CHAPTER > 01

Physical World
KEY NOTES

Å The word science originates from the Latin verb Scientia Å Classical physics deals mainly with macroscopic phenomena
meaning ‘to know’. and includes the following subjects
Å Science is a systematic attempt to understand natural (i) Mechanics founded on Newton’s laws of motion and the
phenomena in as much detail and depth as possible; and law of gravitation is concerned with the motion (or
use the knowledge so gained to predict, modify and control equilibrium) of particles, rigid and deformable bodies and
the phenomena. general systems of particles.
Å The scientific method involves several steps; systematic (ii) Electrodynamics deals with electric and magnetic
observation, controlled experiment, qualitative and phenomena associated with charged and magnetic bodies.
quantitative reasoning, mathematical modelling, prediction (iii) Optics deals with the phenomena involving light.
and verification or falsification of theories. (iv) Thermodynamics deals with systems in macroscopic
Å Physics is a basic discipline in the category of natural equilibrium and is concerned with changes in internal
sciences, which also includes other disciplines like energy, temperature, entropy, etc. of the system through
Chemistry and Biology. external work and transfer of heat.
Å Physics refers to the study of the physical world, Å The microscopic domain of physics deals with the constitution
i.e. the study of the basic laws of nature and their and structure of matter at the minute scales of atoms and
manifestation in different natural phenomena. nuclei and their interaction with different probes such as
Å In physics, we attempt to explain diverse physical electrons, protons and other elementary particles.
phenomenon in terms of a few concepts and laws. The Å Everything in physics cannot be proved. There are some facts
attempts to unify fundamental forces of nature due to or assumptions from which we can derive certain relationships
which various phenomenon exists is called unification. or formulae. These assumptions are called hypothesis or
Å When we try to derive the properties of a bigger, more axioms or postulates and models, etc.
complex system from the properties and interactions of its Å A hypothesis is a supposition without assuming that it is true.
constituent simpler parts, this approach is called An axiom is a self- evident truth. A model is a theory
reductionism. proposed to explain observed phenomena.

Scope and Excitement Physics, Technology and Society

of Physics Å The connection between physics, technology and society can
be seen in many examples. Sometimes technology gives rise to
Å Macroscopic domain includes phenomena at the
new physics; at other times physics generates new technology.
laboratory, terrestrial and astronomical scales. It includes
the subjects like mechanics, electrodynamics, Å The most significant area to which physics has and will
thermodynamics and optics, etc. contribute is the development of alternative energy resources.
 (iii) Maxwell unified electromagnetism and optics
Fundamental Forces in Nature with the discovery that light is an electromagnetic
Å In the macroscopic world, besides the gravitational force, we wave.
encounter several kinds of forces : muscular forces, contact (iv) The electromagnetic and the weak nuclear force
forces between bodies, friction (a contact force parallel to the have now been unified and are seen as aspects of
surfaces in contact), the forces exerted by compressed or a single electroweak force.
elongates springs or taut strings and ropes (tension), etc.
Å In the microscopic domain again, we have electric and Nature of Physical Laws
magnetic forces, nuclear forces involving protons Å The physical quantities that remain constant in a
and neutrons, interatomic and intermolecular forces, etc. process are called conserved quantities.
Å The laws for derived forces (such as spring force, friction) are Å When all forms of energy, e.g. heat, mechanical
not independent of the laws of fundamental forces in nature. energy, electrical energy, etc are counted, it turns out
The origin of these derived forces is however, very complex. that energy is conserved.
Å The force of mutual attraction between any two objects by Å The general laws of conservation of energy is true for
virtue of their masses is called gravitational force. It is a all forces and for any kind of transformation between
universal force and it acts on all objects in the universe. different forms of energy.
Strength → 10−39 and Range → Infinite It is valid across all domains of nature, from the
Å Gravitational force plays a key role in the large scale microscopic to the macroscopic. Such as
phenomena of the universe, such as formation and evolution of (i) A chemical reaction is basically a rearrangement
stars, galaxies and galactic clusters. of atoms among different molecules. If the total
Å The force between two charged particles is called binding energy of the reacting molecules is less
electromagnetic force. It acts over large distances and does not than the total binding energy of the product
need any intervening medium. molecules, the difference appears as heat and the
It is enormously strong as compared to gravity. This force is reaction is exothermic. The opposite is true for
1036 times greater than gravitational force. energy absorbing (endothermic) reactions.
Strength → 10−2 and Range → Infinite (ii) According to Einstein’s theory, mass m is
equivalent to energy E given by the relation
Å It is mainly the electromagnetic force that governs the structure E = mc2 , where c is speed of light in vacuum.
of atoms & molecules, the dynamics of chemical reactions & the
mechanical and thermal & other properties of materials. (iii) In a nuclear process, mass gets converted to
energy (or vice-versa). This is the energy which is
Å Gravity is always attractive, while electromagnetic force can be released in a nuclear power generation and
attractive or repulsive. nuclear explosions.
Å The force that binds protons and neutrons in a nucleus is called Å Conservation laws have a deep connection with
strong nuclear force. This is the strongest of all the fundamental symmetries of nature.
forces.
Å Symmetry of nature with respect to translation (i.e.
Strength → 1 and Range → Short, nuclear size (~ 10−15 m )
displacement) in time is equivalent to the law of
Å The weak nuclear force appears only in certain nuclear conservation of energy.
processes such as the β-decay of a nucleus. In β-decay, the Å Laws of nature are the same everywhere in the
nucleus emits an electron and an uncharged particle called universe, while the phenomena may differ from place
neutrino. to place because of differing conditions at different
Strength → 10−13 and Range → Very short, locations.
sub-nuclear size (~ 10−16 m ) Å The symmetry of the laws of nature with respect to
translation in space gives rise to conservation of linear
Å Great advances in physics often amount to unification of momentum.
different theories and domains. Å In the same way, isotropy of space (no intrinsically
(i) Newton unified terrestrial and celestrial domains under a preferred direction in space), underlies the law of
common law of gravitation. conservation of angular momentum.
(ii) The experimental discoveries of Oersted and Faraday Å Symmetries of space and time and other abstract
showed that electric and magnetic phenomena are in symmetries play a central role in modern theories of
general inseparable. fundamental forces in nature.

KEY NOTES
CHAPTER 01 > Physical World

Mastering NCERT
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

TOPIC 1 ~ Physics : Scope and Excitement

1 In 1913, Niels Bohr gave a theory on the basis of 3 Maxwell’s set of equation encapsulated basic laws
(a) quantum theory of helium atom such as
(b) nuclear model of atom (a) Coulomb and Oersted’s laws
(c) classical theory of helium atom (b) Ampere and Faraday’s laws
(d) classical theory of hydrogen atom (c) Faraday’s and Optic laws
2 In Rutherford, α-scattering experiment as shown in (d) Both (a) and (b)
figure. 4 In Physics, quantitative measurement is central to the
Flash of growth of science because
light (a) laws of nature are expressible in precise mathematical
Lead C
block equations
α (b) basic laws universally apply in different contexts
A Fluorescent
Scattering screen (c) strategy of approximation turned out to be very
B angle successful
(d) All of the above
5 What is full form of GMRT?
Here, A , B and C refer to (a) Ground Mobile Receive Terminal
(a) polonium sample, aluminium foil, microscope (b) Geometric Mean Reciprocal Titer
(b) polonium sample, gold foil, microscope (c) Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope
(c) uranium sample, gold foil, microscope (d) General Maintenance and Repair Technician
(d) polonium sample, aluminium foil, telescope

TOPIC 2 ~ Fundamental Forces in Nature

6 Macroscopic forces are (b) it is a universal force
(a) contact forces between bodies (c) it causes formation and evolution of stars, galaxies
(b) viscous force and galactic clusters
(c) surface tension of a liquid (d) All of the above
(d) All of the above 10 Gravitational force dominates in terrestrial
7 Forces acting on microscopic domain are phenomena because
(a) electric forces (b) magnetic forces (a) masses involved are quite large
(c) nuclear forces (d) All of these (b) distances are quite large
8 The elastic spring force arises due (c) masses are small
(a) to net attraction between the neighbouring atoms of (d) distances are small
the spring
11 Electromagnetic force is
(b) to net repulsion between the neighbouring atoms of
the spring (a) the force between charged particles
(c) Both (a) and (b) (b) due to charges in motion
(d) None of the above (c) 1036 times the gravitational force between two
protons for any fixed distance
9 In gravitational force, (d) All of the above
(a) there is mutual force of attraction between any two
objects by virtue of their masses
 12 Electromagnetic force dominates microscopic 15 When we hold a book in our hand, we are balancing the
phenomena because gravitational force on the book due to
(a) masses involved are quite large (a) normal force provided by our hand
(b) distances are quite large (b) friction force provided by our book
(c) masses are small (c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) distances are small (d) None of the above
13 Which of the following is the weakest force? 16 Protons and neutrons are built out of
(a) Gravitational force (b) Strong nuclear force (a) neutrino (b) quarks (c) anti-neutrino (d) electron
(c) Weak nuclear force (d) Electric force
17 The unification of electromagnetism and optics leads to
14 Electric force manifest itself in atmosphere, where the
(a) atoms are non-ionised (a) celestial and terrestrial mechanics
(b) atoms are ionised and that leads to lightning (b) discovery of uncertainty principle
(c) atoms are ionised (c) discovery of optical fibres
(d) atoms are electrically neutral (d) discovery of light as an electromagnetic wave

TOPIC 3 ~ Nature of Physical Laws

18 For motion under an external conservative force, 20 According to law of conservation of energy and
which quantity is conserved? momentum for β-decay, the existence of a new
(a) Kinetic energy particle along with electron was predicted, which was
(b) Mechanical energy (a) electron (b) proton (c) neutron (d) neutrino
(c) Potential energy 21 Conservation laws are such that
(d) None of the above (a) it cannot be proved but can be verified
(b) it can neither be proved nor can be verified
19 Prior to the advent of the Einstein’s theory of (c) it can be proved and verified
relativity, it was concluded that (d) it can be proved but not verified
(a) matter was thought to be indestructible
22 Energy evolved in a chemical reaction comes from
(b) total binding energy of the reacting molecules is greater
than total binding energy of product molecules (a) conversion of mass into energy
(c) small change in the binding energy are too small to be (b) conversion of binding energy into heat energy
measured as changes in mass (c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) All of the above (d) Neither (a) nor (b)

SPECIAL TYPES QUESTIONS

I. Assertion and Reason
■ Direction (Q. Nos. 23-26) In the following questions, a 23 Assertion Spring force, friction force, normal
statement of Assertion is followed by a corresponding statement force, tension in rope, etc. are similar forces.
of Reason. Of the following statements, choose the correct one. Reason They arise out of the gravitational
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the force between the particles.
correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not 24 Assertion Electric force and magnetic force
the correct explanation of Assertion. are jointly called electromagnetic force.
(c) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect. Reason Electric and magnetic effects are
(d) Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct. inseparable.
 25 Assertion In universe, gravitational force dominates in II. Nuclear force is charge independent and acts equally
long distance and electric force dominates in short distance. between a proton and a proton.
(mass) 2 III. Nuclear range is extremely small of about nuclear
Reason For gravitational force ∝ dimensions (10−15 m ).
distance 2
charge 2 Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
and electric force ∝ (a) Only I (b) Both I and II
distance 2
(c) Only III (d) I, II and III
26 Assertion In spite of repulsion between two protons
32 Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
in the nucleus, it is difficult to kick them out of the
nucleus. I. The concept of energy is central to physics and expression
for energy can be written for every physical system.
Reason Nuclear force is weaker than electromagnetic
force. II. Law of conservation of energy is not valid for all forces
and for any kind of transformation between different
forms of energy.
II. Statement Based Questions (a) Only I (b) Only II
27 I. Science is ever static. (c) Both I and II (d) None of these
II. There is no final theory in science and no unquestioned
33 Which one of the following statement(s) is/are
authority among scientists.
incorrect?
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Conservation laws have a deep connection with
(a) Only I (b) Only II
symmetries of nature.
(c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
II. Space is heterogeneous and there is no preferred
28 I. Optics deal with the phenomena involving light. location in the universe.
II. The efficiency of heat engines and refrigerator, the (a) Only I (b) Only II
direction of a physical or chemical process, etc., (c) Both I and II (d) None of these
involves thermodynamics.
34 Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
III. Macroscopic domain of physics deals with the
I. Symmetry of laws of nature with respect to translation
constitution and structure of matter at the minute scales
in space give rise to conservation of linear momentum.
of atoms and nuclei.
Which of the following statement(s) is/are incorrect? II. Isotropy of space underlies the law of conservation of
angular momentum.
(a) Both I and II (b) Only II (c) Only I (d) Only III
(a) Only I (b) Only II
29 I. In 1938, Hahn and Meitner discovered the (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
phenomenon of neutron-induced fission of uranium. 35 Which of the following statement is incorrect?
II. In 20th century, silicon chip triggered revolutionary (a) Science originates from the Greek word Scientia
changes in technology of computer system. meaning ‘‘to know’’.
III. The fossil fuels of the planet are dwindling fast and (b) Science is a systematic attempt to understand natural
there is an urgent need to discover new source of phenomena.
energy. (c) The scientific method involves; systematic observation,
IV. The international year of physics was declared as 2005. controlled experiment, qualitative and quantitative
reasoning, mathematical modeling, prediction and
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? verification, etc.
(a) Only I (b) Both I and II (d) Physics is a study of the basic laws of nature and their
(c) Only III (d) I, II, III and IV manifestation in different natural phenomena.
30 I. Aristotle had given wrong ideas about the concept of 36 Which of the following statement is correct?
force. (a) Physics is a basic discipline in the category of natural
II. The corrective notion of force was arrived at by Isaac sciences, which does not induced other disciplines.
Newton in his famous laws of motion. (b) In physics, we attempt to explain similar physical
Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? phenomena in terms of a few concepts and laws.
(a) Only I (b) Both I and II (c) The attempts to unify fundamental forces of nature is
called unification.
(c) Only II (d) Neither I nor II
(d) An approach to derive the properties of a smaller
31 I. Strong nuclear force binds protons and neutrons in a system from the properties and interactions of its
nucleus. bigger part is called reductionism.
37 Which of the following statement is correct? (b) Like gravitational force, electromagnetic force acts over
(a) The same law of gravitation does not describes the fall large distances and does not need any intervening
of an apple to the ground, the motion of the moon medium.
around the sun. (c) Gravity is always attractive while electromagnetic force
(b) The basic laws of electromagnetism governs only is repulsive.
magnetic phenomena. (d) The weak nuclear force is not as weak as
(c) The subjects of thermodynamics, deals with bulk electromagnetic force but weaker than the strong
systems in terms of macroscopic quantities such as nuclear force.
temperature, internal energy, entropy, etc. 43 Which of the following statement is incorrect?
(d) The subjects of kinetic energy and statistical mechanics (a) Some special physical quantities, however remain
interpreted microscopic quantities in terms of the constant in time. They are the conserved quantities of
properties of the molecular constituents of the bulk nature.
system. (b) The law of conservation of energy is thought to be
38 Which of the following statement is incorrect? valid across all domains of nature, from the microscopic
(a) Physics is the study of nature and natural phenomena. to the macroscopic.
(b) Physics and technology are not related to each other. (c) All conserved quantities are scalars.
(c) Electrodynamics deals with electric and magnetic (d) Symmetry of nature with respect to translation (i.e.
phenomena associated with charged and magnetic displacement) in time is equivalent to the law of
bodies. conservation of energy.
(d) The most significant area to which physics has and will 44 Which of the following statement is correct?
contribute is the development of alternative energy (a) Conservation of energy, momentum, angular
resources. momentum, charge, etc, are considered to be
39 Which of the following statement is incorrect? fundamental laws in physics.
(a) Classical physics deals mainly with macroscopic (b) The phenomena are the same everywhere in the
phenomena and includes subject like mechanics, universe.
electrodynamics, optics and thermodynamics. (c) Law of gravitation is different on the moon and the
(b) All physics and also mathematics, is based on earth.
assumptions, each of which is variously called (d) Symmetries of space and time and other abstract
hypothesis or axiom or postulate, etc. symmetries does not play a central role in modern
(c) A hypothesis is a supposition with assuming that it is theories as fundamental forces in nature.
true.
(d) An axiom is a self-evident truth while a model is a III. Matching Type
theory proposed to explain observed phenomena.
45 Match the Column I (domains) with Column II
40 Which of the following statement is incorrect? (relation) and select the correct answer from the codes
(a) The universal law of gravitation proposed by Newton is given below.
an assumption or hypothesis.
(b) Universal law of gravitation can be verified and Column I Column II
substantiated by experiments and observations. A. Mechanics 1. electric and magnetic fields
(c) Einstein’s special theory of relativity is also based on B. Electrodynamics 2. macroscopic equilibrium
two postulates, the constancy as the speed of C. Thermodynamics 3. minute scales of atoms and nuclei
electromagnetic radiation and the validity of physical
laws in all inertial frame of reference. D. Microscopic 4. Newton’s law of motion
(d) Euclid’s statement that parallel lines never meet is a A B C D A B C D
supposition with assuming that it is true. (a) 4 2 3 1 (b) 4 1 2 3
41 Which of the following statement is correct? (c) 1 2 4 3 (d) 2 3 1 4
(a) Technology gives rise to new physics. 46 Match the Column I (physical quantities) with
(b) Wireless communication followed the discovery of Column II (scale) and select the correct answer from
basic laws of electricity and magnetism. the codes given below.
(c) Bohr had dismissed the possibility of tapping energy
from atoms. Column I Column II
−30
(d) Both (a) and (b) A. Size of electron or proton 1. 10 kg

42 Which of the following statement is correct? B. Mass of an electron 2. 10−14 m

(a) The laws for derived forces are independent as the laws C. Extent of universe 3. 1026 m
of fundamental forces in nature. D. Mass of observable universe 4. 1055 kg
 A B C D A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 3 4 (a) 2 1 3 4 (b) 1 2 4 3
(b) 2 3 1 3 (c) 4 3 2 1 (d) 1 4 3 2
(c) 4 1 3 2 49 Match the Column I (technology) with Column II
(d) 2 1 2 3
(scientific principle) and select the correct answer
47 Match the Column I (name of physicists) with from the codes given below.
Column II (contribution/discovery) and select the
correct answer from the codes given below. Column I Column II
A. Nuclear reactor 1. photoelectric effect
Column I Column II
B. Rocket 2. reflection of ultrasonic waves
A. Galileo Galilei 1. explanation of photoelectric effect propulsion
B. JC Bose 2. law of inertia C. SONAR 3. controlled nuclear fission
C. Albert Einstein 3. discovery of ultra short radiowaves D. Photocell 4. Newton’s laws of motion
D. JJ Thomson 4. discovery of electron A B C D A B C D
A B C D A B C D (a) 1 3 2 4 (b) 3 1 2 4
(a) 2 3 1 4 (b) 1 2 4 3 (c) 1 2 3 4 (d) 3 4 2 1
(c) 1 2 3 4 (d) 3 4 1 2 50 Match the Column I (force) with Column II (relative
48 Match the Column I (name of physicists) with strength) and select the correct answer from the codes
Column II (contribution/discovery) and select the given below.
correct answer from the codes given below. Column I Column II
−13
Column I Column II A. Gravitational force 1. 10
A. SN Bose 1. discovery of neutron B. Weak nuclear force 2. 1
B. James Chadwick 2. contribution in quantum statistics C. Electromagnetic force 3. 10−2
C. John Bardeen 3. theory of superconductivity D. Strong nuclear force 4. 10−39
and transistors
A B C D A B C D
D. Abdus Salam 4. unification of weak and (a) 4 1 3 2 (b) 4 1 2 3
electromagnetic interactions (c) 1 3 2 4 (d) 4 2 3 1

Answers
> Mastering NCERT with MCQs
1 (b) 2 (b) 3 (d) 4 (d) 5 (c) 6 (d) 7 (d) 8 (c) 9 (d) 10 (a)
11 (d) 12 (d) 13 (a) 14 (b) 15 (a) 16 (b) 17 (d) 18 (b) 19 (a) 20 (d)
21 (a) 22 (b)

> Special Types Questions

23 (c) 24 (a) 25 (a) 26 (c) 27 (b) 28 (d) 29 (d) 30 (b) 31 (d) 32 (a)
33 (b) 34 (c) 35 (a) 36 (c) 37 (d) 38 (b) 39 (c) 40 (d) 41 (d) 42 (b)
43 (c) 44 (a) 45 (b) 46 (a) 47 (a) 48 (a) 49 (d) 50 (a)
 Master The NCERT > PHYSICS (Vol-I )

Hints & Explanations

1 (b) Using the result of experiment of scattering of alpha 21 (a) A conservation law is a hypothesis based on
particles by gold foil, in 1911 Ernest Rutherford observation and experiments. It is important to
established the nuclear model of the atom. This nuclear remember that a conservation law cannot be proved. It
model then became the basis of the quantum theory of can be verified or disproved by experiments.
hydrogen atom given by Niels Bohr in 1913. 23 (c) The origin of spring force, friction force, normal
10 (a) Gravitational force becomes very high in terrestrial force, tension in rope is electromagnetic force
and astronomical phenomena because the bodies which is one of the four fundamental forces found in
involved are huge like planets, stars, etc. nature.
Their masses are quite large and gravitational force is Therefore, Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
proportional to products of masses involved.
24 (a) Charges in motion produces magnetic effects and a
12 (d) At microscopic level, it is electromagnetic force magnetic field gives rise to a force on a moving charge.
which dominates gravitational force. The reason is that So, electric and magnetic effects are inseparable.
the distance between bodies under electromagnetic force
Therefore, it is named as electromagnetic force.
is very small at this level.
13 (a) Gravitational force is the weakest among these forces. Therefore, Assertion and Reason are correct and
The correct order of strength of four fundamental forces Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
is k m1 m2
25 (a) Gravitational force = . In case of
Gravitational force < Weak nuclear force < r2
Electromagnetic force < Strong nuclear force measurement regarding stars and galaxies, gravitational
15 (a) When we hold a book in our hand, we are balancing force dominates due to large mass of stars, etc.
the gravitational force on the book due to the huge mass k q1 q2
And electric force = is due to infinite-simal
of the earth by the ‘normal force’ provided by our hand. r2
17 (d) The unification of electromagnetism and optics is small distances, thus electric field dominates at
done by James Clerk Maxwell in 1873. It showed that microscopic level.
light is an electromagnetic wave. Therefore, Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason
18 (b) For motion under an external conservative force, the is the correct explanation of Assertion.
total mechanical energy, i.e. the sum of kinetic and 26 (c) Nuclear force which is attractive in nature at nuclear
potential energy of a body is a constant. The familiar level keeps all the protons together in the nucleus in
example is the free fall of an object under gravity. spite of their mutual repulsion. So, it is difficult to kick
19 (a) Until the advent of Einstein’s theory of relativity, the them out of the nucleus.
law of conservation of mass was regarded as basic
conservation law of nature, since matter was thought to This is because these are stronger than the
be indestructible. electromagnetic force.
A chemical reaction is basically a rearrangement of Therefore, Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
atoms among different molecules. If the total binding 27 (b) Statement II is correct but I is incorrect and it can be
energy of the reacting molecules is less than the total corrected as,
binding energy of the product molecules, the difference Science is ever dynamic.
appears as heat.
28 (d) Statement III is incorrect and it can be corrected as,
However, since the atoms are merely rearranged but not The macroscopic domain of physics includes
destroyed, the total mass of the reactants is the same as phenomenon at the laboratory, terrestrial and
Hints & Explanations

the total mass of the products in a chemical reaction. The astronomical scales.
change in the binding energy are too small to be
measured as changes in mass. Rest statements are correct.
20 (d) Using the conservation laws of energy and 32 (a) Statement I is correct but II is incorrect and it can be
momentum for β-decay, Wolfgang Pauli (1900-1958) corrected as,
correctly predicted in 1931, the existence of a new the general law of conservation of energy is valid for all
particle called neutrino emitted in β-decay along with the forces and for any kind of transformation between
electron. different forms of energy.
33 (b) Statement I is correct but II is incorrect and it can Euclid’s statement that parallel lines never meet is a
be corrected as, hypothesis. This means that, if we suppose this without
Space is homogeneous and there is no preferred assuming it is true, then with this statement, we can
location in the universe i.e. the laws of nature are the explain several properties of straight lines.
same everywhere in the universe. 41 (d) Both statements given in options (a) and (b) are
35 (a) The statement given in option (a) is incorrect and it correct but statement in option (c) is incorrect, which
can be corrected as, can be is corrected as,
The word science originates from the Latin verb The Ernest Rutherford had dismissed the possibility of
Scientia meaning ‘‘to know’’. tapping energy from atoms.

36 (c) Statement given in option (c) is correct and rest are 42 (b) The statement given in option (b) is correct, rest are
incorrect and these can be corrected as, incorrect and these can be corrected as,
Physics is a basic discipline in the category of natural The laws for derived forces (such as spring force, friction)
sciences, which also includes other disciplines like are not independent of the law of fundamental forces in
Chemistry and Biology. The word physics comes from nature.
a Greek word meaning nature. Gravity is always attractive while electromagnetic force
can be attractive or repulsive.
In physics, we attempt to explain diverse physical
The weak nuclear force is not as weak as the gravitational
phenomena in terms of a few concepts and laws.
force, but much weaker than the strong nuclear and
A related effect is to derive the properties of a bigger, electromagnetic forces.
more complex system from the properties and
interactions of its constituent simpler parts. This 43 (c) The statement given in option (c) is incorrect and it
approach is called reductionism. can be corrected as,
All conserved quantities are not necessarily scalars.
37 (d) Statement given in option (d) is correct and rest are
incorrect and these can be corrected as, 44 (a) Only statement given in option (a) is correct, rest are
The same law of gravitation (given by Newton) incorrect. These can be corrected as,
describes the fall of an apple to the ground, the motion The laws of nature are the same everywhere in the
the of moon around the earth and the motion of planets universe. The phenomena may differ from place to place
around the sun. because of different conditions at different locations.
Similarly, the basic laws of electromagnetism e.g. the acceleration due to gravity at the moon is
(Maxwell’s equations) governs all electric and one-sixth that at the earth, but the law of gravitation is the
magnetic phenomena. same both on the moon and the earth.
The subjects of thermodynamics, deals with bulk Symmetries of space and time and other abstract
systems in terms of microscopic quantities such as symmetries play a central role in modern theories of
temperature, internal energy, entropy, etc. fundamental forces in nature.
38 (b) The statement given in option (b) is incorrect and it 45 (b) Mechanics founded on Newton’s laws of motion and
can be corrected as, the law of gravitation is concerned with the motion (or
Physics and technology are related with each other, like equilibrium) of particles, rigid and deformable bodies
the discipline of thermodynamics arose from the need and general systems of particles.
to understand and improve the working of heat engines. Electrodynamics deals with electric and magnetic
phenomena associated with charged and magnetic bodies.
Sometimes technology gives rise to new physics, at
Thermodynamics in contrast to mechanics, does not deal
other times physics generates new technology.
with the motion of bodies as a whole. Rather, it deals with
39 (c) The statement given in option (c) is incorrect and it systems in macroscopic equilibrium and is concerned with
can be corrected as, changes in internal energy, temperature, entropy, etc., of
Hints & Explanations

A hypothesis is a supposition without assuming that it the system through external work and transfer of heat.
is true. The microscopic domain of physics deals with the
constitution and structure of matter at the minute scales of
40 (d) The statement given in option (d) is incorrect and atoms and nuclei.
it can be corrected as,
Hence, A → 4, B → 1, C → 2 and D → 3.