PHYSICS

FOR

F. SC. /I.CS PART-I

(SHORT QUESTIONS)
Prepared By
Khawaja Muhammad Waqas
Hafeez
Alpha Science Academy, Pind
Dadan Khan

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1 MEASUREMENTS
Q.No1: Name several repetitive phenomenons occurring in nature which could serve as
reasonable time standards.
Ans) Any natural process that repeats itself after exactly same time interval can be used as a
measure of time. For example;
i) The rotation of planets around the sun.
ii) The rotation of earth about its own axis.
iii) The change of weathers.
iv) The change of shadow of an object in the sun.

Q.No2: Give the drawbacks to use the period of a pendulum as a time standard.
Ans) The time period of a simple pendulum can be written as

T = 2π
√ l
g
Time period depends upon length ‘’l’’ and ‘’g’’. The value of ‘’g’’ is different at different places.
Thus it will increase or decrease the time period. Also in summer season the length can
increase. So it affects the time period.

Q.No3: Why do we find it useful to have two units for the amount of substance, the kilogram
and the mole?

Ans) Kilogram: It is useful to use kilogram as a unit whenever we want to consider a specific
amount of mass without considering the number of atoms or molecules present in it.

Mole: It is useful to use mole as a unit whenever we want to consider a fixed number of atoms
or molecules of a system. For example, in case of gases.

Q.No4: Three students measured the length of a needle with the scale on which minimum
division is 1mm and recorded as (1) 0.2145m (2) 0.21m (3) 0.214m. Which record is correct
and why?

Ans) 0.214m is correct record because the least count of a scale is 1mm or 0.001m, so length
can be precisely measured up to 3 decimals.

Q.No5: An old saying is that ‘’ A chain is only as strong as its weakest link’’. What analogous
statement can you make regarding experimental data used in a computation?
Ans) An old saying is that ‘’ A chain is only as strong as its weakest link’’.
Its analogous statement is ‘’A result of experimental data is only as much accurate as its least
accurate reading in experimental data’’.

Q.No6: The period of simple pendulum is measured by a stop watch .What type of errors are
possible in the time period?
Ans) There are two types of possible errors:
i) Systematic error: This error may occur due to fault in the stop watch. Stop watch may be
faulty (zero error may be present or the marking may be incorrect).
ii) Random error: This error may occur due to negligence and inexperience of person. Error may
occur when the stop watch is started and when it is stopped.

Q.No7: Does the dimensional analysis give any information on a constant of proportionality
that may appear in an algebraic expression? Explain.
Ans) Dimensional analysis does not provide any type of information about the value of constant
of proportionality. Constant can be determined by the experiment e.g. T = 2 π
Where 2 π is constant and it is dimensionless.
l
g
,
√
Q.No8: Write the dimensions of (1) pressure (2) Density

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 −2
F ma [ML T ]
Ans) Pressure = = = = [M L−1 T −2]
A A ¿¿
m [M]
Density = = = [M L−3]
v [ L3 ]
Q.No9: The wavelength λ of a wave depends on the speed v of the wave and its frequency f.
knowing that
[ λ ¿=[L], [v] = [LT −1] and [f] = [T −1]
v
Decide which of the following is correct, f = v λ or f =
λ

Ans)
v
f = vλ or f=
λ
−1
[ LT ]
[T −1] = [LT −1] [L] [T −1] =
[l]
[T −1] = [ L2 T −1] −1 −1
[ T ] = [T ]
Incorrect correct

2 VECTORS AND EQUILIBRIUM

2.1) Define the terms (1) unit vector (2) position vector (3) Components of vector.
Ans) Unit vector: A vector whose magnitude is one is called unit vector. It is used to represent
⃗
A
the direction of a vector. ^
A=
A
Position vector: It is a vector which is used to describe the location of a point with respect to
origin.
r⃗ = ai^ + b ^j , r = √ a2 +b 2
Component of vector: Component of a vector is its effective value in a given direction. In fact,
a vector is the resultant of its components.

2.2) The vector sum of three vectors gives a zero resultant. What can be the orientation of the
vector?
Ans) If three vectors are such that they can be represented by three sides of triangle taken in
cyclic order then the vector sum or resultant of the vectors will be zero.

Let A1, A2 and A3 be the three vectors of different magnitudes as shown in Figure.

This figure shows that A=A1+A2+A3=0

2.3) Vector A lies in the x-y plane. For what orientation will both of its rectangular
components be negative? For what orientation will its components have opposite signs?
Ans) If the vector lies in 3rd quadrant then both of its rectangular components will be negative,
If the vector lies in 2nd or 4th quadrant then both of its rectangular components will have
opposite signs.
2.4) If one of the rectangular components of a vector is not zero, Can its magnitude be zero?
Explain.
Ans) No, its magnitude cannot be zero because the magnitude of vector A is given by,

A = √ A 2x + A 2y

If A x=0 ⟹ A=Ay

And Ay =0⟹ A= Ax

Hence, magnitude of the resultant vector cannot be zero if one of its components is not zero.

2.5) Can a vector have a component greater than the vector’s magnitude?

Ans) No, component of a vector cannot have magnitude greater than the magnitude of the
vector itself because component is always a part of the resultant vector.

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2.6) Can the magnitude of a vector have a negative value?
Ans) No, the magnitude of a vector cannot be negative because
A = √ A 2x + A 2y
As the square of real quantity always gives a positive value, so magnitude cannot be negative.
2.7) If A+B=0, What can you say about the components of two vector?
Ans) If ⃗ A +⃗
B=0 then it can be written as
⃗
A = -⃗
B

In terms of rectangular components

⃗
A = Ax i^ + Ay ^j ∧ ⃗
B =Bx i^ + By ^j
^ Ay ^j=−¿ + By ^j ¿
,⟹ Ax i+
^ Ay ^j=−Bx i−By
Or Ax i+ ^ ^j

⟹ Ax=−Bx∧ Ay=−By

Hence, it is proved that if A+B=0, then the sum of magnitudes of their respective components
will also be zero.

2.8) Under what circumstances would a vector have components that are equal in
magnitude?
Ans) It is possible only when the vector makes an angle of 45° with x-axis because
A x = Acosθ and Ay = Asinθ if θ=4 5 °
Then Ax = Acos45° , Ax = 0.707A and
°
Ay = Asin45 A, Ay = 0.707A
So, Vectors will have components of equal magnitude at θ=4 5 ° with X-axis.

2.9) Is it possible to add a vector quantity to scalar quantity? Explain.

Ans) No, it is not possible to add a vector quantity to scalar quantity because these are two
different physical quantities. Physical quantities of same nature can be added.

2.10) Can you add zero to null vector?

Ans) No zero cannot be added to null vector because zero is a scalar quantity and scalars can’t
be added to vectors.

2.11) Two vectors have unequal magnitudes .Can their sum be zero? Explain.
Ans) No, their sum cannot be zero. The sum of two vectors can be zero only if both of them are
equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.

2.12) Show that the sum and the difference of two perpendicular vectors of equal lengths are
also perpendicular and of same length.
Ans) Consider two vectors A and B of equal lengths and perpendicular to each other.
B
According to Head to tail rule, A
'
Sum R = A+B and Difference R = A-B and θ=90 0

Since R=√ A + B ∧¿
2 2 -B
R' = √ A2 +(−B)2= √ A 2+ B2=R
Since A = B ⇒ ∠ LOM =∠ NOM=450 so ,∠ LOM + ∠ NOM =45 0+ 450 =900
So R and R’ are perpendicular to each other.

2.13) How would the two vector of the same magnitude have to be oriented, If they were to
be combined to give a resultant equal to a vector of the same magnitude?
Ans) It is possible only when the two vectors oriented at 12 0° . If two vectors are represented by
two sides of an equilateral triangle then the third side represents their resultant.

2.15) Suppose the sides of closed polygon represent vector arranged head to tail. What is the
sum of these vectors?
Ans) The sum of these vectors will be zero because in this case the head of the
last vector coincides with the tail of first vector, so their resultant is zero.

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 2.17) If all the components of the vectors, A1and A2 were reversed,how would this alter
A1 × A2 ?

Ans) If all the components of vectors ⃗

A1and ⃗ A2 are reversed then both of these vectors will be
written as ⃗− A 1 and ⃗
− A2
⃗ ⃗
so (- A1) × (- A2)
=⃗A1 × ⃗A2
Hence the vector product of two vectors will remain unchanged.

2.18) Name the three different conditions that could make A1 × A2 =0.
Ans) Conditions:

i) If A1 is a Null vector then ⃗A1 × ⃗A 2 is zero.

ii) If A2 is a Null vector then ⃗A1 × ⃗A 2 is zero.
iii) ⃗
A1 and ⃗ A2 are parallel vector i.e. θ=0 and ⃗ A1 × ⃗
A 2 is zero.
iv) ⃗
A1 and A2 are anti-parallel vector i.e. θ=180 and ⃗
⃗ A1 × ⃗ A 2 is zero.

2.21) Can a body rotate about its centre of gravity under the action of its weight?
Ans) No, a body cannot rotate about its centre of gravity under the action of its weight.
Because, in this case the line of action of force is passing through the axis of rotation so
moment arm is zero.
As τ =rF since r =0 so τ=0

3 MOTION AND FORCE

3.1) What is the difference between uniform and variable velocity? From the explanation of
variable velocity, define acceleration, Give SI unit of velocity and acceleration.

Ans) In case of uniform velocity the body covers equal displacement in equal intervals of time
but in case of variable velocity the body covers unequal displacement in equal intervals of time.

Acceleration: The time rate of change of velocity is called acceleration. SI unit of velocity is ms -1
and acceleration is ms-2.

3.2) An object is thrown vertically upward. Discuss the sign of acceleration due to gravity,
relative to velocity, while the object is in the air.
Ans) When an object is thrown is vertically upward, it is moving against the force of gravity, So
the sign of acceleration due to gravity, relative to velocity is taken as negative.

3.3) Can the velocity of the object reverse the direction when acceleration is constant? If so,
give an example.
Ans) Yes, the velocity of the object can reverse the direction when acceleration is constant.
When a body is thrown vertically upward its velocity goes on decreasing due to gravity and
becomes zero at maximum height. After that it will reverse its direction of velocity but
acceleration remains constant during whole flight.

3.5) A man standing on the top of the tower throws a ball straight up with initial velocity ⃗ vi
and at the same time throws a second ball straight downward with same speed. Which ball
will have larger speed when it strikes the ground? Ignore air friction.
Ans) Both the balls hit the ground with same speed. The ball which is thrown vertically up with
velocity ⃗
v i will have same velocity ⃗
v i when it reaches back to the top of the tower. So the two
balls have same downward velocity at the top of the tower.

3.6) Explain the circumstances in which the velocity ⃗v and acceleration a⃗ of a car are
1) Parallel 2) Anti-parallel 3) Perpendicular to one another 4) ⃗v is zero but a⃗ is not zero
5) a⃗ is zero but ⃗v is not zero

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Ans) i) If velocity of car is increasing along a straight line then velocity & acceleration are
parallel.

ii) If the velocity of the car is decreasing along the straight line then velocity and acceleration
are anti-parallel.

iii) If the car is moving in circular path then the velocity and acceleration are perpendicular.

iv) If moving car is stopped by applying brakes then at that instant the velocity of the car
becomes zero but acceleration is not zero.

v) When car moves with uniform velocity then ⃗v is not zero but a⃗ is zero.

3.7) Motion with constant velocity is special case of motion with constant acceleration. Is this
statement true? Discuss.

Ans) Yes, this statement is true, when the body moves with uniform velocity then its
acceleration is zero. It remains zero as for as the body moves with constant velocity. So we can
say that motion with constant velocity is special case of motion with constant acceleration

3.8) Find the change in momentum for an object subjected to a given force for a given time
and state law of motion in terms of momentum.
Ans) Consider a body of mass ‘m’ is moving with velocity V i. A force ‘F’ acts on the body for time
‘t’ and its velocity becomes Vf. The acceleration produced by the body is given by;
V f −V F
a= i
→(i) and a = →(ii)
∆t m
F V f −V mV f −mV ∆ p
⟹ = i
⟹F= i
=
m ∆t ∆t ∆t
Hence time rate of change of momentum of body is equal to applied force.

3.9) Define impulse and show that how it is related to linear momentum?
Ans) The product of force and time is called impulse
mV f −mV
Since F= i

⟹F × t = m v f −m vi

⟹F × t = Impulse= m v f −m vi

Hence impulse is equal to change of linear momentum.

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 though the
system is not completely isolated?
Ans) According to this law, “The total linear of an isolated system is conserved”.
Isolated system is necessary for proving the law of conservation of momentum. When the
effect of external forces (like frictional and gravitational forces) is negligibly small as compared
to the forces between the interacting objects, then this law is applicable.
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?
Ans) In ideal case when no K.E. is lost, the collision is said to be perfectly Elastic.
A collision in which K.E. of the system is not conserved is called Inelastic collision.
When the ball is dropped onto the marble floor, it rebounds to very nearly the initial height. It
loses negligible amount of energy then such collision is approximately elastic. If ball is not able
to reach at initial height then there is loss of K.E, so collision is inelastic.
Reasons: The loss of K.E. is due to (a) friction of ball with floor (b) friction of ball with air (c) in
the form of sound.

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

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 Ans) The speed of the ball is minimum at its maximum height because at this point the vertical
component of the velocity becomes zero.
The speed of the ball is maximum at its point of projection and at the point just before it hits
the ground.

4 WORK AND ENERGY

(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 a work, how are these two
situations similar?
Ans) In both of these two cases the value of displacement is zero. According to the definition of
work
W = Fd ;
Here d =0 ;
Therefore, W =F X 0 = 0
Thus in both situations the work done is zero, So these two situations are similar.

(4.2) Calculate the work done in kilo joules in lifting the mass of 10kg (at a steady velocity)
through vertical height of 10m.
Ans) W =? ; m = 10kg ; h =10m

W = P.E = mgh

= 10×9.8×10

=980J
980
= = 0.980kj
1000

(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.

Ans) If the force is increased to 3F to cover a further distance of 2L, the work done will be

So W = 3Fx2L = 6FL

Total work done= W = FL +6FL= 7FL

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

Ans) Case 1 Case 2

m1 = 50kg m2 = 50kg

50
d 1 = 50cm = m = 0.5m d 2 = 2m
100
W1 = ? W 2 =? ; F = 50N
W 1 = Fd 1 W 2 = F.d 2 = 50 × 2

W 1 = m1 g d 1 = 50× 9.8× 0.5 W 2 =100J

W 1 = 245J

So in this case more work is done.

(4.5) An object has 1 J of potential energy. Explain what does it mean?

Ans) An object having a one joule of P.E means that the work done stored in the object in the
form of potential energy is 1J. We can also say that the body has ability to do work of one joule.

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 (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 students says that the ball has potential energy mg h1 but another says that it is
mg(h1 +h 2). Who is correct?
Ans) Both of them are correct. Because potential energy is always with respect to some
reference point, so we can say that the first student has measured the P.E with respect to table
top so P.E = mgh1 and the second student has measured potential energy with respect to floor
so P.E = mg(h1 +h 2).

(4.7) When a rocket re-enters the atmosphere, its nose cone becomes very hot. Where does
this heat energy come from?

Ans) When the rocket re-enters the atmosphere then some of its K.E is used in doing work
against friction with dust particles and air, which is converted into heat. Due to this heat energy
its nose cone becomes very hot.

(4.8) What sort of energy is in the following:

a) Compressed spring b) Water in high dam c) A moving car

(a) A compressed spring has elastic potential energy.

(b) Water in high dam has gravitational potential energy.

(c) A moving car has K.E.

(4.9) A girl drops a cup from a certain height, Which breaks into pieces. What energy changes
are involved?

Ans) When a cup is dropped from a certain height, its P.E. is converted into K.E. When it strikes
the ground then a part of this K.E is used to break the cup and the rest is converted into sound
energy which produces the noise and heat energy.

(4.10) A boy uses a catapult to throw a stone which accidentally smashes a green house
window. List the possible energy changes.
Ans) The following energy changes will occur;
i) When a boy throws a stone the elastic potential changes into K.E.
ii) When stone hits the window, a part of K.E is used to break the window into pieces.
iii) Rest of the energy converted into heat and sound.

5 CIRCULAR MOTION
(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?
Ans) The direction of linear velocity is always along the tangent on any point of the circle. This
linear velocity is known as tangential velocity. It is denoted by Vt.
Rate of change of angular displacement of an object moving along a circle is called angular
velocity. The angular velocity ω is directed along axis of rotation.
We can find the velocity by using the relation
V = rω

(5.2) Explain what is meant by the centripetal force and why it must be furnished to an object
if the object is to follow a circular path?
Ans) The force needed to bend the normally straight path of the particle into circular path is
called centripetal force.
2
Fc = m v
r
It is perpendicular to tangential velocity and directed towards the centre of the circular path.
Without centripetal force a body will move along the tangent. Nobody can move in circular
path without centripetal force.

(5.3) What is meant by moment of inertia? Explain its significance.

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Ans) Moment of inertia of a rotating body is analogue to the mass of the body in linear motion.
It depends on the mass and the distribution of mass from axis of rotation.

I = mr 2

Significance: Moment of inertia determined the angular acceleration while the mass
determined the linear acceleration.

(5.4) What is angular momentum? Explain law of conservation of angular momentum.

Ans) A particle has angular momentum about a reference axis if it moves in such a way that its
angular position changes relative to the reference axis.
⃗
L = r⃗ × ⃗
P

Law of conservation of angular momentum:

The total angular momentum of the system remains constant when no external agency exerts
any torque on it.
Ltotal = L1 + L2+ L3 +¿ ------------------------- = constant =Iω

(5.5) Show that the orbital momentum Lo=mvr.

According to the definition of angular momentum,
⃗
L0 = r⃗ × ⃗
P

Its magnitude is given by,

L0 = rp sinθ

Where θ is the angle between r⃗ and ⃗

P.

Linear momentum= p= mv,

In case of circular orbital motion θ = 90 ,

L0 = rmv sin 90° = rmv

(5.6) Describe what should be the minimum velocity, for a satellite, to orbit close to the earth
around it.
Ans) Critical velocity: The minimum velocity needed to orbit a satellite close to the earth is
called critical velocity.
Since the gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force.
So F g=F c
2
V
⇒ mg = m
r
⇒gr= v2
⇒ √ gr = v
Since g=9.8 ms-2 and r= 6.4x106m
V = 7.9km s−1
(5.7) State the direction of the following vectors in simple situations; angular momentum and
angular velocity.
Ans) The direction of the angular velocity and the angular momentum is along the axis of
rotation, which can be determined by the right hand rule. Grasp the axis of rotation in your
right hand; curl the fingers along the direction of rotation. The erect thumb will represent the
direction of angular velocity.

(5.8) Explain why an object, orbiting the earth, is said to be freely falling. Use your
explanation to point out why objects appear weightless under certain circumstances.
Ans) When the object is thrown horizontally fast enough from certain height, so that the
curvature of its path will match with the curvature of earth. Then the object simply revolves

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 around the earth. Hence the motion of the object is under constant acceleration due to gravity,
So the object is freely falling.
Weightlessness of the body:
A freely falling body moves only under the action of gravity so the object is said to be in state of
weightlessness.

(5.9) When mud flies of the tyre of moving bicycle, in what direction does it fly? Explain.
Ans) The mud flies off along the tangent to the tyre. When the speed of the bicycle increases
then the adhesive force between mud and tyre is not sufficient to provide the necessary
centripetal force. So they leave the tyre and moves along the tangent to the tyre.

(5.10) A disc and a hoop start moving down from the top of an inclined plane at the same
time. Which will be moving faster on reaching the bottom?
Ans) Velocity of hoop moving down the inclined plane is given by,
As V hoop = √ gh
Velocity of disc moving down the inclined plane is given by

√ √
V disc = 4 gh= 4 √ gh=1.15 v hoop
3 3
Since the velocity of disk is greater than velocity of hoop, the disk will be moving faster on
reaching the ground.

(5.11) Why does a diver changes his body positions before and after diving in the pool?
Ans) A diver changes his body positions to spin himself faster, So that he may be able to take
some extra somersaults.

When the legs and the arms of the diver are drawn into closed position, its moment of inertia is
reduced so that its angular velocity will increase to conserve the angular momentum.

(5.13) Explain how many minimum numbers of geo-stationary satellites are required for
global coverage of T.V transmission.
Ans) Minimum three correctly positioned geo-stationary satellites are required for the global
coverage of T.V transmission.
As each satellite in geo-stationary orbit covers 12 0° of longitude, then three geo-stationary
satellites can provide the coverage of 360 degree of longitude.

6 FLUID DYNAMICS
(6.1) Explain what do you understand by the term viscosity?

Ans) The frictional effect between different layers of flowing fluid is called viscosity of the fluid.
The opposing force between two layers destroys the relative motion between them and finally
whole of the fluid comes to rest. This is due to internal friction between the layers of the fluid.

(6.2) What is meant by drag force? What are the factors upon which drag force acting on a
small sphere of radius “r”, moving down through a liquid, depend?
Ans) An object moving through a fluid experiences average retarding force called drag force.
According to Stokes law the drag force can be written as
F = 6 πηrv
The factors upon which the drag force depends are
i) speed of the sphere
ii) radius of sphere
iii) coefficient of viscosity

(6.3) Why fog droplets appear to be suspended in air?

Ans) A fog droplet is tiny drop having a very small weight. As the droplet falls, the drag force
acting on it becomes equal to the weight of the droplet then the net force acting on it is zero.
Thus the droplet will fall with the terminal velocity and it appears to be suspended in air.

10 | P a g e
 V t ∝ mg

(6.4) Explain the difference between the laminar flow and the turbulent flow.
Laminar flow: The flow of fluid in which every particle of the fluid moves along a smooth path is
called laminar flow.
Turbulent flow: The irregular and unsteady flow of fluid is called turbulent flow.

(6.5) State Bernoulli’s relation for a liquid in motion and describe some of its applications.
Ans) For an ideal fluid, Sum of pressure, K.E per unit volume and P.E per unit volume at any
point along a streamline always remains constant.
1 2
P+ ρ V + ρgh =constant (Bernoulli’s Equation)
2
Applications:
i) The swing of the ball.
ii) Lift on an aeroplane
iii) Blood flow
(6.6) A person is standing near the fast moving train, is there any danger that he will fall
towards it?
Ans) Yes there is danger that he will fall towards the train. When the fast moving train passes
near the person, speed of air between train and person increases. So, according to Bernoulli’s
equation where the speed of the fluid is high, Pressure will be low, so pressure between train
and person decreases. Hence large pressure behind the person pushes him towards the train.

(6.8) Two row boats moving parallel in the same direction are pulled towards each other.
Explain.
Ans) When two boats are moving parallel in the same direction, velocity of the water flowing
through them will be greater than rest of the water. As the speed of the water between the
boats increases then pressure between them is decreased. So the two boats are pulled towards
each other due to greater pressure on the outer sides.

(6.9) Explain, how the swing is produced in a fast moving cricket ball?
Ans) When the ball moves in such a way that it spins and moves forward, the speed of the air
on its one side becomes greater as compared to the other. So pressure of the air will decreased
on that side. Hence a force exerts from high pressure to low pressure which gives an extra
curvature to the ball.

(6.10) Explain the working of carburetor of a motorcar using Bernoulli’s equation.

Ans) The carburetor of a car uses ventury duct to feed the correct mixture of air and petrol to
the cylinders. Air is drawn through duct along a pipe to the cylinder. A tiny entrance at the side
of a duct is fed with petrol. The air through the duct moves very fast, creating a very low
pressure in the duct which draws petrol vapours into the air stream.

(6.12) In an orbiting space station, would the blood pressure in major arteries in the leg ever
be greater than the blood pressure in major arteries in the neck?
Ans) Blood pressure will remain same due to state of weightlessness in an orbiting space
station.

7 OSCILLATIONS
(7.1) Name two characteristics of simple harmonic motion.
Ans) I) Acceleration of a vibrating body is directly proportional to displacement and is directed
towards the mean position. i. e. a∝ -x
ii) Total energy of the system is conserved in SHM.

(7.2) Does frequency depends on amplitude for harmonic oscillators?

Ans)The frequency of simple pendulum is given by,
f= 1 l
2π g
the frequency of mass-spring system is given by
√
11 | P a g e
 1 k
f=
2π m √
These relations show that frequency of harmonic oscillator is independent of its amplitude.

(7.3) Can we realize an ideal simple pendulum?

Ans) No, we cannot realize an ideal simple pendulum because an ideal simple pendulum must
fulfil the following conditions:
 Bob of very small size must be used.
 The suspension string must be weightless and inextensible.
 The support must be frictionless.
 Air resistance must be negligible.
(7.4) What is the total distance travelled by an object moving with SHM in time equal to its
period, If its amplitude is “A”?
Ans) The total distance covered by the body is 4A.
Distance from O to X and back from X to O= A+A= 2A
Distance from O to Y and back from Y to O= A+A= 2A
Total distance covered by the body in one round trip = 4A

(7.5) What happens to the period of simple pendulum if its length is doubled? What happens
if the suspended mass is doubled?
Ans) Time period of the simple pendulum is given by,

If length is doubled then, l=2 l ,

T =2 π
√l
g

T ' =2 π
√2l
g
¿ √ 2.2 π
¿ √ 2T
√l
g

So time period increases √ 2 times. When mass become doubled the time period remains same
because time period is independent of mass.

(7.6) Does the acceleration of simple harmonic oscillator remain constant during its motion?
Is the acceleration ever zero?
Ans) The acceleration of simple harmonic oscillator does not remain constant during its motion.
The acceleration of simple harmonic oscillator is given by,
a∝−x .
Acceleration does not remain constant because displacement doesn’t remain same during SHM.

(7.7) What is meant by the phase angle? Does it define angle between maximum
displacement and the driving force?
Ans) It is the angle which gives displacement as well as direction of motion of body executing SHM.
It does not define angle between maximum displacement and driving force. It is actually the angle
which the rotating vector makes with reference line.

(7.8) Under what conditions does the addition of two simple harmonic motions produce a
resultant, Which is also simple harmonic?
Ans) The addition of two simple harmonic motions produce a resultant which is also simple
harmonic when;
 They are parallel to each other
 They have same frequency
 They have constant phase difference

(7.9) Show that in SHM the acceleration is zero when the velocity is greatest and the velocity
is zero when the acceleration is greatest?
Ans) The relations for velocity and acceleration are given by,
a = −ω 2 x∧v=ω √ x 20−x 2

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 a) When x = 0; a = −ω 2X0 =0 and v=ω √ x 20−02 = ω x 0
So in this case velocity is maximum but acceleration is zero.

b) When x=x 0 ; ⟹ V=ω √ x❑2 −x 2=0 but a = −ω 2 x 0

Hence velocity is zero but acceleration is maximum.

(7.10) In relation to SHM. Explain the equations; (a) y= Asin ( ωt+ φ ) ( b ) a=−ω2 x
i) y =A sin(ωt +φ ¿
Wave form of SHM is sinusoidal
Y = Instantaneous displacement
A = Amplitude
wt + ∅ =Phase angle
∅ =¿ itial phase angle

ii) a =-ω 2 x
Acceleration of SHM is directly proportional to displacement and is always directed towards
mean position.
a = Instantaneous acceleration
w = Angular frequency
2

x = Instantaneous displacement

(7.11) Explain the relation between the total energy, potential energy and kinetic energy for a
body oscillating with SHM.
Ans) For a body executing SHM, the relation of K.E, P.E and total energy is given by;
Total energy = Etotal= K.E+P.E
At extreme position the whole energy is in the form of P.E and at mean position there is K.E and
at any point between mean and extreme positions the total energy is the sum of P.E and K.E.

(7.12) Describe some common phenomena in which resonance plays an important role.
Ans) i) Tuning of radio is good example of electrical resonance. It changes the natural frequency
of circuit of receiver until it becomes equal to the frequency of transmitter.
ii) A swing is also a good example of mechanical resonance. When we apply a periodic force on
a swing, the frequency of periodic force becomes equal to natural frequency of swing, Hence
resonance is produce.

(7.13) If a mass spring system is hung vertically and set into oscillations; why does the motion
eventually stop?
Ans) If a mass spring system is hung vertically and set into oscillations; the motion eventually
stop due to damping. When a mass spring system vibrates, it gradually loses its energy in doing
work against frictional forces, so amplitude of vibration becomes smaller and smaller and hence
the motion eventually stops.

8 WAVES
8.1) What features do longitudinal waves have in common with transverse waves?
 Both the longitudinal and transverse waves are mechanical waves.
 Stationary waves can be studied with both types of waves.
 Both types of waves cause disturbance in medium through which they pass.
 In both types of waves, particles oscillate about their mean position.

8.3) Is it possible for two identical waves travelling in same direction along a string to give rise
to stationary wave?
Ans) No, it is not possible because two identical waves produce stationary wave only when they
travel in opposite direction along the same string.

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 8.4) A wave is produced along the stretched string but some of its particles permanently
show zero displacement. What type of wave is it?
Ans) This is a stationary wave as some of the particles of medium remain permanently zero to
show zero displacement. There points are called nodes.

8.5) Explain the term crest, trough, node and anti-node.

Crest: In transverse wave, it is the portion of medium above its mean level.
Trough: In transverse waves it is portion of medium below its mean level.
Node: The points of minimum displacement on stationary waves are called nodes.
Anti-nodes: The point of maximum displacement on stationary waves is called anti-nodes.

8.6) Why does sound travel faster in solid than in gases?

Ans) The speed of sound in a medium of modulus E and density p is given by
v=
√ E
ρ
The density of solids is greater as compared to gases, and modulus of elasticity for solid is much
larger as compared to gases. So sound travels faster in solid as compared to gases.

8.7) How are beats useful in tuning a musical instruments?

Ans) We can use beats to tune a string instrument such as piano and violin, by beating a note
against a note of known frequency. The string then can be adjusted to the desired frequency by
tightening or loosening it until no beats are heard.

8.9) As a result of distant explosion, an observer senses a ground tremor and then hears the
explosion. Explain the difference.
Ans) Speed of sound in a medium of modulus E and density p is given by
v=
√E
ρ
Due to greater value of elastic modulus, the speed of sound in solids is much larger than the
speed of sound in gases. So the observer senses the ground tremor first and then hears the
explosion.

8.10) Explain why sound travels faster in warm air than in cold air.
Ans) The speed of sound in air is given by
v=
√ γP
ρ
This relation shows that speed is inversely proportional to density.
Since gases expand on heating so density of warm air decreases. Hence the speed of sound will
be greater in warm air than in cold air.

8.11) How should a sound source move with respect to an observer so that the frequency of
its sound does not change?
Ans) If the relative velocity between the source and observer is zero then there will be no
change in frequency of sound. For example;
i) When the observer is at origin and sound moves along the circumference of circle.
ii) Source and observer are moving in same direction with same velocity.

9 PHYSICAL OPTICS
9.1) Under what conditions two or more sources of light behave as coherent sources?
Ans) The two sources are said to be coherent, if the source must emit waves of same
wavelength and the waves emitted by the source must have coherent phase difference.

9.2) How is the distance between interference fringes affected by the separation between the
slits of Young’s experiment? Can fringes disappear?
Ans)As we know that
λL
∆y=
d

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Above equation shows that, when separation between the slits increases, then fringe spacing
decreases and vice versa. When separation between the slits made larger enough, the fringes
will be so close that they can’t be distinguished from one another.

9.3) Can visible light produce interference fringes? Explain.

Ans) Yes visible light can produce the interference fringes because white light consists of seven
colours. Each colour produces it own interference fringes pattern. These patterns overlap to
give rise a resultant defused coloured interference pattern.

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 on the screen?
Ans) No, interference pattern of bright and dark fringes is formed on screen. The reason is that
for detectable interference the two sources must be mono-chromatic and coherent. The blue
and red lights have different wave-lengths.

9.5) Explain whether the Young’s experiment is an experiment for studying interference or
diffraction effects of light.
Ans) Basically it is an experiment to study the interference of light but it involves diffraction
because when light passes through the slits, it bends around the slits.

9.6) An oil film spreading over a wet foot path shows colours. Explain how does it happen?
Ans) This happens due to the interference of light waves because when a light beam is incident
on the upper surface, it partially reflected from upper and lower surface of thin film of oil. The
two reflected coherent beams superpose and an interference pattern of different colours is
obtained.

9.7) Could you obtain Newton’s rings with transmitted light? If yes, would the pattern be
different from that obtained with reflected light?
Ans) Yes the Newton’s rings can be obtained by transmitted light. The pattern obtained from
transmitted light is opposite to that of reflected light. There is no phase change in this case. So
the centre of Newton’s rings is bright.

9.8) In the white light spectrum obtained with diffraction grating, the third order image of a
wavelength coincides with fourth order image of second wavelength. Calculate the ratio of
two wavelengths.
Ans) Since dsinθ = n λ
For the first wavelength λ ,n=3
dsinθ=3 λ ⟶eq(I)
For second wavelength λ ,n=4
dsin = 4
θ λ ⟶ eq(ii)
d sinθ 3 λ1 1 3 λ1
Divide equation (i) and (ii) = ⟹ =
d sinθ 4 λ 2 1 4 λ2
From above equation, we get 4 λ 2=3 λ1
4 λ1
=
3 λ2

9.9) How would you manage to get more orders of spectra using a diffraction grating.
Ans) Since d sinθ=nλ
d sinθ
=n if θ=9 0°
λ
0
d sin 9 0 d (1) d
n= = =λ
λ λ
We can get more orders if grating element ‘’d’’ is large and wavelength λ of light used is small.

9.10) Why the Polaroid sunglasses are better than ordinary sunglasses?
Ans) Polarized sun-glasses are better than ordinary sunglasses because;

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  They reduced glare (large brightness)
 They protect eyes from bright rays of sun-light.

9.11) How would you distinguish between un-polarized and plane polarized lights?
Ans) If the transmitted light is plane polarized, it becomes dimmer and dimmer and disperse at
certain orientation and if the transmitted light is un-polarized, it becomes dim but not
completely disperse at any orientation

10 OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS
10.1) What do you understand by linear magnification and angular magnification? Explain
how a convex lens is used as magnifier?
Ans) Linear Magnification: The ratio of size of image to the size of object is called linear
magnification.
Angular Magnification: The ratio of angle subtended by the image as seen through optical
device to the angle subtended by the object at naked eye is called angular magnification.
Convex Lens as Magnifier: When we place the object within the focal length of double convex
lens then a magnified, erect and virtual image is obtained.

10.2) Explain the difference between angular magnification and resolving power of an optical
instrument. What limits the magnification of an optical instrument?
Ans) Angular magnification increases apparent size of image of the object whereas the
resolving power of an instrument reveals the minor details of object under examination.
Limitation: The chromatic and spherical aberration is two main defects in lenses which limits
the magnification of optical instrument.

10.3) Why would it be advantageous to use blue light with a compound microscope?
Ans) Since the blue light is of shorter wavelength, it has following advantages;
 It produces less diffraction
 It increases the resolving power of compound microscope.

10.4) One can buy a cheap microscope for the use by the children. The images seen in such a
microscope have coloured edges. Why is this so?
Ans) It is due to chromatic aberration. The white light after passing through the lens will
disperse. Such lenses cannot bring all the rays of white light from object to single point which
will give coloured edge.

10.6) If a person was looking through a telescope at a full moon, how would the appearance
of the moon be changed by covering half of the objective lens.
Ans) The apparent size of image of moon does not change. It looks dim only. When half of the
object is covered only the intensity of light reduces to half.

10.10) How the light signal is transmitted through the optical fibre?
Ans) The signal is transmitted through the optical fibre in two ways;
i) In multi-mode step index fibre, the signal is transmitted by mean of total internal
reflection.
ii) In multi-mode graded index fibre the signal is transmitted by means of total internal
reflection and continuous refraction.

10.11) How the power is lost in optical fibre through dispersion? Explain.
Ans) When light signal is not perfectly mono-chromatic then light will disperse on passing
through the core of optical fibre into different wavelengths. Each wave-length meets core-
cladding boundary at different critical angles and each wave-length will have different path
length.

11 HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS

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11.1) Why is the average velocity of the molecules in a gas is zero but the average of the
square of the velocities is not zero?
Ans) Since the motion of gas molecules is random so if a molecule is moving in one direction
then other will be moving in opposite direction. Therefore their sum is zero.
But the average of the square of the velocities is not zero because the square of negative
velocity is positive.
2 2
2 V +(−V )
<V > = ≠0
2
11.2) Why does the pressure of a gas in a car tyre increase when it is driven through some
distance?
Ans) When a car is driven on the road through some distance, its tyre has to overcome the
frictional force of the road. The work done against the friction heats-up the tyre and hence the
gas in the tyre.
Since P ∝< K . E >¿ so pressure increases.
11.5) Specific heat of gas at constant pressure is greater than specific heat at constant
volume. Why?
Ans) When a gas is heated at the constant pressure then a part of heat is used to do work on
piston and rest of the heat is used to increase the temperature through 1K, and when the gas is
heated at constant volume then all the heat is used to increase the temperature through 1K. So
specific heat at constant pressure is greater.
11.6) Give an example of the process in which no heat is transferred to or from the system
but the temperature of the system changes.
Ans) In adiabatic process no heat enters or leaves the system takes place but temperature of
the system increases. For example, rapid escape of air from burst tyre, rapid expansion and
compression of air through which sound wave is passing.
11.7) Is it possible to convert internal energy into mechanical energy? Explain with an
example.
Ans) Yes it is possible when a gas is allowed to expand adiabatically the gas does a work on
surrounding by using internal energy due to which its internal energy decreases. For example
gasses can be liquefied by this process.
11.8) Is it possible to construct a heat engine that will not expel heat into atmosphere?
Ans) No, it is not possible to construct a heat engine that will not expel heat into atmosphere.
According to the Second law of thermodynamics, no heat engine can operate with a single
source of conversion of heat into mechanical work without expelling heat into atmosphere.
11.9) A thermos flask containing milk as a system is shaken rapidly. Does the temperature of
milk rise?
Ans) When the milk is shaken rapidly, the K.E of the molecules of milk increases which causes
an increase in the temperature and internal energy. No heat is added to the milk. While we are
shaking the milk, we do some work on it which is converted into K.E.
11.10) What happens to the temperature of the room, when an air conditioner is left running
on a table in the middle of the room?
Ans) As the air conditioner is running at the middle of the room, it absorbs as well as emits heat
in the same room at the same rate.
Hence there will be no effect on the temperature of the room.
11.11) Can mechanical energy be converted completely into heat energy? If so give an
example.
Ans) Yes, mechanical energy can be converted completely into heat energy. During isothermal
compression work done on system is converted into heat.
According to 1st law of thermodynamics;
Q = ∆ U +w
Here Q = 0 & W= Negative (Work done on the gas)
0 = ∆ U −w
∆ U =w
For example, when we rub our hands, whole mechanical energy is converted into heat energy
11.12) Does entropy of system increase or decrease due to friction?
Ans) If work is done by the friction, work will be converted into heat. The heat produced due to
friction goes into the surrounding. We can say that entropy will increase when work is done by
friction. Hence, entropy of the system increases due to friction.

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11.13) Give an example of the natural process that involves an increase in entropy.
Ans) The melting of ice involves the increase in entropy. Ice absorbs the heat from its
surrounding and changes its state. All the natural processes in which friction is involved the
entropy of the system increases. For example transfer of heat from sun to earth and
propagation of sound through air.

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