

(c). Least multiple

(d). sub multiple

multiple
12. The duration in which 9,192,631,770 vibrations are completed by the Cs-133 atom is called
a

meter

(b). hour

(c). minute
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(d). second

(e). 1- period

(e).

Chapter # 2
Measurement
13. 1- sec= ___sec
(a). 106 b

103

10-3

105

10-6

14. If the jaws of the vernier calliper are closed and 0 th v.(d). is on the right of 0th M.S division then
instrument will measure
(a). Slightly more than the exact value
(c). exactly equal to the actual value

(b). Slightly less than the exact value

(d). Without any difference e.

none of the above

15. If the two quantities are directly proportional to each other, then the graph between them is a
_________
(a). Curve

(b). Circle (c). Parabola

(d). Straight line

16. The S.I unit of intensity of light is _______________

(a). Kelvin

(b). Mole

(c). Candela (d). Ampere

17. If the circular scale of screw gauge is given one rotation, the distance moved on linear scale is
called _____
(a). Pitch

(b). Positive Error (c). Negative Error (d). Heat

18. The least count of screw gauge is _______________

(a). 0.01 cm

(b). 0.0001 cm

(c). 0.1 cm

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(d). 0.001 cm