Which of the following is a derived unit?
In the field of physics and metrology, the concept of derived units is crucial for understanding the relationships between different physical quantities. Derived units are units that are derived from the fundamental units, which are the base units of the International System of Units (SI). This article aims to explore the concept of derived units and identify which of the following options is a derived unit.
The International System of Units (SI) is the modern form of the metric system and is the most widely used system of measurement in the world. It consists of seven base units, which are the meter (m) for length, kilogram (kg) for mass, second (s) for time, ampere (A) for electric current, kelvin (K) for temperature, mole (mol) for amount of substance, and candela (cd) for luminous intensity. These base units serve as the foundation for all other units in the system.
Derived units, on the other hand, are formed by combining the base units in various ways. They are used to express physical quantities that cannot be directly measured using the base units. For example, the unit of speed is meters per second (m/s), which is derived by dividing the base unit of length (meter) by the base unit of time (second). Similarly, the unit of pressure is pascals (Pa), which is derived by dividing the base unit of force (newton) by the base unit of area (square meter).
Now, let’s identify which of the following options is a derived unit:
1. Kilogram (kg)
2. Newton (N)
3. Meter (m)
4. Second (s)
The correct answer is:
2. Newton (N)
The Newton is a derived unit that represents force. It is defined as the force required to accelerate a one-kilogram mass by one meter per second squared. The Newton is derived from the base units of mass (kilogram), length (meter), and time (second), as shown in the following equation:
1 N = 1 kg·m/s²
In conclusion, derived units play a vital role in the measurement of physical quantities that cannot be directly measured using the base units. By combining the base units in various ways, we can express a wide range of physical phenomena. In this article, we have identified that the Newton is a derived unit, derived from the base units of mass, length, and time.
