10-10-02

1. IITJEE Syllabus
Units and dimensions, least count, significant figure; Methods of measurement
and error analysis for physical quantities pertaining to the following experiments:
Experiments based on using vernier calipers and screw gauge (micrometer),
determination of g using simple pendulum, Youngs modulus by Searles method,
Specific heat of a liquid using calorimeter, focal length of a concave mirror and a
convex lens using u-v method, speed of sound using resonance column,
verification of Ohms law using voltmeter and ammeter, and specific resistance of
material of a wire using meter bridge and post office box.

2. Physical Quantity
A physical quantity is a quantity that can be measured i.e. a physical quantity is properly
defined, has proper units, and its value can be measured by an instrument.
Physical quantities are classified as fundamental and derived quantities.
Fundamental Quantities
Fundamental quantities are those that are defined directly by the process of
measurement only. They are not defined in terms of other quantities; their units are not
defined in terms of other units.
In mechanics we treat length, mass and time as basic or fundamental quantities.
Derived Units
The units of all other physical quantities, which can be obtained from fundamental units,
are called derived unit.
System of Units
Some common system of units used in mechanics are given below:
Fundamental unit of
Name of System
Length
Mass
F.P.S.
Foot
Pound
C.G.S
Centimeter
Gram
M.K.S. (SI System)
Meter
Kilogram
Illustration 1:

Find the unit of speed.

Solution :

Speed =

Time
Second
Second
Second

distance
m

m/s ms 1
time
s

2.1

Definitions of Base Units:

1.

Meter:
Since 1983, the standard metre is defined as the length of the path travelled by

th part of a second.
299
,
792
,
458

light in vacuum in
2.

Kilogram:
Nowadays the standard kilogram is the mass of a cylinder made of platinumiridium alloy and stored in a special vaule in the International Bureau of Weights
and Measures at Sevres in France.
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3.

Second:
At present second is defined on the basis of an atomic clock, which uses the
energy difference between the two lowest energy states of the cesium atom.
When bombarded by microwaves of precisely the proper frequency, cesium
atoms undergo a transition from one of these states to other. One second is
defined as the time required for 9,192,631,770 cycles of this radiation.

In physics SI system is based on seven fundamental and two derived units.

Sl.No. Basic Physical Quantities
Fundamental Unit
Symbol
1.

Mass

kilogram

kg

2.

Length

meter

3.

Time

second

4.

Temperature

kelvin or Celsius

K or C

5.

Electric current

ampere

6.

Luminous intensity

candela

cd

7.

Quantity of matter

mole

mol

Sl. No.

Supplementary Physical Quantities

Supplementary unit

Symbol

1.

Plane angle

radian

rad

2.

Solid Angle

steradian

Sr

Prefixes to the Power of 10

The physical quantities whose magnitude is either too large or too small can be
expressed more compactly by the use of certain SI prefixes.
Factor of 10
Prefix
Symbol
-1
10
deci
d
10-2
centi
c
-3
10
milli
m

10-6
micro
-9
10
nano
n
10-12
pico
p
3
10
kilo
k
106
mega
M
9
10
giga
G
1012
tera
T
Illustration 2:
Solution :
Exercise 1:

Fill in the blank by suitable conversion of units

1 kg m2s-2 = ________ g cm2s-2
1kg m2s-2 = 1 103 g (102cm)2s-2 = 107g cm2s-2
(i) What is the value of one micron in centimeter?
(ii) What is the value of a pressure of 106 dynes/cm2 in S.I unit?

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2.2

Dimensional Analysis

Dimension of a physical quantity is defined as the power to which the fundamental units
have to be raised to represent the derived unit of that quantity.
Uses of Dimensional equations
(i) Conversion of one system of units into another.
(ii) Checking the accuracy of various formulae.
(iii) Derivation of formula
Illustration 3:

Check the accuracy of the relation

, where is the frequency, is length, T is tension and m

is mass per unit length of the string.

Solution :

The given relation is

=

1
2

T
m

Writing the dimensions on either side, we get

LHS = = [T-1] = [MLT-1]
T
1
=
m
L

MLT 2
T 1
ML1

RHS =

1
2

As

LHS = RHS
Dimensionally the formula is correct.

Exercise 2:

What is the dimension of the practical unit Calorie?

Illustration 4:

Convert 1 N into dyne.

Solution:

Dimensional formula of force is

F = [M1L1T-2]
Now we have to convert M.K.S system into C.G.S system
M = 1kg
L = 1m
T = 1s
(M.K.S)
M = 1g
L = 1cm
T = 1s
(C.G.S)
1 1 -2
F=MLT
F (SI) = [1 kg] [1m] [s2] = [103g] [102] [s2] = 105 dynes.

Limitations of Dimensional Analysis

1. Dimension does not depend on the magnitude of the quantity involved. Therefore, a
1
dimensionally correct equation need not be actually correct. e.g. : dimension of
T
2
and
are same.
T
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2. Dimensional method cannot be used to derive relations other than those involving

1
products of physical parameters. e.g. : r ro ut at 2 or
2
y = a cos(t kx) can not be derived using this method.
3. This method cannot be applied to derive formula if in mechanics a physical quantity
depends on more than three physical quantities (mass, length, time). e.g. :
T = 2

cannot be derived by using dimensions.

mgL

Exercise 3:

The dimension of torque is equal to the dimension of work. Yet, the

two quantities are different. Explain.

Dimensional Formula of Some Physical Quantities

Quantity

Dimensions

Quantity

Dimensions

Acceleration

LT2

Heat

ML2T2

Angular acceleration

T2

Angular frequency/ speed

T1

M1L2T4I2
IT
M1L3T3I2

Angular Momentum

ML2T1

Capacitance
Charge
Conductivity
Current

IT

Current Density
Electric dipole moment
Electric field Strength

L2TI1
LIT
MLT3I1

Electric Flux

ML3T3I1

Electric Potential

ML2T3I1

Electromotive force

ML2T3I1

Inductance
Magnetic dipole moment
Magnetic field Strength
Magnetic Flux

ML2I2I2
L2T0I
MT0I1
ML2T2I1

Magnetic Induction

MT2I1

Permeability

MLI2I2

Permittivity

M1L3T4I2

Resistance

ML2T3I2

Angular velocity

Area

L2

Displacement

Energy

ML2T2

(Total /Kinetic /potential/ Internal)

Force

MLT
1

Frequency

Gravitational Field strength

LT2

Gravitational potential

L2T2

Length

Mass

M
3

Density

ML

Momentum

MLT1

Resistivity

ML3T3I2

Power

ML2T3

Pressure

ML1T2

Rotational Inertia

ML2

Time

Voltage
Volume
Wavelength
Work /Energy

ML2T3I1
L3
L
ML2T2

Torque

ML2T2

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LT1

Velocity

3.

Errors in Measurement

Significant figure
The number of significant figures in the measured value of a physical quantity gives the
accuracy of its value.
The number of digits in a measurement about which we are reasonably sure, plus the one
additional digit which is uncertain are significant.
Common rules of counting significant figure
a) All non-zero digits are significant.
b) All zeros occurring between two non-zero digits are significant, no matter where the
decimal point is, if at all.
c) In a number less than one, all zeros to the right of decimal point and to the left of the first
non-zero digit are not significant. [In 0.002308, the underline zeroes are not significant]
d) The terminal or trailing zeroes in a number without a decimal point are not significant.
[Thus 123 m = 12300 cm = 123000 mm has three significant figures, the trailing zeroes
being not significant].
e) All zeros on the right of the last non-zero digit in the decimal part are significant. [The
numbers 3.500 or 0.06900 has four significant figures each]

Significant figures in calculations

Significant figures in Addition and subtraction
The accuracy of a sum or a difference is limited to the accuracy of the least accurate
observation.
Rule: Do not retain a greater number of decimal places in a result computed from addition
and subtraction than in the observation, which has the fewest decimal places.
Illustration 5:

Add and subtract 428.5 and 17.23 with due regards to significant figures

Solution:

we have

428.50
428.50
17.23
17.23
Sum
445.73
Difference
411.27
Rounding off the results of the above sum and difference to the first
decimal, we have
Correct sum 445.7 and correct difference 411.3

Significant figures in Multiplication and division

When the values of different observations are multiplied or divided, the number of digits to
be retained in the answer depends upon the number of significant figures in the weakest
link.

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Rule: Do not retain a greater number of significant figures in a result computed from
multiplication and or division than the least number of significant figures in the data from
which the result is computed.
Illustration 6:

Multiply 312.65 and 26.4 with due regards to significant figures.

Solution:

312.65 26.4 = 8253.960

But as the weakest link i.e. the data 26.4 has only three significant
figures, the correct result of multiplication will be 8250. This is because in
8250, there are three significant figures. Hence, 312.65 26.4 = 8250

Errors
The difference between the true and the measured values of a quantity is the error.
Propagation of Errors
(a) Sum and difference of quantities:
x=a b
x = (a + b)
(b) Products and quotients of quantities:
x = a b
x = a/b
For both
x
a b

x
b
a
(c) Powers of quantities:

x=

an
bm

lnx = nlna mlnb

differentiating
dx da
db
n
m

x
a
b

For errors,

Maximum fractional error in x,

x
a
b
n
m

x
a

(d) When taking the mean () of several uncorrelated measurements of the same
quantity, the error is: =
=

x
n

x 1 ... x n
n

, for n measurements.

Illustration 7: The sides of a rectangle are (10.5 0.2) cm and (5.2 0.1)cm. Calculate its
perimeter with error limit.

Solution:

Here,

= (10.5 0.2) cm

b = (5.2 0.1)cm
P = 2( + b) = 2 (10.5 + 5.2) = 31.4cm
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P = 2 ( + b) = 0.6
Hence perimeter = (31.4 0.6) cm.
Exercise 4:

A hypothetical old standard for 1m refers to it as a simple fraction of the

distance between the equator and the north-pole. What is this fraction?
What would be the practical difficulties in using this as a standard?

4.

Experiments in Physics

4.1

Measurement of Length

The simplest method measuring the length of a straight line is by means of a meter
scale. But there exists some limitation in the accuracy of the result:
(i) the dividing lines have a finite thickness.
(ii) naked eye cannot correctly estimate less than 0.5 mm
For greater accuracy devices like
(a) Vernier callipers (b) micrometer scales (screw gauge) are used .
(a) Vernier Callipers :
It consists of a main scale graduated in cm/mm over which an auxiliary scale (or Vernier
scale) can slide along the length. The division of the Vernier scale being either slightly
longer and shorter than the divisions of the main scale.
Least count of Vernier Callipers:
The least count or Vernier constant (v.c.) is the minimum value of correct estimation of
length without eye estimation. If N division of vernier coincides with (N1) division of
main scale, then
N 1

1 ms
ms =
Vernier constant = 1 ms 1vs = 1
, which is equal to the value of the

N
N

smallest division on the main scale divided by total number of divisions on the vernier scale.
Zero error :
If the zero marking of main scale and vernier callipers do not coincide, necessary
correction has to be made for this error which is known as zero error of the instrument.
If the zero of the vernier scale is to the right of the zero of the main scale the zero error
is said to be positive and the correction will be negative and vice versa.
Illustration 8: Consider the following data:
10 main scale division = 1cm,
10 vernier division = 9 main scale
divisions, zero of vernier scale is to the right of the zero marking of the
main scale with 6 vernier divisions coinciding with main scale divisions
and the actual reading for length measurement is 4.3 cm with 2 vernier
divisions coinciding with main scale graduations. Estimate the length.

Solution:

In this case, vernier constant = (1mm/10) = 0.1 mm

Zero error = 6 0.1 = + 0.6 mm
Correction = 0.6 mm

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Actual length = (4.3 + 2 0.01) + correction

= 4.32 0.06 = 4.26 cm
(b)Screw Gauge (or Micrometer Screw)
In general vernier callipers can measure accurately upto 0.01 cm and for greater
accuracy micrometer screw devices e.g. screw gauge, spherometer are used. These
consist of accurately cut screw which can be moved in a closely fitting fixed nut by
turning it axially. The instrument is provided with two scales:
(i) The main scale or pitch scale M graduated along
the axis of the screw.
(ii) The cap-scale or head scale H round the edge of
the screw head.
Constants of the Screw Gauge
(a) Pitch : The translational motion of the screw is directly proportional to the total
rotation of the head. The pitch of the instrument is the distance between two
consecutive threads of the screw which is equal to the distance moved by the screw
due to one complete rotation of the cap. Thus for 10 rotation of cap 5 mm,
pitch = 0.5 mm
(b) Least count: In this case also, the minimum (or least) measurement (or count) of
length is equal to one division on the head scale which is equal to pitch divided by
the total cap divisions. Thus in the aforesaid Illustration, if the total cap division is
100, then least count = 0.5mm/100 = 0.005 mm
Zero Error: In a perfect instrument the zero of the main scale coincides with the line of
graduation along the screw axis with no zero-error, otherwise the instrument
is said to have zero-error which is equal to the cap reading with the gap
closed. This error is positive when zero line or reference line of the cap lies
above the line of graduation and vice-versa. The corresponding corrections
will be just opposite.
4.2

Measurement of g using a simple pendulum

A small spherical bob is attached to a cotton thread and the

combination is suspended from a point A. The length of the thread (L)
is read off on a meter scale. A correction is added to L to include the
finite size of the bob and the hook. The corrected value of L is used for
further calculation. The bob is displaced slightly to one side and is
allowed to oscillate, and the total time taken for 50 complete
oscillations is noted on a stop-watch. The time period (T) of a single
oscillation is now calculated by division.
Observations are now taken by using different lengths for
the cotton thread (L) and pairs of values of L and T are
taken. A plot of L vs T2, on a graph, is linear. g is given by
L
g = 42 2
T
The major errors in this experiment are

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(a) Systematic: Error due to finite amplitude of the pendulum (as the motion is not
exactly SHM). This may be corrected for by using the correct numerical estimate for
the time period. However the practice is to ensure that the amplitude is small.
(b) Statistical: Errors arising from measurement of length and time.
g L
T

g
L
T
The contributions to L, T are both statistical and systematic. These are reduced by the
process of averaging.
The systematic error in L can be reduced by plotting several values of L vs T 2 and fitting
to a straight line. The slope of this fit gives the correct value of L/T2
4.3
Determination of Youngs Modulus by Searles Method
The experimental set up consists of two identical wires P
and Q of uniform cross section suspended from a fixed rigid
support. The free ends of these parallel wires are connected
to a frame F as shown in the figure. The length of the wire Q
remains fixed while the load L attached to the wire P through
the frame F is varied in equal steps so as to produce
extension along the length. The extension thus produced is
measured with the help of spirit level SL and micrometer
screw M attached to the frame on the side of the
experimental wire.
On placing the slotted weights on the hanger H upto a
permissible value (half of the breaking force) the wire gets
extended by small amount and the spirit level gets disturbed
from horizontal setting. This increase in length is measured
by turning the micrometer screw M upwards so as to restore
the balance of the spirit level. If n be the number of turns of
the micrometer screw and f be the difference in the cap
reading, the increase in length is obtained by
= n pitch + f least count
The load on the hanger is reduced in the same steps and spirit level is restored to
horizontal position. The mean of these two observations gives the true increase in length
of the wire corresponding to the given value of load.
From the data obtained, a graph showing extension ()
against the load (W) is plotted which is obtained as a
straight line passing through the origin. The slope of the
line gives
tan =

l
l

W Mg

Mg

2 and strain =
L
r
L
Mg L
Y = Stress/ strain = 2
=
2
r tan
r

Now, stress =

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With known values of initial length L, radius r of the experimental wire and tan, Youngs
modulus Y can be calculated.
4.4
Specific Heat of a liquid using a calorimeter
The principle is to take a known quantity of liquid in an insulated calorimeter and heat it
by passing a known current (i) through a heating coil immersed within the liquid for a
known length of time (t). The mass of the calorimeter (m 1) and the combined mass of the
calorimeter and the liquid (m2) are measured. The potential drop across the heating coil
is V and the maximum temperature of the liquid is measured to 2.
The specific heat of the liquid (S) is found by using the relation
(m2 m1)S(2 o) + m1Sc(2 o) = i.V.t
or, (m2 m1)S + m1Sc = i.V.t/(2 o)
. . . (1)
Here, o is the room temperature, while Sc is the specific heat of the material of the
calorimeter and the stirrer. If Sc is known, then S can be determined.
On the other hand, if Sc is unknown : one can either repeat the experiment with water or
a different mass of the liquid and use the two equations to eliminate m1Sc.
The sources of error in this experiment are errors due to improper connection of the
heating coil, radiation, apart from statistical errors in measurement.
The direction of the current is reversed midway during the experiment to remove the
effect of any differential contacts, radiation correction is introduced to take care of the
second major source of systematic error.
Radiation correction: The temperature of the system is recorded for half the length of
time t, (i.e. t/2, where t is the time during which the current was switched on) after the
current is switched off. The fall in temperature , during this interval is now added to the
final temperature 2 to give the corrected final temperature:
2 = 2 +
This temperature is used in the calculation of the specific heat, S.
Error analysis:
After correcting for systematic errors, equation (i) is used to estimate the remaining
errors.
4.5

Focal length of a concave mirror and a convex lens using the u-v method.

In this method one uses an optical bench and the convex lens (or the concave mirror) is
placed on the holder.
The position of the lens is noted by reading the scale at the bottom of the holder.
A bright object (a filament lamp or some similar object) is placed at a fixed distance (u) in
front of the lens (mirror).
The position of the image (v) is determined by moving a white screen behind the lens
until a sharp image is obtained (for real images).
For the concave mirror, the position of the image is determined by placing a sharp object (a
pin) on the optical bench such that the parallax between the object pin and the image is nil.
A plot of |u| versus |v| gives a rectangular hyperbola. A plot of
1
1
vs
gives a straight line.
|v|
|u|

The intercepts are equal to

1
, where f is the focal length.
|f|

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Error:

The systematic error in this experiment is mostly due to improper position of

the object on the holder. This error may be eliminated by reversing the holder
(rotating the holder by 180 about the vertical) and then taking the readings
again. Averages are then taken.
The equation for errors gives:
u v
f
u
v

f
u
v
u v

The errors u, v correspond to the error in the measurement of u and v.

4.6

Speed of sound using resonance column

A tuning fork of known frequency (f) is held at the mouth of a long tube,
which is dipped into water as shown in the figure.
The length (1) of the air column in the tube is adjusted until it resonates
with the tuning fork. The air temperature and humidity are noted.
The length of the tube is adjusted again until a second resonance length
(2) is found (provided the tube is long).
Then, 2 1 = /2, provided 1, 2 are resonance lengths for adjacent
resonances.
= 2(2 1), is the wavelength of sound.
Since the frequency f, is known; the velocity of sound in air at the
temperature () and humidity (h) is given by c = f = 2(2 1)f
It is also possible to use a single measurement of the resonant length directly, but, then
it has to be corrected for the end effect:
(fundamental) = 4(1 + 0.3d), where d = diameter
Errors:
The major systematic errors introduced are due to end effects in (end
correction) and also due to excessive humidity.
Random errors are given by

c 2 1 2 1

c
2 1
2 1

4.7

Verification of Ohms law using voltmeter and ammeter

A voltmeter (V) and an ammeter (A) are connected

in a circuit along with a resistance R as shown in
the figure, along with a battery B and a rheostat, Rh
Simultaneous readings of the current i and the
potential drop V are taken by changing the
resistance in the rheostat (Rh). A graph of V vs i is
plotted and it is found to be linear (within errors).
The magnitude of R is determined by either
V
(a) taking the ratio
and then
i
(b) fitting to a straight line : V = iR, and determining the slope R.
Errors:

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Systematic errors in this experiment arise from the current flowing through V (finite
resistance of the voltmeter), the Joule heating effect in the circuit and the resistance of
the connecting wires/ connections of the resistance. The effect of Joule heating may be
minimized by switching on the circuit for a short while only, while the effect of finite
resistance of the voltmeter can be overcome by using a high resistance instrument or a
potentiometer. The lengths of connecting wires should be minimized as much as
possible.
Error analysis:
The error in computing the ratio R =

V
is given by
i

R
V
i

R
V
i

where V and i are of the order of the least counts of the instruments used.
4.8

Specific resistance of the material of a wire using a meter bridge

A known length () of a wire is connected in one of

the gaps (P) of a metre bridge, while a Resistance
Box is inserted into the other gap (Q). The circuit is
completed by using a battery (B), a Rheostat (Rh),
a Key (K) and a galvanometer (G).
The balance length () is found by closing key k
and momentarily connecting the galvanometer until
it gives zero deflection (null point). Then,
P

=
. . . (1)
Q
100
using the expression for the meter bridge at balance. Here, P represents the resistance
of the wire while Q represents the resistance in the resistance box. The key K is open
when the circuit is not in use.
L
r 2
The resistance of the wire, P = 2 =
. . . (2)
P
r
L
where r is the radius of wire and L is the length of the wire, r is measured using a screw
gauge while L is measured with a scale.
Errors: The major systematic errors in this experiment are due to the heating effect, end
corrections introduced due to shift of the zero of the scale at A and B, and stray
resistances in P and Q, and errors due to non-uniformity of the meter bridge wire.
Error analysis: End corrections can be estimated by including known resistances P 1
and Q1 in the two ends and finding the null point:

P1
1
=
Q1
100 1

. . . (2), where and are the end corrections.

When the resistance Q1 is placed in the left gap and P1 in the right gap,

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Q1
2

P1 100 2

. . . (3)

which give two linear equation for finding and .

In order that and be measured accurately, P1 and Q1 should be as different from
each other as possible.
For the actual balance point,

1

P
=
=
,
100
Q
2
Errors due to non-uniformity of the meter bridge wire can be minimised by interchanging
the resistances in the gaps P and Q.

2
P 1

P
1
2

where, 1 and 2 are of the order of the least count of the scale.
The error is, therefore, minimum if 1 = 2 i.e. when the balance point is in the middle of
the bridge. The error in is
2r L P

r
L
P

4.9

Measurement of unknown resistance using a P.O. Box

A P.O. Box can also be used to measure an

unknown resistance. It is a Wheatstone
Bridge with three arms P, Q and R; while the
fourth arm(s) is the unknown resistance. P
and Q are known as the ratio arms while R
is known at the rheostat arm.
At balance, the unknown resistance
P
R
S=
. . . (1)
Q
The ratio arms are first adjusted so that they
carry 100 each. The resistance in the
rheostat arm is now adjusted so that the
galvanometer deflection is in one direction, if
R = Ro (Ohm) and in the opposite direction,
this implies that the unknown resistance, S lies between Ro and Ro + 1 (ohm).
Now, the resistance in P and Q are made 100 and 1000 respectively, and the
process is repeated.
Equation (1) is used to compute S.
The ratio P/Q is progressively made 1 : 10, and then 1 : 100. The resistance S can be
accurately measured.
Errors: The major sources of error are the connecting wires, rusted resistance plugs,
change in resistance due to Joule heating, and the insensitivity of the Wheatstone
bridge.
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Part-I-PH-GP-14

These may be removed by using thick connecting wires, clean plugs, keeping the circuit
on for very brief periods (to avoid Joule heating) and calculating the sensitivity.
In order that the sensitivity is maximum, the resistance in the arm P is close to the value
of the resistance S.

***
7.

Answers to Exercise

1.

(i)10-4cm

2.

ML2T-2

3.

Work is scalar while torque is vector.

4.

(1/107), Earth is not a perfect sphere.

(ii) 105N/m2

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-15

8.

Solved Problems

8.1

Subjective

Problem 1:

If nth division of main scale coincides with (n+1) th divisions of vernier scale.
Given one main scale division is equal to a units, find the least count of the
vernier.

Solution:

(n + 1) division of vernier scale = n division of main scale

n
one Vernier division =
main scale division
n1
1
a
Least count = 1 M.S.D. 1 V.D. =
M.S. D. =
n1
n1

Problem 2:

The following measurements were taken for an unknown resistance X, with

a P.O. box:
in Ohms
Rate (P)
Arms(Q)
Rheostat
Galvanometer
Arm (R)
Deflection
10
10
10
10
10
10

10
15
10
16
100
152
100
153
1000
1524
1000
1525
Find the value of X and the error in X.

left
right
left
right
left
right

Solution:

The resistance x satisfies.

(i) 15 < X <16
(ii) 15.2 < X < 15.3
(iii) 15.24 < X <15.25
1525 15.24
The error ~
= 0.005
2

Problem 3:

Two consecutive lengths of a resonance column taken with a tuning fork of

frequency 480 Hz at 250 C are 54 cm and 88.4 cm respectively. Find the
velocity of sound in air.

Solution:

If wavelength = ,
/2 = (88.4 54) cm = 34.4 cm
= 68.8 cm
c (velocity of sound in air) = 0.688 480 m/s 330 m/s

Problem 4:

If all measurements in an experiment are taken upto same number of

significant figures then mention two possible reasons for maximum error.

Solution:

The maximum error will be due to (i) measurement, which is least

accurate.

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-16

(ii) measurement of the quantity which has maximum power in formulas.

Problem 5:

The initial and final temperature of water as recorded by an observer are

(40.6 0.2) C and (78.3 0.3 ) C. Calculate the rise in temperature with
proper error limit.

Solution:

Let 1 = 40.6C, 1 = 0.2 C

2 = 78.3C, 2 = 0.3 C
= 2 1 = 78.3 40.6 = 37.7C
& = (1 + 2)= (0.2 + 0.3) = 0.5C
Hence rise in temperature
= (37.7 0.5)C

Problem 6:

A physical quantity x is calculated from the relation x =

Solution:

a2 b3
c d

. If percentage

error in a, b, c and d are 2%, 1%, 3% and 4% respectively. What is the

percentage error in x?
a2 b3

As x =

c d
x
b c 1 d
a
2
3

x
a
b
c
2 d

1
4%= 12%
2

= [2 2% + 31% + 3% +
Problem 7:

In the equation y = A sin( t kx) obtain the dimensional formula of and

k. Given x is distance and t is time.

Solution:

The given equation is

y = A sin(t kx)
The argument of a trigonometrical function i.e. angle is dimensionless
i.e.
t =

T 1 = [M0L0T-1]
=
t
T
Also
kx =

k=
= L-1 = [M0L-1T0]
x
L
a

In the Vander Walls equation P 2 (v b) = RT. Find the dimensions of

v

Problem 8:

a and b.

Solution:

The Vander walls equation

a
(v b) = RT
v2

As pressure can be added only to pressure therefore

a
represents
v2

pressure P.

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-17

a
=P
or
a = Pv2
v2
[a] = [ML-1T-2] [L3]2 = M1L5T-2
Again, from volume V we can subtract only a volume, therefore b must be
representing volume only i.e.
b = v = [L3] = M0L3T0
i.e.

Problem 9:

Find the dimensions of a and b in the relation

2
P = b x where P is power, x is distance and t is time.
at

Solution:

The given relation is

b x2
P=
at
2
As x is subtracted from b therefore the dimensions of b are of x2
i.e. b = L2
We can rewrite relation as

L
2

P=

L2
at

at
L2
-1 0 2
a=
ML2T 3 T = M L T
Problem 10:

Given that F = at + bt 2, where F denotes force and t, time. Find the

dimensions of a and b are respectively.

Solution:

F = at
MLT 2 a T
a = MLT 3
F
b = 2 MLT 4
t

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-18

8.2

Objective

Problem 1:

Solution:

Dimensional formula of Plancks constant is

(A) MLT1
(B) ML2T1
2 2
(C) ML T
(D) none of these.
E = h
2 2
E ML T

ML2 T 1
h=
1
v
T
Hence (B) is correct.

Problem 2:

Solution:

Problem 3:

Solution:

Dimensional formula of Stefans constant

2 2 4
2 3 4
(A) ML T
(B) ML T
3 4
(C) MLT
E
MLT 3 4
=
At4
Hence (C) is correct.

(D) none of these

A physical quantity x is calculated from the relation

a2 b3
x=
c d
If percentage error in a, b, c and d are 2%, 1%, 3% and 4% respectively.
What is the percentage error in x?
(A) 11%
(B) 13%
(C) 12%
(D) 14%
x
2a 3b c d

x
b
c
2d
a
1
= (22 + 31 + 3 + 4 ) = 12%
2
Hence (C) is correct.

Problem 4:

A cube has side 1.2 102 m. Its volume will be recorded as

(A) 1.728 10 6 m3
(B) 1.72 106 m3
(C) 1.7 106 m3
(D) 0.72 106 m3

Solution:

v l 3 1.728 10 6
Length has two significant figure v = 1.7 10 6 m3
Hence (C) is correct.

Problem 5:

The dimension of pressure gradient are

(A) ML-2T-2
(B) ML-2T-1
(C) ML-1T-1
(D) ML-1T-2

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-19

Solution:

P = gh
dP
M
M L
g 3 2 = 2 2
dh
LT
L T
Hence (A) is correct.

Problem 6:

Which of the following equations is dimensionally correct?

(A) Pressure = energy per unit volume
(B) pressure = energy per unit area
(C) Pressure = force per unit volume
(D) pressure=momentum per unit volume

Solution:

2 mv
Energy

= volume

Volume

ML T
L3

= ML-1 T-2

Hence (A) is correct.

Problem 7:

An athletes coach told his team that muscle times speed equals power.
What dimensions does he view for muscle?
(A) ML T2
(B) ML2 T-2
2
(C) ML T
(D) L

Solution:

Power = force velocity

= muscle times speed
muscle represents force
muscle = [MLT-2]
Hence (C) is correct.

Problem 8:

Which of the following is a dimensional constant?

(A) refractive index
(B) dielectric constant
(C) relative density
(D) gravitational constant

Solution:

A gravitational constant G has a constant value and dimensions

Hence (D) is correct.

Problem 9:

If force, length and time would have been the fundamental units what
would have been the dimensional formula for mass?
(A) FL 1 T 2
(B) FL 1T2
(C) FL T 2
(D) F

Solution:

Let M = K FaLbTc
= [MLT-2]a [Lb] Tc
= [MaL(a+b)T(-2a+c)]
a = 1, a + b = 0 & 2a + c = 0
a = 1, b = 1, c = 2
Hence (B) is correct.

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-20

Problem 10:

The dimensions of the Rydberg constant are

(A) M L-1 T
(B) MLT-1
-1
(C) M L T
(D) ML T2

Solution:

From

1
1
1
R 2 2

n1 n2
dimension?
1
L1 = ML-1 T
L
Hence (C) is correct.

R=

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-21

9.

Assignment (Subjective Problems)

LEVEL-I

1.

10 rotations of the cap of a screw gauge is equivalent to 5 mm. The cap has 100
dimensions. Find the least count. A reading taken for the diameter of wire with
the screw gauge shows 4 complete rotations and 35 on the circular scale. Find
the diameter of the wire.

2.

A certain pendulum clock with a 12hr dial happens to gain 1 min/day. After setting
the clock to the correct time how long it will take to indicate correct time again?

3.

The mass of a block is 87.2g and its volume is 25cm3. What are its density upto
correct significant figures?

4.

The radius of a sphere is (5.3 0.1) cm. Find the percentage error in its volume.

5.

The Van-der-Waals interaction between two molecules separated by a distance r

is given by the energy
A
B
E = 6 + 12 . Find the dimensions of A and B.
r
r

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-22

LEVEL-II
1.

In an experiment for finding the specific heat of alcohol, as copper calorimeter of

mass 190 gm is filled with alcohol, and the total mass is found to be 390 gm.
When it is heated by using a 50 W heater for 9 minute the following reading were
recorded with a thermometer and stop watch.
Time (minute)
Temperature (C)
Find the specific heat capacity of alcohol. It is not required to take the radiation
correction into account.

2.

Suppose, the torque acting on a body, is given by = KL +

3.

When a current of (2.5 0.1)A flows through a wire it develops a potential

difference of (20 1)V. What is the resistance of wire?

4.

What is the fractional error in g calculated from T = 2

MI

Where L = angular momentum, I = moment of inertia & = angular speed

What is the dimensional formula for KM?

. Given fractional
g

errors in T and are x and y respectively?

5.

A planet of mass m rotates around a star of mass M. The time period of

revolution is T, while the average distance of the planet from the star is a. It is
known that there exists a relationship between them: find it. Assume the
dimensional expression for G.

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-23

10. Assignment (Objective Problems)

LEVEL- I
1.

ML1T 2

is the dimensional formula of

(A) force
(C) modulus of elasticity
2.

(B) coefficient of friction

(D) energy

The dimensional formula of coefficient of viscosity is

1
1 2 2
(A) MLT
(B) M L T
1 1
(C) ML T

(D) none of these

3.

On the basis of dimensional equation, the maximum number of unknown that can
be found, is
(A) one
(B) two
(C) three
(D) four

4.

If v stands for velocity of sound, E is elasticity and d the density, then find x in the
x

d
equation v .
E

(A) 1
(C) 2

(B)
(D) 1/2

5.

The multiplication of 10.610 with 0.210 upto correct number of significant figure is
(A) 2.2281
(B) 2.228
(C) 2.22
(D) 2.2

6.

The measurement of radius of a circle has error of 1%. The error in

measurement of its area is
(A) 1%
(B) 2%
(C) 3%
(D) none of these

7.

Dimensional formula of latent heat

(A) M0L2T-2
(C) ML2T-2

(B) MLT-2
(D) ML2T-2

8.

In case of measurement of g, if error in measurement of length of pendulum is

2%, the percentage error in time period is1 %. The maximum error in
measurement of g is
(A) 1 %
(B) 2 %
(C) 4 %
(D) no error.

9.

If length of pendulum is increased by 2%. The time period will

(A) increases by 1%
(B) decreases by 1%
(C) increases by 2%
(D) decreases by 2%

10.

If radian correction is not considered in specific heat measurement. The

measured value of specific heat will be
(A) more than its actual value.
(B) less than its actual value.
(C) remains same as actual value.
(D) none of these.
Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-24

11.

The S.I. unit of universal gas constant is

(A) Watt K-1mol-1
(B) N K-1mol-1
-1
-1
(C) JK mol
(D) erg K-1mol-1

12.

The dimensional formula of couple

(A) ML2T-2
(C) ML-1T-1

(B)MLT-1
(D) M1L1T-2

13.

An experiment measures quantities a, b, c and x is calculated from x = ab 2/c3. If

the maximum percentage error in a, b and c are 1%, 3% and 2% respectively, the
maximum percentage error in x will be
(A) 13%
(B) 17%
(C) 14%
(D) 11%

14.

Dimensional formula of thermal conductivity is

(A) ML2T-3-1
(B) ML2T-2-4
(C) ML2T-2-1

(D) MLT-3-1

15.

Three measurements 7.1J, 7.2J and 6.7J are made as experiment the result with
correct number of significant figures is
(A) 7.1 J
(B) 7.06 J
(C) 7.0 J
(D) 7J

16.

If P represents radiation pressure, c represents speed of light and Q represents

radiation energy striking a unit area per second, then non-zero integers x, y and
z, such that PxQycz is dimensionless, may be
(A) x = 1, y =1, z = 1.
(B) x = 1, y =1, z = 1.
(C) x = 1, y =1, z = 1.

17.

(D) x = 1, y = 1, z = 1

A spherical ball of mass m and radius r is allowed to fall in a medium of viscosity

. The time in which the velocity of the body increases from zero to 0.63 times
the terminal velocity is called time constant (). Dimensionally can be
represented by

18.

6mr
g2

(A)

mr 2
6

(B)

(C)

m
6 r

(D) none of these.

Which of the following is a possible dimensionless quantity?

(A) Velocity gradient
(B) Pressure gradient
(C) Displacement gradient
(D) Force gradient

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-25

19.

In specific resistance measurement of a wire using a meter bridge, the key k in

the main circuit is kept open when we are not taking readings. The reason is
(A) the emf of cell will decrease.
(B) the value of resistance will change due to joule heating effect.
(C) the galvanometer will stop working.
(D) none of these.

20.

In the experiment of verification of Ohms law the error in the current

measurement is 1%, while that in the voltage measurement is 2%. The error in
the resistance has a maximum value of
(A)1%
(B) 2%
(C) 3%
(D) none of these.
LEVEL - II

1.

Which of the following are not the dimensions of calorie?

(A) [ML2T-2]
(B) [MLT-2]
(C) [ML-2T-1]

(D) [ML2T-1]

2.

Which of the following are not the dimensional formula for kinetic energy?
(A) [M2L2T]
(B) [ML2T-2]
(C) [M0L-1]
(D) [ML2T]

3.

Which of the following are dimensionally wrong?

(A) Pressure = Energy per unit area
(B) Pressure = Energy per unit volume
(C) Pressure = Force per unit volume
(D) Pressure = Momentum per unit volume per unit time
dv
Given that: F A
,
dx
dv
where F is force, A is area and
velocity gradient, then which of the following are not
dx
the dimensional formula of ?
(A) [ML-1T-1]
(B) [ML-1T]
(C) [ML-2T-2]
(D) [ML2T-1]

4.

5.

A particle moving along a straight line with uniform acceleration has velocities 7 m/s at P
and 17 m/s at Q,R is the mid point of PQ. Then:
(A) the average velocity between R and Q is 15 m/s
(B) the ratio of time to go from P to R and that from R to Q is 3:2
(C) the velocity at R is 10 m/s
(D) the average velocity between P and R is 10 m/s

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-26

LEVEL - III
MATCH THE FOLLOWING
1.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Column I
Amount of substance
Time
Temperature
Electric current

(A)

Column II
(P)
(Q)
(R)
(S)
(T)

Second
Kelvin
Mole
Ampere
Kilogram

Speed

(P)

M L T

(B)

Force

(Q)

M1L1T 2

(C)

Pressure

(R)

M1L2 T 2

(D)

Work

(S)

M2L2 T 2

(T)

M0L1T 1

2.

Column I

Column II
1 1

Integer Answer Type Questions

3.

The unit of force and length are doubled, the unit of energy will be ____ times.

4.

The heat dissipated in a resistance can be obtained by the measurement of resistance,

the current and time. If the maximum error in the measurement of these quantities is 1%,
2% and 1% respectively, the maximum error in the determination of the dissipated heat
is ___%.

5.

The relative density of a material is found by weighing the body first in air and then in
water. If the weight in air is (10.0 0.1) gm and weight in water is (5.0 0.1) gm then the
maximum permissible percentage error in relative density is ____%

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-27

11. Answers to the Subjective Assignment

LEVEL - I

1.

2.175 mm

2.

720 days

3.

3.5g/cc

4.

5.7%

5.

[A] = ML8T2, [B] = ML4T2

LEVEL-II
1.

2300 J/kg-k

2.

T4

3.

(8 0.7)

4.

(y+2x)

5.

T=(GM)1/2 a3/2

12. Answers to the Objective Assignment

LEVEL -I
1.

2.

3.

4.

6.

7.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16

17.

18.

19.

20.

Bhatnagar IIT-JEE/PMT Academy. C-5, Rama Park,Uttamnagar, New Delhi

Part-I-PH-GP-28

LEVEL-II
1.

(B), (C), (D)

2.

(A), (C), (D)

3.

(A), (C), (D)

4.

(B), (C), (D)

5.

(A), (B), (D)

LEVEL-III
1.

A-R, B-P, C-Q, D-S

2.

A-T, B-P, C-Q, D-R

3.

4.

5.

***

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