Chapter 1: Physical Quantities And Units

Question 1

What is a physical quantity

Answer 1

A physical quantity is a feature of something which can be measured. It consists of a numerical magnitude and a unit

Question 2

What is a homogeneous equation?

Answer 2

An equation is said to be homogeneous if each term of the equation can be written in terms of the same basic units.

Question 3

What are random errors?

Answer 3

Random errors are uncertainties in a measurement made by the observer who takes the measurement

Question 4

What are systematic errors?

Answer 4

Systematic errors are uncertainties in the measurement of physical quantities due to the instrument itself or faults in the surrounding systems

Question 5

When is a measurement said to be precise?

Answer 5

A measurement is said to be precise if the repeated readings for that measurement give consistent values.

Question 6

When is a measurement said to be accurate?

Answer 6

A measurement is said to be accurate if the average readings for that measurement gives a value which is close to the true value