Science is a systematic attempt to understand natural phenomena in as much

detail and depth as possible and use the knowledge, so gained to predict, modify
and control phenomena. Science is exploring, experimenting and predicting from
what we see around us.
In physics, we attempt to explain diverse physical phenomena in terms of a few
concepts and laws. The effort is to see the physical world as manifestation of some
universal laws in different domains and conditions. The connection between
physics, technology and society can be seen in many examples. The discipline of
thermodynamics arose from the need to understand and improve the working of
heat engines. Also wireless communication technology followed from the
discovery of the basic laws of electricity and magnetism. Let another important
example of physics giving rise to technology is the silicon chip that triggered the
computer revolution in the last three decades of the twentiath century. Hence, we
observe that how much strong influence physics is having on technology
development and society.
The quantities by means of which we 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
G
If the numerical value of any physical quantity in different units u
1
and u
2
are n
1
and n
2
respectively, then n u n u
1 1 2 2
= .
G
As the unit will change, numerical value will also change, e g . . , acceleration due to gravity,
g = 32 fts
2
= 9.8 ms
2
.
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Physics, Technology and Society
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SI units
<
Fundamental and Derived Units
<
Least Count
<
Accuracy and Precision of Measuring Instruments
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Errors in Measurement
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Significant Figures
<
Dimensions of Physical Quantities
<
Dimensional Analysis and its Applications
Physics describes the laws of
nature. This description is
quantitative and involves
measurement and comparison of
physical quantities. To measure a
physical quantity, we need some
standard unit of that quantity. In
this chapter, we shall study about
the units and measurement.
The number of physical quantities is quite large, but we
need a limited number of units only for expressing all the
physical quantities because they are interrelated with one
another. Thus, we may define a set of fundamental
(or base) quantities and all other quantities may be
expressed in terms of these fundamental quantities. All
other quantities are called derived quantities.
Units of fundamental and derived quantities are
respectively, known as the fundamental units and derived
units. Acomplete set of these units, both fundamental and
derived units, is known as the system of units.
The common system of units are
(i) FPS System The units of length, mass and time are
respectively foot, pound and second.
(ii) CGS System The units of length, mass and time are
respectively centimetre, gram and second.
(iii) MKS System The units of length, mass and time are
respectively metre, kilogram and second.
In 1971, CGPM held its meeting and decided a system of
units which is known as the International Systemof Units.
It is abbreviated as SI from the French name Le Systeme
International d unites. This system is widely used through
out the world.
The SI is based on the following seven fundamental units
and two supplementary units.
Table 1.1 Units and Symbol of Quantities
S. No. Quantity Unit Symbol
1. Mass kilogram kg
2. Length metre m
3. Time second s
4. Electric current ampere A
5. Temperature kelvin K
6. Amount of substance mole mol
7. Luminous intensity candela cd
The two supplementary units in SI system are
(i) Radians for angle It is the angle subtended at the
centre by an arc of a circle having a length equal to
radius of the circle. Its symbol is rad.
(ii) Steradians for solid angle It is the solid angle which
has the vertex at the centre of the sphere, and cut-off
an area of the surface of sphere equal to that of square
with sides of length equal to radius of sphere.
Note
G
Angle and solid angle are considered supplementary base units
because although these have units but they are both
dimensionless.
G
2p radians = 360
The physical quantities whose magnitude is either too
large or too small can be expressed more compactly by
the use of certain prefixes as given in the table.
Table 1.2 Metric Prefixes
Power of 10 Prefix Symbol
10
1 -
deci d
10
2 -
centi c
10
3 -
milli m
10
6 -
micro m
10
9 -
nano n
10
15 -
femto f
10
18 -
atto a
10
21 -
zepto z
10
24 -
yocto y
10
1
deca da
10
2
hecto h
10
3
kilo k
10
6
mega m
10
9
giga g
10
12
tera t
10
15
peta p
10
18
exa e
10
21
zetta z
10
24
yotta y
A large number of units are used in general life for
measurement of different quantities in comfortable
manner. But they are neither fundamental units nor
derived units.
4 JEE Main Physics
Some practical units are listed below
Table 1.3 Practical Units of Length, Mass and Time
Sample Problem 1 What is the SI unit of surface tension?
(a) Nm
-1
(b) Nm
-2
(c) Nm (d) N
Interpret (a) Surface tension = = =
Force
Length
N
m
Nm
1
The least count of a measuring device is the least distance
(resolution/accuracy), that can be measured using the
device. The general formula that can be used for least
count (LC).
LC
Value of 1 main scale division
Total number of v
=
ernier scale divisions
Every measuring instrument has no error, when readings
are taken. The least count uncertainity or maximum
possible error characterises such errors. Instruments error
can be compared by calculating the percentage of
uncertainity of their readings. The instrument with the
least uncertainity is taken to measure objects, as all
measurements consider accuracy.
The percentage uncertainity is calculated with the
following formula
=
Maximum possible error
Measurement of object in question
100
The smaller the measurement, the larger the percentage
uncertainity. The least count of an instrument is indirectly
proportional to the precision of the instrument.
1. Vernier calliper,
Least count ( ) LC
mm
10 divisions
0.1mm = =
1
2. Screw gauge,
Least count =
Value of 1 pitch scale reading
Total number of head scale divisions
Least count =
1mm
100 divisions
= 0.01 mm
3. Travelling microscope,
Least count =
Value of 1 main scale division
Total number of vernier scale divisions
=
0.5mm
50 divisions
= 0.01mm
4. Spectrometer,
Least count =
0.5 degree
30 divisions
=

=
30
30
1
divisions
Note 1 degree (angle) = 60' and1 60 ' " =
Measured values are good only upto its least count . The
least count error is the error associated with the resolution
of the instrument.
Least count error belongs to the category of randomerrors
but within a limited scale, it occurs with both systematic
and random errors. If we use a metre scale for
measurement of length, it may have graduations as 1 mm
division scale spacing or interval. Instruments of higher
precision, improving experimental techniques etc., can
reduce the least count error. Repeating the observations
and taking the arithmetic mean of the result, the mean
value would be very close to the true value of the
measured quantity.
Units and Measurements 5
S.No. Practical Units of Length Practical Units of Mass Practical Units of Time
1. 1 light year = 9.46 10
15
m 1 quintal = 10
2
kg
1 year = 365
1
4
solar days
2. 1 astronomical unit
or 1 AU = 1.5 10
11
m
1 metric ton =10
3
kg 1 lunar month = 27.3 solar days
3. 1 parsec = 3.26 light year 1 atomic mass unit (amu) =1.66 10
27
kg 1 solar day = 86400 s
4. 1 seamile = 6020 ft 1 pound = 0.4537 kg Tropical year It is that year in which solar eclipse
occurs.
5. 1 micron = 1 mm = 10
6
m 1 chandrasekhar limit = 1.4 times the mass
of sun =2.8 10
30
kg
Leap year It is that year in which the month of
February has 29 days.
6. 1 angstrom = 10
10
m 1 slug = 14.59 kg 1 shake = 10
8
s
7. 1 fermi = 10
15
m
Sample Problem2 In an experimental set up, the density of
a small sphere is to be determined. The diameter of the small
sphere is measured with the help of a screw gauge, whose pitch
is 0.5 mm and there are 50 divisions on the circular scale. The
reading on the main scale is 2.5 mm and that on the circular
scale is 20 divisions. If the measured mass of the sphere has a
relative error of 2%, the relative percentage error in the density is
(a) 0.03% (b) 3.11%
(c) 0.08% (d) 8.2%
Interpret (b) Least count of screw gauge
=
Pitch
Total divisions on circular scale
\ Least count = = =
0.5
50
0.01mm Dr
Diameter = Main scale + Circular scale Least count
= = 2.5+20
0.5
50
2.70 mm
Q
Dr
r
=
0.01
2.70
Dr
r
= 100
1
2.7
Density, D
m
V
m
r
= =

4
3 2
3
p
Here, r is diameter
\
D D D D
D
m
m
r
r
= +

100 3 100
= +
D D m
m
r
r
100 3 100
= + = 2 3
1
%
2.7
3.11%
Sample Problem 3 A screw gauge gives the following
reading, when used to measure the diameter of a wire.
Main scale reading : 0 mm
Circular scale reading : 52 divisions
Given that 1 mm on main scale corresponds to 100 divisions of
the circular scale
The diameter of the wire from the above data is
(a) 0.026 cm (b) 0.016 m
(c) 0.052 cm (d) 0.062 m
Interpret (c) Diameter of wire = MSR + CSR LC
Given main scale reading (MSR) = 0 mm
Circular scale reading = 52
Least count =
Value of 1 main scale division
Total divisions on circular scale
LC = + 0 52
1
100
= 0.52 mm
= 0.052 cm
Sample Problem 4 A vernier calliper has 1 mm mark on
the main scale. It has 20 equal divisions on the vernier scale
which match with 16 main scale divisions. For this vernier
callipers, the least count is
(a) 0.02 mm (b) 0.05 mm
(c) 0.1 mm (d) 0.2 mm
Interpret (d) Least count of a vernier calliper,
LC =1MSD 1 VSD
=
Value of 1 MSD
Total divisions on the circular scale
20 divisions of Vernier scale =16 divisions of main scale
1 VSD = =
16
20
mm 0.8 mm
\ LC 1MSD1VSD =
=1mm0.8 mm
= 0.2 mm
Measurements is the foundation of all experimental
science and technology. The result of every measurement
by any measuring instrument contains some uncertainity.
This uncertainity is called error.
Resolution Stands for least count or the minimumreading
which an instrument can read.
Accuracy An instrument is said to be accurate, if the
physical quantity measured by it resembles very closely to
its true value.
Precision An instrument is said to have high degree of
precision, if the measured value remains unchanged, how
so ever, large number of times it may have beenrepeated.
Sample Problem 5 A man wishes to
estimate the distance of a nearby tower
from him. He stands at a point Ais front of
the tower C and spots A infront of the
tower C and spots a very distant object O
in line with AC. He then walks
perpendicular to AC upto B, a distance of
100 m and looks at O and C again. Since
O is very distant, the direction BO is
practically the same as AO, but he finds the line of sight of C
shifted from the original line of sight by angle q = 40
( q is known as parallax), the distance of tower C from his
original position A is
6 JEE Main Physics
Distant object
O
C
A B
100 m

(a) 100 m (b) 10 m

(c) 19 m (d) 119 m
Interpret (d) Given, parallax angle q = 40
From the given figure, AB AC = tan q
AC
AB
= =

= =
tan tan q
100
40
100
119
m
0.8391
m
Sample Problem 6 The moon is observed from two
diametrically opposite points A and B on the earth. The angle q
subtended at the moon by the two directions of observation is
1 54 . The distance of the moon from the earth is
[Given diameter of earth = 1.276 10
7
m]
(a) 3.84 10
8
m (b) 1.5 10
3
m
(c) 2.81 10
4
m (d) 3.2 10
5
m
Interpret (a) Given,
1 54 114 = = ( ) ( ) 114 60 4.85 10
6
rad
= 3.32 10 rad
2
Since, 1" = 4.85 10 rad
6
Also, AB b = = 1.276 10
7
m
D
b
=
q
D =

=
1.276 10
3.32 10
3.84 10 m
7
2
8
Sample Problem 7 The suns angular diameter is
measured to be 1920". The distance D of the sun from the earth
is 1.496 10
11
m, the diameter of the sun is
(a) 9.31 10
3
m (b) 1.39 10
9
m
(c) 3.26 10
6
m (d) 8.32 10
4
m
Interpret (b) Suns angular diameter a =1920"
= 1920 4.85 10 rad
6
= 9.31 10 rad
3
Suns diameter, d D = a
= ( ) ( ) 9.31 10 1.496 10
3 11
= 1.39 10
9
m
. Do AU and represent the same unit of length?
. In defining the standard of length, we have to specify the
temperature at which the measurement should be made. Are
we justified in calling length a fundamental quantity, if
another physical quantity (temperature) has to be specified in
choosing a standard?
3. Can there be a physical quantity which has no unit and
dimensions? Can a physical quantity have unit without having
dimensions?
There are many causes of errors in measurement. Errors
may be due to instrumental defects, ignoring certain facts,
carelessness of experimenter, random change in
temperature, pressure, humidity, etc. When an
experimenter tries to reach accurate value of
measurement by doing large number of experiments, the
mean of a large number of the results of repeated
experiments is close to the true value.
(i) True value If a a a a
n 1 2 3
, , , , are the observed values of
a measurement, then true value of measurement is the
mean of these observed values.
\ a a a
true mean
= =
0
=
+ + ++ a a a a
n
n 1 2 3
=
=
=

1
1
n
a
i
i
i n
(ii) Absolute error The absolute errors in various
individual measured values are found by substracting
the observed value from true value. Thus,
Da a a
1 0 1
= - , Da a a
2 0 2
= - ,
D D a a a a a a
n n 3 0 3 0
= - = - , ,
The absolute error may be positive or negative.
(iii) Mean absolute error The arithmetic mean of the
magnitudes of different values of absolute errors is
known as the mean absolute error.
\ Mean absolute error,
D
D D D D
a
a a a a
n
n
mean
=
+ + + + | | | | | | | |
1 2 3
The final result of measurement can be written as
a a a
m
= D . This implies that value of a is likely to lie
a a
m
+ D and a a
m
- D .
(iv) Relative or fractional error The ratio of the mean
value of absolute error and the true value is known as
the mean relative error.
\ Mean relative error
=
Mean absolute error
Mean value of measurement
= =
D D a
a
a
a
mean
mean
mean
0
Relative error is also known as fractional error. When
expressed in terms of percentage, relative error is
called the relative percentage error. Hence,
Percentage error =
Da
a
mean
mean
100%
Units and Measurements 7
Sample Problem 8 The average speed of a train is
measured by 5 students. The results of measurements are given
below
Number of Students Speed (m/s)
1 10.2 ms
1
2 10.4 ms
1
3 9.8 ms
1
4 10.6 ms
1
5 10.8 ms
1
(a) 2.6% (b) 3.5%
(c) 4.5% (d) 5.5%
Interpret (a) Mean value, v
m
=
10.2+10.4+9.8+10.6+10.8
5
= =
51.8
5
10.0 ms
1
Dv v v
m 1 1
= - = = 10.4 10.2 0.2
Dv v v
m 2 2
= - = = 10.4 10.4 0.0
Dv v v
m 3 3
= - = = 10.4 9.8 0.6
Dv v v
m 4 4
= - = = 10.4 10.6 0.2
Dv v v
m 5 5
= - = = 10.4 10.8 0.4
Mean absolute error,
D
D D D D D
v
v v v v v
=
+ + + + | | | | | | | | | |
1 2 3 4 5
5
= = =
0.2+0.0+0.6+0.2+0.4 1.4
5
0.28 ms
1
5
Relative error = =
Dv
v
m
0.28
10.4
Percentage error = = =
Dv
v
m
100 100
0.28
10.4
2.6%
In Sum If Z A B = + , then D D D Z A B = + ( ), maximum
fractional error in this case
D D D Z
Z
A B
A B
=
+
+
i e . . , when two physical quantities are added, then the
maximum absolute error in the result is the sum of the
absolute errors of the individual quantities.
In Difference If Z A B = - , the maximum absolute error is
D D D Z A B = + ( ) and maximumfractional error inthis case
D D D Z
Z
A B
A B
=
+
-
Sample Problem 9 The volumes of two bodies are
measured to be V cm
1
= (10.2 0.02)
3
andV cm
2
= (6.4 0.01)
3
.
The sum and difference in volumes with error limits is
(a) ( . . ) 166 0 03
3
cm and ( . 38 0.03)
3
cm
(b) (16.6 0.01)
3
cm and (3.8 0.01)
3
cm
(c) (16.2 0.03)
3
cm and (3.6 0.03)
3
cm
(d) (16.2 0.01)
3
cm and (3.6 0.01)
3
cm
Interpret (a) Given, V
1
= (10.2 0.02) cm
3
and V
2
= (6.4 0.01) cm
3
D D D V V V = + ( )
1 2
= = (0.02+0.01) cm 0.03 cm
3 3
V V
1 2
+ = = (10.2+6.4) cm 16.6 cm
3 3
and V V
1 2
- = = (10.2 6.4) cm 3.8 cm
3 3
Hence, sum of volume = (16.6 0.03) cm
3
and difference of volume = (3.8 0.03) cm
3
In product If Z AB = , then maximum fractional error is
D D D Z
Z
A
A
B
B
= +

Therefore, maximum fractional error in product of two (or

more) quantities is equal to sum of fractional errors in the
individual quantities.
In division If Z A B = / , then maximum fractional error is
D D D Z
Z
A
A
B
B
= +

Therefore, maximum fractional error in product of two (or

more) quantities is equal to sum of fractional errors in the
individual quantities.
Sample Problem 10 Object distance, u = (50.1 0.5) cm
and image distance v = (20.1 0.2) cm, then focal length is
(a) (12.4 0.4) cm (b) (12.4 0.1) cm
(c) (14.3 0.4) cm (d) (14.3 0.1) cm
Interpret (c) Focal length is given by
1 1 1
f v u
= +
or f
uv
u v
=
+
= =
(50.1) (20.1)
(50.1) +(20.1)
14.3 cm
Also,
D D D D D f
f
u
u
v
v
u v
u v
= + +
+
+

= + +

0.5
50.1
0.2
20.1
0.5+0.2
50.1+20.1
= [0.00998+0.00995+0.00997]
= (0.0299)
\ Df = 0.0299 14.3
= = 0.428 0.4 cm
\ f = (14.3 0.4) cm
In power If Z A
n
= , then
D D Z
Z
n
A
A
=
In more general form if Z
A B
C
x y
q
=
,
then the maximum fractional error in Z is
D D D D Z
Z
x
A
A
y
B
B
q
C
C
= + +
(Note that there is no negative sign)
8 JEE Main Physics
Sample Problem 11 Calculate percentage error in
determination a time period of a pendulum
T
g
= 2p
l
or 2
1 2
p
l
g

/
where, l and g are measured with 2% and 3% errors.
(a) 2.9% (b) 2.5%
(c) 1.5% (d) 1.9%
Interpret (b)
DT
T
100 = +

1
2
100
1
2
100
D D l
l
g
g
= +

1
2
2
1
2
3 = 2.5%
Sample Problem 12 The period of oscillation of a simple
pendulum is measured, in successive measurement the
readings turn out to be 2.63 s, 2.56 s, 2.42 s, 2.71 s and 2.80 s.
Then, the relative error or percentage error is
(a) 2% (b) 4%
(c) 6% (d) 8%
Interpret (b) The mean period of oscillation of the pendulumis
T =
(2.63+2.56+2.42+2.71+2.80) s
5
T = = =
13.12
5
s 2.624 s 2.62 s
As the periods are measured to a resolution of 0.01 s, all times are to
the second decimal, it is proper to put this mean period also to the
second decimal. The errors in the measurement are
2.63 s 2.62 s 0.01s =
2.56 s 2.62 s 0.06 s =
2.42 s 2.62 s 0.20 s =
2.71s 2.62 s 0.09 s =
2.80 s 2.62 s 0.18 s =
Note that the errors have the same units as the quantity to be
measured. The arithmetic mean of all the absolute errors (for
arithmetic mean, we take only the magnitudes) is
DT
mean
(0.01+0.06+0.20+0.09+0.18) s] / 5 = [
= = 0.54 s / 5 0.11s
That means, the period of oscillation of the simple pendulum is
(2.62 0.11) s i e . . , it lies between(2.62 0.11) s + and(2.62 0.11) s
or between 2.73 s and 2.51 s. As the arithmetic mean of all the
absolute errors in 0.11 s, there is already an error in the tenth of a
second. Hence, there is no point in giving the period to a
hundredth. A move correct way will to be write,
T = 2.6 0.1s
Note that the last numeral 6 is unreliable, since it may be anything
between 5 and 7. We indicate this by saying that the measurement
has two significant figures. In this case, the two significant figures
are 2, which is reliable and 6, which has an error associated with it.
Hence, the relative error or percentage error is
S
a
= =
0.1
2.6
100 4%
Sample Problem 13 Two resistors of resistances
R
1
100 3 = W and R
2
200 4 = W are connected in parallel,
then the equivalent resistance in parallel is (in ohm)
Use
R R R
and
R
R
R
R
R
R
1 1 1
1 2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2

= +

= +

D
D
D D
(a) 66.7 1.8 (b) 300 7
(c) 150.8 2 (d) 92.3 3
Interpret (a) The equivalent resistance of parallel combination is
=
+
= = R
RR
R R
1 2
1 2
200
3
66.7 W
From,
1 1 1
1 2

= +
R R R
, we get
D D D

= +
R
R
R
R
R
R
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
D
D D
= + R R
R
R
R
R
R
( ) ( )
2 1
1
2
2 2
2
2
=

66.7
100
66.7
200
2 2
3 4 =1.8 W
Hence, = R (66.7 1.8) W
Sample Problem 14 The temperature of two bodies
measured by a thermometer are t C C
1
20 = + 0.5 and
t C C
2
50 0 5 = . . The temperature difference is
(a) 1C (b) 2C
(c) 3C (d) 4C
Interpret (a) The temperature difference is given by
= - = - t t t
2 1
50 20 ( ( C 0.5 C) C 0.5 C)
= t 30 C 1 C
Sample Problem 15 The resistance R
V
I
= , where
V = ( ) 100 5 V andI = (10 0.2) A. The percentage error inRis
(a) 5% (b) 2%
(c) 3% (d) 7%
Interpret (d) The percentage error in V is 5% and in I it is 2%.
Hence, the total error in R would be
% error = + = 5 2 7 % % %
Sample Problem 16 The period of oscillation of a simple
pendulum is T
L
g
= 2p . Measured value of L is 20 cm known to
1 mm accuracy and time for 100 oscillations of the pendulum is
found to be 90 s using a wrist-watch of 1 s resolution. The
accuracy in the determination of g is
(a) 1% (b) 2%
(c) 3% (d) 4%
Interpret (c) Given, T
L
g
= 2p
or g
L
T
=
4
2
2
p
Units and Measurements 9
Hence, T
t
n
= and D
D
T
t
n
=
\
D D T
T
t
t
=
The errors in both L and t are the least count errors. Therefore,
D D D g
g
L
L
T
T

2 = +

=
0.1
20.0
0.027 2
1
90
The percentage error in g is
D D D g
g
L
L
T
T

= 100 100 2 100 3%

Few more examples of
Combination of Errors
Simple pendulum, T l
1 2 /

D D T
T
=
1
2
l
l
For sphere, A r = 4
2
p , V r =
4
3
3
p

D D A
A
r
r
= 2 and
D D V
V
r
r
= 3
For gravity, g
GM
R
= -
2
D D g
g
R
R
= -2 (whereM is constant)
Significant figures in the measured value of a physical
quantity tell the number of digits in which we have
confidence. Larger the number of significant figures
obtained in a measurement, greater is the accuracy of the
measurement. The significant figures are those number
of digits in a quantity that are known reliably plus one
digit that is uncertain.
(i) All non-zero digits are significant figures.
Number Significant figures
16 2
1683 4
16835 5
(ii) All zeros occuring between non-zero digits are
significant figures.
Number Significant figures
802 3
80004 5
(iii) All zeros to the right of the last non-zero digits are not
significant.
Number Significant number
40 1
410 2
40240 4
(iv) All zeros to the right of a derived point and to the left of
a non-zero digit are not significant.
Number Significant number
0.08 1
0.008 1
0.0846 3
(v) All zeros to the right of a decimal point and to the right
of a non-digit are significant.
Number Significant number
0.40 2
0.430 3
(vi) The powers of ten are not counted as significant digits
e g . ., 1.4 10
7
has only two significant figures 1 and 4.
Certain rules are applied in order to round off the
measurements
(i) If the number lying to the right of digit to be rounded is
less than 5, then the rounded digit is retained as such.
However, if it is more than 5, then the digit to be
rounded is increased by 1.
For example, x = 6.24 is rounded off to 6.2 to two
significant digits and x = 8.356 is rounded off to 8.36 to
three significant digits.
(ii) If the digit to be dropped is 5 followed by digits other
than zero, then the preceding digit is increased by 1.
For example, x = 14.252 is rounded off to x = 14.3 to
three significant digits.
(iii) If the digit to be dropped is simply 5 or 5 followed by
zeros, then the preceding digit is left unchanged if it is
even.
For example, x = 6.250 or x = 6.25 becomes x = 6.2 after
rounding off to two significant digits.
(iv) If the digit to be dropped is 5 or 5 followed by zeros,
then the preceding digit is raised by one if it is odd.
For example, x = 6.350 or x = 6.35 becomes x = 6.4 after
rounding off to two significant digits.
Measured Values
Rounding off to Three
Significant Digits
7.364 7.36
7.367 7.37
8.3251 8.33
9.445 9.45
9.4450 9.45
15.75 15.8
15.7500 15.8
10 JEE Main Physics
In addition, subtraction, multiplication or division
inaccuracy in the measurement of any one variable
affects the accuracy of the final result. Hence, in general ,
the final result have significant figures according to the
rules given below
The number of decimal places in the final result of any of
these operations has to be equal to the smallest number of
decimal places in any of the terms involved in calculation
e g . . , sumof terms 2.29 and 62.7 is 64.99. After rounding off
to one place of decimal, it will become 65.0. Subtraction of
62.7 from82.27 gives 19.57. After rounding off to one place
of decimal, it will become 19.6.
In these operations, the number of significant figures in
the result is same as the smallest number of significant
figures in any of the factors.
e g . . , 1.2 1.3 = 1.56. After rounding off to two significant
figures, it becomes 1.6.
Similarly, if
1100
10.2
gives 107.84. Thus, the result when
rounded off to two significant digits becomes 108.
Sample Problem 17 If L = 2.5 10
4
and B = 3.9 10
5
,
then L - B is
(a) 1.4 10
4
(b) 1.4 10
5

(c) 3.6 10
4
(d) 3.6 10
5

Interpret (d) Given, L = = 2.5 10

4
25000,
B = = 3.9 10 390000
5
\ L B - = - = 390000 25000 365000
= = 3.65 10 3.6 10
5 5
(rounded to one place of decimal)
Sample Problem 18 The area enclosed by a circle of
diameter 1.06 m to correct number of significant figures is
(a) 0.88 m
2
(b) 0.088 m
2
(c) 0.882 m
2
(d) 0.530 m
2
Interpret (c) Here, r = =
1.06
2
0.530 m
Area enclosed = pr
2
= 3.14(0.53)
2
= 0.882026 m
2
= 0.882 m
2
(rounded to three significant figures)
. What importance do we attach to the final zeros in a number
without any decimal point?
. The length of a table as measured by two students is given as
2.5 m and 2.50 m. Which of the following measurement is
more accurate and why?
3. Two students A and B made the length measurement in the
laboratory and wished to find their sum. The student A insisted
that they should round off and then add, while the student B
argued that they should add the measurements directly and
then round off their sum. Which student was correct?
SampleProblem19 Each side of a cube is measured to be
7.203 m. The volume of the cube to appropriate significant
figures is
(a) 31.3 m
3
(b) 313 m
3
(c) 373.7 m
3
(d) 37.3 m
3
Interpret (c) The number of significant figures in the measured
length is 4. The volume should therefore be rounded off to 4
significant figures.
As, V a =
3
Given, a = 7.203 m
\ V = = = (7.203) 373.714754 m 373.7 m
3 3 3
SampleProblem20 5.74 g of a substance occupies 1.2 cm
3
.
Keeping the significant figure in view, its density is given by
(a) 4.8 g cm
-3
(b) 1.5 g cm
-3
(c) 2.1 g cm
-3
(d) 9.2 g cm
-3
Interpret (a) There are 3 significant figures in the measured
mass whereas there are only 2 significant figures in the measured
volume. Hence, the density should be expressed to only 2
significant figures.
Q Density =
Mass
Volume
\ Density = =
5.74
1.2
g cm 4.8 g cm
3 3
Dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to which
the fundamental quantities must be raised to represent
the given physical quantity. In mechanics, all physical
quantities can be expressed in terms of mass [M], length [L]
and time [T].
For example,
Units and Measurements 11
Force = Mass Acceleration
= =

=

Mass
Velocity
Time
m s
t t
m s
t
2
= [M] [L] [T ]
2
So, the dimensions of force are 1 in mass, 1 in length and
-2 in time.
The expression which shows how and which of the base
quantities represent a physical quantity is called the
dimensional formula of the given physical quantity.
For example, as deduced above, [M L T ]
1 1 2
is the
dimensional formula of force. It reveals that unit of force
depends on [M], [L] and [T].
Further, if we represent force by [F], then [F] M L T
1 1 2
= [ ] is
called the dimensional equation of force.
In the equation [M
a
L
b
T
c
], if a = b = c = 0, thenthe quantity is
called dimensionless.
For example, strain, specific gravity, angle. They are ratio
of two similar quantities.
Follwing physical quantities are dimensionless angle, solid
angle, relative density, specific gravity, Poissons ratio,
Reynolds number, all trigonometric ratios refractive index,
relative permittivity, dielectric constant, magnetic
susceptibility. Adimensionless quantity has same numeric
value in all system of units.
12 JEE Main Physics
Table 1.4 Dimensional Formulae and SI Units of Some Physical Quantities
S. No. Physical quantity Relation with other quantities Dimensional formula SI unit
1. Area Length breadth [L L] =[L ] =[M L T ]
2 0 2 0
m
2
2. Volume Length breadth height [L L L] =[L ] =[M L T ]
3 0 3 0
m
3
3. Density
Mass
Volume
M
L
[ML T ]
3
3 0

=
kg m
3
4. Specific gravity
Density of body
Density of water at 4 C
M/L
M/L
M L T ]
3
3
0 0 0

= [
No unit
5. Speed or velocity
Distance or Displacement
Time
L
T
LT M LT
1 0 1

= = [ ] [ ]
ms
1
6. Linear momentum Mass velocity [MLT ] =[MLT ]
1 1
kg ms
-1
7. Acceleration
Change in velocity
Time taken
L / T
T
LT ] =[M LT ]
2 0 2

= [
ms
-2
8. Acceleration due to gravity (g)
Change in velocity
Time taken
L / T
T
LT M LT
2 0 2

= = [ ] [ ]
ms
-2
9. Force (F) Mass acceleration [M] (LT ] =[MLT ]
2 2
N (newton)
10. Impulse Force time [MLT ] [T] =[MLT ]
2 1
Ns
11. Pressure Force/area MLT
L
ML T ]
2
2
1 2

= [
Nm
-2
12. Universal constant of
gravitation (G)
F
Gmm
r
=
1 2
2
or G
Fr
mm
=
2
1 2
, where F is
force between masses m m
1 2
, at a
distance r.
G = =
[ ] [ ]
[ ]
[ ]
MLT L
MM
M L T
2 2
1 3 2
Nm kg
2 2
13. Work Force distance [ ] [ ] [ ] MLT L ML T
2 2 2
= J (joule)
14. Energy (including potential
energy, kinetic energy, heat
energy, light energy etc.)
Work [ ] ML T
2 2
J (joule)
Units and Measurements 13
S. No. Physical quantity Relation with other quantities Dimensional formula SI unit
15. Moment of force Force distance [MLT ] [L] =[ML T ]
2 2 2
Nm
16. Power
Work
Time
ML T
T
ML T
2 2
2 3

= [ ]
W (watt)
17. Surface tension
Force
Length
MLT
L
ML T
2
0 2

= [ ]
Nm
-1
18. Surface energy Potential energy/Area [ ] ML T
0 2
Jm
-2
19. Force constant
Force
Length
MLT
L
ML T
2
0 2

= [ ]
Nm
-1
20. Thrust Force [ ] MLT
2
N (newton)
21. Tension Force [ ] MLT
2
N (newton)
22. Stress
Force
Area
MLT
L
ML T
2
2
1 2

= [ ]
Nm
-2
23. Strain
Change in configuration
Original configuration
L
L
M L T
0 0 0

= [ ]
No unit
24. Coefficient of elasticity
Stress
Strain
ML T
1
ML T
1 2
1 2

= [ ]
Nm
2
25. Radius of gyration (K) Distance [ ] [ ] L M LT
0 0
= m
26. Moment of inertia (I) Mass (distance)
2
[ML ] =[ML T ]
2 2 0
kgm
2
27. Angle (q) Length(l) / Radius( r)
L
L
M L T
0 0 0

= [ ]
radian
28. Angular velocity (w)
Angle( )
Time
q
( ) t
1
T
T M L T ]
1 0 0 1

= = [ ] [
rads
1
29. Angular acceleration ( ) a
Change in angular velocity
Time taken
1/ T
T
T ] =[M L T ]
2 0 0 2

= [
rads
2
30. Angular momentum Moment of inertia angular velocity [ML ][T ] =[ML T ]
2 1 2 1
kgm s
2 1
31. Torque Moment of inertia angular
acceleration
[ML ][T ] =[ML T ]
2 2 2 2
N-m
32. Wavelength ( ) l Length of one wave i.e., distance [L] =[M LT ]
0 0
m
33. Frequency ( ) n Number of vibrations/sec 1/ T =[T ] =[M L T ]
1 0 0 1
s
1
or Hz
(hertz)
34. Velocity of light in vacuum(c) Distance travelled/Time taken
L
T
M LT ]
0 1

= [
ms
1
35. Velocity gradient Velocity/Distance LT
L
T M L T ]
1
1 0 0 1

= = [ ] [
s
1
36. Rate of flow Volume/Time L
T
L T ] [M L T ]
3
3 1 0 3 1

= [
m s
3 1
37. Plancks constant(h)
Energy
Frequency
( )
( )
E
n
ML T
T
ML T
2 2
1
2 1

= [ ]
J-s
38. Molar gas constant (R)
Pressure Volume
Moles Temperature

[ ] ML T
[K]
2 2
kgm s K
2 2 1
39. Wiens constant Wavelength Temperature [ ] M LT K
0 0
mK
Applications of dimensional analysis is the most important topic of this chapter. There are three applications of
dimensional analysis.
1. To check the correctness of a given physical
equation
As per principle of homogeneity, if the dimensions of each term on
both sides of a physical relation are same, then the relation is
dimensionally correct otherwise wrong.
Sample Problem 21 Is the given expression of velocity of
sound given by v
E
=

r
is dimensionally correct?
Here, E = coefficient of elasticity,
= density of medium
(a) Yes (b) No
(c) Cannot be predicted (d) The correct expression is
E
r
Interpret (a) [LHS] [ ] [LT ]
1
= = v
[ ]
/
RHS =

E
r
1 2
=

=
ML T
ML
LT
1 2
3
1
1 2 /
[ ]
[ ] [ ] LHS RHS =
Hence, equation is dimensionally correct.
2. Derivation of formula
If we know the factors on which a given physical quantity may depend
we can find a relation correlating the quantity with these factors.
Assume the dimensions of the given physical quantity in terms of
these factors, combine them to form an equation, write the
dimensions of various quantities in terms of mass ( ) M , length ( ) L and
time ( ) T on either side of the equations.
Using the principle of homogeneity of dimensions, equate the powers
of M, L and T on the both sides. The three equations , so obtained are
solved to obtaining the values of three unknown powers or
dimensions.
Sample Problem 22 The time period T of simple
pendulum depends upon length l of the pendulum and
gravitational acceleration. The formula for time period of
simple pendulum is given by
(a) T
g
= 2p
l
(b) T
g
= 2p
l
(c) T g =
1
2p
l (d) T
g
=
2 pl
Interpret (a) Let T
a
l and T g
b

where a and b are dimensionless constants

T k g
a b
= l
14 JEE Main Physics
S. No. Physical quantity Relation with other quantities Dimensional formula SI unit
40. Avagadros number (N) Number of atoms/Molecules in one
gram atom/Mole
[M L T ]
0 0 0
mol
1
41. Electric field strength (E)
Force
Charge
[ ] MLT
[AT]
2
NC
1
42. Capacitance (C)
Charge
Potential difference
[ ]
[
AT
[ML T A ]
ML T A ]
2 3 1
2 3 1
=
F (farad)
43. Coefficient of viscosity ( ) h
Force
Velocity gradient area
[ML T ]
1 1
Pascal-econd
or poise
44. Resistance (R)
Potential difference
Current
[
[
ML T A ]
[A]
ML T A ]
2 3 1
2 3 2
=
W(ohm)
45. Self inductance (L)
L e
dt
dt
=
[ ] [ ]
[ ] [ ]
ML T T
AT A
2 2
H (henry)
46. Magnetic induction
Force
Charge velocity
[ ]
[ ] [ ]
[
MLT
AT LT
ML T A ]
2
1
0 2 1
=
T (tesla)
D im en s io n a l A n a lys is
and Its Applications
Hot
Sp o t
where, k is dimensionless constant.
[ ] [ ] [ LHS T M L T ]
0 0 1
= =
and [ ] ( ) [ ] [ ] RHS L LT
2
= = l
a b a b
g
= =
+ - + -
[ ] [ ] L T M L T
0 a b b a b b 2 2
According to homogeneity principle,
[LHS] = [RHS]
or [M L T] [M L T ]
0 0 0
=
+ - a b b 2
For dimensional balance, dimensions on both sides should
be same.
\ a b + = 0
and - = 2 1 b
\ b = -
1
2
and a =
1
2
\ T
g
= 2p
l
[since, numerical value of k in case of simple pendulum is 2 p]
3. To convert a physical quantity from one
systemto the other
Dimensional formula is useful to convert the value of a physical
quantity from one system to the other. Physical quantity is expressed
as a product of numerical value and unit. In any system of
measurement, this product remains constant.
Let dimensional formula of a given physical quantity be [ ] M L T
a b c
. If in
a system having base units [ML T ]
1 1 1
the numerical value of given
quantity ( ) Q be n
1
and numerical value n
2
in another unit system
having the base units M , L , T
2 2 2
then
Q nu n u = =
1 1 2 2
n n
a b c a b c
1 1 2
[M L T [M L T
1 1 2 2 2
] ] =
n n
a b c
2 1
=

M
M
L
L
T
T
1
2
1
2
1
2
Sample Problem 23 In SI system, the magnitude work
done is joule. In another system, where the fundamental
physical quantities are in gram, centimetre and second, the
magnitude of work is
(a) 10
7
erg (b) 10
5
erg
(c) 10
8
erg (d) 10
10
erg
Interpret (a) Joule is SI unit of work. The dimensions of work
in SI.
= = [ ] W
1
[M L T ]
1 1
2
1
2
But erg is CGS unit of work. The dimensions of work in
CGS unit = = [ ] [ W
2
M L T ]
2 2
2
2
2
As, n u n u
1 1 2 2
( ) ( ) =
or n n
1 2
[M L T ] [M L T ]
1 1
2
1
2
2 2
2
2
2
=
Here, M
1
= kg, L
1
= m, T
1
= s
M
2
= g, L
2
= cm, T
2
= s
M M
1 2
1000 = ,
L L
1 2
100 =
T T
1 2
= and n =1
\ n n
2 1
2 2
=

-
M
M
L
L
T
T
1
2
1
2
1
2
=

= 1
100
10
2 2
7
1000 M
M
L
L
T
T
2
2
2
2
1
2
\ 1 joule =10
7
erg
Sample Problem 24 Consider a simple pendulum having
a bob attached to a string, that oscillates under the action of the
force of gravity. Suppose that the period of oscillations of the
simple pendulum depends on its length ( ) l , mass of the bob (m)
and acceleration due to gravity ( ) g . Using the method of
dimensions, expression for its time period is
(a) T k
g

l
(b) T k
g

2
l
(c) T k
g

l
(d) T k
g

l
2
Interpret (c) The dependence of time period T on the
quantities l, g and mas a product may be written as
T k g m
x y z
= l
where, kis dimensionless constant and x y , and z are the exponents.
Taking dimensions on both sides, we have
[L M T ] [L ] [L T ] [M ]
0 0 1 1 1 2 y 1
=
x z
[M L T ] M L T
0 0 1
=
+ - z x y y 2
On equating the dimensions on both sides, we have
x y + = 0,
- = 2 1 y
y = -
1
2
and x =
1
2
and z = 0
So that T k g =
-
l
1 2 1 2 / /
or T k
g
=
l
Note The value of constant k cannot be obtained by the method of
dimensions. Here, it does not matter if some number multiplies the right
side of this formula, because that does not affect its dimensions.
Actually, k = 2p so thatT
g
= 2p
l
Units and Measurements 15
Sample Problem 25 The SI unit of energy is J kg m s =
- 2 2
,
that of speed v is ms
-1
and of acceleration a is ms
-2
which one
of the formula for kinetic energy given below is correct on the
basis of dimensional arguments.
[Given m stands for the mass of body]
(a) K m v =
2 2
(b) K ma =
(c) K mv ma = +
1
2
2
(d) K mv =
1
2
2
Interpret (a) Every correct formula or equation must have the
same dimensions on both sides of the equation. Also, only
quantities with the same physical dimensions can be added or
subtracted. The dimensions of the quantity on the right side for (a) is
K m v =
2 2
Putting, m = [ ] M , v = [ ] LT
1
\dimensions are [ ] M L T
2 2 2
for (b), K ma =
putting m = [ ] M , a = [ ] LT
2
\dimensions are [ ] MLT
2
option (c) has no proper dimensions,
option (d), K mv =
1
2
2
, putting m = [ ] M
and V = [ ] LT
1
, we have
K = [M] [LT ] =[ML T ]
1 2 2 2
in units it is written as kg m s
2 2
.
Sample Problem 26 The angle of 1" (second of arc) in
radians is (Given 360 2 = p rad, 1 60 = and = 1 60")
(a) 1.745 10
2
rad
(b) 2.91 10
4
rad
(c) 4.85 10
6
rad
(d) 3.42 10
3
rad
Interpret (c) Given, 360 2 = p rad
1
180
=

p
rad = 1.745 10 rad
2
1 60 = = 1.745 10 rad
2
= - 1 2.90 s 10 rad 2.91 10 rad
4 4
~
= = 1 60" 2.908 10 rad
4
1"
~
= - 4.87 10 rad 4.85 10 rad
4 6
Sample Problem 27 Given equation
1
2
2
mv mgh = , where
m is the mass of the body, v is velocity, g is the acceleration due
to gravity and h is the height. Then the given equation is
(a) dimensionally incorrect
(b) dimensionally correct
(c) wrong
(d) None of above
Interpret (b) Given,
1
2
2
mv mgh =
The dimensions of LHS are
[M] [LT ] [M] [L T ]
1 2 2 2
= = [ ] ML T
2 2
The dimensions of RHS are
[M] [LT ] [L] [M] [L T ]
2 2 2
= = [ML T ]
2 2
The dimensions of LHS and RHS are the same and hence the
equation is dimensionally correct.
Sample Problem 28 If force F, length L and time T be
considered fundamental units of mass will be
(a) [ ] FLT
-2
(b) [ ] FL T
- - 2 1
(c) [ ] FL T
-1 2
(d) [ ] F LT
2 2 -
Interpret (c) Let [ ] [ ] M F L T
a b c
So, using dimensions, we have
[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] M L T MLT L T
1 0 0 2
= K
a b c
=
+ - +
K M L T [ ]
a a b a b 2
We have, a a b = = = 1 0 , and k =1
\ b = -1
and - + = 2 0 a c
c = 2
So unit of mass is [ ] FL T
1 2
Although dimensional analysis is very useful but it is not
universal, it has some limitations as given below
(i) This method gives no information about dimensional
constants. Such as universal constant of gravitation (G)
or Plancks constant (h) and where they have to be
introduced.
(ii) Numerical constant (k), having no dimensions such as
3/4, e, 2p etc., cannot be deduced by the method of
dimensions.
(iii) This technique is useful only for deducing and
verifying power relations. Relationship involving
exponential, trignometric functions etc., cannot be
obtained or studied by this technique.
(iv) In this method, we compare the powers of
fundamental quantities (like M,L,T etc.,) to obtain a
numbers of independent equations to find the
unknown powers. Since, the total number of such
equations cannot exceed the number of fundamental
quantities we cannot use this method to obtain the
required relation if the quantity of interest depends
upon more parameters than the number of
fundamental quantities used.
(v) Even if a physical quantity depends on three physical
quantities, out of which two have same dimensions,
the formula cannot be derived by theory of
dimensions.
16 JEE Main Physics
Example 1 The ratio of one micron to one nanometer is
(a) 10
3
(b) 10
3 -
(c) 10
6 -
(d) 10
9 -
Solution
One micron
One nanometre
= =
-
-
10
10
10
6
9
3
Example 2 Magnetic intensity is measured in
(a) Am
-1
(b) tesla
(c) gauss (d) weber
Solution B
id
r
= = =
-
l sin q
2
Am
m
Am
2
1
Magnetic intensity is measured in Am
1 -
Example3 Nuclear cross-section is measured in barn which
is equal to
(a) 10
20 -
m
2
(b) 10
28 -
m
2
(c) 10
30 -
m
2
(d) 10
14 -
m
2
Solution 1 barn =
-
10
28
m
2
Example 4 The order of 2
30
is approximately
(a) 10
9
(b) 10
5
(c) 10
15
(d) 10
20
Solution ( ) 2 1073741824 10
30 9
= =
Example 5 Units of magnetic flux is
(a) weber/metre
(b) newton metre/ampere
(c) joule coulomb / metre
(d) tesla
Solution Magnetic flux f = = B A
F
i
A
l
=

newton m
ampere m
2
Example 6 Which of the following quantities has not been
expressed in proper units?
(a)
Stress
Strain
Nm =
-2
(b) Surface tension = Nm
-1
(c) Energy =
-1
kgms (d) Pressure = Nm
-2
Solution Energy = Force distance
\ Its unit will be kgm s
2 2 -
Energy does not have the units of kg ms
-1
.
Example 7 What are the units of magnetic permeability?
(a) WbA
-1
m
-1
(b) Wb Am
-1
(c) WbAm
-1
(d) WbA m
-1
Solution From Biot-Savart's law, B
id
r
=
m
p
q
0
2
4
l sin
m
p
q
0
2
4
=
Br
idl sin
\Unit of magnetic permeability = =
- -
tesla m
Am
WbA m
2
1 1
Example 8 The dimensions of electromotive force in terms
of current A are
(a) [ ] MT A
- - 2 2
(b) [ ] ML T A
2 2 2 -
(c) [ ] ML T A
2 2 2 - -
(d) [ ] ML T A
2 3 1 - -
Solution Electromotive force = potential difference
V
W
q
= = =
-
- -
[ML T ]
[AT]
[ML T A ]
2 2
2 3 1
Example 9 Which of the following is a dimensional
constant?
(a) Refractive index
(b) Dielectric constant
(c) Relative density
(d) Gravitational Constant
Solution Gravitational constant G has a constant value and
dimensions. In SI system value of gravitational constant G is
6.6 10 Nm kg
11 2 2

- -
. Dimensional formula of Gis[M L T ].
1 3 2 - -
Example 10 The dimensions of solar constant are
(a) [ ] M L T
0 0 0
(b) [ ]
2
MLT
-
(c) [ ]
2 3
ML T
-
(d) [ ]
3
ML
-
Solution Solar constant = Energy / sec area
[ML T ]
[TL ]
[MT ]
2
3
2
2
-
-
=
Example 11 The physical quantity denoted by
mass pressure
density

is
(a) force (b) work
(c) momentum (d) angular momentum
Solution Given,
mass pressure
density
[M] [ML T ]
[ML
1 2
3

=

- -
-
]
=
-
[ ] ML T
2 2
Which represents work.
Example 12 The density of a cube is measured by
measuring its mass and length of its sides. If the maximum
errors in the measurement of mass and length are 3% and 2%
respectively, then the maximum error in the measurement of
density is
(a) 7% (b) 5% (c) 1% (d) 9%
Solution We know density,
r = =
M
V
[ ] M
[L ]
3
\
D D D r
r
= + 100 100 3 100
M
M
L
L
= + = 3 3 2 9 % ( %) %
Example 13 The mass of a box measured by a grocer's
balance is 2.3 kg. Two gold pieces of masses 20.15 g and 20.17 g
are added to the box. The total mass of the box is
(a) 2.30 kg (b) 2.340 kg (c) 2.34 kg (d) 2.3 kg
Solution Total mass = + + (2.3 0.02015 0.02017) kg
= 2.34032 kg, upto one decimal place
= 2.3 kg
Example14 When a current of ( . . ) 25 05 Aflows through a
wire, it developes a potential difference of ( ) 20 1 V . The
resistance of wire is
(a) ( ) 8 2 W (b) ( ) 8 1.6 W
(c) ( ) 8 1.5 W (d) ( ) 8 3 W
Solution We know resistance R
V
I
= = =
20
25
8
.
W
D D D R
R
V
V
I
I
= + = + =
1
20
0 5 1
4
.
2.5
D W R = =
1
4
8 2 = R( ) 8 2 W
Example 15 A quantity is represented by x M L T
a b c
= . The
percentage error in measurement of M, I, and T area%, b%and
g%respectively. The percentage error in X would be
(a) ( )% a b g a b c + + (b) ( )% a b g a b c - +
(c) ( ) % a b g a b c - - 100 (d) None of these
Solution Let X M L T
a b c
=
D D D D X
X
a M
M
b L
L
c T
T
= + +

100 100
= + + ( )% a b c a b g
Example 16 The significant figures in 300.500 are
(a) 6 (b) 5
(c) 4 (d) 2
Solution As per rules, all zeros in the given number are
significant. Therefore, number of significant figures is 6.
Example 17 The result after adding 3.8 10
6

-
to
4.2 10
5

-
with due regard to significant figures is
(a) 4.58 10
5

-
(b) 0.458 10
4

-
(c) 4.6 10
5

-
(d) 45.8 10
6

-
Solution 3.8 10 4.2 10
6 5
+
- -
= +
- -
( ) 3.8 10 4.2
1
10
5
= +
-
(0.38 4.2) 10
5
=
-
( . ) 458 10
5
Rounding off to one place of decimal.
The sum =
-
4.6 10
5
Example 18 Which of the following numerical values have
three significant figures?
(a) 3.033 (b) 0.030
(c) 30.30 (d) 0.300
Solution Options (a) and (c) have four significant figures; (b)
has two and (d) has three significant figures.
Example 19 What is the number of significant figures in
( ) 3.2 4.8 0 0 10
5
+ ?
(a) 5 (b) 4
(c) 3 (d) 2
Solution ( ) 3.2 4.8 8.0 0 0 10 0 10
5 5
+ =
Number of significant figures is 3.
Example 20 Subtract 0.2 J from 7.26 J and express the result
with correct number of significant figures.
(a) 7.1 J (b) 7.06 J
(c) 7.0 J (d) 7J
Solution Subtraction is correct upto one place of decimal,
corresponding to the least number of decimal places.
7.26 0.2 7.06 7.1J - = = .
18 JEE Main Physics