Chapter: 1.

Measurements and Experimentation

Exercise 1(A)

Q. 1.) What is meant by measurement?

Ans. Measurement implies comparison of physical quantity with a standard unit with the

given standard is contained in the physical quantity.

Q. 2.) What do you understand by the term unit?

Ans. Unit is a quantity of constant magnitude which is used to measure the magnitudes of
other quantities of the same manner. In order to measure a physical quantity, a
standard is which is defined internationally.

Q. 3.) What are three requirements for selecting a unit of a physical quantity?

Ans. A unit of physical quantity is selected by taking below 3 requirements into

consideration:

1. There is unambiguity in its definition.

2. The unit must be reproducible.
3. Space and time has no change on the value of the unit.

Q. 4.) Name the three fundamental quantities?

Ans. The three fundamental quantities are given as: mass (kg), length (m) and time (s).

Q. 5.) Name three systems of unit and state the various fundamental units in them.

Ans. Three systems of unit and their fundamental units:

Unit system Fundamental units

CGS system Length- centimeter; mass-gram; time-sec
MKS system Length-meter; mass-kilogram; time-sec
FPS system Length-foot; mass- pound; time-sec

Q. 6.) Define fundamental unit.

Ans. A unit that doesnot change and does not depend on any other unit is called as
fundamental unit.
Q. 7.) What are the fundamental units in S.I system? Name them along with their symbols.

Ans. Fundamental units in S.I System are given as:

Quantity Length Mass Time Temperature Electric Amount of Luminous Angle Solid
current substance Intensity angle

SI Unit Meter Kilogram Seco Kelvin Ampere Mole Candella Radian Steradi
nds an
Symbol m Kg S K A Mol Cd Rad St-rd

Q. 8.) Explain the meaning of derived unit with the help of one example.

Ans. A derived unit is defined as the unit of a quantity that is derived or depenedent on thye
fundamental units of other quantities. For instance; the unit of speed which is ms-1 is
derived as follows:
Speed = Distance/time
Therefore, the unit of speed = fundamental unit of distance(m)/fundamental unit of
time(s)

Q. 9.) Define standard metre.

1
Ans. Metre is defined as the distance travelled by light in th second.
299792458

Q. 10.) Name two units of length which are bigger than a metre. How many are they related
to the metre?

Ans. Kilometer and mile are two units of length which are bigger than a metre. The relation
with meter is as follows:
1 km = 1000 m
1 mile = 1609.34 m

Q. 11.) Write the names of two units of length smaller than a metre. Express their
relationship with metre.

Ans. Milimeter and picometer are two units of length smaller than a metre.
1 mm = 10-3 m
1 pm = 10-12 m

Q. 12.) How is nanometer is related to Angstrom?

Ans. Nanometre can be related to Angstrom as :

1 nm = 10 Å

Q. 13.) Name the three convenient units used to measure length ranging from very short to
very long value. How are they related to the S.I unit?

Ans. To measure lengths from very short to very long, below 3 are the most suited units:

1. 1 Angstrom (Å) = 10-10 m

2. 1 kilometre (km) = 103 m
3. 1 light year (ly) = 9.46 × 1015 m

Q. 14.) Name S.I unit of mass and define it.

Ans. S.I. unit of mass is ‘kilogram’.

One kilogram is defined as themass equivalent to the mass of platinum-iridium alloy

cylinder kept at BIPM( International Bureau of Weights and Measures)
.

Q. 15.) Complete the following:

(a) 1 light year = ………..m

(b) 1 m = ……….Å
(c) 1 m = ……….µ (micron)
(d) 1 micron = ……….Å
(e) 1 fermi = ………..m

Ans. (a) 9.46 × 1015

(b) 1010
(c) 106
(d) 104
(e) 10-15

Q. 16.) State the two units of mass smaller than a kilogram. Give their relationship with the
kilogram.

Ans. Two units of mass small than a kilogram are:

i. Gram(g)
ii. Milligram(mg)
 Their relation with kilogram is as follows:
1 g = 10-3 kg
1 mg = 10-6 kg

Q. 17.) State the two units of mass bigger than a kilogram. Give their relationship with the
kilogram.

Ans. The two units of mass bigger than a kilogram are metric tonne and quintal.

Their relation with kg is:

 1 metric tonne = 1000 kg

 1 quintal = 100 kg

Q. 18.) Complete the following:

(a) 1 g = …….kg
(b) 1 mg = ……..kg
(c) 1 quintal = ……. kg
(d) 1 a.m.u (or u) = ……… kg

Ans. (a) 10-3

(b) 10-6
(c) 100
(d) 1.66 x 10-27

Q. 19.) Name the S.I unit of time and define it.

Ans. The S.I. unit of time is second (s).

The 1/86400th part of a mean solar day is defined as a second, which means
1
1s  x one mean solar day.
86400

Q. 20. Name two units of time bigger than a second. How are they related to the second?

Ans. The units ‘minute’ (min) and ‘hour’ (h) are two units of time bigger than second(s). their
relation to second is:
1 min = 60 s

1 h  3600 s

Q. 21.) What is a leap year?

Ans. The year which has 366 days and have month of February with 29 days.
Q. 22.) The year 2016 will have February of 29 days. Is this statement is true?

Ans. Yes, it is true because 2016 is divisible by 4 and hence the month of February has 29
days.

Q. 23.) What is lunar month?

Ans. The time taken by the moon to complete one revolution cycle around earth is known as
lunar month. Nearly 4 weeks comprise of a lunar month.

Q. 24. Complete the following:

(a) 1 nanosecond = …………s

(b) 1 µs = …………s
(c) 1 mean solar day = ………..s
(d) 1 year = ………….s

Ans. (a) 10-9

(b) 10-6
(c) 86400
(d) 3.15  107

Q. 25.) Name the physical quantities which are measured in the following units:

(a) u (b) ly

(c) ns (d) nm

Ans. (a) Mass

(b) Distance (or length)

(c) Time

(d) Length

Q.26.) Write the derived units of the following:

(a) speed (b) force

(c) work (c) pressure

distance metre
Ans. (a) speed  
time second
 Therefore the unit of speed is ms 1

m
Force  mass  acceleration  kg 
(b) s2

Therefore the unit of force is kgms 2

changein velocity ms 1
(c) Work  mass   dis tance  kg  m
time s

Therefore, the unit of force is kgm2 s 2

force kgms 2
(d) Pressure  
area m2

Therefore, the unit of pressure is kgm1s 2

Q. 27.) How are the following derived units related to the fundamental units?

(a) Newton (b) Watt

(c) Joule (c) Pascal.

Ans. (a) newton  kg  ms 2

Therefore, kgms 2

joule N  m kgms 2  m
(b) Watt   
s s s

Therefore, Watt = kgm2 s 1

(c) joule  N  m  kgms 2  m  kgm 2s 2

N kgms 2
(d) Pascal    kgm1s 2
m2 m2

Q. 28.) Name the physical quantities related to the following units:

(a) km2 (b) Newton (c) joule (d) Pascal (e) Watt
Ans. (a) Area

(b) Force

(c) Energy

(d) Pressure

(e) Power

Multiple Choice Type

Q. 1.) The fundamental unit is :

(a) Newton (b) Pascal

(c) Hertz (d) Second

Ans. (d) Second

Q. 2.) Which of the following unit is not a fundamental unit:

(a) metre (b) litre

(c) second (d) kilogram

Ans. (b) Litre

Q. 3.) The unit of time is:

(a) light year (b) Parsec

(b) leap year (c) angstrom

Ans. Leap year

o
Q. 4.) 1  is equal to:
 (a) 0.1 nm (b) 1010 cm

(c) 108 m (d) 104 u

Ans. (a) 0.1 nm

Q. 5. ly unit is the unit of:

(a) time (b) length

(c) mass (d) none of these

Ans. (b) Length

Numericals

Q. 1.) The wavelength of light of a particular color is 5800 Å. Express it in

(a) nanometer and (b) metre.

Ans. Wavelength of light of particular colour = 5800 Å

(a) (i) 1 Å = 10-1 nm

5800 Å = 5800 × 10-1 nm
= 580 nm

(b) 1 Å = 10-10 m
5800 Å = 5800 × 10-10 m
= 5.8 × 10-7 m

Q. 2.) The size of a bacteria is 1µ. Find the number of bacteria in 1m length.

Ans. Size of a bacteria = 1 µ

Now 1 µ = 10-6 m
Therefore, Number of the particle = Total length/size of one bacteria
= 1 m/10-6 m
= 106 is the total no. of bacteria in 1 m length

Q. 3.) The distance of a galaxy from earth is 5.6 × 1025 m. Assuming the speed of light to be 3
× 108 m/s, find the time taken by light to travel this distance.
Ans. (a) Time taken by light = Distance travelled/speed of light
 5.6  1025 
It implies, Time taken (t)=  8 
s
 3  10 

(t) = 1.87 × 1017 s

Q. 4.) The wavelength of light is 589nm. What is its wavelength in Å?

Ans. The wavelength of light=589nm

We know, 1 nm= 10 Å

Therefore, 589 nm= 589 × 10 Å= 5890 Å

Q. 5.) The mass of an oxygen atom is 16.00 u. Find its mass in kg.

Ans. Mass of an oxygen atom = 16.00 u

Now, 1 u  1.66  1027 kg
Hence, mass of oxygen in kg  16  1.66  1027 kg

 26.56 1027 kg

Q. 6.) It takes time 8 min for light to reach from the sun to the earth surface. If speed of light
is taken to be 3 108 ms 1 , Find the distance from the sun to the earth in km.

Ans. Time taken by light to reach from the Sun to the Earth = 8 min = 480 s.
Speed of light = 3 108 ms 1
Distance from the Sun to the Earth = Speed × time
 3  108  480 m
 1440  108 m
 1440  108  103 km
 1440  105 km
 1.44  108 km

Q. 7.) The distance of a star from the earth is 8.33 light minutes. What do you mean by this
statement? Express the distance in metre.

Ans. The distance of stars from earth is generally expressed in light years, Therefore,

1 light minute = 1.8 109 m

The distance of a star from earth is 8.33 light minute which is equal to

 8.33 1.8 109 m

 14.99 109 m
 1.5 1010 m
 Exercise 1(B)

Q. 1.) Explain the meaning of the term “Least Count of an instrument” by taking a suitable
example.

Ans. The smallest accurate measurement an instrument can take with it is known as the least
count of that instrument. For example, if an ammeter has 10 divisions between the
marks 0 and 1A, then its least count is 1/10 = 0.1A or it can measure current up to the
value 0.1 accurately.

Q. 2.) A boy makes a ruler with graduation in cm on it (i.e. 100 division in 1 m). To what
accuracy this ruler can measure? How can be accuracy be increased?

Ans. This ruler can measure upto an accuracy of 1 cm. This accuracy can be increased with
help of Verniercalipers.

Q. 3.) A boy measure the length of a pencil and express it to be 2.6 cm. What is the accuracy
of his measurement? Can he write it as 2.60 cm?

Ans. The least count of a metre rule is 1 cm.

The length cannot be expressed as 2.60 cm because a metre scale measures length
correctly only up to one decimal place of a centimeter.

Q. 4.) Define least count of aVernier calipers. How do you determine it?

Ans. The value of one main scale division divided by total number of divisions on a vernier
caliper is defined as the least count.
Let n divisions on Verniercalipers be of length equal to that of (n – 1) divisions on the
main scale and the value of 1 main scale division be x. Then,
Value of n divisions on Vernier   n – 1 x

Alternatively, the value of 1 division on Vernier scale =

 n  1
n

So, Least Count  x 

 n  1 x  x
n n

L.C=(Value of one main scale division) / (Total no. of division on Vernier scale)

Given, value of one main scale division = 1mm

 Now, Total no. of division on Vernier = 10

1
Therefore, L.C = mm  0.1 mm  0.01cm
10

Q. 5.) Define the term “Vernier Constant”?

Ans. It is defined as it is equal to the difference between the values of one main scale division
and one Vernier scale division. It is the least count of Verniercalipers.

Q. 6.) When is a Vernier calipers said to be free from zero error?

Ans. If the zero mark of the Vernier caliper scale coincides with the zero mark of the main
scale, then only the Vernier calipers is said to be free from zero error.

Q. 7.) What is meant by zero error of a Vernier? How is it determined? Draw neat diagrams
to explain it. How is it taken in account to get the correct measurement?

Ans. Zero error of vernier caliper: A vernier caliper is said to have a zero error if the zero
mark on the caliper doesnot coincide with the zero mark on the main scale.

The same is determined by measuring the distance between the zero marks of 2 scales.
The zero error can be either be a positive zero error or negative zero error.

1. Positive zero error: this is observed when the zero mark of the Vernier scale is on the
right of the zero mark of the main scale.
 To calculate this error, the division of the vernier scale is noted which coincides with any
divison of main scale. This number of the Vernier division when multiplied by the least
count of the Verniercalipers, gives the zero error.

For example, the least count is 0.01 cm and the 6th division of the Vernier scale coincides
with a main scale division.

=> Zero error = +6 × L.C. = +6 × 0.01 cm

= +0.06 cm

2. Negative zero error: this is observed when the zero mark of the Vernier scale is on
the left of the zero mark of the main scale.

This is also calculated as the former but only change is n is counted and is subtracted
from total no. of divisions on the vernier scale

Zero error = – (10 – 6) × L.C.

= – 4 × 0.01 cm = – 0.04 cm

Correction:.
Correct reading = Observed reading – zero error (with sign)

Q. 8.) A Vernier caliper has a zero error +0.06 cm. Draw a neat labeled diagram to represent
it.

Ans.
Q. 9.) Draw a neat labeled diagram of aVernier calipers. Name its main parts and state their
functions.

Ans.

Main parts and their functions:

Main scale Used to measure length accurately up to 1

mm
Vernier scale Used to measure length accurately up to 0.1
 mm
Strip Used to measure depth of containers
Inside jaws Used to measure internal diameters/ thickness
of hollow solids
Outside jaws Used to measure external diameter of solids

Q. 10.) State the three uses of Vernier calipers.

Ans. Verniercalipers can be used for measuring the following:

1. thediameter of a solid sphere.

2. the length of an object.
3. the depth of a beaker or a bottle.

Q. 11.) Name the two scales of aVernier calipers and explain, how is it used to measure a
length correct upto 0.01cm.

Ans. Two scales are:

1. Main scale
2. Vernier scale

Measuring a length correct upto 0.01cm:

The main scale is graduated to read up to 1 mm and on Vernier scale.

Now, as we can see that the length of 10 divisions is equal to the length of 9 divisions on
the main scale.
=> 1 division on the main scale reads= 1 mm
And total no. of divisons on vernier scale = 10
Now we shall calculate the least count as follows:

L.C. = 1 mm /10 = 0.1 mm = 0.01 cm.

Thus, Verniercalipers can measure length correct up to 0.01 cm.

Q. 12.) Describe in steps, how would you use a Vernier calipers to measure the length of a
small rod.

Ans. ForMeasuring the length of a small rod using Vernier calipers:

Step1: Place the rod to be measured in between fixed end and vernier scale as shown
 below.

Step 2:In this position, the’0’ of the Vernier scale is exceeding 1.2 cm mark on main
scale. This means that the actual length of the rod= 1.2 cm + (length ab )
Step 3: To measure the length ab, pth division of the Vernier scale is noted, which
coincides with any division of main scale.
Now, ab  length of p divisions on Vernier scale  length of p divisions on main scale
Or , ab  length of p divisions on the main scale – length of p divisions on the Vernier scale.
 p  length of 1 division on main scale – length of 1 division on Vernier scale 
 p  L.C.
 total reading  main scale reading  Vernier scale reading
 1.2 cm  p  L.C.

Q. 13.) Name the part of the Vernier calipers which is use to measure the following:

a) External diameter of a tube

b) Internal diameter of a mug
c) Depth of a small bottle
d) Thickness of a pencil.

Ans.

a) Outside jaws
b) Inside jaws
c) Strip
d) Outer jaws

Q. 14.) Explain the terms (i) pitch, and (ii) least count of a screwgauge. How are they
determined?
Ans. (i) Pitch: The distance moved by the screw along its axis in one complete rotation is the
pitch of screw gauge
(ii) Least count (L.C.) of a screw gauge: The distance moved by screw gauge in rotating
the circular scale by one division is the LC of a screw gauge
Thus, L.C. = Pitch of the screw gauge/total no. of divisions on its circular scale.
If a screw moves by 1 mm in one rotation and it has 100 divisions on its circular scale,
then pitch of screw = 1 mm.
Thus, L.C. = 1 mm / 100 = 0.01 mm = 0.001 cm

Q. 15.) How can the least count of a screw gauge be decreased?

Ans. By decreasing the pitch and increasing the total number of divisions on the circular
scale, the LC of a screw gauge can be increased.

Q. 16.) Draw a neat labeled diagram of a screw gauge. Name its main parts and state their
functions.

Ans.

Main parts and their functions:

1. Ratchet: It advances the screw by turning it until the object is gently held between the
stud and spindle of screw.
2. Sleeve: It marks the main scale and base line.
3. Thimble: It marks the circular scale.
4. Main scale: It helps to read the length correct up to 1 mm.
5. Circular scale: It helps to read length correct up to 0.01 mm.
Q. 17.) State one use of screw gauge.

Ans. To measure the diameter of a cylindrical or circular wire with an accuracy of 0.001 cm

Q. 18.) State the purpose of ratchet in a screw gauge.

Ans. To gently held the object between the spindle and stud, ratched is rotated.

Q. 19.) What do you mean by zero error of a screw gauge?

Ans. When zero mark of circular scale doesnot coincide with the base line of main scale due
to mechanical errors, the screw guage is said to have zero error.If the same is found
then, to get the correct reading:
Correct reading = Observed reading – zero error (with sign)

Q. 20.) A screw gauge has a least count of 0.001 cm and zero error +0.007 cm. Draw a neat
diagram to represent it.

Ans. Diagram of a screw gauge with L.C. 0.001 cm and zero error +0.007 cm.

Q. 21.) What is backlash error? Why is it caused? How is it avoided?

Ans. Backlash error: The backlash error is said to be observed if by reversing the direction of
rotation of the thimble, the screw tip does not move in the opposite direction
immediately but remains stationary for a part of rotation.
Reason:Wearing out of screw threads cause this error.
To avoid the backlash error: Screw should be rorated in one direction only . If the
direction needs to be changed, we should stop for a while and then rotate.
Q. 22.) Describe the procedure to measure the diameter of wire with the help of of a screw
gauge.

Ans. Measurement of diameter of wire with a screw gauge:

1. The wire is placed between the anvil and spindle end.

2. Until the wire is firmly held between the anvil and spindle, rotate the thimble.
3. The rachet is provided to avoid excessive pressure on the wire by preventing the
spindle from further movement.
4. To determine the thickness of the wire from the observed reading:

The pitch of the screw  1 mm

L.C. of screw gauge  0.01 mm
Main scale reading  2.5 mm
46th division of circular scale coincides with the base line.
 circular scale reading  46  0.01  0.46 mm
Total reading  Main scale reading  circular scale reading   2.5  0.46  mm  2.96 mm

Q. 23.) Name the instrument which can measure accurately the following:

(a) the diameter of a needle

(b) the thickness of a paper

(c) the internal diameter of the neck of a large bottle.

(d) the diameter of a pencil.

Ans. (a) Screw gauge
(b) Screw gauge
(c) Vernier calipers
(d) Screw gauge

Q. 24.) Which of the following measures a small length to a high accuracy:

Metre ruler, Vernier calipers, screw gauge?

Ans. Screw gauge.

Q. 25.) Name the instrument which has the least count:

(a) 0.1 mm (b) 1 mm (c) 0.01mm

Ans. (c) 0.01 mm

MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE

Q. 1.) The least count of Vernier calipers is :

(a) 1 cm (b) 0.001 cm

(c) 0.1 cm (d) 0.01 cm

Ans. d

Q. 2.) A micro scope has its scale with 20 divisions in 1 cm and Vernier scale with 25
divisions, the length of which is equal to the length of 24 divisions of main scale. The
least count of microscope is :

(a) 0.002 cm (b) 0.001 cm

(c) 0.02 cm (d) 0.01 cm

Ans. a

Q. 3.) The diameter of a thin wire can be measured by:

(a) aVerniercalipers (b) a metre rule

(c) a screw gauge (d) any of these

Ans. c

NUMERICALS

Q. 1.) A stop watch has 10 divisions graduated between the 0 and 5s marks. What is its least
count?

Ans.

the stop watch range  5s

Total number of divisions  10
5
L.C.   0.5s
10

Q. 2.) A Vernier has 10 divisions and they are equal to 9 divisions of main scale in length. If
the main scale is calibrated in mm, what is its count?

Ans. As, 1 main scale divison = 1 mm

And, 10 Vernier divisions = 9 main scale division
Value of 1 m.s.d .
L.C. 
number of divisions on vernier scale
1
 mm  0.1 mm or 0.01 cm
10

Q. 3.) A microscopic is provided with a main scale graduated with 20 divisions in 1 cm and a
Vernier scale with 50 divisions on it of length same as of 49 divisions of main scale.
Find the least count of the microscope.

Ans. There are 20 divisions in 1 cm on the main scale.

1
=>, the value of 1 m.s.d. (x) = cm = 0.05 cm
20
Vernierscale divisions(n) = 25
x 0.05
Therefore, the L.C. of the microscope = =( ) cm
n 25
= 0.002 cm

Q. 4.) A boy uses the Vernier calipers to measure the thickness of his pencil. He measures it
to be 1.4 mm. If the zero error of Verniercalipers is +0.02 cm, what is the correct
thickness of pencil?
 Noted reading  1.4 mm
Zero error of calipers   0.02 cm   0.2 mm
Ans. Correct reading  Noted reading – zero error  with sign  Noted reading = 1.4 mm
 1.4 mm – 0.2 mm
 1.2 mm

Q. 5.) A Vernier calipers has its main scale graduated in mm and 10 divisions on its Vernier
scale are equal in length to 9 mm. When the two jaws are in contact, the zero of
Vernier scale is ahead of zero of main scale and 3rd division of Vernier scale coincides
with a main scale division. Find : (i) the least count and (ii) the zero error of the
Vernier calipers

Given that
10 divisons on vernier scale  9mm  9 main scaledivison
Ans. (i) as 1 main scale div  1mm

Value of 1msd 1
Now, LC    0.1mm
No. of vernier divisons 10

(iiAs the zero of vernier scale lies above to that of main scale, the error is positive.
Vernier division coinciding with main scale divison(n)= 3rd
Total no. of Vernier divisions = 10

Using the formula,

Zero error   3  L.C.

  3  0.01 cm
  0.03 cm

Q. 6.) The main scale of aVernier calipers is calibrated in mm and 19 divisions of main scale
are equal in length to 20 divisions of Vernier scale. In measuring the diameter of a
cylinder by this instrument, the main scale reads 35 divisions and 4 th division of
Vernier scale coincides with a main scale division. Find : (i) least count and (ii) radius
of cylinder.

1main scale div  1mm  0.1cm

Ans. (i) and 20 vernier div  19msd
1msd 1
 LC    0.05mm
no. of vernier div 20
 Main scale reading  35 mm  3.5 cm
The division of the vernier scale that coincides with the main scale  4th
 the Vernier scale reading  4  0.005 cm  0.02 cm
(ii) Total reading  Main scale reading  Vernier scale reading
  3.5  0.02  cm
 3.52 cm is the diameter
 Radius of the cylinder  Diameter / 2  1.76 cm

Q. 7.) In a Verniercalipers, there are 10 divisions on the Vernier scale and 1 cm on the main
scale is divided in 10 pairs. While measuring a length, ghe zero of the Vernier lies just
ahead of 1.8 cm mark and 4th division of Vernier coincides with a main scale division.

(i) Find the length.

(ii) If zero of Verniercalipers is -0.02cm, what is the correct length?

Ans. (a) L.C. of Verniercalipers = 0.01 cm

Main scale reading = 1.8 cm
Division of the main scale coincides with the main scale=4
Therefore, the Vernier scale reading = 4 × 0.01 cm = 0.04 cm
Total reading = Main scale reading + Vernier scale reading
= (1.8 + 0.04) cm
= 1.84 cm

(b) Observed reading = 1.84 cm

Zero error = -0.02 cm
Correct reading = Observed reading – Zero error (with sign)
= [1.84 – (-0.02)] cm
= 1.86 cm

Q. 8.) While measuring the length of a rod with aVerniercalipers, Fig. given below shows the
position of its scale. What is the length of the rod?

Ans.
 Fig:

L.C. of Verniercalipers  0.01 cm

Now, Reading on main scale  3.3 mm
Vernier division coincides with m.s.d .  6 th
Vernier scale reading  6  0.01 cm  0.06 cm
Correct reading  m.s.r.  v.s.r.  3.3  0.06  3.36 cm

Q. 9.) The pitch of a screw gauge is 0.5 mm and the head scale is divided in 100 parts. What
is the least count of the screw gauge?

Pitch  0.5mm
Ans. No. of circular scale div.  100
0.5
 LC   0.005mm
100

Q. 10.) The thimble of a screw gauge has 50 divisions. The spindle advances 1mm when the
screw is turned through two revolutions.

(i) What is the pitch of screw gauge?

(ii) What is the least count of the screw gauge?

No. of circular scale div.  50

Ans. Pitch  dist.moved in one revolution
1
 mm  0.5mm
2

Now, the LCis calculated as follows :

L.C.  Pitch / No. of circular head divisons
0.5
 mm  0.01 mm
50
Q. 11.) The pitch of a screw gauge is 1 mm and the circular scale has 100 divisions. In
measurement of the diameter of a wire, the main scale reads 2mm and 45 th mark on
the circular scale coincides with the base line. Find:

(1) What is the pitch of a screw gauge?

(2) What is the least count of the screw gauge?

Ans. screw gaugepitch(p) = 1mm

circular scale divisions(n) = 100

(i) L.C. = p/n

1
= mm
100
= 0.01 mm or 0.001 cm

(ii) Reading on main scale = 2mm = 0.2 cm

Divisions of circular head in line with the base line (P) = 45
Therefore, Circular scale reading = P × L.C.
= 45 x 0.001 cm
= 0.045 cm
Total reading = Main scale reading + circular scale reading
= (0.2 + 0.045) cm
= 0.245 cm

Q. 12.) When a screw gauge of least count of 0.01 mm is used to measure the diameter of a
wire, the reading on the sleeve is found to be 1 mm and the reading on the thimble is
found to be 27 divisions. (i) What is the diameter of the wire in cm? (ii) If the zero
error is +0.005 cm, what is the correct diameter?

Given, LC  0.01 mm or 0.001 cm

Also, Main scale reading  1 mm or 0.1 cm
No.of circular head division which is inline with main scale  p   27th
Ans. Now, according to question;
 Circular scale reading   p  L.C.  27  0.001 cm  0.027 cm
hence, measurement of Diameter in cm  Main scale reading  circular scale reading
  0.1  0.027  cm  0.127 cm
 Also given that Zero error  0.005 cm
Thus, as we knowthat for positive zero error ;
Correct reading  Observed reading – zero error  with sign 
 0.127 –  0.005  cm  0.122 cm

Q. 13.) A screw gauge has 50 divisions on its circular scale and its screw moves by 1mm on
turning it by two revolutions. When the flat end of the screw is in contact with the
stud, the zero of a circular scale is in line with the base line. Find:

(i) The pitch, (ii) the least count and (iii) the zero error of the screw gauge

Ans. Divisions on circular scale = 50

(i) Pitch = Distance moved ahead in one revolution
1
= mm = 0.5 mm
2

Pitch
(ii) L.C. =
No. of divisions on the circular head
0.5
= mm
50
= 0.01 mm

(iii) The zero error is positive as when the flat end of the screw is in contact with the
stud the zero of the circular scale lies below the base line.

No. of the circular division coinciding with m.s.d. = 4th

Therefore, Zero error = + (4 × L.C.)
= + (4 × 0.01) mm
= + 0.04 mm

Q. 14.) Fig. given below shows the reading obtained while measuring the diameter of a wire
with screw gauge. The screw advances by 1 division on main scale when circular head
is rotated once. Find:

(i) pitch of the screw gauge,

(ii) least count of the screw gauge, and

(iii) the diameter of the wire.

Ans. No. of divisions on the circular scale(n) = 50
(i) Pitch(p) = Distance moved ahead in one revolution
1
= mm = 1 mm.
1

(ii) L.C. = p/n

1
= mm
50
= 0.02 mm

(iii) Main scale reading = 4 mm

No. of circular division coinciding with reading on mainscale (P) = 47th
Circular scale reading = P × L.C.
= (47 × 0.02) mm
= 0.94 mm
Diameter (Total reading) = Reading on main scale+ reading on circular scale
= (4 + 0.94) mm
= 4.94 mm

Q. 15.) A screw has a pitch equal to 0.5 mm. What should be the number of divisions on its
head soas to read correct upto 0.001 mm with its help?

Ans. According to question;

p = 0.5 mm

L.C. = 0.001 mm

pitch
L.C. 
number of divisions on head (n)
pitch 0.5
 Number of divisions on head (n)    500
L.C. 0.001
 Exercise 1(C)

Q. 1.) What is a simple pendulum? Is the pendulum used in a pendulum clock simple
pendulum? Give reason to your answer.

Ans. A heavy point mass (bob) hanging from a firm support by the means of a mass less
inextensible string is defined as a simple pendulum.

The pendulum used in the pendulum clock is not a simple pendulum as in that
mechanism we cannot have any heavy mass with point size or a string that’s mass less.

Q. 2.) Define the terms (i) oscillation, (ii) amplitude, (iii) frequency, and (iv) time period as
related to a simple pendulum.

Ans. (i) Oscillation: A complete to and fro motion of the pendulum bob from one extreme to
the other can be called one oscillation.
(ii) Amplitude: Amplitude is defined as the maximum displacement the pendulum bob
experiences in reference to its mean position on either side.
(iii) Frequency: It is the number of oscillations completed per second. Its unit is hertz
(Hz).
(iv)Time period: The time taken to complete one oscillation is called the time period.

Q. 3.) Draw a neat diagram of a simple pendulum. Show on it the effective length of the
pendulum and its one oscillation.

Ans. Simple Pendulum:

Q. 4.) Name two factors on which the time period of a simple pendulum depends. Write the
relation for the time period in terms of the above named factors.

Ans. Length of pendulum(l) and acceleration due to gravity(g) are the two factors on which
the time period of a simple pendulum depends. The relation is given as:

l
T  2
g

Q. 5.) Name two factors on which the time period of a simple pendulum does not depend.

Ans. The material of the bob and the amplitude are the two factors on which the time period
of a simple pendulum does not depend .

Q. 6.) How is the time period of a simple pendulum affected, if at all, in the following
situations?

(a) the length is made four times

(b) the acceleration due to gravity is reduce to one-fourth.

l
Ans. Since, T  2
g

(a) I length is made four times, then

l '  4l

l' 4l
 T '  2  2
g g
l
2
T g 1
or ,  
T' 4l 2
2
g

Therefore, the time period becomes twice if the length is made 4 times.

(b) If the acceleration due to gravity is reduced to one-fourth,

 l
T '  2
1
g
4
l
2
T g 1
or ,  
T' l 2
2
g/4
T '  2T

Therefore, time period will be doubled is g is reduced to g/4.

Q. 7.) How are the time period T and frequency f of an oscillation of simple pendulum
related?

Ans. Time period and frequency are inversely proportional.

1
f 
T

Q. 8.) How do you measure the time period of a given pendulum? Why do you note the time
for more than one oscillation?

Ans. Measurement of time period of a simple pendulum:

Slightly displace the bob from its mean position and release. When it comes in to and
fro motion, note the time for around 20 oscillations using a stop watch, and wait for the
bob to return to its mean position. Now the time period can be devised by dividing the
total time taken divided by 20.

As the least count of the stop watch is not less than 1 s or 0.5 s, it cannot record
fractional time, thus we have to take note of time for more tyhan one oscillation.

Q. 9.) How does the time period (T) of a simple pendulum depends on its length (l)? Draw a
graph showing the variation of T 2 with l. How will you use this graph to determine
the value of g (acceleration due to gravity)?

Ans. T l

The relation is stated as, the time period is directly proportional to the square root of its
effective length.
 From this graph, the value of acceleration due to gravity (g) can be calculated by
calculating the slope of the line PQ as follows.
Now note the value of T2 is at a and b, the value of l at c and d. Then,

PR ab T12  T2 2
Slope   
QR cd l1  l2

4 2
This slope is found to be constant at a place and is equal to
g
Use following relation to determine g
4 2l
g 2
T

Q. 10.) Two simple pendulums A and B have equal lengths, but their bobs 50gf and 100 gf
respectively. What would be the ratio of their time periods? Give reason for your
answer.

Ans. As the time period does not depend on mass of bob, ratio will be 1:1

Q. 11.) Two simple pendulum A and B have lengths 1.0 m and 4.0 m respectively at a certain
place. Which pendulum will make more oscillation in 1 minute? Explain your answer.

Ans. As T l ,Pendulum B will take twice the time than A and hence make lesser
oscillations..
Q. 12.) State how does the time period of a simple pendulum depend on a (a) length of a
pendulum, (b) mass of bob, (c) amplitude of oscillation and (d) acceleration due to a
gravity.

Ans. (a) directly proportional to the square root of the length of the pendulum.
(b) No dependency.
(c)No dependency..
(d) inversely proportional to the square root of ‘g’.

Q. 13.) What is a seconds’ pendulum?

Ans. If a pendulum has a time period of two seconds, it’s called a second’s pendulum.

Q. 14.)State the numerical value of the frequency of oscillation of a seconds’ pendulum. Does
it depend on the amplitude of oscillation?

1
f 
Ans. T
1
 f   0.5sec 1
2

No, it does not depend on the amplitude of oscillation.

MULTIPLE

Q. 1.) The length of a simple pendulum is one-fourth, its time period becomes:

(a) four-times (b) one-fourth

(b) double (d) half

Ans. (d)

Q. 2.) The time period of a pendulum clock is :

(a) 1 s (b) 2 s

(c) 1 min (d) 12h

Ans. (b)

Q. 3.) The length of a seconds’ pendulum is nearly:

 (a) 0.5 m (b) 9.8 m

(c) 1.0 m (d) 2.0 m

Ans. (c)

NUMERICALS

Q. 1.) A simple pendulum completes 40 oscillations in one minute. Find its (a) frequency, (b)
time period.

Ans. (a) f = No. of Oscillations per second

40 -1
= s
60
= 0.67 s-1

1
(b) T =
f
1
= s
0.67
= 1.5 s

Q. 2.) The time period of a simple pendulum is 2s. What is its frequency? What name is
given to such a pendulum?

Ans. Time period = 2 s

1
f=
T
1 -1
= s
2
= 0.5 s-1
This type of pendulum is called the seconds’ pendulum.

Q. 3.) A second’s pendulum is taken to a place where acceleration due to gravity falls to one-
fourth. How is the time period of the pendulum affected, if at all? Give reason. What
will be its new time period?

Ans.

1
T
g
 Now, g’=g/4

Let the new time period be T’ and g’ will be the new acceleration due to gravity.

Then,

T g'

T' g
1
g
T 4
 
T' g
T g
 
T' 4g
T 1
 
T' 2
 T '  2T  2  2 s  4 s

Therefore, if the acceleration due to gravity is reduced to 1/4th , the timeperiod will be doubled
Q. 4.) Find the length of a second’s pendulum at a place where g= 10ms 2 .

Ans. Let ‘l’ be the length of the second’s pendulum.

We know that ,

l
T  2
g
l
 2  2
10
l 1
  2
10 
10
l 
 3.14 
2

 l  1.0142 s

Q. 5.) Compare the time periods of two pendulums of length 1m and 9 m.

Ans. Let the time period of two pendulums be T and T ' respectively,

1
2
T g

T' 9
2
g
T 1
 
T' 9
T 1
 
T' 3

Q. 6.) A pendulum completes 2 oscillations in 5 s. (a) what is its time period? (b) if g= 9.8ms 2
, find its length.

Ans.

total time
T
total no.of oscillations
5
 s
2
 2.5s

Let ‘l’ be the length. Then,

l
T  2
g
l
 2.5  2  3.14
9.8
l
 0.398 
9.8
 l   0.398  .  9.8 
2

 l  1.55 m

Q. 7.) The time period of two simple pendulum at a place are in ratio 2:1. What will be the
ratio of their lengths?

Ans. Let Ta and Tb be the time periods of the two pendulums of lengths la and lb, respectively.
As T  l .
 T1 l
  1
T2 l2
2
l T 
 1   1   4 :1
l2  T2 

Q. 8.) It takes 0.2 s for a pendulum bob to move from mean position to one end. What is the
time period of pendulum?

Ans. The time period is calculated as the time taken by the bob to complete one oscilation,

Now, T= (4 × 0.2) s
= 0.8 s

Q. 9.) How much time does the bob of a seconds pendulum take to move from one extreme
of its oscillation to the other extreme?

Ans. Time period of a seconds’ pendulum = 2 s

Time taken by bob to move from one extreme to the other extreme will be the time
taken to cover half oscillation.

1
  2  1s
2