SHAHEEN MODEL PUBLIC SCHOOL GARHI

H.A.

9 TH

PHYSICS
UNIT#07
PROPERTIES OF MATTER
 PHYSICS CLASS 9TH
UNIT#07 PROPERTIES OF MATTER

Kinetic molecular theory

“The theory based on the molecular

behavior of matter is called kinetic
molecular theory”.

Assumptions / Features of kinetic molecular theory

Following are some important assumptions of kinetic molecular model.
• Matter is made up of molecules.
• The molecules remain in continuous motion.
• Molecules attract each other.
• There are at least three states of matter. i.e. solid, liquid and gas.

1- Solid
• Molecules of solid are arranged closely in a fixed pattern.
• Solid has fixed shape and fixed volume.
• The attractive forces between the molecules of solid are strong.
• The molecules of solid vibrate about their mean position.
• The molecules of solid cannot move freely.
• Solid cannot flow.

2- Liquid
• Molecules of liquid are loosely packed as compared to solid.
• Molecules of gas are not arranged in a fixed pattern.
• Liquid has no fixed shape but has fixed volume.
• The attractive forces between the molecules of liquid are weaker as
compared to solid.
• The molecules of liquid can move freely throughout the liquid but
cannot escape out of the liquid.
• Liquid can change its shape and it can adopt the shape of its
container.
• Liquid can flow.

3- Gases

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• Molecules of gas are much loosely packed as compared to solid and

liquid.
• Molecules of gas are not arranged in a fixed pattern.
• Gas has no fixed shape and no fixed volume.3
• The attractive forces between the molecules of gas are much weaker
as compared to solid and liquid.
• The molecules of gas can move freely throughout the gas and can
escape out of the gas.
• The molecules of gas are in continuous random motion.
• The molecules of gas continuously collide with each other and also
with the walls of container.
• Gas can change its shape and it can adopt the shape of its container.
• Gas can flow.

Fourth state of matter (Plasma)

There is also a fourth state of matter. This state is called plasma. It has
the following characteristics.
• Plasma is the ionized state of matter.
• Plasma consists of electrons and the positive ions.
• Plasma exists at very high temperatures.
• Plasma exists in sun, stars, fluorescent bulbs, fire flame etc.

Density

“Mass of a substance per unit volume is

called its density”.
OR
“The magnitude of molecular crowd in
a substance is called density”.

Denotation
It is denoted by ρ.
SI-unit
Its SI-unit is kgm-3.

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Nature of quantity
Density is a scalar quantity.
Mathematically
mass
Density =
volume
m
ρ=
V
Where,
ρ = density.
m = mass of substance.
V = volume of substance.
Factors affecting density
Density depends upon following factors.
• Mass of object.
• Volume of object.

Mass of object
Density is directly proportional to mass of the body. It means that if
mass of the body is greater, density of the body will be greater and vice
versa.
Volume of object
Density is inversely proportional to volume of the body. It means that if
volume of the body is greater, density of the body will be smaller and
vice versa.
Pressure
“The force acting normally per unit
area on the surface of a body is called
pressure”.

Mathematically,
Force
Pressure =
Area

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F
P=
A
Where,
P = Pressure.
F = Force acting on the surface of body.
A = Area of surface of the body on which the force is acting.
Denotation
It is denoted by P.
SI-unit
Its SI-unit is pascal (Pa).
Nature of quantity
Pressure is a scalar quantity.
Factors affecting pressure
Pressure depends upon following factors.
• Force acting on the surface of body (F).
• Area of surface of the body (A).

Force acting on the surface of body

Pressure is directly proportional to the force acting on the surface of
body. It means that if the force acting on the surface of the body is
greater, pressure acting on the body will be greater and vice versa.
Area of surface of the body
Pressure is inversely proportional to the area of surface of the body. It
means that if area of surface of the body is greater, pressure of the body
will be smaller and vice versa.
One pascal pressure
Pressure is said to be 1Pa if 1N force acts on a surface of 1m2 area.
Force
i.e. Pressure =
Area
1N
1 Pa =
1𝐦𝟐

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Atmospheric pressure

“The pressure exerted by the

atmosphere on everything under it is
called atmospheric pressure”.

SI-unit
Its SI-unit is atmosphere (atm) or bar.
i.e. 1 atm = 1.013 ⨯ 105 Pa.
1 bar = 1.000 ⨯ 105 Pa or 100 kPa.
Explanation
The earth is surrounded by a cover of air. This cover of air is called
atmosphere. The atmosphere consists of many gases. These gases apply
pressure on us and all the things around us. This pressure is called
atmospheric pressure.
One atm pressure
The atmospheric pressure at sea-level and 0 ⁰C is called 1 atm pressure.
Example
If we take a thin-walled empty can and a vacuum cleaner. Initially the
pressure inside the can is equal to the atmospheric pressure outside the
can. When we remove the air from the can by vacuum cleaner, the
pressure inside the can become less than the atmospheric pressure
outside the can. Then the atmospheric pressure pushes the can from all
sides. As a result, the can get crushed.
Applications of atmospheric pressure
1- Drinking through straw
When we suck the air through straw, then the air pressure inside the
straw decreases than the atmospheric pressure. Due to this, the
atmospheric pressure pushes the liquid up in the straw and we drink.

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2- Working of vaccum cleaner

The fan in the vacuum cleaner removes the air from its dirt bag and the
air pressure inside the vacuum cleaner decreases than the atmospheric
pressure. Due to this, the atmospheric pressure pushes the dust particles
and dirt into the vacuum cleaner.
3- Pulling up liquid in the syringe
When we draw the piston of syringe out then the pressure inside the
syringe decreases than the atmospheric pressure. Due to this, the
atmospheric pressure pushes the liquid into the needle of the syringe.
Mercury barometer

“The device which is used to measure

the atmospheric pressure is called
mercury barometer”.

Construction
Mercury barometer consists of following parts.
• A glass dish containing mercury.
• Long glass tube whose one end is sealed and the other end is dipped in
a dish containing mercury. The tube is 80 to 100 cm (1 meter) long.

Working of mercury barometer

The atmospheric pressure pushes the mercury in the dish and the
mercury rushes into the tube. As a result, the mercury rises up in the
tube. When the pressure inside the tube become equal to the atmospheric
pressure then the mercury stops at a certain level in the tube. Then the
height of mercury in the tube is used to measure the value of
atmospheric pressure by using following relation.
1 mm of Hg = 1 torr
𝟏 𝟏
1 mm of Hg = atm ∵ 1 torr = atm
𝟕𝟔𝟎 𝟕𝟔𝟎
At sea-level mercury can rise up to 76 cm or 760 mm.

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Atmospheric pressure and weather

The atmospheric pressure changes with height from the sea-level. Its
value is greater for lower regions and smaller for higher regions. Due to
difference in pressure the winds blow from high pressure region to low
pressure region and causes change in atmospheric pressure in those
regions. As a result, the weather of those region changes. It means that
the change in atmospheric pressure indicates the expected change in
weather condition of the place.
For example:
1- Gradual and average fall/decrease in atmospheric pressure of a place
means a neighboring location has low pressure than that place.
2- Minor and rapid decrease in atmospheric pressure of a place means a
near place can have a windy and showery condition. The place itself can
have storm, typhon or rain in few hours.
3- Gradual decrease in atmospheric pressure of a place means the place
itself can have breeze and rain.
4- Rapid decrease in atmospheric pressure of a place means the place
itself can have storm, typhon or rain in few hours.
5- Gradual and large increase in atmospheric pressure of a place means
the place can have a long spell of pleasant weather.
6- Rapid increase in atmospheric pressure of a place means the
atmospheric pressure of the place will decrease soon and place will have
bad weather.
Pascal’s principle / Pascal’s law

STATEMENT
“When some pressure is exerted on an
incompressible fluid then the fluid
transmits this pressure equally in all
directions”.

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Explanation
Take a glass vessel having a piston fitted in it. Also having holes all over
its surface. Fill it with water. Push the piston. The water will rush out of
all the holes of the vessel with same pressure. It will happen because the
pressure given to the water through piston will equally be transmitted
throughout the water in all directions.

Applications of pascal’s law

1- Hydraulic press / Hydraulic lift

“The machine which uses hydraulic

apparatus to lift the objects is called
hydraulic lift”.
OR
“The machine which uses hydraulic
apparatus to compress the objects is
called hydraulic press”.

Explanation
Consider two cylinders having cross-sectional area A1 and A2
respectively, such that A2 > A1. Both cylinders are fitted at the opposite
ends of a glass tube. The glass tube is filled with an incompressible fluid.
Pistons are fitted at the open ends of both cylinders. The object to be
lifted or pressed is placed at piston-2 and force is exerted on piston-1.
The pressure is produced on piston-1. Then piston-1 transmits this
pressure to piston-2 through the liquid. Finally, the piston-2 performs
the function of lifting or pressing. Pressure exerted on the piston-1 is P1.

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Pressure exerted on the piston-2 is P2. This whole configuration is shown

in figure below.
Mathematically,
According to pascal’s principle,
P1 = P2
𝐅𝟏 𝐅𝟐
=
𝐀𝟏 𝐀𝟐
𝐅𝟏
× A2 = F2
𝐀𝟏

Where,
F1 is the force exerted on piston-1.
F2 is the force exerted on piston-2.
A1 is the cross-sectional area of piston-1.
A2 is the cross-sectional area of piston-2.
2- Hydraulic brake
When we push the brake pedal then it presses the piston in master
cylinder. This piston then transmits this pressure to the other pistons in
the wheels. These pistons of wheels then push the brake shoes against the
wheels and the vehicle stops.

Liquid pressure

“The force exerted normally per unit

area by a liquid is called liquid
pressure”.

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Mathematically,
As,
F
P= -----(1)
A
As,
F = Weight of liquid
F = mg ∵ Weight = mg
m
F = ρVg ∵ρ= ⇒ m = ρV
V

F = ρAhg -----(2) ∵ V = l ⨯W ⨯h = A ⨯ h
Putting equation-2 in equation-1,
𝛒𝐀𝐡𝐠
P=
A
P = ρgh -----(3)
Equation-3 represents the pressure of a fluid. It is directly proportional
to the depth below the surface of fluid and also the density of fluid.
This pressure is also called hydro-static pressure.
Upthrust force of a liquid / Buoyant force of a liquid / Buoyancy of a
liquid

“The upward force exerted by a fluid

against the weight of an object is called
buoyant force / upthrust force”.

Explanation
When a piece of cork held below the surface of water is released then it
experiences the upward force and rush up to the surface of water. This
upward force is called buoyant force or upthrust force of liquid.
The property of a fluid to exert upthrust force is called buoyancy.

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Archimede’s principle

STATEMENT
“The buoyant force acting on an object
is equal to the weight of the liquid
displaced by the object”.

Explanation
Whenever an object is fully or partially immersed in a liquid then the
liquid exerts buoyant force on it. This buoyant force is equal to the
weight of liquid displaced (FB = wB). This buoyant force decreases the
weight of object. This loss of weight is called apparent weight loss. The
new weight of object after loss is called apparent weight (wA).
The floating or sinking of the object depends upon its density relative to
the density of liquid. There are three possibilities.
1- When the density of object is smaller than the density of liquid (ρo <
ρB)
When the density of object is smaller than the density of liquid then FB >
wo. Here the buoyant force is dominant. So, the object will float
completely.
2- When the density of object is greaterer than the density of liquid (ρo >
ρB)
When the density of object is greater than the density of liquid then FB <
wo. Here the weight of object is dominant. So, the object will sink.
3- When the density of object is equal the density of liquid (ρo = ρB)

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When the density of object is equal to the density of liquid then F B = wo.
Here the net force is zero. So, the object will float partially.
Law of floatation

STATEMENT
“The buoyant force acting on a floating
object is always equal to the weight of
object”.
OR
“The weight of floating object is equal
to the weight of liquid displaced”.

Mathematically,
According to law of floatation,
FB = wo ------(1)
As,
FB = mBg and wo = mog
So, equation-1 becomes,
mBg = mog ------(2)
Dividing equation-1 by equation-2,
𝐅𝐁 𝐰𝐨
=
𝐦𝐁 𝐠 𝐦𝐨 𝐠

By cross-multiplying, we get,
FB ⨯ mog = wo ⨯ mBg
𝐦𝐨 𝐠 𝐰𝐨
=
𝐦𝐁 𝐠 𝐅𝐁
𝐦𝐨 𝐰𝐨
= ------(3)
𝐦𝐁 𝐅𝐁

As,
mo = ρoVo and mB = ρBVB.

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So, equation-3 becomes,

𝛒𝐨 𝐕𝐨 𝐰𝐨
= ------(4)
𝛒𝐁 𝐕𝐁 𝐅𝐁

According to Archimedes principle,

Vo = VB
So, equation-4 becomes,
𝛒𝐨 𝐕𝐁 𝐰𝐨
=
𝛒𝐁 𝐕𝐁 𝐅𝐁
𝛒𝐨 𝐰𝐨
=
𝛒𝐁 𝐅𝐁
𝛒𝐨 𝐰𝐨
= ------(5)
𝛒𝐁 𝐅𝐁

Equation-5 represents the mathematical form of law of floatation.

Where,
ρo is the density of immersed object.
ρB is the density of the liquid.
wo is the weight of immersed object.
FB is the buoyant force or weight of the liquid displaced by the object.
Examples / Applications of law of floatation
1- Floating boats
The boat is designed in such a way that it always displaces large volume
of water than its own volume due to which its density remains less than
the density of surrounding water. As a result, it floats.
2- Floating ships
Ship is made up of metal, which is denser than water. But it has air-
filled chambers which make it less dense than the water. As a result, it
floats.

3- Floating and sinking of submarines

A submarine is an air-tight ship. It is made up of engine, ballistic tank
and compressed air tank.

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• When the water is filled in the ballistic tank, it increases the density of
submarine than the density of surrounding water due to which its
weight become dominant. As a result, the submarine sinks.
• When the air from the air tank is filled in the ballistic tank, it
decreases the density of submarine than the density of surrounding
water due to which the buoyant force become dominant. As a result,
the submarine floats up.

4- Floating of hot air balloon in air

The density of hot air inside the balloon is less than the density of cold
air outside the balloon due to which the buoyant force on balloon become
dominant. As a result, hot air rises the balloon and the balloon floats.
5- Floating of ic-bergs on water
The density of ice-bergs is less than the density of surrounding water due
to which the buoyant force on ice-berg become dominant. As a result, the
ice-berg floats.
Elasticity

“The ability of an object to regain its

original size and shape after the
removal of deforming force is called
elasticity”.

Example
When an archer shoots an arrow, he bends the bow. When he releases
the arrow, the bow springs back to its original position and shape.
Explanation
Most of the materials are elastic up to certain limit. Beyond this limit the
materials cannot come back to their original shape and size. This limit is
elastic limit.
Some materials do not possess the elasticity. They are called inelastic
materials. Examples of such materials are plasticine, clay and dough.

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Hook’s law

STATEMENT
“The restoring force in a body is
directly proportional to the extension or
compression produced in the body until
the elastic limit is exceeded”.
OR
“The extension or compression
produced in a body is directly
proportional to the applied force until
the elastic limit is exceeded”.

Mathematically,
Fres ∝ -x
Fres = (constant) -x
Fres = k(-x)
Fres = -kx -----(1)
Equation-1 represents the mathematical form of Hook’s law.
Where,
Fres is the restoring force.
k is the stiffness constant of the material. Its SI-unit is Nm-1.
x is the extension or compression produced in the object. It is the amount
of change in length of the object. i.e. x = lN – lo.
Where,
lN is new length of the object.
lo is original length of the object.

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Stress

“The force acting per unit per unit

cross-sectional area is called stress”.

Denotation
It is denoted by σ (sigma).
SI-unit
Its SI-unit is Nm-2.
Mathematically,
𝐅
σ=
𝐀
Strain

“The extension produced per unit

length in an object is called strain”.

Denotation
It is denoted by ε (Epsilon).
SI-unit
It has no unit because it is the ratio of two lengths.
Mathematically,
𝚫𝐥
ε=
𝐥𝐨
𝐱
ε= ∵ Δl = x
𝐥𝐨

Young’s modulus

“The ratio of stress to strain in a body

within its elastic limit is called young’s
modulus of the body”.

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Explanation
The ratio of stress to strain in a body remains constant within the elastic
limit of the body. This ratio is called young’s modulus. It determines that
how easily an object can be stretched or deform. Its value depends upon
nature of material of the body. It is also called modulus of elasticity.
Denotation
It is denoted by Y.
SI-unit
Its SI-unit is Nm-2.
Mathematically,
𝛔
Y=
𝛆
𝐅
( )
𝐀
Y= 𝐱
(𝐥 )
𝐨

𝐅 𝐱
Y= ÷
𝐀 𝐥𝐨
𝐅 𝐥𝐨
Y= × ----(1)
𝐀 𝐱
Equation-1 represents the mathematical form of young’s modulus.
Stress-strain curve / Elasticity curve

“The graph which represents the elastic

behavior of a material is called
elasticity curve or stress-strain curve”.

Explanation
A typical elasticity curve for a metal is discussed below.
Here,
• Point A represents the maximum stress up to which the material
obeys the proportionality of Hook’s law. It is called proportional
limit.

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• Point B represents the maximum stress up to which the material

possesses the property of elasticity. It is called elastic limit.
• Point C represents the maximum stress the wire can bear without
breaking. It is called plastic limit.
• Point D represents the stress at which the material breaks. It is called
breaking point.

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CONCEPTUAL QUESTIONS
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Q1: If you climbed a mountain carrying a mercury barometer, would the
level of the mercury column in the glass tube of the barometer increase
or decrease as you climb the mountain? Explain.
Ans-1: If we climb a mountain carrying a mercury barometer, the level
of mercury column in the glass tube of mercury barometer will decrease
as we climb up the mountain.
Explanation
The atmospheric pressure decreases with increase in height. When we
will go up on the mountain, the atmospheric pressure will decrease due
to which the level of mercury column in the glass tube of barometer will
also decrease.
Q2: Walnuts can be broken in the hand by squeezing two together but
not one. Why?
Ans-2: Walnuts can be broken in the hand by squeezing two together but
not one. It is because of following reason.
Reason
Pressure inversely depends upon area of contact. When we squeeze one
walnut, the area of contact remains greater due to which less pressure
act on the walnut and the walnut do not breaks.
But when we squeeze two walnuts together, the area of contact become
smaller due to which greater pressure act on them and the walnuts
break.
Q3: Why is the cutting edge of knife made very thin?
Ans-3: The cutting edge of knife is made very thin. It is because of
following reason.
REASON
Pressure inversely depends upon area of contact. When the cutting edge
of a knife is made very thin, its area of contact with cutting object

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remain smaller due to which greater pressure act on the object and the
object cut easily.
Q4: Why water tanks are constructed at the highest level in our houses?
Ans-4: Water tanks are constructed at the highest level in our houses. It
is because of following reason.
REASON
The liquid pressure increases with increase in height. When the water
tanks are placed at highest level in our houses, the pressure of water
become greater and the water flow in all water lines with high pressure.
As a result, the water can easily and rapidly reach every spout of the
house.
Q5: Why a small needle sinks in the water and huge ships travel easily in
water without sinking?
Ans-5: A small needle sinks in the water and huge ships travel in water
without sinking. It is because of following reason.
REASON
According to Archimedes principle, if the weight of an object is greater
than the weight of liquid displaced by it, then it will sink. And if the
weight of an object is less than the weight of liquid displaced by it, then it
will float.
The weight of needle is always greater than the weight of liquid displaced
by it. So, it sinks.
The weight of ship is always less than the weight of liquid displaced by it.
So, it floats.
Q6: Explain how and why camels have adapted to allow them to walk
more easily in desert conditions.
Ans-6: Camels have adapted to allow them to walk more easily in desert
conditions. It is because of following reason.
REASON
Pressure inversely depends upon area of contact. Camels have wider feet
due to which the area of contact between their feet and sand remain

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greater which cause low pressure on sand. As a result, their feet do not
stick in sand and they can easily move in sand.
Q7: You would have probably experienced your ears ‘popping’ while
driving in the mountains. Why ears ‘pop’?
Ans-7: We experience popping while driving in the mountains. It is
because of following reason.
REASON
The atmospheric pressure decreases with increase in height. When we
are at ground level, the pressure inside our ear behind our eardrum is
equal to our surrounding atmospheric pressure. But when we go up on
the mountain, our surrounding atmospheric pressure decreases due to
which the pressure inside our ear become dominant and pushes the
eardrum outward. As a result, our ear feels blocked.
To balance the inside pressure with outside pressure and to set the
eardrum beck to its normal state our ears pop.
Q8: If you filled an air-tight balloon at the top of a mountain, would the
balloon expand or contract as you descend the mountain? Explain.
Ans-8: If we fill an air-tight balloon at the top of a mountain, the balloon
will contract as we descend the mountain.
Explanation
The atmospheric pressure increases with decrease in height. When we
are at the top of mountain, the pressure inside the balloon is equal to our
surrounding atmospheric pressure. But when we descend the mountain,
our surrounding atmospheric pressure increases and become dominant
over the pressure inside the balloon and pushes the wall of balloon
inward. As a result, the balloon contracts.
Q9: A rowboat is floating in a swimming pool when the anchor is
dropped over the side. When the anchor is dropped, will the water level
in the swimming pool increase, decrease, or remain the same? Explain.
Ans-9: A rowboat is floating in a swimming pool when the anchor is
dropped over the side. When the anchor is dropped, the water level will
decrease.

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Explanation
When the anchor is in the boat, then the weight of boat is greater, due to
which more water is displaced by the boat and the level of water remain
higher. Whereas, when the anchor is removed from the boat and placed
on the shore, then weight of boat become smaller, due to which less water
is displaced by the boat. As a result, the level of water at in the pool will
decrease.
Q10: Which material is more elastic, steel or rubber and why?
Ans-10: Steel is more elastic material than rubber.
Explanation
The strength of elasticity is determined by young’s modulus of a
material. The young’s modulus of steel is 20 ⨯ 1010 Nm-2 while the
young’s modulus of rubber is 0.007 ⨯ 1010 Nm-2. It clearly shows that the
steel possesses more elasticity than rubber.
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