In this basic physics and units question, select the odd term from the following options: Joule, Ohm, Watt and Magnetic Field.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Magnetic Field

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question checks your basic understanding of physical quantities and their standard units. You are given four options from physics: Joule, Ohm, Watt and Magnetic Field. Three of these are standard units used in the International System of Units or closely related systems, while one is a physical quantity itself rather than a unit. Your task is to choose the odd term that does not represent a unit.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Options: Joule, Ohm, Watt and Magnetic Field.
  • We need to distinguish between units and physical quantities.
  • Exactly one option is a physical quantity, while the others are units that measure different quantities.
  • Only high school level physics knowledge about basic units is required.


Concept / Approach:
In physics, we measure different physical quantities using standard units. For example, energy is measured in Joules, electrical resistance is measured in Ohms and power is measured in Watts. Magnetic field, on the other hand, is not a unit but a quantity. It is measured in units such as Tesla or Gauss. Therefore, we must identify which of the given options plays the role of a measurable quantity rather than a unit of measurement.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine Joule.Joule is the standard unit of work or energy. It tells us how much energy has been used or transferred.Step 2: Examine Ohm.Ohm is the standard unit of electrical resistance. It measures how strongly a material opposes the flow of electric current.Step 3: Examine Watt.Watt is the standard unit of power. It tells us how fast work is done or how quickly energy is transferred.Step 4: Examine Magnetic Field.Magnetic field is itself a physical quantity that describes the influence a magnet or current exerts on moving charges and magnetic materials. It is measured in units like Tesla.Step 5: Identify the odd term.Since Joule, Ohm and Watt are units, while Magnetic Field is a quantity, Magnetic Field is the odd one out.


Verification / Alternative check:
A quick way to verify is to ask how you would use each word in a sentence. You might say "The energy is 10 Joules," "The resistance is 5 Ohms," or "The power is 60 Watts." In each case, the word names the unit. For Magnetic Field, you would say "The magnetic field is 2 Tesla." Here Magnetic Field is the thing being measured and Tesla is the unit, which confirms that Magnetic Field belongs in a different category from the other three options.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Joule: A standard unit of energy, so it clearly matches the pattern of being a unit.
Ohm: A standard unit of electrical resistance, again a unit rather than a physical quantity name.
Watt: A standard unit of power that fits in the same category as Joule and Ohm.


Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may confuse the names of units and quantities, especially when they are often mentioned together, like power and Watt or magnetic field and Tesla. The key is to remember that a physical quantity answers the question "what is being measured," while the unit answers "in what scale or standard is it measured." Always separate these two ideas to solve similar odd one out problems correctly.


Final Answer:
The odd term is Magnetic Field, because it is a physical quantity, whereas Joule, Ohm and Watt are all units used to measure different physical quantities.

More Questions from Odd Man Out and Series

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion