Fundamental & Derived Quantity Definition - Physics

In terms of physics, the quantities can be classified into two types. They are Fundamental and Derived Quantities. This division is based on their dependency.

Fundamental Quantities

The quantities that do not depend on any other physical quantity for their measurement are known as fundamental quantities. These quantities do not take support of other physical quantities for its measurement. There are only 7 fundamental physical quantities. And rest of all other quantities are derived quantities. They are listed below.

Fundamental Quantities along Their Units

Mass	Kilogram
Time	Second
Temperature	Kelvin
Electric Current	Ampere
Luminous Intensity	Candela
Length	Meter
Amount Of Substance	Mole

For example:  the fundamental quantity, mass, can be measured directly using balance and hence it does not depend upon other quantity.

Derived Quantities

The Physical quantities that depend upon other physical quantity for its measurement are known as derived quantities. The measurement of derived quantities directly depends upon other quantities. So in order to measure the derive quantity, one must measure the quantities that it depends upon. Except 7 fundamental quantities, all other quantities are derived quantities. Some examples of derived quantities are:

Acceleration	m/s^2
Density	Kg/m^3
Pressure	Pascal
Potential Difference	Volt
Volume	M^3
Force	Newton
Speed	m/s
Area	M^2

Derived Quantity like speed depends upon length and time. Hence it is called derived quantities.