What is Physics?

Physics is a branch of science which deals with

study of matter and energy. It provides answer to
questions arised in number of natural phenomenon
that takes place in the universe. Physics applies
scientific methodologies to understand the most
fundamental principles of nature.
1.1 NEED OF MEASUREMENT
1.1.1 What is the Need of Measurement
We come across many things in daily life that we need
to measure. There are lots of reasons for example,
i. To decorate the house we have to measure the
things to make sure they will fit inside.
ii. To buy a cloth for a dress we should know the
approximate length of cloth required.
In physics we come across large number of physical
quantities. The quantity which we can measure is
called physical quantity for example, length, mass,
time, area, volume etc.
1.1.2 Units in Engineering and Science
Physics is science based on exact measurement of
physical quantities. Hence it is also known as
science of measurement.
Basically measurements are used by scientist for
understanding nature phenomenon, by the society
for transaction business and practical purpose. A
measurement of any physical quantity consist two
part a number or magnitude and unit for example,
length of cloth is 5 meter. 5 is the number or
magnitude and meter is unit.
Definitions
Physics
Physics is a branch of
science which deals with
study of matter and
energy.
Physical Quantity
The quantity which we can
measure is called physical
quantity.
For examples: Length,
mass, time, area,
volume etc
Length of cloth =
5 meter

Number Unit
or
Magnitude
English Word ejkBh vFk Z
Physics =
HkkSfrd kkL=,
inkFkZ foKku
Natural
Phenomenon = uSlZfxZd f;k
Science = kkL=
Matter = inkFkZ
Energy = mtkZ
1-4 Basic Physics
Definitions

Unit
The standard which is used
to measure quantity is
called unit.
Fundamental Unit
The unit of fundamental
quantity is called
fundamental unit.
Derived Unit
The unit of derived
quantity is called
derived unit.
English Word
ejkBh
vFk Z
Fundamental
quantity =
ewyHkwr
jk kh
Velocity = osx
Acceleration = Roj.k
Force = cG
Unit: The standard which is used to measure
quantity is called unit.
Fundamental quantity: The quantity which does not
depend upon any other quantity for its measurement
is called fundamental quantity.
For example: length, mass, time etc.
Fundamental unit: The unit of fundamental quantity
is called fundamental unit.
For example: meter, kilogram, second etc.
Derived quantity: The quantity which depend upon
any other quantity for its measurement is called
derived quantity.
For example: area, volume, velocity, acceleration,
force etc.
Derived unit: The unit of derived quantity is called
derived unit.
For example: m2, m3, m/s, m/s2 etc.
Derived units are dependent on one or more
fundamental units.
Derived Physical
Quantity
Unit Symbol
i. Area square meter m2
ii. Volume cubic meter m3
iii. Velocity meter/Second m/s
iv. Acceleration mete/Square second m/s2
v. Force newton N
vi. Pressure newton/Square meter N/m2
vii. Work/Energy joule J
viii. Power watt W
ix. Surface Tension newton/Meter N/m
x. Density kilogram/Cubic meter kg/m3
xi. Viscosity newton second per
square meter
Ns/m2
xii. Frequency hertz Hz

BTE S.2009

2M

Define fundamental
quantity, derived
quantity
Units and Measurements 1-5
1.1.3 Requirements of Standard
(Ideal , Good) Units
The standard unit should be:
i. It should be well d