Chapter 1

Physical World.

1. What is 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. Science is exploring,
experimenting and predicting from what we see around us.
2. What does scientific method involve?
i) Systematic observations.
ii) Controlled experiments.
iii) Qualitative and quantitative reasoning.
iv) Mathematical modeling.
v) Prediction and verification or falsification of theories.

3. What is Physics?
Physics is a study of the basic laws of nature and their manifestation in
different natural phenomena.
4. What is meant by unification?
In Physics, we attempt to explain diverse physical phenomena in terms of a
few concepts and laws. This is called unification.
5. What is meant by reductionism?
It is the method of deriving the properties of a bigger or more complex
system from the properties of its constituent particles.
6. What are the two domains of physics?
Physics can be divided in to two domains.
Classical Physics deals with macroscopic (Large) phenomena. It
includes subjects like Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics and
Thermodynamics.
Quantum Physics explains microscopic (very small) phenomena. It
includes atomic, molecular and nuclear phenomena.
7. Which are the four fundamental forces in nature? Arrange them in their
increasing order of strength.
a) Gravitational Force
b) Weak Nuclear Force
c) Electro Magnetic Force
d) Strong Nuclear Force
8. Briefly explain the four fundamental forces in nature?
A. Gravitational Force
The gravitational force is the force of mutual attraction between any
two objects having mass. The force between to masses m1 and m2
separated by a distance r is given by
F =G m1m2/r2
Where G is the universal gravitational constant. Gravitational force is
always attractive in nature.It is long range force. It is the weakest force
existing in the world.

B. Weak Nuclear Force

The weak nuclear force appears only in certain nuclear processes such
as the β-decay of a nucleus. In β-decay , the nucleus emits an electron
and an uncharged particle called neutrino. It is a short range force.
C. Electro Magnetic Force.
Electromagnetic force is the force between charged particles. The force
between two charges q1 and q2 separated by a distance r is given by
F =k q1q2/r2
Where k is a constant. Electromagnetic forces are both attractive and
repulsive in nature.
It is a long range force.
D. Strong Nuclear Force
The strong nuclear force binds protons and neutrons in a nucleus. It is a
short range force.
It is the strongest of all forces existing in nature.
9. Which are the conservation laws in physics ?
In physics, a conservation law states that a particular
measurable property of an isolated physical system does not change
as the system evolves over time.
 Law of conservation of Mass.
 Law of conservation of Energy.
 Law of conservation of Charge.
 Law of conservation of Linear Momentum.
 Law of conservation of Angular Momentum.