Summary
			
				The main purpose of writing this book was to provide a complete and precise knowledge of basic physics. The author’s aim was to provide a comprehensive material with an easy language, so that students can easily understand the concepts of physics. This book does not only help the students of F.Sc, physics diploma but general physics students will also find a lot of helpful information in it. As the author has used easy and clear concepts, therefore, he feels confident that students will appreciate it.
			
		
	Excerpt
Table Of Contents
5 
PHYSICS AND MEASUREMENT 
PHYSICS
It is a branch of science which deals the properties of matter and energy, and also their 
correlation. 
Physics enlightens the natural phenomena in terms of fundamental principles and laws. 
BRANCHES
(i) 
Mechanics: It is the branch of physics which deals the motion of bodies under the action 
of forces. 
(ii) 
Field Theory: It is the branch of physics which deals the properties, nature and origin of 
different fields. Such as gravitational field, electric field and magnetic field etc. 
(iii) 
Thermodynamics: It is the branch of physics which deals the conversion of heat energy 
into mechanical energy. 
(iv) 
Acoustics: It is the branch of physics which deals the effect of sound on the buildings. 
(v) 
Optics: It is the branch of physics which deals the nature of light and also deals optical 
instruments, such as micro scope, telescope, and spectrometer etc. 
(vi) 
Electricity  and  magnetism:  It  is  the  branch  of  physics  which  deals  the  properties  of 
static as well as moving charges and also the properties related to these moving charges. 
(vii)  Atomic physics: It is the branch of physics which deals the structure and characteristics 
of an atom with in region of 10
-10
m. 
(viii)  Nuclear Physics: It is branch of physics which deals the nucleolus of an atom with in 
the region of 10
-15
m. 
(ix) 
Elementary  Particle  Physics:  Branch  of  physics  which  deals  the  properties  of 
elementary particle such as mesons, bosons, quarks etc. 
(x) 
Plasma Physics: Branch of physics which deals the properties of ionized gasses is called 
plasma physics. 
(xi) 
Astrophysics: Branch of physics which deals the properties of heavenly bodies and also 
the matter and energy interaction in these bodies are also discussed. 
(xii)  Solutionid  State  Physics:  It  is  the  branch  of  Physics  which  deals  the  properties  of 
Solutionid form of matter. 
(xiii)  Geo  Physics:  It  is  the  branch  of  physics  which  deals  the  earth  structure  and  its 
atmosphere. 
(xiv)  Bio Physics: It is the branch of physics which deals Biology in term of physics. 
6 
UNIT
The  standard  with  which  things  are  compared  is  called  Unit.  For  example  Kg,  Meter, 
second, etc. 
MAGNITUDE
The  number  and  unit  are  collectively  called  magnitude.  For  example  5  kg,10  sec,  and 
15C
o
 etc. 
PHYSICAL QUANTITIES 
The quantities which can be measured are called physical quantities. 
TYPES 
Physical quantities are of two types. 
(1) Fundamental or base units 
(2) Derived units. 
1. Base Units: 
Those physical quantities which are simplest and other physical quantities can be defined 
with the help of these quantities are called base units. For example length, mass, time etc. 
2. Derived Units: 
Those physical quantities which obtained from base quantities are called derived units. 
For example Speed, Torque, work etc. 
Speed = 
Time
Length
SYSTEM OF UNITS 
A complete set of units both base and derived units are called system of units. 
There are many systems of units are present. For example 
(i)  M.K.S 
(meter  kg  sec) 
(ii)  C.G.S 
(centimeter  gm  sec) 
(iii) F.P.S 
(foot  pound  sec) 
(iv) S.I. System 
7 
S.I SYSTEM: 
This system is adopted by international committee in 1960. This system has three types 
of units. 
(1) 
Base Units 
(2) 
Supplementary Units. 
(3) 
Derived Units. 
BASE UNITS: 
The S.I system consists of seven base units. 
1.  Length 2. Mass 3. Time 4 electric current 
5. Temperature 6. Light intensity  
7. Mole (amount of substance) 
(1) Length (L): 
It is measured in meters. 
1 meter: It is the length equal to the 165076373 wave length of orange red radiation emitted by 
Krypton-86 atom  from  transition  2P
10
    5d
5
  orbital.  OR  one  meter  is the  distance  traveled  by 
light in vacuum during a time of 1/299792458 sec. 
2. Mass (M): 
It is measured in kilogram. Its symbol is Kg. 
1Kg: the mass of a platinum iridium alloy cylinder ratio 9:1 having diameter 3.9cm and height 
3.9 cm placed in international bureau of weights is called 1kg. 
3. Time (T): 
It is measured in second. Its symbol is sec. 
1  sec:  1/86400  the  part  of  mean  Solutionar  day  is  called  one  second.  OR  the  duration  of 
9192631770 vibration of Cs-133 atom is called 1 second. 
4. Electric Current (A): 
It is measured in amperes. Its symbol is A. 
1A= It is the current which produce a force of 2x10
-7
 N/m in two parallel wires of infinite length 
and negligible circular cross section placed one meter apart from each other in vacuum. 
5. Temperature (T): 
It is measured in Kalvin. Its symbol is K. 
8 
1K= The triple point of water in thermodynamic scale of temperature is 273.16. The 1/273.16
th
part of the triple point of water is called 1K. 
6. Light intensity (I): 
It is measured in candela. Its symbol is Cd. 
1 Cd=The amount of radiation emitted normally from 1/600000 m
2
 of surface of black body in 
one  second.  The  temperature  of  black  body  is  kept  at  Solutionidification  of  platinum  under 
standard atmospheric pressure. 
7. Amount of substance (n): 
Ii is measured in mole. Its symbol is mol. 
1  mol  =  The  amount  of  a  substance  which  contain  atoms  or  molecules  equal  to  molecule  or 
atom contain 0.012 kg of corbon-12 atom. 1 mole contain atom = 6.0225x10
23
 atoms. 
SUPLEMANTRY UNITS    
There are two supplementary units in S.I. System of units.
(1) Plane Angle  
(2) Solutionid Angle 
1. Plane Angle() 
It is measured in radian. Its symbol is rad. 
1 rad = Plane angle is one radian, if arc length covered in a circle is equal to radius of circle. 
In Fig:   
r
AB
=
Plane angle = 1 rad. 
2. Solutionid Angle (
) 
It is measured in steradian. Its symbol is Sr. 
1 Sr = Solutionid angle is called one steradian,if the angle subtended at centre of sphere by an 
area of its surface. 
1 Sr = 
2
4 r
3. Derived Unit 
The  units  which  are  composed  from  base  and  supplementary  units  are  called  derived 
units. For example: 
(i) 
Force: Its units is Newton and symbol is N and in term of base units Kg m/sec
2
. 
A
o
1rad
B
r
o r
o
r
1sr
9 
(ii) 
Work: Its unit is Joule and symbol is J and in term of base units Kg m
2
/sec
2
. 
(iii) 
Pressure: Its unit is Pascal and symbol is Pa and in term of base units Kg m
-1
 sec
-2
. 
PREFIXS 
A very large or small numbers are some time expressed in power of ten. This power of ten's has 
given some name called prefix. 
For example  1 centimeter = 1 cm = 10
-2
 m 
1 kilometer = 1 Km = 10
3
 m 
Some prefix are. 
(iv) 
More  than  base  units  are  written  one  space  apart. 
For example Nm. 
(v) 
More than one prefix are not allowed. For example 
10MMm  is  not  allowed.  We  write  it  10Tm  and 
5x10
5
 cm is written as 5 x 10
3
 m. 
(vi) 
When  a  number  with  base  unit  has  some  power 
then  power  is  applied  on  number  as  well  as  base 
unit. For example  
(6 km)
2
 = (6x10
3
m)
2
= (6)
2
 x (10
3
)
2
 (m)
2
= 36 x 10
6
 m
2
(vii)  In practical work measurements would be recorded 
in a convenient way. For example reading of screw 
gauge should be in mm and mass of calorimeter should be in grams. 
ERRORS 
All  physical  measurements  can  never  be  100%  accurate.  The  difference  between 
measured value and actual value is called error. Error is due to following reasons. 
(i) 
Negligence or inexperience of a person. 
(ii) 
Faulty apparatus. 
(iii) 
Improper method. 
TYPES OF ERROR 
There are three types of errors. 
Power 
Prefix 
Symbol 
10
-18
Atto 
A 
10
-15
Femto 
f 
10
-12
Pico 
p 
10
-9
Nano 
n 
10
-6
micro 
µ 
10
-3
Milli 
m 
10
-2
centi 
c 
10
-1
Deci 
d 
10
1
Deca 
da 
10
3
Kilo 
k 
10
6
mega 
M 
10
9
Giga 
G 
10
12
Tera 
T 
10
15
Peta 
P 
10
18
Exa 
E 
10 
(i) 
Personal Error: It is an error which is produce due to natural deficiency of person. This 
error is due to incorrect method of reading a scale. This error can be reduced by placing 
the object on line of scale. 
(ii) 
Systematic  Error:  This  error  is  due  to  the  fault  in  instrument.  This  error  is  also 
produced due to poor calibration, zero error of the instrument or incorrect marking. This 
error can be reduced by changing the instrument or by applying correction factor such as 
zero error. 
(iii) 
Random  Error:  This  type  of  error  is  produced  when  different  results  of  same 
experiments are come under same condition. This error also arise due to the accidental 
changes  such  as  temperature  humidity,  line  voltage  or  other  unknown  causes.  The 
random  error  can  be  reduced  by  taking  the  average  of  different  results  of  same 
experiments. 
PRECISION AND ACCURACY 
We know that a measurement is never abSolutionutely correct; there will always be an 
error or uncertainty in it. The magnitude of error in a measurement is called precision.  
Measurements having smaller error will be more precise. 
Suppose we measure the width of a book with the help of a meter ruler and our reading is w = 
15.4 cm. The meter ruler which is calibrated in mm has minimum error is  
       0.5 mm = 0.05 cm. 
In  the  other  hand  we  go  from  D.I.Khan  to  Peshawar  let  measured  distance  is  300  km.  we 
measure the distance from speedometer. The minimum distance on the dial of speedometer is 1 
km. so maximum possible error should be 0.5 km.  
The magnitude of error in first reading is 0.05 cm while in other reading is 0.5km. 
As 0.05 < 0.5 km 
Thus first measurement is more precise than second measurement. 
ACCURACY 
The  magnitude  of  relative  error  is  called  accuracy.  OR  in  other  word  we  can  say  that 
smaller is the relative error in a measurement greater is the accuracy. Where relative error is: 
Relative error = 
measured
quantity 
error
For example in case of book measurements 
11 
Relative error = 
cm
15.4
cm
0.05
 = 3.24 x 10
-3
Relative error of D.I.Khan to Peshawar trip is 
Relative error = 
km
300
km
0.05
 = 1.6 x 10
-4
The  relative  error  of  second  measurement  is  less  than  first  measurement.  Thus  second 
measurement is more accurate than first one. 
UNCERTAINITY 
We  know  that  measurements  are  not  abSolutionutely  correct.  There  will  always  be  an 
error in it called uncertainty. These uncertainties due to the instruments used but other factors 
also. 
TYPES 
(i) 
AbSolutionute  Uncertainty:  Precision  of  a  measurement  is  called  abSolutionute 
uncertainty.  The  precision  or  abSolutionute  uncertainty  is  equal  to  the  least  count  of 
instrument.  In  case  of  meter  ruler  the  least  count  is  0.1  cm.  Therefore  abSolutionute 
uncertainty  = ± 0.1 cm. for example length of a book is this meter ruler is 15.2 cm. the 
correct length is now written as 15.2 cm ± 0.1 cm. 
(ii) 
Relative or Fractional Uncertainty: It is the ratio of abSolutionute uncertainty to the 
observed reading. 
Relative or fractional uncertainty = 
reading
observed
y
uncertaint
absolute
Fractional  uncertainty  tells  us  about  the  degree  of  accuracy.  For  example  fractional 
uncertainty of above example is. 
F. uncertainty = 
cm
15.2
cm
0.1
±
(iii) 
Percentage Uncertainty: Fractional uncertainty describe in term of percentage is called 
percentage uncertainty. 
Percentage Uncertainty = 
x100
reading
actual
y
uncertaint
absolute
For example in above case! 
Percentage Uncertainty = 
100
x 
cm
15.2
cm
0.1
±
12 
ASSESSMENTS OF UNCERTAINTY IN RESULTS 
 When we do an experiment its result is not final result. In calculating the final result we have to 
consider the uncertainty effects on the final results following the results for assessments 
(1)  Sum or Difference: 
When  two  measured  quantities  are  added  or  subtracted  then  their  abSolutionute 
uncertainties are added. a and b are two measured quantities. If we want to add or subtract them 
then 
Q = a ± b 
Where Q is final result. 
Let  
x
1
 = (4.5 ± 0.1) cm 
x
2
 = (14.6 ± 0.1) cm 
Then   x = x
2
  x
1
   = (14.6 ± 0.1) cm  (14.6 ± 0.1) cm 
   = (10.1 ± 0.2) cm 
(2)  Product and quotient: 
When  two  or  more  quantities  are  multiplied  or  divided  then  their  percentage 
uncertainties are added. 
For example from ohm's law 
R = 
I
V
If V = (5.2 ± 0.1) volt 
I = (0.841 ± 0.05) amp 
Percentage uncertainty of v = 
%
2
100
5.2
1
.
0
=
x
Percentage uncertainty of I =  
%
6
100
0.841
05
.
0
=
x
Total uncertainty = 2% + 6% = 8% 
Thus final result is 
R = 
0.841
2
.
5
   = 6.19 ± 8% 
= 6.2 ± 8% 
R = 6.2 ± 
100
8
 x 6.2 = (6.2 ± 0.5)  
13 
(3)  Power of a quantity: 
In this case the percentage uncertainty is multiplied with power. For example the volume 
of sphere is  
V = 
3
r 
3
4
  ---------- (1) 
If radius is measured by Vernier Caliper is 2.25cm which has least count is 0.01 cm. 
Then abSolutionute uncertainty = ± 0.01 cm 
Percentage uncertainty in   r   = 
100
 x 
2.25
0.01
= 0.4 % 
as in volume power of r is 3  
So total uncertainty in volume V = 3 x 0.4%  = 1.2%. 
Now putting the value of r in eq (1) 
V = 
3
)
25
.
2
)(
14
.
3
(
3
4
V = 47.689 cm
3
 with 1.2% uncertainty. 
Final result 
V = 47.689 ± 47.689 x 1.2% 
   = 477 ± 47.7 x 1.2% 
   = (47.7 ± 0.6) cm
3
(4)  Uncertainty in the average value: 
If we have many measurements then following steps are used for final results 
(i)   Find the average value. 
(ii)  Find the deviation of each value. 
(iii) The mean deviation is the uncertainty in the average value. 
For example the diameter of a wire is measured with the help of screw gauge in mm is 
for six time as 
1.20, 1.22, 1.23, 1.19, 1.22, 1.21 
Average = 
6
21
.
1
22
.
1
19
.
1
23
.
1
22
.
1
20
.
1
+
+
+
+
+
= 1.21mm 
Deviation of each value is 
0.01, 0.01,0.02,0.02,0.01,0 
14 
         mean deviation = 
6
0
01
.
0
02
.
0
02
.
0
01
.
0
01
.
0
+
+
+
+
+
= 0.01mm 
The uncertainty in the average value  
mm is 0.01 mm 
Then the final result is d = (1.21 ± 0.01) mm 
(5)  Uncertainty in timing experiment: 
The uncertainty in the time period of a vibrating body can be found by dividing the least 
count of timing device by number of vibrations. 
For example if time of 30 vibrations of a simple pendulum is 54.6 sec which is measured 
by stop watch whose least count is 0.15 
Time period   T = 
825
.
1
30
6
.
54
n
t
=
=
Uncertainty   = 
vibrations
of
number
count
least
= 
sec
003
.
0
30
0.1
=
Thus  final time period is = T = (1.825 ± 0.003) s 
SCIENTIFIC NOTATION 
When  a  number  is  expressed  in  term  of  negative  or  positive  power  of  10  then  it  is  called 
scientific notation.
If N is the number then scientifically it is written as 
N = M x 10
n
Where M is a number whose first digit is non zero from left to decimal point and n is 
+ve or ve power 
For example N = 1500000  
in scientific notation. 
N = 1.5 x 10
6 
CONVENTIONS FOR S.I  UNITS 
(i) 
Full name of the unit cannot starts from capital letter. For example newton. 
(ii) 
The  unit  which  is  the  name  of  scientist  is  written  with  capital  and  first  alphabet.  For 
example Newton = N 
15 
(iii) 
Prefix is written before unit. For example  
                  5000000 C
o
 = 5 x 10
6
C
o
 = 5 MC
o
SIGNIFICANT FIGURES 
In  any  measurement  the  accurately known  digits  and  first  doubtful  digit  are  called  significant 
figures.A significant figure is reasonably reliable. For example we want to measure the length of 
a pencil with the help of a meter ruler. The meter ruler is calibrated in millimeters,  
so least count is 1mm and error is of               0.5mm  0.05cm. 
Let the end point of pencil placed between 10.3 cm and 10.4cm. 
If pencil end is placed before mid point then we consider our reading 10.3cm and if pencil end is 
placed after mid point then we consider 10.4 cm our reading.  
As  the  maximum  uncertainty  in  the  length  is  ±  0.05cm  and  abSolutionute  uncertainty  of  two 
ends 2(± 0.05) = ± 0.1 cm = ± 1mm 
This is equal to least count of meter ruler. Suppose we take 10.3 cm reading then first two digits 
are (1,0) are 100% accurate while third digit 3 is doubtful so all digits (1,0,3)  are significant 
figures. 
GENERAL RULES FOR SCIENTIFIC FIGURES 
(i) 
All non zero digits 1, 2, 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 are significant. For example in 622.4mm. There are 
four significant figures. 
(ii) 
The zero between two non-zero digits are significant figures. For example 501.6mm has 
four significant figures. 
(iii) 
A zero right to decimal point and left of a non- zero digits is not significant. For example 
in 0.000234m only three significant figures (2, 3, 4) zero on the right of decimal point is 
not significant it is used only to locate the position of decimal point. 
(iv) 
All zeros to the right of decimal point that appears after a non zero digit are significant. 
For example in 0.07080cm and 20.00cm each reading has four significant figures. 
(v) 
In scientific notation a number is written in the power of 10. i.e in the form of  
N = M x 10
n
Here M consists of all significant figures. In M decimal point occurs after first non zero 
digit. For example 8.70x10
3
kg has three significant figures (8, 7, and 0) 
(vi) 
When  two  or  more  numbers  are  multiplied  or  divided  then  result  is  obtained  in  least 
significant figures. 
16 
For example 
x
1
 = 5.8m 
x
2
 = 4.12m 
Then x
1
 X x
2
 = 5.8 x 4.12 = 23.89 m
2
    = 23.9 m
2
and  
4
.
1
40
.
1
4.12
5.8
x
x
2
1
=
=
=
(vii)  In addition and subtraction process is again in least significant figures number are taken. 
For example 
x
1
 = 5.8m 
x
2
 = 4.12m 
Then      x
1
 + x
2
 = 5.8 + 4.12 = 9.92 m    = 9.9 m 
and   x
1
  x
2
 = 5.8  4.12 = 1.68m= 1.6m 
RULES FOR ROUNDING OF NUMBERS 
The  dropping  of  insignificant  figures  from  quantity  is  called  rounding  of  numbers. 
Following are the rules for rounding a number. 
(1) 
If first digit to be dropped is less than 5 then last digit should remain same  
for example  65.523 is rounded of 65.5 
(2) 
If first digit is more than 5 then digit is increased by 1 
for example 56.8546 is written as 56.9 
(3) 
If digit which is to be dropped is 5 then precious digit is if odd then it is increased by 1 
and if it is even then it remain same. 
For example 43.75 is rounded off 43.8 
And 73.650 is rounded off as 73.6 
(4) 
In addition or subtraction process the answer is rounded off to smallest decimal places. 
In this case significant figures have no importance. 
For example 
      (i)  72.1 
  3.42 
  0.003 
-------- 
75.523 
it is rounded off 75.5 
17 
      (ii)   2.7543 
  4.10 
  1.273 
-------- 
8.1273   
it is rounded off 8.13 
      (iii)   88.9 
 44.32 
  -------- 
   44.58  
it is rounded off 44.6 
      (iv)     50.5 
    3.2 
  -------- 
    47.3  
it is rounded off 47 
DIMENSIONS OF A PHYSICAL QUANTITY 
When a physical quantity is represented by basic fundamental units symbols enclosed in 
a square bracket is called dimension of physical quantity. 
For example dimension of distance [ L ] 
Dimension of speed = [ LT
-1
 ] 
Dimension of force   = dimension of mass x  
   dimension of acceleration 
= [ M ] [ LT
-2
 ] 
= [MLT
-2
] 
Dimension  is  used to  check  the  correctness  of  a  formula  also  dimension  is  used to derive  the 
formula or equation. 
PRINCIPLE OF HOMOGENETY 
If  the  dimension  of  physical  quantities  on  both  sides  of  equation  is  same  then  this  is 
called  principle  of  homogeneity.  For  example  we  check  the  corrections  of  the  formula  of 
velocity of wave in a string. 
i.e. 
V = 
m
 x 
T l
Where  
V = speed of wave 
18 
T = tension in string 
l = length of string 
m = mass of string 
As dimension of V = [ LT
-1
 ] on L.H.S 
On R.H.S  
dimension T = [MLT
-2
] 
dimension of l = [ L ] 
dimension of m = [ M ] 
So dimension of  
V = 
m
 x 
T l
   =  
2
1
2
-
2
M
T
ML
=  
[ ]
2
1
2
-
2
T
L
=  
[ ]
-1
LT
So    R.H.S = L.H.S 
So above equation is dimensionally correct   
DERIVING A FORMULA 
We can derive a possible formula from the dimension. 
For example, we find a formula for time period of simple pendulum by the use of dimensions. 
The various possible factors on which the time period T may depend are. 
(i)   Length l of pendulum. 
(ii)   Mass m of the bob 
(iii)  Angle  at mean position 
(iv)  Acceleration due to gravity (g) 
Now we can write 
T  m
a
 x l
b
 x 
c
 x g
d
---------- (1) 
Now we find the value of a, b, c d 
In the form of dimension 
[ T ] = constant [ M ]
a
 [ L ]
b
 [  ]
c
 [ g ]
d
or 
 [ M ]
0
 [ L ]
0
 [ T ] = constant [ M ]
a
 [ L ]
b
 [  ]
c
 [ g ]
d
   -- (2) 
Since   [ M ]
0
 =  [ L ]
0
 = 1 
As  is small we can write    
S = r  
B
l
s
A
19 
S = l  
 = 
l
S
So dimension of  = 
L
L
      = [ L L 
-1
] 
And dimension of g =  
[ L T 
-2
] 
So equation (2) becomes 
[ M ]
0
 [ L ]
0
 [ T ]
1
 = constant [ M ]
a
 [ L ]
b
 [L L
-1
 ]
c
 [L T 
-2
]
d
comparing the coefficients on both sides 
[ T
1
 ] = [ T
-2
 ]
 d
 = [ T ]
 -2d
[ M ]
0 
=
[ M ]
a
[ L ]
0
 = [ L ]
b 
[ LL
-1
 ]
c 
[ L ]
d
or  [ L ]
 o
 = [ L ]
 b+d
Equating powers 
1 =   2d 
=> 
d =  
2
1
-------- (i) 
a = 0   
-------- (ii) 
b + d = 0 
=> 
b =  d  
-------- (iii) 
  b=  -( 
2
1
) 
   b  = 
2
1
And 
c
 = [ LL
-1
 ]
c 
=
[ L
0
 ]
c
 = 1 
Putting the value of a b, c and d in eq. (1 
T = constant m
o
 x l
½
 x 1 x g
½
    = constant 
1/2
2
/
1
g
l
 = constant 
g
l
    T = 
g
l
2
Where 
2 is constant. 
20 
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS 
1.  What is a system of unit? List the basic SI units.   
A  complete  set  of  units  both  fundamental  and  derived  for  physical  quantities  is  called 
system of units. The basic or fundamental units of S.I. are: 
(i)  meter  
(m) 
used for length. 
(ii) kilogram   (g) 
used for mass 
(iii) second   (s) 
used for time 
(iv) kalvin 
(k) 
used for temperature 
(v) ampere  
(A) 
used for current 
(vi) mole 
(mol)   
used for amount of substance 
(vii) candela   (cd) 
used for luminous intensity 
2.  Define the number 
and show that 2
radian=360
o
The ratio of the circumference of a circle divided by its diameter is called pi. 
As circumference of circle = 2
r 
Where r is the radius of circle 
And diameter = d = 2r 
2r
r
2
d
2
diameter
ce
circumfren
=
=
r
: d = 2 r 
= 
we know that when a circle completes the angular displacement  = 360
o
we know that  S = r  
where S = arc length 
r = radius 
            now 
 = 
r
S
if S is circumference then 
S = 2
r 
 = 2
Putting the value of  
360
o
 = 2
 radius 
o
S
r
21 
3.  How the units of length, mass and time are presently defined? 
Length: 
The  unit  of  length  is  meter  and  defined  as  "the  distance  covered  by  light  in 
vacuum in 1/299792458 second" 
Mass: 
The unit of mass is Kg and is defined as "the mass of platinum  iridium cylinder 
kept at the international bureau of weights and measures at France. 
Length: 
The  unit  of  time  is  second  and  is  defined  as  a  time  during  which  9192631770 
vibrations of Cs-133 atom execute. 
4.  Distinguish between base and derived physical quantities. 
Base Units: 
The  minimum  number  of  physical  quantities  in  term  of  which  we  can  define 
other quantities are called base units. For  example length, mass, time etc.  
Derived Quantities: 
The  units  which  are  formed  due  to  the  combinations  of  base  units  is  called 
derived units or derived quantities. 
5.  Explain with examples the scientific notation for writing numbers. 
To represent a large or small numbers in term of power of 10 is called scientific notation 
i.e N = M x 10
n
   Where N is the number and M is also a number whose first digit from 
left to right is non zero. It is followed by decimal point and n is power of 10. 
For Example    
1. 
N = 150000000000 = 1.5 x 10
11
2. 
N = 0.0000525 = 5.25x10
-5
6.  Define the terms: error, uncertainty, precision and accuracy in measurements. 
Error: 
The difference between measured value and actual value is called error. 
Uncertainty: 
The estimated possible range of error is called uncertainty. 
Precision: 
It is the agreement among various observations in an experiment. 
Accuracy: 
The measurement of correctness of a experiments results is called accuracy. 
22 
7.  Explain the principle of the dimensional homogeneity of physical equations. 
According to principle of homogeneity the dimensions on both side of a equation should 
be same. This principle is very useful to check the correctness of formula. 
For example 
v = 
t
S
Or 
S = vt    
--------- (1) 
Dimension of S = [ L ] 
And dimension of v = [ LT
-1
 ] 
And dimension of t = [ T ] 
Therefore equation (1) become. 
[ L ] = [ LT
-1
 ] [ T ] 
[ L ] = [ L ]    
so above equation is dimensionally correct. 
8.  An  old  saying  is  that  "A  chain  is  only  as  strong  as  its  weakest  link."  What 
analogous statement can you make regarding experimental data in calculation? 
The analogous of old saying "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link" in physics is 
that after a scientific method the result obtained at final is more reliable. 
9.  Write the dimensions of (i) pressure (ii) power (iii) density (iv) revolutions. 
(i) PRESSURE 
P = 
A
F
= 
2
-2
L
MLT
= [ ML
-1
 T
-2
] 
(ii) POWER 
P = 
t
w
= 
T
T
ML
-2
2
= [ ML
2
 T
-3
] 
(iii) DENSITY 
D = 
V
m
= 
3
L
M
= [ ML
-3
] 
23 
(iv) REVOLUTION/SEC 
 = 
t
 = 
T
1
: has no dimension 
= [ T
-1
] 
10. The time period of a simple pendulum is measured by a stop watch. What types of 
errors are possible in the time period? 
Possible errors during a time period of a simple pendulums are 
(i) 
systematic error 
(ii) 
Random error 
(iii) 
Personal error 
11. A Circle has a diameter of 0.400m. What is its area? 
d = 0.400 m 
A = ? 
            As 
A = 
r
2
A = 
2
2
 d
: r = 
2
d
   = 
4
)
400
.
0
(
14
.
3
2
   = 0.1256 m
2
According to significant figures rule of least 
A = 0.125 m
2 
12. Write five units used in Pakistan for measuring mass. 
(i) Kg   (ii)  gm   (iii) Ton   (iv)  Tela 
(v)  pound (vi) ounce 
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
1. 
Express the following quantities using prefixes:
              (a) 3.0 x 10
-4 
m;  (b) 5.0 x 10
-5
 s; (c) 72.0 x 10
2
 g;. 
Solution 
                           (a)  3.0 x 10
-4 
m   
               Multiply and divide by 10 
24 
                               3.0 x 10
-4
 x 
10
10
m 
                                      10
3
 x 10
-3
 m 
                                     0.3 mm 
as 10
-3
 = mili 
                               (b)  
5.0 x 10
-5
 s 
                   Multiply and divide by 10 
                                    5.0 x 10
-5
 x 
10
10
sec 
                                   (5x10) 10
-5
 x 10
-1
 sec 
                                         50 x 10
-6
 sec 
                                          50  sec   
as 10
-6
 = micro =  
                            (c)  72.0 x 10
2 
gm   
                 Multiply and divide by 10 
                                72 x 10
2
 x 
10
10
gm 
                                          10
72
 x 10
3
 gm 
                                        7.2 Kg 
as 10
3
 = kilo = k 
2.  Estimate your: 
(a) Age in seconds   (b) Mass in grams 
(c) Weight in newtons  
(d) Height in millimeters 
Solution 
          (a) 
Age in seconds 
Suppose your age is 20 years. 
  As   1 year = 365 day 
1 hour = 60 min 
And     1 min = 60 sec 
Age in seconds 
= 20 x 365 x 24 x 60 x 60 
= 26280000 sec 
= 2.6 x 10
7
 sec 
25 
   (b)  Mass in grams 
Suppose your mass is 70 kg 
  As   1000 gm = 1 kg 
70 kg   = 70 x 1000 gm 
= 70000 gm 
= 7 x 10
4
 gm 
   (c)  Weight in newton 
As our mass = m = 70 kg 
As weight = w = mg 
= 70 x 9.8 
= 686 N 
   (d)  Height in millimeters 
Suppose your height is 5 feet 
  h = 5 feet 
As 1 meter = 3.4 feet   
1 feet = m/3.4 
Height in meter 
h = 
4
.
3
5m
 = 1.4 m 
as 1 m = 1000 mm 
height in millimeters 
h = 1.4 x 1000 mm 
h = 1400mm 
3.  If  there  are  N
o
  =  6.02x10
23
  atoms  in  4  gm  of  helium,  what  is  the  mass  of  helium 
atom? 
      Solution 
Number of atoms = N
o
 = 6.02x10
23
Mass of helium = M = 4 gm 
Mass of helium atom = m = ? 
As mass of N
o
 atoms = M 
Mass of one atom = m = 
o
N
M
= 
23
6.02x10
4
26 
= 0.664 x 10
-23
 gm 
= 6.64 x 10
-24
 gm 
4.  Rest mass of electron is 9.11 x 10
-31
 kg 
(a) Write it without use of powers of 10. 
(b) Convert it to grams. 
Solution 
(a)    m
o
 = 9.11 x 10
-31
 kg 
now rest mass m
o
 without power of 10 
m
o
 = 0.000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000911kg. 
(b) 
mass in gm 
as 1 kg = 1000 gm = 10
3
 gm 
mass in grams 
m
o
 = 0.11 x 10
-31
 x 10
3
 gm 
= 9.11 x 10
-28
 gm 
5.  Density of air is 1.2 kg m
-3
. Change it into g cm
-3
. 
Solution 
Density = d = 1.2 kg /m
3
As 1 kg = 1000 gm 
And 1 m = 100 cm 
d in gm /cm
3
 is 
                  d = 
3
cm
100
 x 
100
 x 
100
gm
1000
 x 
1.2
                  d = 0.0012 gm/cm
3
6.  Density of water is 1 g m
-3
. change it into kg cm
-3
. 
Solution 
Density of water = d = 1g /cm
3
                  As 1 gm = 
1000
kg
 and 1 cm = m/100 
density d in kg/m
3
 is 
                       d = 
100
m
100
m
100
m
1000
kg
x
x
27 
                     d = 
1000000
m
1000
kg
3
                   d = 
3
m
1000
kg
1000000
                    = 1000 kg /m
3
7.  Express the following in terms of power of 10: 
(a) 5 picofarad  (b) 12 megawatt  (c) 100 million volts 
Solution 
    (a)  C = 5 picofarad 
As pico = 10
-12
C = 5 x 10
-12
 farad 
let P = 12 megawatt 
As 1 mega = 10
6
P = 12 x 10
6
 watt 
     (c)  Let V = 100 million volt 
As 1 million = 10
6
V = 100 x 10
6
 volt 
V = 10
8
 volts 
8.  A light year is the distance light travels in one year. How many meters are there in 
one light year? The velocity of light c = 3 x 10
8
 ms
-1
. 
Solution 
d = 1 light year 
d = in meters = ? 
c = 3 x 10
8
 m/s 
as c = 
t
d
d = ct    
-------- (1) 
As time taken by light  
t = 365 days x 24 hours x 60 min x 60 sec 
= 3.15 x 10
7
 sec 
Put in (1) 
d = 3 x 10
8
 x 3.15 x 10
7
28 
= 9.46 x 10
15
 m 
9.  Compute the following to correct significant digits: 
(a) 3.85 m x 3.19 m  (b) 1023 kg + 8.5489 kg 
(c) 
7
22
(d) 
kg
10
 x 
9.1096
kg
1.67x10
m
m
31
-
-27
e
p
=
Solution 
3.85 m x 3.19 m  = 12.2815 m
2
According  to  rule  of  significant  figures  we  can  take  answer  in  term  of  least 
significant number. As least significant number is 3. 
3.85 m x 3.19 m = 12.2 m. 
Let m = 1023 kg + 8.5489 kg. 
= 1031.5489 kg. 
According to rule of significant figures. 
m = 1031 kg. 
    (c) 
7
22
= 3.142857143... 
By least rule of significant figures. 
7
22
= 3 
    (d) 
kg
10
 x 
9.1096
kg
1.67x10
m
m
31
-
-27
e
p
=
= 
31
27
-
10
10
9.1096
1.67
+
x
x
= 0.18332 x 10
+4
Using the rules of significant figures. 
= 0.183 x 10
4
10. The length and width of a rectangular plate are measured to be 15.3 cm and 12.80 
cm, respectively. Find the area of the plate. 
Solution 
L = 15.3 cm 
W = 12.80 cm 
A = ? 
A = L x W 
29 
= 15.3 x 12.80 
= 195.84 cm
2
According to rule of significant figures (least significant) 
A = 195 cm
2
11. A rectangular metallic piece is 3.70±0.01cm long and 2.30±0.01cm wide. 
(a) Find the area of the rectangle and the uncertainty in the area. 
(b)Verify that percentage uncertainty in the area is equal to the sum of percentage 
uncertainties in the length and in the width. 
Solution 
L = 3.70±0.01cm  
W = 2.30±0.01cm 
      (a)  A = ? 
Now percentage uncertainty of L = 
100
70
.
3
01
.
0
x
      = 0.27% 
Percentage of uncertainty in W = = 
100
30
.
2
01
.
0
x
      = 0.43% 
total percentage uncertainty in area = 0.27% + 0.43%  
= 0.70% 
Now area 
                           A = L x W 
                  = 3.70 x 2.30 = 8.51 ± 0.70% 
              A = 8.51 ± 0.70% x 8.51 
   = 8.51 ±
51
.
8
100
70
.
0
x
   = (8.51 ± 0.05) cm
2
   (b) 
As percentage uncertainty in area = 0.70% 
Percentage uncertainty in length L = 0.27% 
Percentage uncertainty in width W = 0.43% 
Percentage uncertainty in L + W = 0.27% + 0.43% 
= 0.70% 
So percentage uncertainty in A = percentage uncertainty (L+W). 
30 
12. Find the mass of air in 3.00 m x 8.00 m x 6.00 m room. Density of air is 1.29 kg/m
3
. 
Solution 
m = ? 
v = 3.00 m x 8.00 m x 6.00 m = 144 m
3
d = 1.29 kg/m3 
                 As                                d = 
v
m
                                      m = d x v 
                                         = 1.29 x 144 
                                        =  185.76 kg. 
According to the rule of significant figures we take least significant numbers. 
                                        d = 185 kg. 
13. Prove the following equations are homogenous with respect to dimensions 
(a) Kinetic energy = ½ mv
2
(b) Centripetal acceleration = (velocity)
2
/radius, that is   a =v
2
/r. 
Solution 
     (a)  K.E = ½ mv
2
Take L.H.S dimensions 
K.E = J = Nm 
As N = Kg m/sec
2
K.E = kg m/sec
2
 x m 
= kg m
2
 /sec
2
 = kg m
2
 sec
-2
Now in case of dimension 
                  K.E = [ ML
2
T
-2 
] 
Now we check the dimension of R.H.S 
R.H.S = ½ mv
2
= ½ kg (m/sec)
2
= ½ kg m
2
/sec
2
= ½ kg m
2
 sec
-2
Dimension 
R.H.S = [ ML
2
T
-2
 ] 
As dimension of L.H.S = dimension of R.H.S 
So equation 
K.E = ½ mv
2
 is dimensionally homogeneous 
31 
(b) 
a
c
 = 
r
v
2
Take L.H.S 
a
c
 = m / sec
2
    =  m sec
-2
Dimension of L.H.S 
a
c
 = [ LT
-2
 ] 
Take R.H.S 
R.H.S = 
r
v
2
In case of dimension 
R.H.S  = 
m
(m/sec)
2
as v = m/sec, r = m 
= 
m
sec
m
2
2
= 
m
sec
m
2
2
-
= m sec
-2
R.H.S = [ LT
-2
 ] 
As dimension of L.H.S = dimension of R.H.S 
So equation  
                a
c
 = 
r
v
2
 is dimensionally homogeneous. 
14. Find the dimensions and hence the unit of the coefficient of viscosity in the Stoke's 
law for the drag force F on a spherical object of radius moving with velocity v given 
as  F = 6   r v 
Solution 
Dimension of  = ? 
Unit = ? 
According to Stoke's law 
              F = 6   r v 
rv
6
F
=
  ------- (1) 
32 
As dimension of F = [ MLT
-2
 ] 
and dimension of v = [ LT
-1
 ] 
and dimension of r = [ L ] 
By putting the dimension of F, v and r in equation (1) 
][L]
[LT
]
[MLT
1
-2
-
=
                 = 
1
2
-2
T
L
MLT
-
                = MLT
-2
L
-2
T
+1
               = [ML
-1
T
-1
] 
                         unit of  = kg/m. sec 
15. Find the dimensions and hence the unit of the universal gravitational constant G in 
the Newton's law for the force F between two masses separated by distance r given 
as: 
2
2
m
m
1
r
G
F
=
Solution 
Dimension of G = ? 
                      Unit of G = ? 
As according to Newtons law of gravitation 
2
2
1
m
m
r
G
F
=
From above eq. 
2
1
2
m
m
Fr
G
=
   As   Dimension of F = MLT
-2
Dimension of r
2
 = L
2
dimension of m
1
 = M 
dimension of m
2
 = M 
    so dimension of G = 
MM
L
MLT
2
-2
= [ L
3
T
-3
M
-1
] 
Unit of G = Nm
2
/Kg
2 
33 
16. Show that the famous Einstein's equation E = mc
2
 is dimensionally correct. 
Solution 
Dimension of Einstein's eq. = ? 
Einstein's equation.is 
E = mc
2
As the unit of energy E = joule 
=> 
as joule = F.d = N-m 
dimension of F = MLT
-2
dimension of meter = L 
dimension of E = MLT
-2
.L 
 = [ML
2
T
-2
]  ----- (1)  
Take R.H.S = mc
2
Dimension of mass m = M 
Dimension of speed of light c = LT
-1
Dimension of R.H.S   = M (LT
-1
)
2
= [ML
2
T
-2
] 
---- (2) 
From eq. (1) and (2) 
Dimension of L.H.S = dimension of R.H.S 
So Einstein's Equation is Dimensionally Correct. 
34 
DIRECTED QUANTITIES: VECTOR
NON PHYSICAL QUANTITIES 
The  quantities  which  cannot  be  measured  are  called  non  physical  quantities.  For 
example, love, hate, faith and emotions etc. 
PHYSICAL QUANTITIES 
The  quantities  which  can  be  measured  are  called  physical  quantities.  For  example 
distance, speed, velocity and force etc. 
TYPES 
1.   SCALAR QUANTITIES 
Those quantities which required two things for their representation (i) Number  (ii) Unit 
are  called  scalar  quantities.  OR  those  quantities  which  required  only  magnitude  for  their 
representation are called scalar quantities. 
For  example  temperature,  volume,  density,  distance  etc.  Scalar  quantities  are  not  represented 
graphically. 
 scalar are +,   , X and 
÷  by simple algebra.  
2.  VECTOR QUANTITIES 
Those quantities which required three things  for their representation  
(i)  Number  (ii)  Unit  (iii)  direction  are  called  vector  quantities  OR  those  quantities  which 
required magnitude as well as direction for their representation are called vector quantities. 
For example velocity, displacement, torque, force etc. Vectors are drawn graphically by 
an arrow. Vectors are +, , X and 
÷  by vector algebra or graphical methods or vector methods.   
REPRESENTATION OF VECTORS 
Vector are represented by two methods 
1.SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION 
In this method vector are represented by bold face letter with an arrow above or below 
the letter as 
B
,
A
,
B
,
A
v
r
35 
2.GRAPHICAL METHOD 
In this method vector is represented by a line with an arrow head. Line gives magnitude 
while arrow head gives direction. Line is taken according to suitable scale, while for direction 
we use NEWS diagram 
For example 
A displacement of 1000 km east 
Symbolic representation 
d
 = 1000 km east 
Graphically representation 
         NEWS diagram 
Scale 
100 km = 1 cm                                       
d
1000 km = 100 cm 
TYPES OF VECTOR 
NULL OR ZERO VECTOR 
A vector whose magnitude is zero but direction is arbitrary is called Null Vector. It is 
represented  by 
0
r
.  This  vector  is  located  at  origin.  Null  vector  can  be  obtained  by  many 
methods. For example  by adding two vectors having same magnitude but opposite in direction. 
A
r
  and  
A
r
  are  such  vectors  whose  magnitude  is  same  but  direction  is  opposite  by 
addition  
A
r
 + (
A
r
) = 0 
Other examples are 
A
r
 + 
B
r
 + 
C
r
 = 
0
r
A
r
 + 
B
r
 + 
C
r
 + 
d
r
 = 
0
r
N
E
S
W
origin
A
r
A
-
r
A
r
A
r
A
r
A
r
B
r
B
r
B
r
B
r
C
r
C
r
C
r
C
r
d
r
d
r
origin
origin
36 
UNIT VECTOR 
A  vector  whose  magnitude  is  one  but  direction  is  arbitrary  is  called  unit  vector.  Unit 
vector is used to find the direction of any vector. Unit vector is represented by a latter with a cap 
above it. 
For example â, Â,  
Let 
A
r
 is a vector then mathematically 
A
r
 is written as  
A
r
 = |
A
r
| Â 
Where |
A
r
| = A   =   magnitude of 
A
r
And  is unit vector. 
From above e.q  
So by dividing a vector to its magnitude, we get a vector called unit vector. 
i^
  ,
j^
, 
k^
,
n^
are famous unit vectors. 
i^
 = points x-axis 
j^
 = points y-axis 
k^
 = points z-axis 
n^
 = points normal 
EQUAL VECTORS 
Two vectors 
A
r
 and 
B
r
 are said to be equal if both vectors has 
same magnitude and same direction. If   
A
r
 and 
B
r
 are equal then 
A
r
 = 
B
r
PARALLEL VECTORS 
Two vectors 
A
r
 and 
B
r
 are said to parallel, if they have same direction although their 
magnitude is not same. 
If 
A
r
//
B
r
 then angle between them will be 0
o
. 
ANTIPARALLEA VECTORS 
Two vectors 
A
r
 and 
B
r
 are said to antiparallel, if they have opposite direction, although 
their magnitude is not same. 
If 
A
r
 // 
B
r
 then angle between them will be 180
o
. 
A
A
A^
r
=
A
r
B
r
A
r
B
r
A
r
B
r
37 
PERPENDICULAR VECTORS OR RECTANGULAR VECTORS 
Two  vectors  are  said  to  be  perpendicular,  if  they  are  at  right 
angle to each other if 
A
r
B
r
 then angle b/w them is 90
o
. 
POSITION VECTOR 
It is a vector which gives the position of a point or an object with respect to origin.  
It is represented by 
r^
 where  
 i
^
 x 
r
=
r
 When object is placed on x-axis 
 j
^
 y 
r
=
r
 When object is placed on y-axis 
k^
z
r
=
r
 When object is placed on z-axis 
j^
 y
i^
 x
r
+
=
r
 When object is placed inside x & y axes 
k^
z
j^
 y
i^
 x
r
+
+
=
r
 When object is placed inside x ,y,z axes. 
NEGATIVE OF A VECTOR 
The negative of a vector 
A
r
 is symbolically written as 
 
A
r
. Graphically the magnitude of 
A
r
 and 
A
r
 is same but direction is opposite. 
Negative of 
A
r
=  
A
r
But 
|
A
r
| = | 
A
r
| 
Or 
 Multiplication of a vector with 1, gives a vector called ve of that vector. 
For example 
1 x 
A
r
 = 
A
r
A
r
A
-
r
0
y
x
rr
z
0
y
x
rr
0
y
x
rr
p
z
0
y
x
rr
p
z
0
y
x
rr
p
z
B
r
A
r
o
90
38 
ADDITION OF VECTORS  
Vectors are added by two methods  
(i) 
Mathematical method 
(ii) 
Graphical method 
MATHEMATICAL METHOD 
Let 
1
A
r
,
2
A
r
, - - - - - , 
n
A
r
 are vectors. Mathematically their addition is 
R
r
= 
1
A
r
+
2
A
r
+ - - - - - + 
n
A
r
R
r
= 
i
A
n
i
1
i
r
=
=
Where 
R
r
 is the resultant vector, also called vector sum.  
Where |
R
r
|  |
1
A
r
| + |
2
A
r
|+ - - - - - + |
n
A
r
| 
GRAPHICAL METHOD 
In this method vectors are added by head to tail rule. Following the steps for this rule 
(i) 
Draw the vectors graphically by suitable scale. 
(ii) 
Connect the head of 1
st
 vector with tail of 2
nd
 vector and head of 2
nd
 vector with tail of 
3
rd
 vector and so on. 
(iii) 
The resulted vector is the displacement vector, which connects the tail of 1
st
 vector with 
head of last vector. 
R
r
= 
1
A
r
+
2
A
r
+ 
3
A
r
+ 
n
A
r
 =  
i
A
n
i
1
i
r
=
=
1
A
r
2
A
r
3
A
r
n
A
r
1
A
r
2
A
r
3
A
r
n
A
r
R
r
39 
ADDITION  OF  TWO  VECTORS  BY  PARALLELOGRAM  METHOD  AND 
COMMOTATIVE PROPERTY 
Let 
A
r
 and 
B
r
 are two vectors inclined at angle . In order to add 
these  vectors,  we  use  a  method  called  parallelogram  method.  For  this 
method, 
Draw a vector 
A
r
 from head of 
B
r
 parallel to 
A
r
Draw a vector 
B
r
 from head of 
A
r
 parallel to 
B
r
In this way we get a parallelogram. The diagonal of this parallelogram is the resultant of 
A
r
 and 
B
r
R
r
 = 
A
r
 + 
B
r
   ---------------- (1) 
Also from above Figure 
R
r
 = 
B
r
 + 
A
r
   ---------------- (2) 
From equation 1 and 2, we see that 
A
r
 + 
B
r
 = 
B
r
 + 
A
r
This property is called commutative property of addition. 
SUBTRACTION OF VECTORS 
There is no direct method for subtraction of vectors, but we can adopt following methods 
for vector subtraction. 
(i) 
Mathematical Method 
(ii) 
Graphical Method 
MATHEMATICAL METHOD 
Let 
A
r
 and 
B
r
 are two vectors, if we want to subtract 
B
r
 from 
A
r
 then mathematically 
R
r
 = 
A
r
  
B
r
  is not allowed in vector algebra. 
While  
R
r
 = 
A
r
 + (
B
r
) is allowed in vector algebra. 
Where  
R
r
 is resultant vector. 
GRAPHICAL METHOD 
Graphically vectors are also subtracted by head to tail rule. Following the steps for this 
rule 
(i)  Draw the vectors graphically by suitable scale. 
(ii)  Draw the ve vector of subtracting vector. 
(iii)  Connect  the  head  of  1
st
  vector  with  tail  of  ve  vector  of  subtracting 
vector. 
A
r
B
r
A
r
B
r
R
r
A
r
B
-
r
B
r
A
r
B
r
R
r
40 
(iv)  Resultant vector is a displacement vector, which connects the tail of 1
st
vector with head of last. 
R
r
 = 
A
r
 + ( 
B
r
) 
RESOLUTIONUTION OF VECTOR 
Splitting of a vector into its components is called reSolutionution of vector. Consider a 
vector 
F
r
  which makes an angle  with x-axis.  
In Fig 
0P = 
F
r
We draw a perpendicular PQ on x-axis. 
We get two components 
0 Q = 
x
F
r
= called horizontal component 
Q P = 
y
F
r
= called vertical component 
Now  
F
r
= 
x
F
r
+ 
y
F
r
or  
F
r
= 
j^
Fx
 i
^
Fx
+
DETERMINATION OF F
X
In fig from OPQ 
F
F
hyp
Base
Cos
x
=
=
 F
x
 = F Cos  
(i) 
DETERMINATION OF F
Y
In fig from OPQ 
F
F
hyp
Per
Sin
y
=
=
 F
y
 = Fsin   
(ii) 
So we can write 
 j^
FSin
i^
FCos
F
+
=
r
DETERMINATION OF MAGNITUDE OF 
F
r
Squaring and adding eq. (i) and (ii) 
F
x
2
 = F
2
cos
2
F
y
2
 = F
2
sin
2
F
x
2
 + F
y
2
 = F
2
cos
2
+ F
2
sin
2
y
F
r
x
0
x
F
r
Q
P
y
F
r
41 
= F
2 
 (cos
2
+ sin
2
)   
:cos
2
+ sin
2
 = 1 
F
x
2
 + F
y
2
 = F
2   
2
y
2
x
F
F
F
+
=
DETERMINATION OF DIRECTION OF 
F
r
Divide eq (i)  and (ii) 
Fcos
Fsin
F
F
x
y
=
     =>   
tan
F
F
x
y
=
                   : 
tan
cos
sin
=
=> 
=
-
x
y
1
F
F
tan
RECTANGULAR COMPONENT OF A VECTOR 
The component of a vector which are at right angle to each other are called rectangular 
component  of  a  vector.  In  figure  angle  between  F
x
  and  F
y
  is  90
o
,  so these  are  the  rectangular 
components of 
F
r
. 
ADDITION OF TWO VECTORS USING RECTANGULAR COMPONENTS 
OR ADDITION OF TWO VECTORS USING ANALYTICAL METHOD. 
Consider two vectors 
A
r
 and 
B
r
 making angle 
1
 and 
2
 with x-axis. 
such that 
OP = 
A
r
B
r
OQ = 
B
r
Now mathematically their addition is  
R
r
 = 
A
r
 + 
B
r
(1) 
where 
R
r
 is vector sum of 
A
r
 and 
B
r
According to head to tail rule in fig: 
Where OS = 
R
r
Draw perpendicular 
PT
 and 
SM
We get rectangular components of  
A
r
 ,
B
r
 & 
R
r
Where OT = A
x
PT = A
y
PL = B
x
SL = B
y
SM = R
y
OM = R
x
x
O
A
r
1 
P
Q
2 
y
y
x
O
A
r
P
R
r
B
r
S
y
R
x
R
L
y
B
y
A
x
B
T M
x
A
42 
In component form 
R
r
 = R
x
i^
 + R
x
j^
A
r
 = A
x
i^
 + A
y
j^
B
r
 = B
x
i^
 + B
y
j^
Putting the values of 
R
r
, 
A
r
 and 
B
r
  in eq (i) 
R
x
i^
 + R
y
j^
= A
x
i^
 + A
y
j^
+ B
x
i^
 + B
y
j^
Compare the coefficient of 
i^
 and 
j^
 on both sides 
R
x
 = A
x
 + B
x
(2) 
R
y
 = A
y
 + B
y
(3) 
Magnitude of 
R
r
as 
2
2
Ry
Rx
R
+
=
2
2
By)
(Ay
Bx)
(Ax 
+
+
+
=
(4) 
Direction of 
R
r
as 
+
+
=
=
-
Bx
Ax
Bx
Ay
Tan
Rx
Ry
Tan
1
1
-
              (5) 
Now  
2
1
Bcos
Bx 
 ,
 Acos
 Ax 
,
Rcos
Rx 
=
=
=
2
1
Bsin 
By 
 ,
 Asin 
 Ay 
,
Rsin 
Ry 
=
=
=
putting in eq. (4) 
2
2
1
2
2
1
)
Bsin
,
(Asin
)
Bcos
,
(Acos
R
+
+
+
=
2
1
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
1
2
2
sin
2ABsin
sin
B
,
sin
A
cos
2ABcos
cos
B
,
cos
A
+
+
+
+
+
=
)
sin
sin
cos
2AB(cos
 )
sin
(cos
B
)
Sin
,
(cos
A
R
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
2
2
+
+
+
+
+
=
as  
1
sin
cos
2
2
=
+
)
(
cos
-
= 
sin
sin
cos
cos
+
above eq. become 
)
2ABcos(
B
A
R
1
2
2
2
 -
+
+
=
which is another form of resultant 
R
r
43 
Now another form  for direction of 
R
r
 is 
+
+
=
2
1
2
1
1
-
Bcos
Acos
Bsin
Asin
Tan
if we have N-vectors 
then
A
-
-
-
-
-
A
 ,
A
 ,
A
n
3
2
1
r
r
r
r
,  
Magnitude of resultant 
R
r
2
3
2
1
2
3
2
1
-)
-
-
y 
A
y
A
y
A
(
-)
-
-
x
A
x
A
x
(A
R
+
+
+
+
+
+
=
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
-)
-
-
sin
A
sino
(A
-)
-
-
cos
A
cos
(A
R
+
+
+
+
+
=
2
n
j
1
j
j
j
2
n
i
1
i
i
i
sin
A
cos
A
R
+
=
=
=
=
=
and 
Direction of resultant 
R
r
+
+
=
-
-
-
-
-
-
cos
 A
cos
A
-
-
-
-
-
-
sin
A
sin
A
Tan
2
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
-
=
=
=
=
=
cos
A
sin
A
Tan
n
i
1
i
i
 i
n
j
1
j
j
 j
1
-
MULTIPLICATION OF VECTORS 
Vectors are multiplied by two methods 
(1) Scalar Product   
(2) Vector Product 
1.  SCALAR PRODUCT 
If  we  multiply  two  vectors  such  that  their  resultant  is  a  scalar  quantity  then 
multiplication is called scalar product. 
We know that force 
F
r
 and displacement 
d
r
 are vector quantities. The product of force of force 
and displacement is called work. 
W = 
F
r
·
d
r
Where, work is scalar quantity. This Product is called scalar product. 
Let 
A
r
 and 
B
r
 are two vectors making angle   with each other. 
44 
Mathematically scalar product of 
A
r
 and 
B
r
 is 
A
r
 · 
B
r
 =  |
A
r
|  |
B
r
| cos
=  A B cos
=  A(B cos
) 
=  AB
x 
 = A (projection of 
B
r
 on 
A
r
 ) 
= (Acos
) B  
= A
x
 B = (projection of 
A
r
 on 
B
r
) B 
Where symbol "·" Is called dot. 
Therefore scalar product is also called dot product. 
Properties of Scalar Product.  
(i) 
Commutative property 
A
r
 · 
B
r
 =   
B
r
 · 
A
r
proof 
L.H.S 
A
r
 · 
B
r
 = A B cos
(i) 
R.H.S 
B
r
 · 
A
r
 = B A cos
Since A and B are numbers so they can be interchanged. 
B
r
 · 
A
r
 = A B cos
(ii) 
from eq. (i) and (ii) 
L.H.S = R.H.S 
(ii) 
Parallelism property 
(a)  
If 
A
r
 · 
B
r
 = A B 
then 
A
r
 // 
B
r
Proof 
A
r
 · 
B
r
 = A B Cos
when 
A
r
 // 
B
r
 then 
=0
o
A
r
 · 
B
r
 = A B Cos0
o 
: cos0
o 
= 1 
A
r
 · 
B
r
 = A B 
(b) 
A
r
 · 
A
r
 = A
2
      as  
A
r
 · 
A
r
 = A A cos
A
r
B
r
A
r
A
r
A
r
A
r
B
r
x
B
A
r
B
r
x
A
B
r
Details
- Pages
 - Type of Edition
 - Erstausgabe
 - Publication Year
 - 2017
 - ISBN (PDF)
 - 9783960676683
 - File size
 - 2 MB
 - Language
 - English
 - Publication date
 - 2017 (June)
 - Keywords
 - Basic physics Easy Undergraduate Translatory motion Physical optics Physical quantities Newton Guidebook Newton's law Law of Motion
 - Product Safety
 - Anchor Academic Publishing