📌 Topics for Short Questions – Chapter 1 (Physical Quantities and Measurements)
Short questions in board exams usually come from these topics:
| # | Short Question | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is a physical quantity? | A quantity that can be measured |
| 2 | What is a non-physical quantity? | A quantity that cannot be measured |
| 3 | What are base quantities? | Seven fundamental quantities |
| 4 | What are derived quantities? | Quantities derived from base quantities |
| 5 | Name the seven base quantities. | Length, mass, time, current, temp, mole, luminous intensity |
| 6 | What is the SI unit of length? | Meter (m) |
| 7 | What is the SI unit of mass? | Kilogram (kg) |
| 8 | What is the SI unit of time? | Second (s) |
| 9 | What is the SI unit of temperature? | Kelvin (K) |
| 10 | What is the SI unit of electric current? | Ampere (A) |
| 11 | What is the SI unit of amount of substance? | Mole (mol) |
| 12 | What is the SI unit of luminous intensity? | Candela (cd) |
| 13 | What is the least count of a ruler? | 1 mm or 0.1 cm |
| 14 | What is the least count of vernier callipers? | 0.01 cm or 0.1 mm |
| 15 | What is the least count of micrometer screw gauge? | 0.001 cm or 0.01 mm |
| 16 | Define least count. | Smallest value that can be measured |
| 17 | What is zero error? | Reading when instrument measures nothing |
| 18 | What is positive zero error? | Positive reading when measuring nothing |
| 19 | What is negative zero error? | Negative reading when measuring nothing |
| 20 | Define scientific notation. | Writing numbers as a × 10ⁿ |
| 21 | What are SI prefixes? | Prefixes added before units |
| 22 | What is the prefix for 10³? | Kilo (k) |
| 23 | What is the prefix for 10⁻³? | Milli (m) |
| 24 | What is the prefix for 10⁻⁶? | Micro (μ) |
| 25 | What is the prefix for 10⁹? | Giga (G) |
| 26 | What is the prefix for 10⁶? | Mega (M) |
| 27 | What is the prefix for 10⁻⁹? | Nano (n) |
| 28 | Define significant figures. | Digits that carry meaningful information |
| 29 | How many significant figures are in 2.5? | 2 SF |
| 30 | How many significant figures are in 0.025? | 2 SF |
| 31 | How many significant figures are in 2500? | 2 SF |
| 32 | Define precision. | Closeness of repeated measurements |
| 33 | Define accuracy. | Closeness to true value |
| 34 | What is a measuring cylinder used for? | Measuring volume of liquids |
| 35 | What is the displacement can method? | For measuring volume of irregular objects |
| 36 | What is human error? | Error due to observer’s mistake |
| 37 | What is systematic error? | Consistent error in one direction |
| 38 | What is random error? | Error that occurs randomly |
| 39 | Define uncertainty. | Doubt or lack of precision |
| 40 | What is the principle of physical balance? | Works on equal arms principle |