Measurement and Physical Quantities

By Santosh Chaudhary M.Sc (Physics)

Nalanda Open University

Physics deals with matter, energy and mutual interactions among particles . When we study matter, energy, mutual interactions among the particles, we come across a number of measurable quantities known as physical quantities. Physical quantities are those quantities which can be measured.

Those physical quantities which are independent on another physical quantities, are called as fundamental physical quantities. For example mass, time, length etc.

Those physical quantities which depend on another physical quantities are called as derived physical quantities. For example area, volume, weight, force, velocity etc.

Measurement is the process of comparing a physical quantity with its standard physical quantity. Standard quantity of a physical quantity is the well known quantity of that physical quantity. This standard quantity is the unit of that physical quantity.