Chapter 1 : Measurement and Experimentation

Exercise 1(A)

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE

1.What is meant by measurement?

Ans. It is the comparison of the specified physical quantity with the known standard
quality of the equivalent nature.
2. What do you understand by the term unit?
Ans. Unit is the quantity of a constant magnitude which is used to measure the
magnitudes of other quantities of the same nature.
3. How is a physical quantity expressed?
Ans. Physical quantity = (numerical value) x (unit)
4.Name the three fundamental quantities.
Ans.The three fundamental quantities are:
● Length
● Mass
● Time
5. What is the S.I unit of Luminous intensity?
Ans.The S.I Unit of Luminous intensity is Candela.
6. Define one parsec.
Ans. One parsec*is the distance from where the semi major axis of orbit of earth ( 1
A.U.) subtends an angle of one second.
7. Define a fundamental unit.
Ans. It is that unit which is independent of any other unit or which can neither be
changed nor can be related to any other basic unit. Example – Units of mass, length,
time etc.
8. Define a derived unit.
Ans. Derived units are those which depend on the fundamental units or which can be
expressed in terms of the fundamental units.
9.Define standard metre.
Ans. The standard meter is the length of the path travelled by light in vacuum during a
time interval of 1/299 792 458 of a second.
10. How is nanometre related to Angstrom?
Ans. 1nm = 10 Angstrom

SHORT ANSWER TYPE

1.What are three requirements for selecting a unit of a physical quantity?

Ans.
● 1.The unit should be of convenient size and without any ambiguity.
● 2.The unit should be reproducible.
● 3.The value of the unit should not change with space and time.
2. What are the fundamental units in
S.I system?Name them along with symbols.
Ans. Fundamental units in S.I. system along with their symbols are:
Length - m
Mass - kg
Time - s
Temperature - K
Luminous intensity - cd
Electric current - A
Amount of substance - mol*
3.Explain the meaning of derived unit with the help of one example.
Ans. Derived units are those which depend on the fundamental units or which can be
expressed in terms of the fundamental units.
E.g. Volume is expressed in a unit which is length x length x length or length³.
4. Name two units of length which are bigger than a metre. How are they related
to the metre?
Ans. The two units of length that are bigger than a metre are:
● Astronomical unit (A.U)
● Kilometre (km)
● Relation between metre (m) and astronomical unit (A.U):
● 1 A.U = 1.496 X 1011 m
● Relation between metre (m) and kilometer (km):
● 1 km = 1000m
5.Name the three convenient units used to measure length ranging from very
short to very long value. How are they related to the S.I. unit?
Ans.
● The 3 convenient units used to measure length ranging from very short to very
long value are:
● Centimeter (cm)
● Metre (m)
● Kilometer (km)
Relation between meter (m) and the units are:
● 1 m = 100cm
● 1 km = 1000m
6. Name the S.I unit of mass and define it.
Ans. The S.I. unit of mass is Kilogram (Kg)
One kilogram was defined as the mass of a cylindrical piece if platinum-iridium alloy
kept at International Bureau of Weights and Measures at Serves near Paris.
7.State two units of mass smaller than a kilogram. How are they related to
kilogram?
Ans. The two units of mass smaller than a kilogram (kg) are:
● gram(g)
Relation - 1 g = 10-3m
● milligram(mg)
Relation - 1 mg = 10-6m
8. State two units of mass bigger than a kilogram. Give their relationship with the
kilogram.
Ans. The two units of mass bigger than a kilogram (kg) are:
● Quintal
1 quintal = 100kg
● Metric tonne
1 metric tonne = 1000kg
9.Name the S.I. unit of time and define it.
Ans. The S.I. unit of time is second(s).
A second can be defined as 1/86400th part of a mean solar day, i.e.,
1s = 1/86400 x one mean solar day
10. Name two units of time bigger than a second. How are they related to second?
Ans. The two units of time bigger than a second (s) are:
● Minute (min)
Relation - 1 min = 60s
● Hour (h)
Relation - 1 h = 3600s

Exercise 1(B)

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE

1.Define least count of an instrument.

Ans. The least count of an instrument is the smallest measurement which can be
accurately taken from that particular instrument.
2. How can you decrease the least count of a vernier callipers?
Ans. The least count of a vernier callipers can be decreased by —
1) Increasing the number of divisions on the scale
2) Decreasing the value of one division on the main scale.
3.Define the term ‘Vernier constant’.
Ans. Vernier constant can be defined as the difference between the values of one main
scale division and one vernier scale division.
4.When is a vernier calipers said to be free from zero error?
Ans. When the zero mark of the vernier scale coincides with the zero mark of the main
scale, the tenth
division of the vernier calipers coincides with the ninth division of the main scale. In this
condition, the vernier is said to be free from zero error.
5.Name the part of the vernier calipers which is used to measure the following:
(a) External diameter of a tube
(b) Internal diameter of a mug
(c) Depth of a small bottle
(d) Thickness of a pencil
Ans. (a) External diameter of a tube – outside jaws
(b) Internal diameter of a mug – Inside jaws
(c) Depth of a small bottle - Strip
(d) Thickness of a pencil – Outer jaws
6.State the difference b/w positive and negative zero error of vernier callipers.
Ans. Zero errors are of two kinds, they are:
Positive zero error
Negative zero error
● Positive zero error: if the zero mark of the vernier scale is on the right part of the
zero mark of
the main scale on brining the two jaws together, it is a positive zero error.
● Negative zero error: if the zero mark of the vernier scale is on the left part of the
zero mark of
the main scale upon bringing the two jaws together, it is a negative zero
error.
7.Define the pitch of a screw gauge.
Ans. Pitch of a screw gauge is the distance moved by the screw through its axis along
one complete rotation.
8.State one use of a screw gauge.
Use of a screw gauge:
Ans.
 ● It can be used to measure the diameter of a wire
9. State the purpose of ratchet in a screw gauge.
Ans. The purpose of a ratchet in a screw gauge is that it is used to advance the screw
by turning it till the object is gently held between the stud and the spindle of the screw.
10. State the difference between positive and negative zero error of a screw
gauge.
Ans.
● Positive error : If on bringing the flat end of the screw in contact with the stud,
and the zero mark is below the base line of main scale.
● Negative error : If on bringing the flat end of the screw in contact with the stud,
and the zero mark is above the base line of main scale.

Question 11, 12, 13 - Refer Textbook

SHORT ANSWER TYPE

1. Explain the meaning of the term ‘least count of an instrument’ by taking a
suitable example.
Ans. The least count of an instrument is the smallest measurement which can be
accurately taken from that particular instrument.
● Example – if there are 10 divisions between 0 and 5s mark of a stop watch, the
least count of that stop watch is 0.5s.
2. A boy makes a ruler with graduation in cm on it (i.e., 100 divisions in 1m). To
what accuracy this ruler can measure? How can this accuracy be increased?
Ans. Given: ruler has 100 divisions – centimeter scaling system
100 cm = 1m
Hence the accuracy the ruler can measure up to is the centimeter division.
∴ The ruler can be used to measure the length up to the accuracy of centimeter.
In order to increase the accuracy, the scale must further be able to measure the next
unit in-line, i.e., the millimeter division. By doing so the accuracy of the ruler can
increase from centimeter to millimeter.
Hence,
1m=100cm = 10mm
1 m = 1000 mm
3. A boy measures the length of a pencil and expresses it to be 2.6cm. What is the
accuracy of his measurement? Can he write it as 2.60cm?
Ans. Given: The length of the pencil is 2.6cm.
We know that length can be expressed in different units such as metre,centimeter,
millimeter etc.
Hence we can say that the measurement may be accurate but not precise enough.
The boy can write 2.6cm or can express it as 2.60cm, both are the same as the value of
zero here
is not significant.
4. Define least count of a venier calipers. How do you determine it?
Ans. The least count of a vernier caliper can be defined as the difference between the
values of one main scale division and one vernier scale division. It is also referred to as
vernier constant.
It can be determined using the formula:
Least count (L.C.) =
Value of one main scale division
total number of divisions on vernier
5. A vernier callipers has a zero error +0.06cm. Draw a neat labelled diagram to
represent it.
Ans. Diagram : Refer Textbook Fig 1.4, Pg 14
6.State three uses of a vernier callipers.
Ans. The three uses of vernier calipers are:
● It can be used to measure the length of an object
● It can be used to measure the diameter of a hollow cylinder
● It can be used measure the depth of a beaker
7. Name the two scales of a vernier callipers and explain, how it is used to
measure a length correct up to 0.01cm.
Ans. Two scales of a vernier callipers are:
● Main scale - can read up till 1mm
 ● Vernier scale – length of 10 divisions is equal to length of 9 divisions on the main
scale
The value of one division on the main scale is 1mm.
Total number of divisions on the vernier scale is 10
∴ Least count = 1mm/10 = 0.1mm = 0.01cm
Consequently, a vernier calipers can be used to measure a length accurately up to
0.01cm.
8.Explain the terms (i) pitch, and (ii) least count of a screw gauge. How are they
determined?
Ans. (i)Pitch of a screw gauge – it is the distance moved by the screw through its axis
along one complete rotation.
(ii)Least count of a screw gauge – It is the distance moved by it in rotating the circular
scale by one division.
Pitch & L.C of the screw gauge can be determined by:
● L.C = Pitch of the screw gauge ÷ total number of divisions on its circular scale
For example, if a screw moved by 1mm through 1 rotation and if the circular scale has
100 divisions, then the pitch of the screw = 1mm.
The L.C = 1mm/100 = 0.01mm = 0.001cm.
9. How can the least count of a screw gauge be decreased?
Ans. The least count of a screw gauge can be decreased by
1)Increasing the total number of divisions on the circular scale
2) Decreasing the pitch
10. What do you mean by zero error of a screw gauge? How is it accounted for?
Ans. Several times, because of mechanical errors, the anvil and spindle end come in
contact wherein
the zero mark of the circular scale does not coincide with the main scale’s base line, as
it is either below or above the base line of the main scale. In this condition, the screw
gauge is referred to have zero error which can be both negative and positive.
The zero error can be accounted by subtracting the zero error (with sign) from the
reading observed to obtain the actual reading.
Correct reading = Observed reading – zero error (with sign) 20.
11. A screw gauge has a least count 0.001cm and zero error + 0.007cm. Draw a
neat diagram to represent it.
Ans. Refer Fig - 1.9 at Pg no. 17
12. What is backlash error? Why is it caused? How is it avoided ?
Ans. A backlash error is an error in the observation caused due to wear and tear of
threads of the screw observed while reversing the direction of rotation of the thimble
where the tip of the
screw does not start moving in the opposite direction at once, but remains stationary for
a part of rotation.
Avoiding backlash error:
While taking measurements, screw should be rotated in one direction only.

LONG ANSWER TYPE

1. What is meant by zero error of a vernier calipers? How is it determined? Draw

neat diagrams to explain it. How is it taken in account to get the correct
measurement?
Ans. Sometimes due to mechanical errors, the zero mark of the vernier scale does not
coincide with the zero mark on the main scale, in this condition, the vernier callipers is
said to have a zero error.
Determination of zero error: Measure the length between the zero mark of the main
scale and the zero mark of the vernier scale.
Zero errors are of two kinds, they are:
● Positive zero error
● Negative zero error
● Positive zero error: if the zero mark of the vernier scale is on the right part of the
zero mark of the main scale on brining the two jaws together, it is a positive zero
error.
To find positive zero error, division of the vernier scale should be noted that coincides
with any division of the main scale. Zero error is obtained when this number of the
vernier division is
multiplied by the least count of the vernier calipers.
 ● Negative zero error: if the zero mark of the vernier scale is on the left part of the
zero mark of
the main scale upon bringing the two jaws together, it is a negative zero error.
To find negative zero error, the division of the vernier scale that coincides with any
division of the main scale should be observed and noted. The number appearing at this
vernier division is
subtracted from the total number of divisions on the vernier scale and then the
difference is multiplied by the least count.
2. Draw a neat labelled diagram of a vernier callipers. Name its main parts and
their functions.
Diagram : Fig 1.3, Pg 13
● Main scale : To measure length correct upto 1mm
● Vernier scale : To measure length correct upto 0.1mm
● Outside jaws : To measure length of rod, external diameter of a hollow cylinder,
diameter of a sphere
● Inside jaws : Measure the internal diameter of a pipe or hollow cylinder
● Strip : Measure the depth of a bottle/beaker
3. Describe in steps, how would you use a vernier callipers to measure the length
of a small rod?
Ans. Fig 1.2 Pg 12
Using vernier calipers to measure the length of a small rod:
The rod is placed between the fixed end and the vernier scale.
The zero mark of the vernier scale here is ahead of the 1.2cm mark on the main scale.
Hence the actual rod length is the total of 1.2cm and the length between the 1.2cm
marking on the main scale and 0 mark on the vernier scale (length ‘ab’ as seen in the
figure)
In order to know the length of ‘ab’, the pth division of the vernier scale is noted that
coincides with ant division of the main scale.
Length of p division on main scale = ab + length of p division on vernier scale
Length of p divisions on the main scale – length of p division on the verier scale = ab
= Length of 1 division of main scale – length of 1 division on vernier scale (p)
= p x Least Count
∴ Final reading = main scale reading + vernier scale reading
= 1.2cm + (p x L.C)
This gives the length of the small rod.
4. Draw a neat and labelled diagram of a screw gauge. Name its main parts and
state their functions.
Ans. Fig 1.7, Pg 16
The main parts and their functions are:
1. Ratchet – advances the screw by turning it till the object to be measured in held
gently in between the spindle of the screw and the stud.
2. Sleeve – it notes the base line and the base line
3. Thimble – circular scale is marked by the thimble
4. Circular scale – reads length correctly to 0.01mm
5. Main scale – reads length to 1mm
5. Describe the procedure to measure the diameter of a wire with the help of a
screw gauge.
Ans. Procedure to measure the diameter of a wire with the help of a screw gauge is as
follows:
● Find the least count and the zero error of the screw gauge
● Turn the ratchet anticlockwise so as to obtain a gap between the stud A and the
flat end B. Place the wire in the gap between the stud A and the flat end B.
● Then turn the ratchet clockwise so as to hold the given wire gently between the
stud A and the flat end B of the screw.
● Make note of the main scale reading
● Make note of the division of p on the circular scale that coincides with the base
line
of the main scale.
● This circular scale division p when multiplied by the least count, gives the circular
scale reading i.e., Circular scale reading = p x L.C.
● Add the circular scale reading to the main scale reading to obtain the total
reading
(i.e., the observed diameter of the wire).
● Repeat it by keeping the wire in perpendicular direction. Take two more
observations at different places of the wire and record them in the table below.

Exercise 1(C)
1.Define amplitude of oscillation
Ans. Amplitude is the maximum displacement of the bob from its mean position on
either side.
2.Define the terms:
(i) oscillation, (ii) amplitude
(iii) frequency (iv) time period as related to a simple pendulum
Ans. (i)Oscillation – One complete to and fro motion of the bob of pendulum
(ii)Amplitude – The maximum displacement of the bob from its mean position on either
side
(iii)Frequency – The number of oscillations made in one second
(iv)Time period – The time taken to complete one oscillation
3.Name two factors on which the time period of a simple pendulum does not
spend.
Ans. The time period of a simple pendulum does not spend on the following factors:
1)Mass of the bob
2) Material of the pendulum
7. What is a seconds’ pendulum?
Ans. Seconds’ pendulum is a pendulum with the time period of oscillation equal to two
seconds.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE

1.What is a simple pendulum? Is the pendulum used in a pendulum clock a
simple pendulum? Give reason
Ans. It is a heavy point mass that is suspended from a rigid support by a massless and
inextensible string.
No, the pendulum in the pendulum clock is not a simple pendulum as it is an ideal case.
The mass cannot be heavy having the size of point and string having no mass.
2. Draw a neat diagram of a simple pendulum. Show the effective length of the
pendulum and one oscillation of it.
Ans. Diagram : Refer Fig 1.16 Pg 23
3. Name two factors on which the time period of a simple pendulum depends.
Write the relation for the time period in terms of the above named factors.
Ans. The two factors on which the time period of a simple pendulum is dependent are:
● Acceleration due to gravity
● Length of the string of the pendulum
T=2π√𝑙/𝑔
Time period is directly dependent on length with square root and inversely proportional
to ‘g’ – acceleration due to gravity with square root.
4. How do you measure the time period of a given pendulum? Why do you note
the time for more than one oscillation?
Ans. In order to measure the time period of pendulum, total time taken by the pendulum
should be divided by the number of oscillations.
6. State how the time period of a simple pendulum depends on:-
(a) length of pendulum,
(b) mass of bob,
(c) amplitude of oscillation
(d) acceleration due to gravity.
Time period varies in the following ways with the listed below factors:
(a) length of pendulum – Time period is directly proportional to the square root of the
length of the pendulum
(b) mass of bob – Time period does not depend on the mass of the bob
(c) amplitude of oscillation - Time period does not depend on the amplitude of oscillation
(d) acceleration due to gravity – Time period inversely varies with the square root of ‘g’
–acceleration due to gravity.
LONG ANSWER TYPE
1.How does the time period (T) of a simple pendulum depend on its length (l)?
Draw a graph showing the variation of T² with l. How will you use this graph to
determine the value of g (acceleration due to gravity)?
Ans. In a simple pendulum, Time period is dependent on the length directly. Time period
is directly
proportional to the square root of its effective length.
i.e., T ∝ √𝑙
Refer to Fig 1.17 Pg 25
Explanation: (iv) Slope of T² vs l graph (Up to 1.9 equation)