TNPSC Physics – Force Test 1 is a free online test designed to help you practice the basic concepts of Force in Physics. This quiz covers the definition of force, SI unit of force, scalar and vector quantities, and the effects of force on objects. This TNPSC Physics quiz contains important multiple-choice questions suitable for TNPSC General Science preparation. Attempt this free online test and check your understanding of these basic force concepts before moving on to the next test.
Note: Don’t stop with the answers! Detailed explanations for every question are given below the test to help you understand the topic and improve your TNPSC preparation.
Choose the next test or revise the complete Force Study Material or read the detailed explanations.
TNPSC Physics Force Test 1 – Key Points & Quick Revision
This Force Test Test 1 focuses on the fundamental ideas of force that are important for TNPSC General Science preparation. The questions are designed to help you understand the basic meaning of force, how force is measured, how physical quantities are classified, and how applying a force can affect an object.
Topics Covered in This Test
- Basic Force Concepts – Meaning and basic understanding of force in Physics.
- SI Unit of Force – The standard unit used to measure force and its significance.
- Scalar and Vector Quantities – Understanding the difference between scalar and vector quantities, with common examples.
- Effects of Force – How force can change the motion, direction, speed, or shape of an object.
1. Force is best described as:
Answer: A. A push or pull acting on a body
Explanation :
- Force is a push or pull that acts on an object or body.
- A force can change the state of motion of an object.
- It can make an object start moving, stop, speed up, slow down, or change direction.
- Force can also change the shape or size of an object.
- Force is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction.
Real-Life Example : Pushing a door to open it or pulling a drawer toward you are examples of applying force.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- B. The amount of matter in a body: This is mass, not force.
- C. The energy possessed by a body: This refers to energy, not force.
- D. The speed of a moving body: Speed is the distance travelled per unit time, not force.
2. Which of the following can change the state of rest or motion of a body?
Answer: B. Force
Explanation :
- A force acting on a body can change its state of rest or motion.
- An applied force can make a stationary object start moving.
- A force can also stop a moving object, change its speed, or change its direction of motion.
- According to Newton’s first law, an object remains at rest or continues in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external unbalanced force.
Real-Life Example :
- Kicking a stationary football applies force and makes the ball move.
- Applying the brakes to a moving bicycle produces a force that slows it down.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Mass: Mass is the amount of matter in a body. It does not itself change the state of motion.
- C. Density: Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance. It does not directly change the state of motion.
- D. Volume: Volume is the amount of space occupied by a body. It does not directly change the state of motion.
3. The SI unit of force is:
Answer: C. Newton
Explanation :
- The SI unit of force is the newton (N).
- One newton is the force required to produce an acceleration of 1 m/s² in a body of mass 1 kg.
- Therefore, 1 N = 1 kg·m/s².
- The unit newton is named after Sir Isaac Newton, who formulated the laws of motion.
Real-Life Example : When you push a shopping cart, the force you apply can be measured in newtons.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Joule: Joule is the SI unit of energy and work.
- B. Watt: Watt is the SI unit of power.
- C. Newton: Newton is the SI unit of force.
- D. Pascal: Pascal is the SI unit of pressure.
4. One newton is the force required to produce an acceleration of:
Answer: B. 1 m/s² in a body of 1 kg
Explanation :
- According to Newton’s second law, force is related to mass and acceleration by F = ma.
- One newton is defined as the force that produces an acceleration of 1 m/s² in a body having a mass of 1 kg.
- Therefore, 1 N = 1 kg × 1 m/s² = 1 kg·m/s².
- This definition establishes the SI unit of force as the newton (N).
Real-Life Example : If a 1 kg object accelerates at 1 m/s² due to an applied force, the applied force is 1 N.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. 1 m/s in a body of 1 kg: 1 m/s represents velocity, not acceleration.
- C. 1 kg m/s in a body of 1 m/s²: kg·m/s represents momentum, not the definition of one newton.
- D. 1 kg/s² in a body of 1 m: This combination does not represent the standard definition of one newton.
5. Which of the following is a vector quantity?
Answer: D. Force
Explanation :
- A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.
- Force is a vector quantity because its effect depends on both the strength of the force and the direction in which it acts.
- The direction of a force is important when determining its effect on an object.
- For example, pushing an object eastward and pushing it westward with the same magnitude of force produce effects in different directions.
Real-Life Example : When you push a shopping cart forward, the applied force has a magnitude and a specific direction.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Time: Time is a scalar quantity because it has magnitude but no direction.
- B. Distance: Distance is a scalar quantity because it describes the total path length without direction.
- C. Mass: Mass is a scalar quantity because it has magnitude but no direction.
6. Which of the following is a scalar quantity?
Answer: C. Mass
Explanation :
- A scalar quantity has magnitude only and does not have a direction.
- Mass is a scalar quantity because it tells us the amount of matter in a body.
- The value of mass does not depend on any particular direction.
Real-Life Example : If a bag has a mass of 5 kg, the value 5 kg describes its mass without specifying any direction.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Force: Force is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction.
- B. Velocity: Velocity is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction.
- D. Acceleration: Acceleration is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction.
7. A force can change:
Answer: C. The speed, direction, or shape of a body
Explanation :
- A force can change the speed of a moving body by making it move faster or slower.
- A force can change the direction of motion of a body.
- A force can change the shape or size of an object.
- The effect of a force depends on its magnitude and direction and on how it acts on the body.
Real-Life Example : Kicking a football can change its speed and direction, while squeezing a sponge can change its shape.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Only the speed of a body: A force can also change direction and shape.
- B. Only the direction of a body: A force can also change speed and shape.
- D. Only the mass of a body: Force does not normally change the mass of a body. Its effects include changes in motion or shape.
8. The force acting on a football when it is kicked is mainly responsible for:
Answer: B. Changing its state of motion
Explanation :
- When a football is kicked, the applied force acts on the ball and changes its state of motion.
- The ball may change from a state of rest to motion.
- The force can also change the ball’s speed and direction of motion.
- This demonstrates that force can change the state of motion of a body.
Real-Life Example : A stationary football starts moving when a player kicks it.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Increasing its mass: Kicking the ball does not increase its mass.
- C. Changing its temperature only: The main effect of the kick is to change the ball’s motion, not its temperature.
- D. Reducing its volume: Kicking a football does not normally reduce its volume; the main effect is a change in motion.
9. Which statement about force is correct?
Answer: B. Force has magnitude and direction
Explanation :
- Force is a vector quantity.
- A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.
- The magnitude tells us how strong the force is.
- The direction tells us the direction in which the force acts.
- Both magnitude and direction are needed to completely describe a force.
Real-Life Example : When pushing a box with a force of 20 N toward the right, 20 N represents the magnitude and toward the right represents the direction.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Force has only magnitude: A quantity with only magnitude is a scalar quantity, whereas force is a vector.
- C. Force has only direction: Direction alone cannot completely describe a force; its magnitude is also required.
- D. Force has neither magnitude nor direction: Force has both magnitude and direction.
10. Which of the following is not an effect of force?
Answer: C. Changing the mass of an object
Explanation :
- A force can change the shape or size of an object.
- A force can change the direction of motion of a body.
- A force can change the speed of a moving body.
- Applying an ordinary mechanical force does not change the mass of an object.
- Therefore, changing the mass of an object is not considered an effect of force.
Real-Life Example : Squeezing a sponge changes its shape, while kicking a football changes its speed and direction.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Changing the shape of an object: Force can deform an object, such as when a sponge is squeezed.
- B. Changing the direction of motion: Force can change the direction in which an object moves.
- C. Changing the mass of an object: Force does not normally change the mass of an object.
- D. Changing the speed of an object: Force can make an object speed up or slow down.
11. Which quantity requires both magnitude and direction for complete description?
Answer: D. Force
Explanation :
- A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction is called a vector quantity.
- Force is a vector quantity because its complete description requires both its magnitude and the direction in which it acts.
- The magnitude indicates how strong the force is, while the direction indicates where the force acts.
- Therefore, force requires both magnitude and direction for complete description.
Real-Life Example : If you push a box with a force of 10 N toward the right, 10 N represents the magnitude and toward the right represents the direction.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Distance: Distance is a scalar quantity and requires only magnitude.
- B. Time: Time is a scalar quantity and requires only magnitude.
- C. Temperature: Temperature is a scalar quantity and does not require a direction.
12. Which instrument is commonly used to measure force?
Answer: B. Spring balance
Explanation :
- A spring balance is an instrument used to measure force.
- It works using the extension of a spring when a force is applied.
- The force is usually measured in newtons (N).
- The greater the applied force, the greater the extension of the spring, within its working range.
Real-Life Example :
- A spring balance can be used to measure the weight of an object by suspending it from the hook.
- For example, when a bag is hung from a spring balance, the reading indicates the force due to gravity acting on the bag.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. A thermometer measures temperature.
- C. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure.
- D. An ammeter measures electric current.
13. In SI base units, force is expressed as:
Answer: A. kg m/s²
Explanation :
- Force is calculated using Newton’s second law: F = ma.
- The SI unit of mass is kilogram (kg).
- The SI unit of acceleration is metre per second squared (m/s²).
- Therefore, the SI base-unit expression for force is kg m/s².
- This is equivalent to one newton (N).
Real-Life Example : If a 2 kg object accelerates at 3 m/s², the force acting on it is 6 kg m/s², or 6 N.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- B. kg m²/s² represents the SI unit of work or energy, called the joule.
- C. kg/s² does not represent the SI unit of force.
- D. kg m/s represents momentum, not force.
14. Applying force to a rubber ball can change its:
Answer: C. Shape
Explanation :
- Applying force to a rubber ball can deform it and change its shape.
- Rubber is an elastic material, so its shape can change when a force is applied.
- When the force is removed, the ball generally returns to its original shape, provided the elastic limit is not exceeded.
- This demonstrates that force can produce a change in the shape or size of an object.
Real-Life Example : When you squeeze a rubber ball with your hand, it becomes temporarily flattened or deformed.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Applying an ordinary mechanical force does not change the mass of the ball.
- B. Force does not normally change the colour of a rubber ball.
- D. Force does not normally change the material’s density in this situation.
15. A force acting on a moving body may change:
Answer: A. Its direction
Explanation :
- A force acting on a moving body can change the direction in which the body moves.
- A force can also change the speed of a moving body.
- When the force acts at an angle to the direction of motion, it can cause the body to change its direction of motion.
- This shows that force can change the state of motion of a body.
Real-Life Example : When a football is moving forward and a player kicks it from the side, the force can change the direction of the football.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- B. An ordinary mechanical force does not change the mass of a moving body.
- C. A mechanical force does not normally change the atomic structure of the body.
- D. A mechanical force does not normally change the chemical composition of the body.
16. Which of the following is measured in newton?
Answer: D. Force
Explanation :
- The newton (N) is the SI unit of force.
- Force is related to mass and acceleration by Newton’s second law, F = ma.
- One newton is the force required to give a 1 kg mass an acceleration of 1 m/s².
- The newton is named after Sir Isaac Newton, who formulated the laws of motion.
Real-Life Example : The force used to push or pull an object can be measured using a spring balance, with the reading expressed in newtons.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Work is measured in joules (J).
- B. Pressure is measured in pascals (Pa).
- C. Energy is measured in joules (J).
17. Which quantity is measured using a spring balance?
Answer: B. Force
Explanation :
- A spring balance is commonly used to measure force.
- It works by measuring the extension of a spring when a force is applied.
- The measured force is usually expressed in newtons (N).
- The weight of an object, which is the gravitational force acting on it, can also be measured using a spring balance.
Real-Life Example : If a bag is suspended from a spring balance, the scale shows the force due to gravity acting on the bag.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Mass is measured using a balance such as a beam balance or electronic balance.
- C. Density is calculated from mass and volume and is not directly measured with a spring balance.
- D. Volume is commonly measured using a measuring cylinder or other suitable volume-measuring instrument.
18. Which of the following is an example of a force changing the shape of an object?
Answer: A. Stretching a rubber band
Explanation :
- Applying force to a rubber band stretches it and changes its shape.
- The rubber band undergoes deformation when a pulling force is applied.
- Rubber is elastic, so it can return approximately to its original shape when the force is removed, provided its elastic limit is not exceeded.
- This demonstrates that force can change the shape of an object.
Real-Life Example : Pulling both ends of a rubber band causes it to become longer and thinner.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- B. Heating water changes its temperature and may cause it to change state, but this is not an example of force changing shape.
- C. Melting ice is a change of state caused by heating, not a force changing its shape.
- D. Cooling air changes its temperature and may affect its volume or pressure, but it is not an example of force changing shape.
19. Which statement is correct regarding vector quantities?
Answer: C. They have both magnitude and direction
Explanation :
- A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.
- Magnitude tells us the size or amount of the quantity.
- Direction tells us where the quantity acts or points.
- Force, velocity, and acceleration are examples of vector quantities.
- Both magnitude and direction are needed to completely describe a vector quantity.
Real-Life Example : If a force of 10 N is applied to a box toward the right, 10 N represents its magnitude and right represents its direction.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- A. Having only magnitude is a characteristic of scalar quantities.
- B. Direction alone is not sufficient to describe a vector quantity.
- D. A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.
20. Which of the following statements is scientifically correct?
Answer: A. Force can change the state of motion of a body.
Explanation :
- A force can change the state of motion of a body.
- It can make a stationary object start moving or bring a moving object to rest.
- Force can also change the speed or direction of a moving body.
- Force can additionally change the shape or size of an object.
Real-Life Example :
- When a stationary football is kicked, the applied force makes it start moving.
- When the brakes of a moving bicycle are applied, the force from the brakes reduces its speed.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect :
- B. An ordinary mechanical force does not increase the mass of a body.
- C. Force is a vector quantity, so it has both magnitude and direction.
- D. Force is measured in newtons (N), while the joule (J) is the SI unit of work and energy.
Revision Points – Force Test 1
| Topic | Revision Point |
|---|---|
| Force | A force is a push or pull acting on a body. |
| Effect of Force | Force can change the state of motion, speed, direction, or shape of an object. |
| SI Unit of Force | The SI unit of force is newton (N). |
| One Newton | 1 N = 1 kg·m/s². |
| Formula | Force is given by F = ma. |
| Vector Quantity | Force is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction. |
| Scalar Quantity | Scalar quantities have magnitude only. Mass, distance, and time are examples. |
| Measuring Force | A spring balance is commonly used to measure force. |
| Shape | Applying force can change the shape of an object, such as stretching a rubber band. |
| Moving Body | A force acting on a moving body can change its speed or direction. |
| State of Motion | Force can make a stationary object move or bring a moving object to rest. |
| Force and Mass | An ordinary mechanical force does not change the mass of an object. |
| Force and Work | Force is measured in newtons, while work is measured in joules. |
| Force and Pressure | Force is measured in newtons, while pressure is measured in pascals. |
| Force and Energy | Force is measured in newtons, while energy is measured in joules. |
| Spring Balance | A spring balance measures force, including the weight of an object. |
| Vector Example | Force, velocity, and acceleration are vector quantities. |
| Scalar Example | Mass, distance, and time are scalar quantities. |
| Real-Life Example | Kicking a football can change its speed and direction. |
| Key Formula | 1 N = 1 kg·m/s². |
Further Reading Material For TNPSC Force
For additional reading on Force and its effects on motion, refer to the official NCERT textbook chapter “How Forces Affect Motion.” The chapter explains the concept of force, SI unit of force, magnitude and direction of force, balanced and unbalanced forces, friction, and Newton’s laws of motion with examples and activities.
