Question 263 of 949
Which of the following is a derived quantity in the International System of Units (SI)?
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
The correct option is **C. Force**.
### Detailed Explanation
In the International System of Units (SI), quantities are classified into two main categories: **base quantities** and **derived quantities**.
1. **Base Quantities**: These are the fundamental physical quantities from which other quantities can be derived. The seven base quantities in the SI system are:
- Length (meter, m)
- Mass (kilogram, kg)
- Time (second, s)
- Electric current (ampere, A)
- Thermodynamic temperature (kelvin, K)
- Amount of substance (mole, mol)
- Luminous intensity (candela, cd)
2. **Derived Quantities**: These are quantities that are derived from the base quantities through mathematical relationships. They are expressed in terms of the base quantities. Examples of derived quantities include:
- Area (square meters, m²)
- Volume (cubic meters, m³)
- Speed (meters per second, m/s)
- Acceleration (meters per second squared, m/s²)
- Force (newton, N)
Now, let's focus on the options provided:
- **A. Length**: This is a base quantity. It is one of the fundamental measurements in physics and is measured in meters (m).
- **B. Mass**: This is also a base quantity. It is measured in kilograms (kg) and is fundamental to the study of matter.
- **C. Force**: This is a derived quantity. Force is defined by Newton's second law of motion, which states that force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). In SI units, force is measured in newtons (N), where 1 N = 1 kg·m/s². This shows that force is derived from the base quantities of mass (kg) and acceleration (m/s²).
- **D. Time**: This is another base quantity. It is measured in seconds (s) and is fundamental to the measurement of duration.
### Why the Other Options are Wrong or Weaker
- **A. Length**: As mentioned, length is a base quantity, not derived. It serves as a fundamental measurement in physics.
- **B. Mass**: Similar to length, mass is a base quantity. It is essential for defining other physical concepts but is not derived from other quantities.
- **D. Time**: Time is also a base quantity. It is fundamental to the measurement of events and is not derived from other quantities.
### Formulas and Example Calculations
To further illustrate the concept of derived quantities, let’s look at the formula for force:
\[ F = m \cdot a \]
Where:
- \( F \) is the force in newtons (N),
- \( m \) is the mass in kilograms (kg),
- \( a \) is the acceleration in meters per second squared (m/s²).
**Example Calculation**:
If an object has a mass of 5 kg and is accelerating at 2 m/s², the force can be calculated as follows:
\[ F = 5 \, \text{kg} \cdot 2 \, \text{m/s}^2 = 10 \, \text{N} \]
This calculation shows how force (a derived quantity) is dependent on the base quantities of mass and acceleration.
### Common Pitfalls
- Confusing base quantities with derived quantities is a common mistake. Remember that base quantities are fundamental and cannot be broken down further, while derived quantities are combinations of base quantities.
- Misunderstanding the units of derived quantities can lead to errors in calculations. Always ensure that you are using the correct units when applying formulas.
### Revision Summary
- **Base quantities** in SI include length, mass, time, electric current, temperature, amount of substance, and luminous intensity.
- **Derived quantities** are formed from base quantities; force is a prime example (F = ma).
- **Force** is measured in newtons (N), which is derived from kilograms (kg) and meters per second squared (m/s²).
- Always check the definitions and units of quantities to avoid confusion between base and derived quantities.