Physical World
Physical World
Physical World
SHORT NOTES
PHYSICS
BALAJI
TUTORIALS
Chapter 1: Physical World
PHYSICS PHYSICAL WORLD 7983744732
Physical World
Science
Science is a systematic attempt to understand natural phenomena in as much detail and depth as
possible, and use the knowledge so gained to predict, modify and control phenomena.
Scientific method can be called as a method to acquire knowledge in a systematic and in-depth
way. It is having:
Systematic observations
LS
Controlled experiments
Qualitative and Quantitative reasoning
Mathematical modelling
Prediction and verification (or falsification) of theories
IA
Speculation or Prediction
Science will be not having any final theory. The observations which are made using improved,
R
accurate tools will be creating improved knowledge and perspective. Tycho Brahe’s research on
planetary motion has been used by Johannes Kepler for improving Nicolas Copernicus theory.
O
Quantum mechanics was developed in order to deal with atomic and nuclear phenomena. Work
T
of Ernest Rutherford on nuclear model of atom made the basis of quantum theory suggested by
Niels Bohr. The discovery of antielectron (positron) was led by the Antiparticle theory of Paul
U
Natural Sciences: Natural science can be considered as a branch of science which is discussing
about the description, prediction, and understanding of the natural phenomena which is on the
basis of an observational and empirical evidence. It will be included of the disciplines mentioned
JI
below:
Physics
LA
Chemistry
Biology
Physics
A
Physics is a fundamental science concerned with understanding the natural phenomena that
B
LS
astronomical scales.
Science has a great influence on technology. Some of the technological advancements which
are governed by scientific concepts are given below.
IA
Technology Scientific concept
Sonar Reflection of ultrasonic waves
R
Rocket propulsion Newton’s laws of motion
Aeroplane
O
Bernoulli’s principle in fluid dynamics
T
Steam engine Law of thermodynamics
Optical fibres Total internal reflection of light
U
T
LS
or neutron-neutron
Weak Nuclear Force: observed only in some nuclear processes. Example: β-decay of a nucleus. It
is not as weak as the gravitational force but weaker than electromagnetic and strong nuclear
IA
force
The nuclear force has the following properties:
R
1. The strong nuclear force binds protons and neutrons in a nucleus. The weak nuclear
force appears only in certain nuclear processes such as beta decay.
2.
O
A strong nuclear force is the strongest force in nature. It is about 100 times stronger
than the electromagnetic force. Weak nuclear force is stronger than the gravitational
T
force but weaker than the electromagnetic or strong nuclear force.
U
3. It is a short-range force and is operative only over the size of nucleus.
4. A strong nuclear force is responsible for the stability of nuclei.
T
heavier elementary
particles
Unification of Forces
The unification of forces is the idea that it's possible to view all of nature's forces as
manifestations of one single, all-encompassing force. Scientists have made great strides toward
the goal of understanding how the forces can be combined
LS
of conservation of energy will be applied to the whole universe and it has been considered
that the total energy of the universe is fixed. The nature develops symmetric results at
different time under similar conditions. It states that energy can neither be created nor
IA
destroyed; however it may change from one form to another.
Law of Conservation of Mass: A chemical reaction can be defined as a rearrangement of
atoms among various molecules. The difference will be formed as heat and the reaction is
R
exothermic when the total binding energy of the reacting molecules will be less than the total
binding energy of the product molecules. The opposite will be correct for energy-absorbing
O
reactions such as endothermic reactions. As the atoms are not destroyed, only just
rearranged, the summation of the mass of the reactants will be identified as the total mass of
T
the products in a chemical reaction. Mass will be in relation to energy through Einstein
U
theory, E= mc2, where c will be the speed of light in vacuum.
Law of conservation of angular momentum: It states that if no external torque acts on a
T
system, then the total angular momentum of the system remains conserved.
Laws Of Physics
JI
By nature, laws of Physics are stated facts which have been deduced and derived based on
LA
empirical observations. Simply put, the world around us works in a certain way, and physical
laws are a way of classifying that “working.”
Physical laws are just conclusions drawn based on years (or however long it takes) of scientific
A
observations and experiments which are repeated over and over under different conditions to
B
reach inferences which can be accepted worldwide. These are continuously validated by the
scientific community over time.
The different properties of laws of Physics which shed information about their nature are given
below:
True, under specified conditions
Universal and do not deviate anywhere in the universe
Simple in terms of representation
Absolute and unaffected by external factors
Stable and appear to be unchanging
PHYSICS PHYSICAL WORLD 7983744732
Omnipresent and everything in the universe is compliant (in terms of observations)
Conservative in terms of quantity
Homogeneous in terms of space and time
Theoretically reversible in time
LS
know blood pressure and hence the functioning of heart. Invention of X-rays developed the
field of diagnosis. Electron and optical microscopic designs have revolutionised the study of
medical.
IA
Relation to Chemistry. The concept of X-ray diffraction and radioactivity has helped to
distinguish between the various solids and to modify the periodic table.
R
Understanding the bonding and the chemical structure of substances is easy with the help of
the concept of interactions between various particles.
O
Relation to Mathematics. Study of physical variables led to the idea of differentiation,
T
integration and differential equation. Meaningful interpretation of Mathematics becomes
Physics.
U
Relation to Astronomy. Optical telescopes of reflecting and refracting type enabled man to
explore the space around. Discoveries like radio telescopes have revolutionised the study of
T
Astronomy.
JI
LA
A
B
PHYSICS PHYSICAL WORLD 7983744732
LS
IA
R
O
T
U
T
JI
LA
A
B
PHYSICS PHYSICAL WORLD 7983744732
Important Questions
LS
(c) applied Mechanics
(d) Quantum Mechanics
2. Which of the following is a possible final step in applying the scientific method
IA
(a) Formulating a hypothesis
(b) Building a theory
R
(c) Analysis of test results
(d) Formulation of a question
O
T
3. Which of the following is a possible first step in applying the scientific method
(a) Conducting tests
U
4. A scientific theory
(a) cannot be changed but can be reformulated
LA
LS
8. Physics is a
(a) Applied Science
IA
(b) Mathematical Science
(c) Engineering Science
R
(d) Natural Science
9. The word Science originates from the Latin verb Scientia meaning
(a) to know
O
T
(b) to see
U
(c) to experience
(d) to observe
T
1. Name that branch of science that deals with the study of Earth.
2. Name that branch of science that deals with the study of stars.
3. Name the scientist and the country of his origin whose field of work was
elasticity.
4. The word “Physics” comes from a Greek word. Name the word.
5. The word science has come from a Latin verb. Name the verb.
6. What is the meaning of the verb ‘Scientia’?
PHYSICS PHYSICAL WORLD 7983744732
7. Name the scientist and the country of his origin who received the Nobel Prize
for his work on molecular spectra.
8. What is the most incomprehensible thing about the world?
9. Name a great scientist who gave the following comment on science.
“Science is not just a collection of laws, a catalogue of unrelated facts. It is a
creation of the human mind, with its freely invented ideas and concepts.”
10.Which famous philosopher gave the following comments on science?
LS
“We know very little and yet it is astonishing that we know so much, and still
more astonishing that so little knowledge of science can give so much power.”
Short Questions:
IA
1. Differentiate between Biological and Physical sciences?
2. What is the relation between Physics and Technology?
R
3. What is the relation between Physics and society?
4. Is Science on speaking terms with humanities?
O
5. What is the relation between Physics and Technology?
T
6. Is Physics more of a philosophy or more of a mathematical science?
U
7. Define Biophysics.
T
8. Define Technology?
Long Questions:
JI
1. Assertion (A) and the other labelled Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these
questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) are as given below
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false and R is also false.
Assertion: The concept of energy is central to Physics and its expression can be
written for every physical system.
PHYSICS PHYSICAL WORLD 7983744732
Reason: Law of conservation of energy is not valid for all forces and for any kind of
transformation between different forms of energy.
2. Assertion (A) and the other labelled Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these
questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) are as given below
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
LS
(d) A is false and R is also false.
Assertion: Physics generates new technology.
Reason: Technology give rise to new physics.
IA
Answer Key:
Multiple Choice Answers-
R
1. Answer: (d) Quantum Mechanics
2. Answer: (c) Analysis of test results
O
T
3. Answer: (c) Formulation of a question
4. Answer: (d) can be revised if required to fit new phenomenon or data
U
knowledge.
6. Answer: (b) Some of the most basic features of atomic phenomena.
JI
1. Answer: Geology.
2. Answer: Astronomy.
3. Answer: Robert Hook, England.
4. Answer: The word is ‘fuses meaning ‘Nature’.
5. Answer: The name of the Latin verb is ‘Scientia’.
6. Answer: To ‘know’
7. Answer: C.V. Raman, India.
8. Answer: It is comprehensible.
PHYSICS PHYSICAL WORLD 7983744732
9. Answer: Albert Einstein.
10.Answer: Bertrand Russel.
Short Questions Answers:
1. Answer:
LS
IA
2. Answer: Broadly speaking, physics and technology both constitute science.
R
Physics is the heart and technology is the body of science.
The application of the principles of physics for practical purposes becomes
technology, e.g.
O
T
Airplanes fly on the basis of Bernoulli’s theorem.
Rockets propulsion is based on Newton’s second and third laws of motion.
U
society, e.g.
Exploration of new sources of energy is of great importance to society.
Rapid means of transport are no less important for society.
A
computers.
The development of T.V., radio, satellites, telephone, the telegraph has
revolutionized the means of communications which have a direct impact on
society and so on.
4. Answer: Yes, there is a deep relation between the development of humanity on
account of science. Many socio-economic, political, and ethical problems are
being tackled and solved by science. Science has greatly helped in developing
art and culture. Many musical instruments have been developed due to the
PHYSICS PHYSICAL WORLD 7983744732
theories in Physics. The steam engine is inseparable from the industrial
revolution which had a great impact on human civilization.
5. Answer: The interplay between physics and technology is the basic to the
progress of science which is ever dynamic. Laws in waves and oscillation opened
several technological fields which include telescopy, ultrasounds, microscopy, X-
rays, and laser. Powerhouses, big cranes, healing devices, etc. work on the
principle of electromagnetism. Atomic energy and nuclear weapons are on
account of fission. Similarly, Radar, television, the internet, etc. are all based on
simple laws of physics. So until there is no theory i.e. physics, there can be no
LS
experiment i.e. technology. Hence both are deeply related.
6. Answer: Physics is not a purely abstract science devoid of philosophy. Physicists
are natural philosophers and Einstein is an example to quote. So Philosophy has
IA
provided the backbone to Physics.
7. Answer: It is defined as the understanding of biological processes based upon
R
the principles of Physics. For example, spectroscopic techniques are used to
study the constitution of biological molecules and disorders in them. Laws of
O
thermodynamics are used to explain various biological activities of predators
and also the activities of molecules.
T
Hence the application of Physics to bioscience is now well known to all of us.
U
dependent on Physics.
Long Questions Answers:
JI
LS
The radio telescope has helped to study the structure of our galaxy and to
discover pulsars and quasars (heavenly bodies having star-like structures).
IA
Pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars. Doppler’s effect predicted the
expansion of the universe. Kepler’s laws are responsible to understand the
nature of the orbits of the planets around the sun.
R
(f) Physics in the relation to Meteorology: The variation of pressure with
temperature leads to the forecast of the weather.
O
(g) Physics in relation to Seismology: The movement of the earth’s crust and the
T
types of waves produced help us in studying the earthquake and its effect.
2. Answer: These are the following four basic forces in nature:
U
(a) Gravitational forces: These are the forces of attraction between any two
bodies in the universe due to their masses separated by a definite distance.
A
LS
They are long-range forces i.e., gravitational forces between any two
bodies exist even when their distance of separation is quite large.
IA
The field particles of gravitational forces are called gravitons. The concept
of the exchange of field particles between two bodies explains how the
two bodies interact from a distance.
R
(b) Electromagnetic forces: They include the electrostatic and magnetic forces.
O
The electrostatic forces are the forces between two static charges while
magnetic forces are the forces between two magnetic poles. The moving
T
charges give rise to the magnetic force. The combined action of these forces is
called electromagnetic forces.
U
(c) Strong forces: They are the forces of nuclear origin. The particles inside the
nucleus are charged particles (protons) and neutral particles (neutrons) which
are bonded to each other by a strong interaction called nuclear force or strong
force. Hence they may be defined as the forces binding the nucleons (protons
and neutrons) together in a nucleus. They are responsible for the stability of the
atomic nucleus.
They are of three types:
n-n forces are the forces of attraction between two neutrons.
p-p forces are the forces of attraction between two protons.
PHYSICS PHYSICAL WORLD 7983744732
n-p forces are the forces of attraction between a proton and a neutron.
Characteristics of Nuclear forces:
They are basically attractive in nature and become repulsive when the
distance between nucleons is less than O.S fermi.
They obey inverse square law.
(a) and
(b) types are the forces that we encounter in the macroscopic world while
LS
(c) and
(d) types are the forces that we encountered in the microscopic world.
(c) Weak forces: They are defined as the interactions which take, place between
IA
elementary particles during radioactive decay of a radioactive substance. In P-
decay, the nucleus changes into a proton, an electron, and a particle called anti-
R
neutrino (which is uncharged). The interaction between the electron and the
anti-neutrino is known as weak interaction or weak force.
Characteristics of Weak forces:
O
They are 1025 times stronger than the gravitational forces.
T
They exist between leptons and leptons, leptons, and mesons. etc.
U
3. Answer:
T
Using basic principles of science, the ways to use them for the production of
different kinds of articles is called technology, i.e., it is the application of
science.
LA
The most notable technology development in the last 25 years is in the field of
B
LS
Assertion Reason Answer:
1. (c) A is true but R is false.
IA
Explanation:
Law of conservation of energy is always valid for all forces and for any kind of
R
transformation between different forms of energy.
Therefore, A is true, but R is false.
O
2. (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
T
Explanation:
U
Sometimes physics generates new technology and at others technology gives
rise to
T
new physics. Both have desired impact on society. Therefore, both A and R are
true,
JI