Physical Quantities

Overview

Physical quantities are measurable attributes that describe the characteristics of physical phenomena. They are classified into two main categories: base quantities and derived quantities. Base quantities, such as length, mass, time, electric current, temperature, intensity of light, and the amount of substance, are defined independently and serve as the foundation for other measurements. Derived quantities, like area, volume, speed, and force, are expressed in terms of base quantities. The International System of Units (SI) provides a standardized framework for measuring these quantities, ensuring consistency and accuracy in scientific communication and experimentation

Questions and Answers

  1. What are physical quantities?

    Physical quantities are measurable attributes that describe the characteristics of physical phenomena, such as length, mass, time, and temperature.

  2. What are the two main categories of physical quantities?

    The two main categories are base quantities and derived quantities.

  3. Can you name the seven base quantities in the International System of Units (SI)?

    The seven base quantities are length, mass, time, electric current, temperature, intensity of light, and the amount of substance.

  4. What is a derived quantity?

    A derived quantity is a physical quantity that is expressed in terms of base quantities, such as area, volume, speed, and force.

  5. How is the unit of area derived?

    The unit of area is derived from the base unit of length; for example, area is measured in square meters (m²), which is derived from the meter (m).

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. Which of the following is a base quantity?

    a) Speed
    b) Area
    c) Mass
    d) Force
    Answer: c) Mass

  2. What is the SI unit of length?

    a) Kilogram
    b) Second
    c) Meter
    d) Ampere
    Answer: c) Meter

  3. Which of the following is a derived quantity?

    a) Time
    b) Temperature
    c) Volume
    d) Mass
    Answer: c) Volume

  4. What does the prefix "kilo-" represent in the SI system?

    a) 10
    b) 100
    c) 1,000
    d) 0.001
    Answer: c) 1,000

  5. Which of the following is NOT a base quantity?

    a) Length
    b) Electric current
    c) Pressure
    d) Temperature
    Answer: c) Pressure