01

Units and
Measurements
Physics is a quantitative science, based on measurement of certain physical
IN THIS CHAPTER ....
quantities. Measurement of any physical quantity involves comparison with
some standard unit of that quantity. In this chapter, we shall study about the Physics, Technology and Society
units and measurement. Physical Quantities
Fundamental and Derived Units
Physics, Technology and Society Least Count and Percentage
Physics is the study of matter and its motion, as well as space and time using Uncertainty
concepts such as energy, force, mass and charge. It is an experimental science, Accuracy and Precision of
creating theories that are tested against observation. Measuring Instruments
The connection between physics, technology and society can be seen in many Errors in Measurement
examples like working of heat engines gave rise to thermodynamics. Wireless
communication technology arose from basic laws of electricity and magnetism. Significant Figures
Lately discovery of silicon chip triggered the computer revolution. Dimensions of Physical
Quantities
Physical Quantities Dimensional Analysis and Its
Applications
All the quantities which are used to describe the laws of physics are called
physical quantities. To measure a physical quantity, some standard unit of
that quantity is required, e. g. if length of some metal rod is measured to be 20 m,
then m is the unit of length and 20 is the numerical value. So,
Physical quantity = Numerical value ´ Unit

Note (i) If the numerical value of any physical quantity in different units u1 and u 2 are n1 and n 2
respectively, then n1u1 = n 2u 2 .
(ii) As the unit will change, numerical value will also change, e . g . acceleration due to gravity,
g = 32 fts–2 = 9.8 ms–2.
2 JEE Main Physics

Practical Units of Length, Mass and Time

Fundamental and Derived Units Practical Units of Practical Units of Practical Units of
Those physical quantities which are independent of other Length Mass Time
physical quantities and not defined in terms of other
physical quantities, are called fundamental or base 1 light year 1 quintal = 102 kg 1
1 year = 365 solar
quantities. The quantities which can be expressed in =9.46×1015 m 4
terms of the fundamental quantities are called derived days
quantities. 1 astronomical unit 1 metric ton =103 kg 1 lunar month = 27.3
Units of fundamental and derived quantities are or 1 AU =1.5×1011 m solar days
respectively, known as the fundamental units and 1 parsec = 3.26 light 1 atomic mass unit 1 solar day=86400 s
derived units. A complete set of these units, both year (amu) =1.66×10–27kg
fundamental and derived units, is known as the system of 1 seamile = 6020 ft 1 pound = 0.4537 kg Tropical year It is
units. that year in which
solar eclipse occurs.
System of Units 1 micron 1 chandrasekhar limit Leap year It is that
=1 mm =10–6 m = 1.4 times the mass year in which the
The common system of units are of sun =2.8 × 1030 kg month of February
(i) FPS system The units of length, mass and time are has 29 days.
respectively foot, pound and second. 1 angstrom =10–10 m 1 slug = 14.59 kg 1 shake = 10–8 s
(ii) CGS system The units of length, mass and time are 1 fermi = 10–15 m
respectively centimetre, gram and second.
(iii) MKS system The units of length, mass and time Example 1. What is the SI unit of surface tension?
are respectively metre, kilogram and second. (a) Nm-1 (b) Nm-2 (c) Nm (d) N
Force N
SI System (International System of Units) Sol. (a) Surface tension = = = Nm–1
Length m
The SI is based on the following seven fundamental units
and two supplementary units. Least Count and Percentage Uncertainty
Units and Symbol of Quantities The smallest value of a physical quantity which can be
measured accurately with an instrument is called the
S. No. Quantity Unit Symbol Least Count (LC) of the measuring instrument.
Value of 1 main scale division
Fundamental Units LC =
Total number of vernier scale divisions
1. Mass kilogram kg
The instrument with the least uncertainty is taken to
2. Length metre m measure objects, as all measurements consider accuracy.
3. Time second s The percentage uncertainty is calculated with the
4. Electric current ampere A following formula
Maximum possible error
5. Temperature kelvin K = ´ 100
Measurement of object in question
6. Amount of substance mole mol
7. Luminous intensity candela cd The smaller the measurement, the larger the percentage
uncertainty.
Supplementary Units
Least Count of Certain Measuring Instruments
1. Plane angle radian rad ● Vernier calliper,
2. Solid angle steradian Sr 1 mm
Least count (LC) = = 0.1 mm
10 divisions
Note (i) Angle and solid angle are considered supplementary base units ● Screw gauge,
because although these have units but they are both 1 mm
dimensionless. Least count = = 0.01 mm
(ii) 2 p radians = 360° 100 divisions
● Travelling microscope,
0.5 mm
Practical Units Least count = = 0.01 mm
A large number of units are used in general life for 50 divisions
measurement of different quantities in comfortable ● Spectrometer,
0.5 degree 30°
manner. But they are neither fundamental units nor Least count = = = 1°
derived units. 30 divisions 30 divisions
Units and Measurements 3

Accuracy and Precision of then absolute errors are

Da1 = am - a1 , Da2 = am - a2 ,
Measuring Instruments Da3 = am - a3 , ¼ , Dan = am - an
In our real world, two terms, i.e. accuracy and precision
are often used as interchangeably, but they have specific The absolute error may be positive or negative.
meaning. (ii) Mean absolute error It is the arithmetic mean of
Accuracy An instrument is said to be accurate, if the the magnitudes of different values of absolute
physical quantity measured by it resembles very closely errors.
to its true value. \ Mean absolute error,
Precision An instrument is said to have high degree of |Da1| +|Da2| +|Da3| + ¼ +|Dan|
precision, if the measured value remains unchanged, how Damean =
n
so ever, large number of times it may have been repeated. The final result of measurement can be written as
Note (i) Resolution stands for least count or the minimum reading which a = am ± Da . This implies that value of a is likely to lie
an instrument can read.
between am + Da and am - Da .`
(ii) The least count of an instrument is indirectly proportional to the
precision of the instrument. (iii) Relative or fractional error
Mean absolute error
Example 2. In an experiment, the angles are required to \ Relative error =
Mean value of measurement
be measured using an instrument. 29 divisions of the main Damean Damean
scale exactly coincide with the 30 divisions of the vernier scale. If = =
the smallest division of the main scale is half a degree amean am
(= 0.5°), then the least count of the instrument is [AIEEE 2009] (iv) Percentage error
(a) one minute (b) half minute Damean
(c) one degree (d) half degree \ Percentage error = ´ 100%
amean
Value of main scale division
Sol. (a) Least count =
Number of divisions on vernier scale Example 4. The average speed of a train is measured by
1 1 1° 1° 5 students. The results of measurements are given below
= MSD = ´ = = 1 min
30 30 2 60
Number of Students Speed (m/s)
Example 3. A student measured the length of a rod and 1 10.2
wrote it as 3.50 cm. Which instrument did he use to measure 2 10.4
it? [JEE Main 2014]
3 9.8
(a) A meter scale
(b) A vernier calliper where the 10 divisions in vernier scale 4 10.6
matches with 9 divisions in main scale and main scale 5 10.8
has 10 divisions in 1 cm
(c) A screw gauge having 100 divisions in the circular scale The percentage error in the measurement of average speed is
and pitch as 1 mm (a) 2.6% (b) 3.5% (c) 4.5% (d) 5.5%
(d) A screw gauge having 50 divisions in the circular scale 10.2+10.4+9.8+10.6+10.8
and pitch as 1 mm Sol. (a) Mean value, v m =
5
Sol. (b) If student measure 3.50 cm, it means that there is an 51.8
= = 10.4 ms–1
uncertainty of order 0.01 cm. 5
For vernier scale with 1 MSD = 1mm and 9 MSD = 10 VSD Dv1 = v m - v1 = 10.4 –10.2 = 0.2
\ LC of VC = 1 MSD - 1 VSD Dv 2 = v m - v 2 = 10.4 –10.4 = 0.0
1 æ 9ö 1 Dv3 = v m - v3 = 10.4 – 9.8 = 0.6
= ç1 - ÷= cm
10 è 10 ø 100 Dv 4 = v m - v 4 = 10.4 –10.6 = –0.2
Dv5 = v m - v5 = 10.4 –10.8 = –0.4
Errors in Measurement Mean absolute error,
The difference between the measured value and true | Dv1| + | Dv 2| + | Dv3| + | Dv 4| + | Dv5|
Dv =
value (mean value) of a quantity is called error of 5
measurement. Different types of error are given below. 0.2+0.0 +0.6+0.2+0.4 1.4
= = = 0.28 ms–1
(i) Absolute error The difference between the true 5 5
value and the measured value of a quantity is called Dv 0.28
an absolute error. Usually the mean value am is Relative error = ± =±
vm 10.4
taken as the true value. So, if
a + a2 + ... + an Dv 0.28
amean = am = 1 Percentage error = ± ´ 100 = ± ´ 100 = ± 2.6%
n vm 10.4
4 JEE Main Physics

Least Count Error Sol. (a) The temperature difference is given by

t ¢ = t 2 - t1 = (50° C ± 0.5° C) - (20° C ± 0.5° C)
It is an instrumental or random error associated with the
resolution of the instrument. t ¢ = 30° C ± 1 ° C

The least count error occurs with both systematic and Example 7. Two resistors of resistances R1 = 100 ± 3 W
random error. Instruments of higher precision and and R2 = 200 ± 4 W are connected in parallel, then the
improving experimental techniques can reduce the least
equivalent resistance in parallel is (in ohm)
count error.
æ 1 1 1 DR ¢ DR1 DR2 ö
çUse = + and = + 2 ÷
Combination of Errors è R ¢ R1 R2 DR ¢2 R12 R2 ø

In Addition If Z = A + B, then DZ = ± ( DA + DB), (a) 66.7 ± 1.8 (b) 300 ± 7

DZ DA + DB (c) 150.8 ± 2 (d) 92.3 ± 3
maximum fractional error in this case = ,
Z A+ B Sol. (a) The equivalent resistance of parallel combination is
i. e. when two physical quantities are added, then the RR 200
R¢ = 1 2 = = 66.7 W
maximum absolute error in the result is the sum of the R1 + R2 3
absolute errors of the individual quantities. 1 1 1
In Difference If Z = A - B, the maximum absolute error From, = + , we get
R ¢ R1 R2
is DZ = ± ( DA + DB) and maximum fractional error in this DR ¢ DR1 DR2
case = 2 + 2
R ¢2 R1 R2
DZ DA + DB
= D R DR
Z A- B DR ¢ = (R ¢2) 21 + (R ¢2) 22
R1 R2
Example 5. The volumes of two bodies are measured to 2
æ R¢ ö æ R¢ ö
2

be V1 = (10.2 ± 0.02) cm3 and V2 = (6.4 ± 0.01) cm3. The sum = ç ÷ DR1 + ç ÷ DR2
è R1 ø è R2 ø
and difference in volumes with error limits is 2 2
(a) (16.6 ± 0.03) cm3 and (3.8 ± 0.03) cm3 æ 66.7 ö æ 66.7 ö
=ç ÷ 3+ ç ÷ 4 = 1.8 W
è 100 ø è 200 ø
(b) (16.6 ± 0.01) cm3 and (3.8 ± 0.01) cm3
(c) (16.2 ± 0.03) cm3 and (3.6 ± 0.03) cm3 Hence, R ¢ = (66.7 ± 1.8) W
3 3
(d) (16.2 ± 0.01) cm and (3.6 ± 0.01) cm Example 8. The following observations were taken for
Sol. (a) Given, V1 = (10.2 ± 0.02) cm 3 determining surface tension T of water by capillary method.
Diameter of capillary, d = 1.25 ´ 10 -2 m, rise of water,
and V2 = (6.4 ± 0.01) cm3
h = 1.45 ´ 10 -2m. Using g = 9.80 m / s2 and the simplified
DV = ± ( DV1 + DV2)
rhg
= ± (0.02+0.01) cm3 = ± 0.03 cm3 relation T = ´ 103N /m, the possible error in surface
2
V1 + V2 = (10.2+6.4) cm3 = 16.6 cm3 tension is closest to [JEE Main 2017]
and V1 - V2 = (10.2 – 6.4) cm3 = 3.8 cm3 (a) 1.5% (b) 2.4%
Hence, sum of volume = (16.6 ± 0.03) cm3 (c) 10% (d) 0.15%
and difference of volume = (3.8 ± 0.03) cm3 Sol. (a) By ascent formula, we have surface tension,
rhg N
In product If Z = AB, then maximum fractional error is T= ´ 10 3
2 m
DZ æ DA DB ö
= ±ç + ÷ dhg N æ dö
Z è A Bø = ´ 10 3 çQ r = ÷
4 m è 2ø
In division If Z = A / B, then maximum fractional error is
DT Dd Dh
DZ æ DA DB ö Þ = + [given, g is constant]
= ±ç + ÷ T d h
Z è A Bø
DT æ Dd Dh ö
Note Maximum fractional error in product or division of two (or more) So, percentage error = ´ 100 = ç + ÷ ´ 100
T è d h ø
quantities is equal to sum of fractional errors in the individual
quantities. æ 0.01 ´ 10 -2 0.01 ´ 10 -2 ö
=ç + ÷ ´100
è 1.25 ´ 10 -2 1.45 ´ 10 -2 ø
Example 6. The temperature of two bodies measured by a
thermometer are t1 = 20° C + 0.5° C and t 2 = 50° C ± 0.5° C. = 1.5%
The maximum absolute error in temperature difference is DT
\ ´ 100 = 1.5%
(a) ± 1°C (b) ± 2°C (c) ± 3°C (d) ± 4°C T
Units and Measurements 5

Example 9. In a simple pendulum, experiment for (iv) All zeros to the right of a decimal point and to the
determination of acceleration due to gravity ( g ), time taken for left of a non-zero digit are not significant.
20 oscillations is measured by using a watch of 1 second least Number Significant number
count. The mean value of time taken comes out to be 30 s. 0.08 1
The length of pendulum is measured by using a meter scale of 0.008 1
least count 1 mm and the value obtained 55.0 cm. The 0.0846 3
percentage error in the determination of g is close to
(v) All zeros to the right of a decimal point and to the
[JEE Main 2019]
right of a non-zero digit are significant.
(a) 0.7% (b) 6.8% Number Significant number
(c) 3.5% (d) 0.2%
0.40 2
Sol. (b) Relation used for finding acceleration due to gravity by 0.430 3
using a pendulum is
4p 2l (vi) The powers of ten are not counted as significant
g = 2 digits e. g. ,1.4 ´ 10 - 7 has only two significant figures
T
So, fractional error in value of g is
1 and 4.
Dg Dl 2 DT
= + …(i) Rounding off the Digits
g l T
Given, Dl = 0.1cm, l = 55 cm, DT = 1s andT for 20 oscillations = 30 s
Certain rules are applied in order to round off the
measurements
Substituting above values in Eq. (i), we get
Dg 0.1 1 (i) If the number lying to the right of digit to be
= +2´ rounded is less than 5, then the rounded digit is
g 55 30
retained as such. However, if it is more than 5, then
Hence, percentage error in g is the digit to be rounded is increased by 1.
Dg
= ´ 100 For example, x = 6.24 is rounded off to 6.2 to two
g
significant digits and x = 8.356 is rounded off to 8.36
10 20 to three significant digits.
= + = 6.8%
55 3 (ii) If the digit to be dropped is 5 followed by digits other
than zero, then the preceding digit is increased by 1.
Significant Figures For example, x = 14.252 is rounded off to x = 14.3 to
“The significant figures are those number of digits in a three significant digits.
quantity that are known reliably plus one digit that is (iii) If the digit to be dropped is simply 5 or 5 followed by
uncertain.” Larger the number of significant figures zeros, then the preceding digit is left unchanged if it
obtained in a measurement, greater is the accuracy of the is even and it is raised by one if it is odd.
measurement. For example, x = 6.250 or x = 6.25 becomes x = 6.2
after rounding off to two significant digits and
Rules for Significant Figures x = 6.350 or x = 6.35 becomes x = 6.4 after rounding
off to two significant digits.
(i) All non-zero digits are significant figures.
Number Significant figures
16 2
Algebraic Operations with
1683 4 Significant Figures
16835 5 The following rules for algebraic operations with
(ii) All zeros occurring between non-zero digits are significant figures, that make final result more consistent
significant figures. with the precision of the measured values.
Number Significant figures
802 3 Addition and Subtraction
80004 5 The number of decimal places in the final result of any of
these operations has to be equal to the smallest number
(iii) All zeros to the right of the last non-zero digits are
of decimal places in any of the terms involved in
not significant.
calculation e. g. , sum of terms 2.29 and 62.7 is 64.99. After
Number Significant number
rounding off to one place of decimal, it will become 65.0.
40 1 Subtraction of 62.7 from 82.27 gives 19.57. After
410 2 rounding off to one place of decimal, it will become 19.6.
40240 4
6 JEE Main Physics

Multiplication and Division volume. Hence, the density should be expressed to only 2
significant figures.
In these operations, the number of significant figures in Mass
the result is same as the smallest number of significant Q Density =
Volume
figures in any of the factors.
5.74
e. g. 1.2 ´ 1.3 = 1.56. After rounding off to two significant \ Density = g cm–3 = 4.8 g cm–3
1.2
figures, it becomes 1.6.
1100
Similarly, if
10.2
gives 107.84. Then, the result when Dimensions of Physical Quantities
rounded off to three significant digits becomes 108. Dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to
which the fundamental quantities are raised to represent
Example 10. The respective number of significant figures that quantity. In mechanics, all physical quantities can
for the numbers 23.023, 0.0003 and 2.1 ´ 10 -3 are be expressed in terms of mass [M], length [L] and time
[AIEEE 2010] [T].
(a) 5, 1, 2 (b) 5, 1, 5 For example, Force = Mass ´ Acceleration
(c) 5, 5, 2 (d) 4, 4, 2 Velocity m ´ s
= Mass ´ =
Sol. (a) The reliable digit plus the first uncertain digit is known as Time t´t
significant figures. m´s
= = [M] [L] [T –2 ]
For the number 23.023, all the non-zero digits are significant, t2
hence 5. So, the dimensions of force are 1 in mass, 1 in length and
For the number 0.0003, number is less than 1, the zero(s) on the -2 in time.
right of decimal point but to the left of the first non-zero digit are
not significant, hence 1. Dimensional Formula and
For the number 2.1 ´ 10 -3 , significant figures are 2.
Dimensional Equations
Example 11. The area enclosed by a circle of diameter The expression which shows how and which of the
1.06 m to correct number of significant figures is fundamental quantities represent the dimension of
physical quantity is called the dimensional formula of the
(a) 0.88 m2 (b) 0.088 m2
given physical quantity.
(c) 0.882 m2 (d) 0.530 m2
For example, as deduced above, [M1L1T –2 ] is the
1.06 dimensional formula of force. It reveals that unit of force
Sol. (c) Here, r = = 0.530 m
2 depends on [M], [L] and [T].
Area enclosed = pr = 3.14 (0.53) 2
2
Further, if we represent force by [F], then [F] = [M1L1T –2 ]
= 0.882026 m2 = 0.882 m2 is called the dimensional equation of force.
(rounded to three significant figures)
Dimensionless Quantity
Example 12. A body of mass m = 3.513 kg is moving In the equation [M a L b T c], if a = b = c = 0, then the
along the X-axis with a speed of 5.00 ms -1. The magnitude of quantity is called dimensionless.
its momentum is recorded as [AIEEE 2008]
For example, strain, specific gravity and angle are
(a) 17.6 kg ms-1 (b) 17.565 kg ms-1 dimensionless quantity because they are ratio of two
(c) 17.56kg ms-1 (d) 17.57kg ms-1 similar quantities.
Sol. (a) So, momentum, p = mv = 17.565 kg ms -1 Some dimensionless quantities
where m = 3.513 kg and v = 5.00 ms-1 Angle, solid angle, relative density, specific gravity,
As the number of significant digits in m is 4 and in v is 3, so, p must Poisson’s ratio, Reynold’s number, all trigonometric ratios,
have 3 (minimum) significant digits. refractive index, relative permittivity, dielectric constant,
Hence, p = 17.6 kg ms-1 magnetic susceptibility. A dimensionless quantity has
same numeric value in all system of units.
Example 13. 5.74 g of a substance occupies 1.2 cm3.
Keeping the significant figure in view, its density is given by Principle of Homogeneity
(a) 4.8 g cm-3 (b) 1.5 g cm-3
According to this principle, a correct dimensional
equation must be homogeneous, i.e. dimensions of all the
(c) 2.1 g cm-3 (d) 9.2 g cm-3
terms in a physical expression must be same.
Sol. (a) There are 3 significant figures in the measured mass LHS (dimension) = RHS (dimension)
whereas there are only 2 significant figures in the measured
Dimensions of Important Physical Quantities
Units and Measurements 7

Physical Quantity SI Unit

Dimensional
Formula
Dimensional Analysis and Its
Power Watt (W) [ML2 T-3 ]
Applications
There are three applications of dimensional analysis
Pressure, stress, coefficient of Pascal (Pa) [ML-1T-2 ]
elasticity (r, s, h) or Nm-2 1. To check the correctness of a given
physical equation
Frequency, angular frequency Hz or s-1 [T-1 ]
As per principle of homogeneity, if the dimensions of each
Angular momentum kg m2 s -1 2
[ML T ] -1 term on both sides of a physical relation are same, then
the relation is dimensionally correct otherwise wrong.
Torque Nm [ML2 T-2 ]
Example 14. Is the given expression of velocity of sound
Gravitational constant (G) N m2 kg -2 [M-1L3 T-2 ]
æE ö
Moment of inertia kg m2 [ML2 ] given by v = ç ÷ is dimensionally correct?
èr ø
Acceleration, acceleration due to ms -2 [LT-2 ] Here, E = coefficient of elasticity,
gravity
ρ = density of medium
Force, thrust, tension, weight Newton (N) [MLT-2 ] (a) Yes (b) No
E
Linear momentum, impulse kg ms -1 or Ns [MLT-1 ] (c) Cannot be predicted (d) The correct expression is
r
Work, energy, KE, PE, thermal Joule (J) [ML2 T-2 ]
energy, internal energy, etc. Sol. (a) [LHS] = [v ] = [LT –1]
Surface area, area of éæE ö 1/ 2 ù é æ ML–1T –2 ö 1/ 2ù
m2 [L2 ] [RHS] = ê ç ÷ ú = êç ÷ ú = [LT –1]
cross-section
êë è r ø
–3
úû êë è ML ø ú
û
Electric conductivity Sm-1 [M-1L-3 T3 A 2 ]
[LHS] = [RHS]
Young’s modulus, Pa [ML-1T-2 ] Hence, equation is dimensionally correct.
Bulk modulus
1
Compressibility m2 N-1 [M-1LT2 ] Example 15. Given equation mv 2 = mgh, where m is the
2
Magnetic flux Wb [ML2 T-2 A -1 ] mass of the body, v is velocity, g is the acceleration due to
Magnetic flux density (s)
gravity and h is the height. Then the given equation is
Wb / m2 [MT-2 A -1 ]
(a) dimensionally incorrect
Intensity of a wave Wm-2 [MT-3 ] (b) dimensionally correct
(c) wrong
Photon flux density m-2 s -1 [L-2 T-1 ] (d) None of the above
Luminous energy Lm s [ML2 T-2 ] 1
Sol. (b) Given, mv 2 = mgh
2
Luminance Lux [MT-3 ]
The dimensions of LHS are
Specific heat capacity Jkg -1K -1 [L2 T-2 K -1 ] [M] [LT –1]2 = [M] [L2T –2] = [ML2T –2]
Latent heat of vaporisation Jkg -1 [L2 T-2 ] The dimensions of RHS are
[M] [LT –2] [L] = [M] [L2T –2] = [ML2T –2]
Coefficient of thermal Wm-1K -1 [MLT-3 K -1 ]
conductivity The dimensions of LHS and RHS are the same and hence the
Electric voltage JC -1 [ML2 T-3 A -1 ] equation is dimensionally correct.

Magnetisation Am-1 [L-1A] Example 16. The SI unit of energy is J = kg m 2s-2, that of
speed v is ms -1 and of acceleration a is ms -2, which one of
Magnetic induction T [MT-2 A -1 ]
the formula for kinetic energy given below is correct on the
Planck’s constant J-s [ML2 T-1 ] basis of dimensional arguments?
(Given, m stands for the mass of body)
Radioactive decay constant Bq [T-1 ]
(a) K = m2v 2 (b) K = ma
Binding energy 2 -2
MeV [ML T ] 1 1
(c) K = mv 2 + ma (d) K = mv 2
2 2
8 JEE Main Physics

Sol. (a) Every correct formula or equation must have the same Example 18. Which of the following combinations has the
dimensions on both sides of the equation. Also, only quantities dimension of electrical resistance (e 0 is the permittivity of
with the same physical dimensions can be added or subtracted. vacuum and m 0 is the permeability of vacuum)? [JEE Main 2019]
The dimensions of the quantity on the right side for (a) is
m0 m0
K = m2v 2 (a) (b)
e0 e0
Putting, m = [M], v = [LT –1]
\dimensions are [M 2 L2T –2] e0 e0
(c) (d)
for (b), K = ma m0 m0
putting m = [M], a = [LT –2]
Sol. (a) Let dimensions of resistance R, permittivity e 0 and
\dimensions are [MLT –2] permeability m 0 are [R], [e 0 ] and [m 0 ], respectively.
option (c) has no proper dimensions,
1 So, [R] = [ e 0 ]a [m 0 ]b …(i)
option (d), K = mv 2, putting m = [M] 1 2 -3 -2
2 [R] = [M L T A ],
and V = [LT –1], we have -1 -3
[ e 0 ] = [M L T A 2],
4
–1 2 2 –2
K = [M] [LT ] =[ML T ] 1 1
[m 0 ] = [M L T -2
A -2 ]
2 –2
in units it is written as kg m s . Now, from Eq. (i), we get
[M1 L2 T -3 A -2] = [M -1 L-3 T 4 A 2]a [M1 L1 T -2 A -2] b
2. Derivation of formula
[M1 L2 T -3 A -2] = [M - a + b L-3 a + b T 4a - 2b A 2a - 2b ]
The method of dimensions is used to deduce the relation
among the physical quantities. We should know the On comparing both sides, we get
dependence of the physical quantity on the other - a + b =1 …(ii)
quantities. -3 a + b = 2 …(iii)
We explain the process in following examples. 4 a - 2 b = -3 …(iv)
Example 17. The time period T of simple pendulum 2 a - 2 b = -2 …(v)
depends upon length l of the pendulum and gravitational Value of a and b can be found using any two
acceleration. The formula for time period of simple pendulum Eqs. from (ii) to (v),
is given by on subtracting Eq. (iii) from Eq. (ii), we get
l g ( - a + b) - ( -3a + b) = 1 - 2
(a) T = 2p (b) T = 2p Þ 2 a = -1
g l
-1
1 2 pl or a=
(c) T = lg (d) T = 2
2p g
Put the value of a in Eq. (ii), we get
Sol. (a) Let T µ l a and T µ g b 1
b=+
where a and b are dimensionless constants 2
T = kl a g b m0
\ [R] = [ e 0 ]-1/ 2 [m 0 ]1/ 2 =
e0
where, k is dimensionless constant.
[LHS] = [ T ] = [M 0L0 T 1]
3. To convert a physical quantity
and [RHS] = ( l a g b) = [L ]a [LT –2]b
from one system to the other
= [La + b T -2b ] = [M 0La + b T -2b ]
Let dimensional formula of a given physical quantity be
According to homogeneity principle,
[MaLbT c ] . If in a system having base units [M1L1T1 ] the
or [M 0L0 T] = [M 0La + b T -2b ]
numerical value of given quantity (Q ) be n1 and
For dimensional balance, dimensions on both sides should
numerical value n 2 in another unit system having the
be same.
base units [M2 , L 2 , T2 ], then
\ a + b = 0 and -2b = 1
1 1 Q = n1u1 = n 2u 2
\ b=- and a =
2 2 n1 [M1aLb1 T1c ] = n 2 [M2a Lb2 T2c ]
l a b c
\ T = 2p é M ù éL ù éT ù
g Þ n 2 = n1 ê 1 ú ê 1 ú ê 1 ú
[since, numerical value of k in case of simple pendulum is 2 p] ë M2 û ë L 2 û ë T2 û
Units and Measurements 9

Example 19. The density of a material in SI units is Limitations of Theory of Dimensions

128 kg m -3. In certain units in which the unit of length is
Although dimensional analysis is very useful but it is not
25 cm and the unit of mass is 50 g, the numerical value of universal, it has some limitations as given below
density of the material is [JEE Main 2019]
(i) This method gives no information about dimensional
(a) 40 (b) 16 constants. Such as universal constant of gravitation
(c) 640 (d) 410 (G) or Planck’s constant (h).
Sol. (a) To convert a measured value from one system to (ii) Numerical constant (k), having no dimensions such as
another system, we use 3/4, e, 2p, etc., cannot be deduced by the method of
n1 u1 = n2 u2 dimensions.
where, n is numeric value and u is unit.
(iii) This technique is useful only for deducing and
verifying power relations. Relationship involving
kg 50 g exponential, trigonometric functions, etc., cannot be
We get 128 = n2
m3 (25 cm)3 obtained or studied by this method.
128 ´ 1000 g n2 ´ 50 g (iv) We cannot use this method to obtain the required
Þ =
100 ´ 100 ´ 100 cm3 25 ´ 25 ´ 25 cm3 relation, if the quantity of interest depends upon more
parameters than the number of fundamental
é Mass ù quantities used.
êëQDensity = Volume úû
(v) Even if a physical quantity depends on three physical
128 ´ 1000 ´ 25 ´ 25 ´ 25 quantities, out of which two have same dimensions,
Þ n2 = = 40 the formula cannot be derived by theory of dimensions.
50 ´ 100 ´ 100 ´ 100
10 JEE Main Physics

Practice Exercise
ROUND I Topically Divided Problems

Physical Quantities and Units 10. Young modulus of steel is 1.9 ´ 1011 N/m2 . When
1. The SI unit of electrochemical equivalent is expressed in CGS units of dyne/cm2 , it will be equal
(a) kg C (b) C kg -1 (c) kg C -1 (d) kg 2 C-1 to (1 N = 105 dyne, 1 m 2 = 104 cm 2) [NCERT]
(a) 1.9 ´ 1010 (b) 1.9 ´ 1011
2. SI unit of intensity of wave is (c) 1.9 ´ 1012 (d) 1.9 ´ 1013
(a) J m -2s -1 (b) J m -1s -2 (c) W m -2 (d) J m -2
11. 1 light year is defined as the distance travelled by
3. Which one of the following pairs of quantities and
light in one year. The speed of light 3 ´ 108 ms -1.
their unit is properly matched?
The same in metre is
(a) Electric field - coulomb/m
(a) 3 ´ 1012m (b) 9.461 ´ 1015 m
(b) Magnetic flux - Weber/m2
(c) 3 ´ 1015 m (d) None of these
(c) Power - Farad
(d) Capacitance - Henry 12. 1 slug is equivalent to 14.6 kg. A force of 10 pound
is applied on a body of 1 kg. The acceleration of the
4. Farad is not equivalent to
body is
(q = coulomb, V = volt and J = joule)
(a) 43.8 ms -2 (b) 4.448 ms -2
q q2 J
(a) (b) qV 2 (c) (d) (c) 44.4 ms -2 (d) None of these
V J V2
13. The time taken by an electron to go from ground
5. On which of the following factor universal time state to excited state is one shake (1 shake = 10–8s).
depends? This time in nanosecond will be
(a) Rotation of earth on its axis (a) 10 (b) 4 (c) 2 (d) 25
(b) Oscillations of quartz crystal
(c) Vibrations of cesium atom 14. The concorde is the fastest airlines used for
(d) Earth’s orbital motion around the sun commercial service. It can cruise at 1450 mile per
hour (about two times the speed of sound or in
6. A sextant is a double reflecting navigation other words mach 2). What is it in m/s?
instrument. Which of the following physical (a) 644.4 m/s (b) 80 m/s
quantity, it can measure? (c) 40 m/s (d) None of these
(a) Area of hill
(b) Angular distance between two visible objects 15. The value of universal gas constant is
(c) Breadth of a tower R = 8.3 J/ k-mol. The value of R in atmosphere litre
(d) Volume of the building per kelvin per mol
(a) 8.12 (b) 0.00812
7. The ‘rad’ is the correct unit used to report the (c) 81.2 (d) 0.0812
measurement of [AIEEE 2006]
(a) the ability of a beam of gamma ray photons to Least Count and Accuracy of
produce ions in a target
(b) the energy delivered by radiation to a target
Measuring Instruments
(c) the biological effect of radiation 16. One main scale division of a vernier callipers is
(d) the rate of decay of a radioactive source a cm and nth division of the vernier scale coincide
with (n - 1)th division of the main scale. The least
8. A pressure of 106 dyne cm -2 is equivalent to count of the callipers (in mm) is [JEE Main 2021]
(a) 105 Nm -2 (b) 104 Nm -2 (c) 106 Nm -2 (d) 107 Nm -2 10na 10a
(a) (b)
9. How many wavelengths of Kr86 are there in one (n - 1) (n - 1)
metre? æ n - 1ö 10a
(a) 1553164.13 (b) 1650763.73 (c) ç ÷a (d)
è 10n ø n
(c) 652189.63 (d) 2348123.73
Units and Measurements 11

17. A student measures the thickness of a human hair 23. A student measures the time period of 100
by looking at it through a microscope of oscillations of a simple pendulum four times. The
magnification 100. He makes 20 observations and data set is 90s, 91s, 92s and 95s. If the minimum
finds that the average width of the hair in the field division in the measuring clock is 1s, then the
of view of the microscope is 3.5 mm. The thickness reported mean time should be [JEE Main 2016]
of hair is [NCERT] (a) (92 ± 2) s (b) (92 ± 5 ) s
(a) 0.035 mm (b) 0.04 mm (c) (92 ± 1.8 ) s (d) (92 ± 3) s
(c) 0.35 mm (d) 0.40 mm
24. Which of the following is the most precise device for
18. A vernier callipers has 1 mm marks on the main measuring length? [NCERT]
scale. It has 20 equal divisions on the vernier scale (a) A vernier callipers with 20 divisions on the sliding
which match with 16 main scale divisions. For this scale.
vernier callipers, the least count is [IIT JEE] (b) A screw gauge of pitch 1 mm and 100 divisions on
(a) 0.02 mm (b) 0.05 mm the circular scale.
(c) 0.1 mm (d) 0.2 mm (c) An optical instrument that can measure length to
within a wavelength of light.
19. A spectrometer gives the following reading when (d) All are equally precise device for measuring
used to measure the angle of a prism. length.
Main scale reading : 58.5 degree.
Vernier scale reading : 9 division. Errors and Significant Figures
Given that, 1 division on main scale corresponds to 25. The density of a cube is measured by measuring its
0.5 degree. Total division on the vernier scale is 30 mass and length of its sides. If the maximum errors
and match with 29 divisions of the main scale. The in the measurement of mass and length are 3% and
angle of the prism from the above data is [AIEEE 2012] 2% respectively, then the maximum error in the
(a) 58.59° (b) 59.77° measurement of density is
(c) 58.65° (d) 59° (a) 7% (b) 5%
(c) 1% (d) 9%
20. A screw gauge gives the following reading when
used to measure the diameter of a wire. 26. A physical quantity is represented by X = M a L bT - c .
Main scale reading : 0 mm, Circular scale reading : If percentage errors in the measurements of M, L
52 divisions and T are a%, b% and g% respectively, then total
Given that, 1 mm on main scale corresponds to percentage error is
100 divisions of the circular scale. (a) (aa + bb - gc) % (b) (aa + bb + gc) %
(c) (aa - bb - gc) % (d) 0%
The diameter of wire from the above data is
(a) 0.052 cm (b) 0.026 cm 27. If there is a positive error of 50% in the
(c) 0.005 cm (d) 0.52 cm measurement of speed of a body, then the error in
21. Two full turns of the circular scale of a screw gauge the measurement of kinetic energy is
(a) 25% (b) 50%
cover a distance of 1 mm on its main scale. The
(c) 100 % (d) 125%
total number of divisions on the circular scale is 50.
Further, it is found that the screw gauge has a zero 28. The radius of the sphere is (4.3 ± 0.1) cm. The
error of – 0.03 mm. While measuring the diameter percentage error in its volume is
of a thin wire, a student notes the main scale 0.1 0.1 ´ 100
(a) ´ 100 (b) 3 ´
reading of 3 mm and the number of circular scale 4.3 4.3
divisions in line with the main scale as 35. The 1 0.1 ´ 100 0.1 ´ 100
(c) ´ (d) 3 +
diameter of the wire is 3 4.3 4.3
(a) 3.32 mm 29. The time period of a simple pendulum is given by
(b) 3.73 mm
l
(c) 3.67 mm T = 2p . The measured value of the length of
(d) 3.38 mm g

22. The least count of the main scale of a screw gauge is pendulum is 10 cm known to a 1 mm accuracy. The
1 mm. The minimum number of divisions on its time for 200 oscillations of the pendulum is found
circular scale required to measure 5 mm diameter of to be 100 s using a clock of 1 s resolution. The
a wire is [JEE Main 2019]
percentage accuracy in the determination of g
using this pendulum is x. The value of x to the
(a) 50 (b) 200
nearest integer is [JEE Main 2021]
(c) 500 (d) 100
(a) 2% (b) 3% (c) 5% (d) 4%
12 JEE Main Physics

30. The velocity of transverse wave in a string is 38. The diameter and height of a cylinder are
T measured by a meter scale to be 12.6 ± 01 . cm and
v= where T is the tension in the string and M 34.2 ± 01
. cm, respectively. What will be the value of
M
its volume in appropriate significant figures?
is mass per unit length. If T = 3.0 kgf, mass of string
[JEE Main 2019]
is 2.5 g and length of string is 1.000 m, then the
(a) 4300 ± 80 cm3
percentage error in the measurement of velocity is
(b) 4260 ± 80 cm3
(a) 0.5 (b) 0.7 (c) 2.3 (d) 3.6
(c) 4264.4 ± 81 .0 cm3
31. The initial temperature of a liquid is (80.0 ± 0.1)° C. (d) 4264 ± 81 cm3
After it has been cooled, its temperature is
39. The current voltage relation of diode is given by
(10.0 ± 0.1)° C. The fall in temperature in degree
I = ( e1000 V / T - 1) mA, where the applied voltage V is
centigrade is
in volt and the temperature T is in kelvin. If a
(a) 70.0 (b) 70.0 ± 0.3
student makes an error measuring ± 0.01V while
(c) 70.0 ± 0.2 (d) 70.0 ± 0.1
measuring the current of 5 mA at 300K, what will
32. A public park, in the form of a square, has an area be the error in the value of current (in mA)?
of (100 ± 0.2) m 2 . The side of park is [JEE Main 2013]
(a) (10 ± 0.01)m (b) (10 ± 0.1)m (a) 0.2 mA (b) 0.02 mA
(c) (10.0± 0.1)m (d) (10.0 ± 0.2)m (c) 0.5 mA (d) 0.05 mA
33. Given, potential difference V = (8 ± 0.5) V and 40. The result after adding 3.8 ´ 10-6 to 4.2 ´ 10-5 with
current I = (2 ± 0.2)A. The value of resistance R due regard to significant figures is
(in W) is (a) 4.58 ´ 10-5 (b) 0.458 ´ 10-4
(a) 4 ± 16.25% (b) 4 ± 6.25% (c) 4.6 ´ 10-5 (d) 45.8 ´ 10-6
(c) 4 ± 10% (d) 4 ± 8%
41. The value of p2 with due regard for significant
34. The length, breadth and thickness of a block are figures is (Given p = 3.14)
measured to be 50 cm, 2.0 cm and 1.00 cm. The (a) 9.86 (b) 9.859
percentage error in the measurement of volume is (c) 9.8596 (d) 9.85960
(a) 0.8% (b) 8%
(c) 10% (d) 12.5 % 42. You measure two quantities as
A = 1.0 m ± 0.2 m, B = 2.0 m ± 0.2 m . We should
35. One side of a cubical block is measured with the report correct value for AB as [NCERT Exemplar]
help of a vernier callipers of vernier constant (a) 1.4 m ± 0.4 m (b) 1.41 m ± 0.15 m
0.01 cm. This side comes out to be 1.23 cm. What is
(c) 1.4 m ± 0.3 m (d) 1.4 m ± 0.2 m
the percentage error in the measurement of area?
1.23 0.01 43. The area of a square is 5.29 cm2 . The area of 7 such
(a) ´ 100 (b) ´ 100
0.01 1.23 squares taking into account the significant figures is
0.01 0.01 [JEE Main 2019]
(c) 2 ´ ´ 100 (d) 3 ´ ´ 100 (a) 37.030 cm 2 (b) 37.0 cm 2
1.23 1.23
(c) 37.03 cm 2 (d) 37 cm 2
36. A physical quantity z depends on four observables
a2 b2 / 3 44. For the four sets of three measured physical
a, b, c and d, as z = . The percentages of error quantities as given below. Which of the following
cd3
options is correct? [JEE Main 2020]
in the measurement of a, b, c and d are 2%, 1.5%, (i) A1 = 24.36, B1 = 0.0724, C1 = 256.2
4% and 2.5%, respectively. The percentage of error
(ii) A2 = 24.44, B2 = 16.082, C2 = 240.2
in z is [JEE Main 2020]
(iii) A3 = 25.2, B3 = 19.2812, C3 = 236.183
(a) 13.5% (b) 16.5%
(iv) A4 = 25, B4 = 236.191, C4 = 19.5
(c) 14.5% (d) 12.25%
(a) A1 + B1 + C1 < A3 + B3 + C3
37. The relative density of the material of a body is the < A2 + B2 + C 2 < A4 + B4 + C 4
ratio of its weight in air and the loss of its weight in (b) A4 + B4 + C 4 < A1 + B1 + C1
water. By using a spring balance, the weight of the
= A2 + B2 + C 2 = A3 + B3 + C3
. ± 005
body in air is measured to be (500 . ) N. The
weight of the body in water is measured to be (c) A4 + B4 + C 4 < A1 + B1 + C1
(4.00 ± 005
. ) N, then the maximum possible = A3 + B3 + C3 < A2 + B2 + C 2
percentage error in relative density is (d) A1 + B1 + C1 = A2 + B2 + C 2
(a) 11% (b) 10% (c) 9% (d) 7% = A3 + B3 + C3 = A4 + B4 + C 4
Units and Measurements 13

Dimensions 55. The dimensional formula of magnetic permeability

is
45. The damping force of an oscillating particle is (a) [M 0L-1T] (b) [M 0L2 T-1 ]
observed to be proportional to velocity. The (c) [M 0L2 T-1A 2] (d) [MLT-2A -2]
constant of proportionality can be measured in
(a) kg s–1 (b) kg s 56. [ML-2T -2 ] represents dimensional formula of which
(c) kg ms–1 (d) kg m–1 s–1 of the following physical quantities?
46. The fundamental unit, which has the same power (a) Energy (b) Pressure
in the dimensional formulae of surface tension and (c) Torque (d) Pressure gradient
viscosity is 57. Which of the following units denotes the
(a) mass (b) length dimensions [ML2 / Q2], where Q denotes the electric
(c) time (d) None of these charge? [AIEEE 2006]
47. If the units of M and L are increased three times, (a) Wb/m 2 (b) henry (H)
then the unit of energy will be increased by (c) H/m 2 (d) weber (Wb)
(a) 3 times (b) 6 times
58. Amount of solar energy received on the earth’s
(c) 27 times (d) 81 times
surface per unit area per unit time is defined as
48. If L denotes the inductance of an inductor through solar constant. Dimensional formula of solar
which a current I is flowing, then the dimensional constant is [JEE Main 2020]
formula of LI 2 is (a) [MLT-2] (b) [ML0T-3 ]
(a) [MLT -2] 2 0 -1
(c) [M L T ] (d) [ML2 T-2]
(b) [ML 2 T -2]
(c) [M 2L 2 T -2] B2
59. The dimension of , where B is magnetic field
(d) not expressible in terms of M, L, T 2m 0
49. The equation of alternating current is I = I 0 e- t / CR and m 0 is the magnetic permeability of vacuum, is
[JEE Main 2020]
where t is time, C is capacitance and R is resistance -1 -2 -2
of coil, then the dimensions of CR is (a) [ML T ] (b) [MLT ]
(a) [MLT -1] (b) [M 0LT] (c) [ML2 T-1] (d) [ML2 T-2]
(c) [M 0L 0 T] (d) None of these e0
60. In SI units, the dimensions of is
50. Which of the following pairs has same dimensions? m0 [JEE Main 2019]
(a) Current density and charge density (a) [A -1TML3 ] (b) [AT2M -1L-1 ]
(b) Angular momentum and momentum
(c) [AT-3 ML3/2] (d) [A 2 T 3 M -1L-2]
(c) Spring constant and surface energy
(d) Force and torque 61. In the relation y = r sin ( wt - kx), the dimensional
51. Dimensions of 1 / m 0 e 0 , where symbols have their formula of w/ k are
(a) [M 0L0T0 ] (b) [M 0L1T-1 ]
usual meaning, are [AIEEE 2003]
0 0 1
(a) [L–1T] (b) [L2T2] (c) [L2T–2] (d) [LT–1 ] (c) [M L T ] (d) [M 0L1T0 ]

52. The physical quantities not having same
dimensions are
(a) torque and work
(b) momentum and Planck’s constant
(c) stress and Young’s modulus
(d) speed and ( m 0e 0 )-1/ 2
62. Let [ e 0 ] denotes the dimensional formula of the
[AIEEE 2003] permittivity of vacuum. If M = mass, L = length,
T = time and A = electric current, then
[JEE Main 2013]
(a) [e 0 ] = [ M -1L-3 T2A] (b) [e 0 ] = [M -1L-3 T4A 2]
(c) [e 0 ] = [M -2L2 T-1A -2] (d) [e 0 ] = [ M -1L2 T-1A 2]

53. The dimensions of magnetic field in M, L, T and C 63. Let l, r, c and v represent inductance, resistance,
is given as [AIEEE 2008] capacitance and voltage, respectively. The
(a) [MLT-1 C -1 ] dimension of
l
in SI units will be [JEE Main 2019]
(b) [MT2 C -2] rcv
(c) [MT-1 C -1 ] (a) [LT2] (b) [LTA] (c) [A - 1 ] (d) [LA - 2]
(d) [MT2 C -1 ]
= a n sin -1 æç - 1ö÷. The value of n is
dx x
54. The time dependence of a physical quantity P is
64. ò 2ax - x 2 è a ø
2
given by P = P0e -at , where a is a constant and t is (a) 0 (b) –1
time. Then constant a is (c) 1 (d) None of these
(a) dimensionless (b) dimension of t–2 (You may use dimensional analysis to solve the
(c) dimensions of P (d) dimension of t2 problem.)
14 JEE Main Physics

65. The period of a body under SHM is represented by 69. If speed V, area A and force F are chosen as
T = pa DbS c , where p is pressure, D is density and fundamental units, then the dimensional formula of
S is surface tension. The value of a, b and c are Young’s modulus will be [JEE Main 2020]
3 1
(a) - , ,1 (b) -1,-2, 3 (a) [FA 2V -3 ] (b) [FA -1V 0 ]
2 2 -2
1 -3 -1 1 (c) [FA V ] 2
(d) [FA 2V -1 ]
(c) , , (d) 1, 2,
2 2 2 3 70. If momentum p, area A and time T are taken to be
the fundamental quantities, then the dimensional
66. Taking frequency f, velocity v and density r to be
formula for energy is [JEE Main 2020]
the fundamental quantities, then the dimensional
(a) [p2AT-2] (b) [pA -1T-2]
formula for momentum will be
(c) [pA1/2T-1 ] (d) [p1/2AT-1 ]
(a) [rv4f -3 ] (b) [rv3 f -1 ]
(c) [rvf 2] (d) [r 2v2f 2] 71. If speed (v), acceleration ( A) and force ( F ) are
considered as fundamental units, the dimension of
67. If p represents radiation pressure, v represents
Young’s modulus will be [JEE Main 2019]
speed of light and q represents radiation energy
(a) [v-4A - 2F] (b) [v-2A 2 F2]
striking a unit area per second, then non-zero
(c) [v-2A 2 F- 2] (d) [v-4A 2 F]
integers a, b and c are such that pa qbv c is
dimensionless, then 72. The dimension of stopping potential V0 in
(a) a = 1, b = 1, c = -1 photoelectric effect in units of Planck’s constant h,
(b) a = 1, b = -1, c = 1 speed of light c, gravitational constant G and
(c) a = -1, b = 1, c = 1 ampere A is [JEE Main 2020]
(d) a = 1, b = 1, c = 1 (a) h -2/3 c-1/ 3G 4/ 3 A -1 (b) h1/ 3G 2/ 3 c1/3 A -1
68. The wavelength associated with a moving particle 0 5
(c) h c G -1
A -1
(d) h1/ 3G 2/ 3 c1/ 3 A -1
depends upon power p of its mass m, qth power of
its velocity v and rth power of Planck’s constant h. 73. If surface tension ( S), moment of inertia ( I ) and
Then the correct set of values of p, q and r is Planck’s constant ( h), were to be taken as the
(a) p = 1, q = -1, r = 1 fundamental units, the dimensional formula for
(b) p = 1, q = 1, r = 1 linear momentum would be [JEE Main 2019]

(c) p = -1, q = -1, r = -1 (a) S1/ 2I1/ 2h -1 (b) S3/ 2I1/ 2h 0

(d) p = -1, q = -1, r = 1 (c) S1/ 2I1/ 2h 0 (d) S1/ 2I3/ 2h -1

ROUND II Mixed Bag

Only One Correct Option measuring diameter of a thick wire. The pitch scale
1. The vernier scale used for measurement has a reads 1 mm and 63 rad division on the circular
positive zero error of 0.2 mm. If while taking a scale coincides with the reference. The length of the
measurement it was noted that 0 on the vernier scale wire is 5.6 cm, then which one of the following
lies between 8.5 cm and 8.6 cm, vernier coincidence option is correct?
is 6, then the correct value of measurement is ……… (a) The least count of screw gauge is 0.002 cm
cm. (Given, least count = 0.01 cm) [JEE Main 2021] (b) The volume of the wire is 0.117 cm3
(a) 8.36 cm (c) The diameter of the wire is 1.33 m
(b) 8.54 cm (d) The cross-section area of the wire is 0.0209 cm3
(c) 8.58 cm
(d) 8.56 cm
5. Two full turns of the circular scale of a screw gauge
cover a distance of 1 mm on its main scale. The
2. If 1 g cm s–1 = x N-s, then the number x is equal to total number of divisions on the circular scale is 50.
(a) 1 × 10–3 (b) 3.6 × 10–3 Further, it is found that the screw gauge has a zero
(c) 1 × 10–5 (d) 6 × 10–4
error of – 0.03 mm. While measuring the diameter
3. If muscle times speed equals power, what is the of a thin wire, a student notes the main scale
ratio of the SI units and the CGS unit of muscle? reading of 3 mm and the number of circular scale
(a) 105 (b) 103 divisions in line with the main scale as 35. The
(c) 107 (d) 10-5 diameter of the wire is [AIEEE 2008]
4. The pitch of a screw gauge 15 mm and there are (a) 3.32 mm (b) 3.37 mm
100 divisions on the circular scale. While (c) 3.67 mm (d) 3.38 mm
Units and Measurements 15

6. The dimensions of a rectangular block measured 14. A resistor of 4 kW with tolerance 10% is connected in
with callipers having least count of 0.01 cm are parallel with a resistor of 6 kW with tolerance 100%.
5 mm ´ 10 mm ´ 5 mm. The maximum percentage The tolerance of the parallel combination is nearly
error in the measurement of the volume of the (a) 10 % (b) 20 %
block is (c) 30 % (d) 40 %
(a) 5% (b) 10 %
15. What is the unit of k in the relation where,
(c) 15 % (d) 20% ky
U= where U represents the potential
7. A resistor of 10 kW having tolerance 10% is connected y + a2
2

in series with another resistor of 20 kW having energy, y represents the displacement and a
tolerance 20%. The tolerance of the combination will represents amplitude?
be approximately (a) m s–1 (b) m s
(a) 10% (b) 13% (c) J m (d) J s–1
(c) 17% (d) 20% 16. In the equation X = 3 YZ 2 , X and Z have
8. The following observations were taken for dimensions of capacitance and magnetic induction
determining surface tension of water by capillary respectively. In MKSQ system, the dimensional
tube method. Diameter of capillary, D = 1.25×10–2 m formula of Y is
and rise of water in capillary, h = 1.46 × 10–2 m. (a) [M -3 L-2T-2Q-4 ] (b) [ML–2]
-3 -2 4 8
Taking g = 9.80 ms –2 and using the relation (c) [M L Q T ] (d) [M -3 L-2Q4T4 ]
T = ( rgh / 2) ´ 103 Nm-1, what is the possible error in 1 e2
surface tension T ? 17. The dimensional formula of is
e 0 hc
(a) 2.4% (b) 15 %
(a) [M 0L0T0A 0 ] (b) [M -1L3 T 2A]
(c) 1.6% (d) 0.15% -4 -2
(c) [ML T A ] 3
(d) [M -1L-3 T4 ]
9. Resistance of a given wire is obtained by measuring
the current flowing in it and the voltage difference 18. Given X = (Gh / c3)1/ 2 , where G, h and c are
applied across it. If the percentage errors in the gravitational constant, Planck’s constant and the
measurement of the current and the voltage velocity of light respectively. Dimensions of X are
difference are 3% each, then error in the value of the same as those of
resistance of the wire is [AIEEE 2012] (a) mass (b) time
(a) 6% (b) zero (c) 1% (d) 3% (c) length (d) acceleration

10. A wire has a mass (0.3 ± 0.003) g, radius 19. The thrust developed by a rocket-motor is given by
(0.5 + 0.005) mm and length (6 ± 0.06) cm. The F = mv + A( p1 - p2 ), where m is the mass of the gas
maximum percentage error in the measurement of its ejected per unit time, v is velocity of the gas, A is area
density is [IIT JEE 2004] of cross-section of the nozzle, p1, p2 are the pressures of
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 the exhaust gas and surrounding atmosphere. The
formula is dimensionally
11. In an experiment to measure the height of a bridge (a) correct
by dropping stone into water underneath, if the
(b) wrong
error in measurement of time is 0.1s at the end of
(c) sometimes wrong, sometimes correct
2 s, then the error in estimation of height of bridge
(d) data is not adequate
will be [Kerala CEE 2004]
(a) 0.49 m (b) 0.98 m (c) 1.96 m (d) 2.12 m 20. When a wave traverses a medium the displacement
of a particle located at x at a time t is given by
12. A cube has a side of length 1.2 ´ 10–2 m. Calculate y = a sin ( bt - cx) , where a, b and c are constants of
its volume. [IIT JEE 2003] the wave. Which of the following is not
(a) 1.7 × 10 - 6 m3 (b) 1.73 × 10 - 6 m3 dimensionless?
(c) 1.70 × 10 - 6 m3 (d) 1.732 × 10 - 6 m3 y
(a) (b) bt
a
13. In the experiment of Ohm’s law, a potential b
(c) cx (d)
difference of 5.0 V is applied across the end of a c
conductor of length 10.0 cm and diameter of
5.00 mm. The measured current in the conductor is 21. In a new system of units, unit of mass is 10 kg, unit
2.00 A. The maximum permissible percentage error of length is 1 km and unit of time is 1 min. The
in the resistivity of the conductor is [JEE Main 2021] value of 1 J in this new hypothetical system is
(a) 3.6 ×10 - 4 new units (b) 6 × 107new units
(a) 3.9 (b) 8.4 (c) 7.5 (d) 3.0
(c) 1011 new units (d) 1.67 ×10 4 new units
16 JEE Main Physics

n2 - n1 IFv2
22. The number of particles given by n = D are 29. A quantity x is given by x = where, I is
x2 - x1 WL4
crossing a unit area perpendicular to X-axis in unit moment of inertia, F is force, v is work and L is
time, where n1 and n2 are the number of particles length. The dimensional formula for x is same as
per unit volume for the values x1 and x2 of x that of [JEE Main 2020]
respectively. Then the dimensional formula of (a) Planck’s constant
diffusion constant D is (b) force constant
(a) [M 0LT0 ] (b) [M 0L2 T-4 ] (c) coefficient of viscosity
(c) [M 0LT-3 ] (d) [M 0L2 T-1 ] (d) energy density
1 E l
23. A calorie is a unit of heat and equals 4.2 J. Suppose 30. The quantities x = , y = and z = are
m 0 e0 B CR
we employ a system of units in which the unit of
mass is a kg, the unit of length is b metre and the defined, where C is capacitance, R is resistance, l is
unit of time is g s. In this new system, 1 calorie =
length, E is electric field, B is magnetic field, e 0 is
free space permittivity and m 0 is permeability,
(a) a -1b - 2g 2 (b) 4.2 ab 2g - 2
respectively. Then, [JEE Main 2020]
(c) ab 2g 2 (d) 4.2 a -1b -2g 2 (a) x, y and z have the same dimension
24. An important milestone in the evolution of the (b) Only x and z have the same dimension
universe just after the Big Bang is the Planck time (c) Only x and y have the same dimension
t p , the value of which depends on three (d) Only y and z have the same dimension
fundamental constants speed c of light in vacuum, 31. Dimensional formula for thermal conductivity is
gravitational constant G and Planck’s constant h. (Here, K denotes the temperature) [JEE Main 2020]
Then, t p µ (a) [MLT -2 K] (b) [MLT -2K -2]
c5
(a) Ghc5 (b) (c) [MLT -3 K -1] (d) [MLT -3 K]
Gh
1/ 2 hc5
Gh æ Gh ö 32. A quantity f is given by f = , where c is speed
(c) 5 (d) ç 5 ÷ G
c è c ø
of light, G universal gravitational constant and h is
25. Which of the following combinations have the the Planck’s constant. Dimension of f is that of
dimensions of time? L-C-R represent inductance, [JEE Main 2020]
capacitance and resistance, respectively. (a) area (b) volume
(a) RC (b) LC (c) R /C (d) C /L (c) momentum (d) energy

26. Photon is quantum of radiation with energy E = hn 33. The force of interaction between two atoms is given
æ x2 ö
where n is frequency and h is Planck’s constant. by F = ab exp ç - ÷; where x is the distance, k is
è akT ø
The dimensions of h are the same as that of
[NCERT Exemplar] the Boltzmann constant and T is temperature and
(a) linear impulse (b) angular impulse a and b are two constants. The dimension of b is
[JEE Main 2019]
(c) linear momentum (d) None of these
(a) [MLT -2] (b) [M 0L2T-4]
27. In order to determine the Young’s modulus of a
wire of radius 0.2 cm (measured using a scale of (c) [M 2L T-4] (d) [M 2L2T-2]
least count = 0.001 cm) and length 1 m (measured 34. In the formula X = 5YZ 2 , X and Z have dimensions
using a scale of least count = 1 mm), a weight of of capacitance and magnetic field, respectively.
mass 1 kg (measured using a scale of least count What are the dimensions of Y in SI units?
= 1 g) was hanged to get the elongation of 0.5 cm [JEE Main 2019]
(measured using a scale of least count = 0.001 cm). (a) [M - 1L- 2 T4A -2] (b) [M - 2L0 T- 4A - 2]
What will be the fractional error in the value of (c) [M - 3 L- 2 T8A 4 ] (d) [M - 2L- 2 T6A3 ]
Young’s modulus determined by this experiment?
[JEE Main 2021]
(a) 0.14% (b) 0.9%
Numerical Value Questions
(c) 9% (d) 1.4% 35. If the unit of velocity is run, the unit of time is
second and unit of force is strength in a
28. What is dimensional formula of thermal hypothetical system of unit. In this system of unit,
conductivity? the unit of mass is (strength) x (second) y (run) z .
(a) [MLT -1 q-1] (b) [MLT -3 q-1] y
The value of is …… .
(c) [M 2LT -3 q-2] (d) [ML 2 T -2q ] x
Units and Measurements 17

36. The edge of a cube is measured using a vernier
calliper (9 divisions of the main scale is equal to
10 divisions of vernier scale and 1 main scale
division is 1 mm). The main scale division reading
is 10 and 1 division of vernier scale was found to be
coinciding with the main scale. The mass of the
cube is 2.736 g. The density (in gcm –3) upto correct
significant figures is ……… . [IIT JEE 2005]
37. The density of a solid metal sphere is determined
by measuring its mass and its diameter. The
maximum error in the density of the sphere is
æ x ö %. If the relative errors in measuring the
ç ÷
è 100 ø
mass and the diameter are 6.0% and 1.5%
respectively, the value of x is ........ [JEE Main 2020]
38. The focal length of a spherical mirror is given by
1 1 1
= + , where u is the position of object from pole
f v u
of the mirror and v is position of image from pole of
the mirror.
If u = (30 ± 0.3) cm and v = (60 ± 0.6) cm. The
maximum percentage error in the measurement of
focal length of the mirror is n%, then the value of n
is ……… . [JEE Main 2021]
39. If the speed of light ( c), acceleration due to gravity
( g) and pressure ( p) are taken as base units. The
dimension of g in the dimensional formula of
universal gravitational constant is ……… .

Answers
Round I
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. (b) 10. (c)
11. (b) 12. (a) 13. (a) 14. (a) 15. (d) 16. (d) 17. (a) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (d) 22. (b) 23. (a) 24. (c) 25. (d) 26. (b) 27. (d) 28. (b) 29. (b) 30. (d)
31. (c) 32. (a) 33. (a) 34. (b) 35. (c) 36. (c) 37. (a) 38. (b) 39. (a) 40. (c)
41. (a) 42. (d) 43. (c) 44. (*) 45. (a) 46. (a) 47. (c) 48. (b) 49. (c) 50. (c)
51. (c) 52. (b) 53. (c) 54. (b) 55. (d) 56. (d) 57. (b) 58. (b) 59. (a) 60. (d)
61. (b) 62. (b) 63. (c) 64. (a) 65. (a) 66. (a) 67. (b) 68. (d) 69. (b) 70. (c)
71. (d) 72. (c) 73. (c)

Round II
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (d) 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (d)
11. (c) 12. (a) 13. (a) 14. (c) 15. (c) 16. (d) 17. (a) 18. (c) 19. (a) 20. (d)
21. (a) 22. (d) 23. (d) 24. (d) 25. (a) 26. (b) 27. (d) 28. (b) 29. (d) 30. (a)
31. (c) 32. (d) 33. (c) 34. (c) 35. 1 36. 2.66 37. 1050 38. 1 39. 2
 Solutions
Round I
1. According to Faraday’s first law of electrolysis, m = Zq 13. As, n1u1 = n2u2
m
or Z = . So, SI unit of Z is kg C-1. 1 shake 10-8 s
q Þ n2 = = –9
1 ns 10 s
Energy J
2. Intensity (I ) = = or Jm-2s -1 \ n2 = 10
Area ´ Time m2 s
14. As, n1u1 = n2 u2
3. Magnetic flux has the unit as weber/ m2.
Charge q (n1 and n2 are numerical values and u1 and u2 are the
4. Capacitance, C = = unit in proper system)
Potential V
nu
work æ Wö \ n2 = 1 1
Also, potential = çQ V = ÷ u2
charge è qø
1450 mile/h 1450 s/mile
q2 J = =
\ C= as well as C = 2 m/s mh
J V
1450 s ´ 1.6 km
Thus, (a), (c) and (d) are equivalent to farad but (b) is = = 644.4
not equivalent to Farad. 10–3 km ´ 60 ´ 60 s
1450 mile/h = 644.4 m/s
5. Time defined in terms of rotation of the earth is called
Universal Time (UT). 15. As, R = 8.3J/K-mol
6. The primary use of a sextant is to measure the angle Now, n1u1 = n2 u2
between an astronomical object and the horizon. (u1 and u2 are units while n1 and n2 are the numerical
values)
7. ‘rad’ is used to measure biological effect of radiation. n1 u1 8.3 J / K-mol
\ n2 = =
8. 1 Newton = 105 dyne and 1 m = 100 cm u2 atm L / K-mol
106 dyne cm–2 = 106 ´ 10-5 N ´ (10-2 m)-2 = 105 Nm–2 8.3 J/K-mol
=
9. According to definition, metre is the distance containing (1.013 ´ 105 N/m2) (10-3 m3 ) / K -mol
1650763.73 wavelength in vacuum of radiation 8.12
= = 0.0812
corresponding to orange red light emitted by an atom of 102
Kr-86. \ 8.3 J/K-mol = 0.0812 atm L/K-mol
11 2
10. Young modulus, Y = 1.9 ´ 10 N/m 16. na ¢ = (n - 1)a
5 2 4 2
Q 1 N = 10 dyne, 1 m = 10 cm æ n -1ö
Þ a¢ = ç ÷a
1.9 ´ 1011 ´ 105 è n ø
So, Y (in CGS) = dyne/cm2
104 \Least Count (LC) = 1MSD - 1VSD = a - a ¢
= 1.9 ´ 1012 dyne /cm2 æ n - 1ö a 10a
=a-ç ÷ a = cm = mm
11. One light year = 3 ´ 108m /s ´ 1 yr è n ø n n
3 ´ 108 m 17. Magnification of microscope = 100
= ´ 365 ´ 24 ´ 60 ´ 60 s
s
Observed width of the hair = 3.5 mm
= 3 ´ 108 ´ 365 ´ 24 ´ 60 ´ 60 m
Observed width
= 9.461 ´ 1015 m Magnification =
Real width
12. Force, F = ma Observed width 3.5
Real width = = = 0.035 mm
F 10 pound Magnification width 100
\ a= =
m 1 kg
18. Least count of vernier callipers
pound 10 slug ft
= 10 = LC = 1 MSD - 1 VSD
kg kg s 2
Smallest division on main scale
ft ft =
= 10 ´ 14.6 kg = 146 2 Number of divisions on vernier scale
kg s 2 s
As, 20 divisions of vernier scale = 16 divisions of main
= 146 ´ 0.30 ms –2
scale
= 43.8 ms –2
Units and Measurements 19

16 (a) Number of division (MSD) = 20

\ 1 VSD = mm = 0.8 mm
20 Main Scale Division (MSD) = 1 mm
LC = 1 MSD - 1 VSD As 20 divisions on vernier scale will be equal to
= 1 mm - 0.8 mm = 0.2 mm the 19 divisions on main scale.
0.5 19
19. Here, least count = degree \ Vernier Scale Division (VSD) = MSD
30 20
Least count of vernier callipers = 1 MSD - 1 VSD
Now, total reading = main scale reading + (vernier
scale reading) ´ (least count) = 1 MSD - 1 VSD
19
æ 0.5 ö = 1 MSD - MSD
= 58.5 degrees + (9) ç ÷ degrees 20
è 30 ø
1
æ 1.5 ö = MSD
= ç58.5 + ÷ 20
è 10 ø 1 1
= mm = cm
= 58.5 + 0.15 20 200
= 58.65 degree = 0.005 cm
= 58.65° (b) Pitch of screw guage = 1 mm
Number of divisions on circular scale = 100
20. Diameter of wire, d = MSR + CSR ´ LC
Least count of screw gauge
1
= 0 + 52 ´ =
Pitch
100 Number of divisions on circular scale
= 0.52 mm = 0.052 cm 1 1
mm = cm = 0.001 cm
21. The diameter = main scale reading + circular 100 1000
scale reading ´ LC - zero error (c) Wavelength of light

= 3 + 35 ´
1
- (- 0.03) (l ) » 10-7m = 10-5 cm = 0.00001 cm
2 ´ 50 \ As the given optical instrument can measure
= 3.38 mm length to within a wavelength of light, therefore
least count of the given optical instrument
22. In a screw gauge, = Wavelength of light
Least count = 0.00001 cm
Measure of 1 main scale division (MSD) The least count is minimum for the given optical
=
Number of division on circular scale instrument, therefore the given optical
Here, minimum value to be measured/least count is instrument is the most precise.
5 mm = 5 ´ 10-6 m M [M]
25. We know that, density, r = = 3
\ According to the given values, V [L ]
1 ´ 10-3 Dr DM DL
5 ´ 10-6 = \ ´ 100 = ´ 100 + 3 ´ 100
N r M L
10-3 1000 = 3% + 3 (2%) = 9%
or N = = = 200 divisions
5 ´ 10-6 5 26. Given, a b -c
X = [M L T ]
23. Arithmetic mean time of a oscillating simple DX é DM DL DT ù
\ =± êë a M + b L + c T úû
pendulum X
S xi 90 + 91 + 92 + 95 = ± [aa + bb + gc]%
= = = 92 s
N 4 1
27. Kinetic energy, E = mv2
Mean deviation of a simple pendulum 2
S | x - xi| DE Dv2 - v2
= \ ´ 100 = ´ 100
N E v2
2+1+3+0
= = 1.5 = [(1.5)2 - 1] ´ 100 = 125%
4
0.1
Given, minimum division in the measuring clock, i.e. 28. Percentage error in radius is ´ 100
4.3
simple pendulum = 1 s. Thus, the reported mean time
of a oscillating simple pendulum = (92 ± 2) s. Again, V µ R3

24. The instrument whose least count is minimum, is 3 ´ 0.1

\ Error in volume = ´ 100
called the most precise device. 4.3
20 JEE Main Physics

l 4p 2l a 2b2/3
29. Given, T = 2p Þg= 2 36. Given, z =
g T c d3
Dg Dl 2DT 0.1 æ 1 ö According to question,
\ = + = +2ç ÷
g l T 10 è 0.5 ´ 200 ø æ2ö
Dg 1 1 % error in z = (2)% error in a + ç ÷% error in
´ 100 = ´ 100 + ´ 100 = 3% è3ø
g 100 50 æ ö
1
b + ç ÷% error in c + (3)% error in d
1/ 2 1/ 2 è2ø
T é m¢g ù é m¢lg ù
30. v = =ê ú =ê Dz Da 2 Db 1 Dc Dd
m ë M /lû ë M úû =2 + + +3
z a 3 b 2 c d
Dv 1 é Dm ¢ Dl DM ù
It follows from here, = + + 2 1
v 2 êë m l M úû = 2 ´ 2 % + ´ 1.5 % + ´ 4 % + 3 ´ 2.5 %
3 2
1 é 0.1 0.01 0.1 ù
= ê + + = 14.5%
2 ë 3.0 1.000 2.5 úû
1 37. Weight in air = (5.00 ± 0.05) N
= [0.03 + 0.001 + 0.04]
2 Weight in water = (4.00 ± 0.05) N
= 0.036 Loss of weight in water
Percentage error in the measurement = 3.6 = [(5.00 - 4.00) ± (0.05 + 0.05)] N
31. When quantities are subtracted, their maximum = (1.00 ± 0.1) N
absolute errors are added up. Weight in air
Now, relative density =
\ Result = (80 - 10) ± (0.1 + 0.1) Weight loss in water
= 70 ± 0.2 5.00 ± 0.05
i.e. RD =
1.00 ± 0.1
32. Percentage error in side of public park
1 é 0.2 ù Now, relative density with maximum permissible error
= ´ 100ú = 0.1 m 5.00 æ 0.05 0.1 ö
2 êë 100 û = ±ç + ÷ ´ 100
1.00 è 5.00 1.00 ø
Absolute error in side of public park
0.1 = 5.0 ± (1 + 10)% = 5 ± 11%
= ´ 10 = 0.01 m So, maximum possible percentage error in relative
100
density is ± 11%.
Side of public park = 100 = 10 m
38. Volume of a cylinder of radius r and height h is given
\ Side = (10 ± 0.01) m
by
33. As, V = (8 + 0.5) V V = pr 2h
1
and I = (2 + 0.2) A or V = pD 2h, where D is the diameter of circular
8 4
\ R = =4W (R = resistance) surface. Here, D = 12.6 cm and h = 34.2 cm
2
p
DR æ DV DI ö Þ V = ´ (12.6)2 ´ (34.2)
Þ %=ç + ÷ 4
R è V I ø
V = 4262.22 cm3
æ 0.5 0.2 ö
=ç + ÷ ´ 100 = 16.25% V = 4260 (in three significant numbers)
è 8 2 ø
Now, error calculation can be done as
\ R = (4 ± 16.25%) W DV æ DD ö Dh 2 ´ 0.1 0.1
1 =2 ç ÷+ = +
34. Percentage error in length = ´ 100 = 2 V è D ø h 12.6 34.2
50 DV
0.1 Þ = 0.0158 + 0.0029
Percentage error in breadth = ´ 100 = 5 V
2.0
Þ DV = (0.01879) ´ (4262.22)
0.1
Percentage error in thickness = ´ 100 = 1 Þ DV = 79.7 ~- 80 cm3
1.00
Percentage error in volume = 2 + 5 + 1 = 8 \For proper significant numbers, volume reading will
be V = 4260 ± 80 cm3 .
0.01
35. Percentage error in measurement of a side = ´ 100
1.23 39. Given, I = (e1000V /T - 1) mA
\Percentage error in measurement of area dV = ± 0.01 V, T = 300 K
0.01 I = 5 mA
=2´ ´ 100
1.23
Units and Measurements 21

Þ I = e1000V /T - 1 Here, number of digits after decimal in 5.29 is 2, so our

I+1=e 1000V /T answer also contains only two digits after decimal point.
Taking log on both sides, we get \ Area required = 37.03 cm2
1000V 44. Given , A1 = 24.36, B1 = 0.0724, C1 = 256.2
log (I + 1) =
T
\ A1 + B1 + C1 = 280.6324
d (I + 1) 1000
Þ = dV As, sum contains same number of digits after decimal
I +1 T
as present in the number having the least number of
dI 1000 decimal places.
= dV
I+1 T So, A1 + B1 + C1 = 280.6
1000 Similarly, A2 + B2 + C 2 = 280.7
Þ dI = ´ (I +1) dV
T A3 + B3 + C3 = 280.7 (rounded off)
1000
dI = ´ (5 + 1) ´ 0.01 = 0.2 mA A4 + B4 + C 4 = 280.7 (rounded off)
300
So, A1 + B1 + C1 < A2 + B2 + C 2
So, error in the value of current is 0.2 mA. = A3 + B3 + C3 = A4 + B4 + C 4
40. 3.8 ´ 10-6 + 4.2 ´ 10-5 None of the options is matching with result.
= (3.8 ´ 10-1 + 4.2 ) ´ 10-5 [F ] [MLT-2]
45. Force, F = kv, [k] = = = [MT-1 ].
= (0.38 + 4.2) ´ 10-5 [v] [LT-1 ]
= (4.58) ´ 10-5 So, unit is kg s –1.
Rounding off to one place of decimal. 46. [Surface tension] = [ML0T-2], [viscosity] = [ML-1T-1 ].
-5
The sum = 4.6 ´ 10 Clearly, mass has the same exponent in these physical
quantities.
41. As p = 3.14
\ p 2 = (3.14)2 = 9.8596
47. [Energy] = [ML2 T-2]. Increasing M and L by a factor of
3, energy is increased 27 times.
On rounding off p 2 = 9.86
48. LI 2 represents energy, i. e. [ML2 T–2].
42. Given A = 1.0 m ± 0.2 m
49. CR is known as time constant
B = 2.0 m ± 0.2 m
CR = [T]
x = AB = 1.0 ´ 2.0 = 1.414 m
F
Rounding-off to two significant digits, 50. Spring constant = = [ML0T-2]
L
x= AB = 1.4 m Energy
Surface energy = = [ML0T-2]
Dx 1 é DA DB ù Area
Now, = +
x 2 êë A B úû Spring constant and surface energy has same
dimensions.
1 é 0.2 0.2 ù
= +
2 êë 1.0 0.2 úû 51. As we know that, formula of velocity is
1
0.6 v=
= m 0e 0
2 ´ 2.0
0.6 ´ x 1
Dx = = 0.15 ´ 1.414 = 0.2121 Þ v2 = = [LT–1 ]2
2 ´ 2.0 m 0e 0

Rounding-off to one significant digits, Dx = 0.2 m 1

\ = [L2T–2]
Thus, AB = 1.4m ± 0.2m m 0e 0

43. Area of 1 square = 5.29 cm2
Area of seven such squares
= 7 times addition of area of 1 square
= 5.29 + 5.29 + 5.29 + K 7 times = 37.03 cm2
As we know that, if in the measured values to be
added/subtracted the least number of significant digits
after the decimal is n.
Then, in the sum or difference also, the number of
significant digits after the decimal should be n.
52. Planck’s constant (in terms of unit)
h = J-s = [ML2 T–2][T] = [ML2 T–1 ]
Momentum ( p) = kg -ms –1
= [M][L][T–1 ] = [MLT–1 ]
53. From the relation F = qvB
Þ [MLT-2] = [C][LT-1 ][B]
Þ [B] = [MC-1T-1 ]
22 JEE Main Physics

1 62. Electrostatic force between two charges,

54. Here at 2 is a dimensionless, therefore a = and has
t2 1 q1q2 qq
the dimension of [t –2]. F = Þ e0 = 1 2 2
4pe 0 R2 4pFR
F m 0I1 I 2
55. As, = Substituting the units.
l 2 pr
[MLT-2] C2 [AT]2
or [m 0 ] =
[F ]
= = [MLT-2A –2] Hence, e 0= = = [M -1L-3 T 4A 2]
[I1I 2] [A 2] N -m 2
[MLT-2] [L2]

[MLT-2] Force 63. Dimensions of given quantities are

56. As, [ML-2 T-2] = =
[L][L2] Distance ´ Area l = inductance = [M1 L2 T-2 A -2]

=
Pressure
= Pressure gradient r = resistance = [M1 L2 T-3 A -2]
Distance c = capacitance = [M - 1 L- 2 T4 A 2]
v = voltage = [M1 L2 T-3 A -1 ]
1 LQ 2 é Qù
57. Magnetic energy = LI 2 = 2 êëas, I = t úû So, dimensions of
l
are
2 2t rcv
1 2 -2 -2
where, L = inductance and I = current. é l ù [M L T A ] -1
Energy has the dimensions = [ ML2 T–2] êë rcv úû = [M1 L2 T-2 A -1 ] = [A ]
Equate the dimensions, we have
64. Trigonometric function has no dimension, so
[Q 2]
[ML2 T–2] = [henry] ´ x
[T2] = dimensionless
a
[ML2]
Þ [henry] = Thus, a has the dimensions as x in equation.
[Q 2] LHS of given equation is dimensionless and hence, a n
Solar energy [ML2 T-2] is dimensionless
58. Solar constant = = = [ML0T-3 ]
Area ´ Time [L2][T] Þ n =0

B2 65. By substituting the dimensions of each quantity, we

59. As, = energy density of magnetic field get
2m0
T = [ML–1T–2]a [L3 M]b [MT–2]c
Energy
= 3 1
Volume By solving, we get a = - , b = and c = 1
2 2
é B2 ù [ML2T-2]
So, ê ú = [Energy /Volume] = 66. Momentum, p µ f avbrc
ë2m0 û [L3 ]
[MLT-1 ] = [T-1 ]a [LT-1 ]b [ML-3 ] c
= [ML-1T-2]
[MLT-1 ] = [M cLb-3 cT- a-b ]
60. Dimensions of e 0 (permittivity of free space) are
Þ c=1
[e 0 ] = [M -1L-3 T4A 2] b - 3c = 1
As, c = speed of light. Þ b =4
\ Dimension of [c] = [LT-1 ] - a - b = -1
e0 a + b = 1 , a = -3
So, dimensions of are
m0 [p] = [f -3 v4r]
é e 0 ù é e 20 ù é 2 1 ù 67. Here, [M 0L0T0 ] = [ML-1T-2]a [ML-3 ]b [LT-1 ]c
ê ú=ê ú = [e 0c] êQ c = m e ú
ë m 0 û êë e 0m 0 úû ë 0 0û or [M 0L0T0 ] = [M a+ bL- a+ cT-2a-3b- c ]
= [M -1L-3 T4A 2][LT-1 ] = [M -1L-2 T 3 A 2] Comparing powers of M, L and T, we get
a + b = 0,- a + c = 0,-2a - 3b = 0
61. Given, y = r sin(wt - kx)
Solving, a = 1 , b = -1 , c = 1
where, wt = angle
p q r
1 68. l = m v h
\ w = = [T-1 ] (Q angle is dimensionless)
T [M 0LT0 ] = [M p ] [LT–1 ]q [ML2 T-2]r
Similarly, kx = angle
[M 0LT0 ] = [M p+ rLq+ 2rT- q- r ]
1
\ k = = [L-1 ] \ p + r = 0, q + 2 r = 1, - q - r = 0
x
w [T-1 ] After solving, we get
\ = = [LT-1 ]
k [L-1 ] p = -1, q = -1, r = 1
Units and Measurements 23

69. Let Young’s modulus is related to speed, area and [c] = [Speed] = [LT-1 ]
force, as Y = F x A yV z é Force ´ (Distance)2 ù
[G ] = ê ú
Substituting dimensions, we have ë (Mass)2 û
[ML-1T-2] = [MLT-2]x [L2]y [LT-1 ]z [MLT-2][L2]
Comparing power of similar quantities, we have =
[M 2]
x = 1, x + 2 y + z = - 1 and -2x - z = - 2
= [M -1L3 T-2]
Solving these, we get
Substituting the dimensions of V 0 , h, C , G and A in
x = 1, y = - 1, z = 0 Eq. (i) and equating dimension on both sides, we get
So, [Y] = [FA -1V 0 ] [ML2 T-3 A -1 ] = [ML2 T-1 ]a ´ [LT-1 ] b
70. Let dimensions of energy E in terms of momentum p, ´ [M -1L3 T-2]c ´ [A ]d
area A and time T are Þ a -c=1 …(ii)
[E ] = [ p]x [ A ]y [T ]z 2a + b + 3c = 2 …(iii)
Substituting dimensions of fundamental quantities for -a - b - 2c = - 3 …(iv)
E , p, A and T, we have d = -1 …(v)
[ML 2 T -2] = [MLT -1] x [L 2] y [T] z On solving above equations, we get
[ML 2 T -2] = [M x L x + 2y T - x + z ] a = 0, b = 5, c = - 1, d = - 1
Equating powers of same physical quantities on both Substituting these values in Eq. (i), we get
sides, we have
V 0 = h 0 × c5 × G -1 × A -1
x = 1, x + 2 y = 2 and - x + z = - 2
1 73. Suppose, linear momentum ( p) depends upon the
So, x = 1, y = , z = - 1
2 Planck’s constant (h ) raised to the power (a ), surface
\ Dimensional formula of [E] = [pA1/2 T-1 ] tension(S) raised to the power (b) and moment of
inertia (I ) raised to the power (c).
71. Dimensions of speed are [v] = [LT-1 ]
Then, p µ (h )a (S )b (I )c or p = kh aSbI c
Dimensions of acceleration are [ A ] = [LT-2]
where, k is a dimensionless proportionality constant.
Dimensions of force are [F] = [MLT-2]
Thus, [ p] = [h ]a [S ]b [I ]c …(i)
Dimension of Young modulus is, [Y] = [ML-1T-2]
Then, the respective dimensions of the given physical
Let dimensions of Young’s modulus is expressed in
terms of speed, acceleration and force as quantities, i.e.
[Y ] = [v] a [ A ]b [F ] g …(i) [ p] = [mass ´ velocity] = [MLT-1 ]
Then substituting dimensions in terms of M, L and T, [I ] = [mass ´ (distance) 2] = [ML2 T0 ]
we get [S ] = [force ´ length] = [ML0T-2]
[ML-1T-2] = [LT-1 ]a [LT-2]b [MLT-2]g [h ] = [ML2 T-1 ]
g a +b + g - a - 2b - 2 g
= [M L T ] Then, substituting these dimensions in Eq. (i),
Now comparing powers of basic quantities on both we get
sides, we get g =1 [MLT-1 ] = [ML2 T-1 ]a [MT-2]b [ML2] c
a + b + g = -1 For dimensional balance, the dimensions on both sides
and - a - 2b - 2g = -2 should be same.
Solving these, we get Thus, equating dimensions, we have
a = -4, b = 2, g = 1 a + b + c=1
Substituting a , b , and g in Eq. (i), we get 1
2(a + c) = 1 or a + c=
[Y] = [v-4A 2F1 ] 2
72. Let V 0 = (h )a × (c)b × (G )c × ( A )d …(i) - a - 2b = - 1 or a + 2b = 1
é potential energy ù Solving these three equations, we get
Then, [V 0 ] = [potential] = ê ú
ë charge û 1 1
a = 0, b = , c =
2 2
[ML2 T-2]
= = [ML2 T- 3 A -1 ] 1 1
[AT] \ p = h 0S 2I 2
é Energy ù [ML2 T-2] 2 -1 1 1
[h ] = ê ú = [T-1 ] = [ML T ]
ë Frequency û or p = S 2I 2h 0
24 JEE Main Physics

rgh dgh é dù
Round II 8. T = = êëQ r = 2 úû
2 4
1. Vernier scale reading (VSR) = 6 ´ 0.01 = 0.06 cm
DT Dd Dg Dh
Correct value = 8.5 + 0.06 - 0.02 = 8.54 cm \ ´ 100 = ´ 100 + ´ 100 + ´ 100
T d g h
1 g cm s –1 1 g cm s –1
2. As, x = = =
0.01
´ 100 +
0.01
´ 100 +
0.01
´ 100
N-s 1 kg ´ 1 ms –1 ´ 1 s 1.26 9.80 1.45
1 g cm s –1 = 0.8 + 0.1 + 0.7 = 1.6%
= = 10–5
10 g ´ 102 cm s 2 ´ 1 s
3
V
9. R =
i
3. Muscle ´ Speed = Power
Power Work \ log R = log V - log i
\ Muscle = = DR DV D i
Speed Time ´ Speed = + = 3% + 3% = 6%
R V i
[ML2 T–2]
= = [MLT–2] Dm 0.003
[T] [LT–1 ] 10. Here, = ,
m 0.3
= Mass ´ acceleration = Force Dr 0.005 DL 0.06
= × =
SI unit of force kg ´ m ´ s –2 r 0.5 L 6
Hence, = m
CGS unit of force g ´ cm ´ s –2 As r=
(pr 2) L
= 103 ´ 102 = 105
æ Dr ö æ Dm 2 Dr DL ö
1 \ ç ÷ ´ 100 = ç + + ÷ ´ 100
4. Least count 1 = mm = 0.01 = 0.001 cm è r ø è m r L ø
100
Diameter of wire D = 1 mm + 63 ´ 0.01 mm æ 0.003 2 ´ 0.005 0.06 ö
=ç + + ÷ ´ 100
è 0.3 0.5 6 ø
= 1.63 mm or 0.163 cm
= 1 + 2 + 1 = 4%
pD 2l 3.14 ´ (0.163)2 ´ 5.6 1
Volume of wire = = 11. From, s = ut + at 2
4 4 2
= 0.117 cm3 1
1 h = 0 + ´ 9.8 (2)2 = 19.6 m
5. As, pitch = mm = 0.5 mm 2
2 Dh æ Dt ö
=±ç ÷ (Q a = g = constant)
Least count =
0.5
mm = 0.01 mm h è t ø
50
æ 0.1ö 1
Zero error = -0.03 mm = ±2 ç ÷ = ±
è 2 ø 10
Zero correction = + 0.03 mm h 19.6
Dh = = = 1.96 m
Observed diameter of wire = 3 + 35 ´ 0.01 10 10
= 3.35 mm
12. Here, L = 1.2 ´ 10–2 m, V = ?
Corrected diameter of wire = 3.35 mm + 0.03 mm
= 3.38 mm V = L3 = (1.2 ´ 10–2)3 = 1.728 ´ 10–6 m3
As the result can have only two significant digits,
6. Given, l = 10 mm = 1 cm therefore rounding off, we get
b = 5 mm = 0.5 cm and V = 1.7 ´ 10–6 m3
h = 5 mm = 0.5 cm rl
Error in measurements,
13. Resistance, R =
A
Dl = Db = Dh = 0.01 cm V
Also, R=
\ Maximum percentage error in volume, I
DV Dl Db Dh AV pD 2V æ pD 2 ö
´ 100 = ´ 100 + ´ 100 + ´ 100 Þ r= = ç\ A = ÷
V l b h Il 4Il è 4 ø
0.01 0.01 0.01
= ´ 100 + ´ 100 + ´ 100 Dr DD DV DI Dl
1 0.5 0.5 \ =2 + + +
r D V I l
= 1% + 2% + 2% = 5%
æ 0.01 ö æ 0.1 ö æ 0.01 ö æ 0.1 ö
=2ç ÷+ç ÷+ç ÷+ç ÷
7. As, DRs = DR1 + DR2 = éê ù
10 20
´ 10 + ´ 20ú k W = 5 kW è 5.00 ø è 5.0 ø è 2.00 ø è 10.0 ø
ë 100 100 û
Dr
DRs 5 50 ´ 100 = 0.4 + 2 + 0.5 + 1 = 3.9%
´ 100 = ´ 100 = = 17% r
Rs 30 3
Units and Measurements 25

R1R2 n (x2 - x1 )
14. Equivalent, Rs = 22. From the given relation, D =
R1 + R2 n2 - n1
DRs DR1 DR2 D (R1 + R2) é 1 ù 1
´ 100 = ´ 100 + ´ 100 + ´ 100 Here, [n ] = ê = = [L-2 T–1 ]
Rs R1 R2 R1 + R2 ë area ´ time úû [L2 T]
10 x2 - x1 = [L]
Now, DR1 = ´ 4 kW = 0.4 kW
100
é 1 ù é1ù –3
10 and n2 - n1 = ê úû = êë L3 úû = [L ]
DR2 = ´ 6 kW = 0.6 kW ë volume
100
DRs 0.4 0.6 0.4 + 0.6 [L–2 T–1L]
Again, ´ 100 = ´ 100 + ´ 100 + ´ 100 So, [D ] = = [L2 T–1 ]
Rs 4 6 10 [L–3 ]
= 10 + 10 + 10 = 30% 23. [Calorie] = [ML2T–2]
15. The right hand side of the given relation is basically Comparing with general dimensional formula
k [M aLbTc ], we get
. But, since the left hand side is joule, therefore k
metre a = 1, b = 2, c = 2
should be Jm. 1 2 -2
é 1 kg ù é 1 m ù é 1 s ù
16. Capacitance X = [M L T Q ] –1 –2 2 2 n2 = 4.2 ê ú ê ú ê ú = 4.2 a –1 b -2g 2
ë a kg û ë b m û ë g s û
Magnetic induction Z = [MT–1Q–1 ]
24. Note carefully that every alternative has Gh and c5 .
[Z 2] = [M 2 T–2Q–2]
[Gh ] = [M –1L3 T–2] [ML2T–1 ] = [M 0L5 T–3 ]
Given, X = 3YZ 2
[c] = [LT–1 ]
X [X ]
or Y = or [Y ] = 1/ 2
3Z2 [Z ]2 æ Gh ö
\ ç 5 ÷ = [T]
è c ø
[M –1L–2 T2Q2]
\ [Y ] = = [M –3 L–2T4Q4 ]
[M 2 T–2Q–2] 25. We know that,
2 R = [M1 L2T–3 A –2]
e
17. The formula for fine structure constant = C = [M –1 L–2T4A 2]
æ h ö
4 pe 0 ç ÷c
è2 p ø L = [ML2T–2A –2]
It is dimensionless. \ RC = [T] and LC = [T]
é M –1L3 T–2 ´ ML T 2 –1 ù 1/ 2 26. From E = hn
18. [X ] = ê ú = [L]
ë
3
LT –3
û E [ML2 T-2]
h= = = [ML2 T-1 ]
n [T-1 ]
19. Each of the three terms in the given equation has the
dimensional formula of force. Angular impulse = t ´ t = [ML2 T-2 ´ T ] = [ML2 T-1 ]
Stress mgL
20. Given equation, y = a sin (bt - cx) 27. Y = =
Strain pR2l
Comparing the given equation with general wave
equation DY Dm DL DR Dl
\ = + +2 +
æ 2 pt 2 px ö Y m L R l
y = a sin ç - ÷ DY é 1
è T l ø 1 æ 0.001 ö 0.001 ù
´ 100 = ê + +2ç ÷+ ´ 100
2p 2p Y ë 1000 1000 è 0.2 ø 0.5 úû
we get, b= ,c =
T l = 0.1 + 0.1 + 1 + 0.2 = 1.4%
b 2p / T 28. Heat DQ transferred through a rod of length L and
Dimension of = = [LT–1 ] and other three
c 2p / l æ T - T2 ö
quantities are dimensionless. area A in time Dt is DQ = KA ç 1 ÷ Dt
è L ø
21. We know that, the dimensional formula of energy is where, K = coefficient of thermal conductivity,
[ML2T–2]. T1 - T2 = temperature difference.
1
é 1 kg ù é 1 m ù é 1 s ù
2 2
DQ ´ L
n2 = 1 ê \ K = …(i)
ú ê ú ê ú A (T1 - T2) Dt
ë 10 kg û ë 1 km û ë 1 min û
1 1 1 Substituting dimensions for corresponding quantities
= ´ ´ in Eq. (i), we have
10 106 (60)-2
[ML2 T–2] [L]
=
3600
= 3.6 ´ 10–4 [K ] = = [MLT–3 q–1 ]
107 [L2] [q] [T]
26 JEE Main Physics

IF v2 As, h =
E
; [h ] = [ML2 T- 2] [T] = [ML2 T- 1 ]
29. Given that, x = n
WL4
Dimensionally, F × r2
c = [LT- 1 ] and G =
[I ] [F ] [v]2 [M1L2] [M1L1T-2] [L1T-1 ]2 m2
[x] = =
[W ] [L ]4 [M1L2 T-2] [L1 ]4 -2
[MLT ] [L ] 2
Þ [G ] = = [M - 1L3 T- 2]
[M1L1T-2][L2 T-2] [M 2]
= [M1L2]
[M1L2 T-2][L4 ] So, dimensions of f using Eq. (i),
= [M1L-1T-2] …(i) 1 5

On checking the alternatives [ML2T- 1 ] 2 [LT- 1 ] 2

[f ] = 1
(a) Planck’s constant Þ [h] = [M1L 2 T -1] doesn’t [M - 1L3 T- 2] 2
match with dimensional formula of x .
(b) Force constant Þ [K ] = [M1T-2] doesn’t match é 1 + 1 5 - 3 +1 - 1 - 5 + 2 ù
= ê M 2 2 , L2 2 , T 2 2 2 ú = [ML2 T- 2]
with dimensional formula of x. êë úû
(c) Coefficient of viscosity Þ [h ] = [M1L-1T-1 ] doesn’t
match with dimensional formula of x. Thus, it is the dimensions of energy.
(d) Energy density Þ [E d ] = [M1L-1T-2] matches with 33. Force of interaction between two atoms is given as
dimensional formula of x.
F = ab exp (- x2 / akT )
1
30. x = = speed of light in vacuum As we know, exponential terms are always
m 0e 0 dimensionless, so
\ Dimension of x, [x] = [M 0L1T- 1 ] æ - x2 ö
E dimensions of ç ÷ = [M 0L0T0 ]
y= = speed of EM wave è a kT ø
B
\Dimension of y, [ y] = [M 0L1T -1 ] Þ Dimensions of a = Dimension of (x2 / kT )
l l length Now, substituting the dimensions of individual term in
z= = =
RC t time the given equation, we get
\ Dimension of z, [z ] = [M 0L1T -1 ] [M 0L2 T0 ]
=
Thus, all quantities have same dimensions, i.e. of [M1L2 T- 2]
velocity. {Q Dimensions of kT equivalent to the
31. For conduction of heat, dimensions of energy = [M1L2 T- 2] }
dQ
= KA
dT = [M -1L0T2] …(i)
dt dx Now from given equation, we have dimensions of
æ dQ ö F = dimensions of a ´ dimensions of b
ç ÷
è dt ø dQ ´ dx
K = = æFö
æ dT ö A ´ dt ´ dT Þ Dimensions of b = Dimensions of ç ÷
Aç ÷ è aø
è dx ø
[M1L1T-2]
joule ´ metre = [Q using Eq. (i)]
= [M -1 L0T2]
(metre)2 ´ second ´ kelvin
= [M 2L1T- 4 ]
2
kilogram ´ (metre)
´ metre 34. To find dimensions of capacitance in the given
(second)2
= relation, we can use formula for energy.
(metre)2 ´ second ´ kelvin
1
Capacitor energy, U = CV 2
kg × m2 × m kg × m 2
= 2 2
= 3
s ×m ×s × K s × K So, dimensionally,
1
[M ][L ] 1 éU ù
[K ] = Þ [C ] = ê 2 ú
[T 3 ][K1 ] ëV û
potential energy
Þ [K ] = [M1L1T-3 K -1 ] As, V = potential =
charge
32. Dimensions of quantity f are [U ] [q2] é A 2 T2 ù
1 5 We have, [C ] = = =ê ú
éU 2 ù [U ] ë ML2 T-2 û
[h ] 2 [c] 2 ê 2ú
[f ] = 1
…(i) ëq û
[G ] 2 \ X = [M -1L-2A 2 T4 ]
Units and Measurements 27

To get dimensions of magnetic field, we use force on a Dr

´ 100 = 10.5%
current carrying conductor in magnetic field, r
[F] é MLT-2 ù 1050 x
F = BIl Þ [B] = =ê ú Þ %= % (given)
[I][l] ë AL û 100 100
\ Z = [M1L0T-2A -1 ] \ x = 1050
1 1 1
Now, using given relation, 38. Q = +
f v u
X = 5YZ 2
1 1 1
[X ] é M -1L-2A 2 T4 ù M -1L-2A 2 T4 or = +
[Y ] = 2 = ê 1 0 -2 -1 2 ú = f 30 60
[Z ] ë (M L T A ) û M 2 T-4A -2
1 2+1 3
\ [Y ] = [M -3 L-2 T8A4 ] or = =
f 60 60
35. Q F = ma \ f = 20 cm
F Change in velocity 1 1 1
Þ m = = (Force) ¸ Q = +
a Time f v u
Force ´ Time
= -1 df 1 dv 1 du
Change in velocity or =- 2 -
f 2 dx v dx u 2 dx
-1
= (strength) (second) (run) Df Dv Du
Thus, x = 1, y = 1 and z = -1 Þ = + 2
f 2 v2 u
y
\ =1 Df 0.6 0.3
x Þ = +
400 3600 900
36. 1 MSD = 1 mm Df 0.6 0.3 1 1
Þ = + = +
9 MSD = 10 VSD 20 180 45 300 150
\ Least count, LC = 1 MSD - VSD æ2 + 1ö 60
Þ Df = ç ÷ 20 = = 0.2
= 1 mm -
9
mm è 300 ø 300
10
Percentage error in focal length
1
= mm Df 0.2
10 = ´ 100 = ´ 100 = 1%
f 20
Measure reading of edge = MSR + VSR (LC)
1 \ n =1
= 10 + 1 ´
10 39. Dimensions of [c] = [LT-1 ]
= 10.1 mm
Þ [ L] = [cT]
Volume of cube, V = (1.01)3 cm3 = 1.03 cm3
[after rounding off upto 3 significant digits, as edge The dimensions of [g] = [LT-2] = [cT T-2]
length is measured upto 3 significant digits] \ [T] = [cg -1 ]
2.736
\ Density of cube = = 2.6563 gcm–3 The dimensions of [ p] = [ML-1T-2]
1.03
= 2.66 gcm–3 = [M (cT)-1 (cg -1 )-2]

(after rounding off to 3 significant digits) = [Mc-3 g 2 T-1 ]

Dm = [M c-3 g 2(cg -1 )-1 ]
37. Given, relative error in mass, ´ 100 = 6%
m = [M c-4 g3 ]
Dd
Relative error in diameter, ´ 100 = 1.5% \ [M] = [p c4 g -3 ]
d
Mass M M The dimensions of universal gravitational constant,
Density of sphere, r = = =
Volume 4 pr3 4 æ d ö 3 [G] = [M -1L3 T-2]
pç ÷
3 3 è2ø = [(p c4g -3 0]-1 (cT)3 T-2]
6 = [p-1 c-4g3 c3 T]
r=Md -3 or r µ Md -3
p = [p-1 c-1 g3 (c-1g -1 )]
For maximum error in density,
= [p-1 c0 g 2]
Dr DM Dd
´ 100 = ´ 100 + 3 ´ = 6% + 3 ´ 1.5% Thus,the dimensions of g in the dimensional formula
r M d
of universal gravitational constant is 2.