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MEASUREMENT

➀ For an answer to be complete, the units need to be specified. Why?

Ans: Unit is a standard with which a measurement is compared.
Example: If you are asked to measure a bed and you report that it is "four". You have not given enough
information for your answer to be useful. There is a large difference b/w a bed that is 4 m long and one that is 4 ft long.
This is the reason that units are necessary to give meaning to the numerical answer.

➁ What are the advantages of using international system of units (S.I)?

Ans: There are many system of units like MKS, CGS, FPS, etc. to represent units of physical quantities. But we need a
system of units for a quantity to be the same where it measures and hence can be applicable throughout the world.
Thus, in 1960 an international committee agreed on a single system for whole world which is named System
International (S.I). For convenience, we can use other systems but in science for every type of measurement, we will use
the units of S.I.

➂ How many radians account for circumference of a circle? How many steradians account for
circumference of a sphere?
 Radian: The angle ‘θ’ made at the center of a circle by an arc of length equal to the radius of that circle is
called radian.
The plane angle made by the circumference of a circle at the center of the circle is 2π radian i.e. 360o or 1 revolution.
 Steradian: The angle made at the center of a sphere by surface area equal to the square of the radius of that
sphere is called steradian.
The angle made by circumference (surface area) of a sphere at its center is 4π sr.

➃ What is least count error? How can least count error be reduced?
Ans: It is an error associated with the resolution of a measuring instrument. The smallest division on the scale of a
measuring instrument is called its least count.
 Instruments of higher precision can reduce the least count error.
 By repeating the observations and taking the arithmetic mean of the result, the mean value would be very
close to the true value of the measured quantity.
 Improving experimental techniques also reduce least count error.
2nd Ans:
It is an instrumental or random error related with the precision i.e. limit are resolution of a measuring instrument. The
smallest division on the scale of a measuring instrument is called its least count as measuring instrument may give
different least counts in different measurements. The approximation made by an observer when the object falls within
the smallest division of the scale also leads to this type of error
Examples: A line AB is to be measured with a meter scale. It’s one end coincides with zero and the other end falls
within 2.5 and 2.6 cm. So, an approximation has to be made about the length of the line say 2.55 cm.
 Instruments of higher precision can reduce the least count error.
 Improving experimental techniques also reduce least count error.

➄ Why including more digits in answers, does not make it more accurate?
Ans: Adding more digits to a numerical answer does not inherently increase its accuracy.
The number of digits you present in your answer should represent the precision with which you know a measurement,
it tells very little about the accuracy of the measurement.
Examples: In measuring a rod of length 1 m,
 In 1.23 m and 1.234 m, 1.23 m is more accurate than 1.234 m because it is more close to the true value (1m).

➅ What determines the precision of a measurement?

Ans: Least count determines the precision of a measurement i.e. a device/measurement with smaller least count is
more precise and vice versa.
Precision is how close a measurement comes to another measurement. Precision is determined by a statistical method
called standard deviation. Standard deviation is how much, on average, measurements differ from each other. High
standard deviations indicate low precision while low standard deviations indicate high precision.
Note: The number of significant digits in a number also determines the precision of a measurement.
e.g. The precision of the number 562,00 m is 100 m i.e. the position of last significant digit is in the hundredth place.
➆ If two quantities have different dimensions, is it possible to multiply and/or divide? Can we add and/or
subtract them?
Ans: If two physical quantities have different dimensions then we can multiply or divide these quantities but we can't
prefer addition or subtraction for these quantities.
Explanation: It mean If A and B are two different quantities then,
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A.B = correct operation

A/B = correct operation
A + B = incorrect operation
A - B = incorrect operation
Example: F is force and v is velocity where F and v are different quantities.
So, F ± v = invalid
But F.v = Power (valid)
F/v = mass/time (valid)
Hence for two physical quantities have different dimensions, only multiplication and division are possible.

➇ The human pulse and the swing of a pendulum are possible time units. Why are they not often used?
Ans: As human pulse rate varies with passage of time and also different for systolic and diastolic pressure. That is
why it is not taken as time standard.
Similarly period of a pendulum depends upon length which changes with changes in weather i.e. summer or winter.
Also the value of ‘g’ decreases while going above or below the earth surface. That is why swing of pendulum is not used
as a time standard.

➈ If an equation is dimensionally correct, is that equation a right equation.

Ans: Dimensions are used to determine the nature of physical quantities mathematically.
According to principal of homogeneity, the dimensions of both sides of an equation should be the same. If this exists, the
equation is said to be dimensionally correct but it is not necessary that it is also physically correct.
For example, Area of sphere = 4r2, is dimensionally correct but physically it is incorrect because area of sphere = 4πr2.

VECTORS & EQUILIBRIUM

➀ Is it possible to add three vectors of equal magnitude but different directions to get a null vector?
Illustrate with a diagram.
Ans: Yes. It is possible to add three vectors of equal magnitudes but different directions to get a null vector.
Example:
If three vectors A, B and C are the sides of an equilateral triangle then their resultant will be zero.
i.e. R=⃗
⃗ A+⃗B +⃗C =¿ 0⃗
60

C B

60 60

A
➁ The magnitudes of three vectors are 2m, 3m and 5m respectively. The directions are at your disposal.
Can these three vectors be added to yield zero? Illustrate with a diagram.
Ans: The minimum number of vectors of unequal magnitudes required to produce null vector is 3.
Example:
Let ⃗ B=3m&⃗
A = 2 m, ⃗ C = 5 m are the sides of a triangle then adding by below method will give a null vector.
i.e. R=⃗
⃗ A+⃗ B +⃗
C =¿ 0⃗
C
B

➂ What units are associated with the unit vectors i^ , ^j and k^ ?

Ans: The vector having magnitude 1 is called unit vector. It is used to represent the direction of a vector and hence it
has no unit i.e. dimensionless.
⃗
A
Mathematically ^
A=
A
 Unit vector i^ is used to show the direction along x – axis.
 Unit vector ^j is used to show the direction along y – axis.
 Unit vector k^ is used to show the direction along z – axis.

➃ Can a scalar product of two vectors be negative? Provide a proof and give an example.
Ans: Yes. The scalar product of two vectors can be negative.
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Example:
When we exert force on one end of a pulley downward the other end goes upward.
Thus work done on the pulley is given by
W = F.d = Fd cosθ
Since applied force and displacement is opposite in direction i.e. θ = 180o
So W = Fd cos180o
= Fd (-1) = - Fd

➄ ⃗
A and ⃗B are two nonzero vectors. How can their scalar product be zero? And how can their vectors
product be zero?
Ans: As given that ⃗ A≠0 & ⃗
B≠0
⃗ ⃗
 If angle b/w A and B is 0o or 180o then their vector product will be zero
i.e. ⃗
A×⃗ B = AB sinθ
= AB sin0o = AB (0) = 0
Similarly = AB sin180o = AB (0) = 0
 If angle b/w ⃗ A and ⃗
B is 90o or 270o then their scalar product will be zero
i.e. ⃗
A.⃗B = AB cosθ
= AB cos90o = AB (0) = 0
Similarly = AB cos270o = AB (0) = 0

➅ Suppose you are given a unknown nonzero vector ⃗ A . The scalar product of ⃗
A with an unknown vector ⃗
B
⃗ ⃗
is zero. Likewise, the vector product of A and B is zero. What can you conclude about B? ⃗
Ans: As given that ⃗ A is a non-zero vector i.e. ⃗
A≠0
And also given that ⃗
A.⃗ B=0 i.e. either B = 0 or θ = 90o
Similarly given that ⃗
A×⃗ B=0 i.e. either B = 0 or θ = 0o
As θ cannot has both 0o and 90o at a time,
So we can say that B = 0 i.e. a null vector.

➆ Why a particle experiencing only one force cannot be in equilibrium?

Ans: The minimum number of forces that keep a body in equilibrium is 2.
Thus a particle under the action of a single force has nonzero acceleration and will not be in equilibrium. And hence the
first condition of equilibrium is not satisfied.
When a body in equilibrium, it will not accelerating i.e. either it will be at rest or moving with uniform motion. For this
situation, we have minimum two equal and opposite forces to bring a body in equilibrium.
In case of single force, according to Newton 2nd law a body will accelerated and hence will not be in equilibrium.

➇ To open a door that has the handle on the right and the hinges on the left, a torque must be applied. Is
the torque clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from above? Does your answer depend on whether the
door opens towards or away from you?
Ans: Torque is the cross product of moment arm and applied force i.e. τ=r×F
The direction (-ve or +ve) of torque is determined by using Right Hand Rule. If the fingers are curled from the direction
of r to the direction of F, then the thumb points in the direction of torque. Torque is perpendicular to the plane made by
F and r.
In given situation,
 Torque will be clockwise when you open the door.
 Torque will be anti-clockwise when you shut the door.

➈ Explain the warning “Never use a large wrench to tighten a small bolt”.
Ans: This warning means that to open or tight a small nut on a bolt, never use large wrench i.e. a heavy wrench
because it can break the bolt.
In order to tight a nut on bolt, use a longer wrench than a larger or smaller wrench.
Because a longer wrench has longer moment arm which can easily tight a nut on bolt by applying a small force.

⑩ A central force is one that is always directed towards the same point. Can a central force give rise to a
torque about that point?
Ans: No, a central force cannot produce torque in a body.
Example:
 The force of gravitational (central force) acting on moon due to earth does not exert torque on moon because
angular acceleration of moon is zero
i.e. τ = Iα = I (0) = 0
 Centripetal force (central force) acting on a man in “Death Well” does not exert torque because position vector
and Fc are anti-parallel (θ = 180o)
i.e. τ = rF sin180o = rF (0) = 0
nd
2 Ans:
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For a central force, moment arm is zero i.e. r = 0

Now apply mathematical calculation and show that τ = 0

FORCES & MOTION

➀ If you are riding on a train that speeds past another train moving in the same direction on an adjacent
track, it appears that the other train is moving back. Why?
Ans: Your reference frame is that of the train you are riding. If you are traveling with a relativity constant velocity,
then you will interpret your reference frame as being at rest. Since you are moving faster than the other train, the other
train is moving backwards relative to you. Seeing the other train go past your window from front to rear makes it look
like the train is going backwards.

➁ Can the velocity of a body reverse the direction when acceleration is constant? It you think so, give an
example.
Ans: Yes. The velocity of a body can reverse the direction when acceleration is constant.
Example: When we throw a ball upward then its velocity decreases with a uniform rate of 9.8 ms-2. At summit its
velocity becomes zero because it stops for a little time there. After that the ball returns by reversing its direction
(downward) with an increasing velocity at a uniform rate of 9.8 ms-2.

➂ When you stand still on the ground, how large a force does the ground exert on you? Why doesn’t this
force make you rise up into the air?
Ans: The downward force of your weight is balanced by an equal and opposite force exerted by the ground. The net
force on your body is zero, your rate of acceleration is zero and hence you remain motionless. As a result, you neither
rise nor fall.
➃ A man standing on the top of a tower throws a ball vertically up with certain velocity. He also throws
another ball vertically down with the same speed. Neglect air resistance, which ball will hit the ground with
higher speed?
Ans: Both the balls will hit the ground with same speed.
Example: When a body is projected vertically upward with certain initial velocity, then it will hit the ground with
the same velocity. Thus, when the ball is thrown straight up with the initial velocity vi when it returns back. Hence, this
ball will strike the ground with the same speed.
When a second ball is thrown vertically downward with initial velocity vi, it will also strike the ground with the same
speed. It results that in both the cases, the balls will hit the ground with the same speed. But the difference is that both
the balls will hit the ground at different times due to different heights.
2nd Answer:
In the absence of air resistance, the initial and final speed of a vertically upward thrown body is same. Its reason is that
in upward and downward motion, the velocity of body changes with uniform rate i.e. 9.8 ms-2
Thus the two ball will have different impact time due to difference in height but have same speeds when strike the
ground.

➄ The cricket coach explains that the follow-through with the shot will make the ball travel a great
distance. Explain the reasoning in terms of the impulse-momentum theorem.
Ans: During the follow-through, the bat is in contact with the ball for a longer time. According to impulse -
momentum theorem, the change in momentum is equal to the impulse. In order to impart more momentum into the ball
so that the ball travels a greater distance, a greater impulse is needed which is achieved by a longer time of contact
between bat and ball.

➅ When you release an inflated untied balloon, why does it fly across the room?
Ans: There are two ways to explain this phenomena:
 Newton’s 3rd Law
When air from the balloon is released in backward direction, it is the action of air on balloon. As a reaction, the balloon
moves in forward direction and hence rushes around the room.
 Law of Conservation of Momentum
Balloon and air make a system. The initial momentum of this system is zero. To make the final momentum zero, the
balloon must move with a greater speed and fly across the room.

➆ Modern cars are not rigid but are designed to have ‘crumple zones’ (irregular fold) that collapse upon
impact. What is the advantage of this new design?
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Ans: When there is a car crash, the car, its contents and the passengers decelerate rapidly. They experience
great forces because of the change in momentum which can cause injuries.
Modern cars have safety features that absorb K.E in collisions. These typically include:
 Seat belts
 Air bags
 Crumple zones
Crumple zones are areas of a vehicle that are designed to crush in a controlled way in a collision. They increase the time
taken to change the momentum of the driver and passengers in a crash which reduces the force involved.

➇ Why we can hit a long sixer in a cricket match rather than if we toss a ball for ourselves?
Ans: This is an example of Impulse – momentum theorem.
When you toss a ball for yourself and hit, it will move along a smaller distance. Its reason is that the ball has smaller
momentum, so the impulse will be smaller.
During a cricket match, the ball bowled has greater momentum, so the impulse will be greater and hence the ball easily
cross the boundary for a sixer.

➈ An airplane while travelling horizontally, dropped a bomb when it was exactly above the target, the
bomb missed the target. Explain.
Ans: This phenomenon can be explained by projectile motion.
Example: When the bomb is dropped, the plane has some velocity (vi ≠ 0) and hence the bomb which is inside the
plane also possess the same velocity.
So bomb will drop and hit the ground some distance away (horizontal speed of airplane x time) from the place of
dropping and hence will miss the target.

⑩ Calculate the angle of projection for which kinetic energy at the summit is equal to one-fourth of its
kinetic energy at point of projection.

⇒
Ans: As given (K.E)summit = ¼ (K.E)projection

⇒
½ mvf2 = ¼ ( ½ mvi2)

⇒
vf2 = ¼ vi2

⇒
(vfx + vfy)2 = ¼ vi2

⇒
(vfx + 0)2 = ¼ vi2 At summit, vfy = 0

⇒
vfx2 = ¼ vi2

⇒
vix2 = ¼ vi2 In projectile motion, vfx = vix = vi cosθ

⇒
2 2
(vi cosθ) = ¼ vi

⇒
vi2 cos2θ = ¼ vi2

⇒
cos2 θ = ¼

⇒
(cosθ)2 = ( ½ )2

⇒
cosθ = ½

⇒
cos-1 (cosθ) = cos-1 ( ½ )
θ = 60o

⑪ For any specific velocity of projection, the maximum range is equal to four times of the corresponding
height. Discuss.
Ans: As height of projectile is given by
2 2
v i sin θ
H=
2g

( )
2
v sin2 θ
= i
g 2
2
vi
Here = Rmax for which angle of projection is 45o
g
i.e. H = Rmax ½ (sin45o)2
1 2
= Rmax ½ ( )
√2
⇒
= Rmax ½ ( ½ ) = ¼ Rmax
4H = Rmax or Rmax = 4H

⑫ What is the angle for which the maximum height reached and corresponding range are equal?
Ans: As given H=R
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⇒
2 2 2
v i sin θ v i sin 2θ
=
2g g
⇒
2
sin θ
= sin2θ

⇒
2

⇒
½ sinθ sinθ = 2 sinθ cosθ
½ sinθ = 2 cosθ
⇒
sinθ
=4
⇒
cosθ

⇒
Tanθ = 4

⇒
Tan-1 (Tanθ) = Tan-1 (4)
θ = 75.96o = 76o

WORK & ENERGY

➀ A bucket is taken to the bottom of a well, does the bucket possess any P.E energy? Explain.
Ans: Yes, the bucket possess P.E.
Explanation: When the bucket is taken to the bottom of the well, some work is done against the up thrust of water.
This work done is stored in the bucket as P.E.
We can say that bucket possess some –ve P.E w.r.t. the ground level.

➁ When an arrow is shot from its bow, it has K.E. From where does it get K.E?
Ans: When bow is stretched backward along arrow, work is done. This work done is stored in this system as elastic
P.E. When we shot the arrow from its bow, the P.E converts into K.E of arrow. This K.E helps the arrow to move in
forward direction.

➂ Does a hydrogen filled balloon possess any P.E? Explain.

Ans: Yes, a hydrogen filled balloon possess P.E.
Explanation: The density of hydrogen filled balloon is less than the density of air. Thus when we release the balloon
freely, it moves upwards against the gravitational field due to the thrust force of air. The work done on balloon due to
thrust of air is stored as P.E in balloon (Due to its position w.r.t ground).
OR
Ans: Yes, a hydrogen filled balloon possess P.E.
Explanation: The density of hydrogen filled balloon is less than the density of air (fluid). Thus according to
Archimedes, if the density of body is less than the fluid, then the buoyant force will move the body in upward direction.
Thus balloon moves against gravity. Its position changes w.r.t. earth & hence possess P.E.

➃ Is K.E a vector quantity?

Ans: No, K.E is not a vector quantity.
Explanation: As the K.E of body of mass ‘m’ and velocity ‘v’ is given by,
K.E = ½ mv2
Here ‘m’ is scalar and velocity is vector. But square of velocity gives a scalar,
i.e. v2 = v v = v v (1) = v v cos0o = ⃗v . ⃗v
This shows that K.E is a scalar quantity.

➄ What happens to K.E of a bullet when it penetrates into a target?

Ans: It is the example of perfectly inelastic collision.
Explanation: When a bullet gains K.E from gun and penetrates into a target, its K.E converts into following parts:
 Some is used against the friction provided by the target.
 Some is used as mechanical energy to do work (penetrate the target).
 Some is lost in the form of sound and heat energy.

➅ Does the tension in the string of a swinging pendulum do any work? Explain.
Ans: No, tension in the string does not do any work.
Explanation: Work done by a force is given by W=⃗ F . ⃗x = Fx cosθ
Where ⃗x is the displacement of the body as a result of the applied force ⃗ F and θ is the angle between ⃗
F and ⃗x .
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As the tension in the string acts upward and the velocity of the bob of the pendulum is always along the tangent to the
path of the pendulum. So the angle between the tension and displacement is always 90°.
Applying the above equation,
W = Fx cos90 = Fx (0) = 0 (F = Tension in string)

➆ A meteor when enters into the earth atmosphere, burns. What happens to its energy?
Ans: A meteor possess K.E due to its motion. When it enters the earth atmosphere, it burns due to friction b/w air
particles and its body.
The K.E of meteor converts into heat and light energy and its momentum converts to the particles of atmosphere. This
heat energy increases the average energy of the particles of the air.

➇ What type of energy is stored in the spring of watch?

Ans: P.E is stored in the spring of watch.
Explanation: The work done in winding the watch is used in compressing the spring and is stored in the form of
elastic P.E in the spring of watch.
This stored elastic P.E in the spring again converts into mechanical energy to move the arms of the watch.

➈ A man drops a cup from a certain height, which breaks into pieces. What energy changes are involved?
Ans: When a man lifts a cup through certain height, it gains P.E due to its position w.r.t ground or table. Now when he
drops it from this height, its P.E converts into K.E which then converts into the following parts:
 Break up the cup
 K.E of scattered pieces
 Heat energy dissipated against friction
 Sound energy

⑩ A man rowing boat upstream is at rest w.r.t shore, is he doing work?

Ans: No, he is not doing any work.
Explanation: As the work done by a body is given by,
W = F.d
Since man is rowing the boat upstream but is at rest to the shore i.e. his boat is not covering any displacement w.r.t. the
shore (d = 0)
Thus W = F (0) = 0

⑪ Why energy savers are used instead of normal bulbs?

Ans: Energy savers is more efficient than normal bulbs.
Explanation: Normal bulbs are rated at higher power i.e. they consume more energy due to which they produce more
heat. On the other hand, energy savers are rated at lower power i.e. they consume less energy due to which they
produce less heat. That is why energy savers are preferred over normal bulbs.

ROTATIONAL & CIRCULAR MOTION

➀ Why is the fly wheel of an engine made heavy in the rim?

Ans: A flywheel is a heavy wheel attached to a rotating shaft so as to smooth out delivery of power from a motor to
a machine. The inertia of the flywheel opposes and moderates fluctuations in the speed of the engine and stores the
excess energy for intermittent use. To oppose speed fluctuations effectively, a flywheel is given a high rotational inertia.
Most of the mass of a flywheel is concentrated at the rim so as to have moment of inertia same for the whole mass. If
such a wheel gains or loses rotational energy, the change in the angular velocity is very small. Thus a flywheel helps to
maintain uniform motion.
2nd Answer
Ans: As the moment of inertia is given by,
I = mr2
So in order to increase the moment of inertia of the flywheel, either will increase the value of ‘r’ or the value of ‘m’. With
the increasing value of ‘r’, the size of the wheel will increase which will cover more space in the engine. Thus to avoid
this, we increase the value of ‘m’. Therefore, in order to increase the moment of inertia of the flywheel of an engine, we
make them heavy in the rim.
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And K.E = ½ Iω2

It shows if the moment of inertia is greater, the angular velocity ‘ω’ changes very slowly. So it helps in maintaining
uniform rotational motion.

➁ Why is a rifle barrel rifled?

Ans: A rifle is portable and has more firing power as compared to pistols and revolvers. Rifling refers to the spiral
grooves that are cut into the internal surface of a gun barrel. Rifling helps impart a spinning motion to a bullet when it is
fired.
A bullet fired from a rifle has a spiral spin that keeps it point-first in flight, increasing accuracy and long-distance
targeting.
Thus rifling helps the bullet maintain a stable trajectory when it leaves the gun and enhances both the range and target
accuracy of the gun.
2nd Answer
A rifle barrel is rifled in order to attain stable pointing of bullet so that one can hit the long-distance target with more
accuracy. The barrel has a spiral groove in order to make a bullet spin. For that spin, the bullet gets angular momentum
about an axis which is parallel to the barrel of the gun. As angular momentum is a conserved quantity, it will keep the
bullet stable in the targeted direction. So by doing this, we actually increase the efficiency of the gun.
➂ Is it possible for a person to distinguish b/w a raw egg and a hard boiled one by spinning each on a
table? Explain.
Ans: Yes, it is possible to distinguish b/w the two eggs by spinning each on the table.
Explanation: The raw egg contains more of the liquid in it and when someone rotates it, the centrifuge will act on the liquid and
pushes it against the inner surface of egg. This increases the rotational inertia of the egg and due to which it spins slowly (τ = Iα).
On the other hand, the hardboiled egg has lower rotational inertia and will spins fast compared to the raw egg.
2nd Answer
Ans: This is the example of moment of inertia.
Explanation: To distinguish b/w a hardboiled egg and a raw egg, let spin each egg on a table top. In a raw egg, the
inside liquid matter (especially yolk) tries to get away from its axis of rotation due to which its moment of inertia
increases. An increase in moment of inertia causes a decrease in angular acceleration (τ = Iα) i.e. a raw egg will spin at
slower rate. In case of hardboiled egg, the liquid/yolk is fixed at center which decreases its moment of inertia due to
which it will spin faster just like a rigid body.

➃ Why is the acceleration of a body, moving uniformly in a circle, directed towards the center?
Ans: When a body moves in a circle with uniform speed, its direction always changes along the tangent. The change
in direction of the velocity is called centripetal or radial acceleration. This acceleration is produced in the body due to
centripetal force (Fc = mac) which is always directed towards the center. That is why the acceleration of the body is
directed towards the center of the circle.

➄ A ball is just supported by a string without breaking. If it is set swinging, it breaks. Why?
Ans: When a ball is tied to a string without making it to swing, then the tension acting on the point of suspension is
equal to the weight of the ball i.e. T=W
If the ball is made to swing then an additional force i.e. centripetal force comes into action which also acts on the point
of suspension. As a result, force on the string increases the permissible value and hence the string breaks.
2nd Answer
When a ball is suspended by a string is at rest, then the tension in the string is equal to the weight of the ball i.e.
T=W
If the ball is set swinging in a circle, then the necessary centripetal force is provided by the tension in the string. Thus
the net force acting on the ball is,

⇒
Fc = T – W
T = W + Fc (F = mv2/r)
This equation shows that the tension in the string increases by an amount of Fc.
As the string cannot bear such a large force, therefore, it breaks.

➅ An insect is sitting close to the axis of a wheel. If the friction b/w insect and the wheel is very small,
describe the motion of the insect when wheel starts rotating?
Ans: Insect sitting on the wheel is initially at rest w.r.t wheel. When wheel starts rotation, insect also starts rotation
with wheel. The necessary centripetal force to insect is provided by the frictional force b/w insect and the wheel.
As given that friction b/w insect and the wheel is very small, therefore, centrifugal force comes into action and insect
moves away from the wheel along the tangent.
2nd Answer
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The insect sitting close to the axis of wheel is rotating along a circular path due to friction b/w insect and the wheel.
This frictional force provides the necessary centripetal force to insect. When the speed of the wheel increases, the
friction is insufficient to keep the insect along circular path and hence fly off tangentially.
➆ Explain how many minimum number of geo-stationary satellites are required for global coverage of TV
transmission?
Ans: The geostationary satellites are those which orbit the earth by revolving in the same direction as the earth i.e.
from west to east. They have an angular velocity which is the same as that of the earth i.e. its orbit takes 24 hours to
complete one rotation.
When a geostationary satellite is at a distance of approximately 42,400 km from the center of the earth, they form a
solid angle at the center. We can calculate this solid angle by the formula
Ω = 2π (1 − cosθ)
For a geostationary satellite, we know this solid angle to be approximately 120o.
So to cover the total surface of the earth, the solid angle has to be 360o.
Thus the number of satellites (n) required will be given by
o
Total solid angle 360
n= = =3
Solid angle subtended by the satellite 120o
Therefore, for global coverage of TV transmission, the number of satellites will be three.

➇ Explain the significance of moment of inertia in rotatory motion.

Ans: The ability of a rotatory object to oppose the change in its state is called moment of inertia. Simply it is the
measure of resistance of an object to an external torque.
The measure of opposition depends on the mass of the object and the distribution of mass about the axis of rotation (i.e.
I = mr2)
Moment of inertia (rotational inertia) plays the same role in rotational motion as that of mass (translational inertia) in
translatory motion. The physical significance of the moment of inertia of a body about an axis is the allocation of the
mass of the body in space about the axis. Greater the mass concentrated away from the axis, greater will be the moment
of inertia.
2nd Answer
The physical significance of the moment of inertia is similar to the mass in translational motion. In translational motion,
the mass of a body is used for measuring inertia. As the mass increases, inertia becomes larger. The force required for
producing the linear acceleration will also increase.
In rotational motion, the greater the moment of inertia, the angular acceleration will require more torque.
The moment of inertia depends on three factors:
 Mass of the body (m)
 Shape, size and density of the body
 The position of the axis of rotation (r)

➈ Why does the coasting rotating system slow down as water drops into the beaker?
Ans: As we know that I = mr2
i.e. I∝m
It means that greater the mass of an object, greater will be its moment of inertia.
When water is dropped in the beaker of coasting rotating system, its mass gets larger due to which its moment of inertia
increases. This increase in inertia makes the rotation of the system comparatively slower. This is because the heavier
beaker will exert more resistance to rotation due to inertia.
2nd Answer:
Ans: This is the example of Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum.
Explanation: As we know L = Iω
1
i.e. I∝
ω
To conserve the angular momentum, the product of I and ω should be the same.
Before dropping the water, beaker is rotating with certain angular momentum (Li). After dropping the water, the
moment of inertia of the system increases. Now to conserve the angular momentum, the system must rotate slower to
keep the product of I and ω the same (i.e. Lf).

⑩ A body will be weightless when the elevator falls down just like a free falling body. Explain.
Ans: The net force acting on an elevator moving downward with an acceleration ‘a’ is,

⇒
F=W–T
T = W – F = mg – ma = m (g – a) …………… (i)
Here ‘T’ is the apparent weight (tension in the string) and ‘W = mg’ is the real weight of the elevator.
Now if the elevator is falling freely with acceleration ‘g’ then
 10

T = m (g – g) = 0
Thus the apparent weight of elevator falling freely is zero i.e. weightless.
Note:
When in free fall, the only force acting upon the body is the force of gravity (a non-contact force). Since the force of
gravity cannot be felt without any other opposing forces, we would have no sensation of it. That is why we would feel
weightless when in a state of free fall.

⑪ When a tractor moves with uniform velocity, its heavier wheel rotates slowly than its lighter wheel.
Explain why?
Ans: As we know that I = mr2
i.e. I∝m
It means that greater the mass of an object, greater will be its moment of inertia.
As the mass of heavier wheel is larger than lighter wheel due to which heavier wheel has larger moment of inertia than
lighter wheel. This is the reason which makes the heavier wheel to rotate slowly than lighter wheel. This is because the
heavier wheel will exert more resistance to rotation due to inertia.

FLUID DYNAMICS

➀ From the top of a tall building, you drop two table-tennis balls, one filled with air and other filled with
water. Which ball reaches terminal velocity first and why?
Ans: The constant velocity attained by the object, after falling some distance, due to balance of the forces is known as
the terminal velocity.
2
2 ρg r
i.e. vT =
9η
This equation shows that terminal velocity of an object depends upon density of object
i.e. vT ∝ ρ
As density of water-filled ball is greater than air-filled ball, so upward drag force becomes equal to weight sooner for
lighter tennis ball. Thus air-filled ball will achieve terminal velocity sooner than water-filled ball.
➁ Why can a squirrel jump from a tree branch to the ground and run away undamaged while a human
could break a bone in such a fall?
Ans: The size of the object that is falling through air presents interesting application of air drag.
Explanation: Let a squirrel and a man jump from a 5 m high branch of tree. As squirrel has smaller size than man, so
there is less drag force on it. Thus it will achieve terminal velocity sooner and hence lands safely on ground. A man has
larger size than squirrel, so there is more drag force on him. Thus it will impossible for him to achieve sufficient terminal
velocity in such a short distance. That is why he may fracture bone in such a fall.
Note: Drag force is the force that acts in the opposite direction when the object is subjected to gravity. Drag force is
similar to the resistance in the fluids when an object moves through it.
➂ How does the terminal speed of a parachutist before opening a parachute compare to the terminal
speed afterward? Why is there a difference?
Ans: The terminal speed of a parachutist with an opened parachute is much lower than an unopened parachute.
Explanation: Terminal speed of an object, moving through a fluid, depends upon radius of object i.e. directly
proportional to the area of object moving through a fluid.
Let two men (A&B) jump from a plane. A opens the parachute and B does not. As the radius of A is larger than B, so it
will face greater drag force and hence attains smaller terminal speed. Similarly the radius of B is smaller than A, so it
will face smaller drag force and hence attains greater terminal speed.
The reason that makes difference in terminal velocity is drag force (i.e. air resistance).
2nd Answer
Before opening of parachute, the weight of parachutist is bigger than air resistance. So he accelerates downward unless
reaches the point where air resistance increases and becomes equal to the weight i.e. the terminal velocity is achieved.
When parachute is opened, the terminal velocity is reduced because air resistance increases. It is much greater than the
weight of parachutist, so he slows down. The air resistance reduces until it becomes equal to the weight and hence
second terminal velocity is achieved.
Thus the difference in air resistance results difference in terminal velocities before and after opening of parachute.

➃ You can squirt water over a greater distance by placing your thumb over the end of a garden hose than
by leaving it completely uncovered. Explain how this work?
 11

Ans: This case is related to Equation of Continuity i.e. speed of water and cross-sectional area of pipe is inversely
proportional.
Explanation: When the end of a garden hose is uncovered, cross-section of water flow is large. Therefore it throws
water to a limited distance due to low speed. If we place our thumb over the end of garden hose, cross-section of water
flow becomes smaller. Thus it will squirt water over a greater distance due to greater speed.

➄ Why does smoke rise faster in a chimney on a windy day?

Ans: This is because of Bernoulli’s Principle.
Explanation: Chimneys working is based on the principle that hot air is less dense than cold air and thus rises. When a
chimney is filled with hot smoke, it rises up through the chimney. At the top of chimney, pressure is less due to high
speed of wind while at the bottom, pressure remains high. Thus due to pressure difference, smoke particles move from
high pressure region to low pressure region and hence rise faster in chimney.

➅ Two boats moving in parallel paths close to one another risk colliding. Why?
Ans: This is because of Bernoulli’s Principle.
When two boats are moving in parallel directions close to each other, the velocity of water streams b/w the two boats
becomes very large as compared to the velocity of water streams on outer sides of the boats. Due to which the pressure
b/w the boats is reduced as according to Bernoulli's Theorem. Now the outward high pressure pushes the boats
inwards. As a result, the boats come closer to each other and may even collide.

➆ A cricket ball moves past an observer from left to right, spinning counter clockwise. In which direction
will the ball tend to deflect?
Ans: The ball will deflect away from the observer.
Explanation: Here we use the Bernoulli's principle. At the top, the ball and the wind flow in the opposite direction, so the
viscous force due to the ball surface drags the air around it at lesser velocity due to which the pressure on this side is high.
At the bottom, the viscous force drags the air with more velocity due to which the pressure at this side is low.
When the ball hits to the ground, then due to lower pressure to its side of rotation, it will get an extra curvature to that
side and will swing to its direction of spinning.

➇ If aero-foil (airfoil) lifts the aeroplane in upright (‫ )سیدھا‬position, how do the pilots make the
aeroplane fly upside down (‫?) ُالٹا‬
Ans: The wings of aero-plane are designed in such a way that aero-foil is curved on the upper side due to which
pressure above the wing is lower than underneath. This pressure difference allows the air to lift the wings upwards.
In order to fly upside down, the wings of aero-plane are designed in such a way that these are curved from both upper
and lower sides i.e. symmetric. Because of this, pilot can fly the plane upside down just by altering the angle.
2nd Answer
Ans: The shape of the wings plays a significant role in making an airplane fly. Airplanes that consistently have to fly
upside down (like stunt planes or fighter aircraft), have symmetrical wings. Therefore, they cannot rely on the shape of
the wings. They only manage to fly upside down by tilting their wings in the right direction to generate sufficient lift.
3rd Answer
To fly upside down, you need a wing design that can still provide lift even when inverted. For this purpose wings on
planes must be curved on both the upper and lower sides. With this symmetric design, the plane can fly either normally
or inverted. The pilot can flip from one to the other by altering the angle of attack.
On a conventional aircraft, the aero-foil is curved on the upper side and flat on the underside which causes air over the
top to flow more quickly than underneath. The difference in pressure gives the wing lift forcing it upwards.
In case of upside down, the pilot can still achieve lift by altering the angle of attack.

➈ Why do the golf balls have dimples?

Ans: The physics involved here is aerodynamics.
Dimples create a thin turbulent boundary layer of the air that sticks to the ball surface. This allows the air to stay on the
ball surface a little longer as it moves around the back side of the ball. This decreases the drag on ball and hence make it
go further.
(Drag is the force that takes place as a result of a change in velocity, opposing the motion and slowing it down).
2nd Answer
 12

A golf ball has 336 dimples. Dimples on a golf ball create a thin turbulent boundary layer of air that sticks to the ball
surface. This allows the smoothly flowing air to follow the ball surface a little farther around the back side of the ball
and thereby decreasing the size of the drag. A dimpled ball has about half the drag of a smooth ball.
The dimples on golf ball make it go further as compared to smooth ball.
3rd Answer
A golf ball with dimples can travel almost twice as far as a smooth golf ball. By adding dimples to the ball, golf ball
manufacturers minimize drag forces that pull back on the ball or slow it down.
Dimples also help lift the ball by forcing airflow downward which pushes the ball upward. These are the same principles
of aerodynamics that airplanes use to fly.

⑩ How by using wind deflectors on the top of truck cabs reduce fuel consumption?
Ans: The aerodynamic drag on a heavy truck can be reduced by means of a wind deflector installed on the roof of the
truck. Reducing drag improves fuel efficiency.
Wind deflectors direct the wind either around or over your vehicle, so reducing the wind resistance. The vehicle then
requires less power to make progress against the wind and hence it will use less fuel.
2nd Answer
Wind deflectors help smooth the airflow from the cab around the sides of the trailer, reducing the amount of turbulence
b/w the cab and the trailer.
When wind hits the deflectors, it is redirected over the open windows and around the sides of the vehicle preventing it
from streaming in through the window. Being able to keep your van well ventilated, reduces the need for the use of air
conditioning which in turn can reduce fuel consumption.

SLO
Q: An old carpenter's trick to keep nails from bending when they are pounded into hard materials is to grip the
center of the nail firmly with pliers. Why does this help?
Q: Explain why pregnant women often suffer from back strain late in their pregnancy?
Q: As cars travel, oil and gasoline leaks onto the road surface. If a light rain falls, what does this do to the control of
the car? Does a heavy rain make any difference?
Q: Athletes such as swimmers and bicyclists wear body suits in competition. Formulate a list of pros and cons of
such suits.
Q: Two expressions were used for the drag force experienced by a moving object in a liquid. One depended upon
the speed, while the other was proportional to the square of the speed. In which types of motion would each of these
expressions be more applicable than the other one?
Q: Would you expect your height to be different depending upon the time of day? Why or why not?
Q: Examine different types of shoes including sports shoes and thongs. In terms of physics, why are the bottom
surfaces designed as they are? What differences will dry and wet conditions make for these surfaces?

OSCILLATION

➀ Give two application in which resonance plays an important role.

Ans: When the frequency of the applied force equals to the natural frequency of the object, then object oscillates with
larger amplitude. The effect is called resonance.
1) The resonance of a series RLC circuit occurs when the inductive and capacitive reactance are equal in magnitude. The
sharp minimum occurs in impedance which is useful in tuning applications.
2) When 2 mirrors, one partially reflective and other highly reflective are part of a laser, they form an optical resonator.
Interferometers and some optical parametric oscillators use optical resonators because it has a large Q factor which
suggests less amount of energy loss.
➁ What happens to the time period of a simple pendulum if its length is doubled?
Ans: The time taken by oscillator to complete one oscillation is called is called time period or period of oscillation.
Time period of a simple pendulum of length L is given by

T = 2π
√ L
g
This equation shows that T is directly proportional to length L.
Now put L = 2L (doubled) in above equation, we get
 13

T́ = 2π
g √
2 L = ( ) 2π L =
√2
g
√2 2 π
L =
g √√2 T ( √)
i.e. By doubling the length of pendulum, the time period increases by a factor of √ 2.

➂ What will be the frequency of a simple pendulum if its length is 1 meter?

Ans: The number of cycles/oscillations completed in one second is called frequency.
The frequency of a simple pendulum is inversely related to the length of pendulum i.e.

f=
1
2π
Putting the values
√ g
L

f=
1
2(3.14) 1√
9.8
=
1
6.28
√ 9.8
= 0.16 (3.13) = 0.4977 = 0.5 Hz
This is the frequency with which a pendulum of length 1 m oscillates.

➃ Give one practical example of free oscillation and forced oscillation.

Ans: The oscillation of a body with its natural frequency under the influence of restoring force is called free
oscillation. In case of free oscillation, there is no external force acting on the body executing oscillations. The amplitude,
frequency and energy of free oscillations remain constant.
Example: Motion of simple pendulum at natural frequency
The oscillation of a body under the influence of external periodic force is called forced oscillation. For a body executing
forced oscillations, the frequency of the oscillations is the frequency of the external force acting on the body. The
amplitude of a forced oscillations does not reduce with time.
Example: Motion of floor under running machinery

➄ How can you compare the masses of two bodies by observing their frequencies of oscillation when
supported by a spring?
Ans: The frequency of a mass attached to a spring is given by,

f=
1
2π √ k
m
The frequency of mass ‘m1’ attached to spring is

f1 =
1
2π √ k
m1
………….. (i)

And the frequency of mass ‘m2’ attached to spring is

f2 =

Now divide (i) by (ii) we get

1 k
2 π m2√…………… (ii)

f1
=
1
2π √ √ k
m1
=
m2

√
f2 1 k m1
2π m2

⇒
m1 f 22
=
m2 f 21
This equation can be used to compare the masses of two bodies by observing their frequencies of oscillation.

➅ A wire hangs from the top of a dark high tower so that the top of the tower is not visible. How would you
be able to determine the height of that tower?
Ans: In order to determine the height of the tower, connect a mass to the lower end of the wire so that it became a
system like simple pendulum.
Now let it oscillate and calculate its time period. So we can calculate the height of tower by using formula as,

T = 2π
√ L
g
Squaring both sides, we get
⇒
L
T2 = 4π2 gT2 = 4π2 L
g
 14

⇒
2 2
gT gT
L= 2 or h= 2
4π 4π
Here h = height of tower. By putting values of T, g and , we can calculate height of tower.

➆ Why in SHM the acceleration is zero when the velocity is the greatest?
Ans: In SHM, the acceleration of SHO is zero at mean position while velocity is maximum and at extreme position,
acceleration is maximum while velocity is zero.
We can prove this by using the following formulas,
√ 2
v = ω x o−x
2
and a = - ω2 x
At mean position (x = 0), we have
√
v = ω x 2o−0 2 = ωxo (max) and a = - ω2 (0) = 0
At extreme position (x = xo), we have
√
v = ω x 2o−x 2o = 0 and a = - ω2 (xo) = - ω2 xo (max)

➇ What is the total distance covered by a simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) in a time equal to its period?
The amplitude of oscillation is A.
Ans: Time period is the duration in which a SHO executes one complete round trip
i.e. the time taken by a SHO to cover a distance from one extreme position (say X) to another extreme position (say Y)
and again from Y to X.
Extreme position is the maximum displacement from mean position (say O) which is called amplitude ‘A’. So a SHO has
traveled a distance of,
X–O=A
O–Y=A
Y–O=A
O–X=A
For complete trip (X – X) = A + A + A + A = 4A

➈ What happens to the frequency of a simple pendulum as it oscillations die down from large amplitude to
small?
Ans: This is the example related to damped oscillation.
Explanation: In damped oscillation, amplitude of oscillation decreases. But amplitude of oscillation does not affect the

frequency and time period of simple pendulum. Because we know

This equation shows that frequency depends upon ‘g’ and length of pendulum.
f=
1
2π √ g
l

Remember if angle b/w mean position and extreme position is greater than 23o, then time period and frequency of
pendulum depend upon amplitude of oscillation
i.e. time period increases and frequency decreases (T = 1/f)

⑩ A singer, holding a note of right frequency, can shatter a glass. Explain.

Ans: This is the example of resonance.
Explanation: The frequency with which an object oscillates is called natural frequency. A glass has a natural
resonance i.e. a frequency at which the glass will vibrate easily. Therefore the glass needs to be vibrated by the sound
wave at frequency equals to natural frequency of the glass. If the frequency of sound producing by singer is higher than
natural frequency of glass, it will force to vibrate the glass molecules with higher amplitude which results in shattering
the glass.
Note: Glass is a brittle material which breaks with very low energy or stress.
2nd Answer
Ans: This is the example of resonance.
Explanation: The frequency with which an object oscillates is called natural frequency.
A singer sings with a particular frequency. If this frequency becomes equal to the natural frequency of glass at which
glass will vibrate easily, then resonance takes place. In resonance the amplitude of vibrations increases. Thus glass
molecules start oscillation with higher amplitude which results in shattering of glass.
 15

WAVES

➀ What is the difference b/w progressive and stationary waves?

Ans: The differences b/w these two are following;
Progressive Waves Stationary Wave
A progressive wave is formed due to A stationary wave is formed by superposition
continuous vibrations of the particles of the of two equal progressive waves travelling in
medium. opposite directions.
Progressive waves transfer energy from one Stationary waves do not transfer energy from
place to another, without transferring the one place to another.
matter.
Wave travels with certain velocity. Wave does not travel in any direction.
Amplitude of all the particles is same. Amplitude is different i.e. vary.
Phase changes from particle to particle. All particles in a loop are in the same phase and
they are in opposite phase w.r.t particles in
adjacent loops.
No particle in the medium is at rest. Particles at nodes are at rest.
It contains crest & trough (transverse wave) or It contains nodes (zero displacement) and
compression & rarefaction (longitudinal wave). antinodes (maximum displacement).
Frequency of progressive wave is equal to the Frequency of the stationary wave is equal to
frequency of the source producing it. the frequency of the superposing waves.

➁ Clearly explain the difference b/w longitudinal and transverse waves.

Ans: The differences b/w these two are following;
Longitudinal Waves Transverse Wave

A progressive wave in which the particle vibration A progressive wave in which the particle vibration
is parallel to the direction of wave propagation is is perpendicular to the direction of wave
called longitudinal wave. propagation is called transverse wave.
Here the vibrations of medium particles are back Here the vibrations of medium particles are up and
and forth. down.
It acts in one dimension. It acts in two dimensions.
The wave cannot be polarized or aligned. The wave can be polarized or aligned.
This wave can be produced in any medium such as This wave can be produced in solid and liquid’s
gas, liquid or solid. surface.
It is made of rarefactions and compressions. It is made of troughs and crests.
Example: Sound waves Examples: Electromagnetic waves

➂ How are beats useful in musical instruments?

Ans: If two waves of nearly equal frequencies overlap, then the intensity of the resultant wave produced by their
superposition increases or decreases with time. This rise and fall in intensity forms beats.
To produce a note of desired frequency, a new instrument is tuned against a standard musical instrument. After they
sounded together, we hear a mixed sound due to difference in frequency b/w both instruments. The frequency of new
instrument is adjusted so that it becomes equal to standard instrument due to which it gives a note of desired
frequency. By this way, beats are useful in tuning a musical instrument.

➃ Two waves pulses travelling in opposite direction completely cancel each other as they pass. What
happens to the energy possessed by the waves?
Ans: When two wave pulses travelling in opposite direction completely cancel each other on passing, then the
resultant wave is standing wave. When two waves interfere destructively, they must have the same amplitude in
opposite directions.
As standing wave does not transfer energy, so the energy of both waves is trapped b/w nodes and antinodes where one
form of energy decreases and the other increases such that the total energy remains constant. At mean positions
(nodes), K.E is maximum while at extreme positions (antinodes), P.E is maximum.
Note: Destructive interference destroys the P.E but doubles the K.E.

➄ What are the conditions of constructive and destructive interference?

 16

Ans: Interference is the superposition of waves coming from the coherent sources.
For constructive interference,
If the path difference b/w two waves is an integral multiple of wavelength, we get constructive interference i.e.
d = mλ (m = 1,2,3,……)
For destructive interference,
If the path difference b/w two waves is an odd multiple of half wavelength, we get destructive interference i.e.
λ
d = (2m + 1) = (m + ½ )λ
2
2nd Answer
Interference is the superposition of waves coming from the coherent sources.
Conditions:
 The condition for constructive interference is that the phase difference b/w two waves should be an even
integral multiple of π i.e. ϕ = 0, ±2π, ±4π,.....2nπ
 The condition for destructive interference is that the phase difference b/w two waves is an odd integral multiple
of π i.e. ϕ = π, ±3π, ±5π,.....(2n+1) π
Note: Phase difference and path difference are related by the following equation,
ϕ = 2πd/λ OR d = λ ϕ/2π

➅ How might one can locate the position of node and antinode in a vibrating string?
Ans: The nodes are points of zero displacement (i.e. there is no vibrations) caused by the destructive interference of
the two waves. The antinodes result from the constructive interference of the two waves and thus undergo maximum
displacement from the rest position. The distance b/w consecutive node and antinode is λ/2.
A standing wave pattern always consists of an alternating pattern of nodes and antinodes as shown below,

➆ Is it possible for an object which is vibrating transversely to produce sound waves?

Ans: Yes, it is possible for an object vibrating transversely to produce sound wave.
Explanation with example:
When we apply force on string of a sitar, it start vibrations along up and down. These vibrations are perpendicular to
direction of propagation of producing wave (i.e. transverse wave). When these waves passes through surrounding air,
they vibrate the air molecules, in the form of compressions and rarefactions, along to the direction of wave produced by
string. This is how the sound which we hear coming from the sitar.

➇ Why does a sound wave travel faster in solids than gases?

Ans: Speed of sound depends upon elasticity and nature of medium.
i.e. sound travels faster in solid than liquids and gases because solids are more elastic than liquids and gases. And the
other reason is that the molecules of a solid are closer together, therefore, they can transmit the vibrations (energy)
faster. Sound travels most slowly through gases because the molecules of a gas are farthest apart.
Similarly another reason that makes the speed of sound faster in solids than gases is density i.e. density of solids is
greater than gases.

➈ Why does the speed of a sound wave in a gas change with temperature?
Ans: The speed of sound in a gas is related by the following equation,
v = 332 + 0.6 T
i.e. The speed of sound changes by about 0.6 meter per second for every degree.
Sound is transmitted through the air by compression waves which depend on molecules transferring energy from one
to another. Air molecules have more energy at higher temperatures which means they vibrate faster. This allows the
sound waves to travel faster because they are propelled by collisions b/w the molecules.
 17

⑩ Is it possible for two astronauts to talk directly to each other even if they remove their helmets?
Ans: No, astronauts cannot talk to each other in space (vacuum).
Explanation: Sound waves are mechanical in nature which requires material medium for its propagation. As there is
no material medium in space, so no propagation of sound waves can take place. Thus, it is impossible for two astronauts
to talk directly to each other even if they remove their helmets.
For voice contact, there should be electronic communication system for them.

⑪ Estimate the frequencies at which a test tube 15 cm long resonates when you blow across its lips.
Ans: Here the test tube behaves like a closed organ pipe for which fundamental frequency is given by,
v 332 332
f1 = = = = 553 Hz
4 L 4 (0.15) 0.60
Similarly for 2nd harmonic, f2 = 3 f1 = 3 (553) = 1660 Hz
For 3rd harmonic, f3 = 5 f1 = 5 (553) = 2765 Hz
By this way, we can find so many frequencies at which test tube can resonate.

PHYSICAL OPTICS

➀ A soap bubble looks black when it bursts, why?

Ans: The physics involved in the bubble surface acts like a thin film.
Explanation: The thickness of the soap film determines the color seen. Light rays that reflect from the top and bottom
of the film combine to amplify particular wavelengths (constructive interference). In thicker areas of the film, longer
wavelength colors appear which produces a rainbow. Under gravity pull, the soap film flows causing the patterns to
shift over time until finally the bubble bursts.
When the film becomes even thinner than the shortest wavelength of visible light, dark spots appear due to destructive
interference that cancels out light reflecting off the bubble surface.
 2nd Answer
A soap bubble behaves like a thin film and when it bursts, it looks black due to destructive interference.
The colors seen in a soap bubble arise from interference of light reflecting off the front and back surfaces of the thin
soap film. Depending on the thickness of the film, different colors interfere constructively and destructively.
When the soap bubble becomes very thin, the thickness of the bubble approaches zero. Since light reflecting off the
front of the soap surface is phase-shifted 180o and light reflecting off the back of the soap film is phase-shifted 0o. The
reflected light meets the conditions for a minimum (destructive interference) due to which the soap film appears blacks.

➁ What is the difference b/w interference and diffraction of light?

Ans: Differences b/w these two are following,
Interference Diffraction

Interference is due to superposition of light Diffraction is due to interference of secondary

waves coming from the coherent sources. wavelets coming from different parts of the
same source.
Interference fringes are formed when the two light Fringes are formed due to superposition of light
rays from the coherent sources are superimposed. rays from the same source.
All bright fringes are equally illuminated. Central fringe is brightest and all other fringes have
intensity in decreasing order.
Width of all fringes are always equal. Fringe width decreases when we move away from
the center.
Minimum intensity is zero, so fringes can be Minimum intensity fringes are not perfectly darker,
distinguished very well. so it is relatively difficult to distinguish bright and
dark fringes.

➂ In a Michelson Interferometer, a second glass plate is also used. Why?

Ans: The second glass plate is known as the compensating plate and its function is to make the path of the two rays in
glass equal.
In Michelson interferometer, a second plate is used to make a constructive interference so that one might be able to get
bright fringes with the help of the telescope.
Constructive interference occurs due to the zero path difference b/w two beams as the first beam passes through the
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first plate and second beam passes through the second plate. So, in that way, the second plate produces the same
retardation as the first plate does.

➃ How can you explain Brewster’s law of polarization?

Ans: According to Brewster’s law, “When a light is incident at polarizing angle at the interface of a transparent
medium, the refractive index of the medium with respect to the surrounding medium is equal to the tangent of the
polarizing angle”.
i.e. n = tanθp
Here θp is called polarizing or Brewster angle which is defined as, “The particular angle of incidence at which reflected
ray is completely plane polarized and the vibration is parallel to the surface of transparent medium”.
Using Brewster’s law, we can calculate the polarized angle of the medium whose refractive index is known.
For example θp for water is, θp = tan-1 (n) = tan-1 (1.33) = 53o

➄ What is meant by path difference with reference to the interference of two waves motion?
Ans: Path difference is the difference in the distance traveled by two waves at the meeting point. It measures how
much a wave is shifted from another. It is the path difference of two waves which decides whether the interference will
be constructive or destructive.
If the path difference b/w two waves is an integral multiple of wavelength, we get constructive interference i.e.
d = mλ
If the path difference b/w two waves is an odd multiple of half wavelength, we get destructive interference i.e.
λ
d = (2m + 1) = (m + ½ )λ
2

➅ Why it is not possible to see the interference where the light beam from the head lamps of a car overlap?
Ans: The interference pattern of light is observed only when the following two conditions are satisfied;
1) Coherent source of light must be used i.e. the source of light should emit identical light waves having a constant
phase difference.
2) The light source must be monochromatic which means that the light must be of a single color (emitting single-
wavelength light wave).
Headlights of a car cannot produce interference pattern because they are neither monochromatic nor coherent i.e. they do not
maintain constant phase difference.

➆ A telephone pole casts a clear shadow in the light from a distant head lamp of a car but no such effect is
noticed for the sound from the car horn, why?
Ans: The combined effect of matter and energy is called shadow. Light wave casts shadow while sound wave does
not.
Explanation: Waves of shorter wavelength have less tendency to spread out behind the barrier. Light waves have
much shorter wavelength compared to that of sound waves. Light waves cannot spread out behind the telephone pole
hence casts a sharp shadow. Here rectilinear propagation of light is considered and diffraction effects are ignored.
Sound waves have wavelength range (approximately 16.5 m − 16.5×103 m) much greater than the wavelength range of
the light waves. Hence sound waves can spread behind the obstacle. So no shadow can be cast by sound waves as their
diffraction effect is more than light wave.

 SLO
Q: We can hear sounds around corners but we cannot see around corners; yet both sound and light are
waves. Explain the difference.
Ans: The bending of waves around corners or obstacles is called diffraction.
Diffraction is most prominent when the size of the obstacle is of the order of the size of the wavelength. Sound waves
that we can hear have much longer wavelengths than light waves. As a result, the diffraction of sound waves around a
corner is noticeable and we can hear the sound in the shadow region but the diffraction of light waves around a corner
is not noticeable. So we cannot see light around the corner.

➇ Why it is not possible to obtain the diffraction of x-rays by Young’s double slits experiment?
Ans: This is because of wavelength.
Explanation: As condition for diffraction is that it occurs when the distance b/w slits (size of opening) is less than or
equal to wavelength of incident wave.
Since the wavelength of x-rays is in Angstrom which is much less than the opening of slits, so diffraction of x-rays
cannot take place through Young’s double slit experiment because this is extremely small size and in practice such a
small opening cannot be produced.
 19

Ordinary light has wavelength of micron which is suitable for diffraction through Young’s double slit experiment. X-rays
diffraction is made possible through crystals.

➈ Can we apply Huygens principle to radar waves?

Ans: Huygens principle helps us in predicting and understanding the classical wave propagation of light. As Huygens
principle is a universal principle relating to formation of wavefront, so it can be applied to radar waves (i.e. radio
waves).
Huygens principle states that every point on a wavefront is in itself the source of spherical wavelets. The sum of these
spherical wavelets forms the wavefront.
Thus we can apply Huygens principle to RADAR (Radio Audio Detection And Ranging) waves because it transmits and
receives radio waves where each point on the wave acts a source of secondary wavelets.
Note: Huygens's principle works for all types of waves, including water waves, sound waves and light waves.

⑩ How would you justify that light waves are transverse in nature?
Ans: Light is a transverse wave. Transverse nature of light is verified by polarization.
In light, the vibrations of electric and magnetic fields is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the light wave.
Therefore, light is a transverse wave.
When the plane of vibrations of electric field is not in a specific direction, the light is called unpolarised light. An
unpolarised light can be polarized which proves the transverse nature of light. When an unpolarised light is passed
through a crystal called polarizer, the light is polarized. The process of converting an unpolarised light into a polarized
light (plane of electric field in a specific direction) is called polarization of light.
Note: All electromagnetic waves, including light, are transverse in nature.

SLO

 Why does the sound bend around the corner of a building while light does not?
The wavelength of the visible light is in the order of 0.5 microns, or 0.0005 mm due to which light will only diffract
when going through very narrow openings. On the other hand, sound waves have a wavelength of the order 1 meter and
diffract very easily. This allows sound waves to bend around the corner.

 Under what conditions does light behave like a wave and as a particle?
When the light interferes with objects several times greater than its wavelength, the light behaves as a wave. When light
is made to interact with objects comparable or small compared to its wavelength, it behaves as a particle.

THERMODYNAMICS

➀ Why is the earth not in thermal equilibrium with the sun?

Ans: Thermal equilibrium happens b/w at least two objects when there is no heat flow b/w them. Thermal
equilibrium is the basis of the Zeroth law of thermodynamics. If a system is in thermal equilibrium, the temperature of
the system is constant.
The surface temperature of sun is 6000 K and the surface temperature of earth is 300 K.
As heat continuously flow from sun to earth while earth absorbing and emitting continuously the heat. Since the net
rate of heat transfer from sun to earth is insufficient to raise the earth’s temperature to almost 6000 K, therefore, sun
and earth cannot be in thermal equilibrium.

➁ When a block with a hole in it is heated, why does not the material around the hole expand into the hole
and make it small?
Ans: The expansion is just like the magnification of the object. Thermal expansion occurs in a way that all the dimensions of the
object increase. Even the radius of hole will increase.
Therefore, when a block with hole in it is heated, K.E of molecules increases which start vibrations with higher amplitude and
hence cause expansion in all direction of block including the hole. Thus the molecules around the hole also expand by pulling it
outward i.e. size of hole increases.

➂ A thermometer is placed in direct sunlight. Will it read the temperature of the air, or of the sun or of
something else?
 20

Ans: When a thermometer is in thermal contact with an object, energy will flow b/w thermometer and object until their
temperature becomes equal i.e. thermal equilibrium is achieved. At this point, temperature of the thermometer gives the
temperature of the object.
Now when thermometer is kept in direct sunlight, it is in contact with surrounding air. So it will read the temperature of
the air, not of the sun because thermometer is not in thermal equilibrium with sun.
When a thermometer is held in direct sunlight for longer time, it will measure a much higher temperature than that of the air
because temperature of its sensor will increase due to direct heat radiation from sun falling on it.

➃ The pressure in a gas cylinder containing hydrogen will leak more quickly than if it is containing oxygen.
Why?
Ans: This is because of Graham law of Diffusion.
Explanation: According to Graham law, the rate of diffusions of certain gas is inversely proportional to its molecular
mass and density i.e. smaller the molecular mass and density, greater will be the rate of diffusion and vice versa.
As hydrogen is lighter than the oxygen i.e. the molecular mass and density of hydrogen is smaller than oxygen, so the
pressure in a cylinder containing hydrogen will diffuse (leak) more quickly than a cylinder containing oxygen.

➄ What happens to the temperature of a room in which an air conditioner is left running on a table in the
middle of the room?
Ans: The temperature of the room increases.
Explanation: The working of an air conditioner is similar to the working of a refrigerator. An air-conditioner is a heat
pump i.e. it pumps heat and to cool a room by exhausting the heat from the room outside to a heat sink. Without such an
exhaust, the heat stays in the room. The energy used by the air conditioner unit itself is added and the room gets even
warmer.
Thus temperature of the room increases because heat absorbed from the room by the air conditioner is expelled in the
same room.

➅ Why does the pressure of the air in automobile tyre increases if the automobile is driven for a while?
Ans: The pressure inside the tyre increases because of Charles law.
Explanation: During driving, the friction b/w road and tyre of automobile causes the tyre hot. This heat increases the

P∝T
temperature of air inside the tyre but the volume of the air remains constant as the tyre does not undergo expansion.
Now according to Charles law, at constant volume, pressure is directly proportional to the temperature,
This means as the temperature of air inside the tyre increases, the air pressure increases.

➆ On removing the valve, the air escaping from a cycle tube becomes cool. Why?
Ans: This is the example of adiabatic expansion.
Explanation: This happens due to adiabatic expansion of the air of the tube of the bicycle. In adiabatic expansion,
temperature of the gas falls. Therefore, when the valve of tyre is removed, the air having high temperature and high
pressure comes out. This air expands adiabatically which reduces the pressure of air. Reducing pressure also reduces
temperature which causes the air cool.

➇ Write the limitations of first law of thermodynamics.

Ans: First law of thermodynamics has the following limitations;
i. First law states that whenever a system undergoes any thermodynamic process, it always holds certain energy
balance. However, the law fails to give the feasibility of the process or change of state that the system undergoes.
ii. It does not say anything about the direction of flow of heat.
iii. It does not say anything whether the process is a spontaneous process or not.
iv. In practical, the heat doesn't convert completely into equivalent amount of work. If it would have been possible
to convert the whole heat into work, then we could drive ships across the ocean by extracting heat from the
water of the ocean.
v. First law does not indicate whether heat can flow from a cold end to a hot end or not. For example, we cannot extract heat
from the ice by cooling it to a low temperature. Some external work has to be done.

➈ Is it possible, according to second law of thermodynamics, to construct a heat engine that is free from
thermal pollution?
Ans: No, it is not possible.
Explanation: The second law of thermodynamics states that it is impossible to construct an engine operating in a cycle which
will produce no effect other than transfers of heat from colder body to the hotter body.
 21

The effect is the “heat lost or external work done” which make to operate such a system in the cycle. This will lead to thermal
pollution as energy is being wasted.
It means the efficiency of a heat engine cannot be 100% i.e. whole energy cannot be converted into work. There must be loss of
heat which cause thermal pollution.

⑩ Can specific heat of a gas be zero or infinity? Can specific heat be negative?
∆Q
Ans: The specific heat of a gas is given by, C=
m ∆T
 Specific heat of a gas can be zero for adiabatic process (∆Q = 0)
0
i.e. C= =0
m ∆T
 Specific heat of a gas can be infinite for isothermal process (∆T = 0)
∆Q
i.e. C= =∞
m(0)
 Specific heat can be negative when heat is absorbed from the system
i.e. Rise in temperature (ΔT is +ve), heat will be released (Q is –ve). This actually happens in case of saturated
vapour.

⑪ An inventor claims to have developed a heat engine, working b/w 27oC and 227oC having efficiency of
45%. Is the claim valid? Explain why?
Ans: As the efficiency of heat engine in % is given by,
T2
η = (1 – ) 100% ……….. (i)
T1
T1 (HTR) = 227oC = 227 + 273 = 500 K
T2 (LTR) = 27oC = 27 + 273 = 300 K
Now (i) becomes
300
η = (1 – ) 100% = (1 – 0.6) 100% = (0.4) 100% = 40 %
500
Since the efficiency of heat engine is 40% (which is less than 45%). Thus the claim is valid i.e. heat engine operating
b/w 227oC and 27oC may have efficiency of 45%.

SLO
Q. An inventor claims to have developed an engine that takes in 1000 J of heat and produces 1500 J of work during
each cycle. Comment on the validity of this claim.
Ans: The proposed engine claims to produce more work in a cyclic process than the amount of heat that is supplied. So, it is in
violation of the first law of thermodynamics.
The first law of thermodynamics is a version of the law of conservation of energy adapted for thermodynamic systems. The law of
conservation of energy states that the total energy of an isolated system is constant i.e. energy can neither be created nor destroyed
but can be transformed from one form to another. The first law is often formulated as ΔU = Q – W

Q.2: Can a room be cooled by leaving the door of a refrigerator open?

Ans: The refrigerator acts as a heat pump that requires work to move heat against its natural flow. If you open the
door of the refrigerator in a closed room, the heat that is expelled from the refrigerator to the room will actually
increase the overall temperature of the room. The refrigerator will absorb heat from the inside but will release more
heat to the room than it absorbs due to the work input required to operate the refrigerator.
Therefore, opening the refrigerator door in a closed room will not cool the room. Instead, it will lead to an increase in
the room's temperature due to the heat expelled by the refrigerator's compressor and the energy consumed to operate
it.