Units & Dimension

UNITS & DIMENSION
IIT-JEE Syllabus
1. Unit & Dimensions
2. Dimensional analysis
 Least count
4. Significant figure
5. Methods of measurement
6. Methods of measurement and Error analysis for physical quantities
Total No. of questions in Units & Dimension are:
Solved examples…....…………………………..…07
Exercise # 1 …….……………………………….…15
Exercise # 2 …….……………………………….…20
Exercise # 3 …….……………………………….…21
Exercise # 4 ……………………………………..…07
Exercise # 5 ……………………………………..…12
Total No. of questions………………..82
*** Students are advised to solve the questions of exercises in the same sequence or as
directed by the faculty members.
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Index : Preparing your own list of Important/Difficult Questions
Instruction to fill
(A) Write down the Question Number you are unable to solve in column A below, by Pen.
(B) After discussing the Questions written in column A with faculties, strike off them in the
manner so that you can see at the time of Revision also, to solve these questions again.
(C) Write down the Question Number you feel are important or good in the column B.
COLUMN :A COLUMN :B
EXERCISE
NO. Questions i am unable
Good/Important questions
to solve in first attempt
Advantages
1. It is advised to the students that they should prepare a question bank for the revision as it is
very difficult to solve all the questions at the time of revision.
2. Using above index you can prepare and maintain the questions for your revision.
KEY CONCEPT
Fundamental Units Symbol
1. Physical quantity
quantity
The quantities by means of which we describe the (i) Length metre m
laws of physics are called physical quantities. (i) Mass kilogram kg
1.1 Fundamental Quantities
Physical quantities which are independent of (iii) Time second s

each other and cannot be further resolved into
any other physical quantity are known as (iv) Electric current ampere A
fundamental quantities. There are seven (v) Thermodynamic kelvin K
fundamental quantities. In SI system of units.
temperature
1.2 Derived Quantities :
(vi) Luminous candela cd
Physical quantities which depend upon
fundamental quantities or which can be intensity
derived from fundamental quantities are (vii) Amount of mole mol.
known as derived quantities.
substance
2. Unit
3.3 supplementary units :
Measurement of any physical quantity involves Besides the seven fundamental units two
comparison with a certain basic, arbitrarily chosen, supplementary units are defined.
internationally accepted reference standard called
unit. (i) the unit for the plane angle is radian with the
symbol rad
2.1 Fundamental unit :
(ii) the unit for the solid angle is steradian with
The unit for the fundamental or the base the symbol sr.
quantities are called fundamental or base
units. 4. Dimensions
2.2 Derived unit : 4.1 Dimensions of a physical quantity are the

powers to which the fundamental quantities
The unit of the derived quantities are called must be raised to represent the given physical
derived unit. quantity.
llustration :
3. Principle system of units
Force (Quantity) = mass × acceleration
3.1 (i) C.G.S. system [centimetre (cm) ; gram (g)
velocity lengt h
and second (s)] = mass × = mass ×
time ( t ime) 2
(ii) F.P.S system [foot ; pound ; second]
= mass × length × (time)–2
(iii) M.K.S. system [meter ; kilogram ; second] So dimensions of force : 1 in mass
(iv) S.I. (system of international) 1 in length
3.2 In SI system their are seven base unit : –2 in time
and Dimensional formula : [MLT–2]
4.2 Dimension of seven base quantities :
Fundamental quantity Dimension
(i) Length [L]
(ii) Mass [M]
(iii) Time [T]
(iv) Electric current [A]
(v) Thermodynamic temperature [K]
(vi) Luminous intensity [cd]
(vii) Amount of substance [mol]
5. Dimensional formula
It is an expression which shows how and which of the fundamental units are required to represent the unit of
physical quantity.
Different quantities with units. symbol and dimensional formula,
Quantity Symbol Formula S.I. Unit D.F.
Displacement s — Metre or m M0LT0
Area A l×b (Metre)2 or m2 M0L2T0
Volume V l×b×h (Metre)3 or m3 M0L3T0

s
Velocity v v= m/s M0LT–1
t
Momentum p p = mv kgm/s MLT–1

v
Acceleration a a= m/s2 M0LT–2
t
Force F F = ma newton or N MLT–2

Impulse – F×t N.sec MLT–1
Work W F. d N.m ML2T–2
1
K.E. = mv2
Energy KE or U 2 joule or J ML2T–2
P.E. = mgh
W
Power P P= watt or W ML2T–3
t
Density d d = mass/volume kg/m3 ML–3T0

Pressure P P = F/A pascal or Pa ML–1T–2
Torque  =r×F N.m. ML2T–2
arc
Angular displacement   = radian or rad M0L0T0
radius

Angular velocity  = rad/sec M0L0T–1
t

Angular acceleration   = rad/sec2 M0L0T–2
t
Moment of Inertia I I = mr2 kg-m2 ML2T0
kg . m 2
Angular momentum J or L J = mvr ML2T–1
s
1
Frequency  or f f = hertz or Hz M0L0T–1
T
Stress — F/A N/m2 ML–1T–2
  A V
Strain — ; ; —- M0L0T0
 A V
Young's modulus F/ A
Y Y= N/m2 ML–1T–2
/ 
F W N J
Surface tension T or ; ML0T–2
 A m m2
Force constant (spring) k F = kx N/m ML0T–2
 dv 
Coefficient of viscosity  F=  A kg/ms(poise in C.G.S) ML–1T–1
 dx 
Gm 1m 2
F=
r2 N  m2
Gravitational constant G M–1L3T–2
Fr 2 kg2
G=
m1m 2
PE J
Gravitational potential Vg Vg =
kg M0L2T–2
m
Temperature  — kelvin or K M0L0T0 K+1

Heat Q Q = m × S × t joule or calorie ML2T–2
joule
Specific heat S Q = m × S × t or Jkg–1K–1 M0L2T–2 K–1
kg. kelvin
Joule
Latent heat L Q = mL or Jkg–1 M0L2T–2
kg
Joule
Coefficient of thermal KA(1   2 ) t or Jm–1J–1K–
K Q= m sec K MLT–3 K–1
conductivity d 1
Mechanical equivalent
J W = JH — M0L0T0
of heat
Q
Charge Q or q I= coulomb or C M0L0TA
t
Current I — ampere or A M0L0T0A

1 qq (coul.)2 C2
Electric permittivity 0 F= . 1 2 or M–1L–3A2T4
40 r 2 N.m  N  m2
W
Electric Potential V V=
q
joule/coul ML2T–3A–1
F
Intensity of electric field E E=
q
N/coul. MLT–3A–1
Capacitance C Q = CV farad M–1L–2T4A2

Dielectric constant 
r r = — M0L0T0
or relative permittivity 0
Resistance R V = IR Ohm ML2T–3A–2

1
Conductance S S= mho M–1L–2T–3A2
R
Specific resistance RA
 = ohm × meter ML3T–3A–2
or resistivity 
Conductivity or 1
 = Mho/meter M–1L–3T3A2
specific conductance 
F = qvBsin
Magnetic induction B tesla or weber/m2 MT–2A–1
or F = BIL
d
Magnetic flux  e= weber ML2T–2A–1
dt
Magnetic intensity H B=H A/m M0L–1T0A

Magnetic permeability  0 Idl sin  N
0 B= MLT–2A–2
of free space or medium 4 r2 amp2
Coefficient of self or dI
L e=L. henery ML2T–2A–2
Mutual inductance dt
Electric dipole moment p p = q × 2l C.m. M0LTA
Magnetic dipole moment M M = NIA amp.m2 M0L2AT0
6. Application of dimensional analysis Rule 4. All zeros on the right of the last non zero
digit in the decimal part are significant
(a) Checking the dimensional consistency of
equations. Ex.x = 0.00800 has three significant
figure 8, 0, 0. The zeros before 8 are not
(b) Deducing relation among the physical significant. Again 1.00 has three
quantities. significant figures
(c) To find the unit of a given physical
quantity in a given system of units 11. Arithmatical operations with significant
figures
7. Absolute error
(a) Addition and subtraction: –
  a= |Measured value – True value|
In addition or subtraction, the number of
= |a – a0| decimal places in the result should equal the
smallest number of decimal places of terms in
8. Fractional error & percentage error the operation.
a (b) Multiplication and Division: –

(i) fractional error = ,
a0 In multiplication and division, the number of
a significant figures in the product or in the
(ii) percentage error =  100 quotients is the same as the smallest number
a0 of significant figures in any of the factors.
9. Combination of errors 9500

Ex.  928.64125
if 10.23
(i) x = a + b x = a + b As 9500 has minimum number of significant
(ii) x = a – b x = a + b figures (i.e. 2), therefore, the quotient can
have only two significant digits. On rounding
 x a  b
(iii) x = a / b  =   off. we obtain the quotient = 930
x a b
x a 12. Multiplication factors & SI prefixes
 (iv)x = an =n
x a
Multiplication factors Prefix Symbol
a n bm x a b c
(v) x = =| n | |m | |p |
cp x a b c 1018 Exa. E
10. Common rules for counting signification 1015 Peta P
Rule 1. All non zero digits are significant. 1012 Tera T

Ex.x = 1234 has four significant figures. 109 Giga G
Rule 2. All zero occurring between two non zero
digits are significant 106 Mega M
Ex.x = 1007 has four significant figure. 103 Kilo k

Again x = 1.0809 has five significant
figure 102 Hecto h
Rule 3. In a number less than one all zeros to the 10 Deca da
right of decimal point and to the left of a
non zero digit are NOT significant. 10–1 Deci d
Ex. x = 0.0084 has only two significant digits
10–2 Centi c
10–3 Milli m (c) For time
10–6 Micro µ (i) Minute 1 min = 60 s

(ii) Hour 1 h = 60 × 60 s
10–9 Nano n
(iii)Day 1 day = 24 h
10–12 Pico p
= 24 × 60 × 60 s
10–15 Femto f
(iv)Year 1 yr = 365.25 days
10–18 Atto a = 3.156 × 107 s
13. Some of the non SI units in common use (v) Shake 1 shake = 10–8 s
are (d) For other quantities
(a) For length/distance (i) Barn (for area) 1 barn = 10–28 m2
(i) Astronomical unit 1 AU = 1.496 × 1011 m (ii) Litre (for volume) 1  = 103 cc = 10–3 m3
where cc represents
(ii) Light year, 1 y = 9.64 × 1015 m
cubic centimeter
(iii) Parallactic second 1 pc = 3.084 × 1016 m
i.e. cm3.
= 3.26 y
(iii) Gallon (for volume) In U.S.A.,
(iv) Micron or 1 µm = 10–6 m
1 gallon = 3.7854 
micrometer
(iv) Pascal (for pressure) 1 Pa = 1 Nm–2
(v) Nanometer 1 nm = 10–9 m
Pressure exerted by 1 atm = 1.01 × 105 Pa
(vi) Angstrom unit 1Å= 10–10 m
earth’s atmosphere
(vii) X - ray unit 1 xu = 10–13 m
(v) Electron volt 1 eV = 1.6 × 10–19 J
(viii) Fermi 1f= 10–15 m
(for energy/work)
(ix) Yard 1 yd = 0.9144 m
(vi) Erg (for energy/ work) 1 erg = 10–7 J
(x) Foot 1 ft = 0.3048 m
(vii) Kilowatt hour 1 kWh = 3.6 × 106 J
(xi) Inch 1 in = 0.0254 m
(for energy)
(xii) Mile 1 Mile = 1609.344 m
(viii) Horse Power 1hp = 746 W
= 1.61 km
(for power)
(xiii) Nautical mile 1 n mile = 1852 m
(ix) Dioptre 1 D = 1 m–1
(b) For mass
(for power of a lens)
(i) Pound 1 lb = 0.4536 kg
π
(ii) Slug 1 slug = 14.59 kg (x) Degree (for angle) 1º = rad
180
(iii) Quintal 1 q = 100 kg
(iv) Metric tone 1 t = 1000 kg
(v) Atomic mass unit 1 amu = 1u
= 1.66 × 10–27 kg
SOLVED EXAMPLES
Ex.1 Mass of the proton is 1.6 × 10–27 kg. Ex.4 Column 1 gives three physical quantities.
Calculate the number of protons in a piece of Select the appropriate units for these from
metal whose net mass is one gram. Express choices given in column. Some of the
your answer in order of magnitude. physical quantities may have more than one
(A) 1023 (B) 1025 choice.
(C) 1024 (D) 1022 I II
Sol 1 gm = 10–3 kg Capacitance Ohm × second
 number of protons in one gram metal Inductance Coul2 joule–1
103 Magnetic- Coulomb (volt)–1
= = 6.25 × 1023
1.6  10 27 inductance Newton(amp.-m)–1
Thus the number of protons in one gram Volt-sec (Ampere)–1
metal is of the order of 1024. Sol. (I) q = CV
Hence correct answer is (C). q
i.e. [C] =  
Ex.2 Solve with regards to significant figures. V
0.9996 3.54 so [C] = [M–1 L–2 T4 A2]
1.638 1 2
U = LI
0.9996 3.54 2
Sol. = 2.1603
1.638 U
i.e. [L] =  2  so [L] = [M1 L2 T–2 A–2]
The answer should be up to 3 significant I 
figures. Therefore the correct answer is 2.16.
F = Bil sin
Ex.3 If velocity, force and time are taken to be
F
fundamental quantities find the dimensions i.e. [B] =   so [B] = [MT–2 A–1]
formula for a mass.  i 
(II) Now the dimensions from given units are
(A) KV–1 FT–1 (B) K V–1 FT
(C) K V F T–1 –1 (D) K V–1 F–1 T ohm × sec  [R] [T] [ML2 T–3 A–2] [T]
Sol. Let the mass is represented by M then = [ML2 T–2 A–2]
M = f (V, F, T) q2  [A 2 T 2 ]
Coul2 – joule–1    
Assuming that the function is product of w [ML2 T  2 ]
power functions of V, F and T
= [M–1 L–2 T4 A2]
M = KVx Fy Tz
q [A 2 T 2 ]
Where k is a dimension less constant of Coul (volt)–1    
proportionality. The above equation V [ML2 T  2 ]
dimensionally becomes. = [M–1 L–2 T4 A2]
[M] = [LT–1]x [MLT–2]y [T]z F MLT2
i.e. [M] = [My] [Lx + y T – x – 2y + z ] newton (amp-m)–1    
 i  [AL]
So equation becomes
= [M T–2 A–1 ]
[M] = [My Lx + y T– x – 2y + z]
WT
For dimentionally correct expression, volt sec (amp)–1   
y = 1, x + y = 0 and – x – 2y + z = 0   qA 
  x = –1, y = 1 and z = 1. [ML2 T 2 ][T]
 = [ML2 T–2 A–2 ]
therefore M = KV–1 FT. [AT A]
Hence correct answer is (B).
Comparing dimensions of II with I we find Ex.7 In an experiment the values of two resistances
that, capacitance has units [coulomb2 . joule–1 were measured to be as given below. R1 = 5.0
and coulomb (volt)–1] inductance has units ± 0.2 ohm and R2 = 10.0 ± 0.1 ohms. Find
[ohm.sec and volt.sec (ampere)–1] and their combined resistance in series
magnetic induction has units [newton Sol. In series R = R1 + R2
(ampere.m)–1] R ± R = (R1 + R2) ± (R1 + R2)
R = [(5 + 10) ± 0.3] = [15 ± 0.3] 
Ex.5 A certain physical quantity is calculated from
or R = [15 ± 2%] because the error in percentage
 2
the formula (a – b2) h, where h, a and b 0.3  100
3 is = = 2%
15
are all length. The quantity being calculated
is-
(A) Velocity (B) Length
(C) Area (D) Volume
Sol. Given quantity is = (a – b2) h
2
dimension of h = [L]
dimensions of a2 – b2 = [L2 – L2] = L2
Therefore the dimensions of the given
quantity are [L3]. Thus the quantity being
measured is volume
Ans.(D)
Ex.6 When a current of 2.5 ± 0.5 ampere flows

through a wire, it develops a potential
difference of 20 ± 1 volt. Find the resistance
of the wire.
(A) 6.0 ± 3 (B) 7.0 ± 2
(C) 8.0 ± 2 (D) 9.0 ± 3
V 20  1
Sol. R= = = 8 ± R
I 2.5  0.5
the error in the measurement is
R V I
= +
R V I
1 0 .5
= +
20 2.5
= 0.05 + 0.2 = 0.25
R = 0.25 R = 0.25 × 8 = 2
Thus the resistance of the wire with the error is
= 8 ± 2 ohm.
Hence correct answer is (C).
EXERCISE # 1
Questions
Units, System of units Q.7 A dimensionless quantity -
based on
(A) never has a unit (B) always has a unit
Q.1 Which is the correct unit for measuring (C) may have a unit (D) does not exist
nuclear radii ?
(A) micron (B) millimetre p
Q.8 If v = , then the dimensions of  are (p
(C) angstrom (D) Fermi 
is pressure, is density and v is speed of
Q.2 Which of the following is not a unit of time ?
(A) microsecond (B) leap year sound has their usual dimension) -
(C) lunar month (D) light year (A) M0L0T0 (B) M0L0T–1
(C) M1L0T0 (D) M0L1T0
Questions Dimension, finding dimensional
based on formula
Questions Application of dimensional analysis :
Q.3 A quantity X is defined as the ratio of the
based on Deriving new relation
angular to linear momentum of an object. Q.9 If energy (E), velocity (V) and force (F), be
Then the dimensions of X are - taken as fundamental quantities, then what
(A) M0L1T0 (B) M1L1T1
are the dimensions of mass -
(C) M1L2T–2 (D) M0L–1T0
(A) EV2 (B) EV–2
Q.4 The dimensional formula of angular velocity (C) FV–1 (D) FV–2
 v
    is- Application of dimensional analysis :
 r Questions
based on Checking the validity of equation
(A) M0 L0 T–1 (B) M L T–1
(C) M0 L0 T1 (D) M L0 T–2 Q.10 The formula S = ut –
1 2
at where S is the
3
Questions distance travelled, u is the initial velocity, a is
based on
Principle of homogeneity of dimension
the acceleration and t is the time is -
Q.5 There are two different quantities A and B (A) dimensionally correct only
having different dimensions. Then which of (B) dimensionally incorrect only
the following operation is dimensionally (C) dimensionally and numerically correct
correct ? (D) dimensionally and numerically wrong
(A) A + B (B) A – B (C) A/B (D) eA/B
Questions
Q. 6 A wave is represented by based on
Significant digits, Rounding, Error
y = a sin (At – Bx + C)
where A, B, C are constants and t is in seconds Q.11 The volume of one sphere is 1.76 c.c. The
& x is in metre. The Dimensions of A, B, C volume of 25 such spheres (according to the
are- idea of significant figures) is -
(A) T–1, L, M0L0T0 (A) 44.00 cc
(B) T–1, L–1, M0L0T0 (B) 44.0 c.c
(C) T, L, M
(C) 44 c.c
(D) T–1, L–1, M–1
(D) 0.44 × 102 c.c.
Q.12 The percentage error in the measurement of  Fill in the blanks type questions
mass and speed are 2% and 3% respectively.
How much will be the maximum error in the Q.15 The dimensions of pressure gradient are
estimate of Kinetic energy obtained by ..........
measuring mass and speed -
(A) 11% (B) 8% (C) 5% (D) 4%
 True or false type questions

1
Q.13 has the dimensions of velocity and is
µ00
numerically equal to velocity of light.
Q.14 In the dimensional analysis of the equation,

(velocity)x = (pressure difference)3/2 ×
(density)–3/2. The value of x comes out to be 3.
EXERCISE # 2
Q.7 If the velocity of light c, acceleration due to
(Only single correct answer type
Part-A gravity g, and the atmospheric pressure P are
questions)
taken as the fundamental units, then the unit
Q.1 Which of the following pairs of physical
of mass will be -
quantities has different dimensions -
(A) 1kg (B) 81 kg
(A) stress, pressure 18
(C) 9 × 10 kg (D) 81 × 1034 kg
(B) Young’s modulus, energy density
(C) density, relative density Q.8 The time dependence of a physical quantity P
(D) energy, torque
is found to be of the form P = P0 e t where
2
Q.2 Which of the following is a dimensional t is time and  is some constant. Then the
constant ? constant  will -
(A) refractive index (A) be dimensionless
(B) dielectric constant (B) have dimensions of T–2
(C) relative density (C) have dimensions of P
(D) gravitational constant (D) have dimensions of P multiplied by T–2
Q.3 The velocity v of a particle is given in terms Q.9 If the speed of light (c), acceleration due to
of time t by the equation gravity (g) and pressure (p) are taken as
v = at + b/t + c fundamental units, the dimensions of
The dimensions of a, b & c are - gravitational constant (G) are -
(A) L2, T, LT2 (B) LT2, LT, L (A) c0gp–3 (B) c2g3p–2
(C) LT–2, L, LT–1 (D) L, LT, T2 (C) c0g2p–1 (D) c2g2p–2
Q.4 Express L (length) in terms of G, h and c - Q.10 If P is radiation pressure, c represents speed of
(A) G–1/2. h1/2 c1/2 (B) G1/2 h1/2 c–3/2 light and Q is radiation energy striking a unit
(C) G1/2 h1/2 c–5/2 (D) G h c
area per second, then non zero integers x, y
Q.5 If Force = (x/density) + C is dimensionally and z such that PxQyCz is dimensionless are-
correct, the dimension of x are - (A) x = 1, y = 1, z = –1 (B) x = 1, y = –1, z = 1
(A) MLT–2 (B) MLT–3 (C) x = –1, y = 1, z = 1 (D) x = 1, y = 1, z = 1
(C) ML2T–3 (D) M2L–2T–2
Q.6 The equation of the stationary wave is Q.11 Turpentine oil is flowing through a tube of
 2ct   2x  length l, radius r, the pressure difference
y = 2A sin   cos  
      between the two ends of the tube is p. The
Which of the following statements is wrong ? viscosity of the oil is given by
(A) the unit of ct is same as that of  p( r 2  x 2 )
=
(B) the unit of x is same as that of  4v
where v is velocity at distance x from the axis
(C) the unit of 2 c/ is same as that of
of tube then the dimension of  are -
2x/t
(A) M0L0T0 (B) MLT–1
(D) the unit of c/ is same as that of x/ –2
(C) ML T2 (D) ML–1T–1
Q.12 The dimensional formula of a physical Q.17 Choose the correct statements -
quantity x is [M–1L3T–2]. The error in (A) A dimensionally correct equation may be
measuring the quantities M, L, and T are 2%, correct
3% and 4%. The maximum percentage of (B) A dimensionally incorrect equation must
error that occurs in measuring, the quantity x be incorrect
is - (C) A dimensionally correct equation may be
(A) 9 (B) 10 incorrect
(C) 14 (D) 19 (D) A dimensionally incorrect equation may
be correct
Q.13 The heat dissipated in a resistance can be
obtained by the measurement of resistance, Part-C Assertion-Reason type questions
current and time. If the maximum error in the The following questions consists of two
measurement of these quantities is 1%, 2%, statements each, printed as Assertion and
and 1% respectively. The maximum error in Reason. While answering these questions you
are to choose any one of the following four
the determination of the dissipated heat is -
responses.
(A) 4% (B) 6% (C) 4/3% (D) 2%
(A) If both Assertion and Reason are true and
the Reason is correct explanation of the
Q.14 The period of oscillation of a non linear Assertion.
oscillator depends on the mass ‘m’, with
(B) If both Assertion and Reason are true but
dimensions of M, a restoring force constant
‘K’, with dimensions of ML–2T–2 and the Reason is not correct explanation of the
amplitude A, with dimensions of L. Assertion.
Dimensional analysis shows that the period of (C) If Assertion is true but the Reason is false.
oscillation should be proportional to -
(D) If Assertion is false but Reason is true.
m
(A) A (B) A2m/k
k
Q.18 Assertion : light year is a unit of time.
m
(C) A 1 (D) A2K3/m Reason : light year is the distance travelled
k by light in vacuum in one year.
One or more than one correct Q.19 Assertion : The equation y = x + t cannot be
Part-B
answer type questions true, where x, y are distance and t is time.
Reason : Quantities with different
Q.15 Which of the following combination have the dimensions cannot be added.
dimension of time ? L, C, R represents as usual.
(A) RC (B) LC Part-D Column matching
(C) R/L (D) C/L
Q.20 Column-I Column-II
(A) Radiation energy (P) Joule/m2
Q.16 The dimension of Boltzmann’s constant are
same as that of - (B) Surface tension (Q) ML2T–2
(A) pressure (C) Torque (R) ML–1T–1
(B) stefan's constant (D) Coefficient of viscosity (S) MT–2
(C) plank’s constant
(D) none of these
EXERCISE # 3
Q.8 The frequency of vibration of a string
Part-A Subjective Type Questions depends on the length L between the nodes,
the tension F in the string and its mass per
Q.1 If a composite physical quantity in terms of
unit length M. Guess the expression for its
moment of inertia I, force F, velocity v, work
frequency from dimensional analysis.
W and length L is defined as ,
Q = (IFv2 /WL3), Q.9 The kinetic energy K of a rotating body
find the dimensions of Q and identify it. depends on its moment of inertia  and its
angular speed . Assuming the relation to be
Q.2 Check whether the following equations are K = ab where  is a dimensionless
dimensionally correct. constant, find a and b. M of the sphere about
dx 1 x
(a)  a2  x2 a
= sin–1 , where x and a
a
its diameter is 2/5 Mr2.
stand for distances. Q.10 The refractive index (µ) of water in an

experiment is recorded as 1.29, 1.33, 1.34,
1 mg
(b)  = , 1.31, 1.33 and 1.36 respectively. Determine
2 I
(i) mean value of refractive index
where I = moment of inertia &  is length (ii) mean absolute error
(iii) relative error and the percentage error
Q.3 The speed of a particle as a function of time is
represented by V = A1 cos A2t. What are the Q.11 The position of a particle at any time is given
dimensions and S.I. units of constants A1 and v
by, s(t) = 0 (1 – e–at), where a > 0 and v0 are
A2 ? a
constants. What are the dimensions of a and v0 ?
Q.4 Taking force, length and time to be the
fundamental quantities find the dimension of-
Q.12 Test if following equation are dimensionally
(A) density (B) pressure correct, where symbols have their usual
(C) momentum (D) energy meaning –
2S cos p
Q.5 The SI and C.G.S. units of energy are joule (a) h = (b) v =
rg 
and erg respectively. How many ergs are
equal to one joule ? pr4 t 1 mg
(c) v = (d) n =
8 2 I
Q.6 Young’s modulus of steel is 19 x 1010 N/m2. where h = height, S = Surface tension,
Express it in dyne/ cm2. Here dyne is the  = density, p = pressure, V = volume,
C.G.S. unit of force  = coefficient of viscosity,  = frequency
and I = moment of inertia
Q.7 The heat produced in a wire carrying an
electric current depends on the current, the Q.13 The distance covered by a particle in time t is
resistance and the time, Assuming that the given by x = a + bt + ct2 + dt3, find the
dependence is of the product of powers type, dimensions of a, b, c & d.
guess an equation between these quantities
using, dimensional analysis. The dimensional
formula of resistance is ML2–2T–3 and heat is Q.14 The volume of liquid flowing per second Q
a form of energy. through a tube depends upon (i) coefficient of
viscosity of fluid , (ii) radius of the tube r,
(iii) the pressure gradient (P/). Deduce by Part-B Passage based objective questions
method of dimension the formula for the
Passage (Q. 19 to 21)
volume of liquid flowing per second.
The surface of sea-bed is identical to that of land
Q.15 Using dimensional analysis show that de in all respects i.e. there are valleys, mountain’s,
Broglie wavelength , associated with a volcanoes, plains etc, only difference being there
particle of mass m moving with velocity v is
h is water in place of air on land. There are often
given by 
mv explosions is active volcanoes on sea-bed and
where h is Planck’s constant. suppose a small bubble is formed due to one such
explosion and it oscillates with time period T such
Q.16 A calorie is a unit of heat energy and it equals that T  PadbEc where P is pressure, d is density
about 4.2 J where 1 J = 1 kg m2s–2.
Suppose,
of water and E is total energy of explosion
we employ a system of units in which unit of
mass equals  kg, the unit of length equals 
m, and unit of time is  sec. Show that a Q.19 The value of a is -
calorie has a magnitude of 4.2 –1–22; in (A) 1/2 (B) –3/4
terms of the new units. (C) –5/6 (D) –2
Q.17 Assuming that the largest mass that can be Q.20 The time period T is directly proportional to -
moved by a flowing river depends on velocity
(A) P (B) E
of flow, density of river water and on
acceleration due to gravity, show that the (C) d (D) none of these
mass varies as the sixth power of velocity of
flow. Q.21 The time period T is directly proportional to -
(A) E1/3 (B) density (d)
Q.18 The density of a sphere is measured by
(C) P (D) none of these
measuring the mass and diameter. If it is
known that the maximum percentage errors in
the measurement are 2% and 3% then what is
the maximum percentage error in the
measurement of density.
EXERCISE # 4
 Old IIT-JEE Objective type questions Passage for Q.No.6 & 7
V A dense collection of equal number of
Q.1 A quantity X is given by 0L where 0 is
t electrons and positive ions is called neutral
permittivity of free space, L is length, V is a plasma. Certain solids containing fixed
potential difference and t is a time interval. positive ions surrounded by free electrons can
The dimensional formula for x is same as that be treated as neutral plasma. Let 'N' be the
of- [IIT-2001] number density of free electrons, each of
(A) resistance (B) charge mass 'm'. When the electrons are subjected to
(C) voltage (D) current an electric field, they are displaced relatively
away from the heavy positive ions. If the
Q.2 A cube has a side 1.2 × 10–2m. Its volume electric field becomes zero, the electrons
will be recorded as - [IIT-2003] begin to oscillate about the positive ions with
–6
(A) 1.728 × 10 m 3 (B) 1.72 × 10–6m3 a natural angular frequency 'p', which is
(C) 1.7 × 10–6 m3 (D) .72 × 10–6 m3 called the plasma frequency. To sustain the
oscillations, a time varying electric field
Q.3 A wire is of mass (0.3 ± .003) gm. The radius needs to be applied that has an angular
is (0.5 ± 0.005) cm and length is (6 ± .06) cm. frequency , where a part of the energy is
The maximum percentage error in density is - absorbed and a part of it is reflected. As 
[IIT-2004]
approaches p, all the free electrons are set to
(A) 3% (B) 4% (C) 8% (D) 16%
resonance together and all the energy is
reflected. This is the explanation of high
  z  reflectivity of metals. [IIT-2011]
Q.4 P= exp   
  K B  
 Temperature Q.6 Taking the electronic charge as 'e' and the
P  Pressure permittivity as '0', use dimensional analysis

to determine the correct expression for p.
KB  Boltzmann constant
Ne mε0
z  Distance (A)
mε0
(B)
Ne
Dimension of  is - [IIT-2004]
Ne 2 mε0
(A) M0 L0 T0 (B) M–1L1T2 (C) (D)
mε0 Ne 2
(C) M0L2T0 (D) ML–1T–2
Q.7 Estimate the wavelength at which plasma
Q.5 Which of the following physical quantities do reflection will occur for metal having the
not have the same dimensions ? [IIT-2005] density of electrons N  4 × 1027 m–3. Take
(A) Pressure, Young’s modulus, stress 0 = 10–11 and m  10–30, where these
(B) Electromotive force, voltage, potential quantities are in proper SI unit-
(A) 800 nm (B) 600 nm
(C) Heat, Work, Energy
(C) 300 nm (D) 200 nm
(D) Electric dipole, electric field, flux
EXERCISE # 5(ARCHIVES)
Q.4 Match the physical quantities given in column
 Old IIT-JEE questions I with dimensions expressed in column II in
Q.1 Which of the following pairs have same tabular form : [IIT-1993]
dimensions ? [IIT-1986]
Column I Column II
(A) Torque and work
(a) Angular Momentum (i) ML2T–2
(B) Angular momentum and work (b) Latent Heat (ii) ML2Q–2
(C) Energy and Young's modulus (c) Torque (iii) ML2T–1
(D) Light year and wavelength (d) Capacitance (iv) ML3T–1Q–2
(e) Inductance (v) M–1L–2T2Q2
Q.2 Column I gives three physical quantities. (f) Resistivity (vi) L2T–2
Select the appropriate units for these from
choices given in Column II. Some of the Q.5 The frequency of oscillation of an object of
physical quantities may have more than one mass m suspended by means of spring of
choice [IIT-1990]
force constant K is given by f = CmxKy,
Column I Column II where C is a dimensionless constant. The
(a) Capacitance (i) Ohm-second value of x and y are - [IIT-1994]
(b) Inductance (ii) Coulomb2 Joule–1 1 1 1 1
(A) x = ,y= (B) x = – ,y =
(c) Magnetic Induction (iii) Coulomb (volt) –1 2 2 2 2
(iv) Newton (ampere 1 1 1 1
(C) x = ,y=– (D) x = – ,y = –
2 2 2 2
meter)–1
(v) Volt second
Q.6 In the formula X = 3YZ2, X and Z have
(ampere)–1
dimensions of capacitance and magnetic
induction respectively. What are dimensions of
Q.3 A highly rigid cubical block A of small mass Y in MKSQ system ? [IIT-1995]
M and side L is fixed rigidly on the another (A) [M–3L–1T3Q4] (B) [M–3L–2T4Q4]
cubical block of same dimensions and of low (C) [M–2L–2T4Q4] (D) [M–3L–2T4Q1]
modulus of rigidity  such that the lower face
of A completely covers the upper face of B. Q.7 The pairs of physical quantities that have the
The lower face of B is rigidly held on a same dimensions are - [IIT-1995]
horizontal surface. A small force F is applied (A) Reynolds number and coefficient of
perpendicular to one of the side faces of A. friction
After the force is withdrawn, block A (B) Latent heat and gravitational potential
executes small oscillations, the time period of (C) Curie and frequency of a light wave
which is given by - [IIT-92] (D) Planck’s constant and torque
(A) 2 (ML) (B) 2 (M / L)

Q.8 The dimensions of electrical conductivity is
(C) 2 (ML / ) (D) 2 (M / L) ........................... [IIT-1997]
Q.9 The equation of state of a real gas is given by Q.11 Let 0 denote the dimension formula of the
 a  permittivity of the vacuum and µ0 that of
 P  2  (V – b) = RT
 V  permeability of the vacuum, then –
where P, V and T are pressure, volume and [IIT-1998]
temperature respectively and R is the (A) [0] = M–1L–3T2I
universal gas constant. The dimensions of the (B) [0] = M–1L–3T4I2
constant a in the above equation is ..............
(C) [µ0] = MLT–2I–2
[IIT-1997]
(D) [µ0] = ML2T–1I
Q.10 The SI unit of the inductance, the henry can
by written as - [IIT-1998] 1
Q.12 The dimension of   0E2 (0 : permittivity
(A) weber/ampere 2
(B)volt-second/ampere of free space, E electric field) is– [IIT-2000]
(C) joule/(ampere)2 (A) MLT–1 (B) ML2T–2
(D) ohm-second (C) ML–1T–2 (D) ML2T–1
ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE # 1
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Ans. D D A A C B C A B A B B
–2 –2
13. True 14. True 15. [ML T ]
EXERCISE # 2
PART-A
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Ans. C D C B D D D B C B D D B C
PART-B
Q.No. 15 16 17 18 19
Ans. A,D D A,B,C D A
PART-C
Q.No. 18 19
Ans. D A
PART-D
20. A  Q ; B  P, S ; C  Q ; D  R
EXERCISE # 3
PART-A
1. [Q] = MT–2. The quantity may be surface tension, force constant or surface energy. The physical quantity will
not be unique.
2. (a) Incorrect (b) Correct
3. [LT– 1] and [T– 1] ; m/s and rad/s. 4. (a) FL–4T2, (b) FL–2, (c) FT, (d) FL
5. 10+7 erg 6. 19 × 1011 dyne/cm2. 7. H = KI2Rt
K F
8.  = 9. KE = kI2 10. (i) 1.33, (ii) 0.02, (iii) 1.5 %
L m
11. [T–1], [LT–1]
12. All are dimensionally correct 13. [a] = L, [b] = LT–1, [c] = LT–2, [d] = LT–3
P r4
14. Q  18. 11 %

PART-B
Q.No. 19 20 21
Ans. C C A
EXERCISE # 4
Qus. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Ans. D C B C A C B
EXERCISE # 5
1. (A,D) 2. (a)  (ii) & (iii), (b)  (i) & (v), (c)  (iv) 3. (D)
4. (a)  (iii), (b)  (vi), (c)  (i), (d) (v), (e)  (ii), (f)  (iv)
5. (B) 6. (B) 7. (A) 8. [M– 1 L– 3 T 3 A2]

9. [M L5 T– 2] 10.(A,B,C,D) 11. (B,C) 12.(C)

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UNITS & DIMENSION

1. Unit & Dimensions

6. Methods of measurement and Error analysis for physical quantities

Total No. of questions in Units & Dimension are:

Physical quantities which are independent of (iii) Time second s

2.2 Derived unit : 4.1 Dimensions of a physical quantity are the

Area A l×b (Metre)2 or m2 M0L2T0

Volume V l×b×h (Metre)3 or m3 M0L3T0

Momentum p p = mv kgm/s MLT–1

Force F F = ma newton or N MLT–2

Density d d = mass/volume kg/m3 ML–3T0

Force constant (spring) k F = kx N/m ML0T–2

Temperature  — kelvin or K M0L0T0 K+1

Current I — ampere or A M0L0T0A

Capacitance C Q = CV farad M–1L–2T4A2

Resistance R V = IR Ohm ML2T–3A–2

Magnetic intensity H B=H A/m M0L–1T0A

Electric dipole moment p p = q × 2l C.m. M0LTA

Magnetic dipole moment M M = NIA amp.m2 M0L2AT0

a (b) Multiplication and Division: –

9. Combination of errors 9500

10. Common rules for counting signification 1015 Peta P

Rule 1. All non zero digits are significant. 1012 Tera T

Ex.x = 1007 has four significant figure. 103 Kilo k

10–6 Micro µ (i) Minute 1 min = 60 s

(a) For length/distance (i) Barn (for area) 1 barn = 10–28 m2

Ex.6 When a current of 2.5 ± 0.5 ampere flows

 True or false type questions

numerically equal to velocity of light.

Q.14 In the dimensional analysis of the equation,

stand for distances. Q.10 The refractive index (µ) of water in an

P  Pressure permittivity as '0', use dimensional analysis

(A) 2 (ML) (B) 2 (M / L)

5. (B) 6. (B) 7. (A) 8. [M– 1 L– 3 T 3 A2]

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