Which Of The Following Is A Fundamental Quantity? A) Volume B) Length C) Area D) Force
Introduction
In physics, a fundamental quantity is a basic physical property that cannot be expressed in terms of other quantities. These quantities are the building blocks of the physical world and are used to describe various physical phenomena. In this article, we will discuss the fundamental quantities in physics and identify which of the given options is a fundamental quantity.
What are Fundamental Quantities?
Fundamental quantities are the basic physical properties that are used to describe the physical world. They are the building blocks of the physical world and are used to describe various physical phenomena. There are seven fundamental quantities in physics, which are:
- Length (L)
- Mass (M)
- Time (T)
- Electric current (I)
- Thermodynamic temperature (Θ)
- Amount of substance (N)
- Luminous intensity (J)
These fundamental quantities are used to describe various physical phenomena, such as motion, energy, and thermodynamics.
Analyzing the Options
Now, let's analyze the given options to determine which one is a fundamental quantity.
A) Volume
Volume is a derived quantity that can be expressed in terms of other fundamental quantities, such as length and area. It is defined as the amount of three-dimensional space occupied by an object. Therefore, volume is not a fundamental quantity.
B) Length
Length is a fundamental quantity that is used to describe the size of an object. It is one of the seven fundamental quantities in physics and is used to describe various physical phenomena, such as motion and energy.
C) Area
Area is a derived quantity that can be expressed in terms of other fundamental quantities, such as length and width. It is defined as the amount of two-dimensional space occupied by an object. Therefore, area is not a fundamental quantity.
D) Force
Force is a derived quantity that can be expressed in terms of other fundamental quantities, such as mass and acceleration. It is defined as the push or pull that causes an object to change its motion. Therefore, force is not a fundamental quantity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct answer is B) Length. Length is a fundamental quantity that is used to describe the size of an object. It is one of the seven fundamental quantities in physics and is used to describe various physical phenomena, such as motion and energy.
References
- International System of Units (SI). (2019). The International System of Units (SI).
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2020). Fundamental Physical Constants.
- Wikipedia. (2022). Fundamental physical constants.
Further Reading
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Paul A. Tipler and Gene Mosca
- Fundamentals of Physics by David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker
- The Feynman Lectures on Physics by Richard P. Feynman
Fundamental Quantities in Physics: Q&A =====================================
Introduction
In our previous article, we discussed the fundamental quantities in physics and identified length as a fundamental quantity. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about fundamental quantities in physics.
Q: What is the difference between a fundamental quantity and a derived quantity?
A: A fundamental quantity is a basic physical property that cannot be expressed in terms of other quantities. A derived quantity, on the other hand, can be expressed in terms of other fundamental quantities. For example, length is a fundamental quantity, while area is a derived quantity that can be expressed in terms of length and width.
Q: How many fundamental quantities are there in physics?
A: There are seven fundamental quantities in physics, which are:
- Length (L)
- Mass (M)
- Time (T)
- Electric current (I)
- Thermodynamic temperature (Θ)
- Amount of substance (N)
- Luminous intensity (J)
Q: What is the International System of Units (SI)?
A: The International System of Units (SI) is a system of units that is used to express physical quantities in a consistent and coherent way. The SI system is based on seven fundamental quantities and is used in most scientific and engineering applications.
Q: What is the difference between the SI system and other systems of units?
A: The SI system is a coherent system of units that is based on seven fundamental quantities. Other systems of units, such as the British Imperial system, are not coherent and can lead to errors in calculations.
Q: Can I use other systems of units in physics?
A: While it is possible to use other systems of units in physics, it is generally recommended to use the SI system. The SI system is widely accepted and used in most scientific and engineering applications.
Q: How do I convert between different systems of units?
A: To convert between different systems of units, you can use conversion factors or unit conversion tables. For example, to convert from meters to feet, you can use the conversion factor 1 meter = 3.2808 feet.
Q: What are some common derived quantities in physics?
A: Some common derived quantities in physics include:
- Area: the amount of two-dimensional space occupied by an object
- Volume: the amount of three-dimensional space occupied by an object
- Density: the mass per unit volume of an object
- Pressure: the force per unit area on an object
- Energy: the ability to do work on an object
Q: How do I determine if a quantity is a fundamental or derived quantity?
A: To determine if a quantity is a fundamental or derived quantity, you can ask yourself if it can be expressed in terms of other fundamental quantities. If it can, then it is a derived quantity. If it cannot, then it is a fundamental quantity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fundamental quantities are the building blocks of the physical world and are used to describe various physical phenomena. By understanding the fundamental quantities and how to use them, you can solve problems and make calculations in physics.
References
- International System of Units (SI). (2019). The International System of Units (SI).
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2020). Fundamental Physical Constants.
- Wikipedia. (2022). Fundamental physical constants.
Further Reading
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Paul A. Tipler and Gene Mosca
- Fundamentals of Physics by David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker
- The Feynman Lectures on Physics by Richard P. Feynman