Punjab 9th Physics Ch 6 Mechanical Properties of Matter Short Questions

Punjab 9th Physics Ch 6 Mechanical Properties of Matter Short Questions
Class:General Subject:Physics
Chapter:All Board:Punjab Boards
Important Short Questions: This page contains solved short questions for General Physics All. These questions are frequently asked in Punjab Boards past papers. Memorize them for full marks.

Master Chapter 6: Mechanical Properties of Matter with our expert Short Questions with Answers for Punjab Board 9th Class Physics. This resource covers elasticity definitions, Hooke’s Law applications, pressure formulas, atmospheric pressure measurement, Archimedes’ principle, and Pascal’s Law examples. Each answer is structured with board-appropriate language, proper formulas, and clear explanations to help you understand mechanical properties thoroughly. Use these short questions for quick revision, concept reinforcement, and improving theoretical answer-writing skills. Regular practice will strengthen your understanding of matter properties and boost your Physics exam scores.

Punjab 9th Physics Ch 6 Mechanical Properties of Matter Short Questions with Answers

6.1: Why heavy animals like an elephant have a large area of the foot?

Heavy animals like elephants have a large area of the foot to spread their weight over a bigger area, which reduces the pressure on the ground.

Mathematically: P = F/A

Thus, heavy animals like elephant have a large area of the foot to reduce pressure on ground.

6.2: Why animals like deer who run fast have a small area of the foot?

Deer have small feet to run faster by reducing friction with ground. This helps the deer escape predation easily.
6.3: Why is it painful to walk bare footed on pebbles?

When we walk on bare footed, the small contact area with high pressure, cause pain. A large contact area would spread the force, reduce in pressure and discomfort.
6.4: State Pascal's law. Give an application of Pascal's law.

Pascal’s Law: When pressure is applied at one point in an enclosed fluid, it is transmitted equally to all parts of liquid without loss.

Applications:
(i) Hydraulic press
(ii) Car lift at service station
(iii) Hydraulic brakes of vehicles

6.5: State what do you mean by elasticity of a solid?

The property of an object to re-gain its original size and shape after removal of applied force is called elasticity.
6.6: What is Hooke's law? Does an object remain elastic beyond elastic limit?

Hooke’s law states that extension or compression is directly proportional to force applied.

No, an object does not remain elastic beyond its elastic limit. Once the elastic limit is exceeded, the object undergoes plastic deformation and does not return to its original shape.

6.7: Distinguish between force and pressure.

Force: An agent which produces or tends to produce motion, stops or tends to stop the motion or deforms or tends to deform an object.

Pressure: The normal force per unit area is called pressure.

Mathematically: P = F/A

6.8: What is the relationship between liquid pressure and the depth of the liquid?

The pressure of liquid given by relation:

P = ρgh

It is clear that pressure is directly proportional to depth of liquid (P ∝ h).

6.9: What is basic principle to measure the atmospheric pressure by a simple mercury barometer?

The basic principle is hydrostatic pressure utilizing a liquid column in a barometer.
6.10: State the basic principle used in the hydraulic brake system of the automobiles.

The hydraulic brake system works on Pascal’s principle. When pressure is applied to the brake fluid in the master cylinder, it is transmitted equally to all parts of the brake system, causing the brake pads to press against the wheels and stop the vehicle.
Q1: Steel is more elastic than rubber. Why?

In steel more effort is required to change the shape as compared to rubber because the steel molecules retain their shape as the deforming force ceases to act. That is why steel is more elastic than rubber.
Q2: What are inelastic materials?

Some materials such as clay dough or plasticine do not return to their original shape after the removal of the deforming force. They are known as inelastic materials.
Q3: Why sports boots have studs on their soles? Explain.

Sports boots for football and hockey have studs on their soles. They reduce the area in contact between your feet and the ground. This increases the pressure and your feet grip the surface more firmly.
Q4: Why atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude?

Atmospheric pressure extends up to a height of about 100 kilometers. The density of air is not the same in the atmosphere. It decreases continuously with altitude and hence atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude.

We have studied that pressure in a liquid increases with depth. At depth h, the pressure of liquid is given by P = ρgh

This formula is applicable to all the fluids. As the gases of the atmosphere are also fluid, therefore, the atmospheric pressure should be maximum on the ground at sea level. As we go up in the air, atmospheric pressure decreases. At a height of about 5km it falls to 55 kPa and at a height of 30km it to 1 kPa.

Q5: How changes in atmospheric pressure is linked with weather?

The atmospheric pressure does not always remain uniform but fluctuates. By observing the variation, the meteorologists can forecast the weather condition. Atmospheric pressure depends upon the density of air. At height altitudes, where the air is less dense, the atmospheric pressure falls down. Similarly, increase in the quantity of water vapours also decreases the density. Thus, atmospheric pressure becomes low in cloudy region. Weather casters use this knowledge to predict rains. A fall in pressure often means that rain clouds are on the way and the rain is to follow.
Q6: A girl is walking on a carpet wearing high heel shoes, it leaves deep impressions on the carpet. Why?

Pressure is given by: P = F/A

For a constant force, pressure is inversely proportional to the area, i.e., if area is less then pressure is more and vice versa. In case of heels, the pressure is concentrated on a very small area thus pressure exerted by it is more and hence leaves a deeper marks on the carpet.

Q7: Why is the cutting edge of the knife made very thin?

We know that the pressure is given by: P = F/A

Equation shows that pressure is inversely proportional to the area. That is greater the area, smaller will be the pressure and vice versa. Now the cutting edge of the knife is made very thin for getting smaller area and maximum pressure. By increasing pressure, we can cut various objects with knife very easily.

Q8: Why water tanks are constructed at the highest level in our houses?

We know that the pressure of liquid in terms of height is given by: P = ρgh

Equation shows that the pressure of water pipe system increases with height. Thus for the easy flow of water in a pipe system, the water tanks are constructed at the highest level in our houses.

Q9: If you filled an airtight balloon at the top of a mountain, would the balloon expand or contract as you descend the mountain? Explain.

At the top of mountains, the air pressure is lower as compared to plane area. So low pressure air will be filled in a balloon at the top of mountains.

Now when moves from mountains towards plane areas, the air pressure increases. Thus the outside air pressure becomes higher than air pressure inside the balloon. The high atmospheric pressure stress the walls of the balloon inwards, due to which the balloon contracts and its volume decreases.

Q10: Explain how and why camels have adapted to allow them to walk more easily in desert conditions?

We know that: P = F/A

Equation shows that pressure is inversely proportional to the contact area, i.e. larger the contact area smaller will be pressure exerted and vice versa. Since camels have feet with comparatively large surface area, therefore they exert little pressure. As a result of less pressure, their feet does not insert deep in the sand and remain on upper surface of the sand. Thus they can walk in desert easily due to less pressure exerted by their feet on sand surface.

Q11: Why dams are made thick at its bottom?

Pressure exerted by liquid is given by: P = ρgh → P = (constant)h → P ∝ h

Since pressure in liquid is directly proportional to the height of the liquid, i.e., depth of the dam. Thus, as the depth increases, more and more pressure is exerted by water on the walls of the dam. A thicker wall can withstand greater pressure, therefore, the thickness of the dam increases towards the bottom.

Q12: Can we use water instead of Hg to construct a barometer? Explain.

Water is not suitable in barometer because of its lower density. The density of mercury is 13.6 times than water. So the height of water column at sea-level in barometer will be:

(0.76m)(13.6) = 10.335m, (760mm = 0.76m)

A glass tube with this length is not practicable, that’s why water is not suitable use in barometer.

Q13: Why reading on barometer decreases when we travel to higher altitude areas?

Barometer is a device used for measuring atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure decreases as we travel to high altitude areas. When atmospheric pressure decreases, the pressure on the mercury inside barometer also decreases. This decrease in pressure on the mercury leads to a decrease in the mercury level in column.
Q14: If you climbed a mountain carrying a mercury barometer, would the level of the mercury column in the glass tube of the barometer increase or decrease as you climb the mountain? Explain.

The level of mercury in the column depends upon the atmospheric pressure, i.e. greater the atmospheric pressure, high will be the level of mercury in the column and vice versa.

Now we know that the atmospheric pressure decreases at the top of mountains, so the level of mercury in glass tube of the barometer will fall down i.e. decreases.

Q15: Define elastic limit, Hooke's Law and Young's modulus.

Elastic Limit: It is a limit within which a body recovers its original length, volume or shape after the deforming force is removed. When a stress crosses this limit, a body is permanently deformed and is unable to restore its original state after the stress is removed.

Hooke’s Law: “The strain produced in a body by the stress applied to it is directly proportional to the stress within the elastic limit of the body”.

Young’s modulus: The ratio of stress to tensile strain is called young’s modulus.

Young’s modulus = Stress / Tensile Strain

Q1: A spring having spring constant k hangs vertically from a fixed point. A load of weight L, when hung from the spring, causes an extension x, the elastic limit of the spring is not exceeded. For each arrangement, complete the table by determining: i. The total extension in terms of x. ii. The spring constant in terms of k.

For springs in series:
– Total extension: Xtotal = 2x (extensions add up)
– Spring constant: Keq = k/2 (for springs in series)

For springs in parallel:
– Total extension: Xtotal = x (same extension as single spring)
– Spring constant: Keq = k + k = 2k (for springs in parallel)

For spring in series, the total extension is the sum of extension of each spring.

Q2: Springs are made of steel instead of iron. Why?

(i) Steel is more durable and can withstand higher pressure without deforming.
(ii) Steel has greater strength and corrosion resistance.
Q3: Which of the following material is more elastic? (a) Iron and rubber (b) Air and water

(a) Iron is more elastic than rubber because iron returns to its original shape more completely after the deforming forces are removed. Rubber, on the other hand, undergoes more permanent deformation.

(b) Air is more elastic than water because air can be compressed and expanded more easily than water, returning to its original volume and shape.

Q4: How does water pressure one metre below the surface of a swimming pool compare to water pressure one metre below the surface of a very large and deep lake?

The water pressure 1 meter below the surface is the same in both a swimming pool and a large lake, assuming both are freshwater. The pressure is given by formula:

P = ρgh

Where P is the pressure, ρ is the water density, g is gravity and h is depth. At 1 meter the pressure is the same in both environment because depth and density are the same.

Q5: What will happen to the pressure in all parts of a confined liquid if pressure is increased in one part? Give an example from your daily life where such principle is applied.

According to Pascal’s Principle, if pressure is increased in one part of a confined liquid, the pressure will increase equally in all other parts of the liquid.

Example from daily life: Hydraulic Brake System in vehicles.

When you press the brake pedal, it increases the pressure in the master cylinder, which is filled with brake fluid (a confined liquid). This increased pressure is transmitted equally to all parts of the brake system, including the brake calipers, which then apply the pressure to the brake pads to stop the vehicle.

Q6: If some air remains trapped within the top of the mercury column of the barometer which is supposed to be vacuum, how would it affect the height of the mercury column?

The trapped air in the barometer adds pressure, which lower the Hg height by opposing atmospheric pressure.
Q7: How does the long neck is not a problem to a giraffe while raising its neck suddenly?

The long neck of giraffe is not a problem when raised suddenly due to a special valve called the “rete mirabile” which regulates blood pressure and flow to the brain.
Q8: The end of glass tube used in a simple barometer is not properly sealed, some leak is present what will be its effect?

It causes the reading lower than actual atmospheric pressure.
Q9: Comment on the statement, 'Density is a property of a material not the property of an object made of that material.'

ρ = m/V

Density depends upon type of material and is constant for a given material regardless of size or shape of object.

Q10: How the load of a large structure is estimated by an engineer?

An engineer estimates a large structure’s load by calculating the weight of materials, occupants and external forces like wind, snow and earthquakes.
Q1: What is Hooke's law? Give three applications of this law.

Hooke’s Law: “The strain produced in a body by the stress applied to it is directly proportional to the stress within the elastic limit of the body.”

Mathematically: Stress ∝ Strain or F = kx

Applications of Hooke’s Law:
1. Spring balances: Used to measure weight by the extension of a spring
2. Shock absorbers in vehicles: Use springs to absorb impacts
3. Manometers: Measure pressure using the deformation of elastic materials

Q2: Describe the working and applications of a simple mercury barometer and a manometer.

Simple Mercury Barometer:
– Working: A glass tube filled with mercury is inverted into a mercury reservoir. The mercury column falls until the pressure at the bottom equals atmospheric pressure. The height of the mercury column (about 760mm at sea level) measures atmospheric pressure.
– Applications: Weather forecasting, altitude measurement, laboratory pressure measurements

Manometer:
– Working: A U-shaped tube containing liquid (mercury or water) measures pressure difference. One end connects to the system being measured, the other is open to atmosphere. The difference in liquid levels indicates pressure.
– Applications: Measuring gas pressure, checking vacuum systems, laboratory experiments

Q3: Describe Pascal's Law. State its applications with examples.

Pascal’s Law: When pressure is applied at one point in an enclosed fluid, it is transmitted equally to all parts of the liquid without loss.

Applications with Examples:
1. Hydraulic Press: A small force on a small piston creates large force on a large piston. Used in car crushing, metal forming.
2. Hydraulic Brakes: Pressure from brake pedal is transmitted equally to all wheel cylinders, stopping the vehicle.
3. Car Lifts at Service Stations: Small force lifts heavy vehicles using fluid pressure transmission.
4. Hydraulic Jacks: Used to lift heavy loads with minimal effort.

Q4: On what factors the pressure of a liquid in a container depend? How is it determined?

The pressure of a liquid in a container depends on:
1. Density of the liquid (ρ): Denser liquids exert more pressure
2. Depth below the surface (h): Pressure increases with depth
3. Acceleration due to gravity (g): Pressure depends on gravitational force

Formula: P = ρgh

How it is determined:
– Using a manometer or pressure gauge
– By measuring the height of liquid column in a barometer
– By calculating using the formula P = ρgh with known values of density, gravity, and depth

Q5: Explain that atmosphere exerts pressure. What are its application? Give at least three examples.

Atmosphere Exerts Pressure:
The atmosphere is a layer of air surrounding Earth. Air has weight, and this weight exerts pressure on all surfaces. At sea level, atmospheric pressure is about 101,325 Pa or 760 mm Hg.

Evidence:
– Mercury barometer shows atmospheric pressure supporting a 760mm mercury column
– Suction cups work because atmospheric pressure pushes them against surfaces
– We don’t feel crushed because our internal body pressure balances external atmospheric pressure

Applications:
1. Drinking through a straw: Atmospheric pressure pushes liquid up the straw when we reduce pressure inside by sucking
2. Syringes: Pulling the plunger creates low pressure, atmospheric pressure pushes medicine into the syringe
3. Vacuum cleaners: Create low pressure inside; atmospheric pressure pushes air and dust into the cleaner
4. Weather forecasting: Changes in atmospheric pressure indicate weather changes

Ch 6 Mechanical Properties of Matter Online Test

How to Write Perfect Short Answers?

In Board Exams, the examiner looks for specific keywords and presentation. Here is how to attempt All questions:

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