Physics MCQs
Physics Objective (Multiple Choice) General Knowledge & General Science Questions & Answers for SSC-CGL, UPPSC, NDA, CDS and all one day examinations of India.
1. Which among the following provides potential energy to an object?
[A] Its momentum
[B] It’s position
[C] It’s acceleration
[D] It’s shape
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ It’s position]
Notes:
The potential energy is defined as the energy that is stored in an object due to its position. Various types of potential energy include the gravitational potential energy (depends on its mass and its distance from the center of other object’s mass), the elastic potential energy, the electric potential energy.
2. With reference to a swinging pendulum, which among the following statements is correct when it is at bottom (middle of arc)?
[A] It has maximum kinetic energy and minimum potential energy
[B] It has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy
[C] It has zero kinetic energy
[D] It has zero total energy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ It has maximum kinetic energy and minimum potential energy]
Notes:
At the lowest point of its motion of swinging pendulum, kinetic energy is maximum and gravitational potential energy is minimum. At the highest point of its motion, kinetic energy is minimum and gravitational potential energy is maximum.
3. When equal force acts for equal time on two masses, both gain:
[A] Same velocity
[B] Same acceleration
[C] Same kinetic energy
[D] Same momentum
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Correct Answer: D [Same momentum]
Notes:
When equal force acts for equal time, impulse (F × t) is equal. Impulse equals change in momentum, so both bodies gain same momentum regardless of their masses. Velocity and acceleration depend on mass, so they will differ.
4. If a Candle is make to burn in Zero Gravity__:
[A] The Candle will burn for a very long time compared to normal gravity
[B] The flame of the candle will become round
[C] There is no impact of gravity on the burning of candle
[D] The Candle will not burn in zero gravity
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Correct Answer: B [ The flame of the candle will become round]
Notes:
Gravity plays a role in flame formation. Modifying the gravity causes different flame types. The common distribution of a flame under normal gravity conditions depends on convection, as soot tends to rise to the top of a general flame, as in a candle in normal gravity conditions, making it yellow. In micro gravity or zero gravity, such as an environment in outer space, convection no longer occurs, and the flame becomes spherical, with a tendency to become more blue and more efficient (although it may go out if not moved steadily, as the CO2 from combustion does not disperse as readily in micro gravity, and tends to smother the flame).
5. If a moving body turns its speed to 1.5 times, its kinetic energy __:
[A] will become 1.5 times
[B] will become 3 times
[C] will become 2.25 times
[D] will become 6 times
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ will become 2.25 times]
Notes:
Kinetic Energy is a product of half the Mass times Velocity Squared. When the velocity is doubled, the Kinetic energy would go up four times. If velocity is tripled, kinetic energy would go up nine times. If velocity is increased by 1.5 times the Kinetic energy would go up by 1.5×1.5=2.25 times.
6. Who among the following is credited for the Corpuscular theory of light?
[A] Isaac Newton
[B] Christiaan Hyugens
[C] Albert Einstein
[D] James Clerk Maxwell
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Correct Answer: A [Isaac Newton]
Notes:
The Corpuscular theory of light was given by Isaac Newton. It was replaced by Huygens’ wave theory when it failed to adequately explain the diffraction, interference and polarization of light. The Huygens’ wave theory was replaced by Planck’s quantum theory and finally de-Broglie’s Dual-Theory of light replaced all previous ones.
7. The force between charged particles is called as:
[A] Nuclear Force
[B] Gravitational Force
[C] Centrifugal Force
[D] Electromagnetic Force
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Correct Answer: D [Electromagnetic Force]
Notes:
Electromagnetic force is the force between charged particles. It can be attractive for unlike charges and repulsive for like charges. It does not need any intervening medium to act and is enormously strong as compared to gravitational force.
8. Which of the following options is a representation of non-uniform motion?
[A] Equal displacements in unequal intervals of time
[B] Unequal displacements in unequal intervals of time
[C] Equal displacements in equal intervals of time
[D] Unequal displacements in equal intervals of time
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Equal displacements in unequal intervals of time]
Notes:
Non-uniform motion refers to the motion where the objects cover equal distances in unequal time or unequal distances in equal time. In other words, when the speed of the object is not constant, or the direction of movement of an object changes, then it is in non-uniform motion. An example of this can be any vehicle moving on a crowded city road, where it constantly changes its speed.
9. What is represented by the slope of a straight line joining two points on a velocity-time graph?
[A] Average velocity
[B] Instantaneous acceleration
[C] Average acceleration
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Average acceleration]
Notes:
The slope of a straight line joining two points on a velocity-time graph gives the average acceleration between these two points. Depending on the sign of slope, the average acceleration can be positive or negative.
10. The forces acting at a point are called as:
[A] Collinear forces
[B] Coplanar forces
[C] Concurrent forces
[D] Unit forces
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Concurrent forces]
Notes:
The forces which are acting at a point are called as concurrent forces. Note: When concurrent forces in equilibrium act on a body, the state of the body shall remain unchanged i.e. if the body is at rest, it will continue to be at rest. Similarly, a body will continue to move uniformly along the same straight line, if concurrent forces in equilibrium are applied on the body.
