Worksheet 1

Physical Quantities: Classifications

Main Concepts/Ideas:
Science uses physical quantities to describe and make sense of nature. A physical quantity is a
property of matter and energy that can be measured. Physical quantities are expressed by a unit which
indicates the standard used in the measurement and a number which indicates how many of the standard was
measured. Physical quantities are classified as basic (a.k.a. fundamental) or derived quantities. Derived
quantities are a combination of two or more basic quantities. The table below lists the seven basic quantities.

Quantity Symbol Used Possible Units Used

Mass m Kilogram (kg)
Length l Meter (m)
Time t Seconds (s)
Temperature T Degree Celsius ( 0C)
Electric Current I Ampere (A)
Amount of Substance n Mole (mol)
Luminous Intensity I Candela (cd)

Detailed Example:
 Distance as well as height, thickness and width are all considered basic quantities because they all
measure the length or the space between two points.
 Area is a derived quantity because area (A) is determined as length (l) multiplied by width (w); length
and width are just other names used to indicate length.
d
 Speed, v= , is another example of a derived quantity because it is just the ratio of two basic
t
quantities.

Exercises:
Decide whether each quantity in the pool of words below is basic or derived. Arrange each quantity under its
appropriate box. Provide an explanation why the quantity is considered as a basic or a derived quantity.

Basic Quantities Derived Quantities

Quantity Reason Quantity Reason

Age Density Volume Force Height Boiling Point

Brightness Thickness Weight Pressure Acceleration

Reflection/Summary of Learning: