Q.Why length, mass and time are chosen as base quantities in mechanics?
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Unit Conversion
Unit Conversion: Why 1 Metre and 100 Centimetres Are the Same Thing
Imagine you're measuring the length of your desk. You pull out a ruler marked in centimetres and find it's 120 cm long. Your friend, using a metre stick, says it's 1.2 m. You're both right — you've just used different units to describe the same physical length.
That's the core idea: unit conversion is the process of changing how you express a quantity without changing the quantity itself.
The Intuition: Same Quantity, Different Labels
Think of a pizza. Whether you call it "one pizza" or "8 slices," the amount of pizza hasn't changed. You've just used a different unit (pizza vs. slice) to describe it.
Similarly, 1 metre and 100 centimetres are the same length — just like 1 pizza and 8 slices are the same amount. The number changes (1 becomes 100, or 1 becomes 8), but the actual thing being measured stays identical.
This is the most important idea to hold onto: conversion changes the number, not the quantity. If you ever feel like the quantity has changed, you've made a mistake.
The Precise Statement
Unit conversion is the multiplication of a quantity by a conversion factor — a fraction equal to 1 — that cancels the old unit and introduces the new one.
A conversion factor looks like this:
old unitnew unit=1
For length: 100 cm1 m=1 and 1 m100 cm=1.
Why are these fractions equal to 1? Because 1 metre is 100 centimetres. The numerator and denominator describe the same physical length, so their ratio is exactly 1.
How to Convert: The Only Rule You Need
Multiply by a conversion factor that cancels the unit you have and leaves the unit you want.
Let's convert 120 cm to metres:
- Start with what you have: 120 cm
- Choose the conversion factor that has "cm" in the denominator (to cancel it) and "m" in the numerator: 100 cm1 m
- Multiply:
120 cm×100 cm1 m=100120 m=1.2 m
The "cm" units cancel just like numbers do: cmcm=1.
Always write the units explicitly. If the units don't cancel correctly, you've used the wrong conversion factor. This catches 90% of conversion mistakes.
The Reverse: Metres to Centimetres
Now convert 1.2 m to cm. This time, you want "cm" to remain and "m" to cancel. Use 1 m100 cm:
1.2 m×1 m100 cm=1.2×100 cm=120 cm
Notice: when going from a larger unit (m) to a smaller unit (cm), the number gets larger (1.2 → 120). When going from smaller to larger, the number gets smaller (120 → 1.2). This is a useful sanity check.
Common Conversion Factors You'll Use
| Quantity | Relationship | Conversion Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1 m = 100 cm | 100 cm1 m, 1 m100 cm |
| Mass | 1 kg = 1000 g | 1000 g1 kg, 1 kg1000 g |
| Time | 1 h = 60 min | 60 min1 h, 1 h60 min |
| Speed | 1 km/h = 36001000 m/s | 1 km1000 m×3600 s1 h |
Why this formula?
Dimensional Analysis: Why the Key Principles Hold
Dimensional Analysis is a powerful tool in physics and engineering that lets us check the consistency of equations, derive relationships, and convert units. But why does it work? Let's build the reasoning from the ground up.
1. The Core Idea: Physical Quantities Have Dimensions
Every physical quantity (like length, time, mass) can be expressed in terms of fundamental dimensions. The most common set in mechanics is:
- L = Length
- M = Mass
- T = Time
For example:
- Speed has dimensions [LT−1]
- Force has dimensions [MLT−2]
- Energy has dimensions [ML2T−2]
Why this matters: Two quantities can only be meaningfully compared or equated if they have the same dimensions. You cannot add apples to oranges — and you cannot add length to time.
2. The Principle of Dimensional Homogeneity
The key formula that underpins everything is:
Every valid physical equation must be dimensionally homogeneous.
This means: the dimensions on the left-hand side must equal the dimensions on the right-hand side.
Why must this hold?
Consider an equation like:
v=u+at
- Left side: [v]=LT−1
- Right side: [u]=LT−1, [at]=(LT−2)(T)=LT−1
Both sides have dimensions LT−1. If they didn't match, the equation would be physically meaningless — you'd be comparing quantities that cannot be equal in any real experiment.
Reasoning: Physical laws describe relationships between measurable quantities. If the dimensions don't match, the equation cannot represent a real physical relationship, because the numerical value would depend on the arbitrary choice of units.
3. The Buckingham Pi Theorem: Why We Can Derive Relationships
This is the deeper mathematical reason. The Buckingham Pi Theorem states:
If a physical problem involves n variables and k fundamental dimensions, then it can be reduced to n−k independent dimensionless groups (called π groups).
Why does this work?
Imagine you have a relationship:
f(Q1,Q2,…,Qn)=0
where each Qi has dimensions. Because the equation must be dimensionally homogeneous, we can rearrange it into a function of dimensionless products only:
F(π1,π2,…,πn−k)=0
The reasoning: Dimensions act as constraints. Each fundamental dimension (M, L, T) gives one constraint. So if you have n variables and k constraints, you only have n−k independent dimensionless combinations.
Example: For a simple pendulum, the period T depends on length L, mass m, and gravity g. That's 4 variables with 3 dimensions (M, L, T). So 4−3=1 dimensionless group: π=LT2g. This tells us T∝L/g without solving any differential equation.
4. Why We Can Convert Units Using Dimensional Analysis
The conversion factor formula:
Value in new unit=Value in old unit×(new unitold unit)dimension exponent
Why this works: …
The choice of length, mass, and time as base quantities in mechanics is rooted in the concept of fundamental quantities and their role in dimensional analysis.
These three quantities are chosen because:
- Mutual Independence: They are mutually independent; none can be expressed or derived in terms of the other two.
- Sufficiency: All other physical quantities in mechanics, such as velocity, acceleration, force, and energy, can be dimensionally expressed as combinations of length, mass, and time.
- Direct Measurability: They are directly and accurately measurable using standard, universally accepted instruments. …
Length, mass, and time are chosen as base quantities in mechanics because they are fundamental, mutually independent, and together sufficient to define all other mechanical quantities, while also being precisely measurable and reproducible.
In physics, we deal with many different physical quantities like speed, force, energy, and temperature. To measure and compare these quantities consistently, we need a standardized system. This system is built upon a small set of fundamental quantities, known as base quantities, from which all other quantities can be derived.
The choice of base quantities is not arbitrary; it follows specific logical and practical criteria. For the domain of mechanics, which deals with motion, forces, and energy without considering electrical, thermal, or optical phenomena, length, mass, and time emerge as the natural and most effective choices.
Here's a breakdown of why:
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What are Base and Derived Quantities?
- Base Quantities are the fundamental, independent physical quantities that cannot be expressed in terms of any other physical quantities. They form the foundation of a system of measurement.
- Derived Quantities are those quantities that can be expressed as a combination or product of base quantities. For example, speed is derived from length and time (speed=length/time).
-
Why Do We Need Base Quantities?
Imagine trying to define every single physical quantity independently. It would be an endless and inconsistent task. By selecting a minimal set of base quantities, we create a coherent and universal framework. All other quantities can then be systematically defined and measured based on these few fundamental ones. This simplifies the entire system of units.
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Criteria for Choosing Base Quantities
A good set of base quantities must satisfy several crucial conditions:
- Fundamentality and Independence: Each base quantity must be truly fundamental and independent of the others. You should not be able to define one base quantity using a combination of the others.
- Sufficiency: The chosen set must be sufficient to derive all other quantities within the specific domain of physics (in this case, mechanics).
- Measurability and Reproducibility: They must be precisely measurable and their units must be easily reproducible anywhere in the world.
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Applying the Criteria to Length, Mass, and Time in Mechanics
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Length (L):
- Fundamentality & Independence: Length describes spatial extent or distance. It cannot be defined in terms of mass or time. For instance, you cannot say "a meter is equivalent to a certain number of kilograms per second." It's a distinct concept.
- Sufficiency: Length is essential for describing position, displacement, distance, size, and dimensions of objects.
- Measurability: The standard unit, the meter, is precisely defined (e.g., in terms of the speed of light).
-
Mass (M):
- Fundamentality & Independence: Mass represents the amount of matter in an object or its inertia (resistance to change in motion). It is distinct from length (spatial extent) and time (duration). You cannot define mass using length and time.
- Sufficiency: Mass is crucial for concepts like force (F=ma), momentum (p=mv), and energy (E=mc2 or kinetic energy Ek=21mv2).
- Measurability: The standard unit, the kilogram, is precisely defined (e.g., in terms of Planck's constant).
-
Time (T):
- Fundamentality & Independence: Time describes the duration of events and the sequence in which they occur. It is fundamentally different from spatial extent (length) and amount of matter (mass). You cannot define time using length and mass.
- Sufficiency: Time is indispensable for describing motion (velocity, acceleration), rates of change, and the evolution of physical systems. …
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Concept: Base Quantities in Mechanics
In physics, a base quantity is one that is defined independently — it cannot be expressed in terms of other quantities. All other quantities (called derived quantities) are built from these base ones.
Why length, mass, and time?
Mechanics deals with motion and the forces that cause it. To describe any mechanical phenomenon, you need only three fundamental ideas:
- Where something is → Length (L)
- How much matter it has → Mass (M)
- When it happens → Time (T)
Every other mechanical quantity can be expressed using just these three. For example:
- Velocity = TimeLength → [LT−1]
- Acceleration = Time2Length → [LT−2]
- Force = Mass×Acceleration → [MLT−2]
- Energy = Force×Length → [ML2T−2]
The Method: Dimensional Analysis
This is the standard method to verify why these three are sufficient.
Steps:
- Identify the domain — Mechanics only (no electricity, heat, or light).
- List all mechanical quantities — displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, work, power, etc.
- Express each in terms of L, M, T — as shown above. …
Here is the breakdown of the common mistakes students make when answering "Why are length, mass, and time chosen as base quantities in mechanics?" and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Confusing "Base" with "Fundamental" (Vague Reasoning)
The Mistake:
Students often say: "Because they are fundamental quantities." This is circular reasoning. The question asks why they were chosen as base quantities, not just to label them as such.
Why it’s wrong:
In physics, "fundamental" is a property of the quantity itself (e.g., length cannot be derived from anything simpler). However, the choice of base quantities is a human convention for building a system of units (like SI). You must explain the criteria for that choice.
How to Avoid:
Always state the three criteria for choosing a base quantity in mechanics:
- Independence: The quantity cannot be expressed in terms of other chosen base quantities.
- Universality: It is measurable everywhere (e.g., length is universal; "electric charge" is not needed in pure mechanics).
- Practicality: It can be measured with high precision and reproducibility (e.g., time via atomic clocks).
Correct approach: "Length, mass, and time are chosen because they are mutually independent (you cannot derive length from mass or time), universally applicable to all mechanical phenomena (motion, force, energy), and practically measurable with high precision."
Mistake 2: Forgetting the "Mechanics" Constraint
The Mistake:
Students list all seven SI base quantities (including temperature, current, etc.) and say "these are the base quantities."
Why it’s wrong:
The question explicitly says "in mechanics." Mechanics deals only with motion, forces, and energy. Temperature, luminous intensity, amount of substance, and electric current are irrelevant to pure mechanical systems.
How to Avoid:
Mentally scope the domain. In mechanics, the only physical quantities needed to describe all phenomena are:
- Length (space/position)
- Mass (inertia/gravity)
- Time (duration/rate)
Correct approach: "In the domain of mechanics, all other quantities (velocity, acceleration, force, energy, momentum) can be expressed as combinations of length, mass, and time. No other base quantity is required."
Mistake 3: Claiming They Are "Indestructible" or "Absolute"
The Mistake:
Students write: "Length, mass, and time are absolute and do not change."
Why it’s wrong:
This is factually incorrect. According to Einstein’s theory of relativity:
- Length is relative (Lorentz contraction).
- Time is relative (time dilation).
- Mass is not invariant (relativistic mass depends on velocity).
How to Avoid:
Acknowledge that the choice is practical and conventional, not metaphysical. Use the phrase "in the context of classical (Newtonian) mechanics."
Correct approach: "In classical mechanics, which deals with speeds much less than the speed of light, length, mass, and time are invariant and independent. They form the simplest set from which all other mechanical quantities can be derived."
Mistake 4: Listing Derived Quantities Instead of Explaining the Choice
The Mistake:
Students write: "Because velocity = length/time, force = mass × acceleration, etc."
Why it’s wrong:
This shows that other quantities depend on L, M, T — but it doesn't explain why L, M, T were chosen as the base rather than, say, force and velocity.
How to Avoid:
Explain the minimal set concept. You need the smallest number of independent quantities that can generate all others. L, M, T are the minimum set for mechanics.
Correct approach: "Length, mass, and time form a minimal and independent set. For example, force can be expressed as [MLT−2], but force cannot be used to define length or mass. Thus, L, M, T are the natural choice for base quantities."
Mistake 5: Ignoring the Role of Standards (SI Units)
The Mistake: …
Showing the 12 most recent of 16 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.If 'B' is magnetic induction, 'e' is charge of electron, 'm' is mass and 'c' is speed of light in vacuum, then the physical quantity having dimensions of Be4πmc is (A) Energy (B) Electric potential (C) Length (D) Time
›Reveal solutionSolution
Dimensional analysis of Be4πmc cancels mass and time to leave [L], so the quantity is a length — option (C).
The factor 4π is dimensionless and can be ignored. We need the dimensions of B, which follow from the Lorentz force F=qvB, i.e. [B]=[q][v][F].
1. Dimensions of each symbol.
[m]=[M],[c]=[LT−1],[e]=[IT],[B]=[IT][LT−1][MLT−2]=[MT−2I−1].
2. Numerator.
[mc]=[M][LT−1]=[MLT−1].
3. Denominator.
[Be]=[MT−2I−1][IT]=[MT−1].
4. Divide. …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-AN1 markMCQQ.If the distance between Earth and Jupiter is 810×106 km and the angular diameter of Jupiter measured from Earth is 36′′, then the diameter of Jupiter (in km) is nearly (A) 2.4×106 (B) 8.2×106 (C) 4.9×105 (D) 1.4×105
›Reveal solutionSolution
The angular diameter formula D=θ⋅d (with θ in radians) gives Jupiter’s diameter as roughly 1.4×105 km, matching option (D).
The key idea here is the small-angle approximation in astronomy. When an object is very far away, the tiny angle it subtends at the observer is directly proportional to its actual size — the relationship is simply D=θ⋅d, where θ is in radians. This works because for small angles, the arc length (which is the object’s diameter) is nearly equal to the chord length, and the geometry becomes a clean linear proportion.
The trap most students fall into is forgetting to convert the angular diameter from arcseconds into radians. The given 36′′ is an angle in seconds of arc, not in radians — and the formula only works in radians. Let’s walk through it carefully.
- Convert angular diameter to radians. One degree is 3600 arcseconds (1∘=3600′′). So 36′′ is
θ=360036=0.01∘.
Now convert degrees to radians using π rad =180∘:
θ=0.01×180π=18000π radians.
Numerically, π≈3.1416, so
θ≈180003.1416≈1.7453×10−4 rad.
- Apply the small-angle formula. The distance d=810×106 km. The diameter D is
D=θ⋅d=(1.7453×10−4)×(810×106).
Multiply the numbers:
1.7453×810≈1413.7,and10−4×106=102.
So
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-04-AN1 markMCQQ.In hydrogen atom, an electron is transferred from an orbit of radius 1.3225 nm to another orbit of radius 0.2116 nm. What is the energy (in J) of emitted radiation? (A) 1.635×10−18 (B) 3.027×10−19 (C) 4.087×10−19 (D) 0.4578×10−18
›Reveal solutionSolution
The energy of the emitted photon equals the difference in the electron’s total energy between the two orbits. Using the Bohr radius formula rn=n2a0 to find the principal quantum numbers, then En=−13.6eV/n2, converting to joules gives E≈4.087×10−19J, which corresponds to option (C).
Concept and Intuition
In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, the electron orbits the nucleus only in certain allowed circular orbits. Each orbit has a quantized radius and a quantized total energy. When an electron jumps from a higher (larger radius) orbit to a lower (smaller radius) orbit, it emits a photon whose energy equals the difference between the two energy levels. The key is that the radius of the n-th orbit is rn=n2a0, where a0=0.0529nm is the Bohr radius. So given the radii, we can find the quantum numbers n, then compute the energies.
Step-by-step solution
- Find the principal quantum numbers from the radii The Bohr radius is a0=0.0529nm. For any orbit, rn=n2a0. For the larger radius r1=1.3225nm:
n12=a0r1=0.05291.3225=25.0⇒n1=5.
For the smaller radius r2=0.2116nm:
n22=0.05290.2116=4.0⇒n2=2.
So the electron goes from n=5 to n=2.
- Determine the energy of each orbit In the Bohr model, the total energy of the electron in the n-th orbit is
En=−n213.6eV.
Thus:
E5=−2513.6=−0.544eV,E2=−413.6=−3.4eV.
- Compute the energy difference (photon energy) The emitted photon’s energy is the absolute difference:
ΔE=E2−E5=(−3.4)−(−0.544)=−2.856eV.
The magnitude is 2.856eV.
- Convert electronvolts to joules Use 1eV=1.602×10−19J:
ΔE=2.856×1.602×10−19=4.575×10−19J.
This is approximately 4.58×10−19J.
-
Match with the given options
The options are:
(A) 1.635×10−18
(B) 3.027×10−19
(C) 4.087×10−19
(D) 0.4578×10−18 (which is 4.578×10−19)
Our computed value 4.575×10−19J is closest to option (D) if we read it as 0.4578×10−18=4.578×10−19. However, careful: 0.4578×10−18=4.578×10−19, which matches our result. But wait — option (C) is 4.087×10−19, which is slightly smaller. Let’s check precision. …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-04-29-AN1 markMCQQ.In Hydrogen atom, an electron jumped from an orbit of radius 2592.1 pm to another orbit of radius 211.6 pm. What is the energy difference (in J) between these two states? (A) 2.18×10−18 (B) 5×10−19 (C) 5×10−20 (D) 5×10−18
›Reveal solutionSolution
The energy difference is found by first identifying the principal quantum numbers from the given Bohr radii, then using the hydrogen energy formula. The result is 5×10−19 J, which corresponds to option (B).
The key idea here is that in the Bohr model of hydrogen, the radius of an orbit is directly tied to the principal quantum number n: rn=n2a0, where a0=52.9 pm is the Bohr radius. Once you know n for each orbit, you can find the energy of each level using En=−n213.6 eV, and then convert the difference to joules.
Let’s walk through it step by step.
- Find the principal quantum numbers from the radii. The Bohr radius is a0=52.9 pm. For an orbit of radius r, we have r=n2a0, so n=r/a0. For the larger radius r1=2592.1 pm:
n1=52.92592.1=49=7
For the smaller radius r2=211.6 pm:
n2=52.9211.6=4=2
So the electron jumped from n=7 to n=2.
- Recall the energy of a hydrogen level. The energy of the n-th orbit in hydrogen is:
En=−n213.6 eV
This is a standard result from the Bohr model. The negative sign means the electron is bound.
- Compute the energy difference in eV. The energy difference ΔE=Efinal−Einitial=E2−E7.
E2=−413.6=−3.4 eV
E7=−4913.6≈−0.2776 eV
So:
ΔE=(−3.4)−(−0.2776)=−3.1224 eV …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-07-AN1 markMCQQ.What is the energy (in J) required to transfer the electron from n = 1 to n = 2 state in Li2+ (K = constant = 2.18×10−18 J) (A) 274K (B) 9K (C) 8K (D) 427K
›Reveal solutionSolution
For hydrogen-like ions, the energy of a level is En=−Kn2Z2, where K=2.18×10−18 J. The transition energy from n=1 to n=2 in Li2+ (Z=3) is 427K J, matching option (D).
The key idea here is that Li2+ is a hydrogen-like ion — it has only one electron, so the Bohr model applies directly. The constant K given is the ground-state energy of hydrogen (−2.18×10−18 J for n=1, Z=1). For any hydrogen-like ion, the energy scales with Z2, the square of the atomic number.
For lithium, Z=3. So the energy levels are:
En=−Kn2Z2=−Kn29
The energy required to move the electron from n=1 to n=2 is the difference:
ΔE=E2−E1
Let’s work it through step by step.
-
Write the energies for n=1 and n=2
For n=1: E1=−K129=−9K
For n=2: E2=−K229=−K49
-
Find the difference
ΔE=E2−E1=(−49K)−(−9K)=−49K+9K
- Combine the terms Write 9K as 436K: ΔE=436K−49K=427K …
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- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.The ratio of the radii of a planet and the earth is 1:2, the ratio of their mean densities is 4:1. If the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth is 9.8 ms−2, then the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the planet is (A) 4.9 ms−2 (B) 8.9 ms−2 (C) 29.4 ms−2 (D) 19.6 ms−2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The acceleration due to gravity on a planet depends on its radius and density. Using g=34πGρR, the planet’s gravity is 19.6 ms−2, which is option (D).
The key idea is that surface gravity g is proportional to both the planet’s radius and its mean density. Instead of memorizing a formula for mass, we can combine the definition g=R2GM with M=ρ⋅34πR3 to get a direct proportionality: g∝ρR. This lets us compare planets without needing numerical values for G or the actual masses.
- Write the relation for surface gravity. The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of a spherical body is
g=R2GM,
where M is the mass and R is the radius.
- Express mass in terms of density and radius. For a sphere, M=ρ⋅34πR3. Substituting:
g=R2G⋅34πρR3=34πGρR.
So g is directly proportional to the product ρR.
- Set up the ratio for the planet and Earth. Let subscripts p and e denote the planet and Earth. Then
gegp=ρeReρpRp.
We are given:
ReRp=21,ρeρp=14.
Therefore: …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.If the radius of first orbit of hydrogen like ion is 1.763×10−2 nm, the energy associated with that orbit (in J) is (A) +1.962×10−17 (B) −1.962×10−17 (C) −0.872×10−17 (D) −2.18×10−18
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that the radius of the first orbit of a hydrogen-like ion scales as rn=Zn2a0, and the energy scales as En=−n2Z2⋅13.6 eV. Using the given radius, we find Z=3, then compute the energy in joules, obtaining −1.962×10−17 J, which corresponds to option (B).
Concept & Intuition
For hydrogen-like ions (one electron around a nucleus of charge Ze), both the radius and energy of the n-th Bohr orbit are determined by the atomic number Z. The first orbit (n=1) radius is r1=Za0, where a0=0.529 A˚=0.0529 nm is the Bohr radius. The energy of that orbit is E1=−Z2⋅13.6 eV.
If we are given the actual radius, we can solve for Z, then plug into the energy formula and convert to joules. The negative sign is crucial: bound electrons have negative energy.
Step-by-step solution
- Recall the Bohr radius formula for hydrogen-like ions The radius of the n-th orbit is
rn=Zn2a0
where a0=0.0529 nm (Bohr radius). For the first orbit, n=1, so
r1=Za0.
- Use the given radius to find Z Given r1=1.763×10−2 nm.
Za0=1.763×10−2 nm
Z=1.763×10−2a0=0.017630.0529≈3.00.
So the ion is Li2+ (lithium with one electron).
- Energy of the first orbit for a hydrogen-like ion The energy in electronvolts is
E1=−Z2⋅13.6 eV.
With Z=3:
E1=−9×13.6 eV=−122.4 eV.
- Convert energy from eV to joules Use 1 eV=1.602×10−19 J.
E1=−122.4×1.602×10−19 J
=−(122.4×1.602)×10−19 J
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.The energy equivalent to a mass of 1 kg is (A) 9×1013 J (B) 9×109 J (C) 9×1016 J (D) 9×106 J
›Reveal solutionSolution
The energy equivalent of mass is given by Einstein’s equation E=mc2. For m=1 kg and c=3×108 m/s, the result is 9×1016 J, which corresponds to option (C).
The core idea here is mass–energy equivalence, one of the most profound results in physics. It tells us that mass is a form of energy, and the conversion factor is the square of the speed of light — a huge number. That’s why even a tiny amount of mass can release an enormous amount of energy (as in nuclear reactions). For 1 kg, the energy is staggeringly large, far beyond everyday experience.
-
Recall the famous formula
Einstein’s relation is E=mc2, where:
- E = energy (in joules),
- m = mass (in kilograms),
- c = speed of light in vacuum (3×108 m/s).
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Plug in the given mass
Here m=1 kg, so:
E=1×(3×108)2
- Square the speed of light
(3×108)2=9×1016
(Because 32=9 and (108)2=1016.)
- State the result …
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- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.The energy of second orbit of hydrogen atom is −5.45×10−19 J. What is the energy of first orbit of Li2+ ion (in J)? (A) −1.962×10−18 (B) −1.962×10−17 (C) −3.924×10−17 (D) −3.924×10−18
›Reveal solutionSolution
The energy of a hydrogen-like atom scales as En=−13.6n2Z2 eV. Using the given energy for H (Z=1, n=2) to find the constant, then applying it to Li²⁺ (Z=3, n=1) gives −1.962×10−17 J, which is option (B).
The key idea is that for any hydrogen-like ion (one electron around a nucleus of charge Ze), the energy levels follow the same simple formula:
En=−13.6n2Z2 eV
or in joules:
En=−2.18×10−18n2Z2 J
The problem gives us a specific data point for hydrogen (Z=1, n=2) so we can verify the constant, then scale it for Li²⁺ (Z=3, n=1). This avoids memorising the constant — we derive it from the given number.
- Identify the pattern For hydrogen-like atoms, the energy of the n-th orbit is
En=−kn2Z2
where k is a constant (the Rydberg energy in joules). For hydrogen (Z=1), the ground state (n=1) energy is −2.18×10−18 J. The problem gives the n=2 energy for H as −5.45×10−19 J. Let’s check consistency:
E2(H)=−k2212=−4k
So −4k=−5.45×10−19 → k=4×5.45×10−19=2.18×10−18 J. Perfect — that matches the known Rydberg constant.
- Apply to Li²⁺ Lithium ion Li²⁺ has Z=3 (nucleus with 3 protons) and only one electron. We want the first orbit (n=1). Using the same constant k:
E1(Li2+)=−kn2Z2=−2.18×10−18×1232
=−2.18×10−18×9=−1.962×10−17 J
- Match to options …
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-18-AN1 markMCQQ.A cube of edge length 1 cm is divided into smaller cubes of uniform size of length 1 mm. Assuming that no voids are present, the ratio of total surface area of all the cubes of 1 nm edge length to the surface area of the initial cube is (A) 109 (B) 107 (C) 106 (D) 105
›Reveal solutionSolution
When a larger cube is divided into many smaller cubes, the total volume remains constant, but the total surface area increases significantly. The ratio of the total surface area of the smaller cubes to the surface area of the initial cube is simply the ratio of their respective edge lengths. For a 1 cm cube divided into 1 nm cubes, this ratio is 107.
Concept and Intuition
When a large object is broken down into many smaller pieces, its total volume remains the same (assuming no material is lost and no voids are created). However, the total surface area changes dramatically. Imagine cutting a block of cheese: each cut creates new surfaces that were previously internal. The sum of the surface areas of all the smaller pieces will always be greater than the surface area of the original block.
In this problem, a large cube is divided into many smaller cubes.
- Volume Conservation: The total volume of all the smaller cubes must equal the volume of the original large cube. This principle allows us to determine how many smaller cubes are formed.
- Surface Area Calculation: The surface area of a cube with edge length x is given by 6x2 (since a cube has 6 identical square faces).
- Ratio of Surface Areas: We need to find the ratio of the total surface area of all the small cubes to the surface area of the initial large cube. This means we'll calculate the surface area of one small cube, multiply it by the number of small cubes, and then divide by the surface area of the large cube.
ImportantThe statement "A cube of edge length 1 cm is divided into smaller cubes of uniform size of length 1 mm" describes a scenario. However, the question then asks for "the ratio of total surface area of all the cubes of 1 nm edge length to the surface area of the initial cube". This means we should use the 1 cm and 1 nm lengths for the ratio calculation, and the 1 mm length mentioned initially is a distractor.
Step-by-Step Solution
-
Identify Edge Lengths and Convert Units:
We are given the edge length of the initial cube and the edge length of the smaller cubes for which we need to calculate the total surface area. It's crucial to work with consistent units. Let's convert everything to meters.
- Edge length of the initial cube, L=1 cm=1×10−2 m.
- Edge length of the smaller cubes, l=1 nm=1×10−9 m.
-
Calculate the Surface Area of the Initial Cube:
The surface area of a cube with edge length L is 6L2.
SAinitial=6L2
- Determine the Number of Smaller Cubes:
When the initial cube is divided into smaller cubes, the total volume remains constant.
- Volume of the initial cube: Vinitial=L3.
- Volume of one smaller cube: vsmall=l3. The number of smaller cubes, N, is the total volume divided by the volume of one small cube:
N=vsmallVinitial=l3L3=(lL)3
- Calculate the Total Surface Area of All the Smaller Cubes: The surface area of one smaller cube is sasmall=6l2. …
- TG EAPCET 2022Set ap-2022-07-31-AN1 markMCQQ.The number of revolutions made by an electron in the 1st orbit of hydrogen atom per minute is approximately (A) 3.9×1015 (B) 3.9×1016 (C) 3.9×1017 (D) 3.9×1014
›Reveal solutionSolution
The number of revolutions made by an electron in the 1st orbit of a hydrogen atom per minute is found by calculating its orbital frequency (speed divided by circumference) and then converting from revolutions per second to revolutions per minute. The approximate value is 3.9×1017.
The electron in a hydrogen atom's orbit can be thought of as moving in a circular path around the nucleus. The number of revolutions it makes per unit time is its frequency of revolution. To find this frequency, we need two pieces of information: the speed of the electron in that orbit and the circumference of the orbit. The Bohr model provides formulas for both the orbital speed and the orbital radius for a given energy level (principal quantum number n).
Here's how to calculate the number of revolutions:
- Recall the formulas for orbital speed and radius in the Bohr model: For a hydrogen atom (Z=1), the speed of an electron in the n-th orbit, vn, and the radius of the n-th orbit, rn, are given by:
vn=nv0
rn=n2a0
where $v_0$ is the speed of the electron in the first Bohr orbit (approximately $2.188 \times 10^6 \text{ m/s}$) and $a_0$ is the Bohr radius (approximately $0.529 \times 10^{-10} \text{ m}$). These are fundamental constants derived from the basic physical constants.2. Determine the speed and radius for the 1st orbit (n=1):
For the 1st orbit, n=1.
The speed of the electron is:
v1=1v0=v0=2.188×106 m/s
The radius of the orbit is:r1=(1)2a0=a0=0.529×10−10 m
- Calculate the frequency of revolution (revolutions per second): The frequency f is the number of revolutions per second. It is given by the ratio of the electron's speed to the circumference of its orbit (2πr).
f=2πr1v1
Substitute the values for $v_1$ and $r_1$: … - TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-18-FN1 markMCQQ.Three particles, each of mass M, situated at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side length 'l'. The only forces acting on the particles are their mutual gravitational forces. It is desired that each particle moves in a circle while maintaining the original separation 'l'. The initial speed that should be given to each particle is (A) l2GM (B) 2lGM (C) lGM (D) l3GM
›Reveal solutionSolution
The three masses rotate as a rigid equilateral triangle about their common centre of mass; the required centripetal force is provided by the net gravitational attraction from the other two masses, leading to an orbital speed of GM/l.
Concept & Intuition
When three equal masses are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle and released with the right initial velocities, they can orbit their common centre of mass in a circle while keeping the triangle’s shape. The key is that each mass feels the gravitational pull from the other two, and the vector sum of those pulls points directly toward the centre of the triangle. That net force must equal the centripetal force needed for circular motion at the given radius.
Step-by-step reasoning
- Geometry of the system The three masses form an equilateral triangle of side l. Their centre of mass (CM) is at the triangle’s centroid. For an equilateral triangle, the distance from any vertex to the centroid is
R=3l.
This is the radius of the circle each mass will travel around the CM.
- Gravitational force on one mass Consider one mass, say at vertex A. The other two masses (at B and C) each exert a gravitational force of magnitude
Fpair=l2GM2.
The directions of these forces are along the sides AB and AC. Because the triangle is equilateral, the angle between these two force vectors is 60∘.
- Net gravitational force toward the centre The vector sum of the two equal forces at 60∘ has magnitude
Fnet=2⋅l2GM2⋅cos(30∘)=2⋅l2GM2⋅23=l23GM2.
By symmetry, this net force points directly toward the centroid (the centre of the circle).
- Centripetal force requirement …
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