Polytechnic 1st Year Physics Question Papers

Polytechnic 1st-year physics studies are crucial for building a strong foundation in engineering concepts. Understanding various topics through well-structured questions and answers ensures students are prepared for exams and practical applications. Here is a comprehensive collection of essential questions and answers for polytechnic first-year physics to support learning and exam preparation.

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Physics – Mechanics Questions

Question: Define Newton’s first law of motion.
Answer: Newton’s first law states that an object remains at rest or in uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force.

Question: What is the SI unit of force?
Answer: The SI unit of force is the newton (N).

Question: Explain the term ‘velocity.’
Answer: Velocity is the speed of an object in a specified direction.

Question: What is the difference between mass and weight?
Answer: Mass is the measure of matter in an object, while weight is the force exerted by gravity on that mass.

Question: State the law of conservation of momentum.
Answer: The total momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act on it.

Question: Define work in physics.
Answer: Work is done when a force is applied to an object, causing it to move in the direction of the force.

Question: What is the formula for kinetic energy?
Answer: The formula for kinetic energy is KE=12mv2KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2KE=21​mv2, where $m$ is mass and $v$ is velocity.

Question: What is meant by uniform circular motion?
Answer: Uniform circular motion is the movement of an object at a constant speed along a circular path.

Question: Define friction and its types.
Answer: Friction is a force that opposes motion. Types include static, sliding, rolling, and fluid friction.

Question: What is the principle of moments?
Answer: The principle of moments states that for a body in equilibrium, the sum of clockwise moments equals the sum of anticlockwise moments.

Question: Explain Hooke’s law.
Answer: Hooke’s law states that the force applied to a spring is directly proportional to its extension within its elastic limit.

Question: What is the value of gravitational acceleration on Earth?
Answer: The gravitational acceleration on Earth is approximately 9.8 m/s29.8 \, m/s^29.8m/s2.

Question: Define power in physics.
Answer: Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.

Question: What is meant by angular velocity?
Answer: Angular velocity is the rate of change of angular displacement of an object.

Question: Explain the term center of mass.
Answer: The center of mass is the point at which the mass of a body is considered to be concentrated.

Question: What is a projectile?
Answer: A projectile is an object thrown into space under the influence of gravity alone.

Question: State the formula for potential energy.
Answer: The formula for potential energy is $PE=mgh$, where $m$ is mass, $g$ is gravitational acceleration, and $h$ is height.

Question: Define impulse.
Answer: Impulse is the product of force and the time for which it acts on an object.

Question: What is the moment of inertia?
Answer: The moment of inertia is the resistance of a body to change its rotational motion.

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Physics – Heat and Thermodynamics Questions

Question: Define temperature.
Answer: Temperature is the measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance.

Question: State the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics.
Answer: If two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are in thermal equilibrium with each other.

Question: What is the unit of heat energy?
Answer: The unit of heat energy is the joule (J).

Question: Define specific heat capacity.
Answer: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1∘C1^\circ C1∘C.

Question: What is latent heat?
Answer: Latent heat is the heat absorbed or released during a phase change without a change in temperature.

Question: State the first law of thermodynamics.
Answer: The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Question: Define entropy.
Answer: Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system.

Question: What is an adiabatic process?
Answer: An adiabatic process is a thermodynamic process in which no heat exchange occurs with the surroundings.

Question: Explain thermal expansion.
Answer: Thermal expansion is the increase in the size of a substance due to an increase in temperature.

Question: What is meant by absolute zero?
Answer: Absolute zero is the theoretical temperature at which all molecular motion stops.

Question: State Boyle’s Law.
Answer: Boyle’s Law states that the pressure of a gas is inversely proportional to its volume at constant temperature.

Question: What is Charles’s Law?
Answer: Charles’s Law states that the volume of a gas is directly proportional to its temperature at constant pressure.

Question: Define isothermal process.
Answer: An isothermal process is a thermodynamic process that occurs at constant temperature.

Question: What is conduction?
Answer: Conduction is the transfer of heat through a material without the movement of the material itself.

Question: Explain convection.
Answer: Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids such as liquids or gases.

Question: Define radiation in terms of heat transfer.
Answer: Radiation is the transfer of heat energy through electromagnetic waves without involving particles.

Question: What is a Carnot engine?
Answer: A Carnot engine is an idealized heat engine that operates on the Carnot cycle and is the most efficient engine possible.

Question: What is meant by thermal conductivity?
Answer: Thermal conductivity is the property of a material that indicates its ability to conduct heat.

Question: State the Stefan-Boltzmann Law.
Answer: The Stefan-Boltzmann Law states that the total radiant heat power emitted by a surface is proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature.

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Physics in polytechnic first year is a critical stepping stone for deeper engineering studies. Solving diverse questions and understanding their answers helps students grasp concepts effectively. Practice these questions thoroughly to excel in exams and apply knowledge confidently.