+ 

Written as per the revised syllabus prescribed by the Maharashtra State Board
of Secondary and Higher Secondary
  Education, Pune.

STD. XI Sci.
Perfect Physics
 

 
Fifth Edition: June 2015
 

 
Salient Features
 
• Exhaustive coverage of syllabus in Question Answer Format.
  • Simple and Lucid language.
  • Covers all Textual and intext Questions.
• Neat, labelled and authentic diagrams.
  • Covers relevant NCERT questions and problems with solutions.
• Solved & Practice Numericals duly classified.
 
• Multiple Choice Questions for effective preparation.
  • Includes features like Brain Teasers and Additional Information.

   

 
Printed at: Dainik Saamana, Navi Mumbai
 

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, C.D. ROM/Audio Video Cassettes or electronic, mechanical
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TEID : 925
 Preface
In the case of good books, the point is not how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get
through to you.
“Std. XI Sci. : PERFECT PHYSICS” is a complete and thorough guide critically analysed and extensively
drafted to boost the students confidence. The book is prepared as per the Maharashtra State board syllabus and
provides answers to all textual and intext questions. Sub-topic wise classified ‘question and answer format’ of this
book helps the student to understand each and every concept thoroughly. Neatly labelled diagrams have been
provided wherever required.
National Council Of Educational Research And Training (NCERT) questions and problems based on
Maharashtra board syllabus have been provided along with solutions for a better grasp of the concept and preparing
the students on a competitive level.
Definitions, statements and laws are specified with italic representation. Formulae are provided in every
chapter which are the main tools to tackle difficult problems. To develop better understanding of concepts, relevant
points and questions are discussed in the form of Additional Information. Brain Teasers are theory questions and
numericals build within the frame-work of State Board syllabus to develop higher order thinking among students.
Solved problems are provided to understand the application of different concepts and formulae. Additional theory
questions have been provided to help the student gain insight on the various levels of theory-based questions.
Practice Problems and Multiple Choice Questions help the students to test their range of preparation and the
amount of knowledge of each topic. Hints have been provided for selected multiple choice questions to help the
students overcome conceptual or mathematical hinderances.
A book affects eternity; one can never tell where its influence stops.

Best of luck to all the aspirants!

Contents
No. Topic Name Page No.
1 Measurements 1
2 Scalars and Vectors 24
3 Projectile Motion 48
4 Force 77
5 Friction in Solids and Liquids 114
6 Sound Waves 144
7 Thermal Expansion 165
8 Refraction of Light 192
9 Ray Optics 220
10 Electrostatics 250
11 Current Electricity 286
12 Magnetic Effect of Electric Current 310
13 Magnetism 334
14 Electromagnetic Waves 355

Note: All the Textual questions are represented by * mark

All the Intext questions are represented by # mark
Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01 : Measurements

01  Measurements 
Syllabus
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Need for Measurement
1.2 Unit for Measurement
1.3 System of Units
1.4 S.I. units
1.5 Fundamental and derived units
1.6 Dimensional Analysis
1.7 Order of magnitude and significant figures
1.8 Accuracy and errors in measurements

1.0 Introduction 1.1 Need for Measurement

Physics is the branch of science which deals *Q.2. What is the need for measurement of a
with the study of nature and natural phenomena. physical quantity?
Ans: i. To study phenomena in physics, scientists
There are two domains in the scope of physics:
have performed different experiments.
i. Macroscopic domain: ii. These experiments require measurement
The macroscopic domain includes of physical quantities such as mass,
phenomena at the laboratory, terrestrial and length, time, volume, etc.
astronomical scales. iii. Based on the observations of these
ii. Microscopic domain: experiments, scientists have developed
The microscopic domain includes atomic, various laws and theories.
molecular and nuclear phenomena. iv. For the experimental verification of
various theories, each physical quantity
Q.1. What are physical quantities? should be measured precisely.
v. Therefore, accurate measurement of
Ans: Those quantities which can be measured
physical quantities with appropriate
i.e., subjected equally to all three elements
instruments is necessary.
of scientific study, namely : detailed
vi. Example: Consider the statement “The
analysis, precise measurement and
water boiled after some time.” In the
mathematical treatment, are called physical
given statement, the physical quantity
quantities.
time is not defined precisely. A numerical
Example: Mass, length, time, volume, value for time, which is measured on a
pressure, force, etc. watch is necessary.
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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Std. XI Sci.: Perfect Physics
1.2 Unit for Measurement Various units to express a physical
quantity:
The magnitude of a physical quantity ‘x’ is
expressed in the following way: Power Power
Prefix Symbol Prefix Symbol
of 10 of 10
Magnitude of physical quantity = Numerical value 1018
Exa E deci d 101
of physical quantity  Size of its unit. Peta P 1015 centi c 102
i.e., x = nu Tera T 1012 milli m 103
where, n = number of times the unit is taken. Giga G 109 micro  106
Mega M 106 nano n 109
u = size of unit of physical quantity.
Kilo k 103 angstrom Å 1010
Example: Hecto h 102 pico p 1012
If the length of a rod is 5 metre it means that the rod Deca da 101 femto f 1015
is 5 times as long as the standard unit of length (i.e., atto a 1018
metre).
1.3 System of Units
*Q.3. What is meant by unit of a physical Units are classified as fundamental units and
quantity? derived units. In 1832, Gauss had suggested to select
Ans: i. The reference standard used for the any three physical quantities as fundamental
measurement of a physical quantity is quantities. Accordingly, many systems of units came
called the unit of that physical quantity. into existence.
ii. Example: Q.5. A. What is a system of units?
*B. Briefly describe different types of
Physical Quantity Standard (unit) systems of units.
Length metre, centimetre, Ans: The whole set of units i.e., all the basic and
inch, feet, etc. derived units taken together forms a system of
Mass kilogram, gram, pound units.
etc. System of units are classified mainly into four
types:
Q.4. State the essential characteristics of a good i. C.G.S. system:
unit. It stands for Centimetre-Gram-Second
Ans: Characteristics of a good unit: system. In this system, fundamental
i. It should be well-defined. quantities i.e., length, mass and time are
ii. It should be easily available and measured in centimeter, gram and
reproducible at all places. second respectively. It is a French
iii. It should not be perishable. metric system of unit.
iv. It should be invariable. ii. M.K.S. system:
It stands for Metre-Kilogram-Second
v. It should be universally accepted.
system. In this system, fundamental
vi. It should be comparable to the size of
quantities i.e. length, mass and time are
the measured physical quantity.
measured in metre, kilogram and second
vii. It must be easy to form multiples or sub respectively. It is a French metric system
multiples of the unit. of unit.
Note: Choice of unit depends upon its suitability for iii. F.P.S. system:
measuring the magnitude of a physical It stands for Foot-Pound-Second system.
quantity under consideration. Hence, we In this system, length, mass and time are
choose different scales for same physical measured in foot, pound and second
quantity. respectively. It is a British imperial system.

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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01 : Measurements
iv. S.I. system: Fundamental
S.I. unit C.G.S. unit
It stands for Standard International quantities
system. This system has replaced all Mass kilogram (kg) gram (g)
other systems mentioned above. It has Length metre (m) centimetre (cm)
been internationally accepted and is Q.9. *A. What are fundamental units?
being used all over world. B. State the S.I. units of seven basic
#Q.6.Can you call a physical quantity large or fundamental quantities.
small without specifying a standard for Ans: A. Fundamental units:
comparison? The units used to measure fundamental
Ans: No, we cannot call a physical quantity large or quantities are called fundamental units.
small without specifying a standard for B. Units of fundamental quantities:
comparison. i. There are seven fundamental quantities
accepted in S.I. system.
1.4 S.I. units ii. Fundamental quantities with their
corresponding units are given in following
Q.7. *What is S.I. system of units? Explain its table.
need. OR Fundamental quantity S. I. unit Symbol
Write a short note on S.I. units. Length metre m
Ans: S.I. system of units: Mass kilogram kg
i. Use of different systems of units became
Time second s
very inconvenient for exchanging
scientific information between different Electric current ampere A
parts of the world. Temperature kelvin K
ii. To overcome this difficulty, it became Luminous intensity candela cd
necessary to develop a common system Amount of substance mole mol
of units.
iii. In October 1960, at the Eleventh Supplementary Units
International General Conference of Plane angle radian rad
weights and measures in Paris, a Solid angle steradian sr
common system of units was accepted. Q.10. *A. What are derived quantities and
This system of units called “Systeme derived units? State two examples.
Internationale dUnits” is the modern B. State the corresponding S.I. and
metric system of unit measurement. It is C.G.S. units of the examples.
abbreviated as S.I. units. Ans: A.
iv. S.I. units consist of seven fundamental i. Derived quantities:
units, two supplementary units and a Physical quantities other than
large number of derived units. fundamental quantities which depend on
v. Nowadays, S.I. system has replaced all one or more fundamental quantities for
the other systems of units and is greatly their measurements are called derived
used to exchange scientific data between quantities.
different parts of the world. Examples: speed, acceleration,
1.5 Fundamental and derived units momentum, force, etc.
ii. Derived units:
*Q.8. What are fundamental quantities? The units of derived quantities which
State two examples of fundamental depend on fundamental units for their
quantities. Write their S.I. and C.G.S. units. measurements are called derived units.
Ans: Fundamental quantities: B. Examples and units:
The physical quantities which do not depend Derived quantity S.I. unit C.G.S. unit
on any other physical quantity for their Speed m/s cm/s
measurements i.e., they can be directly Force N dyne
measured are called fundamental quantities. Density kg/m3 g/cm3
Examples: mass, length etc. Acceleration m/s2 cm/s2
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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd.
Some practical units in term of S.I. unit
Practical units Abbreviation S.I. unit
10
1 Angstrom Å 10 m
1 Micron m 106 m
1 Nanometer nm 109 m
1 Light year ly 9.46  1015 m
1 Astronomical unit AU 1.496 1011 m
1 Atomic mass unit amu 1.66 1027 kg
1 Torr T 1 mm of Hg
Additional Information
Following conventions should be followed while
writing S.I. units of physical quantities:
i. For a unit derived from the name of a person,
the symbol or first letter of the symbol is a
capital letter.
For example, N for newton, J for joule, W for
watt, Hz for hertz. Symbols of the other units
are not written with capital initial letter.
ii. Unit names, including units named after a
person are written in lower – case. Example:
unit of force is written as newton and not as
Newton; unit of power is written as watt and
not as Watt, symbol for metre is ‘m’, for
second is ‘s’, for kilogram is ‘kg’
iii. Symbols of units are not to be expressed in
plural form. For example, 10 metres is written
as 10 m and not as 10 ms. This is because,
10 ms, means 10 millisecond.
iv. Full stop and any other punctuation mark
should not be written after the symbol. e.g. kg
and not kg., or N and not N.
v. Multiplication of unit symbols must be
indicated by a space or half-high (centred) dot
(), since otherwise some prefixes could be
misinterpreted as a unit symbol.
Example: Nm for newton-metre; ms for
millisecond but ms for metre times second.
vi. Division of unit symbol is indicated by a
horizontal line or by a solidus (/) or by
negative exponents. When several unit
symbols are combined, care should be taken to
avoid ambiguities, for example by using
brackets or negative exponents.
A solidus is not used more than once in a
given expression without brackets to remove
ambiguities.
m Derived
Examples: or m/s or ms1, for the metre per
s
second; ms1 is the symbol for the metre per
4
Std. XI Sci.: Perfect Physics
second while ms1 is the symbol for the
reciprocal of millisecond (103 s1); mkg/(s3A)
or mkgs3A1 but not mkg/s3/A nor mkg/s3 A.
vii. Unit symbols and unit names are not to be
used together. Example: C/kg, Ckg1 or
coulomb per kilogram but not coulomb/kg nor
coulomb per kg nor C/kilogram nor coulomb.
kg1 nor C per kg nor coulomb/kilogram.
viii. Abbreviations for the unit symbols or names
are not allowed. Example: sec (for either s or
second), sq. mm (for either mm2 or square
millimetre), cc (for either cm3 or cubic
centimetre), mins (for either min or minutes),
hrs (for either h or hours), lit (for either L or
litre), amps (for either A or amperes), AMU
(for either u or unified atomic mass unit), or
mps (for either m/s or metre per second).
Q.11. Explain the advantages of S.I. system of units.
Ans: The advantages of S.I. system of unit are as
follows:
i. It is comprehensive, i.e. its small set of
seven fundamental units cover the needs
of all other physical quantities.
ii. It is coherent, i.e., its units are mutually
related by rules of multiplication and
division with no numerical factor other
than 1.
For example, 1 ohm = 1 volt / 1 ampere.
iii. S.I. system being a decimal or metric
system, writing of very large or very small
numerical value is simplified by using
prefixes to denote decimal multiples and
submultiples of the S.I. units.
Example: 1 m (micrometre) = 106 m.
iv. The joule is the unit of all forms of
energy. Hence, the joule provides a link
between mechanical and electrical units.
Q.12. Classify the following quantities into
fundamental and derived quantities:
Length, Velocity, Area, Electric current,
Acceleration, Time, Force, Momentum,
Energy, Temperature, Mass, Pressure,
Magnetic induction, Density.
Ans: Fundamental Quantities: Time,
Temperature, Mass, Length, Electric current
Quantities: Velocity, Area,
Acceleration, Force, Momentum, Energy,
Pressure, Magnetic induction, Density
Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01 : Measurements
Q.13. Classify the following units into fundamental, ii. Mass of an object can be measured
supplementary and derived units: directly by comparison with multiples
newton, metre, candela, radian, hertz, and submultiples of the kilogram using a
square metre, tesla, ampere, kelvin, volt, beam balance.
mol, coulomb, farad, steradian. iii. For atomic levels, instead of kilogram,
Ans: unified atomic mass unit is used.
Fundamental Supplementary Derived 1 unified atomic mass unit = 1 u =
units units units  1 th 
metre radian newton   of the mass of an isolated atom
candela steradian hertz  12 
ampere square of the isotope Carbon-12 in kg.
kelvin metre iv. For measurement of small masses of
mol tesla atomic or subatomic particles, mass
volt spectrography is used. This method uses
coulomb the property that mass of the charged
farad particle is proportional to radius of the
trajectory when particle is moving in
*Q.14. Explain the methods to measure length. uniform electric and magnetic field.
Ans: Methods for measurement of length v. Large masses in the universe like
There are broadly two methods for planets, stars etc. can be measured by
measurement of length: using Newton’s law of gravitation.
i. Direct methods:
a. A metre scale is used for measurement *Q.16.Explain the method for measurement of
of length from 103 m to 102 m using time.
different instruments. Ans: Method for measurement of time:
b. A Vernier callipers is used for the i. A clock is needed to measure any time
measurement of length upto the interval.
accuracy of 104 m. ii. The unit of time, the second, is
c. Further accuracy can be attained by 1
using spherometer and screw gauge. The considered to be of the mean
86400
accuracy achieved by using these solar day.
instruments is upto 105 m for smaller
iii. However, this definition proved to be
lengths.
unsatisfactory to define the unit of time
d. Hence, direct measurement of length more precisely. Thus, the definition of
using various measuring devices is second was replaced by one based on
possible for length from about 102 m to atomic standard of time.
105 m.
iv. Atomic standard of time is now used for
ii. Indirect methods:
the measurement of time. In atomic
a. It includes measurement of large standard of time, periodic vibrations of
distances such as distance between two cesium atom is used.
planets, diameter of sun, distance of
v. One second is time required for
stars from the earth etc.
9,192,631,770 vibrations of the
b. For such measurements, trigonometric
parallax method is used. radiation corresponding to transition
between two hyperfine energy states of
*Q.15.Explain the method to measure mass. cesium-133 atom.
Ans: Method for measurement of mass: vi. The cesium atomic clocks are very
i. Mass is fundamental property of matter. accurate.
It does not depend on the temperature, vii. The national standard of time interval
pressure or location of the object in ‘second’ as well as the frequency is
space. The S.I. unit of mass is kilogram maintained through four cesium atomic
(kg). clocks.
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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Std. XI Sci.: Perfect Physics
Q.17. Define parallactic angle. b
 E1 S = E2 S = D  =
Ans: i. Angle between the two directions along D
which a star or planet is viewed at the  b=D ….( is taken in radians)
two points of observation is called vii. From the above equation, on
parallax angle (Parallactic angle). b
b rearranging, we get D =
ii. It is given by  = θ
D Hence, the distance ‘D’ of a far away
where, b = separation between two planet ‘S’ can be determined using the
points of observation, parallax method.
D = Distance of source from any point viii. To determine the diameter of a planet, two
of observation. diametrically opposite points of the planet
#Q.18.How to determine the distance of different are viewed from the same observatory.
stars from the Earth? OR The angle  between these two
Explain the method to determine the directions gives the angular size of the
distance of a planet from the earth and the planet, i.e., the angle subtended by the
diameter of the planet. planet. If d is the diameter of the planet,
Ans: i. Parallax method is used to determine then d = D. Hence, having determined
distance of different stars from the earth. D and measuring , we can determine
ii. To measure the distance ‘D’ of a far the diameter d of the planet.
distant star or planet S, select two
1.6 Dimensional Analysis
different observatories (E1 and E2).
iii. The star or planet should be visible from *Q.19. A. Define dimensions and dimensional
E1 and E2 observatories simultaneously equation of physical quantities.
i.e. at the same time. Give two examples of each.
iv. E1 and E2 are separated by distance ‘b’ Ans: A.
as shown in figure. i. Dimensions:
 E1 E2 = b The dimensions of a physical quantity
S are the powers to which the fundamental
units must be raised in order to obtain
 the unit of a given physical quantity.
ii. Dimensional equation:
An expression which gives the relation
D D between the derived units and
fundamental units in terms of dimensions
is called a dimensional equation.
E1 E2 B. Examples of dimensions:
b i. Dimensions of speed are [0,1,-1] in the
Earth order of mass, length and time
v. The angle between the two directions respectively.
along which the star or planet is viewed, ii. Dimensions of force are 1,1, 2 in the
can be measured. It is  and is called order of mass, length and time
parallax angle or parallactic angle. respectively.
  E1SE2 =  Examples of dimensional equation:
vi. The star or planet is far away from the
i. Speed = [M0 L1 T1]
(earth) observers, hence
Distance
bD  Speed =
b time
   1 and ‘’ is also very small. ii. 1 1 2
Force = [M L T ]
D
Hence, E1 E2 can be considered as arc of  Force = Mass  acceleration
length b of circle with S as centre and D Distance
= Mass 
 time 
2
as radius.

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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01 : Measurements

iii. Temperature gradient = [M0L1T0K1] Following table helps to write S.I. units /
Temperature common names and dimensions of various
 Temperature gradient = derived quantities:
Distance
Some derived quantities with dimensions Derived S.I.
Formula Dimensions
are as follows: quantity unit
2
Area A=L m2 [M0L2T0]
Physical
Formula Dimensions Volume V = L3 m3 [M0L3T0]
Quantities Density  = M/V kg/m3 [M1L3T0]
Speed Distance [M0L1T1] Velocity or v = s/t m/s [M0L1T1]
Time speed
Acceleration Change in velocity [M0L1T2] Acceleration a = v/t m/s2 [M0L1T2]
Time Momentum P = mv kg m/s [M1L1T1]
Force Mass  Acceleration [M1L1T2] Force F = ma kg m/s2 [M1L1T2]
Pressure Force [M1L1T2] or N
Area Impulse J = F.t Ns [M1L1T1]
Density Mass [M1L3T0] Work W = F.s Nm [M1L2T2]
or J
Volume
Kinetic 1
K.E.= mv2
[M1L2T2]
Work Force  distance [M1L1T2] [L1] m2
energy 2 kg 2
= [M1L2T2] s
Potential P.E.= mgh [M1L2T2]
Energy Force  distance [M1L1T2] [L1] Energy or J
= [M1L2T2] Power J/s or [M1L2T3]
W
Power Work [M1L2T3] P= W
t
Time Pressure F N/m2 [M1L1T2]
Momentum Mass  Velocity 1 1 1
[M L T ] P= or Pa
A
Impulse Force  Time [M1L1T1]
Note:
Torque    [M1L1T2][L]
  r F Students can write  for temperature, I for current, C
= [M1L2T2]
for luminous intensity and mol for mole.
Charge Current  Time [A1T1]
Coefficient of [M1L1T1]
Q.20. A book with many printing errors contains
F dx
viscosity =  four different formulae for the
A dv displacement y of a particle undergoing a
Resistance Potential difference [M1L2T3A2] certain periodic function:
Current 2t
i. y = a sin ii. y = a sin v t
Planck’s Energyof Photon [M1L2T1] T
constant Frequency a t
iii. y = sin
Electric W [M1L2T3A1] T a
potential V= a  2t 2t 
q iv. y =  sin T  cos T 
Electric [M1L3T4A2]
2 
q2
permittivity 0 = Here, a is maximum displacement of
4r 2 F particle, v is speed of particle, T is time
Electric q [M1L2T4A2] period of motion. Rule out the wrong
capacity C=
V formulae on dimensional grounds. (NCERT)
Magnetic flux  = B.A [M1L2T2A1]
Ans: The argument of trigonometrical function, i.e.,
angle is dimentionless. Now,
Pole strength F [M0L1T0A1]
m = i. The argument,
B  2t   T  0 0 0
Magnetic B [M1L1T2A2]  T  =  T  = 1 = [M L T ]
permeability =  
H which is a dimensionless quantity.
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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Std. XI Sci.: Perfect Physics
ii. The argument, Q.22. Explain the use of dimensional analysis to
[v t] = [LT–1] [T] = [L] = [M0L1T0] check the correctness of a physical equation.
which is not a dimensionless quantity. Ans: Correctness of a physical equation by
dimensional analysis:
iii. The argument, i. A physical equation is correct only if the
 t  T  0 –1 1 dimensions of all the terms on both sides
 a  =  L  = [M L T ] of that equations are the same.
 
which is not a dimensionless quantity. ii. For example, consider the equation of
motion.
iv. The argument, v = u + at .…(1)
 2t   T  0 0 0
iii. Writing the dimensional equation of
 T  =  T  = 1 = [M L T ] every term, we get
 
v = [M0L1T1] u = [M0L1T1]
which is a dimensionless quantity. 0 1 2
a = [M L T ] t = [M0L0T1]
Hence, formulae (i) and (iv) are
incorrect. iv. Now, at = [M0L1T2] × [M0L0T1] = [M0L1T1]
As dimensions of both side of equation
Q.21. State principle of homogeneity. Use this is same, physical equation is
principle and find conversion factor dimensionally correct.
between the units of the same physical
quantity in two different systems of units. Q.23. Explain the use of dimensional analysis to
OR find the conversion factor between units of
same physical quantity into different systems
Explain how the principle of homogeneity
of units.
can be used to find the conversion factor
between the units of the same physical OR
quantity in two different systems of units. Find the conversion factor between the S.I.
Ans: A. Principle of homogeneity: and the C.G.S. units of force using
dimensional analysis.
The dimensions of all the terms on the
Ans: Conversion factor between units of same
two sides of a physical equation must be
same. This is called the principle of physical quantity:
homogeneity of dimensions. i. Suppose we have to find the conversion
B. To find the conversion factor between factor between the units of force i.e.
newton in S.I. system to dyne in C.G.S.
the units of the same physical
system.
quantity in two different systems of
units: ii. Let ‘n’ be the conversion factor between
i. This principle is based on the fact the units of force.
that two physical quantities can be iii. Dimensions of force in S.I. system are
added together or subtracted from [M 11 L 11 T12] and in CGS system are
one another only if they have [M 12 L 12 T22]
same dimensions.
iv. Suppose, 1 newton = n dyne ....(1)
ii. Consider dimensions of a physical
quantity in two systems of units:  1[M 1 L 1 T1 ] = n [M 2 L 2 T22]
1 1 2 1 1

 M1a Lb1T1c  and  M a2 Lb2T2c  .  M1 L1 T 2 

 n =  11 11 12 
iii. If ‘n’ is the conversion factor in  M2 L2 T2 
two systems, then applying 1
M  L  T 
1 2

principle of homogeneity, we =  1  1  1 ....(2)

have,  M 2   L 2   T2 
v. By expressing L, M and T into its
 M1a Lb1T1c   n  M a2 Lb2T2c 
corresponding unit we have,
a b c 1 1 2
M  L  T   kg   m   second 
iv.  n=  1  1  1 n=       .…(3)
 M 2   L 2   T2   g   cm   second 

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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01 : Measurements
vi. Since, 1 m = 100 cm and 1 kg = 1000g, *Q.25.State the uses of dimensional analysis.
we have, Explain each use with the help of an
 1000 g   100 cm  2 example.
n=     (1)
 g   cm  Ans: Uses of dimensional analysis:
n = 103  102  1 = 105 i. To check the correctness of a physical
Hence, the conversion factor, n = 105 equation.
Therefore, from equation (1), we have, ii. To derive the relationship between
 1 newton = 105 dyne. different physical quantities.
iii. To find the conversion factor between the
Q.24. Time period of a simple pendulum depends units of the same physical quantity in two
upon the length of pendulum (l) and different systems of units.
acceleration due to gravity (g). Using iv. To derive the formula of a physical
dimensional analysis, obtain an expression quantity, provided we know the factors
for time period of simple pendulum. on which the physical quantity depends.
Ans: Expression for time period of a simple (For explanation of uses refer Q.22, Q.23,
pendulum by dimensional analysis: Q.24).
i. Time period (T) of a simple pendulum
depends upon length (l) and acceleration Q.26. State the drawbacks of dimensional
due to gravity (g) as follows: analysis.
T  l a gb Ans: Drawbacks of dimensional analysis:
i.e., T = k l a gb .…(1) i. While deriving a formula, the
where k = proportionality constant proportionality constant cannot be found.
which is dimensionless. ii. The formula for a physical quantity
ii. The dimensions of T = [M0L0T1] depending on more than three other
The dimensions of l = [M0L1T0] physical quantities cannot be derived. It
The dimensions of g = [M0L1T2] can only be verified. Example: The
Taking dimensions on both sides of equations of the type v = u + at cannot
equation (1), be derived. It can only be checked.
[M0L0T1] = [M0L1T0]a [M0L1T2]b iii. The equations containing trigonometric
[M0L0T1] = [M0La + bT2b] functions (sin , cos , etc), logarithmic
iii. Equating corresponding power of L, M functions (log x, log x3, etc) and
and T on both sides, we get 2
exponential functions (ex, e x etc) can
a+b=0 .…(2) neither be derived nor be checked
and 2b = 1 because they are independent of L, M
1 and T.
 b= 
2 iv. To derive the formula for a physical
iv. Substituting ‘b’ in equation (2), we get quantity, we must know all the physical
1 quantities on which it depends.
a=
2 #Q.27. A. If two quantities have same
v. Substituting values of a and b in dimensions, do they represent the
equation (1), we have, same physical content?
1 1
T = k l 2g2 B. A dimensionally correct equation
1 1 need not actually be a correct
l2  l 2 l equation but dimensionally incorrect
 T = k 1 = k  = k
g g equation is necessarily wrong. Justify.
g2
Ans: A. When dimensions of two quantities are
vi. Experimentally, it is found that k = 2 same, they do not represent the same
l physical content.
 T = 2
g Example:
This is the required expression for time period Modulus of rigidity, pressure, Young’s
of simple pendulum. modulus and longitudinal stress.

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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Std. XI Sci.: Perfect Physics
B. i. To justify the statement, let us We have to check whether it is
take an example of a simple correct or not.
pendulum, having the bob vii. For that write the dimensions of
attached to a string. It oscillates L.H.S. and R.H.S.
under the action of gravity. The L.H.S. = [M1L1T1]
period of oscillation of simple R.H.S. = [M1L2T2]
pendulum depends upon its length Since the dimensions of R.H.S.
(l), mass of the bob (m) and and L.H.S. are not correct, the
acceleration due to gravity (g). formula given by equation (4) is
ii. An expression for its time period 1
by the method of dimensions can incorrect. Here, which is
2
be found out as follows: dimensionless constant does not
T = k l x gy mz ….(1) play any role. Thus,
where, k is dimensionless constant dimensionally incorrect equation
and x, y, z are exponents. is necessarily wrong.
iii. By taking dimensions on both
sides of equation (1), we have, #Q.28.Whether all constants are dimensionless
or unitless?
[M0L0T1] = [M0L1T0]x [M0L1T2]y
Ans: All constants need not be dimensionless or
[M1L0T0]z unitless.
 [M0L0T1] = [MzLx + y T2y] .…(2) Example  Non-dimensional constants are
iv. Equating dimensions of equation pure numbers. i.e. , e, trigonometric
(2) on both sides we have, functions, etc. whereas quantities like Planck’s
x + y = 0 , z = 0, 2y = 1 constant, gravitational constant etc., possess
1 dimensions and also have a constant value.
 x = y  y=
2 They are dimensional constants.
1 1.7 Order of magnitude and significant figures
 x= z=0
2 Q.29.*Explain with example the term ‘order of
Then equation (1) becomes, magnitude of a physical quantity’.
1 1
- l OR
T = kl2 g 2
=k
g What is order of magnitude? Explain with
suitable examples.
l Ans: A. Order of magnitude:
 T=k .…(3)
g The order of magnitude of a physical
v. The value of constant k cannot be quantity is defined as the value of its
obtained by the method of magnitude rounded-off to the nearest
dimensions. It does not matter if integral power of 10.
some number multiplies the right B. Explanation:
hand side of formula given by i. To find the order of magnitude of a
equation (3) because that does not physical quantity, it is first expressed in
affect dimensions. the form: P × 10Q where, P is a number
between one and ten and Q is an integer
l (positive or negative).
T=k is not correct formula
g ii. If P is 5 or less than 5, the power of
unless we put value of k = 2  10 (i.e., 10Q) gives the order of magnitude.
Hence, dimensionally correct iii. If P is greater than 5, add 1 to the power
equation need not actually be of 10 to get the order of magnitude.
correct equation. iv. Examples:
vi. Now, Let us consider the formula, a. Speed of light in air = 3 × 108 m/s
1  Order of magnitude = 108 m/s
mv = mgh .…(4) ( 3 < 5)
2

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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01 : Measurements

b. Mass of an electron = 9.1 × 10 31 kg Q.31. A. Define significant figures.

 Order of magnitude = 10 30 kg *B. State the rules for determining
( 9.1 > 5) significant figures.
Ans: A. Significant figures:
Q.30. Determine the order of magnitude of the A figure which is of some significance
following physical quantities. but it does not necessarily denote a
i. Radius of the earth certainty is called a significant figure.
ii. Mass of the earth B. Rules for determining significant figures:
i. One and only one uncertain (doubtful)
iii. Charge on electron
figure is retained in a measurement. In a
iv. One year reading of 2.64 cm, only the figure 4 is
v. Universal gravitational constant uncertain.
Ans: ii. When a number is to be rounded-off to a
Physical Quantity Order of magnitude specific number of significant figures,
i. R = 6400 × 103 m = 6.4 × 106 m then
Radius of the a. If the figure to be rounded-off is
The number 6.4 is more than 5
earth (R)
 Order of magnitude = 107 m five or greater than five, then the
ii. Mass of the M = 5.98 × 1024 kg, Since 5.98 is last digit retained is increased by
earth (M) greater than 5, one. e.g. 12.46 should be written
 Order of magnitude = 1025 kg as 12.5.
b. If the figure to be rounded-off is
iii. Charge on e = 1.6 × 10 19 C. less than 5, then the last digit
electron (e)  Order of magnitude = 10 19 C retained is left unchanged. e.g.
iv. One year One year = 365 × 24 × 3600 12.43 should be written as 12.4.
second iii. The zeros on the left side of the number
= 31536000 second are not significant. eg. the number
= 3.1536 × 107 second 0.0034 has only two significant figures.
 Order of magnitude iv. The zeros on the right side of number
= 107 second are significant because they indicate the
v. Universal G = 6.67 × 1011 Nm 2 /kg 2
accuracy of the instrument used for
gravitational measurement. Eg. 2.40 and 2.400
 Order of magnitude
constant represent the same number but they are
= 1010Nm 2 /kg 2 not equivalent. In 2.40 there are three
significant figures and 2.400 has four
Note: significant figures.
Order of magnitude of some other physical v. If the number of digits is more than the
quantities: number of significant figures, the
number should be expressed in the
Order of
No. Physical quantities power of ten. Thus, the mass of the earth
magnitude
is written as 5.98  1024 kg, as it is
i. Mass of the sun 1030 kg
known only upto 3 significant figures.
ii. Mass of an electron 1030 kg
Q.32. Find the number of significant figures in
iii. Distance of the sun from earth 1011 m
the following numbers.
iv. Distance of the moon from 108 m i. 25.42 ii. 0.004567
earth iii. 35.320 iv. 4.56 × 108
v. Diameter of proton 1015 m v. 1.609 × 1019 vi. 91.000
vi. Life time of an excited atom 108 s Ans:
vii. Size of atom 1010 m No. Number No. of significant figures
viii. Size of nucleus 1015 m i. 25.42 4
ix. Size of our galaxy 1021 m ii. 0.004567 4
x. Mass of atom 1026 kg iii. 35.320 5

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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd.
iv. 4.56 × 108 3 iv.
v. 1.609 × 1019 4 volume of a bar, the length is
vi. 91.000 5 measured with a metre scale whose
Q.33. Explain the rules for rounding-off the
number of the significant figures with
examples.
Ans: Rules for rounding-off the numbers:
While rounding-off numbers in measurement,
following rules are applied.
i. If the digit to be dropped is smaller than
5, then the preceding digit should be left
unchanged. eg. 7.34 is rounded-off to 7.3.
ii. If the digit to be dropped is greater than
5, then the preceding digit should be
raised by 1.
eg. 17.26 is rounded-off to 17.3
iii. If the digit to be dropped is 5 followed
by digits other than zero, then the
preceding digit should be raised by 1.
eg. 7.351, on being rounded-off to first
decimal becomes 7.4.
iv. If the digit to be dropped is 5 or 5
followed by zero, then the preceding
digit is not changed if it is even.
eg. 3.45, on being rounded-off becomes
3.4.
v. If the digit to be dropped is 5 or 5
followed by zeros, then the preceding
digit is raised by 1 if it is odd. eg. 3.35,
on being rounded-off becomes 3.4.
1.8 Accuracy and errors in measurements
*Q.34.Explain in brief, accuracy in
measurements.
OR
A. Define accuracy.
B. Explain accuracy in measurement
giving suitable examples.
Ans: A. Accuracy:
Accuracy is the closeness of the
measurement to the true or known value.
B. Explanation:
i. Accuracy of the measurement
depends upon the accuracy of the
instrument used for measurement.
ii. Defect in measurement of
physical quantities can lead to
errors and mistakes.
iii. Lesser the error, more is the
accuracy in the measurement of a
physical quantity.
12
Std. XI Sci.: Perfect Physics
For example, when we measure
least count is 1 mm. The breadth is
measured with a vernier calliper
whose least count is 0.1 mm.
Thickness of the bar can be
measured with a micrometer screw
gauge whose least count is
0.01 mm.
v. Thus, the smaller the magnitude of
a quantity, the greater is the need
for measuring it accurately.
Q.35. A. What is an error? Classify errors into
different categories.
Ans: A. Error:
i. The difference between measured
value and true value of a physical
quantity is called error.
ii. It is the uncertainty in measurement
of a physical quantity.
Error = Measured value  True value
B. Classification of errors:
Errors are classified into following four
groups:
i. Instrumental error (Constant error)
ii. Systematic error (Persistent error)
iii. Personal error (Human error)
iv. Random error (accidental error)
Q.36. A. What is instrumental (constant) error?
B. Explain the cause and remedies of
instrumental errors.
Ans: A. Instrumental (constant) error:
If the same error is repeated every time in
a series of observations, the error is said
to be constant error.
B. i. Cause:
a. Constant error is caused due to
faulty construction of measuring
instruments.
b. Example: If a thermometer is not
graduated properly, i.e. one degree
on the thermometer actually
corresponds to 0.99, the
temperature measured by such a
thermometer will differ from its
value by a constant amount.
ii. Remedies:
In order to minimise constant error,
measurements are made with
different accurate instruments.
Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01 : Measurements
Q.37. A. What is systematic error? *Q.40.Explain different types of errors in
B. Write down the cause and minimisation measurements with remedies.
of systematic error. Ans: Refer Q.36, Q.37, Q.38, Q.39.
Ans: A. Systematic errors:
Those errors which occur due to Q.41. State general methods to minimise effect of
defective setting of an instrument is errors.
called systematic error. Ans: Methods to minimise effect of errors:
B. i. Causes: i. Taking a large magnitude of the quantity
a. These errors are due to known to be measured.
reasons, i.e. fault in instrument, ii. Taking large number of readings and
improper attention, change in calculating their mean value.
condition, etc. iii. Using an instrument whose least count
b. Example: If the pointer of an is as small as possible.
ammeter is not pivoted exactly at iv. Experimental conditions such as
the zero of the scale, it will not temperature, pressure etc. should remain
point to zero when no current is constant within tolerable limit.
passing through it.
Q.42. A. What are mistakes?
ii. Minimization:
B. Explain causes of mistakes and their
These errors can be minimized by
remedies.
detecting the sources of errors.
Ans: A. Mistakes:
Q.38. A. What is personal error? The faults caused by the carelessness of
B. Give its remedies. an untrained experimenter are called
Ans: A. Personal error (Human error): mistakes.
i. The errors introduced due to fault B. i. Causes:
of an observer taking readings are Mistakes are commited due to
called personal errors.
lack of skill, faulty observation
ii. Example: Error due to non-
and wrong readings
removal of parallax between
ii. Remedies:
pointer and its image in case of a
Mistakes can be avoided by
magnetic compass needle, errors
careful and properly trained
made in counting number of
experimenter.
oscillations while measuring the
period of simple pendulum. Q.43. Distinguish between Mistakes and Errors in
B. Remedies: measurements.
They vary from person to person. Ans:
These errors can be reduced to some No. Mistakes Errors
extent by asking different observers to i. Mistake is a fault on Error is a fault due to
take the measurement. the part of the other reasons such as
Q.39. A. What is random error (accidental)? observer. limitations of human
B. How can it be minimized? senses, instruments
Ans: A. Random error (accidental): etc.
The errors which are caused due to ii. Mistakes can be Errors cannot be
minute change in experimental conditions totally avoided by eliminated; they can
like temperature, pressure or fluctuation taking proper care. be reduced.
in voltage, while the experiment is being iii. Mistakes are caused Errors are caused due
performed are called random errors. due to lack of taking to limitations of
Example: Mechanical vibrations, precautions, instruments used for
variations in Earth’s magnetic field. carelessness in measurement,
B. Minimization: taking and recording personal error due to
Random error cannot be eliminated readings, limitations of senses
completely but can be minimized to a large carelessness in etc.
extent. calculations etc.
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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Std. XI Sci.: Perfect Physics
Q.44. Define the terms: iv. Relative error:
*i. Most probable value (mean value) The ratio of the mean absolute error in the
*ii. Absolute error measurement of a physical quantity to its
iii. Mean absolute error most probable value is called relative
*iv. Relative error error.
*v. Percentage error a m
Relative error =
Ans: i. Most probable value (mean value): am
a. The mean value i.e., the arithmetic v. Percentage error:
average value of a large number of The relative error multiplied by 100 is
readings of a quantity is called the most called the percentage error.
probable value of that quantity. This
value can be considered to be true value a m
Percentage error = × 100%
of the quantity. am
b. If a1, a2, a3,…………an are ‘n’ number
of readings taken for measurement of a Q.45. If the error in ‘a’ is a then find the
quantity, then their mean value is given percentage error in:
by, a
i. an ii. ab iii.
a  a 2  ........  a n b
amean = 1 Ans: If the error in ‘a’ is a, then the percentage error
n
a
1 n is  100
 am =
n
 ai a
i 1 i. If the error in ‘a’ is a, then the
ii. Absolute error: percentage error in an is given as,
a 
a. For a given set of measurements of a an = n    100%
quantity, the magnitude of the difference  a 
between mean value (Most probable ii. If the error in measurement of a is a and
value) and each individual value is the error in measurement of ‘b’ is b, then
called absolute error (a) in the the percentage error in ‘ab’ is given as,
measurement of that quantity.  a b 
ab =    100
b. absolute error = |mean valuemeasured
 a b 
value|
iii. If the error in measurement of ‘a’ is a
| a1 | = a m  a1 and the error in measurement of ‘b’ is b
Similarly, |a2 | = a m  a 2 a
, then the percentage error in is given as,
. . . b
. . . a  a b 
=   100
. . . b  a b 
. . .
|an | = a m  a n Formulae
1. Measure of physical quantity:
iii. Mean absolute error:
M = nu
For a given set of measurements of a
where, n = numerical value, u = size of unit
same quantity, the arithmetic mean of all
the absolute errors is called mean 2. Relation between numerical value and size
absolute error in the measurement of that of unit:
physical quantity. n1u1 = n2u2
a1  a 2  ........  a n 3. Conversion factor of a unit in two system of
| a m | = units:
n
a b c
n M  L  T 
= 1  a i n=  1  1  1
n i 1  M 2   L 2   T2 

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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01 : Measurements
4. Average value or mean value: Dimensions of s = [M0L1T0]
a1  a 2  a 3  ..  a n 1 n 2 is dimensionless quantity.
am = =  ai Substitute dimensions in L.H.S. of
n n i 1
equation
5. If x = x1  x2, then maximum error:  L. H. S. = v2 = [M0L2T2] .…(1)
 x = x1 + x2 Substitute dimensions in R.H.S. equation
R.H.S. = u2 + 2 as
6. If x = x1m  x n2 , then error in measurement: =[M0L2T2] + {[M0L1T2]  [M0L1T0]}
x mx1 nx 2 R.H.S.= [M0L2T2] + [M0L2T2] .…(2)
= + From the equations (1) and (2), it is
x x1 x2
found that each term in the formula has
7. Absolute error = Average value  Measured same dimensions.
value
| an | = | am  an | *Example 3
If length ‘L’, force ‘F’ and time ‘T’ are taken as
8. Mean absolute error: fundamental quantities, what would be the
a1  a 2  ...  a n n
1 dimensional equation of mass and density?
|  am | =
n
=
n
 a i Solution:
i 1
i. Force = Mass  Acceleration
a m
9. Relative (fractional) error = Force
 Mass =
am Acceleration
 Dimensional equation of mass
a m
10. Percentage error =  100 % Dimensions of force  F1 
am  1 2
Dimensions of acceleration  L T 
Solved Examples = [F1L1T2]
 Dimensional equation of mass = [F1L1T2]
Type I : Problems based on dimensional analysis Mass
ii. Density =
*Example 1 Volume
Find the dimensions of the following Dimensional equation of density
i. Power ii. Force Dimensions of mass
=
iii. Electric Permittivity Dimensions of volume
Solution:  F1L1T 2 
= 
Work  L3 
i. Power [M1L2T3]
Time
= [F1L4T2]
Mass 
ii. Force [M1L1T2] Ans: i. The dimensional equation of mass is
Acceleration [F1L1T2].
Electric q2 ii. The dimensional equation of density is
iii. 0 = [M1L3 T4A2]
permittivity 4r 2 F [F1L4T2].

Example 2 *Example 4
Check the correctness of formula v2 = u2 + 2as by Derive an expression of kinetic energy of a body
using dimensional analysis. of mass ‘m’ and moving with velocity ‘v’, using
Solution: dimensional analysis.
Dimensions of v2 = [M0L1T1]2 Solution:
= [M0L2T2] Kinetic energy of a body depends upon mass (m)
Dimensions of u2 = [M0L1T1]2 and velocity (v) of the body.
= [M0L2T2] Let K.E.  mx vy
Dimensions of a = [M0L1T2]  K.E. = kmxvy ….(1)

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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Std. XI Sci.: Perfect Physics
where k = dimensionless constant of proportionality. L1 = 1 cm L2 = 1 m = 100 cm
Taking dimensions on both sides of equation (1), M1 = 1 g M2 = 1 kg = 1000 g
[M1L2T2] = [M1L0T0]x [M0L1T1]y T1 = 1 s T2 = 1 s
= [MxL0T0] [M0LyTy]
0.8 g cm3 = conversion factor (n)  kg m3 ….(1)
= [Mx + 0 L0 + y T0y]
[M1L2T2] = [MxLyTy] .…(2) 0.8 [M 11 L 13 T10] = n  [M 12 L 23 T20]
Equating dimensions of L, M, T on both sides of 0.8[M11 L13 T10 ]
 n=
equation (2) [M12 L23 T20 ]
y = 2 and x = 1 also y = 2 1 3 0
 y=2 M  L  T 
n = 0.8  1   1   1 
Substituting x, y in equation (1), we have  M 2   L2   T2 
K.E. = kmv2 1 3 0
 1 g   1 cm  1s 
= 0.8      
Example 5 1000g  100 cm  1s 
A calorie is a unit of heat or energy and it is equal
= 0.8 [103]1 [102]3
to about 4.2 J where 1 J = 1 kg m2 s2. Suppose,
= 0.8 [103] [10]6
we employ a system of units in which unit of mass
equals  kg, the unit of length equals  m, and the n = 0.8  103
unit of time is γ s. Show that a calorie has a Substituting the value of ‘n’ in equation (1),
magnitude of 4.2 21 2 in terms of the new we get, 0.8 g cm3 = 0.8  103 kg m3.
units. (NCERT) Ans: Density of oil in S.I unit is 0.8  103 kg m3.
2 2
Solution: 1 cal. = 4.2 kg m s
Example 7
S.I. system New system Assume that the speed (v) of sound in air depends
L1 = 1 m L2 =  m upon the pressure (P) and density () of air, then
M1 = 1 kg M2 =  kg use dimensional analysis to obtain an expression
T1 = 1 second T2 =  second for the speed of sound.
Solution:
Dimensional formula of energy is [M1L2T2]
It is given that speed (v) of sound in air depends
According to the question,
upon the pressure (P) and density () of the air.
4.2[ M11 L21 T12 ] = n  [ M12 L22 T22 ]
So we can write, v = k Pa b …(1)
Hence, magnitude of calorie in the new system is where k is a dimensionless constant and a and b are
given by conversion factor, ‘n’. powers to be determined.
1 2 2
M  L  T  Dimensions of v = [M0L1T1]
 n = 4.2  1   1   1 
 M 2   L 2   T2  Dimensions of P = [M1L1T2]
1 2 2 Dimensions of  = [M1L3T0]
 1 kg   1 m   1 s 
= 4.2       Substitute the dimensions of the quantities on both
  kg    m    s  sides of equation (1),
 n = 4.2 21 2  [M0L1T1] = [M1L1T2]a [M1L3T0]b
Ans: The magnitude of a calorie in terms of the new  [M0L1T1] = [MaLaT2a] [MbL3bT0]
units is 4.2 1 2 2.  [M0L1T1] = [Ma + bLa 3bT2a]
Comparing the powers of L, M and T on both sides,
Example 6 we get,
Density of oil is 0.8 g cm3 in C.G.S. unit. Find its 1
2a = 1  a=
value in S.I. units. 2
Solution: Also, a + b = 0
Dimensions of density is [M1L3T0] 1 1
 +b=0  b= 
2 2
C.G.S unit S.I unit
Substituting values of a and b in equation (1), we get
Dimension=  M11 L13 T10  Dimension = éêë M12 L-23 T20 ùúû
v = k P1/2 . 1/2
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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01 : Measurements
*Example 8 *Example 10
The hydrostatic pressure ‘P’ of a liquid column Using the method of dimension, show that
depends upon the density ‘’, height ‘h’ of liquid 1 joule = 107 erg.
column and also an acceleration ‘g’ due to Solution:
gravity. Using dimensional analysis, derive a Dimensions of work = [M1L2T2] .…(1)
formula for pressure P.
Solution: S.I. systems C.G.S system
Let P  hx y gz Dimensions= [M11 L21 T12 ] Dimensions= [M12 L22 T2 2 ]
 P = k hx y gz .… (1) L1 = 1 m = 100 cm L2 = 1 cm
Where k is the constant of proportionality. M1 = 1 kg = 1000 g M2 = 1 g
Dimensionally, T1 = 1 s T2 = 1 s
[M1L1T2] = [M0L1T0]x × [M1L3T0]y × [M0L1T2]z
To show that: 1 J = 107 erg
 [M1L1T2] = [My Lx  3y + z T2z]
Comparing the powers of L, M and T on the both Let 1 J = n  erg ....(2)
sides, we get Conversion factor, n, is given by,
y = 1, x  3y + z =  1 and  2z =  2 1  [M11 L21 T12 ] = n  [M12 L22 T2 2 ]
Solving we get, x = 1, y = 1 and z = 1 1 2 2
M   L1   T1 
Substituting the values of x, y, z in equation (i) we  n=  1    
get, P = k hg  M2   L2   T2 
Assuming k = 1, we get 1
1000 g  100 cm  1 s 
2 2

The formula for the hydrostatic pressure of a liquid =      

column is, P = hg.  g   cm  1 s 
= 103  104
Example 9  n = 107
The value of G in C.G.S system is Substituting the value of ‘n’ in equation (2), we have,
6.67  108 dyne cm2 g2. Calculate its value in S.I. 1 J = 107 erg.
system.
Solution: Type II: Problems based on order of magnitude
Dimensional formula of gravitational constant = and significant figures
[M1L3T2] Example 11
C.G.S system S.I. system Add 7.21, 12.141 and 0.0028 and express the
result to an appropriate number of significant
Dimension= [M1 L1 T1 ] Dimension= [M 21 L32 T22 ]
-1 3 -2
figures.
L1 = 1 cm L2 = 1 m = 100 cm Solution:
M1 = 1 g M2 = 1 kg = 1000 g 7. 21
T1 = 1 s T2 = 1 s
12.141
6.67  108 dyne cm2 g2 = Conversion factor (n)   0.0028
Nm2 kg2 ....(1) Sum  19.3538
 6.67  108 [M11 L31 T12 ] = n  [M 21 L32 T22 ] In the given problem, minimum number of digits
1 3
 M1   L1   T1 
2 after decimal is 2.
 n = 6.67  108        Result will be rounded off upto two places of
 M 2   L2   T2 
1 3 2
decimal.
 1 g   1 cm  1 s  Ans: Corrected rounded off sum is 19.35.
n = 6.67  108      
1000 g  100 cm  1 s 
n = 6.67  108  106  103 *Example 12
n = 6.67  1011 State the order of magnitude of the following:
From equation (1), i. Acceleration due to gravity g = 9.81 m/s2
6.67  108 dyne cm2 g2 = 6.67  1011 Nm2 kg2 ii. The gravitation constant
Ans: Value of G in S.I. system is 6.67  1011 Nm2 kg2. G = 6.67  1011 Nm2/kg2

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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd.
iii. The period of rotation of the earth about its
own axis.
Solution:
i. Acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.81 ms2
= 9.81  100 m/s2  9.81 > 5
 Order of magnitude of acceleration due to
gravity = 100+1 = 101 ms2
ii. The gravitational constant,
G = 6.67  1011 Nm2 / kg2  6.67 > 5
 Order of magnitude of gravitational constant
= 1011 + 1 = 1010 Nm2/kg2
iii. The period of rotation of the earth about its
own axis,
T = 8.64  104 s  8.64 > 5
 Order of magnitude of period of rotation =104+1
=105 s
Ans: i. The order of magnitude of acceleration
due to gravity is 101 m/s2.
ii. The order of magnitude of gravitational
constant is 1010 Nm2/kg2.
iii. The order of magnitude of period of
revolution of earth about its own axis is
105 s.
*Example 13
Determine the number of significant figures in
the following measurements.
i. 0.05718 ii. 93.26
iii. 2.35  1019 iv. 1.3725  109
Solution:
i. 0.05718 significant figures are 5, 7, 1, 8 (Zero
of left side of number is not significant)
 Number of significant figures = 4
ii. 93.26
Significant figures = 9, 3, 2, 6
 Number of significant figures = 4
iii. 2.35  1019
Significant figures = 2, 3, 5
 Number of significant figures = 3
iv. 1.3725  109
Significant figures = 1, 3, 7, 2, 5
 Number of significant figures = 5
Example 14
The length, breadth and thickness of a
rectangular sheet of metal are 4.234 m, 1.005 m
and 2.01 cm respectively. Give the area and
volume of the sheet to correct significant figures.
(NCERT)
Solution:
Given: l = 4.234 m, b = 1.005 m,
t = 2.01 cm = 2.01  102 m
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Std. XI Sci.: Perfect Physics
To find: i. Area of sheet to correct significant
figures (A)
ii. Volume of sheet to correct
significant figures (V)
Formulae: i. A=lb ii. V = l  b  t
Calculation: From formula (i),
A = 4.234  1.005 = 4.255
As the rectangular sheet has two surfaces, we
multiply the above answer by 2.
 total area of rectangular sheet = 4.255  2
= 8.510 m2
In correct significant figure, A = 8.510 m2
From formula (ii),
V = 4.234  1.005  2.01  102
= 0.0855289 m3
In correct significant figure, V = 0.085 m3
Ans: i. Area of sheet to correct significant
figures is 8.510 m2.
ii. Volume of sheet to correct significant
figures is 0.085 m3.
Example 15
The mass of a box measured by a grocer’s
balance is 2.3 kg. Two gold pieces of masses
20.15 g and 20.17 g are added to the box. What is
(i) the total mass of the box? (ii) the difference in
the masses of the pieces to correct significant
figures? (NCERT)
Solution:
i. Total mass of the box
= (2.3 + 0.02017 + 0.02015) kg
= 2.34032 kg
Since, the last number of significant figure is 2,
therefore, the total mass of the box = 2.3 kg
ii. Difference of mass = (20.17  20.15) = 0.02 g
Since, there are two significant figures so the
difference in masses to the correct significant figures
is 0.02 g.
Ans: i. The total mass of the box to correct
significant figures is 2.3 kg.
ii. The difference in the masses to correct
significant figures is 0.02 g.
Example 16
Find the order of magnitude of force exerted by the
sun on the earth. Mass of the sun =  1.99  1030 kg,
Mass of earth = 5.97  1024 kg, Distance between
Earth and the Sun = 1.49  1011 m,
G = 6.67  1011 Nm2/kg2
Solution:
Given: MS = 1.99  1030 kg, ME = 5.97 1024kg,
R = 1.49  1011m, G = 6.67  1011 Nm2/kg2
Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01 : Measurements
To find: Order of magnitude of force Example 18
M S .M E 1
Formula: F = G. Find the percentage error in energy E = mv2 ,
R2 2
Calculation: From formula, where m = (52.4  0.2) kg and v = (25.6  0.1) m/s.
6.67  1011  1.99 1030  5.97  1024
F= Solution:
1.49 10 
11 2
Given: m = 52.4 kg, v = 25.6 m/s, m = 0.2 kg,
= 35.69  1021 N v = 0.1 m/s
= 3.569  1022 N To find: Percentage error in E
Formula:
 3.569 < 5
 m v 
Percentage error in E =  2  100%
 Order of magnitude = 10 N 22
 m v 
Ans: The order of magnitude of the force exerted by Calculation:
the sun on the earth is 1022 N. From formula,
 0.2 0.1 
Type III: Problems based on errors in measurement Percentage error in E =   2   100%
 52.4 25.6 
Example 17 = 1.16%
In an experiment to find the density of a solid, the Ans: The percentage error in energy is 1.16%.
mass and volume of the solid were found to be Type IV: Miscellaneous
400.3  0.02 g and 75.6  0.01 cm3 respectively.
Example 19
Find the percentage error in the determination of
In an experiment, width of given object was
its density. found to be 1.55 cm, 1.54 cm, 1.53 cm, 1.52 cm,
Solution: 1.49 cm in successive trials. Calculate mean
Given: M = 400.3 g, M = 0.02 g, absolute error, relative error and percentage
V = 75.6 cm3, V= 0.01 cm3 error.
Solution:
To find: Percentage error in 
Given: a1 = 1.55 cm, a2 = 1.54 cm, a3 = 1.53 cm,
 a4 = 1.52 cm, a5 = 1.49 cm, n = 5
Formula:  100%
 To find: i. Mean absolute error
Calculation: From formula, ii. Relative error
M 0.02 iii. Percentage error
= = 0.00005 Formula:
M 400.3
a1  a 2  .....  a n
V .01 i. Mean absolute error =
and = = 0.00013 n
V 75.6
a m
Relation between mass, volume and density is ii. Relative error =
 = M/V am

 M V a m
 = + (neglecting sign) iii. Percentage error =  100%
 M V am
 Calculation:
 = 0.00005 + 0.00013 = 0.00018 a1  a 2  a 3  a 4  a 5
 i. Mean of readings, a m 
5
Hence, the percentage error in the determination of 1.55  1.54  1.53  1.52  1.49
the density of the solid is 
5
  7 . 63
 100% = (0.00018  100)% = 0.018% am   1.526 cm
 5
a1  1.526  1.55  0.024  0.024
Ans: The percentage error in the determination of
density is 0.018%. a 2  1.526  1.54  0.014  0.014

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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Std. XI Sci.: Perfect Physics

a 3  1.526  1.53  0.004  0.004 ii. Absolute errors:

|a1| = |am  a1| = |5.00  5.04| = |0.04| = 0.04
a 4  1.526  1.52  0.006  0.006
|a2| = |am  a2| = |5.00  5.06| = |0.06| = 0.06
a 5  1.526  1.49  0.036  0.036 |a3| = |am  a3| = |5.00  4.97| = |0.03| = 0.03
From formula (i), |a4| = |am  a4| = |5.00  5.00| = 0.00
| a1 |  | a 2 |  | a 3 |  | a 4 |  | a 5 | |a5| = |am  a5| = |5.00  4.93| = |0.07| = 0.07
a m  From formula (ii),
5
0.024  0.014  0.004  0.006  0.036 a1  a 2  a 3  a 4  a 5
= a m =
5 5
0.084 0.04  0.06  0.03  0.00  0.07
= = 0.0168 =
5 5
0.20
  a m = 0.0168 cm = = 0.04
5
ii. From formula (ii),
0.0168  a m = 0.04 g
Relative error = = 0.011
1.526 iii. From formula (iii),
 Relative error = 0.011 cm 0.04 4
iii. From formula (iii), Percentage error =  100% = = 0.8
5.00 5
Percentage error = 0.011 × 100 = 1.1  Percentage error = 0.8%
 Percentage error = 1.1% Ans: i. The mean value is 5.00 g.
Ans: i. The mean absolute error is 0.0168 cm. ii. The mean absolute error is 0.04 g.
ii. The relative error is 0.011 cm. iii. The percentage error is 0.8%.
iii. The percentage error is 1.1%.
Practice Problems
*Example 20
An object was weighed by a physical balance and Type I : Problem based on Dimensional analysis
following readings were obtained:
5.04 g, 5.06 g, 4.97 g, 5.00 g, 4.93 g. 1. The acceleration due to gravity of a place is
Find i. Mean value 9.8 ms2. Find its value in km h2.
ii. Mean absolute error 2. If the value of atmospheric pressure is
iii. Percentage error
106 dyne cm2 in CGS system, find its value in
Solution:
S.I. system.
Given: a1 = 5.04 g, a2 = 5.06 g, a3 = 4.97 g
a4 = 5.00 g, a5 = 4.93 g, n = 5 3. Check the correctness of the relation  = I,
To find: i. Mean value where  is the torque acting on a body, I is the
ii. Mean absolute error moment of inertia and  is angular acceleration.
iii. Percentage error l
Formula: 4. Check the correctness of T = 2
g
a1  a 2  a 3  a 4  a 5
i. Mean value = a m 
5 5. Assuming that the mass M of the largest stone
a1  a 2  .....  a n that can be moved by a flowing river depends
ii. Mean absolute error =
n upon ‘v’ the velocity, ‘’ the density of water
a m and on ‘g’ the acceleration due to gravity.
iii. Percentage error =  100% Show that M varies with sixth power of the
am velocity of flow.
Calculation:
i. From formula (i), 6. Assuming that the critical velocity vc of a
5.04  5.06  4.97  5.00  4.93 viscous liquid flowing through a capillary tube
am = depends only upon the radius r of the tube,
5
25.00 density  and the coefficient of viscosity  of
= = 5.00 g the liquid, find the expression for critical
5
velocity.
 a m = 5.00 g

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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01 : Measurements

Type II: Order of magnitude and significant figures 5. The dimension of elastic constant is
(A) [M1L2T2] (B) [M1L1T2]
7. Find the order of magnitude of following data.
(C) [M1L2T2] (D) [M1L1T1]
i. height of a tower 4325 m
ii. weight of a car 789 kg 6. The dimension of angular velocity is
iii. Charge on electron 1.6  1019 C (A) [M1L1T1] (B) [M1L3T1]
0 0 1
8. Round off the following numbers as indicated (C) [M L T ] (D) [M1L1T1]
i. 15.654 upto 3 digits 7. The dimension of power is
ii. 1426 upto 5 digits (A) [M1L2T3] (B) [M1L3T1]
iii. 5.996  105 upto 3 digits (C) [M1L2T1] (D) [M1L2T3]
9. Add 3.8  106 and 4.2  105 with due regards 8. Which of the following is the proper
to significant figures. combination for force?
10. The diameter of a sphere is 2.78 m. Calculate its (A) kg (B) metre/s2
volume with due regards to significant figures. (C) kg  m  m/s2 (D) kg  m/s2
Type III: Errors in measurement 9. A physical quantity may be defined as
(A) the one having dimension.
11. Two different masses are determined as (B) that which is immeasurable.
(23.7  0.5) g and (17.6  0.3) g. What is the (C) that which has weight.
sum of their masses? (D) that which has mass.
12. The lengths of two rods are recorded as
10. [M1L1T1] is an expression for _______.
l1 = (25.2  0.1) cm and l2 = (16.8  0.1) cm. (A) force (B) energy
Find their combined length. (C) pressure (D) momentum
Type IV : Miscellaneous 11. Dimensions of sin  is
13. The length of a rod as measured in an (A) [L2] (B) [M]
experiment was found to be 2.48 m, 2.46 m, (C) [ML] (D) [M0L0T0]
2.49 m, 2.50 m and 2.48 m. Find the mean 12. Dimensions of surface tension is
absolute error, relative error and percentage
(A) [M1L1T1] (B) [M1L0T2]
error. 1
1
(C) [M LT ] (D) [M2L2T1]
Multiple Choice Questions 13. Dimensions of frequency is
1. Which of the following is the fundamental unit? (A) [M1L3T2] (B) [M1L1T1]
(A) Length, force, time (C) [M0L0T1] (D) [M1L2T2]
(B) Length, mass, time 14. The unit of energy is same as the unit of
(C) Mass, volume, height (A) power (B) momentum
(D) Mass, velocity, pressure (C) work (D) force
2. S.I. unit of energy is joule and it is equivalent to 15. Dyne-second stands for the unit of
(A) 106 erg (B) 107 erg (A) force (B) momentum
(C) 107 erg (D) 105 erg (C) energy (D) power
3. Which of the following pairs are similar? 16. Which of the following quantities can be
(A) work and power
written as kg m2 A 2 s3 in S.I. units?
(B) momentum and energy
(A) resistance (B) inductance
(C) force and power
(C) capacitance (D) magnetic flux
(D) work and energy
17. Error in the measurement of radius of a sphere
4. Which of the following is the moment of a
is 1%. Then error in the measurement of
force?
volume is
(A) [M1L1T2] (B) [M1L2T2]
1 1 2 (A) 1% (B) 5%
(C) [M L T ] (D) [M1L1T1] (C) 3% (D) 8%
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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Std. XI Sci.: Perfect Physics
18. Three measurements are made as 18.425 cm, 28. For measurement of mass of subatomic
7.21 cm and 5.0 cm. The addition should be particles, which of the following method is
written as suitable?
(A) 30.635 cm (B) 30.64 cm (A) Parallax method
(C) 30.63 cm (D) 30.6 cm (B) Mass spectro graph
19. Subtract 0.2 J from 7.26 J and express the result (C) Method based on Newton’s law of
with correct number of significant figures gravitation
(A) 7.1 J (B) 7.06 J (D) Lever balance
(C) 7 .0 J (D) 7 J 29. An atomic clock makes use of _______.
20. The number of significant figure in (A) cesium-133 atom (B) cesium-132 atom
11.118  106 is (C) cesium-123 atom (D) cesium-131 atom
(A) 3 (B) 4 30. Dimensional equation for temperature gradient
(C) 5 (D) 6 is
21. Zero error of an instrument introduces (A) [M1L0T1K0] (B) [M0L1T0K1]
0 1 0 1
_______. (C) [M L T K ] (D) [M0L1T0K1]
(A) systematic error (B) random error 31. The two stars S1 and S2 are located at
(C) personal error (D) decimal error distances d1 and d2 respectively. Also if d1  d2
22. Accuracy of measurement is determined by then following statement is true.
(A) absolute error (B) percentage error (A) The parallax of S1 and S2 are same.
(C) human error (D) personal error (B) The parallax of S1 is twice as that of S2
(C) The parallax of S1 is greater than
23. What is the % error in measurement of time parallax of S2
period of a pendulum, if maximum errors in (D) The parallax of S2 is greater than
measurements of length and ‘g’ are 2% and parallax of S1
4% respectively?
(A) 6% (B) 3% 32. 0.00849 contains ______ significant figures.
(C) 4% (D) 5% (A) 6 (B) 5
(C) 3 (D) 2
24. When a current of (2.5  0.5) A flows through
a wire, it develops a potential difference of 33. 50.000 contains ______ significant figures.
(20  1) V. The resistance of wire is (A) 5 (B) 3
(A) (8  2) ohm (B) (8  1.5) ohm (C) 2 (D) 1
(C) (8  0.5) ohm (D) (8  3) ohm 34. 3.310  102 has ______ significant figures.
25. A distance of about 50 cm is measured using a (A) 6 (B) 4
metre stick having mm division. The (C) 2 (D) 1
percentage error is 35. Which of the following is NOT a fundamental
(A) 0.2 % (B) 0.4% quantity?
(C) 0.02% (D) 0.002% (A) Temperature (B) Electric charge
26. The distance of the planet from the earth is (C) Mass (D) Electric current
measured by _______.
36. Which of the following is NOT a unit of time?
(A) direct method
(A) Hour (B) Nano second
(B) directly by metre scale
(C) Microsecond (D) Light year
(C) spherometer method
(D) parallax method 37. Identify the pair, whose dimensions are equal
(A) Torque and work (B) Stress and energy
27. The diameter of the paper pin is measured
(C) Force and stress (D) Force and work
accurately by using _______.
(A) vernier callipers 38. The Earth’s radius is 6371 km. The order of
(B) micrometer screw gauge magnitude of the Earth’s radius is
(C) metre scale (A) 103 m (B) 109 m
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(D) a measuring tape (C) 10 m (D) 102 m

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Target Publications Pvt. Ltd. Chapter 01 : Measurements
Answers to Practice Problems
=
 Mass  Distance
Time
2 5 2 2
1. 127008 km h 2. 10 Nm
 K 
6.  vc   M1   L1 
=  2  = [M1L1T–2]

 r 
T 
7. i. 103 m ii. 103 kg
iii. 1019 C which is the correct option.
8. i 15.7 ii. 14260 For option (C): [kg  m  m/sec2]
iii. 6.00  105  L1 
=  M1  L1  2 
9. 4.6  105 10. 11.25 m3  T 
11. 41.3  0.8 g 12. 42.0  0.2 cm = [M1L2T–2].
13. 0.01 m, 0.004 m, 0.4% which is incorrect.
For option (B): [metre/sec2]
Answers to Multiple Choice Questions
 L1 
1. (B) 2. (C) 3. (D) 4. (B) =  2  = [M0L1T–2]
T 
5. (B) 6. (C) 7. (A) 8. (D)
9. (A) 10. (D) 11. (D) 12. (B) which is incorrect.
13. (C) 14. (C) 15. (B) 16. (A) For option (A): [kg] = [M1 L0 T0]
17. (C) 18. (D) 19. (A) 20. (C) which is incorrect.
21. (A) 22. (B) 23. (B) 24. (A)
13. [Frequency] =
 Number of oscillations
25. (A) 26. (D) 27. (B) 28. (B)
29. (A) 30. (D) 31. (D) 32. (C) Time
33. (A) 34. (B) 35. (B) 36. (D)  M 0 L0 T 0 
37. (A) 38. (C) = = [M0L0T–1]
 T1 
Hints to Multiple Choice Questions 4 3
17. V= r
3
3. [Work] = [Force]  [Displacement]  % error in V = 3  % error in r = 3  1% = 3%
= [M1L1T–2]  [L1]
18. 18.425 cm + 7.21 cm + 5.0 cm = 30.635 cm.
= [M1L2T–2]
Performing addition, the number of significant
[Energy] = [Mass] [Velocity]2
figures in the sum must be equal to those in the
= [M1] [L1T–1]2 = [M1L2T–2]
number having the smallest number of decimal
Hence, [Work] = [Energy] places. Such a number in the given example is

5. [Elastic constant] =
stress 5.0 carrying only one decimal place. Hence the
sum, 30.635 must be rounded to one decimal
strain  place yielding 30.6 cm.

=
 Force / Area  25. Here, the Least count of the stick = 1 mm
 Ratio of same physical quantities = 0.1 cm.
Magnitude of the distance to be measured
=
 Force =  M1L1T 2  = [M1L–1T–2] using the stick = 50 cm.
 Area   L2 
 % error =
0.1  100
% = 0.2%.
50
8. [Force] = [Mass]  [Acceleration]
 Velocity 
= [Mass]   
 Time 

 Mass  
Distance 
=  Time 
Time
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