EBD_7751

8 PHYSICS

Units and
2 Measurements
PHYSICAL QUANTITY Fundamental (or Base) and Derived Units
All the quantities in terms of which laws of physics are described Fundamental units are those, which are independent of unit of
and which can be measured directly or indirectly are called other physical quantity and cannot be further resolved into any
physical quantities. For example mass, length, time, speed, force other units or the units of fundamental physical quantities are
etc. called fundamental or base units. e.g., kilogram, metre, second
Types of Physical Quantity etc,
1. Fundamental quantities : The physical quantities which do All units other than fundamental are derived units (which are
not depend upon other physical quantities are called dependent on fundamental units) e.g., unit of speed (ms–1) which
fundamental or base physical quantities. e.g. mass, length, depends on unit of length (metre) and unit of time (second), unit
time temperature electric current, luminous intensity and of momentum (Kgms–1) depends on unit of mass, length and time
amount of substance. etc.
2. Derived quantities :The physical quantities which depend SYSTEM OF UNITS
on fundamental quantities are called derived quantities A system of units is a complete set of fundamental and derived
e.g. speed, acceleration, force, etc. units for all physical quantities.
UNIT Different types of system of units
The process of measurement is a comparison process. F.P.S. (Foot - Pound - Second) system. (British engineering system
Unit is the standard quantity used for comparision. of units.): In this system the unit of length is foot, mass is pound
The chosen standard for measurement of a physical quantity, and time is second.
which has the same nature as that of the quantity is called the C.G.S. (Centimetre - Gram - Second) system. (Gaussian system
unit of that quantity. of units): In this system the unit of length is centimetre, mass is
Choice of a unit (Characteristics of a unit): gram and time is second.
(1) It should be suitable in size (suitable to use) M.K.S (Metre - Kilogram - Second) system. This system is related
(2) It should be accurately defined (so that everybody to mechanics only. In this system the unit of length is metre, mass
understands the unit in same way) is kilogram and time is second.
(3) It should be easily reproducible. S.I. (International system) units: (Introduced in 1971) Different
(4) It should not change with time. countries use different set of units. To avoid complexity, by
(5) It should not change with change in physical conditions international agreement, seven physical quantities have been
i.e., temperature, pressure, moisture etc. chosen as fundamental or base physical quantities and two as
(6) It should be universally acceptable. supplementary. These quantities are
Every measured quantity (its magnitude) comprises of a number
and a unit. Ex: In the measurement of time, say S.No Base physical quantity Fundamental unit Symbol
15 s 1 Mass kilogram kg
Number (n) Unit (u) 2 Length metre m
If Q is the magnitude of the quantity (which does not depend on 3 Time second s
the selection of unit) then
4 Temperature kelvin K
1
Q = n u = n1 u1 = n2 u2 Þ n µ 5 Electric current ampere A
u
6 Luminous intensity candela cd
Where u1 and u2 are the units and n1 and n2 are the numerical
values in two different system of units. 7 Amount of substance mole mol
 Units and Measurements 9

S.No Supplementary physical Supplementary unit Symbol Prefix Power of 10 Symbol

quantity exa 18 E
1 Plane angle radian rad
peta 15 P
tera 12 T
2 Solid angle steradian sr
giga 9 G
Merits of S.I. Units : mega 6 M
(1) SI is a coherent system of units: This means that all derived kilo 3 k
units are obtained by multiplication and division without hecto 2 h
introducing any numerical factor.
deca 1 da
(2) SI is a rational system of units: This is because it assigns
deci –1 d
only one unit to a particular physical quantity.
centi –2 c
(3) SI is an absolute system of units: There is no gravitational
unit in this system. milli –3 m
micro –6 m
(4) SI system is applicable to all branches of science.
nano –9 n
Conventions of writing of Units and their Symbols pico –12 p
· Unit is never written with capital initial letter.
femto –15 f
· For a unit named after scientist the symbol is a capital
letter otherwise not. atto –18 a
· The unit or symbol is never written in plural form. Some Important Practical Units :
· Punctuations marks are not written after the symbol. (1) For large distance (macro-cosm)
Definitions of Fundamental Units (a) Astronomical unit: It is the average distance of the
(i) Metre : One metre is equal to 1650763.73 wavelength in centre of the sun from the centre of the earth.
vacuum of the radiation corresponding to transition between 1 A.U. = 1.496 × 1011m
the levels 2p10 and 5d5 of the krypton – 86 atom (b) Light year: It is the distance travelled by the light in
Or vacuum in one year. 1 ly = 9.46 × 1015m
The distance travelled by light in vacuum in (c) Parsec: One parsec is the distance at which an arc
1A.U. long subtends an angle of one second.
1 1 parsec = 3.1 × 1016m
second is called 1 metre.
299,792, 458 (2) For small distance (micro-cosm)
(ii) Kilogram : The mass of cylinder (of height and diameter 1 micron = 10–6m 1nanometre = 10–9m
1angstorm = 10 m –10 1fermi = 10–15m
39 cm) made of Platinum-iridium alloy kept at International
Bureau of weights and measures in paris is defined as 1kg. (3) For small area 1 barn = 10–28m2
(iii) Second : It is the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of (4) For heavy mass 1 ton = 1000kg
radiation corresponding to the transition between the two 1quintal = 100kg 1slug = 14.57kg
hyperfine levels of the ground state of Caesium (133) atom. 1 C.S.L (chandrasekhar limit) = 1.4 times the mass of the sun
(5) For small mass 1 amu = 1.67 x 10–27kg
(iv) Ampere : It is the current which when flows through two
1 pound = 453.6g = 0.4536 kg
infinitely long straight conductors of negligible cross-
(6) For small time 1 shake = 10–8s
section placed at a distance of one metre in air or vacuum
(7) For large time
produces a force of 2 × 10–7 N/m between them.
Lunar month: It is the time taken by the earth to complete
(v) Candela : It is the luminous intensity in a perpendicular one rotation about its axis with respect to sun.
direction, of a surface of 1/600,000 square metre of a black 1L.M. = 27.3 days.
body at the temperature of freezing platinum under a pressure Solar day: It is the time taken by the earth to complete one
of 1.013 × 105 N/m2. rotation about its axis with respect to sun.
(vi) Kelvin : It is the 1/273.16 part of thermodynamic temperature Sedrial day: It is the time taken by earth to complete one
of triple point of water. rotation on its axis with respect to distant star.
(vii) Mole : It is the amount of substance which contains as many (8) For measuring pressure
elementary entities as there are in 0.012 kg of Carbon-12. 1 bar = 1atm pressure = 105N/m2 = 760mmHg
S.I. Prefixes : 1torr = 1 mmHg
The magnitudes of physical quantities vary over a wide range. 1 poiseuille = 10 Poise.
For example, the atomic radius, is equal to 10 –10m, radius of earth DIMENSIONS
is 6.4×106 m and the mass of electron is 9.1×10–31 kg. The The powers to which the fundamental units of mass, length and
internationally recommended standard prefixes for certain powers time must be raised to represent the physical quantity are called
of 10 are given in the table: the dimensions of that physical quantity.
 EBD_7751
10 PHYSICS

For example : Force = mass × acceleration called dimensional formula. It shows how and which of the
fundamental quantities represent the dimensions.
v–u [LT -1]
= mass × = [M] T–2]
= [MLT For example, the dimensional formula of work is [ML2T–2]
t [T]
Hence the dimensions of force are 1 in mass 1 in length and (– 2) Dimensional Equation :
in time. When we equate the dimensional formula with the physical
Dimensional Formula : quantity, we get the dimensional equation.
Unit of a physical quantity expressed in terms of M, L and T is For example Work = [ML2T–2]
Classification of Physical Quantities (On the basis of dimensions) :

Dimensional Dimensional For e.g. c (velocity of light in vaccum)

physical quantity constant R(universal gas constant),
s(stefan's constant), h (Planck's constant),
k (Boltzmann constant), G (universal gravitational constant) etc.

Physical Dimensional For e.g. distance, displacement, force, mass, time etc.
Quantity variable

Dimensionless Dimensionless For e.g. 0, 1, 2, ....., e, p , sin q , cos q , tan q , etc.

physical quantity constant

Dimensionless For e.g. plane angle, solid angle, strain,

variable refractive index, dielectric constant, relative density,
specific gravity, poisson's ratio etc.

Dimensional Formula of Some Important Physical Quantities :

S.No. Physical quantity Relation with other quantities Dimensional formula

Length
1. Velocity (v) [M0LT–1]
Time

Velocity
2. Acceleration (a) [M0LT–2]
Time
3. Momentum (p) Mass × velocity [MLT–1]
4. Force (F) Mass × acceleration [MLT–2]
5. Work Force × displacement [ML2T–2]

6. Power (P) Work [ML2T–3]

Time

Fr 2
7. Universal gravitational constant G= [M–1L3T–2 ]
m1m 2

8. Torque t = r ´F [ML2T–2]

F
9. Surface tension S= [MT–2]
l

W
10. Gravitational potential VG = [M0L2T–2]
m

F
11. Coefficient of viscosity h= [ML–1T–1]
dv
A
dx
12. Impulse Force×time(F×t) [MLT–1]
Units and Measurements 11

Change in length æ DL ö
13. Strain ç
Original length è L ø
÷ [M0L0T0]

Pressure æ P ö
14. Pressure gradient ç ÷ [ML–2T–2]
Distance è l ø

Arc æsö
15. Plane angle ç ÷ [M0L0T0]
Radius of circle è r ø

Angle æ q ö
16. Angular velocity ç ÷ [M0L0T–1]
Time è t ø

Moment of inertia of body æ I ö

17. Radius of gyration ç ÷÷ [M0L1T0]
Total mass of the body çè å mi ø
18. Moment of force, moment of couple Force × distance (F × s) [ML2T–2]
19. Angular frequency 2p×frequency (2pn) [M0L0T–1]
Force
20. Pressure [ML–1T–2]
Area

Output work or energy æ W ö

21. Efficiency ç ÷ [M0L0T0]
Input work or energy è Q ø
22. Angular impulse forque×time (t × t) [ML2T–1]

Energy æ E ö
23. Planck’s constant ç ÷ [ML2T–1]
Frequency è n ø

Heat energy æ Q ö
24. Heat capacity, Entropy ç ÷
Temperature è T ø
[ML2T–2K–1]

Heat energy æ Q ö
25. Specific heat capacity ç ÷ [M0L2T –2K–1 ]
Mass ´ temperature è m ´ DT ø

Heat energy ´ thickness æ Q DT ö

26. Thermal conductivity, K ç = -KA ÷ [MLT–3K–1]
Area ´ temperature ´ time è t Dx ø

Length
27. Thermal Resistance, R [M–1L–2T3K]
Thermal conductivity × area

Volume ´ (change in pressure) æ DP ö

28. Bulk modulus (B) or (compressibility)–1 ç -V ÷ [ML–1T–2]
Change in volume è DV ø

(Energy/area) æ Q = sAtT 4 ö
29. Stefan’s constant (s) ç ÷ [ML0T–3K–4]
Time ´ (temperature) 4 çè E = Q / A.t = sT 4 ÷ø

Pressure ´ volume æ PV ö
30. Universal gas constant R ç ÷
Mole ´ temperature è nT ø [ML2 T -2 K -1mol-1 ]

Work æ W ö
31. Voltage, electric potential (V) or ç ÷ [ ML2T -3A -1 ]
Charge è q ø
electromotive force (e)
 EBD_7751
12 PHYSICS

Charge æqö
32. Capacitance (C) ç ÷ [ M -1L-2T 4A 2 ]
Potential difference è V ø

r Electric force æ F ö
33. ( )
Electric field E
Charge çè q ÷ø
[ MLT-3A -1 ]

r Force
34. Magnetic field(B), magnetic induction, [F = IlBsin q] [ML0T–2 A–1 ]
Current ´ length
magnetic flux density
35. Magnetic flux (fm) f = BAcosq [ML2T–2 A–1 ]
36. Inductance [ ML2T -2 A -2 ]
Magnetic flux æ f m ö
Current çè I ÷ø
coefficient of self inductance (L) or
coefficient of mutual inductance (M)
37. Magnetic field strength or
Magnetic moment æ M ö
magnetic moment density (I) ç ÷ [M0L–1 T0A]
Volume èVø

(Charge)2 æ q2 ö
38. Permittivity constant in free space eo ç ÷ é M -1L-3T 4A 2 ù
4π ´ electrostatic force(distance)2 çè 4p´ F ´ r 2 ÷
ø ë û

39. Faraday constant (F), charge Avagadro constant × elementry charge [M0 L0 TA mol-1 ]

40. Mass defect, (Dm) (Sum of masses of nucleons [ML0 T 0 ]

– mass of nucleus)(MP+MN –Mnucleus)

1
41. Resonant frequency (fr) Tr [M 0 L0 T -1 ]

æ1ö é M 0 L-1T0 ù
42. Power of lens (Focal length)-1 ç ÷
èf ø ë û

Speed of light in vacuum

43. Refractive index Speed of light in medium [M 0 L0 T 0 ]

2p é M 0 L-1T0 ù
44. Wave number
Wavelength ë û

45. Binding energy of nucleus Mass defect × (speed of light in vacuum)2 é ML2 T -2 ù
ë û
1
46. Conductance (c) é M -1L-2 A 2T 3 ù
Resistance ë û

æ pö (Pressure) ´ (radius) 4 é M 0 L3T –1 ù

47. Fluid flow rate çè ÷ø ë û
8 (Viscosity coefficient) ´ (length)

48. Inductive reactance (Angular frequency × inductance) é ML2T -3A -2 ù

ë û

49. Capacitive reactance (Angular frequency × capacitance)–1 é ML2T -3A -2 ù

ë û
Torque é M 0 L2 T0 A ù
50. Magnetic dipole moment or Current ´ area ë û
Magnetic field
 Units and Measurements 13

Short cuts / Time saving techniques Keep in Memory

1. To find dimensions of a typical physical quantity which is
The dimensional formula of
involved in a number of formulae, try to use that formula
• all trigonometric ratio is [M0L0T0]
which is easiest for you. For example if you want to find the
• x in ex is [M0L0T0]
dimensional formula of magnetic induction then you can use
• ex is [M0L0T0]
the following formulae
• x in log x is [M0L0T0]
m 0 Idl sin q • log x is [M0L0T0]
dB = , B = m 0 nI, F = qvB, t = MB sin q
4p r 2 Example 1.
Out of these the easiest is probably the third one. Find out the unit and dimensions of permittivity of free
space.
2. If you have to find the dimensional formula of a combination Solution :
of physical quantities, then instead of finding the According to Coulomb’s law
dimensional formula of each, try to correlate the combination
é A 2T 2 ù
of physical quantities with a standard formula. For example, [q 2 ] ë û = [M -1L-3T 4 A 2 ]
if you have to find the dimension of CV2, then try to use e0 = =
-2
4p[F][r 2 ] [MLT ][L2 ]
1 2
formula E = CV where E is energy of a capacitor..
2 coulomb2 (coulomb)2 coulomb
Its unit = = =
1 newton ´ metre2 joule ´ metre volt ´ metre
3. = c = velocity of light in vacuum
m0e 0 CV–1m–1
• Dimensions of the following are same Example 2.
Find out the unit and dimensions of coefficient of self or
q2 V2 mutual inductance of.
Work = PV = nRT = qV = CV 2 = = ´ t = LI 2
c R Solution :
[ML2T–2] æ dI ö
• Dimensions of the following are same e = Læç dI ö÷ or M ç ÷ , where e is induced electromotive
è dt ø è dt ø
Force = Impulse / time
=qvB= qE force (e.m.f.)
= Thrust æ dt ö W æ t ö
= weight = energy gradient [MLT–2] \ L = eç ÷ = ç ÷
è dI ø q è I ø
L
• The dimension of RC = is same as that of time [ ML2 T -2 ][T ]
R or [L] = = [ ML2 T - 2 A - 2 ]
• Dimensions of the following are same [ AT ][A ]
Its unit is volt × sec/amp or ohm × sec or henry.
T 1 Example 3.
velocity = m = = f ´l T–1]
[M°LT
m0 e 0 Find out the unit and dimensions of magnetic field intensity .
Solution :
• Dimensions of the following are same
B 1 Idl sin q
R k MB 1 As B = mH, hence H = = ;
Frequency = = = = [M°L°T–1] m 4p r 2
L m I LC
[A][L]
• Dimensions of the following are same \H = = [M° L-1T° A]
(E) Modulus of elasticity = Y (Young's modulus) [L2 ]
= B (Bulk modulus) Its unit is ampere /metre in SI system. In c.g.s. system, the
= h (Modulus of rigidity) unit is oersted.
= Stress Example 4.
Find out the unit and dimensions of magnetic permeability
1 of free space or medium.
= Pressure =
Compressibility Solution :
[ML–1T–2] According to Biot-Savart’s law
• Dimensions of the following are same m 0 Idl sin q
Acceleration, retardation, centripetal acceleration, centrifugal B= and F = BI l sinq
4p r 2
acceleration, gravitational intensity/strength. [M°LT–2]
• Dimensions of the following are same F m Idl sin q
Water equivalent, thermal capacity, entropy, Boltzmann's
or =B= 0 ;
Il sin q 4p r 2
constant. [ML2T–2K–1]
 EBD_7751
14 PHYSICS

(2) Checking the accuracy of various formulae

Fr 2 Example : Check the correctness of the following
\ m or m0 = (dimensionally)
I2 l 2 equation dimensionally
dv
[MLT -2 ][L2 ] F = ηA sinθ where F = force, h = coefficient of viscosity,,
Hence [m] or [m 0 ] = = [MLT -2 A - 2 ] dx
[A 2 ][L2 ]
dv
Its units are A = area, = velocity gradient w.r.t distance, q = angle of
dx
contact
N - m2 newton joule / metre volt ´ coulomb Sol. L.H.S = force = [MLT–2]
= = =
amp 2 - m 2 amp 2 amp 2 amp ´ amp ´ metre dv LT -1 é
R.H.S = h A (sin q) = M1L-1T -1L2 ´ = MLT -2 ù
dx L ë û
ohm ´ sec henry tesla ´ metre
= = = The equation is dimensionally correct.
metre metre amp.
Example 5. CAUTION : Please note that the above equation is not correct
The dimensions of physical quantity X in the equation numerically. The conclusion is that an equation, if correct
X dimensionally, may or may not be numerically correct. Also
Force = is given by remember that if an equation is dimensionally incorrect, we can
Density
conclude with surety that the equation is incorrect.
(a) [ML4T–2] (b) [M2L–2T–1]
2 –2
(c) [M L T ]–2 (d) [ML–2T–1] (3) Derivation of formula
Solution : Example : The air bubble formed by explosion inside water
X performed oscillation with time period T which is directly
(c) Q Force =
denisty proportional to Pa db Ec where P is pressure, d is density and E
\ X = Force × density is the energy due to explosion. Find the values of a, b and c.
Hence X has dimensions Sol. Let us assume that the required expression for time period is
T = K Pa db Ec
[M]
[MLT–2] = [M2L–2T–2] where K is a dimensionless constant.
[L3 ] Writing dimensions on both sides,
Example 6.
[M 0 L0 T1 ] = [ML-1T -2 ]a [ML-3 ]b [ML2 T -2 ]c
If force, acceleration and time are taken as fundamental
quantities, then the dimensions of length will be- = [M]a + b + c [L]- a -3b + 2 c [T]-2a - 2c = [T1 ]
(a) [FT2] (b) [F–1A2T–1] Equating the powers,
2
(c) [FA T] (d) [AT2] a+ b+ c=0 ....(1)
Solution : -a - 3b + 2c = 0 ....(2)
(d) L = Fx A y Tz – 2a – 2c = 1 ....(3)
Solving these equations, we get,
M0 L1T 0 = [MLT -2 ]x [LT -2 ]y T z
5 1 1
x x + y -2x - 2y + z a= - ,b= ,c= .
= M L T 6 2 3
x = 0, x + y = 1, – 2x – 2y + z = 0 Limitations of Dimensional Analysis :
x = 0, y = 1, z = 2 (1) No information about the dimensionless constant is obtained
Hence, L = AT 2 during dimensional analysis
(2) Formula cannot be found if a physical quantity is dependent
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS AND ITS APPLICATIONS
on more than three physical quantities.
Principle of Homogeneity : (3) Formula containing trigonometrical /exponential function
Only those physical quantities can be added /subtracted/equated cannot be found.
/compared which have the same dimensions. (4) If an equation is dimensionally correct it may or may not be
Uses of Dimensions : absolutely correct.
(1) Conversion of one system of unit into another
Example : Convert a pressure of 106 dyne/cm2 in S.I units. Example 7.
Sol. We know that 1N = 105 dyne Þ 1 dyne = 10–5 N Find the dimensions of a and b in the Van der waal's
Also 1m = 100 cm Þ 1cm = 10–2 m æ a ö
Now, the pressure 10 dyne/cm2 in SI unit is
6 equation ç P + 2 ÷ (V - b) = RT
è V ø
dyne 10 -5 N
106 = 10 6 ´ = 105 N / m 2 where P is pressure and V is volume of gas.
cm ´ cm –2 -2
10 m ´ 10 m
 Units and Measurements 15

Solution : Example 11.

A calorie is a unit of heat or energy and it equals about 4.2
Dimensionally P = a [By principle of homogeneity] J where 1J = 1 kg m2 s–2. Suppose we employ a system of
V2
units in which the unit of mass equals a kg, the unit of
a length equals b m, the unit of time is g s. Show that a calorie
Þ ML-1T -2 = Þ a = [ML5 T -2 ]
V2 has a magnitude 4.2 a–1 b –2 g2 in terms of the new units.
Also dimensionally V=b [By principle of homogeneity] Solution :
\ b = [L3] 1 cal = 4.2 kg m2 s–2.
Example 8. SI system New system
n1 = 4.2 n2 = ?
3mgl (1 - cos q) M1 = 1 kg M2 = a kg
The formula v2 =
M (1 + sin 2 q) is obtained as the L1 = 1m L2 = b metre
solution of a problem. Use dimensions to find whether T1 = 1s T2 = g second
this is a reasonable solution (v is a velocity, m and M are Dimensional formula of energy is [ML2T–2]
masses, l is a length and g is gravitational acceleration). Comparing with [MaLbTc], we find that
Solution : a = 1, b = 2, c = – 2
Dimensions of L.H.S. = [LT–1]2 = [L2T–2] a b c
éM ù éL ù éT ù
-2
[M] [LT ] [L] Now, n 2 = n1 ê 1 ú ê 1 ú ê 1 ú
Dimensions of R.H.S. = = [L2 T -2 ] ë M 2 û ë L 2 û ë T2 û
[M]
1 2 -2
Hence formula is reasonable. é 1 kg ù é 1m ù é 1s ù
= 4.2 ê ú ê ú ê ú
Example 9. ë a kg û ë bm û ë gs û
é n - n1 ù = 4.2 a–1 b –2 g2
In the formula; N = - D ê 2 ú,
ë x 2 - x1 û SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
D = diffusion coefficient, n1 and n2 is number of molecules The number of digits, which are known reliably in our
in unit volume along x1 and x2 which represents distances measurement, and one digit that is uncertain are termed as
where N is number of molecules passing through per unit significant figures.
area per unit time calculate the dimensions of D. Rules to determine the numbers of significant figures:
Solution : 1. All non-zero digits are significant. 235.75 has five significant
By homogeneity theory of dimension figures.
2. All zeroes between two non-zero digits are significant.
Dimension of (N) 2016.008 has seven significant figures.
3. All zeroes occurring between the decimal point and the non-
dimension of (n 2 - n1 )
= Dimension of D × zero digits are not significant. provided there is only a zero
dimension of (x 2 - x1 ) to left of the decimal point. 0.00652 has three significant
figures.
1 L-3 4. All zeroes written to the right of a non-zero digit in a number
= Dimension of D ×
L2T L written without a decimal point are not significant. This rule
L L2 does not work if zero is a result of measurement. 54000 has
Þ Dimensions of 'D' = -3 2 = = [L2T–1] two significant figures whereas 54000m has five significant
L ´L T T
Example 10. figures.
5. All zeroes occurring to the right of a non-zero digit in a
1
Let us consider an equation mv 2 = mgh where m is the number written with a decimal point are significant. 32.2000
2 has six significant figures.
mass of the body, v its velocity, g is the acceleration due to 6. When a number is written in the exponential form, the
gravity and h is the height. Check whether this equation is exponential term does not contribute towards the significant
dimensionally correct. figures. 2.465 × 105 has four significant figures.
Solution : Keep in Memory
The dimensions of LHS are
[M] [L T–1 ]2 = [M] [ L2 T–2] = [M L2 T–2] 1. The significant figures depend upon the least count of the
instrument.
The dimensions of RHS are
2. The number of significant figure does not depend on the
[M][L T–2] [L] = [M][L2 T–2] = [M L2 T–2]
units chosen.
The dimensions of LHS and RHS are the same and hence
the equation is dimensionally correct.

16
ROUNDING OFF
1. If digit to be dropped is less than 5 then preceding digit
should be left unchanged.
2. If digit to be dropped is more than 5 then one should raise
preceding digit by one.
3. If the digit to be dropped is 5 followed by a digit other than
zero then the preceding digit is increased by one.
4. If the digit to be dropped is 5 then the preceding digit is not
changed if it is even.
5. If digit to be dropped is 5 then the preceding digit is increased
by one if it is odd.
Arithmetical Operations with Significant Figures and
Rounding off :
(1) For addition or subtraction, write the numbers one below
the other with all the decimal points in one line. Now locate
the first column from the left that has a doubtful digit. All
digits right to this column are dropped from all the numbers
and rounding is done to this column. Addition subtraction
is then done.
Example : Find the sum of 23.623 and 8.7 to correct
significant figures.
Sol. Step-1 :- 23.623 + 8.7 Step-2 :- 23.6 + 8.7=32.3
(2) In multiplication and division of two or more quantities, the
number of significant digits in the answer is equal to the
number of significant digits in the quantity, which has
minimum number of significant digits.
The insignificant digits are dropped from the result if they
appear after the decimal point. They are replaced by zeroes
if they appear to the left of the decimal point. The least
significant digit is rounded off.
Example : 107.88 (5. S. F.)
× 0.610 (3 S. F.)
= 65.8068 @ 65.8
ACCURACY, PRECISION OF INSTRUMENTS AND ERRORS
IN MEASUREMENTS :
Accuracy and Precision are two terms that have very different
meanings in experimental physics. We need to be able to
distinguish between an accurate measurement and a precise
measurement. An accurate measurement is one in which the
results of the experiment are in agreement with the ‘accepted’
value. This only applies to experiments where this is the goal like
measuring the speed of light.
A precise measurement is one that we can make to a large number
of decimal places.
EBD_7751
PHYSICS
The following diagrams illustrate the meaning of terms accuracy
and precision :
In the above figure : The centre of the target represents the
accepted value. The closer to the centre, the more accurate the
experiment. The extent of the scatter of the data is a measure of
the precision.
A- Precise and accurate, B- Accurate but imprecise, C- Precise but
not accurate, D- Not accurate nor precise
When successive measurements of the same quantity are repeated
there are different values obtained. In experimental physics it is
vital to be able to measure and quantify this uncertainty. (The
words "error" and "uncertainty" are often used interchangeably
by physicists - this is not ideal - but get used to it!)
Error in measurements is the difference of actual or true value
and measured value.
Error = True value – Measured value
Keep in Memory
1. Accuracy depends on the least count of the instrument used
for measurement.
2. In the addition and subtraction operation, the result contains
the minimum number of decimal places of the figures being
used
3. In the multiplication and division operation, the result
contains the minimum number of significant figures.
4. Least count (L.C.) of vernier callipers = one MSD – one VSD
where MSD = mains scale division
VSD = vernier scale division
5. Least count of screw gauge (or spherometer)
pitch
=
no of divisions on circular scale
where pitch is the ratio of number of divisions moved on
linear scale and number of rotations given to circular scale.
6. Pure number or unmeasured value do not have significant
numbers
7. Change in the position of decimal does not change the
number of significant figures.
Similarly the change in the units of measured value does not
change the significant figures.
 Units and Measurements 17

Example 12. Methods of Expressing Error:

Each side of a cube is measured to be 7.203 m. What are the Absolute error: It is the difference between the mean value and
total surface area and the volume of the cube to appropriate the measured value of the physical quantity.
significant figures? |D X1| = |X mean–X1|
..................................
Solution : ..................................
The number of significant figures in the measured length |DX n| = |Xmean–Xn|
7.203 m is 4. The calculated area and the volume should Mean absolute error:
therefore be rounded off to 4 significant figures. | DX1 | + | DX 2 | +.........+ | DX n |
Surface area of the cube = 6(7.203)2 m2 DXmean or D X =
n
= 311.299254 m2 = 311.3 m2 Relative error: It is the ratio of the mean absolute error and the
Volume of the cube = (7.203)3 m3 = 373.714754 m3 value of the quantity being measured.
= 373.7 m3 DX mean
Example 13. Relative error (da) =
X mean
5.74 g of a substance occupies volume 1.2 cm3. Express its Percentage error: It is the relative error expressed in percent
density by keeping the significant figures in view.
Solution : DX
Percentage error = ´ 100%
There are 3 significant figures in the measured mass whereas X
there are only 2 significant figures in the measured volume. To find the maximum error in compound quantities we proceed as :
Hence the density should be expressed to only 2 significant (i) Sum and difference : We have to find the sum or difference
figures. of two values given as (a ± Da) and (b ± Db), we do it as
follows
mass 5.74 X ± DX = (a ± Da) + (b ± Db) = (a + b) ± (Da + Db)
Density = = gcm -3 = 4.8 g cm–3 .
volume 1.2 Þ X = a + b and DX = Da + Db in case of sum
And X = (a – b) and DX = Da + Db in case of difference.
Example 14.
(ii) Product and quotient : We add the fractional or percentage
The mass of a box measured by a grocer’s balance is 2.300 errors in case of finding product or quotient.
kg. Two gold pieces of masses 20.15 g and 20.17 g are added
to the box. What is (a) the total mass of the box, (b) the DP æ Da Db ö
If P = ab then = ±ç + ÷
difference in the masses of the pieces to correct significant P è a bø
figures ? a DQ æ Da Db ö
Solution : If Q = then = ±ç + ÷
b Q è a bø
(a) Total mass = 2.3403 kg = 2.3 kg (upto 2 S. F.)
DX æ Da ö
(b) Difference = 20.17 g – 20.15 g (upto 4 S. F.) (iii) Power of a quantity : If x = an then = nç ÷
X è a ø
COMMON ERRORS IN MEASUREMENTS Example :
It is not possible to measure the 100% correct value of any physical Dy
x2 Dx ´ 100 = 4%
quantity, even after measuring it so many times. There always For Q = , If ´ 100 = 3% and
y x y
exists some uncertainty, which is usually referred to as experimental
error. DQ
Experimental errors : then × 100 = (2 × 3 + 4)% = 10%
Q
(i) Random error : It is the error that has an equal chance of Similarly :
being positive or negative.
mp nq DA é Dm Dn Dc ù
It occurs irregularly and at random in magnitude and If A = then = ± êp +q +r ú
direction. It can be caused cr A ë m n c û
(a) by the lack of perfection of observer Keep in Memory
(b) if the measuring instrument is not perfectly sensitive.
1. More the accuracy, smaller is the error.
(ii) Systematic error : It tends to occur in one direction either
positive or negative. It occurs due to 2. Absolute error |DX| is always positive.
(a) measuring instrument having a zero error. 3. |DX| has the same dimensions as that of X.
(b) an instrument being incorrectly calibrated (such as 4. If the least count of measuring instrument is not given and
slow- running-stop clock) the measured value is given the least error in the measurement
(c) the observer persistently carrying out a mistimed action can be found by taking the last digit to be 1 and rest digit to
(e.g., in starting and stopping a clock) be zero. For e.g. if the measured value of mass m = 2.03 kg
For measuring a particular physical quantity, we take a number of then Dm = ±0.01 kg.
readings. Let the readings be X1, X2............,Xn. Then the mean 5. If a number of physical quantities are involved in an
value is found as follows expression then the one with higher power contributes more
X + X 2 + ..... + X n in errors and therefore should be measured more accurately.
X mean (or true value) = X = 1 6. Relative error is a dimensionless quantity.
n
 EBD_7751
18 PHYSICS

7. We are always interested in calculating the maximum possible Example 17.

error. A body travels uniformly a distance of (13.8 ± 0.2) m in a
Example 15. time (4.0 ± 0.3) s. Calculate its velocity with error limits.
What is percentage error in velocity?
In an experiment, the refractive index of water was observed
Solution :
as 1.29, 1.33, 1.34, 1.35, 1.32, 1.36, 1.30 and 1.33. Calculate the
Here, s = (13.8 ± 0.2) m, t = (4.0 ± 0.3) s
mean value, mean absolute error and percentage error in the
measurement. s 13.8
velocity, v= = = 3.45 ms–1 = 3.5 ms–1
Solution : t 4.0
Mean value of refractive index, (rounding off to two significant figures)
1.29 + 1.33 + 1.34 + 1.35 + 1.32 + 1.36 + 1.30 + 1.33
m=
8 Dv æ Ds Dt ö
=±ç + ÷ =±ç
æ 0.2 0.3 ö (0.8 + 4.14)
+ =±
= 1.33 v è s t ø è 13.8 4.0 ÷ø 13.8 ´ 4.0
Absolute error in measurement,
Dm1 = 1.33 - 1.29 = +0.04 , Dm 2 = 1.33 - 1.33 = 0.00 , Dv 4.94
Þ =± = ±0.0895
v 13.8 ´ 4.0
Dm3 = 1.33 - 1.34 = -0.01 , Dm 4 = 1.33 - 1.35 = -0.02 ,
D v = ± 0.0895 × v = ± 0.0895 × 3.45 = ± 0.3087 = ± 0.31
Dm5 = 1.33 - 1.32 = +0.01 , Dm 6 = 1.33 - 1.36 = -0.03 , (Rounding off to two significant fig.)
Hence, v = (3.5 ± 0.31) ms–1
Dm 7 = 1.33 - 1.30 = +0.03 , Dm8 = 1.33 - 1.33 = 0.00
% age error in velocity
So, mean absolute error,
Dv
| 0.04 | + | 0.01| + | 0.02 | + | 0.01| + | 0.03 | + | 0.03 | + | 0 | = ´ 100 = ± 0.0895 × 100 = ± 8.95 % = ± 9%
( Dm ) = v
8
Example 18.
= 0.0175 » 0.02 Two resistances are expressed as R1 = (4 ± 0.5) W and
Dm 0.02 R2 = (12 ± 0.5) W. What is the net resistance when they are
Relative error = ± =+ = ±0.015 = ±0.02 connected (i) in series and (ii) in parallel, with percentage
m 1.33
error ?
0.02 (a) 16W ± 23%, 3W ± 6.25% (b) 3W ± 2.3%, 3W ± 6.25%
Percentage error = ± ´ 100% = ±1.5% (c) 3W ± 23%, 16W ± 6.25% (d) 16W ± 6.25%, 3W ± 23%
1.33
Solution :
Example 16.
The length and breadth of a rectangle are (5.7 ± 0.1) cm and R1 R 2 RR
(d) R S = R1 + R 2 = 16 W ; R P = = 1 2 =3W
(3.4 ± 0.2) cm. Calculate area of the rectangle with error limits. R1 + R 2 RS
Solution :
Here, l = (5.7 ± 0.1) cm, b = (3.4 ± 0.2) cm DR S = DR1 + DR 2 = 1 W
Area A = l × b
DR S 1
= 5.7 × 3.4 = 19.38 cm² Þ R ´ 100 = 16 ´ 100% = 6.25%
= 19.0 cm² (Rounding off to two significant figures) S

DA æ Dl Db ö æ 0.1 0.2 ö Þ R S = 16W ± 6.25%

= ± çè + ÷ø = ± çè + ÷
A l b 5.7 3.4 ø
R1 R 2
Similarly, R P =
æ 0.34 + 1.14 ö RS
= ± çè ÷
5.7 ´ 3.4 ø
DR P DR1 DR 2 DR S
= + +
DA 1.48 1.48 RP R1 R2 RS
=± Þ DA = ± ´A
A 19.38 19.38
DR P 0.5 0.5 1
Þ = + + = 0.23
1.48 RP 4 12 16
=± ´ 19.38 = ±1.48
19.38
DA = ± 1.5 (Rounding off to two significant figures) DR P
Þ ´ 100 = 23% Þ R P = 3W ± 23%
\ Area = (19.0 ± 1.5) sq.cm. RP
Units and Measurements 19
 EBD_7751
20 PHYSICS

1. Temperature can be expressed as derived quantity in terms 13. Light year is

of (a) light emitted by the sun in one year.
(a) length and mass (b) time taken by light to travel from sun to earth.
(b) mass and time (c) the distance travelled by light in free space in one year.
(c) length, mass and time (d) time taken by earth to go once around the sun.
(d) None of these 14. The SI unit of pressure is
2. What is the unit of “a” in Vander Waal’s gas equation? (a) atmosphere (b) bar
(a) Atm litre–2 mol2 (b) Atm litre2 per mol (c) pascal (d) mm of Hg
(c) Atm litre mol–1 2 (d) Atm litre2 mol–2 15. Electron volt is a unit of
3. Random error can be eliminated by (a) potential difference (b) charge
(a) careful observation (c) energy (d) capacity
(b) eliminating the cause 16. Dimensions of impulse are
(c) measuring the quantity with more than one instrument (a) [ML T -1 ] (b) [MLT2 ]
(d) taking large number of observations and then their
mean. (c) [ MT -2 ] (d) [ML-1 T -3 ]
4. If e is the charge, V the potential difference, T the temperature,
17. The S.I. unit of pole strength is
eV (a) Am2 (b) Am
then the units of are the same as that of
T (c) A m–1 (d) Am–2
(a) Planck’s constant (b) Stefan’s constant 18. Which is dimensionless?
(c) Boltzmann constant (d) gravitational constant (a) Force/acceleration (b) Velocity/acceleration
5. If f = x2, then the relative error in f is (c) Volume/area (d) Energy/work
2 Dx 19. Potential is measured in
(Dx ) 2
(a) (b) (a) joule/coulomb (b) watt/coulomb
x x (c) newton-second (d) None of these
Dx 20. Maxwell is the unit of
(c) (d) (Dx)2
x (a) magnetic susceptibility
6. Two quantities A and B have different dimensions which (b) intensity of Magnetisation
mathematical operation given below is physically (c) magnetic Flux
meaningful? (d) magnetic Permeability
(a) A/B (b) A + B 21. The mass of the liquid flowing per second per unit area of
(c) A – B (d) A = B cross-section of the tube is proportional to (pressure
7. Which of the following systems of units is not based on difference across the ends)n and (average velocity of the
units of mass, length and time alone liquid)m. Which of the following relations between m and n
(a) SI (b) MKS is correct?
(b) CGS (d) FPS (a) m = n (b) m = – n
8. Unit of latent heat is 2
(c) m = n (d) m = – n2
(a) J Kg–1 (b) J mol–1 22. Which of the following is a derived physical quantity?
(c) N Kg –1 (d) N mol–1 (a) Mass (b) Velocity
9. Dyne-sec is the unit of (c) Length (d) Time
(a) momentum (b) force 23. N kg–1 is the unit of
(c) work (d) angular momentum (a) velocity (b) force
10. Illuminance of a surface is measured in (c) acceleration (d) None of these
(a) Lumen (b) candela 24. Which physical quantities have same dimensions?
(c) lux (d) lux m–2 (a) Moment of couple and work
11. SI unit of electric polarisation is (b) Force and power
(a) Cm–2 (b) coulomb (c) Latent heat and specific heat
(c) ampere (d) volt (d) Work and power
12. The SI unit of coefficient of mutual inductance of a coil is 25. The expression [ML–1 T–2] does not represent
(a) henry (b) volt (a) pressure (b) power
(c) farad (c) weber (c) stress (d) Young’s modulus
 Units and Measurements 21

1. What are the units of magnetic permeability? 12. The potential energy of a particle varies with distance x from
(a) Wb A–1 m–1 (b) Wb–1 Am
–1 A x
(c) Wb A m (d) Wb A–1 m a fixed origin as V = where A and B are constants.
x+B
2. The dimensions of pressure gradient are
(a) [ML–2 T–2] (b) [ML–2 T–1] The dimensions of AB are
(c) [ML–1 T–1] (d) [ML–1 T–2] (a) [M1 L5/ 2 T -2 ] (b) [M1 L2 T -2 ]
3. The dimensions of Rydberg’s constant are
(a) [M0 L–1 T] (b) [MLT–1] (c) [M 3/ 2 L5/ 2 T -2 ] (d) [M1 L7 / 2 T -2 ]
(c) [M0 L–1 T0] (d) [ML0 T2] 13. Distance travelled by a particle at any instant ‘t’ can be
4. The dimensions of universal gas constant are represented as S = A (t + B) + Ct 2. The dimensions of B are
(a) [L2 M1 T–2 K–1] (b) [L1 M2 T–2 K–1] (a) [M 0 L1 T -1 ] (b) [M 0 L0 T1]
1 1
(c) [L M T K ] –2 –1 (d) [L2 M2 T–2 K–1]
5. The dimensions of magnetic moment are (c) [M 0 L-1 T -2 ] (d) [M 0 L2 T -2 ]
(a) [L2 A1] (b) [L2 A–1] 14. The deBroglie wavelength associated with a particle of mass
2
(c) [L / A ] 3 (d) [LA2]
m and energy E is h / 2 m E . The dimensional formula of
6. The dimensions of Wien’s constant are
(a) [ML0 T K] (b) [M0 LT0 K] Planck’s constant h is
(c) [M0 L0 T K] (d) [MLTK] (a) [M 2 L2 T -2 ] (b) [ M L2 T -1 ]
7. The unit and dimensions of impedance in terms of charge Q
are (c) [M LT -2 ] (d) [M L2 T -2 ]
(a) mho, [ML2 T–2 Q–2] (b) ohm, [ML2 T–1 Q–2] 15. The velocity of a body which falls under gravity varies as ga
(c) ohm, [ML2 T–2 Q–1] (d) ohm, [MLT–1 Q–1] hb, where g is acc. due to gravity and h is the height. The
8. If L denotes the inductance of an inductor through which a values of a and b are
current i is flowing, the dimensions of L i2 are (a) a = 1, b = 1/2 (b) a = b = 1
(a) [ML2 T–2] (c) a = 1/2, b = 1 (d) a = 1/2; b = 1/2
(b) [MLT–2] b
(c) [M2 L2 T–2] 16. The velocity v of a particle at time t is given by v = a t +
t+c
(d) Not expressible in M, L, T The dimensions of a, b c are respectively
9. The dimensional formula of wave number is (a) [LT–2], [L], [T] (b) [L2], [T] and [LT2]
(a) [M0 L0 T–1] (b) [M0 L–1 T0] (c) [LT2], [LT] and [L] (d) [L], [LT] and [T2]
–1
(c) [M L T ] –1 0 (d) [M0 L0 T0] 17. The dimensions of Hubble’s constant are
10. The period of a body under S.H.M. is represented by: T = Pa
Db Sc where P is pressure, D is density and S is surface (a) [T -1 ] (b) [M 0 L0 T -2 ]
tension, then values of a, b and c are
(c) [MLT 4 ] (d) [MT - 1 ]
3 1
(a) - , , 1 (b) -1, - 2, 3 18. Error in the measurement of radius of a sphere is 1%. Then
2 2
error in the measurement of volume is
1 3 1
(c) ,- ,- (d) 1, 2 1/3 (a) 1% (b) 5%
2 2 2 (c) 3% (d) 8%
11. The time of oscillation T of a small drop of liquid depends 19. Subtract 0.2 J from 7.26 J and express the result with correct
on radius r, density r and surface tension S. The relation number of significant figures.
between them is given by
(a) 7.1 J (b) 7.06 J
S r r3 (c) 7.0 J (d) 7 J
(a) Tµ (b) Tµ 20. Multiply 107.88 by 0.610 and express the result with correct
r r3 S
number of significant figures.
S2 r 3 r r3 (a) 65.8068 (b) 65.807
(c) Tµ (d) Tµ
r S (c) 65.81 (d) 65.8
 EBD_7751
22 PHYSICS

21. When 97.52 is divided by 2.54, the correct result is (a) M–1 L–3 T4 A2 (b) ML3 T–4 A–2
(a) 38.3937 (b) 38.394 (c) M0 L0 T0 A0 (d) M–1 L–3 T2 A
(c) 38.39 (d) 38.4 33. The dimensional formula for entropy is
22. Relative density of a metal may be found with the help of (a) [MLT–2 K1] (b) [ML2 T–2]
spring balance. In air the spring balance reads (5.00 ± 0.05) 2
(c) [ML T K ]–2 –1 (d) [ML2 T–2 K]
N and in water it reads (4.00 ± 0.05) N. Relative density
34. Dimensions of specific heat are
would be
(a) [ML2 T–2 K] (b) [ML2 T–2 K–1]
(a) (5.00 ± 0.05)N (b) (5.00 ± 11%)
(c) [ML2 T2 K–1] (d) [L2 T–2 K–1]
(c) (5.00 ± 0.10) (d) (5.00 ± 6%)
35. L, C, R represent physical quantities inductance, capacitance
23. Area of a square is (100 ± 2) m2. Its side is
and resistance respectively. The combinations which have
(a) (10 ± 1) m (b) (10 ± 0.1) m
the dimensions of frequency are
(c) (10 ± 2 )m (d) 10 ± 2 % (a) 1/RC (b) R/L
24. Let Q denote the charge on the plate of a capacitor of (c) 1 / LC (d) C/L
Q2 36. The physical quantity which has the dimensional formula
capacitance C. The dimensional formula for is
C [M1T–3] is
(a) [L2 M 2 T ] (b) [LMT 2 ] (a) surface tension (b) solar constant
(c) density (d) compressibility
(c) [L2 MT -2 ] (d) [L2 M 2 T 2 ] 37. Which of the following is the most accurate?
25. If L and R denote inductance and resistance then dimension (a) 200.0 m (b) 20 × 101 m
of L/R is 2
(c) 2 × 10 m (d) data is inadequate
(a) [M 0 L0 T 0 ] (b) [M 0 L0 T ] 38. The velocity of water waves (v) may depend on their
wavelength l, the density of water r and the acceleration
(c) [M 2 L0 T 2 ] (d) [MLT 2 ] due to gravity, g. The method of dimensions gives the
relation between these quantities is
26. The dimensional formula of current density is
(a) v (b) v2 µ g l
(a) [M 0 L-2 T -1Q] (b) [M 0 L2 T1Q -1 ]
(c) v2 µ g l 2 (d) v2 µ g -1 l 2
(c) [ MLT -1Q] -2 -1 2
(d) [ML T Q ]
27. The least count of a stop watch is 0.2 second. The time of 20 39. The time dependence of a physical quantity p is given by
oscillations of a pendulum is measured to be 25 second. p = p0 exp. (– a t2), where a is a constant and t is the time.
The percentage error in the measurement of time will be The constant a
(a) 8% (b) 1.8% (a) is dimensionless (b) has dimensions T–2
(c) has dimensions T 2 (d) has dimensions of p.
(c) 0.8% (d) 0.1%
28. The dimensional formula for relative density is
æ a ö
(a) [M L–3] (b) [M0 L–3] 40. In the eqn. ç P + 2 ÷ (V - b) = constant, the unit of a is
0 0 –1 è V ø
(c) [M L T ] (d) [M0 L0 T0]
29. The solid angle sustended by the total surface area of a (a) dyne × cm5 (b) dyne × cm4
sphere, at the centre is (c) dyne/cm3 (d) dyne × cm2
(a) 4p (b) 2p 41. Dimensions of ‘ohm’ are same as (where h is Planck’s
(c) p (d) 3p constant and e is charge)
30. If C and L denote the capacitance and inductance, the
h h2 h h2
dimensions of LC are (a) (b) (c) (d)
2
(a) [M0 L0 T–1] (b) [M0 L–1 T0] e e e e2
–1
(c) [M L T ] –1 0 (d) [M0 L0 T2] 42. The Richardson equation is given by I = AT2e–B/kT. The
31. The dimensions of solar constant is dimensional formula for AB2 is same as that for
(a) [M0 L0 T0] (b) [MLT–2] (a) I T2 (b) kT
2 –2 2 (d) I k2/T
(c) [ML T ] (d) MT –3 (c) I k
43. The unit of current in C.G..S. system is
1 e2 (a) 10 A (b) 1/10 A
32. The dimensions of are
Îo hc (c) 1/100 A (d) 1/1000 A
 Units and Measurements 23

44. Which of the following do not have the same dimensional (a) 10% (b) 13%
formula as the velocity? (c) 30% (d) 20%
Given that m0 = permeability of free space, e0 = permittivity 52. Using mass (M), length(L), time (T) and electric current (A)
of free space, n = frequency, l = wavelength, P = pressure, r as fundamental quantities the dimensions of permittivity
= density, w = angular frequency, k = wave number, will be
(a) [MLT–1 A–1 ] (b) [MLT–2 A–2 ]
(a) 1 m 0 eo (b) n l –1 –3
(c) [M L T A ] +4 2 (d) [M2L–2 T –2 A2 ]
53. The percentage errors in the measurement of mass and speed
(c) P/r (d) wk are 2% and 3% respectively. The error, in kinetic energy
45. A cube has numerically equal volume and surface area. The obtained by measuring mass and speed, will be
volume of such a cube is (a) 12 % (b) 10 %
(a) 1000 unit (b) 200 unit (c) 8 % (d) 2 %
(c) 216 unit (d) 300 unit 54. The density of a cube is measured by measuring its mass
and length of its sides. If the maximum error in the
46. A spherical body of mass m and radius r is allowed to fall in
measurement of mass and length are 4% and 3% respectively,
a medium of viscosity h. The time in which the velocity of
the maximum error in the measurement of density will be
the body increases from zero to 0.63 times the terminal
(a) 7% (b) 9%
velocity (v) is called time constant t. Dimensionally t can be
(c) 12% (d) 13%
represented by
gRT
55. The speed of sound in a gas is given by v =
æ 6pmrh ö M
mr 2 ç ÷ R = universal gas constant,
(a) (b) ç g2 ÷
6ph è ø T = temperature
M = molar mass of gas
m The dimensional formula of g is
(c) 6 ph r v
(d) None of these
(a) [M 0 L0 T 0 ] (b) [M 0 LT -1 ]
47. A quantity is represented by X = Ma Lb Tc. The % error in
measurement of M, L and T are a%, b% and g% (c) [ MLT -2 ] (d) [M 0 L0 T -1 ]
respectively. The % error in X would be 56. Specific gravity has ............ dimensions in mass, ............
(a) (a a + b b + g c ) % (b) (a a - b b + g c) % dimensions in length and ............ dimensions in time.
(a) 0, 0, 0 (b) 0, 1, 0
(c) (a a - b b - g c) ´100% (d) None of these (c) 1, 0, 0 (d) 1, 1, 3
48. In a Vernier calliper, N divisions of vernier scale coincide 57. If I is the moment of inertia and w the angular velocity,,
with (N–1) divisions of main scale (in which one division what is the dimensional formula of rotational kinetic energy
represents 1 mm). the least count of the instrument in cm. 1 2
Iw ?
should be 2
(a) N (b) N – 1
(a) [ ML2T -1 ] (b) [ M 2 L-1T -2 ]
1 1
(c)
10 N
(d) (c) [ ML2 T - 2 ] (d) [ M 2 L-1T -2 ]
N -1
58. Given that r = m2 sin pt , where t represents time. If the unit
49. What is the fractional error in g calculated from of m is N, then the unit of r is
T = 2 p l / g ? Given fraction errors in T and l are ± x and (a) N (b) N2
± y respectively.. (c) Ns (d) N 2 s
(a) x + y (b) x – y 59. The dimensional formula of farad is
(c) 2x + y (d) 2x – y
50. Conversion of 1 MW power in a New system of units having (a) [M -1L-2 TQ] (b) [M -1L-2T 2Q 2 ]
basic units of mass, length and time as 10 kg, 1 dm and 1
(c) [M -1L-2 TQ 2 ] (d) [ M -1L-2 T 2 Q ]
minute respectively is
(a) 2.16 × 1010 unit (b) 2 × 104 unit 60. If time T, acceleration A and force F are regarded as base
units, then the dimensional formula of work is
(c) 2.16 × 1012 unit (d) 1.26 × 1012 unit
51. A resistor of 10 k W having tolerance 10% is connected in (a) [FA] (b) [FAT]
series with another resistor of 20 k W having tolerance 20%.
The tolerance of the combination will be
(c) [FAT 2 ] (d) [FA 2 T]
 EBD_7751
24 PHYSICS

61. Turpentine oil is flowing through a capillary tube of length

æ Da Db ö æ Da Db ö
l and radius r. The pressure difference between the two (c) ç + ÷ ´ 100% (d) ç - ÷ ´100%
ends of the tube is p. The viscosity of oil is given by : èa-b a -bø èa-b a -bø

p(r 2 - x 2 ) 69. The heat generated in a circuit is given by Q = I 2 Rt, where

h= . Here v is velocity of oil at a distance x from I is current, R is resistance and t is time. If the percentage
4vl
the axis of the tube. From this relation, the dimensional errors in measuring I, R and t are 2%, 1% and 1% respectively,
formula of h is then the maximum error in measuring heat will be
(a) 2% (b) 3%
(a) [ML-1T -1 ] (b) [ MLT -1 ] (c) 4% (d) 6%
(c) [ ML2 T -2 ] (d) [M 0 L0 T 0 ] 70. The pressure on a square plate is measured by measuring
the force on the plate and length of the sides of the plate by
62. The dimensional formula of velocity gradient is
F
(a) [M 0 L0 T -1 ] (b) [ MLT1 ] using the formula P = . If the maximum errors in the
l2
(c) [ML0T -1 ] (d) [ M 0 LT -2 ] measurement of force and length are 4% and 2%
respectively, then the maximum error in the measurement of
63. The thrust developed by a rocket-motor is given by
pressure is
F = mv + A ( P1 - P2 ) where m is the mass of the gas ejected
(a) 1% (b) 2%
per unit time, v is velocity of the gas, A is area of cross-
(c) 8% (d) 10%
section of the nozzle, P1 and P2 are the pressures of the
71. In a simple pendulum experiment for the determination of
exhaust gas and surrounding atmosphere. The formula is acceleration due to gravity, time period is measured with an
dimensionally accuracy of 0.2% while length was measured with an
(a) correct accuracy of 0.5%. The percentage accuracy in the value of
(b) wrong g so obtained is
(c) sometimes wrong, sometimes correct (a) 0.25% (b) 0.7%
(d) Data is not adequate (c) 0.9% (d) 1.0%
64. If E, m, J and G represent energy, mass, angular momentum 72. The dimensions of a rectangular block measured with
and gravitational constant respectively, then the callipers having least count of 0.01 cm are 5 mm × 10 mm × 5
mm. The maximum percentage error in the measurement of
dimensional formula of EJ 2 / m5G 2 is
the volume of the block is
(a) angle (b) length
(a) 5% (b) 10%
(c) mass (d) time
(c) 15% (d) 20%
65. In a vernier callipers, ten smallest divisions of the vernier
73. Consider the following pairs of quantities
scale are equal to nine smallest division on the main scale. If
1. Young's modulus; pressure
the smallest division on the main scale is half millimeter,
then the vernier constant is 2. Torque; energy
(a) 0.5 mm (b) 0.1 mm 3. Linear momentum; work
(c) 0.05 mm (d) 0.005 mm 4. Solar day; light year.
66. A vernier calliper has 20 divisions on the vernier scale, which In which cases are the dimensions, within a pair, same?
coincide with 19 on the main scale. The least count of the (a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 4
instrument is 0.1 mm. The main scale divisions are of (c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 4
(a) 0.5 mm (b) 1mm 74. Which one of the following has the same dimension as that
of time, if R is resistance, L inductance and C is capacitance?
1 (a) RC (b) LC
(c) 2 mm (d) mm
4
(c) L (d) All of the above
67. The pitch of the screw gauge is 0.5 mm. Its circular scale R
contains 50 divisions. The least count of the screw gauge is 75. The equation of a wave is given by
(a) 0.001 mm (b) 0.01 mm
(c) 0.02 mm (d) 0.025 mm æx ö
y = a sin w ç - k ÷ , where w is angular velocity and v is
68. If x = a – b, then the maximum percentage error in the è v ø
measurement of x will be linear velocity. The dimensions of K will be
(a) [T2] (b) [T–1]
æ Da Db ö æ Da Db ö
(a) ç + ÷ ´100% (b) ç - ÷ ´ 100% (c) [T] (d) [L T]
è a b ø è a b ø
 Units and Measurements 25

76. In the equation X = 3YZ2, X and Z are dimensions of 84. The density of a material in CGS system of units is 4g/cm3.
capacitance and magnetic induction respectively. In MKSQ In a system of units in which unit of length is 10 cm and unit
system, the dimensional formula for Y is of mass is 100 g, the value of density of material will be
(a) [M–3 L–2 T–2 Q–4] (b) [M L–2] (a) 0.4 (b) 40
–3 –2
(c) [M L Q T ] 4 8 (d) [M–3 L–2 Q4 T4] (c) 400 (d) 0.04
77. A force is given by F = at + bt2 , where t is time, the 85. In an experiment four quantities a, b, c and d are measured
dimensions of a and b are with percentage error 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% respectively.
Quantity P is calculated as follows
(a) [M L T–4] and [M L T–1]
(b) [M L T–1] and [M L T0] a 3b 2
P=
(c) [M L T–3] and [M L T–4] cd
(d) [M L T–3] and [M L T0] % error in P is
n (a) 10% (b) 7%
78. The frequency of vibration of a string is given by f =
2L (c) 4% (d) 14%
T 86. What is the fractional error in g calculated from
, where T is tension in the string, L is the length, n is
m
number of harmonics. The dimensional formula for m is T = 2 p l / g ? Given fractional errors in T and l are ± x
(a) [M0 L T] (b) [M1 L–1 T–1] and ± y respectively..
(c) [M1 L–1 T0] (d) [M0 L T –1] (a) x + y (b) x – y
79. The dimensions of voltage in terms of mass (M), length (L) (c) 2x + y (d) 2x – y
and time (T) and ampere (A) are rl
87. The resistance R of a wire is given by the relation R = .
(a) [ML2T–2 A–2 ] (b) [ML2T 3A–1 ] p r2
Percentage error in the measurement of r, l and r is 1%, 2%
(c) [ML2T –3A1 ] (d) [ML2T–3 A–1 ] and 3% respectively. Then the percentage error in the
80. Suppose the kinetic energy of a body oscillating with measurement of R is :
amplitude A and at a distance x is given by (a) 6 (b) 9
(c) 8 (d) 10
Bx
K= 88. What are the dimensions of permeability ?
x + A2
2
(a) [M1L1T1 A–2 ] (b) [M1L1 T–2 A–2 ]
The dimensions of B are the same as that of 2 2
(c) [M L T A ]1 0 (d) [M1L2T2 A–2 ]
(a) work/time (b) work × distance 89. The physical quantity having the dimensions
(c) work/distance (d) work × time [M–1L–3T3A2] is
81. The dimensions of magnetic field in M, L, T and C (coulomb) (a) resistance (b) resistivity
are given as (c) electrical conductivity (d) electromotive force
(a) [MLT–1 C–1] (b) [MT2 C–2] 90. The time of reverberation of a room A is one second. What
(c) [MT–1 C–1] (d) [MT–2 C–1] will be the time (in seconds) of reverberation of a room,
having all the dimensions double of those of room A?
82. Two full turns of the circular scale of a screw gauge cover a
(a) 2 (b) 4
distance of 1mm on its main scale. The total number of
divisions on the circular scale is 50. Further, it is found that 1
(c) (d) 1
the screw gauge has a zero error of – 0.03 mm. While 2
measuring the diameter of a thin wire, a student notes the 91. Which of the following is the unit of molar gas constant?
main scale reading of 3 mm and the number of circulr scale (a) JK–1 mol–1 (b) Joule
divisions in line with the main scale as 35. The diameter of
(c) JK–1 (d) J mol–1
the wire is
92. Density of liquid is 16.8 g cm–3. Its value in the International
(a) 3.32 mm (b) 3.73 mm System of Units is
(c) 3.67 mm (d) 3.38 mm
83. If the dimensions of a physical quantity are given by
(a) 16.8 kgm -3 (b) 168 kgm -3
Ma Lb Tc, then the physical quantity will be
(c) 1680 kgm -3 (d) 16800 kgm -3
(a) velocity if a = 1, b = 0, c = – 1
93. The dimensional formula of couple is
(b) acceleration if a = 1, b = 1, c = – 2
(c) force if a = 0, b = – 1, c = – 2 (a) [ML2 T -2 ] (b) [MLT 2 ]
(d) pressure if a = 1, b = – 1, c = – 2
(c) [ML-1T -3 ] (d) [ML-2 T -2 ]
 EBD_7751
26 PHYSICS

94. The refractive index of water measured by the relation DIRECTIONS for Qs. (97 to 100) : Each question contains
real depth STATEMENT-1 and STATEMENT-2. Choose the correct answer
m= is found to have values of 1.34, 1.38,
apparent depth (ONLY ONE option is correct ) from the following
1.32 and 1.36; the mean value of refractive index with (a) Statement -1 is false, Statement-2 is true
percentage error is
(b) Statement -1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement -2 is a
(a) 1.35 ± 1.48 % (b) 1.35 ± 0 %
(c) 1.36 ± 6 % (d) 1.36 ± 0 % correct explanation for Statement-1
95. Diameter of a steel ball is measured using a Vernier callipers (c) Statement -1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement -2 is not
which has divisions of 0.1 cm on its main scale (MS) and 10 a correct explanation for Statement-1
divisions of its vernier scale (VS) match 9 divisions on the (d) Statement -1 is true, Statement-2 is false
main scale. Three such measurements for a ball are given
below: 97. Statement 1 : The number of significant figures depends on
the least count of measuring instrument.
S.No. MS(cm) VS divisions
Statement 2 : Significant figures define the accuracy of
1. 0.5 8 measuring instrument.
2. 0.5 4
98. Statement 1 : Absolute error may be negative or positive.
3. 0.5 6
Statement 2 : Absolute error is the difference between the
If the zero error is – 0.03 cm, then mean corrected diameter is real value and the measured value of a physical quantity.
(a) 0.52 cm (b) 0.59 cm
99. Statement 1 : In the measurement of physical quantities
(c) 0.56 cm (d) 0.53 cm
L direct and indirect methods are used.
96. The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is T = 2p .
g Statement 2 : The accuracy and precision of measuring
Measured value of L is 20.0 cm known to 1 mm accuracy and instruments along with errors in measurements should be
time for 100 oscillations of the pendulum is found to be 90 s taken into account, while expressing the result.
using a wrist watch of 1s resolution. The accuracy in the
100. Statement 1 : Energy cannot be divided by volume.
determination of g is
(a) 1% (b) 5% Statement 2 : Because dimensions for energy and volume
(c) 2% (d) 3% are different.

Exemplar Questions 6. Which of the following pairs of physical quantities does

1. The number of significant figures in 0.06900 is not have same dimensional forrmula?
(a) 5 (b) 4 (a) Work and torque
(c) 2 (d) 3 (b) Angular momentum and Planck's constant
2. The sum of the numbers 436.32, 227.2 and 0.301 in (c) Tension and surface tension
appropriate significant figures is
(d) Impulse and linear momentum
(a) 663.821 (b) 664
7. Measure of two quantities along with the precision of
(c) 663.8 (d) 663.82
respective measuring instrument is
3. The mass and volume of a body are 4.237 g and 2.5 cm 3,
respectively. The density of the material of the body in A = 2.5 ms–1 ± 0.5 ms–1,
correct significant figures is B = 0.10 s ± 0.01 s. The value of AB will be
(a) 1.6048 g cm–3 (b) 1.69 g cm–3 (a) (0.25 ± 0.08) m (b) (0.25 ± 0.5) m
(c) 1.7 g cm –3 (d) 1.695 g cm–3 (c) (0.25 ± 0.05) m (d) (0.25 ± 0.135) m
4. The numbers 2.745 and 2.735 on rounding off to 3 8. You measure two quantities as A = 1.0 m ± 0.2 m, B = 2.0 m ±
significant figures will give
0.2 m. We should report correct value for AB as
(a) 2.75 and 2.74 (b) 2.74 and 2.73
(c) 2.75 and 2.73 (d) 2.74 and 2.74 (a) 1.4 m ± 0.4 m (b) 1.41 m ± 0.15 m
5. The length and breadth of a rectangular sheet are 16.2 ± 0.1 (c) 1.4 m ± 0.3 m (d) 1.4 m ± 0.2 m
cm and 10.1 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. The area of the sheet in 9. Which of the following measurement is most precise?
appropriate significant figures and error is
(a) 5.00 mm (b) 5.00 cm
(a) 164 ± 3 cm2 (b) 163.62 ± 2.6 cm2
(c) 5.00 m (d) 5.00 km
(c) 163.6 ± 2.6 cm2 (d) 163.62 ± 3 cm2
 Units and Measurements 27

10. The mean length of an object is 5 cm. Which is the following 15. If force (F), velocity (V) and time (T) are taken as fundamental
measurement is most accurate? units, then the dimensions of mass are : [2014]
(a) 4.9 cm (b) 4.805 cm (a) [F V T– 1] (b) [F V T– 2]
(c) 5.25 cm (d) 5.4 cm (c) [F V– 1 T– 1] (d) [F V– 1 T]
11. Young's modulus of steel is 1.9 × 1011 N/m2. When expressed 16. If energy (E), velocity (V) and time (T) are chosen as the
in CGS units of dyne/cm2, it will be equal to (1N = 105 dyne, fundamental quantities, the dimensional formula of surface
1 m2 = 104 cm2) tension will be : [2015]
(a) 1.9 × 1010 (b) 1.9 × 1011 (a) [EV–1T–2] (b) [EV–2T–2]
(c) 1.9 × 1012 (d) 1.9 × 1013 (c) [E–2V–1T–3] (d) [EV–2T–1]
12. If momentum (p), area (A) and time (T) are taken to be 17. If dimensions of critical velocity ucof a liquid flowing
fundamental quantities, then energy has the dimensional
through a tube are expressed as [ hx ry r x ] , where h, r and
formula
(a) [pA–1T1] (b) [p2AT] r are the coefficient of viscosity of liquid, density of liquid
and radius of the tube respectively, then the values of x, y
(c) [pA–1/2T] (d) [ pA1/2T]
and z are given by : [2015 RS]
NEET/AIPMT (2013-2017) Questions (a) –1, –1, 1 (b) –1, –1, –1
13. In an experiment four quantities a, b, c and d are measured (c) 1, 1, 1 (d) 1, –1, –1
with percentage error 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% respectively. 18. A physical quantity of the dimensions of length that can be
a 3b 2 e2
Quantity P is calculated as follows P = % error in P is: formed out of c, G and is [c is velocity of light, G is
cd 4pe0
(a) 10% (b) 7% [2013] universal constant of gravitation and e is charge] [2017]
(c) 4% (d) 14% 1/ 2 1/ 2
é e2 ù 1 é e2 ù
14. The pair of quantities having same dimensions is 2
c êG ú ê ú
(a) (b)
(a) Young’s modulus and energy [NEET Kar. 2013] ëê 4pe 0 ûú c 2 ëê G4pe0 ûú
(b) impulse and surface tension
1/ 2
(c) angular momentum and work 1 e2 1 é e2 ù
(d) work and torque (c) G (d) ê G ú
c 4pe0 c 2 êë 4pe 0 úû
 EBD_7751
28 PHYSICS

Hints & Solutions

EXERCISE - 1 21. (b) Let M = pnvm
1. (d) Temperature is one of the basic physical quantities. ML-2 T -1 = ( ML-1 T -2 ) n (LT -1 ) m
2. (b) The vander Waal’s gas equation is
= M n L- n + m T -2n - m
a
(P + )(V - b) = RT for one mole. \ n = 1; - n + m = -2
V2
\ m = -2 + n = -2 + 1 = -1 \ m = -n
æ ma ö 22. (b)
& çç P + ÷÷(V - mb) = mRT for m mole
è V2 ø 23. (c) N kg–1 = force/mass = acceleration
Dimensionally in first bracket on L.H.S 24. (a) Moment of couple = force × distance = [M1 L2 T -2 ]
é ma ù [P ]V 2
[ P] = ê ú Þ [a ] = work = force × distance = [M1 L2 T -2 ] .
ë V2 û m
energy ML2 T -2
é atm. litre2 ù 25. (b) Power = = = [ ML2 T -3 ] .
Dimension of [a ] = ê ú time T
ëê mole ûú
EXERCISE - 2
3. (d)
eV W PV 1. (a) From Biot Savart’s law
4. (c) = = =R
T T T
m 0 i dl sin q
R B=
and = Boltzmann constant. 4p r2
N
5. (a) 6. (a) 4 p Br2 Wb m-2m2
7. (a) SI is based on seven fundamental units. m0 = = = Wb A-1 m-1
idl sin q Am
Q J
8. (a) L= = = J kg -1 Pressure difference
m kg 2. (a) Pressure gradient = .
distance
9. (a) As force = change in momentum/time.
\ force × time = change in momentum ML-1T -2
[Pressure gradient] = = é ML- 2T -2 ù
10. (c) Illuminance is intensity of illumination measured in lux. L ë û
Qi C
11. (a) P= = 2 = Cm - 2 1 æ 1 1 ö÷
A m 3. (c) From = Rç - ,
l ç n2 n2 ÷
12. (a) è 1 2 ø

1
13. (c) 1 light year = speed of light in vacuum × no. of seconds dimensions of R = = L-1 = [M 0 L-1 T 0 ]
in one year = (3 × 108) × (365 × 24 × 60 × 60) = 9.467 × L
1015 m.
14. (c) 1 pascal = 1 N / m2. PV W ML2 T -2
4. (a) R= = =
15. (c) Electron volt is a unit of energy & mT m T mol K
1eV = 1.6×10–19 joule where m is number of mole of the gas
16. (a) Impulse = force × time = MLT -2 1 -1
´ T = [M LT ] . = [M1L2T–2K–1mol–1]
5. (a) M = current × area = AL2 = [L2 A1]
2
M Am
17. (b) Pole strength, m = = = A m. 6. (b) b = l m T = LK = [M0 L1 T 0 K1 ]
2l m
18. (d) Both energy and work have same unit. V W ML2 T -2
\ energy/work is a pure number. 7. (b) Impedance = = =
I QI Q QT -1
19. (a) Potential is work done per unit charge.
20. (c) Maxwell is the unit of magnetic flux in C.G.S system. = [ML2 T -1 Q -2 ] .
1 Wb(S.I unit) = 108 maxwell
 Units and Measurements 29

1 2 2 -2 Weight of body in air

8. (a) Energy stored in an inductor = L i = [ML T ] 22. (d) Relative density =
Loss of weight in water
2
5.00 5.00
= =
5.00 – 4.00 1.00
9. (b) Wave number n = 1 = 1 = [M 0 L-1 T 0 ] .
l L Dr æ 0.05 0.05 ö
´ 100 = ç + ´ 100
10. (a) T = Pa Db Sc r è 5.00 1.00 ÷ø
= (0.01 + 0.05) × 100
M 0 L0 T1 = (ML-1 T -2 )a (ML-3 ) b (MT -2 ) c
= 0.06 × 100 = 6%
= M a + b + c L- a -3b T -2a - 2c \ Relative density = 5.00 ± 6%
Applying principle of homogeneity 23. (a) Area = (Length)2
a + b + c = 0; – a – 3b = 0; – 2a – 2c = 1 or length = (Area)1 2
on solving, we get a = – 3/2, b = 1/2, c = 1
= (100 ± 2)1 2
3 -3 3
rr ML L
11. (b) = =T 1
S MT -2 = (100)1 2 ± ´2
2
12. (d) B = x = [L]; A x = Vx; A = V x = (10 ± 1)m

= M L2 T -2 L1 / 2 = M L5 / 2 T -2 Q2
24. (c) We know that is energy of capacitor so it represent
2C
AB = (ML5 / 2 T -2 ) (L) = [M1 L7 / 2 T -2 ]
13. (b) In S = A (t + B) + Ct2 ; B is added to time t. Therefore, the dimension of energy = [ML2 T -2 ] .
dimensions of B are those of time. Volt ´ sec/amp.
25. (b) L/R = = sec. = [M 0 L0 T ]
2 -2 2 -1 Volt/amp.
14. (b) h = l 2m E = L M ( ML T ) = [M L T ]
Current Q
15. (d) v = ga h b ; [M 0 LT -1 ] = (LT -2 ) a Lb = La + b T -2a 26. (a) Current density = =
area area ´ t
\ a + b = 1; - 2a = -1 a = 1/ 2 0.2
27. (c) ´ 100 = 0.8
\ b = 1/ 2 25
16. (a) As c is added to t, \ c = [T] 28. (d) 29. (a)
1
v LT -1 30. (d) From n =
a= = = [LT -2 ] , 2p LC
t T
1 1
b = v (t + c) = LT -1 ´ T = [L] LC = = = T 2 = [M 0 L0 T 2 ]
2 -1 2
(2p n) (T )
velocity [ LT -1 ] 31. (d) Solar constant = energy/sec/area
17. (a) Hubble’s constant, H = =
dis tan ce [ L]
M L2 T -2
= = [MT-3 ]
= [T -1 ] = 70 ´ 10 -3 N / m. TL 2

4 1 e2
18. (c) V = p r 3; 32. (c) From F =
3 4 p eo r2
DV æ Dr ö
´ 100 = 3ç ÷ ´ 100 = 3 ´ 1 % = 3 % e2
V è r ø \ = 4 p F r 2 (dimensionally)
eo
19. (a) Subtraction is correct upto one place of decimal,
corresponding to the least number of decimal places. e2 4pFr 2 (MLT-2 )L2
= = = [M 0 L0 T 0 A 0 ] ,
7.26 – 0.2 = 7.06 = 7.1 J. eo hc hc ML2T-1[LT-1]
20. (d) Number of significant figures in multiplication is three,
corresponding to the minimum number e2
107.88 × 0.610 = 65.8068 = 65.8 is called fine structure constant & has value
e o hc
97 .52
21. (d) = 38 . 393 = 38 .4 (with least number of 1
2 .54 .
significant figures, 3). 137
 EBD_7751
30 PHYSICS

45. (c) Volume (L3) = surface area (6L2)

Q ML2 T -2
33. (c) Entropy = = = [ML2 T -2 K -1 ] \ L = 6, volume = 63 = 216
T K 46. (d) None of the expressions has the dimensions of time.
2 -2
Q ML T X = Ma Lb T c ;
34. (d) s = = = [L2 T -2 K -1 ] 47. (a)
mq MK
DX æ a DM b DL c DT ö
35. (c) 1 1 ´ 100 = ç + + ÷ ´ 100
= X è M L T ø
LC (ML2 T -2 A -2 ) ´ (M -1L-2 T 4 A 2 )
= (a a + b b + c g )%
1 48. (c) N VD = (N – 1) MD
= = T -1
2
T æ N -1 ö
36. (b) Solar constant = energy/area/time 1 VD = ç ÷MD
è N ø
M L2 T -2 L.C. = Least count = 1MD – 1VD
= = [M1 T -3 ] .
2
L T
æ N -1 ö
37. (a) L.C. = ç1 - ÷ MD
è N ø
38. (b) v = k l a rb g c
1 0.1 1
0 -1 a -3 b -2 c
= M.D. = cm = cm
[M LT ] = L (ML ) (LT ) N N 10 N

= M b La - 3b + c T -2c value of 1 part on main scale

=
\ b = 0; a - 3b + c = 1 number of parts on vernier scale
1 where V.D. = vernier division, M.D. Main scale division.
-2c = -1 Þ c = 1 / 2 \ a=
2 l l
49. (c) From T = 2p ; g = 4p 2
v µ l1/ 2 r0 g1 / 2 or v 2 µ l g g T2
39. (b) In p = p0 exp. (– a t2) is dimensionless
D g Dl 2 DT
1 1 -2 = + = ( y + 2x )
\ a= = = [T ] g l T
t2 T2
50. (c) We have, n 1u1 = n2u2
a
40. (b) As =P æu ö
V2 n2 = n1 ç 1 ÷
è u2 ø
dyne
\ a = PV 2 = 2
(cm 3 ) 2 = dyne ´ cm 4
cm 2 -3
æ M öæL ö æT ö
= 106 ´ ç 1 ÷ ç 1 ÷ ç 1 ÷
h ML2 T -1 è M 2 ø è L 2 ø è T2 ø
41. (c) = = ML2 T -3A -2 = Resistance (ohm)
e2 (AT) 2 -3
æ 1 kg ö æ 1 m ö 2 æ 1 s ö
42. (c) I = AT2 e–B/kT = 106 ´ ç ç ÷
Dimensions of A = I /T2; Dimensions of B = kT è 10 kg ÷ø è 1 ´ 10-1 m ø çè 60 s ÷ø
(Q power of exponential is dimensionless)
æ 1ö
= 106 ´ ç ÷ (10) ( 60)
2 3
I è 10 ø
AB2 = (kT)2 = I k 2
T2
= 107 ´ ( 60) = 2.16 × 1012 units.
3
43. (a) The C.G.S unit of current is called biot (Bi) i.e.,
1C (1/10)e.m.u of charge 1 51. (c) Effective resistance
1A = = = Bi
1sec sec 10 R S = (10kW ± 10%) + (20kW ± 20%)
or 1Bi = 10A
\ Tolerance of the combination = (30kW ± 30%)
1 1
44. (d) w k = ´ = [L-1 T -1 ] 1 q 1q 2 q .q
T L 52. (c) Force, F = Þ e 0 = 1 22
The dimensions of the quantities in a, b, c are of velocity 4pe 0 r 2
4pFr
[LT–1]
 Units and Measurements 31

So dimension of e0
0.1 æ 19 ö 1 1
2 66. (c) = ç1 - ÷ MSD Þ = ´ 1MSD
=
[AT]
= [M -1L-3T 4 A 2 ] 10 è 20ø 100 20
-2 2
[MLT ][L ] 1
Þ 1 MSD = ´ 10 = 2
5
æ Dm ö
53. (c) Percentage error in mass ç ´ 100 ÷ = 2% and
è m ø 0.5
67. (b) Least count = = 0.01mm
50
percentage error in speed æç D ´ 100 ö÷ = 3% .
v
68. (c) Maximum absolute error is Da + Db . Therefore the
è v ø
absolute error
1 percentage error = actual value ´ 100
E = mv2
2
DQ 2DI DR Dt
DE Dm DV 69. (d) ´ 100 = ´ 100 + ´100 + ´100
\ ´ 100 = ´ 100 + 2 ´ 100 Q I R t
E m V
= 2% + 2 × 3% = 8%. = 2 ´ 2% +1% +1% = 6%.

Mass DP DF Dl
70. (c) ´ 100 = ´ 100 + 2 ´ 100 = 4% + 2 × 2%
54. (d) Density =
Volume P F l
= 8%
M Dr DM DL
r= 3 , = +3 l l
L r M L 71. (c) T = 2p , gµ 2
g T
% error in density = % error in Mass + 3 (% error
in length) Dg
= 4 + 3(3) = 13% \ ´ 100 = 0.5% + 2 × 0.2% = 0.9%
g
Cp
55. (a) Ratio of specific heat, g = 72. (a) % error =
0.01
´ 100 +
0.01
´100 +
0.01
´ 100
Cv
0.5 1.0 0.5
56. (a) Specific gravity is the ratio of density of substance =2+1+2=4+1=5
and density of water at 4°C. The ratio of like quantities 73. (c)
is dimensionless.
57. (c) Dimensionally K.E = Work 74. (b) [ LC] = ML2T -2 A -2 .M -1L-2 T4 A 2 = T
58. (b) Trigonometric ratio are a number and hence
demensionless wx
75. (c) The quantity ( – wk) has dimension of angle and
v
éQù é Q2 ù
59. (b) [C] = ê ú = ê
-1 -2 2 2
ú = [M L T Q ] hence wk is dimensionless being angle.
ëVû ëê W ûú
[X] M -1L-2 T 4 A 2
76. (d) [Y] = = = M -3 L-2 Q 4 T 4
60. (c) [A ] = [LT -2 ] or [L ] = [AT 2 ] [Z2 ] M 2 T -4 A -2

[Work] = [Force ×Distance] = [FL] = [FAT 2 ] æ Qö

çèQ A = ÷ø
61. (a) h is the coefficient of viscosity.. T
62. (a) Velocity gradient is velocity per unit distance. 77. (c) [at] = [F] amd [bt2] = [F]
63. (a) Use principle of homogeneity. Þ [a] = MLT–3 and [b] = MLT–4

[ML2 T -2 ][ML2 T -1 ]2 n 2T MLT -2

64. (a) = [M 0 L0 T 0 ] = angle. 78. (c) Clearly, m = ; [m] =
[M 5 ][M -1L3T - 2 ]2 4f 2 L2 T -2 .L2

9 é W ù ML2T -2
65. (c) 10 VD = 9MD, 1VD = MD 79. (d) [V] = ê ú = = ML2 A -1T -3
10 ëQû AT
Vernier constant = 1 MD – 1 VD
Bx Bx B
æ 9ö 1 1 1 80. (b) From K = 2 2
= 2 =
= ç1- ÷ MD = MD = ´ = 0.05 mm x +A x x
è 10ø 10 10 2
\ B = K × x = K.E. × distance = work × distance
 EBD_7751
32 PHYSICS

81. (c) We know that F = q v B

m
89. (c) Resistivity, r =
F MLT -2 ne 2t
\ B= = = MT -1C-1
qv C ´ LT -1
r = [ML3T –3 A –2 ]
0.5 So, electrical conductivity
82. (d) Least count of screw gauge = mm = 0.01mm
50 1
\ Reading = [Main scale reading s=
r
+ circular scale reading × L.C] – (zero error)
= [3 + 35 × 0.01] – (–0.03) = 3.38 mm s = [M –1L–3 T 3 A 2 ]
90. (a) Reverberation time,
MLT –2
83. (d) Pressure = = [ ML T–1 –2 ] æ dö æ dö
L2 t = çè V ÷ø +ç ÷
forward
è V ø backward
Þ a = 1, b = – 1, c = – 2.
when dimensions double then, d¢ = 2d
g
84. (b) In CGS system, d = 4 d ¢ d ¢ 2d 2d æ d dö
cm3 \ t¢ = + = + = 2ç + ÷
V V V V è V Vø
The unit of mass is 100g and unit of length is 10 cm, so
æ d d ö
æ 100g ö æ 4 ö Þ t¢ = 2t çèQ + = t ÷ø
4ç V V
è 100 ÷ø çè ÷
100 ø (100g) PV J
density =
æ 10 ö
3 = 3 3 91. (a) R= = = J K -1 mol -1 .
æ 1 ö (10cm) nT mol K
çè cm÷ø çè ÷ø
10 10 92. (d) 16.8 gcm–3 = 16800 Kgm–3.
4 100g 93. (a) Dimensionally couple = Torque = Work
= ´ (10)3 · = 40 unit 94. (a) The mean value of refractive index,
100 (10cm) 3
1.34 + 1.38 + 1.32 + 1.36
a 3b2 DP Da Db m= = 1.35
85. (d) P = , × 100% = 3 × 100% + 2 × 4
cd P a b and
| (1.35 - 1.34) | + | (1.35 - 1.38) | + | (1.35 - 1.32) | + | (1.35 - 1.36) |
Dc Dd Dm =
4
100% + × 100% + × 100%.
c d = 0.02
= 3 × 1% + 2 × 2% + 3% + 4% = 14% Dm 0.02
Thus m ´ 100 = ´ 100 = 1.48
1.35
l l
86. (c) From T = 2p ; g = 4p 2 0.1
g T2 95. (b) Least count = = 0.01 cm
10
D g Dl 2 DT d1 = 0.5 + 8 × 0.01 + 0.03 = 0.61 cm
= + = ( y + 2x ) d2 = 0.5 + 4 × 0.01 + 0.03 = 0.57 cm
g l T
d3 = 0.5 + 6 × 0.01 + 0.03 = 0.59 cm
rl DR 0.61 + 0.57 + 0.59
87. (b) Given = R = , then ´ 100 Mean diameter =
2 R
pr 3
Dr Dl Dr = 0.59 cm
= r ´ 100 + ´ 100 + 2 ´ 100
l r
2 l
= 1% + 2% + 2 × 3% = 9% 96. (d) As, g = 4 p
T2
88. (b) The magnetic field at a point near a long straight
conductor is given by Dg Dl DT
So, ´ 100 = ´ 100 + 2 ´ 100
g l T
m0 2I 4 prB
B = . Þ m0 =
4p r 2I 0.1 1
= ´ 100 + 2 ´ ´ 100 = 2.72 ; 3%
20 90
[r ][ B ] L.MT -2 A -1 æ Fö 97. (c) 98. (b)
\ [m0] = = çQ B = qv ÷
[I ] I è ø 99. (b) 100. (a)
= MLT–2A–2
 Units and Measurements 33

EXERCISE - 3 b. Angular momentum (L)

= mvr = [M][LT–1][L]
Exemplar Questions
= [ML2T–1]
1. (b) In 0.06900, the two zeroes before six are not siginificant
E
and two zeroes on right side of 9 are significant figures. Planck's constant h =
Hence, number of significant figures are four (6900). n
2. (b) In addition the result will be in least number of places [ML2 T -2 ] æ 1ö
after decimal and minimum number of significant figure. = -1
= [ML2 T -1 ] çèQ E = hn and n = ÷ø
[T ] T
The sum of the given numbers can be calculated as
663.821. The number with least decimal places is 227.2 So, dimensions of h and L are equal.
is correct to only one decimal place but in addition of c. Tension = force = [MLT–2]
numbers, the final result should be rounded off to one
decimal place i.e., 664. force [MLT -2 ]
Surface tension = =
3. (c) As we know that in multiplication or division, the final length [L]
result should retain as many significant figures as are = [ML0T–2]
there in the original number with the least significant d. Impulse = force × time = [MLT–2][T]
figures. = [MLT–1]
The significant figure in given numbers 4.237 g and 2.5 Momentum = mass × velocity
cm3 are four and two respectivey so, density should = [M][LT–1] = [MLT–1]
be reported to two significant figures.
LHS and RHS has same dimensions.
4.237 g Hence only (c) options of Physical quantities does not
Density = = 1.6948 = 1.7 g.cm -3
2.5 cm 3 have same dimensions.
7. (a) By applying the Rule of significant figure in
\ As rounding off the number upto 2 significant
multiplication and addition.
figures, we get density = 1.7.
As given that,
4. (d) Rounding off 2.745 upto 3 significant figures here IVth
digit is 5 and its preceding is even, so no change in 4. A = 2.5 ms–1 ± 0.5 ms–1, B = 0.10 s ± 0.01 s
Thus answer would be 2.74. Rounding off 2.735 upto 3 x = AB = (2.5)(0.10) = 0.25 m (consider only significant
significant figures, here IV digit is 5 and its preceding figure value)
digit is 3 (odd). So 3 is increased by 1 answer become Dx DA DB
would be 2.74. = +
x A B
5. (a) If Dx is error in a physical quantity, then relative error is
Dx Dx 0.5 0.01 0.05 + 0.025 0.075
calculated as . = + = =
x x 2.5 0.10 0.25 0.25
Given that, Dx = 0.075 = 0.08 m
Length l = (16.2 ± 0.1) cm (rounding off to two significant figures.)
Breadth b = (10.1 ± 0.1) cm AB = (0.25 ± 0.08) m
Q Dl = 0.1 cm, Db = 0.1 cm 8. (d) As given that,
Area (A) = l × b = 16.2 × 10.1 = 163.62 cm2 A = 1.0 m ± 0.2 m, B = 2.0 m ± 0.2 m
In significant figure rounding off to three significant
So, X = AB = (1.0)(2.0) = 1.414 m
digits, area A = 164 cm2
Rounding off upto two significant digit
DA Dl Db 0.1 0.1
= + = + X = 1.4 m = (r) (Let)
A l b 16.2 10.1
1.01 + 1.62 2.63 Dx 1 é DA DB ù 1 é 0.2 0.2 ù
= = = + = +
16.2 ´10.1 163.62 x 2 êë A B úû 2 êë 1.0 2.0 úû
2.63 2.63
So, DA = A ´ = 164 ´ 0.6
163.62 163.62 =
2 ´ 2.0
= 2.636 cm2
Now rounding off up to one significant figure 0.6 x 0.6 ´ 1.4
DA = 3 cm2. Þ Dx = = = 0.212
2 ´ 2.0 2 ´ 2.0
So, Area A = A ± DA = (164 ± 3) cm2.
Rounding off upto one significant digit
6. (c) a. Work = force × distance
Dx = 0.2 m = Dr (Let)
= [MLT–2][L] = [ML2T–2]
So, correct value of
Torque = F × d = [ML2T–2]
LHS and RHS has same dimensions. AB = r + Dr = (1.4 ± 0.2) m
 EBD_7751
34 PHYSICS

9. (a) For the most precise measurement, the unit must be 14. (d) Work = Force × displacement
least and number of digits including zeroes after Torque = Force × force arm
decimal must be zero. = mass × acceleration × length
Now, take first option, = [M] × [LT–2] × [L] = [M L2T–2]
As here 5.00 mm has the smallest unit and the error in
15. (d) Force = mass × acceleration
5.00 mm is least (commonly taken as 0.01 mm if not
specified), hence, 5.00 mm is most precise. Þ [Mass]
10. (a) Now, checking the errors with each options one by é force ù
=ê
one, ë acceleration úû
|Dl1| = |5 – 4.9| = 0.1 cm
|Dl2| = |5 – 4.805| = 0.195 cm é force ù –1
= ê ú = [F V T]
|Dl3| = |5.25 – 5| = 0.25 cm ë velocity / time û
|Dl4| = |5.4 – 5| = 0.4 cm 16. (b) Let surface tension
Error Dl1 is least or minimum.
s = Ea Vb Tc
So, 4.9 cm is most precise.
b
11. (c) It is given that Young's modulus (Y) is, MLT –2 æ Lö
= (ML2 T –2 )a ç ÷ (T)C
Y = 1.9 × 1011 N/m2 L è Tø
1N = 105 dyne Equating the dimension of LHS and RHS
So, Y = 1.9 × 1011 × 105 dyne/m2 ML0T–2 = MaL2a + b T–2a – b + c
Convert meter to centimeter
Þ a = 1, 2a + b = 0, –2a – b + c = –2
Q 1m = 100 cm
Þ a = 1, b = – 2, c = – 2
Y = 1.9 × 1011 × 105 dyne/(100)2 cm2
= 1.9 × 1016 – 4 dyne/cm2 Hence, the dimensions of surface tension are
[E V–2 T–2]
Y = 1.9 × 1012 dyne/cm2
12. (d) Given that fundamental quantities are momentum (p), 17. (d) Applying dimensional method :
area (A) and time (T). vc = hxryrz
Let us consider the dimensional formula for [M0LT–1] = [ML–1T–1]x [ML–3T0]y [M0LT0]z
E µ [ p a AbT c ] Equating powers both sides
x + y = 0; –x = –1 \ x = 1
E = kp a AbT c ]
1 + y = 0 \ y = –1
where k is dimensionless constant of proportionality.
–x – 3y + z = 1
Dimensions of energy [E] = [ML2T–2] and Dimension
–1 – 3(–1) + z = 1
of momentum p = mv = [MLT–1]
Dimension of Area [A] = [L2] –1 + 3 + z = 1
Dimension of Time [T] = [T] \ z = –1
Dimension of energy [E] = [K] [p]a[A]b[T]c 18. (d) Let dimensions of length is related as,
Putting all the dimensions, value z
é e2 ù
ML2T–2 = [MLT–1]a [L2]b [T]c x
L = [c] [G] ê
y
ú
= MaL2b + aT–a + c êë 4pe 0 úû
By principle of homogeneity of dimensions,
1 e2
a = 1, 2b +a = 2 Þ 2b + 1 = 2 Þ b = = ML3T–2
2 4pe0
- a + c = -2 L = [LT–1]x [M–1L3T–2]y[ML3T–2]z
c = –2 + a = –2 + 1 = –1 [L] = [Lx + 3y + 3z M –y + z T–x – 2y – 2z]
So, Dimensional formula (of energy) Comparing both sides
E = [pA1/2T–1] –y + z = 0 Þ y = z ...(i)
E = [ pA1/2T -1] x + 3y + 3z = 1 ...(ii)
–x – 4z = 0 (Q y = z) ...(iii)
NEET/AIPMT (2013-2017) Questions From (i), (ii) & (iii)
a 3 b 2 DP Da Db 1
13. (d) P = , × 100% = 3 × 100% + 2 × z = y = , x = –2
cd P a b 2
1/2
Dc Dd é e2 ù
100% + × 100% + × 100%. -2
c d Hence, L = c êG × ú
= 3 × 1% + 2 × 2% + 3% + 4% = 14% ëê 4pe 0 ûú