Chapter 1 Physical world

Notes:

1. Science
Science is a systematic and organised attempt to acquire knowledge about the
surroundings through observations, experiments and verifications.
2. Scientific Method
Several inter-related steps are involved in scientific method. Some of the most
significant steps are as follows:

 The systematic observations

 Reasoning
 Mathematical modelling
 Theoretical prediction
3. Physics
Physics is a fundamental science concerned with understanding the natural
phenomena that occur in our universe.
It has many branches such as Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics,
Modem Physics, etc. Between 1600 and 1900, three broad areas were developed,
which is together called Classical Physics. These three areas of study are classical
mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism. But by 1905 it became
apparent that classical ideas failed to explain several phenomena. Then some new
theories were developed in what is called Modem Physics such as Special Relativity,
Quantum Mechanics, etc.
4. Scope and Excitement of Physics
The scope of Physics is very broad and covers a wide range of magnitude of physical
quantities such as length, mass, time, energy, etc.
It deals with the macroscopic world like galaxies and universe as well as microscopic
world like nucleus of an atom and fundamental particles like electrons, protons,
neutrons etc.
Immense excitement is involved in the study of physics since it explains every
naturally occuring phenomena with a set of rules, so that clear understanding can
be achieved. The challenge to carry out imaginative new experiments to unlock the
secrets of nature, to verify or refute theories, is really exciting.
5. Physics in Relation to Other Sciences
Physics is a very significant branch of science which plays a crucial role in
understanding the developments pertaining to the other branches of science such
as Chemistry, Biology etc.
(i) Physics in relation to Mathematics. Study of physical variables led to the idea of
differentiation, integration and differential equation. Meaningful interpretation of
Mathematics becomes Physics.
(ii) Physics in relation to Chemistry. The concept of X-ray diffraction and
radioactivity has helped to distinguish between the various solids and to modify the
periodic table.
Understanding the bonding and the chemical structure of substances is easy with
the help of the concept of interactions between various particles.
 (iii) Physics in relation to Astronomy. Optical telescopes of reflecting and refracting
type enabled man to explore the space around. Discoveries like radio telescopes
have revolutionised the study of Astronomy.
(iv) Physics in relation to Biology. The conceptual study of pressure and its
measurement has helped us to know blood pressure and hence the functioning of
heart. Invention of X-rays developed the field of diagnosis. Electron and optical
microscopic designs have revolutionised the study of medical science.
(v) Physics in relation to Meteorology. The discoveries regarding the study of
pressure variations help us to forecast the weather.
Various other inventions of physics have opened new vistas of study in the field of
sciences and social sciences.
6. Physics in Relation to Technology and Society
Advancement in physics has led to new technologies and vice-versa. Sometimes
technology gives rise to new dimension of physics; at other times physics generates
new technology. In fact, the technological development is closely related to the
application of science and physics in particular. Physics has a dominant influence on
society. It has helped the human being to develop its ideas. Development of digital
communication systems, rapid mass transport system, lasers making bloodless
surgeries, etc., has made human life easy and pleasant.
 There are four fundamental forces in nature that govern the diverse
phenomena of the microscopic and macroscopic world. These are the
‘gravitational force’, the ‘electromagnetic force’; the ‘strong nuclear force’,
and the ‘weak nuclear force’. Unification of forces is a basic quest in physics.
The electromagnetic and the weak nuclear forces have now been unified and
are seen as aspects of a single ‘electro-weak’ force. Attempts are being made
to unify electro-weak and the strong force.
 Conservation of energy, momentum, angular momentum, charge, etc., are
considered to be the fundamental laws in physics. Conservation laws have a
deep connection with symmetries of nature. Symmetries of space and time,
and other types of symmetries play a central role in modem theories of
fundamental forces in nature.

 7. IMPORTANT TABLES

Important Extra Questions:

Very Short Answer Type

Question 1.
Name that branch of science that deals with the study of Earth.
Answer:
Geology.

Question 2.
Name that branch of science that deals with the study of stars.
Answer:
Astronomy.
Question 3.
Name the scientist and the country of his origin whose field of work was elasticity.
Answer:
Robert Hook, England.

Question 4.
The word “Physics” comes from a Greek word. Name the word.
Answer:
The word is ‘fuses meaning ‘Nature’.

Question 5.
The word science has come from a Latin verb. Name the verb.
Answer:
The name of the Latin verb is ‘Scientia’.

Question 6.
What is the meaning of the verb ‘Scientia’?
Answer:
To ‘know’

Question 7.
Name the scientist and the country of his origin who received the Nobel Prize for his work
on molecular spectra.
Answer:
C.V. Raman, India.

Question 8.
What is the most incomprehensible thing about the world?
Answer:
It is comprehensible.

Question 9.
Name a great scientist who gave the following comment on science.
“Science is not just a collection of laws, a catalog of unrelated facts. It is a creation of the
human mind, with its freely invented ideas and concepts.”
Answer:
Albert Einstein.

Question 10.
Which famous philosopher gave the following comments on science?
“We know very little and yet it is astonishing that we know so much, and still more
astonishing that so little knowledge of science can give so much power.”
Answer:
Bertrand Russel.
Question 11.
Who discovered the electron?
Answer:
J.J. Thomson.

Question 12.
Who discovered neutron?
Answer:
James Chadwick.

Question 13.
Who gave the general theory of relativity?
Answer:
Albert Einstein.

Question 14.
Who proposed the wave theory of light?
Answer:
Huygen.

Question 15.
Name four physics devices widely used in medical diagnosis.
Answer:

1. X-rays,
2. Ultrasound,
3. Stethoscope,
4. Microscope.

Question 16.
Name Indian-born scientist who received Nobel Prize for his discoveries in astronomy.
Answer:
S. Chandra Shekhar.

Question 17.
Metaphysics is a science that is concerned with what?
Answer:
Supernatural .events.

Question 18.
Which science is considered to be the mother of all sciences?
Answer:
Physics.
Question 19.
Name the discovery made by S.N. Bose.
Answer:
Bose-Einstein Statistics.

Question 20.
Name the scientist and the country of his origin whose field of work was ‘cosmic rays’.
Answer:
Hess, Austria.

Question 21.
What are the meaning of the Sanskrit word ‘Vijnan’ and the Arabic word ‘Ilm’?
Answer:
Knowledge.

Question 22.
Name the Sanskrit equivalent word of Physics.
Answer:
Bhautiki.

Question 23.
Name the field of Physics in which India was a leading country in the sixties.
Answer:
Cosmic rays.

Question 24.
Who discovered X-rays?
Answer:
W. Roentgen.

Question 25.
Which electronic media can help in eradicating illiteracy in India?
Answer:
Television.

Question 26.
Name the technology based on the amplification of light by population inversion?
Answer:
Laser.

Question 27.
Who discovered nuclear forces?
Answer:
H. Yukawa.
Question 28.
To which country he belonged?
Answer:
japan.

Question 29.
Who discovered Radium?
Answer:
Pierre Curie and Marie Curie.

Question 30.
Name the discovery made by W. Roentgen.
Answer:
X-rays.

Question 31.
What has been said by P.A.M. Dirac regarding physics in relation to society?
Answer:
P.A.M. Dirac said, “It is more important to have beauty in the equations of physics than to
have them agree with experiments.”

Question 32.
What did Issac Newton say to measure the degree of impact of science on society?
Answer:
He said “Nature is pleased with simplicity, and affects not the pomp of superfluous causes.

Question 33.
What Neils Bohr said regarding science in relation to society?
Answer:
He said “The task of science is both to extend the range of our experience and to reduce it
to order.

Question 34.
Name a few Indian physicists who have made significant contributions in the field of
physics.
Answer:
C.V. Raifiaq, S. Chandra Shekhar, S.N. Bose, Homi J. Bhabha, and Meghnath Saha.

Question 35.
Name the scientific principle on which airplane works.
Answer:
Bernoulli’s theorem.
Question 36.
Name the scientific principle on which radio and T.V. works.
Answer:
Propagation of electromagnetic waves.

Question 37.
Name the scientific principle upon which laser works.
Answer:
Amplification by a process called population inversion.

Question 38.
Name the technology which works on the scientific principle “Newton’s second and third
laws of motion”.
Answer:
Rocket propulsion.

Question 39.
Name the forces which are of nuclear origin.
Answer:
Strong forces.

Question 40.
What is Physics?
Answer:
It is that branch of science which deals with nature and natural phenomena.
Or
It is that branch of physical science that is to seek out and understands the basic laws of
nature upon which all physical phenomena depend. It has brought to us deeper and
deeper levels of understanding nature.

Question 41.
What is Science?
Answer:
It is defined as the systematic study of physical phenomena.

Question 42.
What are Biological Sciences? Give three examples.
Answer:
Those sciences which deal with living things are called Biological Sciences, e.g. Zoology,
Botany, Ornithology.

Question 43.
What are Physical Sciences? Give a few examples.
Answer:
They ate defined as the sciences which deal with non-living things,
e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Astrology, Geology, Geography, Oceanology.

Question 44.
Define Theory.
Answer:
It is defined as the behavior of physical systems explained in terms of a set of a minimum
number of laws.

Question 45.
What do you understand by the term scientific method?
Answer:
The systematic observations, logical reasoning, model-making, and theoretical prediction
form the scientific method.

Question 46.
Name the scientific principle on which electric generator works.
Answer:
Electromagnetic induction (E.M.I.).

Question 47.
Name the technology which works on the scientific principle ‘Nuclear Fission’.
Answer:
Nuclear Reactor.

Question 48.
Name the technology which works on the scientific principle “Digital logic of electronic
circuits”.
Answer:
Calculators and computers.

Question 49.
Name the scientific principle upon which the working of cyclotron defends.
Answer:
The motion of charged particles under electric and magnetic fields.

Question 50.
Name the. scientist and his country who discovered wireless1 telegraphy.
Answer:
G. Marconi, Italy.

Important Extra Questions:

Short Answer Type
Question 1.
Differentiate between Biological and Physical sciences?
Answer:

Biological Sciences Physical Sciences

(i) They deal with living things. (i) They deal with non-living things.

(ii) The study of the biological specimens is conducted (ii) The study of matter is conducted at atomic or

at the molecular level. levels i.e. at much smaller levels.

Question 2.
What is the relation between Physics and Technology?
Answer:
Broadly speaking, physics and technology both constitute science. Physics is the heart and
technology is the body of science.

The application of the principles of physics for practical purposes becomes technology,
e.g.

1. Airplanes fly on the basis of Bernoulli’s theorem.

2. Rockets propulsion is based on Newton’s second and third laws of motion.
3. The generation of pow%r from the nuclear reactor is based on the phenomenon of
controlled nuclear fission.
4. Lasers are based on the population inversion of electrons and so on. Thus, we can
say that to some extent technology is applied to Physics.

Question 3.
What is the relation between Physics and society?
Answer:
Most of the development made in Physics has a direct impact on society, e.g.

1. Exploration of new sources of energy is of great importance to society.

2. Rapid means of transport are no less important for society.
3. society has-been enriched due to the advances in electronics, lasers, and computers.
4. The development of T.V., radio, satellites, telephone, the telegraph has
revolutionized the means of communications which have a direct impact on society
and so on.

Question 4.
Is Science on speaking terms with humanities?
Answer:
Yes, there is a deep relation between the development of humanity on account of science.
Many socio-economic, political, and ethical problems are being tackled and solved by
science. Science has greatly helped in developing art and culture. Many musical
instruments have been developed due to the theories in Physics. The steam engine is
inseparable from the industrial revolution which had a great impact on human civilization.

Question 5.
What is the relation between Physics and Technology?
Answer:
The interplay between physics and technology is the basic to the progress of science
which is ever dynamic. Laws in waves and oscillation opened several technological fields
which include telescopy, ultrasounds, microscopy, X-rays, and laser. Powerhouses, big
cranes, healing devices, etc. work on the principle of electromagnetism. Atomic energy
and nuclear weapons are on account of fission. Similarly, Radar, television, the internet,
etc. are all based on simple laws of physics. So until there is no theory i.e. physics, there
can be no experiment i.e. technology. Hence both are deeply related.

Question 6.
Is Physics more of a philosophy or more of a mathematical science?
Answer:
Physics is not a purely abstract science devoid of philosophy. Physicists are natural
philosophers and Einstein is an example to quote. So Philosophy has provided the
backbone to Physics.

Question 7.
Define Biophysics.
Answer:
It is defined as the understanding of biological processes based upon the principles of
Physics. For example, spectroscopic techniques are used to study the constitution of
biological molecules and disorders in them. Laws of thermodynamics are used to explain
various biological activities of predators and also the activities of molecules.

Hence the application of Physics to bioscience is now well known to all of us.

Question 8.
Define Technology?
Answer:
It is defined as the study of newer techniques of producing machines, gadgets, etc. by
using scientific discoveries and advancements. It is largely dependent on Physics.

Question 9.
Has imagination any role in Physics?
Answer:
One of the definitions of Physics says that “It is the science-based on imagination and
intuition which can be tested experimentally and mathematically.” Thus, imagination has
a great role in the development of physics. Schrodinger, De-Broglie, Heisenberg, and most
of the other scientists who were physicists were great imaginers.

Question 10.
Name a few aspects of your daily life in which you rely on the simplicity of nature.
Answer:
Laws of Physics represent the nature in simplest form. We face nature in many ways in
our daily life. For example, we work, walk, write, talk and stand on our feet, and so on.
The natural way of taking bath, chewing food, etc. can easily be understood in terms of
simple laws of science. Even though actions like swimming, running, and playing may be
complex but the underlying laws of nature are quite simple such as Newton’s laws,
friction, etc.

Question 11.
The physicists think at a level far higher than a normal individual. Explain.
Answer:
For everyone to become a leader in his field, he has to think for a higher level than an
ordinary person. This is more so for the case of physicists as the technological
development meant for uplifting the living condition of mankind is highly dependent on
the farsightedness of the physicists in particular. He must think at a level that is
philosophical and mathematically quantifying so that they can visualize the requirement
of people is quite advance.

Question 12.
Name a few wartime and maritime applications of Physics.
Answer:
(a) Wartime: The wartime applications are Bombs, nuclear weapons, jet fighter bombers,
missiles, ships, radar, sonar, wireless communications, transportation, and electronics.

(b) Maritime: The maritime application of physics is Navigation of ships, tankers,

airplanes, T.V., radio, and music system, etc.

Question 17.
List the Various gadgets you use in your house.
Answer:
The following are the gadgets commonly used in our house:

1. Pressure Cooker
2. Electric light
3. Tube light
4. Electric fan
5. Water cooler
6. Refrigerator
7. Washing machine
8. Gas stove
 9. Electric iron
10. Mixi
11. Geyser
12. Electric motor.

Question 18.
Write the physical principle upon which the working of the gadgets mentioned in the
above question is based.
Answer:
These are based on the following physical principles:

1. The boiling point rises with the increase in pressure.

2. Light is produced when the current is passed through a given resistor.
3. Light is emitted when an electric discharge is passed through the gas.
4. A rotating magnetic field is produced on passing current which notates the motor.
5. Due to evaporation of water, cooling in the air which is being forced out by the fan
is produced.
6. On absorbing heat from the surroundings, compressed volatile liquid on sudden
expansion causes cooling.
7. Current produces a rotating magnetic field that operates the motor.
8. Heat is produced due to the burning of L.P.G.
9. It works on the principle of heating effect of electric current.
10. Torque is produced on the coil due to the electric current passed through it, hence it
rotates.
11. Current shows the heating effect when passed through the conductor.
12. It rotates due to the torque produced on the coil on passing an electric current
through it.

Question 19.
Name one Scientist each from the following countries who have won Nobel Prize.
(a) Japan
Answer:
H. Yukawa

(b) England
Answer:
Janies Chadwick

(c) India
Answer:
C.V. Raman

(d) The U.S.A.

Answer:
K. Feynman
(e) Germany.
Answer:
Max. Plank.

Question 20.
How Darwin showed that scientific themes are at once simple even though phenomena in
nature may be complex.
Answer:
Darwin found a simple basis for the origin of species and descent of man which is “Living
things change producing descendants with different characteristics in a process that has
been going on for as long as there has been life” by taking a large number of observations
on the theory of evolution while onboard ship.

Question 21.
Illustrate by an example the beauty of a Scientific Theory.
Answer:
The theory proposed by Darwin was opposed by the church and now we have new
discoveries such as selfish genes and punctuated equilibria but Darwin’s basic theory still
holds. This is the beauty of Davin’s theory of evolution.

Question 22.
In science sometimes we observed certain phenomena experimentally but are unable to
give a logical equation or theory for that sometimes, it also happens that we have a
scientific theory supported by’ mathematical formulation yet are unable to test it
immediately. Site one such example.
Answer:
Einstein worked to establish a relation between the energy and mass of the body. He was
of the view that these are the two sides of the same coin or two facts of the same physical
quantity. He succeeded when he gave his mass-energy equation E = mc 2. But its
experimental verification came 40 years later in 1945 when the atomic bomb was
exploded over Japan.

Question 23.
Why do we call physics an exact science? What is the aim of science?
Answer:
Physics is called exact science because it is based on the measurement of fundamental
quantities.
The main aim of science is to find the truth behind the various processes taking place in
the universe.

Question 24.
How science has helped in solving the food problem in several countries?
Answer:
Science has helped in solving food problem in the following ways:
(a) It has given improved and new agricultural implements.
(b) Science has improved the quality of seeds by genetic engineering.
(c) High-yielding hybrid varieties of grains have been developed. Some easily reaping
varieties have also been developed and grown.
(d) Use of pesticides and insecticides has saved crops from being destroyed by insects and
pests.
(e) Some new types of crops are also developed and are being developed to meet the
requirement of society.

Question 25.
What is a scientific temperament and scientific way of doing things?
Answer:
A mindset molded in a particular set of thinking called the scientific way is known as
scientific temperament. It is not only based on logic, facts but on reliable observations.
The ultimate test of truth in science is experimental verification.

A scientific way of doing things involves the following steps:

(a) Identifying the problem or aim.
(b) Collecting all relevant information or data related to the problem.
(c) Hypothesising or proposing a possible theory.
(d) Taking experimental observation yielding consistent results.
(e) Predicting or making statements.

Question 26.
What is the scope of Physics?
Answer:
The scope of Physics is very wide i.e. the domain of Physics covers a very wide variety of
natural phenomena.

For example, the range of distances we study in Physics varies from 10 14 m (size of the
nucleus) to 1025 m (size of the universe).

Similarly, the range of masses included in the study of Physics varies from 10 -30 kg (mass of
an electron) to 1055 kg (mass of the universe). Also, the range of time i.e. time intervals of
events we come across in the study of Physics varies from 10 22 seconds (time taken by
light to cross a nuclear distance) to 10-8 seconds (lifetime of the sun).

Thus we see that the scope of Physics is really very wide. It includes; optics, electricity
waves, and oscillations, heat and thermodynamics, magnetism, atomic and nuclear
physics, computers, and electronics.

Question 27.
Physics is an exciting subject! Comment.
Answer:
The study of Physics is exciting in many ways, e g.:
 1. Journey to the moon with controls from the grounds.
2. Lasers and their ever-increasing applications.
3. Live transmission of events thousands of kilometers away on the T: V.
4. The speed and memory of the fifth generation of computers.
5. Study of various types of forces in nature.
6. Technological advances in health science.
7. The use of robots is quite exciting.
8. Telephone calls over long distances and so on. Thus, Physics is exciting not only to
the scientist but also to a layman, children, women, etc. The musical instruments,
toy guns, toy trains, etc. all are constructed using simple principles of physics like
collision, potential energy, and vibration, etc. Today the situation is that even our
thought process and social values are affected by Physics. Thus, it is quite amazing.

Question 28.
Write a short note on the origin and development of Physics.
Answer:
Physics as a science took roots from the days of Copernicus, i. e., nearly four centuries ago
when it was not well understood and it was considered as a part of philosophy, i.e.,
knowledge. Later on, with the development of knowledge about nature and its various
activities, the knowledge was divided into physical and biological sciences.

Some important developments like Newton’s law of gravitation, ideas about light were
developed in the 18th century. The 19th century saw some of the great discoveries in
Physics and at the end f the century i.e. 1889, the electromagnetic theory was developed,
Fouriuatun of Einstein’s and Plank’s ideas were laid down apart from laying the basis for
the industrial revolution. Physics progressed very fast in the first quarter of the 20th
century.

Atomic structure, the theory of relativity, quantum theory, nuclear physics, basics of laser
theory and most of the other developments took place in this period. Then came
transistors, semiconductors, television, radar, and few important discoveries during World
War II.

Further development in quantum mechanics, thin-film technology, computers, lasers was

developed from 1950 onward. Today we have no theoretical development beyond
quantum mechanics. A unified theory is not being tried yet. This is the present status with
achievements in applied fields.

Question 29.
Explain the role of science in the entertainment industry.
Answer:
Progress in science especially in physics and technology has enriched no other field as the
field of entertainment. We see scientific toys like robots for children and merry-go-rounds
of all sorts in amusement and entertainment parks which are not only highly entertaining
but also test the endurance of an individual.
These are based on the laws of forces and the critical stages are those when a man is
pitted against gravity. T.V. has invaded a large number of houses as a source of
entertainment and so are the music blaring CD players. Computers have become another
source of individual indoor entertainment. The use of laser beams in music and drama
shows and disco dances is highly rewarding.

With the improvement in physics and technology, circus entertainment to have changed
with the application of science. Thus, we conclude that the role of science and technology
in the entertainment industry has increased tremendously.

Question 30.
Give some of the uses and applications of artificial satellites.
Answer:
The following are the fields where satellites are being used –
(a) Remote sensing
(b) Communication
(c) Spying
(d) Weather forecasting

(a) Remote sensing: In remote sensing, infrared photography s used from a high altitude.
The technique has improved a lot and the resolution has gone down to about 5m in an
area. This technique has helped in mineral and oil exploration. It has also helped in the
study of forest living and crop patterns.

(b) Communication: In the field of communication, satellites have brought revolution

during the last 20 years. Now new items are flashed all around the globe. Cricket matches
can be seen anywhere on the globe which is played in one small part of a country.
Internet, E-mail, etc. have brought people much more closer and the world has become a
unified entity.

(c) Spying: In spying also use IR technology.

(d) Weather forecasting: Weather forecasting has become more reliable with the use of
satellites. The rains, cyclones can now be predicted with greater accuracy 36 hours in
advance or even earlier. The movement of glaciers, the position of ice and snow
deposition, and the resulting flow of water in rivers is known well in advance.

Physical World Important Extra Questions Long Answer Type

Question 1.
How Physics is related to other sciences?
Answer:
Physics is so important to a branch of science that without the knowledge of Physics,
other branches of science cannot make any progress.
This can be seen from the following:
(a) Physics in relation to Mathematics: The theories and concepts of Physics lead to the
development of various mathematical tools like differential equations, equations of
motion, etc.

(b) Physics in n .ation to Chemistry: The concept of iñteraction between various particles
leads to understanding the bonding and the chemical structure of a substance. The
concept of X-ray diffraction and radioactivity has helped to distinguish between the
various solids and to modify the periodic table.

(c) Physics in relation to Biology: The concept of pressure and its measurement has helped
us to know the blood pressure of a human being, which in turn is helpful to know the
working of the heart. The discovery of X-rays has made it possible to diagnose the various
diseases in the body and fracture in bones.

The optical and electron microscopes are helpful in the studies of various organisms. Skin
diseases and cancer can be cured with the help of high-energy radiation like x-rays,
ultraviolet rays.

(d) Physics in relation to Geology: The internal structure of various rocks can be known
with the study of the crystal structure. The age of rocks and fossils can be known easily
with the help of radioactivity i.e. with the help of carbon dating.

(e) Physics in relation to Astronomy: Optical telescope has made it possible to study the
motion of various planets and satellites in our solar system.

The radio telescope has helped to study the structure of our galaxy and to discover pulsars
and quasars (heavenly bodies having star-like structures). Pulsars are rapidly rotating
neutron stars. Doppler’s effect predicted the expansion of the universe. Kepler’s laws are
responsible to understand the nature of the orbits of the planets around the sun.

(f) Physics in the relation to Meteorology: The variation of pressure with temperature
leads to the forecast of the weather.

(g) Physics in relation to Seismology: The movement of the earth’s crust and the types of
waves produced help us in studying the earthquake and its effect.

Question 2.
Write a short note on origin and Fundamental forces in nature.
Answer:
These are the following four basic forces in nature:
(a) Gravitational forces
(b) Electromagnetic forces
(c) Weak forces
(d) Strong force or nuclear forces.

Some of the important features of these forces are discussed below:

(a) Gravitational forces: These are the forces of attraction between any two bodies in the
universe due to their masses separated by a definite distance. These are governed by
Newton’s law of gravitation given by
F = G m1m2r2

where m1, m2 are the masses of two bodies

r = distance between them
G = universal gravitational constant
= 6.67 × 10-11 Nm2kg-2

Characteristics of gravitational forces:

1. They are always attractive. They are never repulsive. They exist between
macroscopic as well as microscopic bodies.
2. They are the weakest forces in nature.
3. They are central forces in nature i.e. they set along the line joining the centers of
two bodies.

5. They obey inverse square law i.e. F ∝1r2 they vary inversely as the square of the
4. They are conservative forces.

distance between the two bodies.

6. They are long-range forces i.e. gravitational forces between any two bodies exist
even when their distance of separation is quite large.
7. The field particles of gravitational forces are called gravitons. The concept of the
exchange of field particles between two bodies explains how the two bodies
interact from a distance.

(b) Electromagnetic forces: They include the electrostatic and magnetic forces. The
electrostatic forces are the forces between two static charges while magnetic forces are
the forces between two magnetic poles. The moving charges give rise to the magnetic
force. The combined action of these forces is called electromagnetic forces.

Characteristics of electromagnetic forces:

1. These forces are both attractive as well as repulsive.

2. They are central forces in nature.
3. They obey inverse square law.
4. They are conservative forces in nature.
5. These forces are due to the exchange of particles known as photons which carry no
charge and have zero rest mass.
 6. They are 1036 times stronger as compared to gravitational forces and 10 11 times
stronger than weak forces.

(c) Strong forces: They are the forces of nuclear origin. The particles inside the nucleus are
charged particles (protons) and neutral particles (neutrons) which are bonded to each
other by a strong interaction called nuclear force or strong force. Hence they may be
defined as the forces binding the nucleons (protons and neutrons) together in a nucleus.
They are responsible for the stability of the atomic nucleus.

They are of three types:

1. n-n forces are the forces of attraction between two neutrons.

2. p-p forces are the forces of attraction between two protons.
3. n-p forces are the forces of attraction between a proton and a neutron.

Characteristics of Nuclear forces:

1. They are basically attractive in nature and become repulsive when the distance
between nucleons is less than O.S fermi.
2. They obey inverse square law.
(a) and
(b) types are the forces that we encounter in the macroscopic world while
(c) and
(d) types are the forces that we encountered in the microscopic world.

(c) Weak forces: They are defined as the interactions which take, place between
elementary particles during radioactive decay of a radioactive substance. In P-decay, the
nucleus changes into a proton, an electron, and a particle called anti-neutrino (which is
uncharged). The interaction between the electron and the anti-neutrino is known as weak
interaction or weak force.

Characteristics of Weak forces:

 They are 1025 times stronger than the gravitational forces.

 They exist between leptons and leptons, leptons and mesons. etc.

Value Based Questions:

1. An old woman crossing the road was holding a money purse. She was not able to
walk .A pick pocket snatches away her purse. A school student of class X having seen this
incident tries to help that old lady. He informs the police Inspector who stands nearby.
The Inspector collects the money purse from the pickpocket and hand it over to the old
lady.

 (a)What values do you find in the school student?

 (b)Also the police inspector in a jeep is chasing the pickpocket on a straight road.
The jeep is going at its maximum speed ‘v’. The pickpocket rides on the motorcycle of a
waiting friend when the jeep is at a distance ‘d’ away and the motorcycle starts with a
constant acceleration ‘a’. Show that the pickpocket will be caught if v≥√2ad.

Ans: (a) The student is sympathetic towards others, helping, and applies his presence of
mind in solving the problems, knows how to use public services.

(b) s= ½ at2, the distance covered by the this time interval =s + d = vt

t= v ±√ v2-2adThe pickpocketter will be caught if t is real ad positive

a This will be possible if v2≥ 2ad or, v≥ 2ad.

2. Sita a student of class XII was suffering from malaria. The area is full of mosquitoes. She
was not having mosquito net. Her friend Geeta has an extra net. She gave it to Sita. Also
she took Gita to a Doctor, got her medicines. After a week Sita became normal

(a) Comment upon the qualities of Sita.

(b) The mosquito net over a 7 m X 4mbed is 3m high. The net has a hole at one corner of
the bed through which a mosquito enters the net. It flies and sits at the diagonally
opposite upper corner of the net(i) Find the magnitude of the displacement of the
mosquito (ii)Taking the hole as the origin, the length of the bed as the X-axis, its width as
the Y-axis and vertically up as the Z-axis, with the components of the displacement vector.

Ans: (a) Sita has a caring attitude, and concern for others.

(b)(i)√ 74m i.e.,{ (√72+42+32) } (ii)The components of the vector are 7m,4m,

3. Krishna went for sight seeing to a nearby river along with his physics teacher. He
noticed that the wind was blowing from the side and the sailboat still continued to move
forward. He was surprised. He asked his physics teacher the explanation of this situation.
The teacher having noticed his interest explained the concept through a small example.
The physics of sailing is very interesting in that sailboats do not need the wind to push
from behind in order to move. The wind can blow from the side and the sailboat can still
move forward. The answer lies in the well-known principle of aerodynamic lift. Imagine
you are a passenger in a car as it's moving along, and you place your right hand out the
window. If you tilt your hand in the clockwise sense your hand will be pushed backwards
and up. This is due to the force of the air which has a sideways component and upwards
component (therefore your hand is pushed backwards and up).

(a) What values could you find in Krishna?

(b) Also explain what Magnus effect is.

Ans: (a) Krishna is very interested in learning the subject; also he is interested in knowing
how science helps in understanding the day to day experiences, observant, has courage to
ask questions.
(b) Refer NCERT TEXT BOOK.

4. Having found his mother suffering from fever Venkat took her to the doctor for
treatment. While checking the status, the doctor used a thermometer to know the
temperature of the body. He kept the thermometer in the mouth of the patient and noted
the reading as 102◦

F. Doctor gave the necessary medicines.

After coming home, Venkat asked his mother, who is a science teacher , why mercury is
used in a thermometer when there are so many liquids. Then his mother explained the
reason.

(a) Comment upon the values of the mother.

(b)A newly designed thermometer has its lower fixed point and upper fixed point marked
at 5◦and 95◦ respectively. Compute the temperature on this scale corresponding to 50◦C

Ans: (a) Mother has interest in educating her son and explained that Mercury has got the
following properties for being used in thermometers

(i) The expansion of Mercury is fairly regular and uniform.

(ii) It is opaque and shining, hence can be easily seen through the glass tube.

(iii) Mercury is a good conductor of heat ad has low thermal capacity,

(iv) Mercury does not wet the sides of the glass tube in which it is filled.

(b) Let Ө be the temperature on the scale corresponding to 50◦C, then

( Ө -5)/(95-5) =(C- 0)/(100-0) =C/100 or Ө = 50◦

Thus, the required temperature on the scale of the designed thermometer is 50◦.