First Year Short Questions Physics

CHAPTER NO. 1 (MEASUREMENTS)

Question 1.1:- Name several repetitive phenomenon occurring in nature
which could serve as reasonable time standard.
Answer:- Every type of natural phenomenon which repeats itself after some
interval of time can serve as a reasonable standard of time. Some of the natural
phenomena are as under:-
i. Rotation of earth around the sun.
ii. Rotation of moon around the earth.
iii. Vibrations of the atoms of the lattice.
iv. Change in position and size of shadows of objects
during day time.
v. Change in position of sun during day time and change
in position of stars during night time.
vi. Rising and setting of sun.
vii.Rising and setting of moon.
Question 1.2:- Give the drawbacks to use the period of a pendulum as a time
standard.

Answer:- The time period of a simple pendulum is given as T = 2 π

√ l
g
. It depends

on length of the pendulum and value of acceleration due to gravity. Frictional

effects i.e. air resistance and support friction also affect the time period of the
simple pendulum. It is common to note that:-
i. Length of the pendulum may change due to variation
in temperature.
ii. Value of acceleration due to gravity changes due to
altitude and change in geographical position.
iii. Frictional effects due to air resistance and support
friction cannot be nullified.
It is clear that time period of a simple pendulum is not a controlled quantity due
to aforementioned drawback and hence cannot be used as a reasonable time
standard.
Question 1.3:- Why do we find it useful to have two units for the amount of
substance, the kilogram and the mole?
Answer:- It is very useful to use two units for amount of substance.
First Year Short Questions Physics

The kilogram is more frequently used at macro level (in our daily life
calculations) to measure the amount of substance while the mole is used at
microscopic level (for making atomic calculations) to measure the amount of
substance because one mole of any substance contains equal number of atoms,
molecules, radicals, ions etc.
Question 1.4:- Three students measured the length of a needle with a scale
on which minimum division is 1 mm and recorded as (i) 0.2145 m (ii) 0.21
m (iii) 0.214 m. Which record is correct and why?
Answer:- The minimum division on a scale is called its least count. The least
count of the given scale is 1 mm = 0.001 m which indicates that the scale can
measure correct length up to three decimal points in standard unit “meter”.
Therefore, the correct reading is 0.214 m.
Question 1.5:- 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?
Answer:- Analogous statements regarding experimental data used in
computations are given as:-
i. A reading will be more precise if it has less absolute
error.
ii. A reading will be more accurate if it has less
percentage error.
Question 1.6:- The period of a simple pendulum is measured by a stop
watch. What type of errors are possible in the time period?
Answer:- The possible errors in the time period of a simple pendulum are due
to:-
i. Zero error of the stop watch.
ii. Parallax error in the reading of the stop watch.
iii. Air resistance.
iv. Very large amplitude of simple pendulum.
v. Unknown reasons (Random error).
iv. Poor calibration or incorrect marking of the stop watch
scale (Systematic error).
First Year Short Questions Physics

Question 1.7:- Does a dimensional analysis give any information on

constant of proportionality that may appear in an algebraic expression?
Explain.
Answer:- There are two possible cases given as under:-
i. If any algebraic relation or equation of any physical
quantity (phenomenon) is derived by using dimensional
analysis, no information on value of the constant can be
extracted from this analysis. However, constant of
proportionality appearing in such relations is always
dimensionless (without any unit).
ii. If any algebraic relation or equation of a physical
quantity (phenomenon) is derived mechanically or
experimentally, the dimensional analysis can give us
the dimension and hence unit of constant of
proportionality appearing in such relations.
Question 1.8:- Write the dimensions of (i) Pressure (ii) Density.
Answer:- We know that:-
Force Mass
Pressure = Density =
Area Volume
F m
P= ρ=
A V
[F ] [m]
[P] = , [ρ] = ,
[A] [V ]
As [F] = [MLT-2] and [A] = [L2] As [m] = [M] and [V] = [L3]
−2
[ ML T ] [M] -3
So [P] = = [ML-1T-2] So [ρ] = 3 = [ML ]
2
[L ] [L ]
Question 1.9:- The wavelength of a wave depends on the speed v of the wave
and its frequency f. Knowing that [λ] = [L], [v] = [L T -1] and [f] = [T-1], Decide
v
which of the following relation is correct, f = v λ or f = .
λ
Answer:- We can check the correctness of a physical relation by using principle

of homogeneity as under:-

f=vλ v
f=
λ
[f] = [T-1]
First Year Short Questions Physics

[v] [λ] = [L T-1] [L] = [L2 T-1] [f] = [T-1]

So L.H.S. ≠ R.H.S. [v ] [ LT −1 ]
= = [T-1]
Hence the given relation v = f λ is not [ λ] [ L]

correct. So L.H.S. = R.H.S.

v
Hence the given relation f = is
λ
correct.
First Year Short Questions Physics

CHAPTER NO. 2 (VECTORS AND EQUILIBRIUM)

Question 2.1:- Define the terms (i) unit vector (ii) Position vector and (iii)
Components of a vector.
Answer:- Unit Vector:- A vector whose magnitude is one in a specific direction is
called unit vector. It is represented by ^
A . Mathematically , ^
A =⃗
A / A.
Position Vector:- A vector which describes the position of a point with respect to
origin is called position vector. It is represented by r⃗ . In a plane r⃗ = x i^ + y ^j while
in space r⃗ = x i^ + y ^j + z k^ .
Component of a Vector:- Component of a vector is its effective value in a given
direction.
Normally, vector is divided in to two components which are mutually
perpendicular.
The components of a vector which are perpendicular to each other are called
rectangular components. In xy plane, component of vector along x-axis is called
x-component or horizontal component while component of vector along y-axis is
called y-component or vertical component.
Question 2.2:- The vector sum of three vectors gives a zero resultant. What
can be the orientation of the vectors?
Answer:- If vector sum of three vectors is zero, the
vectors are arranged in the form of a triangle. When
three vectors are arranged in head to tail
configuration and the orientation forms a triangular
geometry, the vector sum is zero as tail of first
vector is joined with the head of third vector in this case.
R=⃗
⃗ B+⃗
A+⃗ C = 0⃗ .
Question 2.3:- Vector A lies in the xy plane. For what orientation will both
of its rectangular components be negative? For what orientation will its
components have opposite signs?
Answer:- In xy plane, there are four
quadrants.
i) When a vector lies in third quadrant,
both of its rectangular components will
be negative.
First Year Short Questions Physics

ii) When a vector lies in second or forth quadrant, both of its rectangular
components will have opposite signs.
Question 2.4:- If one of the rectangular components of a vector is not zero,
can its magnitude be zero? Explain.
Answer:- No, if one of the rectangular component of a vector is not zero, its
magnitude is not zero. For a vector lying in xy plane, there are two cases:-
1) If Ax = 0 and Ay ≠ 0 then A = √A x
2
+ A y2 = √0 + A
2
y
2
= Ay ≠ 0.

2) If Ax ≠ 0 and Ay = 0 then A = √ A x
2
+ A y2 = √ A +0x
2 2
= Ax ≠ 0.
Question 2.5:- Can a vector have component greater than the vector’s
magnitude?
Answer:- No, a vector cannot have components greater than the vector’s
magnitude. For a vector ⃗
A lying in xy plane:-
Ax = A cos θ Ay = A sin θ
|Ax| = |A cos θ| = |A| |cos θ| |Ay| = |A sin θ| = |A| |sin θ|
We know that |cos θ| ≤ 1 We know that |sin θ| ≤ 1
So |Ax| = |A| |cos θ| ≤ |A| So |Ay| = |A| |sin θ| ≤ |A|
It is clear that magnitude of components of a vector is always less than or equal
to a vector’s magnitude and cannot be greater than vector’s magnitude.
Question 2.6:- Can the magnitude of a vector have negative value?
Answer:- No, the magnitude of a vector can never be negative. Magnitude of a
vector is either zero or positive. The magnitude of a vector in xy-plane is given as
A = √A x
2 2
+ A y . We know that square of a negative number is also positive,
therefore, magnitude of a vector can never be zero.
Question 2.7:- If A + B = 0, what can you say about the components of the
two vectors?
Answer:- If ⃗ B = 0⃗ , We can say that ⃗
A+⃗ A=-⃗
B
(Ax i^ + Ay ^j + Az k^ ) = - (Bx i^ + By ^j + Bz k^ ) or (Ax + Bx) i^ + (Ay + By) ^j + (Az + Bz) k^ = 0⃗ .
This implies that:-
i) Corresponding components of both the vectors are equal in magnitude but
opposite in direction.
ii) Sum of corresponding components of both the vectors is also zero.
Question 2.8:- Under what circumstances would a vector have components
that are equal in magnitude?
First Year Short Questions Physics

Answer:- The components of vector will be equal in magnitude when the vector
makes an angle of 45o, 135o, 225o and 315o with respect to positive x-axis.
Mathematically, we can prove this as following:-
We know that Ax = A cos θ and Ay = A sin θ
|Ay| = |Ax| only when |A sin θ| = |A cos θ|
|tan θ| = 1 which means tan θ = ±1
tan θ = +1 implies that θ = tan -1 (1) = 45o & 225o tan θ = -1 implies that θ = tan -1(-
1) = 135o & 315o.
Question 2.9:- Is it possible to add a vector quantity to a scalar quantity?
Explain.
Answer:- No, a vector cannot be added to a scalar quantity.
The rules for addition of vectors and scalars are different. Scalars are added by
using normal addition while for adding vectors, their directions are also taken
into account.
Question 2.10:- Can you add zero to a null vector?
Answer:- No, we cannot add zero to a null vector. Zero is a scalar and cannot be
added to a vector because rules for addition of both are different.
Question 2.11:- Two vectors have unequal magnitudes. Can their sum be
zero? Explain.
Answer:- No, the sum of two vectors of unequal magnitude can never be zero.
The sum of two vectors is only zero if they are equal in magnitude but opposite in
direction i.e. ⃗ B = 0⃗ , We can say that ⃗
A +⃗ A =-⃗
B which means vectors should be
equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.
Question 2.12:- Show that the sum and difference of two perpendicular
vectors of equal lengths are also perpendicular
and of the same length.
Answer:- Suppose we have two vector A and B
which are equal in magnitude and mutually
perpendicular. Assume A is along x-axis and B is
along y-axis. A = B (say)
SUM:- Rx = A and Ry = B
⃗
R =⃗
A +⃗
B implies that R = √R x
2
+ R y2 = √ A 2 + B2 = √ 2
A and θR = tan-1 (Ry/Rx) = tan-1 (B/A) = tan-1 (1) =
45o w.r.t. x-axis.
First Year Short Questions Physics

DIFFERENCE:- Dx = A and Dy = -B
D = ⃗
⃗ A - ⃗
B implies that D = √D x
2
+ D y2 = √ A 2 +(−B)2 = √ 2 A and θ D = tan-1 (Dy/Dx) =
tan-1 (-B/A) = tan-1 (1) = -45o w.r.t. x-axis.
This show that R = D while angle between ⃗
R and ⃗
D is θ = θR – θD = 45o – (-45o) =
90o
So the sum and difference of two perpendicular vectors of same length are also
equal in magnitude and perpendicular to each other.
Question 2.13:- How would the two vectors 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?
Answer:- When two vectors of same magnitude are oriented at an angle of 120 0
with respect to each other, their resultant is also equal in magnitude to either of
the vector. In this case, the geometry becomes an equilateral triangle.
Alternately, magnitude of resultant vector R of two vectors A and B is determined
as R = √ A 2 + B2+ 2 A B cos θ. Using the condition R = A = B, We find that cos θ = -0.5
and θ = cos-1 (-0.5) = 120o.
Question 2.14:- The two vectors to be combined have magnitudes 60 N and
35 N. Pick the correct answer from those given below and tell why is it the
only one of the three that is correct? i) 100 N ii) 70 N iii) 20 N
Answer:- When two vectors are oriented in the same direction, the magnitude of
resultant vector is maximum and is equal to sum of magnitudes of both vectors.
When two vectors are oriented in opposite direction, the magnitude of resultant
vector is minimum and is equal to difference of magnitudes of both vectors.
In case 60 N and 35 N are parallel, maximum resultant force is 60 + 35 = 95 N
and when 60 N and 35 N are anti-parallel, minimum resultant force is 60 – 35 =
25 N. The resultant of 60 N and 35 N lies between 25 N to 95 N. The resultant
can neither be less than 25 N and nor be greater than 95 N, hence the correct
answer is 70 N.
Question 2.15:- Suppose the sides of a
closed polygon represent vectors arranged
head to tail. What is the sum of these
vectors?
Answer:- When sides of a closed polygon
represent the vectors arranged in head to tail
First Year Short Questions Physics

configuration, the sum of these vectors will be a null or zero vector. In this case,
tail of first vector is joined with the head of last vector, therefore, resultant vector
is a zero vector.
Question 2.16:- Identify the correct answer.
i) Two ships X and Y are travelling in different
directions at equal speeds. The actual direction of
motion of X is due north but to an observer on Y,
the apparent direction of motion of X is north-
east. The actual direction of motion of Y as
observed from the shore will be (A) East (B) West
(C) south-east (D) south-west.
ii) A horizontal force F is applied to a small object
P of mass m at rest on a smooth plane inclined at
angle θ to the horizontal as shown in figure. The
magnitude of the resultant force acting up and
along the surface of the plane, on the object is
a) F cos θ – mg sin θ b) F sin θ – mg cos θ c) F cos
θ + mg cos θ d) F sin θ + mg sin θ e) mg tan θ
Answer:- i) West
ii) F cos θ – mg sin θ

Question 2.17:- If all the components of the

vectors, ⃗
A1 and ⃗
A2 were reversed, how would this alter ⃗
A1 x ⃗
A2 ?
Answer:- If all the components of the vectors A 1 and A2 are reversed, there would
be no effect on ⃗
A1 x ⃗
A2
We know that ⃗
A1 x ⃗
A2 = (A1 A2 sin θ) n^
After reversing all components of A1 and A2, we evaluate vector product as (-⃗
A1 ) x
(-⃗
A2 ) = (-A1) (-A2) sin θ n^ = (A1 A2 sin θ) n^ = ⃗
A1 x ⃗
A2 . We can also prove it by using
determinant form to evaluate cross product:-
i^ ^j k^ i^ ^j k^ i^ ^j k^
−⃗
A1 x−⃗
A2 = − A1 x − A1 y − A 1 z = (-1)(-1) A1 x A 1 y A 1 z = A1 x A 1 y A1z = ⃗
A1 x ⃗
A2
− A2 x − A2 y − A 2 z A2 x A 2 y A 2 z A2 x A 2 y A2z
First Year Short Questions Physics

Question 2.18:- Name the three different conditions that could make ⃗
A1 x ⃗
A2
= 0⃗ .
Answer:- We know that ⃗
A1 x ⃗
A2 = (A1 A2 sin θ) n^ . The three different conditions

which could make ⃗

A1 x ⃗
A2 = 0⃗ are:-

i) ⃗
A1 is a null vector i.e. A1 = 0.

ii) ⃗
A2 is a null vector i.e. A2 = 0.

iii) ⃗
A1 and ⃗
A2are parallel and anti-parallel to each other i.e. θ = 0 o or 180o.
Question 2.19:- Identify true or false statements and explain the reason.
i) A body in equilibrium implies that it is neither moving nor rotating.
ii) If coplanar forces acting on the body form a closed polygon, then the
body is said to be in equilibrium.
Answer:- i) The statement is false. When a body is in equilibrium, it is either at
rest or moving (rotating) with uniform velocity.
ii) The statement is true. When coplanar forces acting on the body form a closed
polygon, the resultant force is zero and it satisfies first condition of equilibrium.
The body will be in translational equilibrium in this case.
Question 2.20:- A picture is suspended from a wall by two strings. Show by
diagram the configuration of the string for which the tension in the string
will be minimum.
Answer:- Consider the picture of weight W
is suspended from a wall by two strings. We
suppose that suspended picture produces
equal tensions in the both strings as
shown:-
Resolve the tension in the string in rectangular components and apply first
condition of equilibrium in vertical direction as T sin θ + T sin θ = W, T = W / (2
sin θ).
Tension in the string will be minimum when
sin θ is maximum. Maximum value of sin θ
= 1 so θ = sin-1 (1) = 90o.
Tmin = W/2 and the orientation is as shown.
Question 2.21:- Can a body rotate about
its centre of gravity under the action of its weight?
First Year Short Questions Physics

Answer:- No, a body cannot rotate about its centre of gravity under the action of
its weight because torque is zero. The moment arm in this case is zero as the line
of action of force (weight) passes through the pivot point (centre of gravity).
We know that torque = (moment arm) (force) = (zero) (mg) = zero.
First Year Short Questions Physics

CHAPTER NO. 3 (MOTION AND FORCE)

Question 3.1:- What is the difference between uniform and variable
velocity? From the explanation of variable velocity, define acceleration.
Give SI units of velocity and acceleration.
Answer:- Uniform Velocity:- If an object covers equal displacements in equal
intervals of time, the velocity is said to be uniform.
Variable Velocity:- If an object covers unequal displacements in equal intervals
of time, velocity is said to be non-uniform or variable.
Acceleration:- The rate of change of velocity with respect to time is called
Δ ⃗v
acceleration. Mathematically, a⃗ = lim .
∆ t →0 Δt
SI unit of velocity is m s-1 while SI unit of acceleration is m s-2.
Question 3.2:- An object is thrown vertically upward. Discuss the sign of
acceleration due to gravity, relative to velocity, while the object is in air.
Answer:- When an object is thrown vertically upwards, the direction of initial
velocity is taken as positive. Acceleration due to gravity is directed downwards,
opposite to initial velocity, its sign is considered as negative.
Question 3.3:- Can the velocity of an object reverse the direction when
acceleration is constant? If so, give an example.
Answer:- Yes, an object can reverse the direction of its velocity when acceleration
is constant. When an object is thrown vertically upwards, the direction of its
velocity is reversed at the highest point but the acceleration is always constant
and is equal to acceleration due to gravity i.e. a = -g.
Question 3.4:- Specify the correct statements.
Answer:- a. An object can have a constant velocity even its speed is changing.
(False)
b. An object can have constant speed even its velocity is changing. (True)
c. An object can have a zero velocity even its acceleration is not zero. (True)
d. An object subjected to a constant acceleration can reverse its velocity. (True)
Question 3.5:- A man standing on the top of a tower throws a ball straight
up with initial velocity vi and at the same time throws a ball straight
downward with the same velocity. Which ball will have larger speed when it
strikes the ground? Ignore air friction.
Answer:- Both balls will hit the ground with same velocity. The ball which is
thrown upwards, will cross the point of projection with the same velocity v i
First Year Short Questions Physics

during its downward journey. Hence, both balls will hit the ground with same
velocity.
Question 3.6:- Explain the circumstances in which velocity v and
acceleration a of a car are (i) Parallel (ii) Anti-parallel (iii) Perpendicular to
each other (iv) v is zero but a is not zero (v) a is zero but v is not zero.
Answer:- (i) When velocity of a car increases, acceleration is positive and both
are parallel.
(ii) When velocity of a car decreases, acceleration is negative and both are Anti-
parallel.
(iii) When a car is moving along a circular track, acceleration and velocity are
perpendicular to each other.
(iv) When a car stops suddenly, v is zero but a is not zero (negative).
(v) When car is moving with uniform velocity, a is zero but v is not zero.
Question 3.7:- Motion with constant velocity is a special case of motion
with constant acceleration. Is this statement true? Discuss.
Answer:- Yes, the statement is true. When an object performs projectile motion,
its horizontal velocity and total acceleration remain constant throughout its
trajectory.
(Discussion:- It has been pointed out in several notes that when an object moves
with uniform velocity, its acceleration is zero and zero is a constant quantity.
Actually, this is not a special case, this is just a general case. Special case is
when some phenomenon takes place at a certain time or certain location only.)
Question 3.8:- Find the change in momentum for an object subjected to a
given force for a given interval of time and state law of motion in terms of
momentum.
Answer:- Suppose an object is moving at a certain velocity vi at time t1 = 0. It is
subjected to a force F and after an interval t2 = t, its velocity becomes vf.
⃗
F ⃗v f −⃗
vi
We know thata⃗ = . Further, a⃗ =
m t 2−t 1
⃗
F ⃗v f −⃗
vi
Equating both equations, = ,⃗
F x t=¿m ( ⃗v f −⃗
v i ¿ = Change in momentum =
m t 2−t 1
Force x Time
⃗ΔP
Further, ⃗ ¿¿¿¿ , ⃗
F =¿m⃗ F=
Δt
First Year Short Questions Physics

The rate of change of momentum with respect to time is equal to the applied
force. This is statement of Newton’s second law of motion in terms of momentum.
Question 3.9:- Define impulse and show that how it is related to linear
momentum.
Answer:- When a large force acts on an object for a very short interval of time,
the product of force and time is called impulse. Mathematically, Impulse = Force
x Time = ⃗
F x t.
We can define force as time rate of change of momentum and mathematically
write it as:-
vf – m ⃗
m⃗ vi
⃗
F= .
t
m⃗
vf – m⃗
vi
Impulse = ⃗
F x t= x t = m⃗
v f – m⃗
v i = Change in momentum
t
Question 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.
Answer:- According to law of conservation of linear momentum, the total linear
momentum of an isolated system always remains constant.
An isolated system is the one, on which no external force acts.
Sometimes, the system is not completely isolated but external force is so small
relative to internal interactions of the objects of the system that it can be
neglected and this law can be applied to a good approximation. For example,
force of gravity on molecules of an ideal gas enclosed in a cylinder is negligible.
Question 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.
Answer:- Elastic Collision:- A collision in which both momentum and kinetic
energy are conserved, is called elastic collision. A bouncing ball will bounce back
to same height after an elastic collision.
Inelastic Collision:- A collision in which momentum is conserved but kinetic
energy is not conserved, is called inelastic collision. A bouncing ball will not
bounce up to same height after an inelastic collision.
First Year Short Questions Physics

In most cases where two or more objects collide, a portion of their kinetic
energies is converted to heat, sound and work done against friction. Hence, K.E.
is not conserved in most cases.
Question 3.12:- Explain what is meant by projectile motion. Derive
expressions for a. the time of flight b. the range of projectile. Show that the
range of projectile is maximum when projectile is thrown at an angle of 45 o
with the horizontal.
Answer:- Two dimensional motion under constant acceleration due to gravity is
called projectile motion.
Time of Flight:- The time taken by a projectile to cover the distance from its
point of projection to its point of landing at the same level is called time of flight.
1
This can be obtained by taking S = h = 0. We know that S = v i t + a t2,
2
Put S = 0, viy = vi sin θ and a = -g.
1
0 = vi sin θ t - g t2
2
2 v i sin θ
t=
g
Range of Projectile:- Maximum distance which a projectile covers in the
horizontal direction is called the range of the projectile.
This can be obtained by using the relation S = v t
2 v i sin θ
Put S = R, vix = vi cos θ and t =
g
2 v i sin θ
R = (vi cos θ) ( ¿
g
2
v i sin 2θ
R=
g
Maximum Range:- Range is maximum when the factor sin 2θ = 1.
2θ = sin-1 (1) = 90o
θ = 45o
Hence proved that range of the projectile is maximum when its angle of
projection is 45o w.r.t. horizontal.
Question 3.13:- At what point or points in its path does a projectile have its
minimum speed, its maximum speed?
Answer:- The speed of projectile is maximum at the point of projection and its
point of landing.
First Year Short Questions Physics

The speed of projectile is minimum at maximum height because its vertical

velocity is reduced to zero at maximum height.
Question 3.14:- Each of the following questions is followed by four answers,
one of which is correct answer. Identify that answer.
i. What is meant by a ballistic trajectory?
a. The path followed by an un-powered and unguided projectile. (True)
b. The path followed by the powered and unguided projectile. (False)
c. The path followed by un-powered but guided missile. (False)
d. The path followed by powered and guided projectile. (False)
ii. What happens when a system of two bodies undergoes an elastic
collision.
a. The momentum of the system changes. (False)
b. The momentum of the system does not change. (True)
c. The bodies come to rest after collision. (False)
d. The energy conservation law is violated. (False)
First Year Short Questions Physics

CHAPTER NO. 4 (WORK AND ENERGY)

Question 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 work, how are these two situations similar?
Answer:- Both the situations are similar because work done is zero in both
cases. The displacement is zero in both cases because objects are stationary in
both cases so work done = (Force) (Displacement) = Zero.
Question 4.2:- Calculate the work done in kilo joules in lifting a mass of 10
kg (at a steady velocity) through a vertical height of 10 m.
Answer:- We can calculate work done as under:-
Mass = m = 10 kg
Force = Weight = mg = 10 x 9.8 = 98 N
Height = 10 m
Work Done = W = Force x Displacement = (mg)(h) = mgh = 10 x 9.8 x 10 = 980 J
W = 980/1000 kJ = 0.98 kJ
Question 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.
Answer:- A force F acts through a distance L, so work done is W1 = FL.
Now, the force is increases to 3F and acts through a further distance of 2L, so
work done is W2 = (3F)(2L) = 6FL.
Total work done = W = W1 + W2 = FL + 6FL = 7FL
Question 4.4:- In which case is more work done? When a 50 kg bag of books
is lifted through 50 cm, or when a 50 kg crate is pushed through 2 m across
the floor with a force of 50 N?
Answer:- Case 1:- m = 50 kg, h = 50 cm = 0.5 m, F = mg = 50 x 9.8 = 490 N
W1 = mgh = (490)(0.5) = 245 N
Case 2:- m = 50 kg, d = 2 m, F = 50 N
W2 = Fd= (50)(2) = 100 N
So more work is done in first case.
Question 4.5:- An object has 1 J of potential energy. Explain what does it
mean?
First Year Short Questions Physics

Answer:- An object has 1 J potential energy, it means that it has the ability to do
a work of 1 J due to its constrained position/state in a force field such as
gravitational field, elastic field, electric field etc.
It means 1 J of work is done on the object by some external energy against
gravitational field, elasticity of an object or electric field etc.
Question 4.6:- A ball of mass m is held at a height h 1 above a table. The
table top is at a height h2 above the floor. One students says that the ball
has potential energy mgh1 but another says that it is mg(h 1+h2). Who is
correct?
Answer:- Both students are correct.
If we consider table top as reference point, the potential energy of the object will
be mgh1.
If we consider floor level as reference point, the potential energy will of the object
will be mg(h1+h2).
Question 4.7:- When a rocket re-enters the atmosphere, its nose cone
becomes very hot. Where does this heat energy come from?
Answer:- When a rocket re-enters the atmosphere at a high velocity, some part of
its kinetic energy is utilized in doing work against the air friction. The work done
against the air resistance appears as heat energy and its nose cone becomes very
hot.
Question 4.8:- What sort of energy is in the following: (a) Compressed spring
(b) Water in a high dam (c) A moving car.
Answer:- Following types of energies are present:-
(a) A compressed spring has elastic potential energy due to work done against
its elasticity.
(b) Water in a high dam has gravitational potential energy due to its high
position with reference to basin of the dam.
(c) A moving car has kinetic energy due to its motion.
Question 4.9:- A girl drops a cup from a certain height, which breaks into
pieces. What energy changes are involved?
Answer:- A cup has gravitational P.E. at a certain height. When the cup is
dropped, the gravitational P.E. decreases and K.E. increases. Just before striking
the floor, the whole P.E. is converted into K.E. On striking the ground, K.E. is
changed into sound, heat and work done to break the cup into its pieces.
First Year Short Questions Physics

Question 4.10:- A boy uses a catapult to throw a stone which accidently

smashes a green-house window. List the possible energy changes.
Answer:- The elastic potential energy of the catapult is converted into kinetic
energy of the stone. When the stone strikes the green house window, the kinetic
energy of the stone is utilized into sound, heat and work done in breaking the
window glass into pieces.
First Year Short Questions Physics

CHAPTER NO. 5 (CIRCULAR MOTION)

Question 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?
Answer:-
The linear velocity of an object moving The rate of change of angular
along a curve or circular track is displacement of an object with respect
directed along the tangent at any point to time moving across the circular path
to the curve and is called tangential is called angular velocity.
velocity. It is denoted by ω. Its unit is rad s-1.
It is denoted by vt. Its unit is m s-1. For a wheel of known radius, it is
For a wheel of known radius, it is determined by the formula ω = vt/r.
determined by the formula vt = rω.
Question 5.2:- Explain what is meant by centripetal force and why it must
be furnished to an object if the object is to follow a circular path?
Answer:- The force which is needed to bend the normal straight path of an object
into circular trajectory is called centripetal force. It is denoted by F c.
Mathematically, Fc = mv2/r.
In order to move an object in a circular path, its direction needs to be changed at
every point. To change the direction of motion continuously, a perpendicular
force needs to be applied. This force is known as centripetal force and is directed
along the radius towards the centre of the circle. In the absence of centripetal
force, object will move along the straight path making tangent with the circular
trajectory.
Question 5.3:- What is meant by moment of inertia? Explain its
significance.
Answer:- The intrinsic property of an object to resist any change in its state of
uniform circular motion is called moment of inertia. It depends upon mass and
distribution of mass with respect to chosen axis of rotation.
n
For a rigid body, moment of inertia is calculated as I = ∑ mi r 2i .
i=1

Moment of inertia plays the same role in angular motion as the mass plays in
translational motion. It is the rotational analogue of mass in rotational motion.
First Year Short Questions Physics

Question 5.4:- What is meant by angular momentum? Explain the law of

conservation of angular momentum.
Answer:- The cross or vector product of position vector and linear momentum is
called angular momentum. Mathematically, ⃗
L=⃗r x ⃗
P . It is a similar quantity to
linear momentum and can also be expressed as product of moment of inertia and
angular velocity.
The law of conservation of angular momentum states that total angular
momentum of a system remains constant provided no external torques acts on
the system. Mathematically, I1ω1 = I2ω2.
Question 5.5:- Show that orbital angular momentum Lo = mvr.
Answer:- We know that ⃗
L=⃗r x ⃗
P . Its magnitude is given by L = rP sin θ.
For circular/orbital motion, L = Lo, P = mv and θ = 90o.
Lo = r(mv) sin 90o = mvr.
Question 5.6:- Describe what should be the minimum velocity, for a
satellite, to orbit close to the Earth around it.
Answer:- In order to put a satellite in an orbit close to the earth, the necessary
centripetal force is provided by gravitational force of attraction between earth and
satellite.
Fc = mg
Since r = R = Radius of earth, we can say that mv 2/R = mg and v = √ gR =
√ 9.8 x 6.4 x 106
v = 7.9 x 103 m s-1 = 7.9 km s-1.
This is the minimum velocity to put a satellite into orbit around the Earth.
Question 5.7:- State the directions of the following vectors in simple
situations; angular momentum and angular velocity.
Answer:- According to the relation ⃗
L=⃗r x ⃗
P , the angular momentum is directed in
a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the radius of circular path and
momentum of the object i.e. along the axis of rotation.
The direction of angular velocity is also taken along the axis of rotation for
counter clockwise rotation by using right hand rule.
Question 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.
First Year Short Questions Physics

Answer:- Any object which is orbiting around the earth is accelerated towards
the centre of the earth with an acceleration equal to the acceleration due to
gravity g and is considered as freely falling object.
When any object is accelerated towards the earth, its apparent weight is T = mg –
ma.
For a freely falling object, a = g so T = mg – mg = 0.
Therefore, all freely falling objects including the satellites orbiting the earth
appear weightless.
Question 5.9:- When mud flies off the tyre of a moving bicycle, in what
direction does it fly? Explain.
Answer:- The mud flies off the tyres of a moving bicycle, it flies in a direction
making tangent to the tyre.
When speed of the tyre increases, the required centripetal force increases and
adhesive force between tyres and mud is not enough to keep the mud stick with
the tyre. Thus, it flies off the tyre in a direction making tangent to the tyre.
Question 5.10:- A disc and a hoop start moving down from the top of an
inclined plane at the same time. Which one will be moving faster on
reaching the bottom?
Answer:- When a disc and hoop start moving down from top of an inclined plane
at height h,
DISC HOOP
Potential energy at top = Translational Potential energy at top = Translational
K.E. + Rotational K.E. K.E. + Rotational K.E.
1 1 1 1
mgh = m v2 + I ω2 mgh = m v2 + I ω2
2 2 2 2
1 For a disc, I = m r2
For a disc, I = m r2
2
1 1
mgh = m v2 + m r2ω2 = m v2
1 1 1 3 2 2
mgh = m v2 + m r2ω2 = m v2
2 2 2 4
v= √ gh
v=
√ 4 gh
3
The disc moves faster when reaches at bottom of the inclined plane.
Question 5.11:- Why does a diver change his body positions before and after
diving in the pool?
First Year Short Questions Physics

Answer:- The diver obeys law of conservation of angular momentum according to

following relation I1ω1 = I2ω2.
When diver is about to jump from the diving board, his arms and legs are fully
stretched having a large moment of inertia and small angular velocity. After
jumping from the board, he closes his body in a closed tuck position reducing
moment of inertia and increasing the spinning velocity.
A diver changes his body position after diving in the pool in order to cover some
extra somersaults.
Question 5.12:- A student holds two dumb-bells with stretched arms while
sitting on a turn table. He is given a push until he is rotating at certain
angular velocity. The student then pulls the dumb-bells towards his chest.
What will be the effect on rate of rotation?
Answer:- According to the law of conservation of angular momentum, I 1ω1 = I2ω2.
When arms of the students are stretched, its moment of inertia is large and
angular velocity is small.
When he pulls the dumb-bells towards his chest, his moment of inertia decreases
and hence angular velocity increases to keep the angular momentum constant.
Question 5.13:- Explain how many minimum number of geo-stationary
satellites are required for global coverage of TV transmission.
Answer:- A geo-stationary satellite covers 120o of longitude, so the whole of the
Earth’s surface for global transmission can be covered by three correctly
positioned geo-stationary satellites i.e. 120o x 3 = 360o.
First Year Short Questions Physics

CHAPTER NO. 6 (FLUID DYNAMICS)

Question 6.1:- Explain what do you understand by the term viscosity?
Answer:- The frictional effect between different layers of a flowing fluid is called
viscosity. It determines how much force is required to slide one layer of fluid over
another layer.
Substances which do not flow easily have large coefficients of viscosity such as
honey and tar. Substances which flow easily like water and gases have small
coefficients of viscosity.
Question 6.2:- What is meant by drag force? What are the factors upon
which drag force acting upon a small sphere of radius r, moving down
through a liquid, depends?
Answer:- Any object moving through a fluid experiences a retarding force (a force
which opposes the motion of object) is called drag force. Its relation id given by
Stoke’s law for spherical objects moving slowly through a fluid as F D = 6πƞrv.
For spherical objects, it depends on the following factors:-
i. It depends directly on coefficient of viscosity i.e. nature of the fluid.
ii. It depends directly on radius of the spherical object.
iii. It depends directly on velocity of the spherical object.
Question 6.3:- Why fog droplets appear to be suspended in air?
Answer:- The terminal velocity of spherical object moving in a fluid of density ρ is
2
2 ρg r
given as v t= . It depends upon square of the radius of spherical objects. Fog
9η
droplets are very small in size, therefore, their terminal velocity is very small and
they appear to be suspended in air.
Question 6.4:- Explain the difference between laminar flow and turbulent
flow.
Answer:- Laminar Flow:- If every particle passes that passes a particular point,
moves exactly along the same path, as followed by the particles which passed
that points earlier, the flow is said to streamline or laminar.
Turbulent Flow:- The irregular or unsteady flow of the fluid is called turbulent
flow.
Question 6.5:- State Bernoulli’s relation for a liquid in motion and describe
some of its applications.
First Year Short Questions Physics

Answer:- The sum of pressure, kinetic energy per unit volume and potential
energy per unit volume at any point during steady flow of a non-viscous and
1 2
incompressible fluid is constant. Mathematically, P + ρ v + ρgh = Constant.
2
Bernoulli’s equation has very wide applications. Some of which are given as:-
i. Measurement of the speed of fluids using Venturi meter.
ii. Working principle of chimney of a kitchen is based on Bernoulli’s
equation.
iii. Swing of a cricket ball.
iv. Working of carburetor of a car engine.
v. Lift of an aeroplane.
vi. Measurement of blood pressure using Sphygmomanometer.
Question 6.6:- A person is standing near a fast moving train. Is it any
danger that he will fall towards it?
Answer:- Yes, he is in danger of falling towards the train as a consequence of
Bernoulli’s principle. When a fast moving train passes by a person standing on
platform, the streamlines of air between the person and the train becomes close
due to high speed and pressure becomes low. On the other side of the person,
streamlines are farther apart due to low speed and pressure is high. A force acts
on the person from high pressure towards low pressure i.e. he will tend to fall
towards the train.
Question 6.7:- Identify the correct answer. What do you infer from
Bernoulli’s theorem?
Answer:- (i) Where the speed of the fluid is high the pressure will be low.
(Correct)
(ii) Where the speed of the fluid is high the pressure is also high.
(iii) This theorem is valid only for turbulent flow of the liquid.
Question 6.8:- Two row boats moving parallel in the same direction are
pulled towards each other. Explain.
Answer:- According to Bernoulli’s theorem, where the speed of the fluid is high,
the pressure will be low. When two row boats are moving parallel to each other,
the streamlines of water between them are forces closer due to high speed and as
a result pressure decreases. The pressure of water on other sides of boats is high
due to low speed of water streamlines. Hence, boats are forced close to each other
due to this pressure difference.
First Year Short Questions Physics

Question 6.9:- Explain, how the swing is produced in a fast moving cricket
ball.
Answer:- When a bowler balls the cricket ball, the speed of streamlines of air on
one side (shinny side) becomes high and pressure decreases. On the other side
(rough side), the speed of air is low and pressure is high. Thus, a force acts on
the ball from high pressure towards low pressure and causes the ball to swing.
Question 6.10:- Explain the working of a carburetor of a motorcar using by
Bernoulli’s equation.
Answer:- The carburetor of a car engine uses a
Venturi duct to feed the correct mix of air and
petrol to the cylinders. Air is drawn trough the duct
and along a pipe to the cylinders. A tiny inlet at the
side of duct is fed with petrol. The air through the
duct moves very fast, creating low pressure in the
duct, which draws petrol vapour into the air stream.
Question 6.11:- For which position will the maximum blood pressure in the
body have the smallest value. (a) Standing up right (b) Sitting (c) Lying
horizontally (d) Standing on one’s head?
Answer:- The maximum blood pressure in the body have the smallest value when
body is lying horizontally.
Question 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?
Answer:- In an orbiting space station, blood pressure in major arteries in the leg
will be equal to blood pressure in major arteries of the neck as the situation of
weightlessness exists in orbiting space stations.
First Year Short Questions Physics

CHAPTER NO. 7 (OSCILLATIONS)

Question 7.1:- Name two characteristic of simple harmonic motion.
Answer:- Simple harmonic motion has following characteristics:-
(i) It is a type of oscillatory motion.
(ii) Acceleration of a body performing simple harmonic motion is directly
proportional to the displacement.
(iii) Acceleration of a body performing simple harmonic motion is always
directed towards the mean position.
(iv) The total energy of an object performing simple harmonic motion is always
constant.
Question 7.2:- Does frequency depend on amplitude for harmonic
oscillators?
Answer:- The frequency of a harmonic oscillator does not depend upon its
amplitude.

For a simple pendulum f =

1
2π √ g
l
For a mass spring system f =
1
2π √ k
m
It depends on length of the pendulum It depends on suspended mass and
and value of acceleration due to gravity. spring constant.
Question 7.3:- Can we realize an ideal simple pendulum?
Answer:- No, we cannot realize an ideal simple pendulum because it consists of:-
(i) A small but heave and dense bob
(ii) A massless but an inextensible string
(iii) A rigid and frictionless support in an air free atmosphere so that no
mechanical energy is dissipated.
Question 7.4:- What is the total distance travelled by an object moving with
SHM in a time equal to its period, if its amplitude is A?
Answer:- Time to complete one round trip about the mean position is called time
period. If amplitude of a simple harmonic oscillator is A, it covers a total distance
of 4A in one time period.
Question 7.5:- What happens to the period of a simple pendulum if its
length is doubled? What happens if the suspended mass is doubled?

Answer:- Time period of a simple pendulum is given as T = 2 π

√ l
g
.

If length is doubled, l1 = 2 l Time period of a simple pendulum is

independent of the suspended mass. If
First Year Short Questions Physics

√ √ √
l1 2l l suspended mass is doubled, time
T1 = 2 π = 2π = √2 2 π = √2 T
g g g period of the pendulum remains same.
Time period increases √ 2 = 1.41 times.
Question 7.6:- Does the acceleration of a simple harmonic oscillator remain
constant during its motion? Is the acceleration ever zero? Explain.
Answer:- No, the acceleration of simple harmonic oscillator does not remain
constant during its motion. It depends directly on displacement of the harmonic
oscillator from mean position. Mathematically, a⃗ = ω 2 ⃗x .
Yes, the acceleration is zero at mean position as a⃗ = ω 2 ⃗
(0) = a⃗ = 0⃗ .
Question 7.7:- What is meant by phase angle? Does it define angle between
maximum displacement and the driving force?
Answer:- The angle which specifies the displacement as well as the direction of
motion of the point or object performing simple harmonic motion is called the
phase angle. It determines the state of the motion of harmonic oscillator.
Mathematically, θ = ωt.
No, it does not define the angle between maximum displacement and the driving
force.
Question 7.8:- Under what conditions does the addition of two simple
harmonic motions produce a resultant, which is also simple harmonic?
Answer:- If two simple harmonic motions with same frequency or time period are
added together, the resultant will also be a simple harmonic motion.
For example sum of Y1 = A sin ωt and Y2 = B sin (ωt + ϕ) will also be simple
harmonic motion because frequency (time period) of both is same.
Question 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?
Answer:- For a simple harmonic oscillator, a = -ω2x and v = ω√ x 2o−x 2.
AT MEAN POSITION x = 0 AT EXTREME POSITION x = xo
Acceleration Velocity Acceleration Velocity
a = -ω 2(0) v = ω√ x 2o−0 2 a = -ω 2(xo) v = ω√ x 2o−x 2
2
a=0 v = ω xo |a| = ω (xo) v = ω (0) = 0

(Maximum) (Maximum)
First Year Short Questions Physics

The acceleration is zero and velocity The acceleration is greatest and velocity
is greatest at mean position during is zero at extreme position during SHM.
SHM.
Question 7.10:- In relation to SHM, explain the equations; (a) y = A sin (ωt +
ϕ) (b) a⃗ = ω 2 ⃗x .
Answer:-
y = A sin (ωt + ϕ) a⃗ = ω 2 ⃗x
This equation describes the This equation describes the
instantaneous displacement of an instantaneous acceleration on an object
object performing simple harmonic performing simple harmonic motion
motion where where
y = Instantaneous displacement a = Instantaneous acceleration
A = Amplitude of oscillator 2π
ω = Angular velocity =
T
ϕ = Initial phase
x = Instantaneous displacement
2π
ω = Angular velocity =
T
ωt + ϕ = Instantaneous phase
Question 7.11:- Explain the relation between total energy, potential energy
and kinetic energy for a body oscillating with SHM.
Answer:- For an object performing simple harmonic motion, total energy is sum
of potential energy and kinetic energy i.e. E = K.E. + P.E.
Total energy remains constant in the absence of frictional effects; K.E. and P.E.
are interchanged in continuously from one form to another.
At mean position, energy is totally K.E. and P.E. is zero.
At extreme positions, energy is totally P.E. and K.E. is zero.
In between, energy is partially P.E. and partially K.E.
Question 7.12:- Describe some common phenomena in which resonance
plays an important role.
Answer:- Resonance plays an important role in following common phenomena:-
1) By tuning a radio, natural frequency of AC in the radio receives is made equal
to the frequency of desired broadcasting radio station and we can listen to
desired radio station through resonance.
2) Swings in a park are pushed after a fixed / regular interval of time and
amplitude goes on increasing gradually through resonance.
First Year Short Questions Physics

3) The EM waves produced in a microwave oven have wavelength of 12 cm at

frequency of 2450 MHz. The fat and water molecules in food absorb these EM
waves through resonance and helps in even heating & cooking of food.
4) In the stringed musical instrument, when frequency of enclosed air column
becomes equal to the string frequencies due to resonance, a loud music is
heard.
Question 7.13:- If a mass spring system is hung vertically and set into
oscillations, why does the motion eventually stop?
Answer:- When a vertical spring mass system is hung vertically and set into
oscillations, it eventually stops due to friction, air resistance and other damping
forces. The mechanical energy of the system gradually dissipates as a result of
friction and doing work against air resistance & damping forces and motion
eventually stops.
First Year Short Questions Physics

CHAPTER NO. 8 (WAVES)

Question 8.1:- What features do longitudinal waves have with transverse
wave?
Answer:- Following are the features which longitudinal and transverse wave have
in common:-
1) Both type of waves produce disturbance in a medium through which they
pass.
2) Both type of waves transport energy and momentum from one place to
another.
3) The equation v = f λ is valid for both types of waves.
4) Both types of waves can be used to produce stationary waves.
Question 8.2:- The five possible waveforms obtained, when the output from
a microphone is fed to the Y-input of cathode ray oscilloscope, with the
time base on, are shown in figure. These waveforms are obtained under the
same adjustment of the cathode ray oscilloscope controls. Indicate the
waveform a) which trace represents the loudest note? b) which trace

represents the highest frequency?

Answer:- a) Loudness depends directly on intensity of sound which depends
directly on square of amplitude. The note shown in (D) has the maximum
amplitude and loudest note.
b) Frequency of a wave is number of cycles in unit time. The trace in (B) has
highest frequency.
Question 8.3:- Is it possible for two identical waves travelling in the same
direction along a string to give rise to a stationary wave?
Answer:- No, it is not possible.
Stationary waves can only be produced by the superposition of two identical
waves travelling in opposite direction.
Question 8.4:- A wave is produced along a stretched string but some of its
particles permanently show zero displacement. What type of wave is it?
First Year Short Questions Physics

Answer:- The type of wave produced in a stretched string in which some points
permanently show zero displacement is called stationary wave. The points which
show zero displacement permanently are called nodes.
Question 8.5:- Explain the terms crest, trough, node and antinode.
Answer:- Crest:- The portion of a wave or disturbance above the mean position is
called crest.
Trough:- The portion of a wave or disturbance below the mean position is called
trough.
Node:- The points which show zero amplitude permanently on a transverse
stationary wave are called node.
Antinode:- The point which vibrate with maximum amplitude on a transverse
stationary wave is called antinode.
Question 8.6:- Why does sound travel faster in solids than in gases?

Answer:- The speed of sound in any medium is given as v =

√ E
ρ
. The speed of

sound in any medium depends on square root of the ratio of its modulus of
elasticity and density. The ratio of modulus of elasticity and density for solids is
much greater than for the gases. Therefore, the speed of sound in solids is
greater than its speed in gases.
Question 8.7:- How are beats useful in tuning musical instruments?
Answer:- A faulty music instrument is played along with a standard source
known frequency, beats are produced which is indication that frequency of both
instrument differ from each other. The effective length of strings of faulty
instruments is adjusted by tightening or loosening the peg at the neck of the
instrument so that no beats are heard. At this moment, the faulty instrument is
considered to be tuned with standard instrument.
Question 8.8:- When two notes of frequencies f 1 and f2 are sounded together,
beats are formed. If f1 > f2, what will the frequency of the beats?
1 1
i) f1 + f2 ii) (f + f2) iii) f1 - f2 iv) (f - f )
2 1 2 1 2
Answer:- Beat frequency of two notes is iii) f1 – f2.
Question 8.9:- As a result of distant explosion, an observer senses a ground
tremor and then hears the explosion. Explain the time difference.
Answer:- The explosion which took place some distance away reaches the
observer through two different media i.e. ground surface and air. The speed of
First Year Short Questions Physics

any disturbance i.e. mechanical wave in a solid is greater than its speed in air.
That is why, ground tremor reaches the observer earlier than the explosion.
Question 8.10:- Explain why sound travels faster in warm air than in cold
air.

Answer:- The speed of sound in any medium is given as v =

√ γP
ρ
. The speed of

sound in air is inversely proportional to square root of density of air. The density
of warm air is much less than the density of cold air, therefore, speed of sound in
warm air is greater than its speed in cold air.
(Alternately, the speed of sound in air or a medium is directly proportional to the

square root of absolute temperature as v t = v o

T
To √
. Therefore, speed of sound in

warm air is greater than its speed in cold air).

Question 8.11:- How should a sound source move with respect to an
observer so that the frequency of its sound does not change?
Answer:- When a sound source and an observer moves with the same velocity
along the same direction (parallel), their relative velocity is zero (relative
separation is constant) and no apparent change in frequency of sound waves is
produced.
First Year Short Questions Physics

CHAPTER NO. 9 (PHYSICAL OPTICS)

Question 9.1:- Under what conditions two or more sources of light behave as
coherent sources?
Answer:- Two or more sources of light can only behave as coherent sources if
they have constant phase difference between them with respect to space and
time.
Two independent light sources can never be coherent. A common way to produce
coherent sources is to illuminate a screen having two or more slits.
Question 9.2:- How is the distance between interference fringes affected by
the separation between the slits of Young’s experiment? Can fringes
disappear?
λL
Answer:- We know that fringe spacing in Young’s experiment is given as ΔY = .
d
This shows that fringe spacing varies inversely with the slit spacing d.
Yes, fringes can disappear. If slit spacing d is increased, fringe spacing ΔY
decreases. If we keep on increasing slit spacing, fringes will come closer and
eventually disappear.
Question 9.3:- Can visible light produce interference fringes? Explain.
Answer:- Yes, visible light or white light can produce interference but each colour
(wavelength) will produce its own interference pattern. The fringe pattern will be
coloured having spectrum of all seven colours.
Question 9.4:- In the Young’s experiment, one of the slit is covered with
blue filter and other with red filter. What would be the pattern of light
intensity on the screen?
Answer:- On covering the slits with blue and red filters respectively, one slit
emits red light and other emits blue light. In order to produce interference,
interfering beams must be monochromatic, unidirectional and coherent. The
emerging light beams from both slits are not monochromatic and coherent so no
interference pattern will be observed on the screen. Only two bright spots of
corresponding light will be observed on the screen.
Question 9.5:- Explain whether the Young’s experiment is an experiment for
studying interference or diffraction effects of light?
Answer:- Young’s experiment is primarily designed to study the interference of
light waves.
First Year Short Questions Physics

However, diffraction of light is also interference of light rays coming from different
parts of a source of light.
Question 9.6:- An oil film spreading over a wet footpath shows colours.
Explain how does it happen?
Answer:- An oil film spreading over a wet footpath shows colours due to
interference of visible light through thin film. When light beam is incident on oil
film, some part of it is reflected from upper surface. The remaining portion of
light refracts through the film and is reflected from lower part of the film. These
two beams interfere. Some colours show constructive interference while others
show destructive according to angle of incidence, nature and thickness of oil film.
Question 9.7:- Could you obtain Newton’s rings with transmitted light? If
yes, would the pattern be different from that obtained with reflected light?
Answer:- Yes, Newton’s rings can be obtained with transmitted light.
Yes, the pattern would be exactly opposite to that obtained with reflected light i.e.
the central spot will be bright in case of transmitted light.
Question 9.8:- In the white light spectrum obtained with a diffraction
grating, the third order image of a wavelength coincides with the fourth
order image of a second wavelength. Calculate the ratio of two wavelengths.
Answer:- For a diffraction grating, condition for nth order maxima is d sin θ = n λ.
For 3rd order spectrum of first wavelength, d sin θ = 3 λ 1
For 4th order spectrum of second wavelength, d sin θ = 4 λ2
We can equate right hand sides of both equations as 3 λ1 = 4 λ2
λ1 4
Rearranging gives =
λ2 3
Question 9.9:- How would you manage to get more orders of spectra using a
diffraction grating?
Answer:- We know that for a diffraction grating d sin θ = n λ.
d sinθ sin θ 1
n = = = as d = = Grating element = Distance between two
λ Nλ N
consecutive lines on grating
In order to get more orders of spectrum, sin θ should be maximum i.e. sin θ = 1
1
so nmax =
Nλ
We should use a grating having less number of lines per centimeter and use light
of short wavelength.
First Year Short Questions Physics

Question 9.10:- Why the polaroid sunglasses are better than ordinary
sunglasses?
Answer:- The sunlight reflected from roads, pond surfaces, table tops and
window panels is horizontally polarized and produce glare. This glare of reflected
light can be reduced or eliminated by using sunglasses made up of polaroid
sheets or glasses whose transmission axis is vertical. Thus, polaroid sunglasses
reduce the glare of reflected light from horizontal surfaces and are better than
ordinary sunglasses.
Question 9.11:- How would you distinguish between un-polarized and plane-
polarized lights?
Answer:- We can distinguish between un-polarized and plane-polarized light by
using a polarizer. If a polarizer is rotated in front of incident un-polarized light, a
component of light will pass through it for each orientation / angle. For polarized
light, no light will pass through the polarizer except for a certain angle /
orientation.
Question 9.12:- Fill in the blanks.
Answer:- (i) According to Huygen’s principle, each point on a wavefront acts as a
source of secondary wavelet.
(ii) In Young’s experiment, the distance between two adjacent bright fringes for
violet light is less than that for green light.
(iii) The distance between bright fringes in the interference pattern increases as
the wavelength of light used increases.
(iv) A diffraction grating is used to make a diffraction pattern for yellow light and
then for red light. The distance between the red spots will be more than that for
yellow light.
(v) The phenomenon of polarization of light reveals that light waves are
transverse waves.
(vi) A polaroid is a commercial polarizing material.
(vii) A polaroid glass reduces glare of light produced at a road surface.
First Year Short Questions Physics

CHAPTER NO. 10 (OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS)

Question 10.1:- What do you understand by linear magnification and
angular magnification? Explain how a convex lens is used as a magnifier?
Answer:- Linear Magnification The ratio of size of image to the size of the object
is called linear magnification.
Angular Magnification The ratio of angle subtended by the image as seen
through the optical device to that subtended at the unaided eye by the object
placed at least distance of distinct vision is called angular magnification.
A convex lens of small focal length can be
used as a magnifying glass when the
object is placed near the lens i.e. between
the pole and principal focus of the lens.
The image the formed is virtual, erect and
magnified.
Question 10.2:- Explain the difference between angular magnification and
resolving power of an optical instrument. What limits the magnification of
an optical instrument?
Answer:- Angular Magnification The ability of an optical instrument that how
enlarged or magnified image of an object can be formed by using it is called its
angular magnification or magnifying power.
Resolving Power The ability of an optical instrument to reveal the minor details
of an object under examination is called its resolving power.
Magnification of an optical instrument is limited due to defects such as spherical
and chromatic aberration. The image thus formed is not well defined and its
details are not seen distinctly.
Question 10.3:- Why would it be advantageous to use blue light with a
compound microscope?
Answer:- The resolving power of compound microscope depends directly on the
diameter (aperture) of objective lens and inversely on wavelength of light used as
D
R = . The wavelength of blue light is very short (among other colours of
1.22 λ
visible light spectrum), therefore it is preferred to increase the resolving power of
compound microscope and minor details of the object can be observed.
Question 10.4:- One can use a cheap microscope for use by the children.
The images seen in such a microscope have coloured edges. Why is this so?
First Year Short Questions Physics

Answer:- The lens used in cheap microscope have not smooth surface and has a
defect chromatic aberration. The lens is unable to focus white light coming from
object properly at a single point and thus image formed have color edges. This is
due to dispersive effects of material used in cheap microscope.
Question 10.5:- Describe with the help of diagrams, how (a) a single
biconvex lens can be used as a magnifying glass. (b) biconvex lenses can be
arranged to form a microscope.
Answer:- (a) Biconvex lens as
magnifying glass:- The ray diagram of a
biconvex lens used as a magnifying glass
of focal length f to magnify an object of size O to image of size I is given. The
image formed is virtual, magnified and erect.
(b) Biconvex lenses can be arranged to form a microscope:- The ray diagram
of two biconvex lenses arranged to form a compound microscope is given. The
image formed is inverted, erect and magnified. However, final image can be made

erect by using some external arrangement.

Question 10.6:- If a person was looking through a telescope at the full
moon, how would the appearance of the moon be changed by covering half
of the objective lens.
Answer:- The person will still look the image of full moon but its image will be
much dimmer. When half of the objective lens is covered, less light coming from
the moon will pass through it and image thus formed by the eyepiece will be
dimmer and less bright.
Question 10.7:- A magnifying
glass gives a five times enlarged
First Year Short Questions Physics

image at a distance of 25 cm by the lens. Find, by ray diagram, the focal

length of the lens.
Answer:- The ray diagram to the scale when a five times enlarged image is
formed at a distance of 25 cm from the lens is given. The focal length is f = 6.2
cm approximately.
d d 25
Alternately, M = 1 + , Given M = 5, d = 25 cm so d = = = 6.25 cm
f M −1 5−1
rounded off to two significant figures is 6.2 cm.
Question 10.8:- Identify the correct answer.
Answer:- (i) The resolving power of a compound microscope depends on;
a. Length of the microscope.
b. The diameter of the objective lens. (Correct)
c. The diameter of the eyepiece.
d. The position of an observer’s eye with regard to eye lens.
(ii) The resolving power of an astronomical telescope depends on;
a. The focal length of objective lens.
b. The least distance of distinct vision of the observer.
c. The focal length of the eye lens.
d. The diameter of the objective lens. (Correct)
Question 10.9:- Draw sketches showing the different light paths through a
single-mode and a multimode fibre. Why is the single-mode fibre preferred
in telecommunications?
Answer:- (a) The single mode step index
fiber cable has a small diameter of core
about 5 µm and relatively large cladding.
The ray diagram for transmission of
information by using light is given in figure. It is preferred because it used a
monochromatic source of light, no information can be lost as a result of
dispersion. It has enormous data carrying capabilities i.e. data of 14 TV channels
and 14000 telephone calls.
(b) The multi-mode step index
has relatively larger core of
First Year Short Questions Physics

about 50 µm and information can be transmitted by using an impure light source

as given in figure.
(c) The multi-mode graded index has
relatively larger core of about 50 µm to
1000 µm and information can be
transmitted by using an impure light
source as given in figure.
Question 10.10:- How the light signal is transmitted through the optical
fibre?
Answer:- An optical fiber communication channel consists of three major parts:-
1) A transmitter that converts electrical signal into light signal
2) An optical fiber which guides the light signal either by total internal
reflection or continuous refraction
3) A receiver at the other end, which converts light signal into electrical
signal.
To send audio or video signals through fiber communication channel, the waves
are modulated. One common modulation technique is digital modulation in
which information can be converted into digital signal consisting of 0 (low) and 1
(high) called bits. The data carrying rate is measured in bits per second (bps) or
megabits per second (Mbps).

Question 10.11:- How the power is lost in optical fibre through dispersion?
Explain.
Answer:- When source of light is not
monochromatic, its different components
are dispersed while propagating down
the core of fiber cable. The different
wavelengths λ1, λ2 and λ3 etc. adopt
different paths across the core. The wavelength(s) which meet(s) the cladding at
greater angle than critical angle, reach earlier at other end while the wavelength
First Year Short Questions Physics

which meet the cladding at critical angle lags behind others. Hence, different
component reach the other end at different times and signal received is distorted.
First Year Short Questions Physics

CHAPTER NO. 11 (HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS)

Question 11.1:- Why is the average velocity of the molecules in a gas zero
but the average of the square of velocities is not zero?
Answer:- The number of molecules in a small sample of gas is very large and
they perform random translational motion. At any instant, the number of
molecules moving in any direction with certain velocity is equal to number of
molecules moving with same velocity in opposite direction. The average velocity of
molecules is zero. Suppose one molecule is moving along x-axis with velocity v x,
v x +(−v x )
after the collision with the wall, its velocity will be –v x and <vx> = = 0.
2
In such cases, motion is recognized by average of square velocities which is
always non-zero as given:-
<vx2> = v 2x +¿ ¿ = <vx2> ≠ 0
Question 11.2:- Why does the pressure of a gas in a car tyre increase when
it is driven through some distance?
Answer:- When a car covers some distance on the road, its tyres have to
overcome the frictional effects of the road. The work done against the friction
appears as heat energy which increases the translational kinetic energy of the
gas molecules in the tyres. The rate of collision of molecules with the walls of the
tyre increases and hence pressure increases.
Question 11.3:- A system undergoes from state P 1V1 to state P2V2 as shown
in figure. What will the change in internal energy?
Answer:- In the system represented by given diagram, we can
verify that Boyle’s law is applicable as P1V1 = P2V2.
Boyle’s law is valid when temperature is constant i.e.
isothermal process so no change in internal energy will take
place.
Change in internal energy = ΔU = 0.
Question 11.4:- Variation of volume by pressure is given in figure. A gas is
taken along the paths ABCDA, ABCA and A to A. What will be the change in
internal energy?
First Year Short Questions Physics

Answer:- In all the given systems, the system returns to its initial state which is
called a cycle. The change in internal energy will be zero in all the cases.
Question 11.5:- Specific heat of a gas at constant pressure is greater than
specific heat at constant volume. Why?
Answer:- When a gas is heated at constant volume, no work is done on the gas
by heat energy as W = P ΔV = 0. All the heat supplied to gas is utilized in
increasing the internal energy of the gas.
When a gas is heated at constant pressure, heat is utilized in increasing the
internal energy of the gas and doing work on the system.
This indicates that for same rise in temperature, more heat is required at
constant pressure than at constant volume so molar specific heat at constant
pressure is always greater than molar specific heat at constant volume.
Question 11.6:- Give an example of a process in which no heat is transferred
to or from a system but the temperature of the system changes.
Answer:- An adiabatic process is the one in which no heat is transferred to or
from the system but temperature of the system changes. In an adiabatic process,
Q = 0.
First law of thermodynamics states that Q = W + ΔU
0 = W + ΔU
W = -ΔU.
In an adiabatic expansion, temperature of gas decreases because gas has to do
work on the basis of its internal energy.
In an adiabatic compression, temperature of gas increases because work done on
the system increases the internal energy and the temperature of the gas.
Question 11.7:- Is it possible to convert internal energy into mechanical
energy? Explain with an example.
Answer:- Yes, it is possible.
In an adiabatic expansion, volume is increased by decreasing the pressure and
work is done by the system by using its internal energy. Hence, we can say that
internal energy of the system is being converted into mechanical energy.
Question 11.8:- Is it possible to construct a heat engine that will not expel
heat into atmosphere?
Answer:- No, it is not possible as it is against the Kelvin statement of second law
of thermodynamics.
First Year Short Questions Physics

Heat engines absorb heat from heat reservoir, convert some of it into work and
reject the remaining heat into atmosphere i.e. cold reservoir. It is impossible to
devise a process which may convert all heat extracted from a reservoir entirely
into work without making any change in working system.
Question 11.9:- A thermos flask containing milk as a system is shaken
rapidly. Does the temperature of milk rise?
Answer:- A thermos flask is an insulated system. When milk in a thermos flask
is shaken rapidly, work is done on the system which is converted into
mechanical energy of the system (milk). This increases the temperature of the
milk inside the thermos flask.
Question 11.10:- What happens to the temperature of the room, when an
airconditioner is left running on a table in the middle of the room?
Answer:- The temperature of the room will not decrease rather it will increase.
The heat absorbed from the room is expelled in the same room plus the work
done by the compressor is also converted and expelled in the same room.
Question 11.11:- Can the mechanical energy be converted completely into
heat energy? If so give an example.
Answer:- Yes, mechanical energy can be completely converted into heat energy.
1) During an adiabatic compression, the work done (mechanical
energy) on the system increases the internal energy of the gas.
Hence work done is converted into heat energy.
2) During an isothermal compression, work done on the system
(mechanical energy) appears in the form of heat energy out of
the system as W = Q in isothermal process.
Question 11.12:- Does entropy of a system increase or decrease due to
friction?
Answer:- The entropy of the system always increases due to friction. Useful
energy is always dissipated in doing work against friction. When work is done
against friction, the change in entropy ΔS = ΔQ / T is positive and entropy
increases.
Question 11.13:- Give an example of a natural process that involves an
increase in entropy.
Answer:- Melting of ice into water is a natural process that involves increase in
entropy. When ice melts at melting temperature T, some amount of heat is
First Year Short Questions Physics

transferred from surroundings to ice which is positive and change in entropy ΔS

= ΔQ / T is positive. Thus, entropy increases when ice melts.
Question 11.14:- An adiabatic process is the one in which
Answer:- a. No heat is added to or taken out of a system (Correct)
b. No change of temperature takes place
c. Boyle’s law is applicable
d. Pressure and volume remain constant
Question 11.15:- Which one of the following process is irreversible?
Answer:- a. Slow compression of an elastic spring
b. Slow evaporation of a substance in an isolated vessel
c. Slow compression of a gas
d. A chemical explosion (Correct)
Question 11.16:- An ideal reversible heat engine has
Answer:- a. 100% efficiency
b. Highest efficiency (Correct)
c. An efficiency that depends on the nature of working substance
d. None of these