DAY ONE

Physical
World and
Measurement
Learning & Revision for the Day
u Physics u Accuracy and Precision u Dimensions of Physical
u Units u Errors in Measurement Quantities
u Significant Figures

Physics
Physics is the study of matter and its motion, as well as space and time using concepts
such as energy, force, mass and charge. It is an experimental science, creating theories
that are tested against observation.

Scope and Excitement

Scope of Physics is very vast, as it deals with a wide variety of disciplines such as
mechanics, heat, light, etc.
It also deals with very large magnitude of astronomical phenomenon as well as very
small magnitude involving electrons, protons, etc.

Nature of Physical Laws

Physics is the study of nature and natural phenomena. All observations and
experiments in physics lead to certain facts. These facts can be explained on the basis of
certain laws.

Physics, Technology and Society

Connection between physics, technology and society can be seen in many examples like
working of heat engines gave rise to thermodynamics. Wireless communication
technology arose from basic laws of electricity and magnetism. Lately discovery of
silicon chip triggered the computer revolution.

Units
Measurement of any physical quantity involves comparison with a certain basic, widely
accepted reference standard called unit.
Fundamental and Derived Units Amount of
substance
mole
(mol)
The mole is the amount of substance of a
system, which contains as many
Fundamental units are the units which can neither be elementary entities as there are atoms in
derived from one another, nor they can be further resolved 0.012 kg of carbon-12.
into more simpler units. Luminous candela The candela is the luminous intensity in a
These are the units of fundamental quantity. However, (cd) given direction of a source emitting
derived units are the units of measurement of all physical intensity
monochromatic radiation of frequency
quantities which can be obtained from fundamental units. 540 × 1012 Hz and having a radiant
1
intensity of W sr −1 in that direction.
System of Units 683

A complete set of these units, both fundamental and derived
unit is known as the system of units.
The common systems are given below:
1. CGS System (Centimetre, Gram, Second) are often used
in scientific work. This system measures, Length in
centimetre (cm), Mass in gram (g), Time in second (s).
2. FPS System (Foot, Pound, Second) It is also called the
British Unit System. This unit measures, Length in foot
(foot), Mass in pound (pound), Time in second (s).
3. MKS System In this system also length, mass and time
have been taken as fundamental quantities and
corresponding fundamental units are metre, kilogram
and second.
4. International System (SI) of Units It is an extended
version of the MKS (Metre, Kilogram, Second) system. It
has seven base units and two supplementary units.
Seven base quantities and two supplementary
quantities, their units along with definitions are
tabulated below.
Basic Units
Base
Name and
Quantity Definintion
Symbol
Length metre The metre is the length of path travelled
(m) by light in vacuum during a time interval
of 1/299, 792, 458 part of a second.
Mass kilogra It is the mass of the international prototype
m (kg) of the kilogram (a platinum iridium alloy
cylinder) kept at International Bureau of
Weights and Measures, at Sevres (France).
Time second The second is the duration of 9, 192, 631,
(s) 770 periods of the radiation corresponding
to the transition between the two hyperfine
levels of the ground state of cesium-133
atom.
Electric Ampere The ampere is that constant current,
current (A) which if maintained in two straight,
parallel conductors of infinite length
placed 1 m apart in vacuum would
produce a force equal to 2 × 10−7 Nm −1
on either conductor.
Thermodyn- Kelvin 1
The kelvin is th fraction of the
amic (K) 273.16
temperature
thermodynamic temperature of the triple
point of water.
Supplementary Units
Supplementary
Quantity Name and
Definition
Symbol
Plane angle radian It is the angle subtended at the
(rad) centre by an arc of a circle having
a length equal to the radius of the
circle.
Solid angle steradian It is the solid angle which is having
(sr) its vertex at the centre of the sphere,
it cuts-off an area of the surface of
sphere equal to that of a square with
the length of each side equal to the
radius of the sphere.
NOTE • Angle subtended by a closed curve at an inside points
is 2π rad.
• Solid angle subtended by a closed surface at an inside
point is 4 π steradian.
Significant Figures
In the measured value of a physical quantity, the digits about
the correction of which we are sure, plus the last digits which
is doubtful, are called the significant figures.
Larger the number of significant figures obtained in a
measurement, greater is the accuracy of the measurement.
Accuracy and Precision
The accuracy of a measurement is a measure of how close the
measured value is to the true value of the quantity. However,
precision tells us to what resolution or limit, the quantity is
measured by a measuring instrument.
Least Count
The least count of a measuring instrument is the least value,
that can be measured using the instrument. It is denoted as
LC.
(i) Least count of vernier callipers
Value of 1 main scale division
LC =
Total number of vernier scale division
(ii) Least count of screw gauge
Value of 1 pitch scale reading
LC =
Total number of head scale division
Errors in Measurement Uses of Dimensions
The difference in the true value (mean value) and measured (i) To check the correctness of a given physical equation.
value of a quantity is called error of measurement. Different (ii) Derivation of formula.
types of error are given below:
(i) Absolute error, (iii) Dimensional formula is useful to convert the value of a
a + a2 + a3 + ... an 1 i = n physical quantity from one system to the other. Physical
amean = a0 = 1 = ∑ ai quantity is expressed as a product of numerical value
n n i= 1
and unit. In any system of measurement, this product
∆a1 = mean value − observed value remains constant.
∆a1 = a0 − a1 Let dimensional formula of a given physical quantity be
∆a2 = a0 − a2 [Ma Lb T c ].If in a system having base units [M1L1T1] the
:. :. :. numerical value of given quantity be n1 and numerical
∆an = a0 − an value n2 in another unit system having the base units
(ii) Mean absolute error, [ M2 , L2 , T2 ], then Q = n1u1 = n2u2
[| ∆a1| + | ∆a2| + | ∆a3| + .... + | ∆an|] n1[M 1a L b1 T c1] = n2 [M2b L 2b T 2c ]
∆amean =
n a b c
n M  L  T 
n2 = n1  1   1   1 
∑| ∆ai|  M2   L2   T2 
i= 1
=
n Dimensions of Important Physical Quantities
∆amean
(iii) Relative or fractional error = Physical Quantity SI Unit
Dimensional
amean Formula
(v) Percentage error, Power Watt (W) [ML2 T −3 ]
∆amean Pressure, stress, coefficient of Pascal (Pa) [ML−1 T −2 ]
δ a = Relative error × 100 % = × 100%
amean elasticity (ρ, σ, η) or Nm −2
Frequency, angular frequency Hz or s −1 [T −1 ]
Combination of Errors Angular momentum kg m2 s −1 [ML2 T −1]
(i) If X = A + B, then (∆X ) = ± (∆A + ∆B) Torque Nm [ML2 T −2 ]
 ∆X   ∆A ∆B ∆C  Gravitational constant (G) N m2 kg −2 [M −1 L3 T −2 ]
(ii) If X = ABC, then   =± + +
 X  max  A B C 
Moment of inertia kg m2 [ ML2 ]
 ∆X   ∆A ∆B ∆C 
(iii) If X = A B C , then 
k l
 = ± k
n
+l +n Acceleration, acceleration due ms −2 [LT −2 ]
 X   A B C  to gravity
Force, thrust, tension, weight Newton (N) [MLT −2 ]
Dimensions of Physical Quantities Linear momentum, impulse kg ms −1 or Ns [MLT −1 ]
The dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to Work, energy, KE, PE, thermal Joule (J) [ML2 T −2 ]
which the fundamental (base) quantities are raised, to energy, internal energy, etc.
represent that quantity. Surface area, area of m2 [L2 ]
To make it clear, consider the physical quantity force. cross-section
‘Force = mass × acceleration = mass × length × (time)−2 ’ Electric conductivity Sm −1 [M −1 L−3 T3 A2 ]
Thus, the dimension of force are 1 in mass [M]
1 in length [L] and −2 in time [ T−2 ], that is [MLT−2 ]. Young’s modulus, Pa [ML−1 T −2 ]
Bulk modulus
NOTE • Dimensions of a physical quantity do not depend on its Compressibility m2 N −1 [M −1 LT2 ]
magnitude or the units in which it is measured.
Magnetic Flux Wb [ML2 T −2 A −1 ]

Principle of Homogeneity of Magnetic Flux density (σ ) Wb / m2 [MT −2 A −1 ]

Wm −2 [MT −3 ]
Dimensions and Applications Intensity of a wave

According to this principle, a correct dimensional equation Photon flux density m −2 s −1 [L−2 T −1 ]
must be homogeneous, i.e. dimensions of all the terms in a Luminous energy Lm s [ML2 T −2 ]
physical expression must be same.
Luminance Lux [MT −3 ]
LHS = RHS
 Dimensional Dimensional
Physical Quantity SI Unit Physical Quantity SI Unit
Formula Formula
Specific heat capacity Jkg −1 K −1 [L2 T −2 K −1 ] Magnetisation Am −1 [L−1 A]

Latent heat of vaporisation Jkg −1 [L2 T −2 ] Magnetic induction T [MT −2 A −1 ]

Coefficient of Thermal Wm −1 K −1 [MLT −3 K −1 ]

Planck’s constant J-s [ML2 T −1 ]
conductivity Radioactive decay constant Bq [T −1 ]
−1 2 −3 −1
Electric voltage JC [ML T A ] Binding energy MeV [ML2 T −2 ]

DAY PRACTICE SESSION 1

FOUNDATION QUESTIONS EXERCISE

1 The numerical value of a given quantity is 10 The density of a cube is measured by measuring its
(a) independent of unit mass and length of its sides. If the maximum error in the
(b) directly proportional to unit measurement of mass and length are 4% and 3%,
(c) inversely proportional to unit respectively, the maximum error in the measurement of
(d) directly proportional to the square root of the unit density will be
2 Unit of reduction factor is (a) 7% (b) 9% (c) 12% (d) 13%
(a) ampere (b) ohm (c) tesla (d) weber 11 In an experiment four quantities a, b, c and d are
3 Lumen is the unit of measured with percentage error 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%
(a) illuminating power (b) luminous flux respectively. Quantity P is calculated as follows
(c) luminous intensity (d) None of these a3 b 2
P= %. Error in P is
4 Which one of the following is not a unit of Young’s cd j
NEET 2013
modulus? (a) 14% (b) 10%
(a) Nm −1 (b) Nm −2 (c) 7% (d) 4%
(c) Dyne cm−2 (d) Mega pascal 12 If force (F ), length (L) and time (T ) be considered
5 Young’s modulus of the material of a wire is fundamental units, then the units of mass will be
18 × 1011 dyne cm −2 . Its value in SI is (a) [FLT−2 ] (b) [FL−2 T−1 ]
(a)18 × 10 Nm 15 −2
(b) 18 × 10 Nm 10 −2
(c) [FL−1T2 ] (d) [F 2LT−2 ]
(c)18 × 109 Nm−2 (d) 18 × 1012 Nm−2
13 Which of the following quantities has units but not
6 Which of the following measurement is most precise? dimensions?
(a) 5.00 mm 1(b) 5.00 cm (a) Displacement (b) Angle
(c) 5.00 m (d) 5.00 km (c) Couple (d) Speed
7 The respective number of significant figures for the 14 Pascal-second has the dimensions of
numbers 23.023, 0.0003 and 2.1 × 10−3 are (a)force (b) energy
(a) 5, 1, 2 (b) 5, 1, 5 (c) 5, 5, 2 (d) 4, 4, 2 (c)pressure (d) coefficient of viscosity
8 A student measured the diameter of a small steel ball 15 The physical quantity which does not have the same
using a screw gauge of least count 0.001 cm. The main dimensions as the other three is
scale reading is 5 mm and zero of circular scale division (a) spring constant
coincides with 25 divisions above the reference level. If (b) surface tension
screw gauge has a zero error of −0.004 cm, the correct (c) surface energy
diameter of the ball is j
NEET 2018 (d) acceleration due to gravity
(a) 0.053 cm (b) 0.525 cm (c) 0.521 cm (d) 0.529 cm
16 Pressure gradient has the same dimensions as that of
9 If the error in the measurement of radius of a sphere is (a)velocity gradient
2%, then the error in the determination of volume of the (b) potential gradient
sphere will be (c)energy gradient
(a) 4% (b) 6% (c) 8% (d) 2% (d) None of these
 − αz
17 Dimensions of the resistance in an electrical circuit in α kθ
terms of dimension of mass M, length L ,time T and 26 In the relation p = e , p is pressure, z is distance, k
β
current I, are
is Boltzmann constant and θ is temperature. The
(a) [ML2 T−3 A −1 ] (b) [ML2 T−2 ]
dimensional formula of β will be
(c) [ML2 T−1A −1 ] (d) [ML2 T−3 A −2 ] (a) [M0L2 T0 ] (b) [ML2 T ]
−
1 (c) [ML0 T−1] (d) [M0L2 T−1 ]
18 The dimensions of (µ 0ε 0 ) 2 are j CBSE-AIPMT 2011
−1 −1 −1/ 2
27 If momentum (p ), area (A) and time (T ) are taken to be
(a) [L T] (b) [LT ] (c) [L T1/ 2
] (d) [L1/ 2 T−1/ 2 ]
fundamental quantities, the energy has the dimensional
19 If L is the inductance, C capacitance and R resistance formula
the ratios L /R and R-C have the same dimensions as (a) [p A −1 T1] (b) [p 2 A1 T1] (c) [p1 A −1/ 2 T1] (d) [p1 A1/ 2 T−1]
those of
28 The refractive index of a material is given by the equation
(a) frequency (b) time (c) energy (d) length B
n=A+ , where A and B are constants. The
20 The ratio of the dimensions of Planck’s constant and that λ2
of the moment of inertia is the dimensions of dimensional formula for B is
(a) frequency (b) velocity (a) [M0L2 T] (b) [M0L−2 T 0 ]
(b) angular momentum (d) time
(c) [M0L2 T−2 ] (d) [M0L2 T 0 ]
21 If energy (E ), velocity (v) and time (T ) are chosen as the 29 If the dimensions of a physical quantity are given by
fundamental quantities, the dimensional formula of
surface tension will be j CBSE AIPMT 2015 [MaLb Tc ], then the physical quantity will be
j CBSE AIPMT 2009
(a) [Ev –1T−2 ] (b) [Ev –2 T−2 ]
–2 –1 −3 –2 −1 (a) pressure if a = 1, b = −1, c = −2
(c) [E v T ] (d) [Ev T ]
(b) velocity if a = 1, b = 0, c = −1
22 If force (F ) , velocity (v ) and time (T ) are taken as (c) acceleration if a = 1, b = 1, c = −2
fundamental units, then the dimensions of mass are (d) force if a = 0, b = −1, c = −2
j
CBSE AIPMT 2014
30 If F = 6πηar b v c ,where, F = viscous force,
(a) [FvT −1 ] (b) [FvT −2 ] (c) [Fv –1T−1 ] (d) [Fv –1T]
η = coefficient of viscosity, r = radius of spherical body,
1 v = terminal velocity of the body
23 The dimensions of ε 0 E 2 , where ε 0 is permittivity of free
2
space and E is electric field, are j
CBSE AIPMT 2010 The values of a, b and c are
2
(a) [ML T ] −2 −1 −2
(b) [ML T ] (c) [ML T ] 2 −1
(d) [MLT ]−1 (a)a = 1, b = 2, c = 1 (b) a = 1, b = 1, c = 1
(c)a = 2, b = 1, c = 1 (d) a = 2, b = 1, c = 2
γp
24 Velocity of sound in a gas is given by v = . 31 If dimensions of critical velocity vc of a liquid flowing
ρ
through a tube are expressed as [ ηx ρ y r z ], where η, ρ and
Dimensional formula for γ is
r are the coefficient of viscocity of liquid, density of liquid
(a) [MLT] (b) [M0L0 T 0 ] (c) [M0LT 0 ] (d) [ML0 T 0 ]
and radius of the tube respectively, then the value of x , y
25 In the equation y = a sin (ωt + kx ), the dimensional and z are given by j
CBSE AIPMT 2015
formula of ω is
(a) 1, − 1, − 1 (b) −1, − 1, 1
(a) [M0L0 T−1 ] (b) [M0LT−1 ]
(c) −1, − 1, − 1 (d) 1, 1, 1
(c) [ML0 T0 ] (d) [M0L−1T0 ]

DAY PRACTICE SESSION 2

PROGRESSIVE QUESTIONS EXERCISE

1 1 Wb/ m 2 is equal to . 3 SI unit of permittivity is
(a) 104 G (b) 102 G (a) C 2 m 2 N 2 (b) C 2m–2N–1
(c) 10−2 G (d) 10−4 G (c) C 2 m 2 N −1 (d) C −1m2N2
2 The magnetic moment has dimensions of 4 If h is Planck’s constant and λ is wavelength, h/λ has
(a) [L A] (b) [L A]2 dimensions of
(c) [LT−1A] (d) [L2 T−1A] (a) momentum (b) energy (c) mass (d) velocity
 5 The length and breadth of a rectangular sheet are type f = Cm x k y , where C is a dimensionless constant.
16.2 cm and 10.1 cm, respectively. The area of the sheet The values of x and y are
in appropriate significant figures and error is 1 1 1 1
(a) x = ,y = (b) x = − ,y = −
(a)(164 ± 3) cm2 (b) (163 . 62 ± 2 . 6) cm2 2 2 2 2
(c)(163 . 6 ± 2 . 6) cm2 (d) (163 . 62 ± 3) cm2 1 1 1 1
(c) x = , y = − (d) x = − , y =
2 2 2 2
6 Which of the following pairs of physical quantities does
not have same dimensional formulae?
12 A student measured the length of a rod and wrote it as
3.50 cm.Which instrument did he use to measure it?
(a) Work and torque
(b) Angular momentum and planck’s constant (a) A meter scale
(c) Tension and surface tension (b) A Vernier calliper, where the 10 divisions in Vernier
(d) Impulse and linear momentum scale matches with 9 divisions in main scale and main
scale has 10 divisions in 1 cm
7. If E , M , L and G denote energy, mass, angular
(c) A screw gauge having 100 divisions in the circular scale
momentum and gravitational constant respectively, then
and pitch as 1 mm
the quantity (E 2L2/M 5G 2 ) has the dimensions of
(d) A screw gauge having 50 divisions in the circular scale
(a) angle (b) length
and pitch as 1 mm
(c) mass (d) None of these
13 Resistance of a given wire is obtained by measuring the
8 van der Waals’, equation of state is
 a  current flowing in it and the voltage difference applied
 p + 2  (V − b ) = nRT . The dimensions of a and b are
 V  across it. If the percentage errors in the measurement of
the current and the voltage difference are 3% each, then
(a)[ML3 T2 ], [ML3 T 0 ] (b) [ML5 T–2 ], [M0L3 T 0 ]
error in the value of resistance of the wire is
(c)[M2LT2 ], [ML3 T2 ] (d) [ML2 T], [ML2 T2 ]
(a) 6% (b) zero (c) 1% (d) 3%
9 According to Newton, the viscous force acting between
∆v 14 A physical quantity of the dimensions of length that can
liquid layers of area A and velocity gradient is given e2
∆z be formed out of c, G and is [c is velocity of light, G
dv 4πε 0
by F = − ηA , where η is constant called coefficient of
dz is universal constant of gravitation and e is charge]
viscosity. The dimensional formula of η is j
NEET 2017
−2 −2 0 0 0 1/ 2 1/ 2
(a) [ML T ] (b) [M L T ] 1  e  2  e 
2
(c) [ML2 T−2 ] (d) [ML−1T−1 ] (a) G  (b) c 2 G 
c 2  4 πε0   4 πε0 
10 A physical quantity is given by X = [MaLb T c ]. The 1/ 2
1  e2  1 e2
percentage error in measurements of M, L and T are (c)   (d) G
α , β and γ. Then, the maximum % error in the quantity X c 2  G 4 πε0  c 4 πε0
is 15. The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is
(a) aα + bβ + c γ (b) aα + bβ − c γ
T = 2π L / g . Measured value of L is 20.0 cm known to
a b c
(c) + + (d) None of these 1mm accuracy and time for 100 oscillations of the
α β γ
pendulum is found to be 90 s using a wrist watch of
11 The frequency of vibration f of a mass m suspended from resolution.The accuracy in the determination of g is
a spring of spring constant k is given by a relation of the (a) 2% (b) 3% (c) 1% (d) 5%

ANSWERS
SESSION 1 1 (c) 2 (a) 3 (b) 4 (a) 5 (b) 6 (a) 7 (a) 8 (d) 9 (b) 10 (d)
11 (a) 12 (c) 13 (b) 14 (d) 15 (d) 16 (d) 17 (d) 18 (b) 19 (b) 20 (a)
21 (b) 22 (d) 23 (b) 24 (b) 25 (a) 26 (a) 27 (d) 28 (d) 29 (a) 30 (b)
31 (a)

SESSION 2 1 (a) 2 (b) 3 (b) 4 (a) 5 (a) 6 (c) 7 (d) 8 (b) 9 (d) 10 (a)
11 (d) 12 (b) 13 (a) 14 (a) 15 (b)
DAY ONE PHYSICAL WORLD AND MEASUREMENT 07

Hints and Explanations

SESSION 1 Here, zero error = −0.004 cm From the formula of coefficient of
Final reading obtained from the screw viscosity, we have
1 In general, n [u] = constant F
gauge is given as η=
where, n = numerical value, A( ∆ v / ∆ z )
u = unit of physical quantity = MSR + VSR × LC − zero error
1 Final reading from the screw gauge ∆v
n∝ where, F is force, A is area and is
[u] = 0.5+ 25 × 0.001 − (−0.004) ∆z
velocity gradient.
2 Current flowing in the coil of tangent = 0.5+ 0.025+ 0.004
[MLT −2 ]
galvanometer is given by I = Kφ = 0.5+ 0.029 = 0.529 cm ∴ Dimensions of η =
[L ] [LT −1 / L]
2

where, K is a constant called reduction Thus, the diameter of the ball is 0.529 cm. = [ML−1 T −1 ]
factor and φ is the angle of deflection.
Since, deflection has no unit. So, unit of
9 Volume of a sphere, V = 4 πr 3 Hence, Pascal-second has dimensions of
3 coefficient of viscosity.
reduction factor is same as of current, ∆V 3 × ∆r
∴ × 100 = × 100
i.e. ampere. V r 15 Spring constant, surface tension and
∆r surface energy have the same
3 The lumen (lm ) is the SI derived unit of Here × 100 = 2% dimensions, i.e. [ML0 T −2 ]. However,
luminous flux, a meausre of total r
∆V acceleration due to gravity has
quantity of visible light emitted by a ∴ × 100 = 3 × 2% = 6% dimensions [LT −2 ].
source. V
kg -m −1 /s 2
10 Density, ρ = m = m3 16 Pressure gradient = = [ML−2 T −2 ]
4 Young’s modulus, m
v l
stress N m/s
Y = = ∆ρ  ∆m ∆l Velocity gradient = = [M 0 L0 T −1 ]
+ 3  × 100
or pascal
strain m2 ⇒ × 100 = ±  m
ρ  m l 
kg -m2 /s 3 -A
[in SI system]
= ± (4 + 3 × 3)% = ± 13% Potential gradient =
dyne m
Y = [in CGS system]
cm2 11 Here, P =
a 3 b2 = [MLT −3 A −1 ]
Hence, Nm −1 is not the unit of Young’s cd kg -m2 /s 2
Energy gradient = = [MLT −2 ]
modulus. ∆P m
∴ × 100
P Hence option (d) is correct.
5 Unit of Young’s modulus Y in SI units is 3∆a 2 ∆b ∆c ∆d 
Nm −2 . =  + + +  × 100 17 Resistance,
dyne  a b c d 
Here, Y = 18 × 1011 ∆a ∆b R=
Potential difference V
= =
W
cm2 =3 × 100 + 2 × 100 Current I QI
As, 1 dyne = 10−5 N a b
∆c ∆d  W
1 cm = 10−2 m + × 100 + × 100
c d QV = Q 
10−5  
⇒ Y = 18 × 10
11
× Nm −2 =3 × 1 + 2 × 2 + 3 + 4
(10−2 ) 2 So, dimension of R
= 3 + 4 + 3 + 4 = 14%
= 18 × 1010 Nm −2 [Dimension of work] [ML2 T −2 ]
12 Let M ∝ [ F a Lb Tc ] = =
6 All measurements are correct upto two [Dimension of charge] [AT] [A]
places of decimal. However, the Writing dimensions of both sides and [Dimension of current]
absolute error in (a) is 0.01 mm, which using the principle of homogeneity of
is the least of all the four. So, 5.00 mm is dimensions, we have = [ML2 T −3 A −2 ]
most precise. [M1 L0 T 0 ] = K [MLT −2 ] a [L] b [T] c 1
18 We know that, c =
7 Number of significant figures in On comparing the powers both sides µ 0 ε0
23.023 = 5 a = 1, a + b = 0, −2a + c = 0 where, c is speed of light.
Number of significant figures in On solving, we have
Hence, dimensions of ( µ 0 ε0 )−1 /2 is equal
0.0003 = 1 b = − 1, c = 2, a = 1
to that speed of light [LT −1 ].
Number of significant figures in ∴ Units of mass is [FL−1 T2 ].
2.1 × 10−3 = 2 13 As we know that, 19 Dimensional formula of L is [ML2 T −2 A −2 ],
8 Given, least count of screw gauge, arc [ L] C is [M −1 L−2 T 4 A2 ] and that of R is
Angle = = = dimensionless
radius [L] [ML2 T −3 A −2 ]. Thus, dimensional formula
LC = 0.001 cm of L /R is [ T ].
Main scale reading, But unit of angle is radian.
Similarly, dimensional formula of R-C is
MSR = 5mm = 0.5cm 14 Pascal is unit of pressure, hence its [T].
Number of coinciding divisions on the dimensional formula is [ML−1 T −2 ].
∴ L /R and R-C has the dimensions of
circular scale, i.e. Vernier scale reading, ∴Dimensional formula of Pascal-second time.
VSR = 25 is [ML−1 T −1 ].
20 From Einstein’s equation, E = hν Applying principle of homogeneity, we 2 Magnetic moment, M = IA
2 −2
get a= 1, a + 2b = 2 and − a + c = − 2 Thus, dimensions of M = [A][L2 ] = [L2 A]
E [ML T ]
⇒ h= = Solving it, we get q q
ν [T −1 ] 3 Coulomb’s law, F = 1 ⋅ 1 2 2
a = 1, b = 1/2 and c = − 1 4 πε 0 r
Dimensions of Planck’s constant,
∴ E = K [ p1 A1 /2 T −1 ] q1 q2
[h] = [ML T ] 2 −1 ⇒ ε0 =
4 πFr 2
Also, moment of inertia, I = MR2 28 Refractive index, n = A + B2 C2
λ =
⇒ [I] = [ML2 ] Nm2
From principle of homogeneity of
[h] [ML2 T −1 ] dimensions, quantity = C2 m −2 N −1
∴ = = [T −1 ]
[I] [ML2 ] B/λ2 should have the dimensions of n 4 We know that, wavelength λ = h
= dimension of frequency.  B  = [M 0 L0 T 0 ] mv
⇒
 λ2  h
21 Surface tension ∴ = mv .
∴ B = [M L T ] × [L2 ] = [M 0 L2 T 0 ]
0 0 0 λ
Force Surface energy
= =
Length Area 29 (i) Dimensions of pressure = [M1 L−1 T −2 ] Hence, h/λ has dimensions of
momentum.
=
[E] −2 −2
= [Ev T ] ∴If a = 1, b = −1, c = −2, then
[v ⋅ T]2 the physical quantity is pressure. 5 Here, l = (16.2 ± 0.1) cm,
(ii) Dimensions of velocity = [M 0 L1 T −1 ] b = (10.1 ± 0.1) cm
22 We know that, F = Ma
Mv Ft Here, a = 0, b = 1, c = −1 A = l × b = 16.2 × 10.1 = 163. 62
⇒ F = or M = Rounding off to one significant figure,
t v (iii) Dimensions of acceleration
= [M 0 L1 T −2 ] A = 164 cm2
∴ Dimension of M = [Fv −1 T] ∆A  ∆l ∆b 
Here, a = 0, b = 1, c = −2 = + 
23 As we know that, A  l b 
−1 −3
Dimension of ε0 = [M L T A ] 4 2
0 .1 0 .1
= +
Dimension of E = [MLT −3 A −1 ] 16.2 10.1
(iv) Dimensions of force = [M1 L1 T −2 ]
So, dimension of
Here, a = 1, b = 1, c = −2 1. 01 + 1. 62
1 = = 2. 63 cm2
ε0 E 2 = [M −1 L−3 T 4 A2 ] × [MLT −3 A −1 ]2 16.2 × 10.1
2 30 According to homogeneity principle,
Rounding off to one significant figure,
= [ML−1 T −2 ] [F ] = [6πη a r b v c ]
∆A = 3cm2
or [MLT −2 ] = [ML−1 T −1 ] a [L]b [LT −1 ] c
24 γ is the ratio of C p to C V which has no ∴ A = (164 ± 3)cm2
or [MLT −2 ] = [ M a L− a + b + c T − a − c ]
unit. 6 Tension = Force = [M1 L1 T −2 ]
Equating the coefficients and powers,
∴ Its dimensional formula is [M 0 L0 T 0 ] .
we get Surface tension
25 Given, y = a sin (ωt + kx ) ∴ a = 1, − a + b + c = 1 Force [M 1 L1 T −2 ]
v and − a−c = −2 = =
Here, ω = angular velocity = Length [L]
r After solving a = 1, b = 1, c = 1
= [M1 L0 T −2 ]
[v ] [LT −1 ]
∴ [ω] = = = [T −1 ] 31 Given critical velocity of liquid flowing So, tension and surface tension does not
[r ] [L] through a tube as expressed as have same dimensional formulae.
= [M 0 L0 T −1 ] v c ∝ η xρy r z
Coefficient of viscocity of liquid,
7 The dimensions of E = [ML2 T −2 ]
26 Using the principle of homogeneity of Dimensions of M = [M]
αz η = [ML−1 T −1 ]
dimensions, the quantity is Density of liquid, ρ = [ML−3 ] Dimensions of L = [ML2 T −1 ]
kθ
Radius of a tube r = [L] Dimensions of G = [M −1 L3 T −2 ]
dimensionless.
kθ Critical velocity of liquid ∴ Dimensions of
⇒ α =  E2 L2  [ML2 T −2 ] 2 [ML2 T −1 ] 2
v c = [M 0 L1 T −1 ]
z  M 5G 2  = [M] 5 [M −1 L3 T −2 ] 2
[ML2 T −2 K −1 ] × [K] ⇒ [M L T −1 ] = [ML−1 T −1 ] x [ML−3 ] y [L] z
0 1
 
⇒ [ α] = = [MLT −2 ]
[L] [M 0 L1 T −1 ] = [M x + y L− x −3 y + z T − x ] = [ML2 T −2 ]
α Comparing exponents of M, L and T,
Also, p = 8 van der Waals’ equation,
β we get
x + y = 0, − x − 3 y + z = 1, − x = −1  p + a  (V − b ) = R T
 α  [MLT −2 ]  
⇒ [ β] =   = = [M 0 L2 T 0 ] ⇒ z = −1, x = 1, y = −1  V2 
−1 −2
 p  [ML T ]
a / V 2 should have dimensions of
27 Let energy E ∝ p a A b T c SESSION 2 pressure.
1 We know that, 1 G = 10−4 T ∴ a = pressure × V 2
= K pa A b T c
1 = [ML−1 T −2 ][L3 ]2 =[ML5T −2 ]
where, K is dimensionless constant. ⇒ 1T= G = 104 G b should have dimensions of volume, i.e.
−2 −1 10− 4
⇒ [M L T ] = [MLT
1 2
] a 2 b
[ L] T c
[M 0 L3 T 0 ]
Also, 1 T = 1 Wb/m2
−a + c
=M a a + 2b
L T ⇒ 1 Wb/m2 = 10 4 G
 dv 12 If student measures 3.50 cm, it means Using Eqs. (i), (ii) and (iii), we get
9 As, F =−η A 1 /2
dz that there is an uncertainly of order 1  Ge 2 
F 0.01cm.  
∴ η=− c 2  4 πε0 
A  
 dv For Vernier scale with 1 MSD = 1 mm
 dz  = [L−2 T2 ][[ML3 T −2 ][M −1 L3 T −2 ]]1 /2
and 9 MSD = 10 VSD
= [L−2 T2 ][L3 T −2 ]
As F = [MLT −2 ], A = [L2 ] LC of Vernier calliper = 1 MSD – 1VSD = [L]
dv = [LT −1 ], dz = [L]
=  1 −
1 9 1
= cm
[MLT −2 ] [L] 10  10  100 15 Given, time period, T = 2π L
∴ η= 2 g
[L ] [LT −1 ]
13 From Ohm’s law, R = V Thus,changes can be expressed as
= [ML−1 T −1 ] I 2 ∆T ∆L ∆g
= =± ±
⇒ ln R = ln V − ln I T L g
10 Maximum possible % error is
∆R ∆V ∆I
∆X ⇒ = + According to the question, we can write
= × 100 R V I ∆L 0.1cm 1
X = =
∆M ∆L ∆T = 3% + 3% = 6% L 20.0cm 200
=a +b +c 90
M L T e2 e2 Again, time period, T = s and
14 As force, F = 2
⇒ = r2 ⋅ F 100
= aα + bβ + cγ 4πε0 r 4πε0 1 ∆T 1
∆T = s ⇒ =
Putting dimensions of r and F, 200 T 90
11 As, f = Cm x k y
we get, ∆g ∆L 2∆T
∴ = +
∴ (Dimension of f ) g L T
 e2  3 −2
= C (dimension of m ) x ⇒   = [ML T ] …(i)
∆g  ∆L 
 4πε0  or × 100% =   × 100%
× (dimensions of k ) y g  L 
[T ] = C [M] [MT −2 ] y
−1 x Gm2
…(i) Also, force, F = 2∆T 
r2 +   × 100%
Applying the principle of homogeneity  T 
of dimensions, we get [MLT −2 ][L2 ]
⇒ [G ] =
=  × 100 % + 2 ×
1 1
[M2 ] × 100%
x + y = 0, − 2 y = − 1  200  90
1 ⇒ [G ] = [M −1 L3 T −2 ] …(ii) = 2.72% = 3%
or y =
2 Thus, accuracy in the determination of g
and 1= 1
= [L−2 T2 ] ...(iii)
1  c 2  [L2 T −2 ]
∴ x=− is approximately 3 %.
2