Question 1

In geometrical optics, convex mirrors (bulging outward) and concave mirrors (curving inward) are both examples of which type of mirrors commonly studied in ray diagrams?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Convex and concave mirrors are standard elements in ray optics and appear in many textbook ray diagrams for image formation. To classify these mirrors correctly, you need to recall the shape of their reflecting surfaces and how they are related to simple geometric surfaces. This question tests whether you know the general name given to convex and concave mirrors based on their geometry. Given Data / Assumptions: A convex mirror has a reflecting surface that bulges outward towards the object. A concave mirror has a reflecting surface that curves inward like the inside of a sphere. Both are standard mirrors used for focusing or spreading light in optical systems. We are to identify the common geometric category that includes both convex and concave mirrors. Concept / Approach: Convex and concave mirrors are formed by taking a section of a spherical surface and silvering either the outside or inside surface. Because the reflecting surface is part of a sphere, these mirrors are collectively called spherical mirrors. A plane mirror corresponds to a flat surface, not a curved one. Parabolic mirrors have surfaces shaped like a paraboloid, not a sphere, and are used where precise focusing is needed, for example in telescopes. Cylindrical mirrors have curvature in one direction only, unlike spherical mirrors which curve in all directions from the centre. Thus, convex and concave mirrors fall into the category of spherical mirrors. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that a concave mirror is like the inner surface of a hollow sphere that has been polished to reflect light. Step 2: Recall that a convex mirror is like the outer surface of a solid sphere that has been polished. Step 3: Since both are derived from parts of a sphere, they are called spherical mirrors. Step 4: Compare with a plane mirror, which is flat and does not belong to this curved category. Step 5: Conclude that spherical mirrors is the correct general term that covers both convex and concave mirrors. Verification / Alternative check: In standard ray optics chapters, you will see separate sections titled spherical mirrors, convex mirror and concave mirror. The formula for spherical mirrors relating object distance, image distance and focal length (the mirror formula) is written as 1 / f = 1 / v + 1 / u with sign conventions suitable for spherical mirrors. This formula does not apply to plane mirrors or parabolic mirrors in the same simple form, confirming that convex and concave mirrors are grouped as spherical mirrors. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (plane mirrors): These have flat surfaces and are not derived from a sphere, so they are not classified as convex or concave spherical mirrors. Option C (cylindrical mirrors): A cylindrical mirror curves in one direction only, like a segment of a cylinder, and is used for focusing light into a line, not a point. Option D (parabolic mirrors): These have a parabolic shape and are used in telescopes and satellite dishes to focus parallel rays exactly at a point, but their curvature is not spherical. Option E (corner reflector mirrors): This is a specific arrangement of plane mirrors at right angles, not a description of the curved surfaces of convex and concave mirrors. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse spherical mirrors with parabolic mirrors because both can focus light. In reality, spherical mirrors are easier to make but introduce spherical aberration, while parabolic mirrors are more precise but harder to manufacture. For basic school physics questions, convex and concave mirrors are treated as ideal spherical mirrors, and you should remember this classification for quick and accurate answers. Final Answer: Convex and concave mirrors are examples of spherical mirrors.

Question 2

For an object moving with constant (uniform) speed in a straight line, the distance time graph representing its motion is a ______.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Graphs are powerful tools in physics because they show relationships between physical quantities at a glance. A common graph is the distance time graph for an object in motion. Understanding how different types of motion appear on such graphs helps you interpret and solve kinematics problems more quickly. This question asks what the distance time graph looks like when an object moves with constant speed. Given Data / Assumptions: The object is moving along a straight line. The speed of the object is constant, meaning it covers equal distances in equal intervals of time. The vertical axis of the graph represents distance from a chosen origin, and the horizontal axis represents time. No sudden jumps or stops are mentioned; the motion is smooth and uniform. Concept / Approach: Distance is related to speed and time by the simple relation distance = speed * time for motion at constant speed starting from zero distance. If speed is constant, distance increases linearly with time, meaning that when time doubles, distance also doubles. Graphically, a linear relationship between two variables appears as a straight line. The slope (gradient) of the line on a distance time graph represents the speed of the object. A constant slope therefore indicates constant speed. Hence, the distance time graph for uniform motion must be a straight line with constant slope. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Write the relation for constant speed: distance s = v * t, where v is constant speed and t is time. Step 2: Recognise that s is directly proportional to t, because v is constant, giving s proportional to t. Step 3: A direct proportionality between two quantities is represented by a straight line graph passing through the origin when the initial distance is zero. Step 4: The slope of the distance time graph is Δs / Δt, which equals the speed v and is constant for uniform motion. Step 5: Therefore, the distance time graph for an object moving with constant speed is a straight line with constant slope. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine an object that travels 10 metres every second. After 1 second, it has moved 10 metres; after 2 seconds, 20 metres; after 3 seconds, 30 metres, and so on. Plotting these points (t, s) as (1, 10), (2, 20), (3, 30) gives a set of points that lie on a single straight line. This confirms that constant speed produces a straight line on a distance time graph. Any curvature or changing slope would indicate changing speed (acceleration or deceleration). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (single dot at a point): A single dot would mean only one measurement, not continuous motion over time. Option B (circle): Circles do not represent a simple functional relationship between distance and time and are not used for distance time plots. Option D (curve that bends): A curved graph indicates that the speed is changing, meaning acceleration or deceleration, not constant speed. Option E (zigzag broken line): A zigzag would mean abrupt changes in distance in very short times, which is not the smooth uniform motion described here. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse distance time graphs with velocity time graphs. For velocity time graphs, constant velocity is shown by a horizontal line. For distance time graphs, constant speed is shown by a straight line with constant, non zero slope. Remember that the type of graph and what each axis represents makes a big difference to the interpretation of the lines and shapes you see. Final Answer: The distance time graph is a straight line with constant slope.

Question 3

According to Newton second law of motion, for a given applied force, the acceleration of an object is inversely proportional to its ______.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Newton second law of motion is a fundamental principle in mechanics, relating force, mass and acceleration. Many exam questions check whether you understand how acceleration depends on these variables. This particular question focuses on the relationship between acceleration and mass when the applied force is fixed, which gives insight into why heavier objects are harder to accelerate than lighter ones. Given Data / Assumptions: The law is expressed as F = m * a, where F is net force, m is mass and a is acceleration. The applied force is kept constant in this question. We must identify the quantity to which acceleration is inversely proportional under this condition. Other quantities like density, volume and surface area are not directly part of the basic equation. Concept / Approach: From Newton second law, F = m * a. Rearranging this equation for acceleration gives a = F / m. If the force F is constant, acceleration a varies inversely with mass m. That means that as mass increases, acceleration decreases, and as mass decreases, acceleration increases, for the same applied force. This is the mathematical meaning of inverse proportionality. Density, volume and surface area may influence motion through other effects like air drag or buoyancy, but the direct inverse relationship comes from mass in the F = m * a equation. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start with Newton second law: F = m * a. Step 2: Solve for acceleration: a = F / m. Step 3: Note that if F is fixed, a is directly proportional to F and inversely proportional to m. Step 4: Therefore, when the applied force is given and fixed, the acceleration is inversely proportional to the mass of the object. Step 5: Conclude that mass is the correct quantity to fill the blank in the question. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this by considering two objects, one with mass 1 kg and another with mass 2 kg, both subjected to the same force, for example F = 10 N. For the 1 kg object, a = 10 / 1 = 10 m s^-2. For the 2 kg object, a = 10 / 2 = 5 m s^-2. The heavier object accelerates less, exactly half as much, confirming that acceleration decreases as mass increases. This simple numerical example matches the inverse proportionality found from the formula. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (density): Density is mass per unit volume and does not appear directly in the basic law F = m * a. It can influence motion in other contexts but is not the quantity with which acceleration has the stated inverse relationship in this simple situation. Option B (volume): Volume alone does not determine acceleration; two objects with the same volume can have very different masses and therefore different accelerations under the same force. Option C (applied force): Acceleration is directly proportional to force, not inversely proportional, when mass is kept constant. Option E (surface area): Surface area can affect forces like air resistance, but it is not part of the base equation relating net force, mass and acceleration. Common Pitfalls: A common confusion is mixing up direct and inverse proportionality. It helps to remember that a quantity in the numerator of a fraction (like F in F / m) is directly proportional, while a quantity in the denominator (like m) is inversely proportional. Writing out the rearranged equation a = F / m and identifying which variable is changing makes it easy to see that acceleration varies inversely with mass when force is fixed. Final Answer: For a given force, acceleration is inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

Question 4

In basic science and physics, a push or pull that can change the state of motion or the shape of an object is called ______.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The concept of force is central to all of mechanics. From very early stages in school, students are introduced to force as a push or pull that can cause changes in the motion or shape of objects. This question checks whether you remember that standard definition and can identify the correct term among several everyday verbs that describe actions but are not the precise scientific term used in physics. Given Data / Assumptions: We are using the basic school level definition of force. A push or pull can change the speed, direction or shape of an object. Options include some common actions (pick, lift, shut) and scientific terms (force, pressure). We must choose the standard physics term that matches the given description. Concept / Approach: In physics, force is defined as any interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object. It can cause a stationary object to start moving, a moving object to stop or change direction, or it can deform an object by changing its shape. At a very basic level, this is often simplified in textbooks as a push or pull on an object. While words like pick, lift and shut involve forces, they are specific types of actions rather than the general scientific term. Pressure, on the other hand, is defined as force per unit area, so it is derived from force but is not the same as force itself. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the simple definition: in science, a push or pull on an object is called a force. Step 2: Recognise that pick, lift and shut describe specific actions that may involve applying force, but they are not the general term. Step 3: Identify pressure as force distributed over a surface area, which is related but not identical to force. Step 4: Conclude that among the options, the word that exactly matches the simple definition is force. Verification / Alternative check: Look at Newton second law, which relates force, mass and acceleration. The law is formulated around force, not around verbs like pick or lift. Similarly, basic equations and diagrams in mechanics always use the symbol F for force when drawing free body diagrams or calculating motion. This confirms that force is the correct scientific term for any push or pull that can change motion or shape. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (pick): To pick something up, you apply a force with your hand, but the word pick refers to the action, not the physical quantity. Option B (lift): Lifting an object also involves applying an upward force against gravity, but again lift is an action, not the quantity itself. Option D (shut): Shutting a door involves applying a force to move it, but shut is simply another everyday verb. Option E (pressure): Pressure is defined as force per unit area. It is a related but distinct concept that requires force and area for its definition. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes mix up basic terms like force, pressure and work because all three appear in early physics chapters. To keep them straight, remember: force is a push or pull; pressure is force divided by area; work is force multiplied by displacement in the direction of the force. For this question, the definition given matches exactly the simple definition of force and no other term. Final Answer: A push or pull of an object in science is called a force.

Question 5

Which one of the following physical quantities is not a vector quantity and therefore has magnitude only with no associated direction?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In physics, it is crucial to distinguish between scalar and vector quantities. Scalars have magnitude only, while vectors have both magnitude and direction and follow specific rules for addition and subtraction. Many basic mechanics questions test whether you can correctly classify common quantities like force, work, displacement and velocity. This question asks you to pick the quantity that is not a vector from the list given. Given Data / Assumptions: Work is defined as the product of force and displacement in the direction of the force. Force is defined as a push or pull that can cause acceleration. Displacement is a change in position from one point to another. Velocity is the rate of change of displacement with time. Momentum is defined as mass multiplied by velocity. Concept / Approach: A vector quantity must have both magnitude and direction and obey vector addition. Force has a definite direction of action, so it is a vector. Displacement points from the initial position to the final position, so it is a vector. Velocity has both speed and direction, making it a vector. Momentum is mass times velocity, so it inherits the direction of velocity. Work, however, is defined as the scalar product of force and displacement, W = F * s * cos(theta), and the result is a scalar value. It can be positive, negative or zero, but it does not have a direction in space. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Analyse force. It clearly has direction and magnitude (for example 10 N to the right), and hence it is a vector quantity. Step 2: Consider displacement. It represents how far and in which direction an object has moved from its starting point, so it is a vector. Step 3: Consider velocity. It tells you how fast and in which direction an object is moving, and so it is a vector. Step 4: Consider momentum p = m * v. Since velocity is a vector, momentum is also a vector and points in the same direction as velocity. Step 5: Consider work. It is given by W = F * s * cos(theta) and results in a single numerical value with sign, but no spatial direction, so it is a scalar, not a vector. Verification / Alternative check: One way to check is to think about how these quantities are added. Forces can be added using head to tail vector addition; so can displacements, velocities and momenta. However, when you add work done by multiple forces, you simply add the numerical values (with sign), not using vector diagrams. Furthermore, work does not change direction when you change your coordinate system, while vectors do. These considerations confirm that work is a scalar. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (force): It has direction and magnitude and obeys vector addition rules, so it is a vector. Option C (displacement): It is a directed distance from initial to final point, clearly a vector. Option D (velocity): It combines speed with direction, thus a vector. Option E (momentum): Since momentum is mass times velocity, and velocity is a vector, momentum is also a vector. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse work and force because they appear together in the equation W = F * s * cos(theta). The presence of vectors in the formula does not make the result a vector. Remember that the dot product of two vectors is a scalar. Work is a scalar quantity that can be positive or negative depending on the angle between force and displacement, but it does not have a direction in space. Keeping this in mind helps when deciding whether a quantity is scalar or vector. Final Answer: The quantity that is not a vector is work.

Question 6

When a body falls through a fluid such as air or water, it eventually reaches a constant maximum speed at which the downward force of gravity is balanced by the upward drag force. This constant maximum speed is called the terminal velocity. Once ter…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: When objects fall through fluids like air or water, they do not always keep accelerating indefinitely. Instead, they often reach a steady speed called terminal velocity, where the net force on the object becomes zero. This is an important concept in fluid mechanics and everyday phenomena such as raindrops falling or parachutes opening. The question asks how this terminal velocity behaves once it has been reached. Given Data / Assumptions: The body is falling under gravity through a fluid (for example, air). As speed increases, the drag force (air resistance) increases. At terminal velocity, the downward weight is exactly balanced by the upward drag force. We consider the ideal situation where conditions like fluid density remain constant. Concept / Approach: Initially, when the object starts falling, its speed is small and air resistance is negligible compared with gravity, so the net force equals its weight, and it accelerates downward. As the speed increases, the drag force opposing motion increases. Eventually, a speed is reached at which the drag force becomes equal to the weight of the object. At this point, the net force is zero, so according to Newton second law, the acceleration becomes zero. With zero acceleration, the velocity no longer changes with time. This constant speed is the terminal velocity, and by definition it remains constant as long as conditions do not change. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: At the start of the fall, speed is low, drag is small and net force is approximately equal to the weight mg, so the object accelerates. Step 2: As speed increases, drag force F_d, which typically depends on speed (often proportional to v or v^2), increases and begins to reduce the net downward force. Step 3: Terminal velocity v_t is reached when drag force equals weight, so F_d = mg and the net force F_net = mg − F_d = 0. Step 4: With F_net = 0, the acceleration a = F_net / m becomes zero, and the velocity stops changing. Step 5: Therefore, once terminal velocity is reached, the speed remains constant with time, provided conditions such as fluid density remain unchanged. Verification / Alternative check: A skydiver jumping from a plane initially accelerates quickly. As his or her speed rises, air resistance increases until it balances weight, at which point the skydiver falls at a nearly constant speed. This constant speed is observed for a significant time before the parachute opens. The observed motion is clear evidence that terminal velocity, once attained, is approximately constant, rather than increasing or decreasing continuously. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (first increases before decreasing to zero): This would imply that the falling object eventually comes to rest while still in the fluid, which does not happen in a simple fall under gravity and drag alone. Option C (first decreases before increasing again): There is no reason for speed to decrease and then increase again once terminal conditions are met; the net force remains zero unless external conditions change. Option D (always keeps on increasing): This would mean the object accelerates forever, which contradicts the balancing of forces at terminal velocity. Option E (oscillates up and down continuously): There is no mechanism to cause such oscillations in simple vertical free fall with drag; the forces reach a steady balance. Common Pitfalls: A common misunderstanding is to think that as long as gravity acts, the object must keep accelerating. This is not correct when there is a significant opposing force like air resistance. The key idea is that acceleration depends on the net force, not just on gravity. Once drag grows enough to cancel gravity, the net force becomes zero, and the speed stops changing. Remember that terminal velocity is defined precisely as the constant speed reached when the net force and acceleration both become zero. Final Answer: Once terminal velocity is reached, the speed remains constant.

Question 7

For an object moving along a straight line, the slope (gradient) of its distance time graph at any point represents which physical quantity?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Distance time graphs are a key tool in kinematics for visualising how far an object has travelled as time passes. The slope or gradient of such a graph carries important physical meaning. This question checks whether you know which physical quantity is represented by the slope of a distance time graph when an object is moving along a straight line. Given Data / Assumptions: The vertical axis represents distance travelled from a chosen origin. The horizontal axis represents time. The motion is along a straight line, so distance and displacement coincide in magnitude. The slope is defined as change in distance divided by change in time (Δdistance / Δtime). Concept / Approach: Speed is defined as the rate of change of distance with respect to time, that is speed = distance / time for uniform motion or speed = Δs / Δt more generally. In a distance time graph, the slope at any point is given by rise over run, which is Δdistance / Δtime. This matches the definition of speed. Acceleration would be associated with the slope of a velocity time graph, not a distance time graph. Other quantities such as momentum, mass and force do not directly correspond to this slope in basic kinematics. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that in a distance time graph, distance s is plotted on the vertical axis and time t on the horizontal axis. Step 2: The slope of the graph between two points is given by Δs / Δt. Step 3: Recognise that speed is defined as the rate of change of distance with time, v = Δs / Δt, for motion in a straight line. Step 4: Since the expression for slope and the expression for speed are the same, the slope represents speed. Step 5: Therefore, the correct physical quantity represented by the slope of a distance time graph is speed. Verification / Alternative check: Consider an object moving at a constant speed of 5 m s^-1. In 1 second it travels 5 m, in 2 seconds 10 m, in 3 seconds 15 m, and so on. Plotting these points gives a straight line whose slope is rise over run = 5 / 1 = 5, which numerically matches the speed. If the object speeds up, the graph becomes steeper, and if it slows down, the graph becomes less steep, which is exactly how you would expect speed to behave on the graph. This confirms the identification of slope with speed. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (acceleration): Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with time and is represented by the slope of a velocity time graph, not a distance time graph. Option B (momentum): Momentum depends on mass and velocity, not directly on distance versus time slope in this simple graph. Option C (mass): Mass is a property of the object and does not appear as a slope in a distance time graph. Option E (force): Force is related to acceleration via F = m * a and again does not directly correspond to the slope of distance versus time. Common Pitfalls: Students often mix up the meanings of slopes on different types of graphs. A simple rule to remember is: on a distance time graph, slope is speed; on a velocity time graph, slope is acceleration; and the area under a velocity time graph gives displacement. Keeping these associations clear will help avoid mistakes in both conceptual and numerical questions involving graphs. Final Answer: The slope of a distance time graph represents the speed of the object.

Question 8

According to the kinetic theory of gases, air expands when it ______.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The behaviour of gases under changes in temperature and pressure is described by gas laws such as Charles law and the ideal gas equation. Everyday observations, such as hot air balloons rising or air inside a tyre expanding in the heat, are direct consequences of these laws. This question asks you to recall under which condition air expands according to basic kinetic theory and gas law ideas. Given Data / Assumptions: Air is treated as an ideal gas for simplicity. We consider typical conditions where the gas laws hold reasonably well. Expansion means the gas occupies a larger volume. We assume pressure is held constant when considering the effect of temperature on volume, as in Charles law. Concept / Approach: Charles law states that for a given mass of gas at constant pressure, the volume is directly proportional to its absolute temperature. In symbols, V proportional to T when pressure is constant. This means that as the temperature of a gas increases, its volume increases; in other words, the gas expands when heated. Cooling the air would have the opposite effect, causing it to contract. Increasing pressure at constant temperature would compress the air, reducing its volume. Humidity affects the composition of air but is not the primary factor in simple expansion described by the gas laws. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall Charles law: for a fixed mass of gas at constant pressure, V proportional to T. Step 2: If the temperature T increases while pressure remains constant, the volume V must increase, meaning the air expands. Step 3: If the temperature decreases, the volume decreases, meaning the air contracts rather than expands. Step 4: At constant temperature, increasing pressure will compress air and decrease its volume, which is the opposite of expansion. Step 5: Therefore, the correct statement is that air expands when it is heated. Verification / Alternative check: An everyday demonstration is a balloon partially filled with air. If you warm the balloon, the air inside heats up, the particles move more rapidly and push outward more strongly on the balloon wall, causing the balloon to expand. If you cool the same balloon, the air inside contracts and the balloon shrinks. Similarly, hot air balloons rise because heated air inside the balloon expands, becomes less dense and rises in the cooler surrounding air. These observations match the prediction that air expands when heated. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (is cooled): Cooling reduces the average kinetic energy of air molecules and leads to contraction, not expansion. Option C (is placed under very high pressure at constant temperature): High pressure at constant temperature compresses the air, reducing its volume rather than expanding it. Option D (becomes more humid): Adding water vapour changes the composition and density of air but is not the simple temperature driven expansion described by basic gas laws. Option E (is compressed into a smaller volume at constant temperature): This statement describes the opposite of expansion, that is, compression. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse the roles of temperature and pressure in gas behaviour. It is useful to remember that at constant pressure, heating a gas makes it expand, whereas at constant volume, heating increases the pressure. Similarly, at constant temperature, increasing pressure compresses the gas. Keeping track of which variable is held constant in the gas laws helps avoid mistakes in conceptual questions about expansion and compression. Final Answer: Air expands when it is heated.

Question 9

A normal thrust (force) of 800 N acts uniformly on a flat surface of area 16 m^2. What is the resulting pressure on the surface, expressed in pascals (Pa)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Pressure is a fundamental quantity in mechanics and fluid statics, defined as force acting per unit area. Many introductory physics problems involve calculating pressure when you know the force (or thrust) and the contact area. This question gives you a thrust and an area and asks you to compute the pressure in SI units, testing both your understanding of the formula and your ability to handle simple numerical calculations. Given Data / Assumptions: Thrust or normal force, F = 800 N. Area of contact, A = 16 m^2. Pressure P is defined as force per unit area, P = F / A. We are asked to express the answer in pascals (Pa), where 1 Pa = 1 N m^-2. Concept / Approach: The formula for pressure when a force acts normally on a surface is P = F / A. In SI units, if F is in newtons and A in square metres, the resulting pressure is in pascals. The question is a straightforward application of this formula: substitute F = 800 N and A = 16 m^2 into P = F / A and simplify. Careful division ensures you get the correct numerical value and avoid arithmetic mistakes. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Write the formula for pressure: P = F / A. Step 2: Substitute the given values: F = 800 N and A = 16 m^2, so P = 800 / 16 N m^-2. Step 3: Perform the division: 800 / 16 = 50. Step 4: Therefore, P = 50 N m^-2. Step 5: Recognise that 1 N m^-2 is defined as 1 pascal (Pa), so P = 50 Pa. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify the arithmetic by noting that 16 multiplied by 50 equals 800 (16 * 5 = 80, then add one zero). This confirms that the division 800 / 16 gives 50 exactly. Units are also consistent: newtons divided by square metres give pascals. If either F or A had different units, you would need to convert them first, but here both are already in SI base units. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (128 Pa): This would correspond to 800 / 6.25, not to the given area of 16 m^2. It indicates an incorrect division. Option B (100 Pa): This would be correct only if the area were 8 m^2, since 800 / 8 = 100. It does not match the given data. Option C (64 Pa): This would correspond to dividing 800 by 12.5, again inconsistent with the stated area. Option E (800 Pa): This would imply that the area is 1 m^2, so that pressure equals force, which is not the case here. Common Pitfalls: There are two common errors in such questions. First, some students invert the formula and incorrectly calculate A / F, which would give the inverse of pressure, not pressure itself. Second, mistakes in simple division, especially when dealing with larger numbers, can lead to wrong answers even when the concept is understood. Always write the formula first, substitute carefully and check the arithmetic and units before choosing the final answer. Final Answer: The pressure on the surface is 50 Pa.

Question 10

In the International System of Units (SI), the unit used to measure acceleration, that is the rate of change of velocity with time, is ______.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Acceleration is a key concept in mechanics, describing how quickly velocity changes with time. It appears in Newton second law and in many kinematics problems. Knowing the correct SI unit for acceleration is essential for interpreting formulas and checking the dimensional consistency of physical equations. This question asks you to identify the correct SI unit from several similar looking options. Given Data / Assumptions: Velocity in SI is measured in metres per second, written as m s^-1. Time is measured in seconds (s). Acceleration is defined as change in velocity per unit time. The SI system is being used throughout. Concept / Approach: Acceleration a is defined as Δv / Δt, where v is velocity and t is time. If velocity has units of m s^-1 and time has units of s, then acceleration has units (m s^-1) / s. This simplifies to m s^-2, that is, metre per second squared. In words, acceleration tells you how many metres per second the speed changes every second. The other options either represent velocity (m s^-1), are dimensionally incorrect, or refer to other physical quantities. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start from the definition of acceleration: a = Δv / Δt. Step 2: Substitute the dimensions: v has units m s^-1, and t has units s. Step 3: Write the unit of a as (m s^-1) / s = m s^-1 * s^-1. Step 4: Combine the exponents of seconds: s^-1 * s^-1 = s^-2. Step 5: Therefore, the SI unit of acceleration is m s^-2, read as metre per second squared. Verification / Alternative check: Consider a car whose velocity increases from 0 to 10 m s^-1 in 2 seconds. The acceleration is a = (10 − 0) / 2 = 5 m s^-2. This means the speed increases by 5 metres per second every second. Writing it as m s^-2 matches our derived unit. Every standard physics text also lists m s^-2 as the SI unit of acceleration, confirming this result. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (m s^-1): This is the SI unit of velocity, not acceleration. Option C (m s^2): This would be metre times second squared, which does not correspond to any standard kinematic quantity. Option D (m/s): This is another way of writing m s^-1, still velocity, not acceleration. Option E (m^2/s): This unit is used in contexts like diffusion coefficient or kinematic viscosity, not for acceleration. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes stop at m/s and forget that acceleration involves a second division by time, leading to m/s^2. It is helpful to say in words what the unit means: metres per second per second. The repetition of per second reminds you that the exponent on seconds must be squared in the denominator, giving s^-2. When in doubt, derive the units from the definition rather than trying to memorise them in isolation. Final Answer: The SI unit of acceleration is m s^-2 (metre per second squared).

Question 11

In the lower atmosphere, how does the density of warm air compare with that of cold air, and what is the resulting vertical motion of warm air relative to cold air?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The behaviour of warm and cold air masses is fundamental in meteorology and helps explain phenomena such as convection currents, sea breezes and cloud formation. Knowing whether warm air is heavier or lighter than cold air allows you to predict whether it will rise or sink. This question tests your understanding of the relationship between air temperature, density and vertical motion. Given Data / Assumptions: We are considering air near the Earth surface in the lower atmosphere. Air is treated approximately as an ideal gas. Temperature differences between warm and cold air are significant enough to affect density. Gravitational effects cause denser air to sink and less dense air to rise. Concept / Approach: According to the ideal gas law, at constant pressure, the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature. When air is heated, its molecules move faster and tend to occupy a larger volume. For the same mass of air, a larger volume means lower density (mass per unit volume). Thus, warm air is less dense than cold air. In a gravitational field, less dense fluid tends to rise above denser fluid. Therefore, warm air, being lighter, rises upward while cooler, denser air sinks, setting up convection currents. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that density ρ is mass per unit volume (ρ = m / V). Step 2: When air is heated at roughly constant pressure, its volume increases while its mass remains the same. Step 3: Increased volume with the same mass leads to decreased density (ρ becomes smaller), so warm air is less dense, or lighter, than cold air. Step 4: In a gravitational field, lighter (less dense) fluid rises and heavier (more dense) fluid sinks. Step 5: Therefore, warm air, being lighter than cold air, rises upward above the colder air. Verification / Alternative check: Everyday examples support this reasoning. Hot air balloons rise because the air inside the balloon is heated, making it less dense than the surrounding cooler air. Similarly, above a heated surface, warm air rises, forming thermal currents that glider pilots can use. In coastal regions, during the day, land heats up more than the sea, causing warm air over land to rise and cooler air from the sea to move in, producing a sea breeze. All these phenomena rely on the fact that warm air is lighter and therefore rises. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (heavier than cold air, so rises): If warm air were heavier, it would tend to sink, not rise. This is opposite to both theory and observation. Option B (lighter but moves downward): This contradicts the basic behaviour of fluids in a gravitational field, where lighter fluid rises. Option D (heavier and sinks): This incorrectly states the density relationship; warm air is not heavier than cold air. Option E (same density, neither rises nor sinks): If densities were the same, there would be no convection based on temperature differences, which contradicts observed atmospheric circulation patterns. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes picture heat as a substance that moves but forget its effect on density. Remember that heating air increases molecular speed and thus volume, reducing density. The rule of thumb for the lower atmosphere is simple: warm air rises, cold air sinks. This helps explain many weather and ventilation phenomena, including why ceiling fans are often used to circulate warm air in winter. Final Answer: Warm air is lighter than cold air, so warm air rises upward.

Question 12

Which instrument is specifically designed for measuring the amount of work performed by a person or a machine, and is commonly used in exercise physiology and ergonomics?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Scientific instruments often have similar sounding names but measure very different quantities. In competitive exams, questions frequently ask you to match instruments with the physical quantities they measure. This question focuses on the instrument used to measure work performed, especially in contexts such as exercise testing and ergonomics, where the mechanical work done by muscles is of interest. Given Data / Assumptions: We are dealing with instruments used in physics and related sciences. Work in physics is defined as force applied over a distance in the direction of motion. The correct instrument directly measures or quantifies work done. Other instruments in the options measure different physical quantities such as wind speed, rainfall or gas volume. Concept / Approach: An ergometer is an instrument designed to measure the work performed by a person or a machine. The name comes from erg, an older unit of work or energy in the CGS system. In modern settings, ergometers are used in laboratories and gyms to test physical fitness, such as cycle ergometers and rowing ergometers that measure power output and total work done during exercise. Eudiometers, anemometers and hyetometers are unrelated to mechanical work and are used for gas volume, wind speed and rainfall measurement respectively. A dynamometer measures force or torque, not the total work done directly, although it can be used to compute work if displacement is known. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that an ergometer is specifically associated with measuring work or energy output, especially in human performance testing. Step 2: Recognise that eudiometer is a device used in chemistry to measure volumes of gas and analyse changes during reactions. Step 3: Recall that anemometer measures wind speed and is used in meteorology. Step 4: Hyetometer measures the amount of rainfall. Step 5: Therefore, among the given options, ergometer is the correct instrument for measuring work performed. Verification / Alternative check: Textbooks and fitness testing protocols frequently refer to cycle ergometers, which are specialised stationary bicycles connected to devices that measure the work done by the subject over time. The data are expressed as power (watts) and total work (joules), both derived from the mechanical work performed. This confirms that ergometers are directly associated with measuring work. In contrast, anemometers are always mentioned in the context of wind, and hyetometers in the context of rainfall, making them clearly unrelated to mechanical work measurement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (eudiometer): Used in gas analysis, especially in laboratory setups to measure the volume of gases involved in chemical reactions. Option B (anemometer): Measures the speed of wind and is installed on weather stations and wind farms. Option C (hyetometer): Measures the amount of rainfall over a period and is used in climatology and hydrology. Option E (dynamometer): Measures force or torque; while related to mechanics, it does not directly measure work, which requires knowledge of both force and displacement. Common Pitfalls: Students often confuse ergometer with dynamometer because both are used in mechanical and physiological testing. The key difference is that dynamometers focus on force or torque, whereas ergometers focus on total work or power over time. Remember the root erg in ergometer, which hints at energy and work, helping you to choose the correct instrument in exam questions. Final Answer: The instrument for measuring work performed is called an ergometer.

Question 13

In mechanics of solids, stress is defined as the internal force acting per unit area within a material. In SI units, stress is measured in which of the following units?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Stress is a fundamental concept in the study of strength of materials and solid mechanics. It quantifies how internal forces are distributed over a cross sectional area inside a material when external loads are applied. Knowing the correct SI unit for stress is essential for solving numerical problems and interpreting material properties like yield strength and ultimate strength. This question asks you to identify the proper SI unit of stress from a list of different physical units. Given Data / Assumptions: Stress σ is defined as force per unit area: σ = F / A. Force F in SI is measured in newtons (N). Area A in SI is measured in square metres (m^2). Pressure is also defined as force per unit area and uses the same unit. Concept / Approach: Since stress is force per unit area, its SI unit must be the same as that of pressure. In SI, one pascal (Pa) is defined as one newton per square metre: 1 Pa = 1 N m^-2. Thus, the unit of stress is pascal. The other options represent completely different physical quantities: newton second for impulse or momentum units, steradian for solid angle, joule for energy and watt for power. None of these match the dimensional formula of stress, which is M L^-1 T^-2 in terms of mass, length and time. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Write the definition of stress: σ = F / A. Step 2: Substitute the SI units: force is in newtons (N) and area in m^2. Step 3: Therefore, the unit of stress is N / m^2. Step 4: Recognise that the name given to 1 N m^-2 in SI is one pascal (Pa). Step 5: Conclude that the SI unit of stress is pascal (Pa). Verification / Alternative check: Material property tables list yield stress, ultimate tensile stress and compressive stress in units of MPa (megapascal) or sometimes N mm^-2, which is numerically equivalent to MPa. For example, a structural steel might have a yield stress of 250 MPa. Since MPa stands for 10^6 pascal, this confirms that pascal is the base unit for stress. The fact that pressure and stress share the same unit reflects that both are force per unit area, though stress is usually internal and can be tensile or compressive, while pressure is usually external and compressive. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (newton second): This unit is associated with impulse or momentum (since momentum has units kg m s^-1 and newton second is equivalent to that), not with stress. Option B (steradian): This is the SI unit of solid angle in three dimensional geometry. Option D (joule): This is the SI unit of energy or work, equal to N m, not N m^-2. Option E (watt): This is the SI unit of power, equal to joule per second (J s^-1). Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse stress with strain or pressure. Strain is dimensionless, being a ratio of change in length to original length, so it has no unit. Pressure has the same unit as stress but applies to fluids or external forces on surfaces. Remember that any time you see force divided by area in a mechanical context, the result is measured in pascals. For engineering materials, you usually work with kilopascal (kPa), megapascal (MPa) or gigapascal (GPa) due to the large magnitudes involved. Final Answer: The SI unit of stress is the pascal (Pa).

Question 14

Considering different media, in which of the following does light travel with the greatest speed?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The speed of light is a fundamental constant in physics, but its value depends on the medium through which it travels. In competitive exams, questions often ask where light travels fastest or slowest among different media such as vacuum, air, water and solids. This question tests whether you know that the maximum speed of light is achieved in vacuum and that light slows down when it passes through material media. Given Data / Assumptions: c denotes the speed of light in vacuum, approximately 3 × 10^8 m s^-1. In a medium with refractive index n, the speed of light v is given by v = c / n. The refractive index of vacuum is exactly 1. The refractive indices of air, water and solids like steel are greater than 1. Concept / Approach: The refractive index n of a medium is defined as n = c / v, where c is the speed of light in vacuum and v is the speed of light in that medium. Rearranging gives v = c / n. Since n is always greater than or equal to 1, the speed of light is maximum when n is minimum. The smallest possible refractive index is 1, which occurs in vacuum. In air, n is slightly greater than 1, so light is slightly slower than in vacuum. In water and solids like glass or steel, n is significantly larger than 1, so light slows down even more. Therefore, the medium in which light travels fastest is vacuum. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that in vacuum, light travels at its maximum speed c ≈ 3 × 10^8 m s^-1 and the refractive index n is 1. Step 2: In any other medium, n > 1, so v = c / n < c, meaning light slows down. Step 3: Air has a refractive index very close to 1 (approximately 1.0003), so light in air travels slightly slower than in vacuum. Step 4: Water and solids like steel have larger refractive indices, so light moves even more slowly in these media. Step 5: Conclude that of the options given, vacuum is the medium in which light travels fastest. Verification / Alternative check: Standard data tables show that the speed of light in air is about 3.0 × 10^8 m s^-1 multiplied by a small factor less than 1, such as 0.9997, while in water it is around 2.25 × 10^8 m s^-1, and in glass even lower. Metals like steel are opaque for visible light, but where propagation is considered, effective speeds are much lower than in transparent media. All of this confirms the general rule that light travels fastest in vacuum and slows down in any material medium. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (nitrogen gas): Nitrogen gas is very similar to air in refractive index and still has n slightly greater than 1, so light is slower than in vacuum. Option B (air at sea level): Light speed in air is slightly less than in vacuum due to n being slightly above 1. Option C (steel): Visible light does not propagate freely through steel; metals strongly interact with light, and any effective propagation speed is much lower than in vacuum. Option E (water): Water has n about 1.33, so light speed in water is about c / 1.33, clearly less than c. Common Pitfalls: Because the difference in speed between vacuum and air is small, some students mistakenly think they are exactly the same. While for many practical purposes light speed in air can be approximated by c, conceptually and in exam questions the maximum speed is in vacuum. Remember the simple rule: as refractive index increases, speed of light decreases. Vacuum, with the smallest possible refractive index of 1, gives the highest speed. Final Answer: Light travels fastest in vacuum.

Question 15

In classical mechanics, impulse is defined as the product of the average force acting on a body and the time interval for which it acts. Impulse is exactly equal to which of the following physical quantities?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Impulse is a useful concept in mechanics, especially in situations where forces act for short time intervals, such as collisions or hitting a ball with a bat. Rather than dealing with large, rapidly changing forces directly, we work with the impulse delivered. This question asks you to recall the fundamental relationship between impulse and momentum, a key result of Newton second law in its more general form. Given Data / Assumptions: Impulse J is defined as J = F_avg * Δt for a constant average force F_avg acting for time Δt. Momentum p of a body is defined as p = m * v. Newton second law can be written in terms of momentum as F = dp / dt. We consider the net impulse acting on a body during a given time interval. Concept / Approach: Starting from the momentum form of Newton second law, F = dp / dt, we can rearrange to dp = F * dt. Integrating both sides over a time interval gives the total change in momentum equal to the integral of force with respect to time. For a constant or average force, this integral reduces to J = F_avg * Δt. Therefore, the impulse delivered to a body equals the change in its momentum. This is known as the impulse momentum theorem. It is not equal to change in force, velocity or acceleration by themselves, although these may all change during the interaction. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Write Newton second law in momentum form: F = dp / dt. Step 2: Rearrange to get dp = F * dt. Step 3: Integrate both sides from initial time t1 to final time t2: ∫ dp = ∫ F dt. Step 4: The left side gives p_final − p_initial which is the change in momentum Δp. Step 5: The right side is defined as impulse J. For constant average force, J = F_avg * Δt, so J = Δp. Verification / Alternative check: Consider a ball of mass m at rest that is struck by a bat and leaves with velocity v. The initial momentum is 0 and the final momentum is m * v, so the change in momentum is m * v. The impulse delivered by the bat, calculated as average force multiplied by contact time, must equal this change in momentum. Experiments with force sensors in sports science confirm this link between the impulse and the resulting change in ball momentum. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B (change in force): Impulse is not about how much the force value itself changes, but about the combined effect of force and time on momentum. Option C (change in velocity): Change in velocity is related, but impulse equals change in momentum, which includes mass as well. For the same change in velocity, a more massive object has a larger change in momentum. Option D (change in acceleration): Acceleration describes how velocity changes, but impulse is related to momentum directly, not to acceleration. Option E (product of mass and displacement): That product is not a standard mechanical quantity and is not equal to impulse. Common Pitfalls: Some students confuse impulse with force or with change in velocity because they see the equation F = m * a and then think in terms of acceleration. The safest approach is to remember the impulse momentum theorem explicitly: impulse equals change in momentum. Whenever force acts over time and you need the overall effect on motion, think about how momentum changes rather than focusing only on instantaneous force values. Final Answer: Impulse is equal to the change in momentum of the body.

Question 16

According to Newton second law of motion, if the mass of an object is kept constant, its acceleration is ______.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Newton second law of motion is one of the most fundamental relations in mechanics, connecting force, mass and acceleration. Understanding how acceleration depends on force and mass helps in predicting the motion of objects under different loads. This question focuses on how acceleration changes when only the applied force is varied and the mass of the object is kept constant. Given Data / Assumptions: Newton second law is expressed as F = m * a. The mass m of the object is constant in the situation described. We consider net force acting along the line of motion. We want the proportionality relationship between acceleration a and applied force F under these conditions. Concept / Approach: From F = m * a, we can express acceleration as a = F / m. If the mass m is fixed, then a is directly proportional to F. That means if you double the force, the acceleration doubles; if you halve the force, the acceleration halves. Inverse proportionality to mass appears when you keep force constant, not when you keep mass constant. Therefore, among the options, only direct proportionality to applied force correctly describes the dependence of acceleration under the given condition. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Start with Newton second law: F = m * a. Step 2: Rearrange to express acceleration: a = F / m. Step 3: Note that if mass m is constant, then a varies in direct proportion to F. Step 4: This means that increasing F increases a in the same ratio, and decreasing F decreases a in the same ratio. Step 5: Therefore, the correct statement is that acceleration is directly proportional to the applied force for a given mass. Verification / Alternative check: Suppose an object of mass 2 kg is pushed by a force of 4 N; then its acceleration is a = 4 / 2 = 2 m s^-2. If the force is increased to 8 N while mass remains 2 kg, the new acceleration is a = 8 / 2 = 4 m s^-2, which is double the previous value. This simple numerical example confirms that acceleration doubles when force doubles, consistent with direct proportionality between acceleration and force when mass is unchanged. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (inversely proportional to the applied force): This would mean that increasing force reduces acceleration, which contradicts both the formula and physical experience. Option B (inversely proportional to the mass of the object): While acceleration is indeed inversely proportional to mass, this statement is irrelevant when mass is fixed; the question specifically asks about dependence on force for a given mass. Option C (directly proportional to the mass): This is the opposite of the correct relationship; for a given force, larger mass produces smaller acceleration. Option E (independent of the applied force): This would imply that changing the force has no effect on acceleration, which clearly contradicts Newton second law and everyday observations. Common Pitfalls: Many students memorise that acceleration is directly proportional to force and inversely proportional to mass but sometimes forget which variable is being held constant in a particular question. Always start from the equation F = m * a and solve for the quantity of interest. If mass is constant, focus on how changing F changes a. If force is constant, focus on how changing m changes a. This systematic approach prevents confusion about proportionality statements. Final Answer: For a given mass, acceleration is directly proportional to the applied force.

Question 17

When a body slides over a rough surface, the contact force that resists or opposes the relative motion between the two surfaces is called ______.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Whenever two surfaces are in contact and one tries to move relative to the other, a resistive force called friction appears at the interface. Friction plays a crucial role in everyday life, allowing us to walk without slipping and vehicles to move on roads. This question asks for the correct name of the force that resists sliding motion between surfaces, checking your understanding of basic contact forces in mechanics. Given Data / Assumptions: A body is sliding or trying to slide over a surface. The surfaces are rough to some extent, not perfectly smooth. The force in question acts at the contact surface and opposes relative motion. Other forces like centripetal, centrifugal, inertia and tension are present in different contexts. Concept / Approach: Friction is defined as the force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of such motion between two surfaces in contact. It acts tangentially along the surfaces and opposite to the direction of attempted motion. Centripetal force is the net force directed towards the centre that keeps a body moving in a circular path. Centrifugal force is a pseudo force observed in a rotating frame of reference. Inertia is not a force but a property of matter that resists changes in motion. Tension is the pulling force transmitted along a string or rope. Therefore, only friction matches the description of the force resisting sliding motion between surfaces. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the type of motion described: a body sliding over a surface or trying to slide. Step 2: Recall that the force that resists sliding or impending sliding at the contact surface is friction. Step 3: Note that friction acts parallel to the surface and opposite to the direction of motion. Step 4: Compare with centripetal force (towards centre in circular motion), centrifugal force (pseudo force in rotating frames), inertia (property, not force) and tension (force along a string). Step 5: Conclude that the correct name for the resisting force is friction. Verification / Alternative check: Imagine pushing a heavy box across a rough floor. When you apply a small push, the box may not move because friction balances your push up to a limiting value. If you increase the push beyond this limit, the box starts to slide, and a kinetic friction force continues to oppose motion. Throughout this process, the force that resists motion is friction. No centripetal or centrifugal forces are involved because there is no circular motion, and tension would only appear if the box were pulled by a rope. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (centripetal force): This is the radial force that keeps an object in circular motion and does not directly describe surface resistance to sliding. Option C (centrifugal force): This is a pseudo force experienced in a rotating frame of reference and is not a contact force between sliding surfaces. Option D (inertia): Inertia is the tendency of a body to resist changes in its state of motion; it is not a force. Option E (tension): Tension is the pulling force along a string, cable or rope and is not the resistive force between sliding surfaces. Common Pitfalls: Some students confuse friction with inertia because both resist motion in some way. It is important to remember that friction is an actual force that arises from microscopic irregularities and interactions at contact surfaces, while inertia is an inherent property of mass. Only friction appears as a force vector in free body diagrams when two surfaces are in contact and one tends to move relative to the other. Final Answer: The resisting force between sliding surfaces is called friction.

Question 18

In a steady or streamline flow of a fluid, which quantity at a fixed point in the fluid remains constant with time?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Fluid dynamics distinguishes between different types of flow, such as steady (streamline) flow and unsteady (turbulent or time varying) flow. Understanding what remains constant in a steady flow at a particular point is important for applying Bernoulli equation and continuity equation. This question asks you to identify which physical quantity stays the same at a given point in a streamline flow as time passes. Given Data / Assumptions: We are dealing with a streamline or steady flow of a fluid. At a fixed point in space, the properties of the fluid may or may not change with time. Steady flow means that certain properties are time independent at each point. We consider speed, pressure, force, temperature and density as possible candidates. Concept / Approach: In fluid mechanics, steady flow (often used interchangeably with streamline flow in basic texts) is defined as a flow in which the fluid properties at any given point do not change with time. The most important property in this definition is the velocity of the fluid. In a steady flow, the velocity vector at each fixed point in space remains constant in magnitude and direction over time, although it may vary from point to point in the flow field. Pressure, density and temperature may also be constant in some special flows, but in general they can vary with position and sometimes along streamlines even in steady conditions. The key defining feature is the constancy of velocity (and thus speed) at each point with respect to time. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the definition of steady flow: a flow in which fluid properties at any fixed point do not change with time. Step 2: In basic descriptions, the primary property considered is the velocity of the fluid at that point. Step 3: For a steady, streamline flow, the velocity vector at a fixed point remains constant in magnitude and direction as time passes. Step 4: This implies that the speed (the magnitude of velocity) at that point is constant with time. Step 5: Other properties like pressure, temperature and density may vary from point to point and can change along a streamline, even in steady flow, depending on the situation. Verification / Alternative check: Visualise water flowing smoothly through a pipe at a constant rate. At any fixed point inside the pipe, the speed and direction of flow remain the same with time; if you drop dye into the flow, it moves in smooth paths and the pattern stays steady. This is a steady or streamline flow. However, pressure can change from one point to another along the pipe due to height differences or constrictions. Density in incompressible flows (like liquids) may remain constant overall, but in compressible flows (like gases) it can vary with pressure, even under steady conditions. Thus, the only universally correct answer that fits the definition at a given point is the constancy of velocity or speed with respect to time. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A (force): Force on fluid elements can vary with position and may not remain constant at a point even in steady flow, especially if external fields or pressure gradients are present. Option B (pressure): Pressure often changes along the direction of flow, for example in a Venturi tube, even when the flow is steady. Option D (temperature): Temperature may change along a streamline in flows involving heat transfer, even if the velocity field is steady. Option E (density): In compressible flows, density can change as pressure and temperature change, despite the flow being steady in terms of velocity. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes think that steady flow means all properties are constant everywhere, which is not correct. Steady means no change with time at a fixed point, but properties can still vary from point to point in space. The velocity field is the primary focus in the definition of steady or streamline flow: at each fixed point, the velocity does not change with time. Remember that when you see the phrase steady flow, you should immediately think of a velocity field that is time independent, even though it may vary spatially. Final Answer: In a streamline (steady) flow, the speed (magnitude of velocity) at each fixed point remains constant with time.

Question 19

In fluid mechanics, what is the value of viscosity for an ideal or perfect fluid?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In fluid mechanics, the idea of an ideal or perfect fluid is very important for building simple mathematical models of real fluids. Real liquids such as water, oil or air always have some internal friction when layers slide past one another, but in many theoretical problems this friction is assumed to be absent. That internal friction is measured by a quantity called viscosity. Understanding what happens to viscosity in the ideal fluid model helps students clearly separate idealised concepts from real world behaviour and also prevents common conceptual mistakes in exam questions. Given Data / Assumptions: • We are dealing with an ideal or perfect fluid, not a real fluid like water or oil. • Viscosity means internal friction between neighbouring layers of the fluid when they move relative to each other. • There is no need to use any numerical value or formula in this question, it is purely conceptual. • Pressure and density of the fluid are not being changed in the statement, only the nature of the fluid is idealised. Concept / Approach: Viscosity is defined as the property of a fluid that opposes relative motion between its layers. It is responsible for viscous forces or drag forces inside the fluid. Real fluids always have some viscosity. For example, honey has a high viscosity and water has a much lower viscosity. In theory, to simplify the equations of motion, physicists and engineers often imagine an ideal fluid that has no internal friction at all. This means the viscosity coefficient of such a fluid is taken to be exactly zero. This assumption makes the mathematics much easier and is used in many topics, such as ideal fluid flow and Bernoulli equation. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the definition of viscosity as a measure of internal friction between layers of a fluid. Step 2: Recall the definition of an ideal or perfect fluid from theory in fluid mechanics. Step 3: An ideal fluid is defined to have no internal friction or viscous resistance. Step 4: If there is no internal friction, the viscosity coefficient must be taken as zero. Step 5: Therefore the correct statement about the viscosity of an ideal fluid is that it is zero. Verification / Alternative check: You can verify this idea from the standard equations of fluid dynamics. The Navier Stokes equations for real fluids contain terms that involve viscosity. When we want equations for an ideal fluid, those viscous terms are removed by setting the viscosity coefficient to zero. The result is the Euler equation for ideal fluid flow. This confirms that in all ideal fluid models, viscosity is assumed to vanish. No standard textbook ever defines an ideal fluid with non zero viscosity, so any option that suggests a non zero value is inconsistent with the theoretical definition. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Equal to its mass: This is meaningless because viscosity and mass are completely different physical quantities with different units. Equal to its weight: Weight is a force, while viscosity is a material property, so they cannot be equal in this sense. Very large but finite: A large viscosity means a very sticky fluid, which is the opposite of the behaviour of an ideal fluid. Infinite: Infinite viscosity would mean the layers cannot slide at all, which does not match the definition of an ideal, frictionless fluid. Common Pitfalls: Students sometimes confuse an ideal fluid with an incompressible fluid or with a superfluid. Incompressible simply means constant density, and superfluids are special quantum states that still have their own specific properties. None of these ideas imply a large value of viscosity for an ideal fluid. Another mistake is to assume that ideal means very good in a loose sense, so some learners think of very low but non zero viscosity. In theory, however, ideal is a precise word and means exactly zero viscosity. Remember that ideal models are simplifications and do not correspond to any actual liquid in everyday life. Final Answer: The viscosity of an ideal or perfect fluid is taken to be zero.

Question 20

What is the SI unit of intensity of sound in acoustics?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sound intensity is an important concept in physics and acoustics because it tells us how much sound power passes through a unit area. Many exam questions test the difference between sound intensity, sound pressure and sound level in decibels. Knowing the correct SI unit of sound intensity helps you distinguish these related but different quantities and prevents confusion between power based and logarithmic measures. Given Data / Assumptions: • The question asks specifically about the SI unit of intensity of sound, not about loudness or sound level. • We are dealing with basic physics definitions according to the International System of Units. • No numerical values of intensity are given or required, so this is a recall based conceptual question. Concept / Approach: Intensity of any wave, including sound, is defined as power transmitted per unit area. In symbols, intensity I is given by I = P / A, where P is power and A is area perpendicular to the direction of propagation. In the SI system, power is measured in watts and area in square metres. Therefore the SI unit of intensity is watt per square metre, written as W/m^2. The decibel is used to express sound level on a logarithmic scale, not the raw intensity in SI units, so it should not be selected when the question explicitly mentions SI unit. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the definition of intensity I as power per unit area, I = P / A. Step 2: Identify the SI unit of power P, which is the watt. Step 3: Identify the SI unit of area A, which is the square metre. Step 4: Combine these to get the unit of intensity as watt per square metre. Step 5: Among the options, only watt per square metre (W/m^2) matches this unit, so that option is correct. Verification / Alternative check: You can check your answer by looking at standard formulas for sound intensity. For a plane progressive wave, intensity I is related to the root mean square pressure and acoustic impedance, but whenever power per area is computed, the units always simplify to watt per square metre. Additionally, physics and engineering handbooks list W/m^2 as the standard SI unit of intensity for electromagnetic and acoustic waves. This consistency across different wave types confirms that the same unit applies here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Joule per square metre: A joule is a unit of energy, so joule per square metre would represent energy per area, not power per area. Newton per square metre: Newton per square metre is the pascal, which is the unit of pressure, not intensity. Decibel: Decibel is a dimensionless logarithmic unit used to express ratios such as sound level, not a base SI unit for intensity. Tesla per square metre: Tesla is the unit of magnetic flux density, so tesla per square metre is unrelated to acoustic intensity. Common Pitfalls: Students often mix up intensity and loudness, and because loudness is commonly quoted in decibels, they select decibel as the unit. Remember that decibel scales compare a measured intensity to a reference intensity using logarithms, but the underlying physical intensity still has units of watt per square metre. Another confusion arises between pressure and intensity; sound pressure has units of pascal, whereas intensity has units of W/m^2. Keeping track of the quantity definition and its formula is the best way to avoid such errors. Final Answer: The SI unit of intensity of sound is watt per square metre, written as W/m^2.

Physics Questions