DEPARTMENT OF HUMANITIES AND SCIENCE
Applied Physics/ I Year
I Semester Question Bank
Unit – 1 Properties of Matter
Prepared By,
PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
APPLIED PHYSICS
PROPERTIES OF MATTER
TWO Marks Questions and Answers:
1. Define elasticity.
Elasticity is the property of a material to return to its original shape and size after the
deforming forces have been removed.
2. What is a cantilever?
A cantilever is a beam supported at only one end, with the other end extending into
space. It is commonly used in construction for balconies and bridges.
3. State the application of girders in bridges and buildings.
Girders are structural elements that provide horizontal support for smaller beams to rest
upon, distributing the weight and loads across the structure in bridges and buildings.
4. Which method is used to determine the viscosity of a liquid?
The Stokes method (or Stokes' Law) is used to determine the viscosity of a liquid by
measuring the terminal velocity of a small sphere falling through the fluid.
5. What is the purpose of the drop weight method?
The drop weight method is used to measure the surface tension of a liquid by determining
the weight of a single drop that falls from a specific capillary tube.
6. Explain thermal expansion.
Thermal expansion is the tendency of matter to change in shape, area, and volume in
response to a change in temperature, usually becoming less dense.
7. What is thermal stress?
Thermal stress is the stress induced in a body when it is prevented from expanding or
contracting freely due to changes in temperature.
8. Describe a bimetallic strip.
A bimetallic strip consists of two different metals joined together. When heated, the
metals expand at different rates, causing the strip to bend and making it useful in thermostats
and circuit breakers.
9. Why is expansion joints used in construction?
Expansion joints are used to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of materials in
structures like bridges and railway tracks without causing stress or damage to the structure.
10. What is Young's modulus?
Young's modulus is a measure of the stiffness of an elastic material and is defined as the
ratio of stress to corresponding strain within the elastic limit.
11. Give an example of an engineering application of elasticity.
The use of springs in suspension systems of vehicles is a common engineering application
of elasticity, where the spring deforms under load and returns to its original shape.
12. What is non-uniform bending in the context of Young's modulus experiments?
Non-uniform bending refers to the bending of a beam where the bending moment and
shearing force vary along the beam's length, such as in a cantilever setup.
13. How does viscosity affect fluid flow?
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. Higher viscosity means greater
resistance, resulting in slower flow rates under the same pressure gradient.
14. What is surface tension?
Surface tension is the cohesive force that causes the surface of a liquid to behave like a
stretched elastic membrane, minimizing its surface area.
15. Mention one application of bimetallic strips.
Bimetallic strips are frequently used as the sensing element in thermostats to control
temperature in appliances like ovens and air conditioners.
16. How are girders used in bridges and buildings?
Girders are used as major structural supports in bridges and buildings to withstand
heavy loads and provide stability, often in the form of I-beams.
17. What is Viscosity?
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. It describes the internal friction
of a moving fluid.
18. What is the Stokes method used for?
The Stokes method is used to determine the viscosity of a fluid by measuring the
terminal velocity of a small sphere falling through it
19. What is the drop weight method used for?
The drop weight method is a technique used to measure the surface tension of a liquid
by determining the weight of a single drop that falls from a specific capillary
20. What is non-uniform bending?
Non-uniform bending occurs when the bending moment varies along the length of a
beam, leading to a non-constant curvature.
21. Give an example of a material with high elasticity.
Steel has a high Young's modulus, making it very elastic within its elastic limit, which
is why it is used in construction.
Importance 16 marks Questions:
1. Define elasticity and explain the concept of a cantilever beam.
2. Describe the experimental procedure for determining Young's modulus using the non-
uniform bending method.
3. Discuss the application of girders in the construction of bridges and buildings, focusing on
the principles of mechanical properties involved.
4. Explain the Stokes method for determining the viscosity of a fluid, including the
underlying theoretical principles and necessary assumptions.
5. Detail the drop weight method for measuring surface tension, outlining the apparatus used
and the relevant formula.
6. Define thermal expansion and thermal stress, providing examples of how thermal stress is
managed in engineering applications.
7. Describe the function and application of bimetallic strips and expansion joints in various
structures.