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Unit Dimension Chapter PDF
Unit Dimension Chapter PDF
Unit Dimension Chapter PDF
Error Analysis
1.1 Units and Dimensions Chapter Snapshot
To measure a physical quantity we need some ● Units and Dimensions
standard unit of that quantity. The measurement of the ● Significant Figures
quantity is mentioned in two parts, the first part gives how ● Error Analysis
many times of the standard unit and the second part gives
the name of the unit. Thus, suppose I say that length of this
wire is 5 m. The numeric part 5 says that it is 5 times of the
unit of length and the second part metre says that unit
chosen here is metre.
abbreviated as SI from the French name Le Systems
Fundamental and Derived Quantities International d’ Unites. This system is widely used
There are a large number of physical quantities and throughout the world. Table below gives the seven
every quantity needs a unit. fundamental quantities and their SI units.
However, not all the quantities are independent. For Table 1.1
example, if a unit of length is defined, a unit of volume is
automatically obtained. Thus, we can define a set of S. No. Quantity SI Unit Symbol
fundamental quantities and all other quantities may be 1. Length metre m
expressed in terms of the fundamental quantities. 2. Mass kilogram kg
Fundamental quantities are only seven in numbers. Unit 3. Time second s
of all other quantities can be expressed in terms of the 4. Electric current ampere A
units of these seven quantities by multiplication or 5. Thermodynamic temperature kelvin K
division.
6. Amount of substance mole mol
Many different choices can be made for the 7. Luminous intensity candela cd
fundamental quantities. For example, if we take length
and time as the fundamental quantities, then speed is a Two supplementary units namely plane angle and
derived quantity and if we take speed and time as solid angle are also defined. Their units are radian (rad)
and steradian (st) respectively.
fundamental quantities then length is a derived quantity.
(i) CGS System In this system, the units of length,
Several system of units are in use over the world. The mass and time are centimetre (cm), gram (g) and
units defined for the fundamental quantities are called second (s) respectively. The unit of force is dyne and
fundamental units and those obtained for derived that of work or energy is erg.
quantities are called the derived units. (ii) FPS System In this system, the units of length,
mass and time are foot, pound and second. The
SI Units unit of force in this system is poundal.
In 1971, General Conference on Weight and SI Prefixes
Measures held its meeting and decided a system of units The most commonly used prefixes are given below in
which is known as the International System of Units. It is tabular form.
2 Objective Physics Volume 1
Table 1.2 (ix) Steradian The steradian is the solid angle which
having its vertex at the centre of the sphere, cut-off an
Power of 10 Prefix Symbol area of the surface of sphere equal to that of a square
6 mega M with sides of length equal to the radius of the sphere.
3 kilo k
-2 centi c Dimensions
-3 mili m Dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to
-6 micro m which the fundamental quantities must be raised to
-9 nano n represent the given physical quantity.
- 12 pico p mass mass
For example, density = =
volume (length)3
Definitions of Some Important SI Units or density = (mass) (length)–3 …(i)
(i) Metre 1 m = 1,650,763.73 wavelengths in Thus, the dimensions of density are 1 in mass and - 3
vacuum, of radiation corresponding to orange red in length. The dimensions of all other fundamental
light of krypton-86. quantities are zero.
(ii) Second 1 s = 9, 192, 631, 770 time periods of a For convenience, the fundamental quantities are
particular radiation from cesium-133 atom. represented by one letter symbols. Generally mass is denoted
(iii) Kilogram 1 kg = mass of 1 L volume of water at 4°C. by M, length by L, time by T and electric current by A.
(iv) Ampere It is the current which when flows through The thermodynamic temperature, the amount of
two infinitely long straight conductors of negligible substance and the luminous intensity are denoted by the
cross-section placed at a distance of 1 m in vacuum symbols of their units K, mol and cd respectively. The
physical quantity that is expressed in terms of the base
produces a force of 2 ´ 10 -7 N/m between them. quantities is enclosed in square brackets.
(v) Kelvin 1 K = 1 / 273.16 part of the thermodynamic Thus, Eq. (i) can be written as
temperature of triple point of water. [density] = [ML–3 ]
(vi) Mole It is the amount of substance of a system Such an expression for a physical quantity in terms of
which contains as many elementary particles the fundamental quantities is called the dimensional
(atoms, molecules, ions etc.) as there are atoms in formula.
12 g of carbon-12.
Here, it is worthnoting that constants such as 5, p or
(vii) Candela It is luminous intensity in a perpendicular trigonometrical functions such as sin q, cos q etc., have no
æ 1 ö 2 units and dimensions.
direction of a surface of ç ÷ m of a black
è 600000 ø [sin q] = [cos q] = [tan q] = [log x ]
body at the temperature of freezing platinum under a = [ ex ] = [M0L0T0 ]
pressure of 1.013 ´ 105 N/m2 .
Table 1.3 given below gives the dimensional
(viii) Radian It is the plane angle between two radii of a formulae and SI units of some physical quantities
circle which cut-off on the circumference, an arc
frequently used in physics.
equal in length to the radius.
Table 1.3
S. No. Physical Quantity SI Units Dimensional Formula
0 -1
1. Velocity = displacement/time m/s [M LT ]
2. Acceleration = velocity/time m/s 2
[M0LT -2 ]
3. Force = mass ´ acceleration 2
kg-m/s = newton or N [MLT -2 ]
4. Work = force ´ displacement kg-m 2 /s 2 = N-m = joule or J [ML2 T -2 ]
5. Energy J [ML2 T -2 ]
6. Torque = force ´perpendicular distance N-m [ML2 T -2 ]
7. Power = work/time J/s or watt [ML2 T -3 ]
8. Momentum = mass ´ velocity kg-m/s [MLT -1 ]
9. Impulse = force ´ time N-s [MLT -1 ]
10. Angle = arc/radius radian or rad [M0 L0 T 0 ]
DL DV
11. Strain = or No units [M0 L0 T 0 ]
L V
12. Stress = force/area N/m 2 [ML-1T -2 ]
13. Pressure = force/area N/m 2 [ML-1T -2 ]
Chapter 1 · Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 3
Example 1.1 Find the dimensional formulae of where A denotes the area, v the velocity, l is the length, I the
(a) coefficient of viscosity h electric current, t the time and U the energy.
(b) charge q F Dl
(c) potential V Solution (a) h = -
(d) capacitance C, and A Dv
(e) resistance R. [ F][ l] [MLT -2 ][L]
\ [ h] = =
Some of the equations containing these quantities are [ A][ v] [L2 ][LT -1 ]
æ Dv ö
F = - hA ç ÷ , q = It , U = VIt , = [ML-1 T -1 ]
è Dl ø
(b) q = It
q = CV and V = IR
\ [ q] = [ I][t] = [ AT]
4 Objective Physics Volume 1
(e) V = IR l
Solution T = 2p
V g
\ R=
I [L]
Dimensionally, [T] = = [T]
2
[ V ] [ML T A ] -3 -1
[LT -2 ]
or [ R] = = = [ML2 T -3 A -2 ]
[ I] [ A] As in the above equation, the dimensions of both sides
are same. The given formula is dimensionally correct.
Uses of Dimensions
Theory of dimensions have following main uses Principle of Homogeneity of Dimensions
(i) Conversion of units This is based on the fact that This principle states that the dimensions of all the
the product of the numerical value ( n) and its terms in a physical expression should be same. For
corresponding unit (u) is a constant, i. e., 1
example, in the physical expression s = ut + at2 , the
n [ u] = constant or n1 [ u1] = n2 [ u2 ] 2
1
Suppose the dimensions of a physical quantity are dimensions of s, ut and at2 all are same.
a in mass, b in length and c in time. If the 2
fundamental units in one system are M1, L1 and T1 Note The physical quantities separated by the symbols + , -, =, >, < etc, have the
and in the other system are M2 , L2 and T2
same dimensions.
respectively. Then, we can write
n1 [M1a Lb1 T1c ] = n2 [M2a Lb2 T2c ] …(i) Example 1.4 The velocity v of a particle depends upon the
Here, n1 and n2 are the numerical values in two c
time t according to the equation v = a + bt + × Write the
system of units respectively. Using Eq. (i), we can d+t
convert the numerical value of a physical quantity dimensions of a, b, c and d.
from one system of units into the other system.
Solution From principle of homogeneity
Example 1.2 The value of gravitational constant is
G = 6.67 ´ 10 –11
N-m /kg 2 2
in SI units. Convert it into CGS [ a] = [ v]
system of units. or [ a] = [LT -1 ]
Solution The dimensional formula of G is [M -1L3 T -2 ]. [ bt] = [ v]
Using Eq. (i), i.e., [ v] [LT -1 ]
or [ b] = =
n1[M1–1L31 T1–2 ] = n2 [M2–1L32 T2–2 ] [t] [ T]
éM ù
–1 3
é L1 ù é T1 ù
–2 or [ b] = [LT-2 ]
n2 = n1 ê 1 ú êL ú ê T ú Similarly, [ d ] = [t] = [ T]
ë M2 û ë 2û ë 2û
[ c]
Here, n1 = 6.67 ´ 10-11 Further, = [ v] or [ c] = [ v][ d + t]
[ d + t]
–3
M1 = 1 kg, M2 = 1 g = 10 kg
or [ c] = [LT-1 ][ T]
L 1 = 1 m, L 2 = 1 cm = 10–2 m,
or [ c] = [L]
T1 = T2 = 1 s
(iii) To establish the relation among various physical
Substituting in the above equation, we get
quantities If we know the factors on which a given
–1
é 1 kg ù
3
é 1 m ù é1 s ù
–2
physical quantity may depend, we can find a
n2 = 6.67 ´ 10-11 ê –3 ú êë10–2 m úû êë1 s úû formula relating the quantity with those factors.
ë10 kg û Let us take an example.
or n2 = 6.67 ´ 10-8
Example 1.5 The frequency (f) of a stretched string depends
Thus, value of G in CGS system of units is
6.67 ´ 10-8 dyne cm2 /g2 . upon the tension F (dimensions of force), length l of the string
Chapter 1 · Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 5
and the mass per unit length m of string. Derive the formula Significant figures depends on the least count
for frequency. measuring instrument.
Solution Suppose, that the frequency f depends on the For example, when we measure the length of a
tension raised to the power a, length raised to the power b and straight line using a metre scale and it lies between 7.4 cm
mass per unit length raised to the power c. and 7.5 cm, we may estimate it as l = 7.43 cm. This
Then, f µ(F )a (l )b ( m )c expression has three significant figures out of these 7 and
or f = k (F)a (l)b (m )c …(i) 4 are precisely known but the last digit 3 is only
approximately known.
Here, k is a dimensionless constant.
Thus, [ f] = [F]a [ l]b [m ]c Rules for Counting Significant Figures
or [M0 L0 T –1 ] = [MLT –2 ]a [L]b [ML–1 ]c For counting significant figures, we use the following
or [M0 L0 T –1 ] = [M a + c La + b - c T -2 a] rules
For dimensional balance, the dimensions on both sides Rule 1 All non-zero digits are significant. For
should be same.
example, x = 2567 has four significant figures.
Thus, a+ c =0 …(ii)
Rule 2 The zeros appearing between two non-zero
a+ b - c =0 …(iii) digits are counted in significant figures, no matter where
and - 2a = - 1 …(iv) the decimal point is, if any. For example, 6.028 has
4 significant figures.
Solving these three equations, we get
Rule 3 If the number is less than 1, the zero(s) on the
1 1
a= , c=- and b = - 1 right of decimal point but to the left of first non-zero digit
2 2
are not significant.
Substituting these values in Eq. (i), we get
For example, 0.0042 has two significant digits.
f = k(F)1 / 2 (l)-1 (m )- 1 / 2 Rule 4 The terminal or trailing zero(s) in a number
or f=
k F without a decimal point are not significant. Thus, 426 m
l m = 42600 cm = 426000 mm has three significant figures.
1 Rule 5 In a number with decimal, zeros to the right of
Experimentally, the value of k is found to be ×
2 last non-zero digit are significant.
1 F For example, 4.600 or 0.002300 have four significant
Hence, f= figures each.
2l m
Point of confusion and its remedy
Limitations of Dimensional Analysis Suppose we change the units,then we will write
The method of dimensions has the following 2.30 m = 23.0 cm
= 2300 mm
limitations
= 0.00230 km
(i) By this method the value of dimensionless constant
cannot be calculated. When we are writing 2300 mm, then from Rule -4, we
would conclude erroneously that the number has two
(ii) By this method the equation containing trigono- significant figures, while in fact it has three significant
metrical, exponential and logarithmic terms figures and a mere change of units cannot change the
cannot be analysed. number of significant figures.
(iii) If a physical quantity depends on more than three To remove such ambiguities in determining the
factors, then relation among them cannot be number of significant figures, apply following rule.
established because we can have only three Rule 6 The power of 10 is irrelevant to the
equations by equalising the powers of M, L and T. determination of significant figures. For example, in the
measurements
1.2 Significant Figures 2.30 m = 2.30 ´ 102 cm
= 2.30 ´ 103 mm
Significant figures in the measured value of a physical
quantity tell the number of digits in which we have = 2.30 ´ 10 -3 km
confidence. Larger the number of significant figures The significant figures are three in each
obtained in a measurement, greater is the accuracy of the measurement, because all zeros appearing in the base
measurement. number in the scientific notation (in the power of 10) are
‘‘All accurately known digits in a measurement plus significant.
the first uncertain digit together form significant figures.’’
6 Objective Physics Volume 1
Rule 7 A choice of change of different units does not Example 1.2 + 3.45 + 6.789 = 11.439 » 11.4
change the number of significant digits or figures in a
Here, the least number of significant digits after
measurement.
the decimal is one. Hence, the result will be 11.4
For example, the length 7.03 cm has three significant (when rounded off to smallest number of decimal
figures. But in different units, the same value can be places).
written as, 0.0703 m or 70.3 mm. All these measurements
have the same number of significant figures (digits 7, 0 Example 12.63 - 10.2 = 2.43 » 2.4
and 3) namely three. (ii) Multiplication or Division Suppose in the
This shows that location of decimal point is of no measured values to be multiplied or divided, the
consequence in determining the number of significant least number of significant digits be n, then in the
figures. product or quotient, the number of significant
digits should also be n.
Measured value Number of significant figures Rule
Example 1.2 ´ 36.72 = 44.064 » 44
12376 5 1
The least number of significant digits in the measured
6024.7 5 2 values are two. Hence, the result when rounded off to two
0.071 2 3 significant digits become 44. Therefore, the answer is 44.
410 m 3 4 1100
Example = 107.8431373 » 110
2.40 3 6 10.2
1.6 ´ 10 10 2 7 As 1100 has minimum number of significant figures
( i. e., 2), therefore the result should also contain only two
significant digits. Hence, the result when rounded off to
Rounding off a Digit two significant digits becomes 110.
Following are the rules for rounding off a 1100 m /s
measurement Example = 107.8431373 » 108
10.2 m /s
Rule 1 If the number lying to the right of cut-off digit
is less than 5, then the cut-off digit is retained as such. Note In this case answer becomes 108. Think why?
However, if it is more than 5, then the cut-off digit is
increased by 1.
For example, x = 6.24 is rounded off to 6.2 to two
significant digits and x = 5.328 is rounded off to 5.33 to
1.3 Error Analysis
three significant digits. No measurement is perfect, as the errors involved in a
Rule 2 If the insignificant digit to be dropped is 5 then measurement cannot be removed completely. Measured
value is always somewhat different from the true value.
the rule is The difference is called an error.
(i) it the preceding digit is even, the insignificant Errors can be classified in two ways. First
digit is simply dropped. classification is based on the cause of error. Systematic
(ii) if the preceding digit is odd, the preceding digit is errors and random errors fall in this group.
raised by 1. Second classification is based on the magnitude of
For example, x = 6.265 is rounded off to x = 6.26 to error. Absolute error, mean absolute error and relative (or
three significant digits and, x = 6.275 is rounded off to fractional) error lie on this group. Now let us discuss them
x = 6.28 to three significant digits. separately.
(i) Systematic errors These are the errors whose
Algebraic Operations with Significant causes are known to us. Such errors can therefore
Figures be minimised. Following are few causes of these
In addition , subtraction, multiplication or division the errors.
final result should not have more significant figures than (a) Instrumental errors may be due to erroneous
the original data from which it was obtained. To instruments. These errors can be reduced by
understand this, let us consider a chain of which all links using more accurate instruments and applying
are strong except the one. The chain will obviously break zero correction, when required.
at the weakest link. Thus, the strength of the chain cannot (b) Sometimes errors arise on account of ignoring
be more than the strength of the weakest link in the chain. certain facts. For example, in measuring time
period of simple pendulum error may creap
(i) Addition and Subtraction Suppose in the because no consideration is taken of air
measured values to be added or subtracted, the resistance. These errors can be reduced by
least number of significant digits after the decimal applying proper corrections to the formula used.
is n. Then, in the sum or difference also, the
(c) Change in temperature, pressure, humidity
number of significant digits after the decimal etc., may also sometimes cause errors in the
should be n.
Chapter 1 · Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 7
(v) Relative or fractional error The ratio of mean Further, let Da is the absolute error in the
absolute error to the mean value of the quantity measurement of a, Db is the absolute error in the
measured is called relative or fractional error. measurement of b and Dx is the absolute error in
Thus, the measurement of x. Then,
Da x + Dx = ( a ± Da) ± ( b ± Db)
Relative error = mean = ( a ± b) ± ( ± Da ± Db)
am
= x ± ( ± Da ± Db)
Relative error expressed in percentage is called as or Dx = ± Da ± Db
the percentage error, i.e., The four possible values of Dx are ( Da - Db),
Da ( Da + Db),( - Da - Db) and ( - Da + Db). Therefore, the
Percentage error = mean ´ 100
am maximum absolute error in x is
Dx = ± ( Da + Db )
Example 1.6 The diameter of a wire as measured by a screw
gauge was found to be 2.620, 2.625, 2.630, 2.628 and 2.626 cm. i. e., the maximum absolute error in sum and
Calculate difference of two quantities is equal to sum of the
(a) mean value of diameter, absolute errors in the individual quantities.
(b) absolute error in each measurement,
(c) mean absolute error,
(d) fractional error,
8 Objective Physics Volume 1
Solved Examples
1 2 Solution Let F = k (m)x (v)y (r )z …(i)
Example 1. Check the correctness of the relation s = ut + at
2 Here, k is a dimensionless constant of proportinality.
where u is initial velocity, a the acceleration, t the time and s
Writing the dimensions of RHS and LHS in Eq. (i), we
the displacement. have
Solution Writing the dimensions of either side of the given [MLT -2 ] =[M]x [LT -1 ]y [L]z
equation. = [M xLy + z T - y ]
LHS = s = displacement = [M0 LT0 ] Equating the powers of M, L and T of both sides, we have
RHS = ut = velocity ´ time = [M0 LT -1 ][T] =[M0 LT0 ] x = 1, y = 2 and y + z = 1
1 2 or z =1 - y = -1
and at = (acceleration) ´ (time)2
2 Putting the values in Eq. (i), we get
0 -2 2
= [M LT ][T] =[M LT ] 0 0
mv2
F = kmv2 r -1 = k
As LHS = RHS, formula is dimensionally correct. r
mv2
Example 2. Write the dimensions of a and b in the relation, F= (where k = 1)
b - x2 r
P=
at Example 4. Write down the number of significant figures in
where P is power, x the distance and t the time. the following :
(a) 6428 (b) 62.00 m
Solution The given equation can be written as, (c) 0.00628 cm (d) 1200 N
Pat = b - x2
Solution (a) 6428 has four significant figures.
Now, [ Pat] = [ b] = [ x2 ]
(b) 62.00 m has four significant figures.
or [ b] = [ x2 ] = [M0 L2 T0 ]
(c) 0.00628 cm has three significant figures.
[ x2 ] [L2 ]
and [ a] = = (d) 1200 N has four significant figures.
[ Pt] [ML2 T -3 ][T]
Example 5. Round off to four significant figures :
= [M -1L0 T2 ] (a) 45.689 (b) 2.0082
Example 3. The centripetal force F acting on a particle Solution (a) 45.69
moving uniformly in a circle may depend upon mass (m),
(b) 2.008
velocity (v) and radius (r) of the circle. Derive the formula for F
using the method of dimensions. Example 6. Add 6.75 ´103 cm to 4.52 ´102 cm with regard to
significant figures.
10 Objective Physics Volume 1
Example 7. A thin wire has a length of 21.7 cm and radius Example 9. The radius of sphere is measured to be
0.46 cm. Calculate the volume of the wire to correct significant ( 2.1 ± 0.5) cm . Calculate its surface area with error limits.
figures. Solution Surface area, S = 4pr 2
Solution Given l = 21.7 cm, æ 22 ö
= (4) ç ÷ (2.1)2
è7ø
r = 0.46 mm = 0.046 cm
Volume of wire V = pr 2 l = 55.44 = 55.4 cm2
22 DS Dr
= (0.046)2 (21.7) Further, =2
7 S r
= 0.1443 cm3 = 0.14 cm3 æ Dr ö
or DS = 2 ç ÷ (S)
è r ø
Note The result is rounded off to least number of significant figures in the given
measurements i . e., 2 ( in 0.46 mm ). 2 ´ 0.5 ´ 55.4
=
2.1
Example 8. The refractive index (n) of glass is found to have = 26.38 = 26.4 cm2
the values 1.49, 1.50, 1.52, 1.54 and 1.48. Calculate
(a) the mean value of refractive index, \ S = (55.4 ± 26.4) cm2
(b) absolute error in each measurement, Example 10. Calculate focal length of a spherical mirror from
the following observations. Object distance u = (50.1 ± 0.5) cm
(c) mean absolute error,
and image distance v = (20.1 ± 0.2) cm.
(d) fractional error, and
1 1 1
(e) percentage error. Solution = +
f v u
Solution (a) Mean value of refractive index, uv
or f=
1.49 + 1.50 + 1.52 + 1.54 + 1.48 u+v
nm =
5 (50.1) (20.1)
= = 14.3 cm
= 1.505 = 1.51 (50.1 + 20.1)
(rounded off to two decimal places) Df é Du Dv Du + Dv ù
Also, =±ê + +
(b) Taking nm as the true value, the asbolute errors in f ë u v u + v úû
different observations are,
é 0.5 0.2 0.5 + 0.2 ù
Dn1 = 1.51 - 1.49 = + 0.02 =±ê + +
ë 50.1 20.1 50.1 + 20.1úû
Dn2 = 1.51 - 1.50 = + 0.01
Dn3 = 1.51 - 1.52 = - 0.01 = [0.00998 + 0.00995 + 0.00997]
Dn4 = 1.51 - 1.54 = - 0.03 = ± (0.0299)
Dn5 = 1.51 - 1.48 = + 0.03 \ Df = 0.0299 ´ 14.3
(c) Mean absolute error, = 0.428 = 0.4 cm
| Dn1 | + | Dn2 | + | Dn3 | + | Dn4 | + | Dn5 | \ f = (14.3 ± 0.4) cm
Dnmean =
5
Chapter 1 · Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 11
NCERT Corner
1. Fill in the blanks æ 1 ö
-2
(a) Least count of vernier callipers 9. A physical quantity P is related to four observables
= 1 MSD - 1 VSD a3 b2
a, b, c and d as follows P = . The percentage errors
19 1 cd
= 1 MSD - MSD = MSD
20 20 of measurement in a, b, c and d are 1%, 3%, 4% and 2%
=
1
mm
respectively. What is the percentage error in the
20 quantity P? If the value of P calculated using the
1 above relation turns out to be 3.763, to what value
= cm should you round off the result?
200
= 0.005 cm a 3b 2
Solution P=
(b) Least count of screw gauge ( c )d
Pitch \Percentage error in P is given by
=
Number of divisions of circular scale DP æ Da ö æ Db ö
1 1 ´ 100 = 3 ç ´ 100÷ + 2 ç ´ 100÷
= mm = cm P è a ø è b ø
100 1000 1 æ Dc ö æ Dd ö
=0.001 cm + ç ´ 100÷ + ç ´ 100÷ …(i)
2è c ø è d ø
(c) Wavelength of light, l » 10 -5 cm = 0.00001 cm Da Dc ù
´ 100 = 1%, ´ 100 = 4% ú
\ Least count of optical instrument = 0.00001 cm a c ...(ii)
Db Dd ú
Thus, clearly the optical instrument is the most precise. ´ 100 = 3 %, ´ 100 = 2% ú
6. State the number of significant figures in the b d û
following \From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
(a) 0.007 m 2 (b) 2.64 ´ 1024 kg DP 1
´ 100 = 3 ´ 1% + 2 ´ 3% + ´ 4% + 2%
(c) 0.2370 g cm -3
(d) 6.320 J P 2
= 3 + 6 + 2 + 2 = 13%
(e) 6.032 Nm -2 (f) 0.0006032 m 2
The calculation of error clearly shows that the number of
Solution The number of significant figures is as given below. significant figures is 2, so the result of P may be rounded off
(a) 1 (b) 3 to two significant digits i.e. P = 3.763 = 3.8.
(c) 4 (d) 4
(e) 4 (f) 4 10. A book with many printing errors contains four
different formulae for the displacement y of a particle
7. The length, breadth and thickness of a rectangular under going a certain periodic motion :
sheet of metal are 4.234 m, 1.005 m and 2.01 cm 2pt
respectively. Give the area and volume of the sheet to (a) y = a sin
T
correct significant figures.
(b) y = a sin vt
Solution Here length, l = 4.234 m a
(c) y = sin (t / a)
Breadth, b = 1.005 m T
Thickness, h = 0.0201 m = 2.01 cm æ a öæ 2 pt 2 pt ö
(d) y = ç ÷ ç sin + cos ÷
Area of the sheet = 2 ( lb + bh +hl ) è 2 øè T T ø
= 2 ( 4.234 ´ 1005
. + 1005
. ´ 0.0201 + 0.0201 ´ 4.234) (where a = maximum displacement of the particle,
= 8.7209468 m2 v = speed of the particle, T = time period of motion).
As the least number of significant figures in thickness is 3, Rule out the wrong formulae on dimensional grounds.
\ Area = 8.72 m2 Solution The argument of a trigonometrical function i . e., angle is
Volume = l ´ b ´ h dimensionless. Now here in each case dimensions of LHS is
[L] and dimensions of RHS in
= 4.234 ´ 1005
. ´ 0.0201 m3 = 0.0855 m3 2pt
æ ö
(a) = [L] çangle is dimensionless ÷
8. The mass of a box measured by a grocer’s balance is è T ø
2.3 kg. Two gold pieces of masses 20.15 g and 20.17 g (b) = [L] sin [LT -1 (T)] = [L] sin [L]
are added to the box. What is (a) the total mass of the
(angle is not dimensionless here)
box, (b) the difference in the mass of the pieces to
[L] [T]
correct significant figures? (c) = sin = [LT ] sin [TL-1]
-1
[T] [L]
Solution (a) Total mass = (2.300 + 0.02015 + 0.02017) kg
(angle is not dimensionless here)
= 2.34032 kg é T Tù
As the least number of significant figures in the mass of (d) = [L] êsin + cos ú = [L]
ë T Tû
box is 2, so maximum number of significant figures in
the result can be 2. \Formulae (b) and (c) are wrong.
\ Total mass = 2.3 kg 11. The unit of length convenient on the atomic scale is
(b) Difference in masses = 20.17 - 20.15 = 0.02 g known as an angstrom and is denoted by Å. 1 Å
= 10 -10 m . The size of the hydrogen atom is about
Since there are two significant figures, so the difference
in masses to the correct significant figures is 0.02 g. 0.5 Å. What is the total atomic volume in m 3 of a
mole of hydrogen atoms?
Chapter 1 · Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 13
Solution Time taken by the wave to go from submarine to enemy puzzling features which have not yet been
submarine is satisfactorily explained. What is the distance in km of
77 a quasar from which light takes 3.0 billion years to
t = = 38.5 s reach us?
2
Speed of sound, v = 1450 ms -1 Solution Time taken, t = 3 ´ 10 9 years
20. Dimensions of torque are 36. Assuming that the mass m of the largest stone that can be
(a) [M2L2 T2 ] (b) [ML2 T -2 ] moved by a flowing river depends upon the velocity v of the
0 -1
(c) [ML T ] (d) [ML2 T -1] water, its density r and the acceleration due to gravity g.
21. Dimensions of impulse are Then, m is directly proportional to
(a) [ML-2 T -3 ] (b) [ML-2 ] (a) v 3 (b) v 4
5
(c) [MLT ] -1
(d) [MLT -2 ] (c) v (d) v 6
22. What is the dimensional formula of gravitational constant? 37. If p represents radiation pressure, c represent speed of light
(a) [ML2 T -2 ] (b) [ML-1T -1] and Q represents radiation energy striking a unit area per
-1 3 -2
(c) [M L T ] (d) None of these second, then non-zero integers x , y and z such that p x Q y c z
23. Dimensions of surface tension are is dimensionless are
(a) [M2L2 T -2 ] (b) [M2LT -2 ] (a) x = 1, y = 1, z = - 1
(c) [MT ]-2
(d) [MLT -2 ] (b) x = 1, y = - 1, z = 1
(c) x = - 1, y = 1, z = 1
24. The dimensional formula for Young’s modulus is
(d) x = 1, y = 1, z = 1
(a) [ML-1T -2 ] (b) [M 0LT -2 ]
(c) [MLT ] -2
(d) [ML2 T -2 ] 38. The units of length, velocity and force are doubled. Which of
the following is the correct change in the other units?
25. Which of the following is the dimensions of the coefficient of
(a) Unit of time is doubled
friction?
(b) Unit of mass is doubled
(a) [M2L2 T] (b) [M 0L0 T 0 ]
(c) Unit of momentum is doubled
(c) [ML2 T -2 ] (d) [M2L2 T -2 ] (d) Unit of energy is doubled
26. The dimensional formula for the action will be 39. Which of the following pairs has the same units?
(a) [MLT -2 ] (b) [M2LT -2 ] (a) Wavelength and Rydberg constant
2 -1
(c) [ML T ] (d) [M2L2 T -2 ] (b) Relative velocity and relative density
-1 -1
27. [ML T ] stand for dimensions of (c) Thermal capacity and Boltzmann constant
(a) work (b) torque (d) Time period and acceleration gradient
(c) linear momentum (d) coefficient of viscosity 40. The dimensional representation of specific resistance in
28. Dimensions of relative density is terms of charge Q is
(a) [ML-2 ] (b) [ML-3 ] (a) [ML3 T -1Q -2 ] (b) [ML2 T -2Q2 ]
(c) dimensionless (d) [M2L-6] (c) [MLT Q ]-2 -1
(d) [ML2 T -2Q -1]
29. The dimensions of the ratio of angular to linear momentum 41. Which of the following will have the dimensions of time?
us R
(a) [M 0LT 0 ] (b) [MLT -1] (a) LC (b)
2 -1
L
(c) [ML T ] (d) [M -1L-1T -1] L C
(c) (d)
30. The dimensional formula for thermal resistance is R L
(a) [ML2 T -3K -1] (b) [ML2 T -2 A -1] 42. If C and R denote capacity and resistance, the dimensions of
2 -3 -2
(c) [ML T K ] (d) [M -1L-2 T3K] CR are
31. [ML2 T -3 A -1] is the dimensional formula for (a) [M 0L0 T]
(a) capacitance (b) resistance (b) [ML0 T]
(c) resistivity (d) potential difference (c) [M 0L0 T2 ]
32. Temperature can be expressed as a derived quantity in (d) not expressible in terms of M, L and T
terms of any of the following 43. The force F on a sphere of radius a moving in a medium with
(a) length and mass (b) mass and time velocity v is given by F = 6p ha v . The dimensions of h are
(c) length, mass and time (d) None of these (a) [ML-3 ] (b) [MLT -2 ]
-1
æt ö (c) [MT ] (d) [ML-1T -1]
33. Given that y = a cos ç - qx ÷ , where t represents time in
èp ø æx ö
44. The equation of a wave is given by y = a sin w ç - k ÷
following statements is true? è v ø
(a) The unit of x is same as that of q where w is angular velocity and v is the linear velocity. The
(b) The unit of x is same as that of p dimension of k will be
(c) The unit of t is same as that of q (a) [T -2 ] (b) [T -1]
(d) The unit of t is same as that of p (c) [T] (d) [LT]
34. The dimensional formula [ML0 T -3 ] is more closely associated 45. A force is given by F = at + bt 2 , where t is the time. The
with dimensions of a and b are
(a) power (b) energy
(a) [MLT -4] and [MLT] (b) [MLT -1] and [MLT 0 ]
(c) intensity (d) velocity gradient -3 -4
(c) [MLT ] and [MLT ] (d) [MLT -3 ] and [MLT 0 ]
35. Which of the following is dimensionally correct?
(a) Pressure = energy per unit area 46. The dimensional formula for Planck’s constant and angular
(b) Pressure = energy per unit volume momentum is
(c) Pressure = force per unit volume (a) [ML2 T -2 ] and [MLT -1] (b) [ML2 T -1] and [ML2 T -1]
3 -1 2 -2
(d) Pressure = momentum per unit volume per unit time (c) [ML T ] and [ML T ] (d) [MLT -1] and [MLT -2 ]
16 Objective Physics Volume 1
76. A physical quantity Q is calculated according to the 83. A cuboid has volumeV = l ´ 2l ´ 3l , where l is the length of
expression one side. If the relative percentage error in the
measurement of l is 1%, then the relative percentage error
A3 B3 in measurement of V is
Q=
C D (a) 18% (b) 6% (c) 3% (d) 1%
If percentage errors in A, B, C , D are 2%, 1%, 3% and 4%
respectively. What is the percentage error in Q? Miscellaneous Problems
(a) ± 8% (b) ± 10% 84. The ratio of the SI unit to the CGS unit of modulus of rigidity
(c) ± 14% (d) ± 12% is
77. A body travels uniformly a distance of (13.8 ± 0.2) m in a time (a) 102 (b) 10 -2 (c) 10 -1 (d) 10
(4.0 ± 0.3) s. The velocity of the body within error limit is 85. Imagine a system of unit in which the unit of mass is 10 kg,
(a) (3.45 ± 0.2) ms -1 length is 1 km and time is 1 min. Then, 1 J in this system is
(b) (3.45 ± 0.3) ms -1 equal to
(a) 360 (b) 3.6
(c) (3.45 ± 0.4) ms -1
(c) 36 ´ 105 (d) 36 ´ 10 -5
(d) (3.45 ± 0.5) ms -1
86. The dimensional formula for molar thermal capacity is same
78. If the error in the measurement of momentum of a particle is
as that of
( + 100%), then the error in the measurement of kinetic
(a) gas constant (b) specific heat
energy is
(c) Boltzmann’s constant (d) Stefan’s constant
(a) 100% (b) 200%
(c) 300% (d) 400% 87. In measuring electric energy, 1kWh is equal to
(a) 3.6 ´ 10 4 J (b) 3.6 ´ 10 6 J
79. If error in measuring diameter of a circle is 4%, the error in 6
(c) 7.3 ´ 10 J (d) None of these
measuring radius of the circle would be
(a) 2% (b) 8% 88. Out of the following four dimensional quantities, which one
(c) 4% (d) 1% qualifies to be called a dimensional constant?
80. The values of two resistors are (5.0 ± 0.2) kW and (a) Acceleration due to gravity
(10.0 ± 0.1) kW. What is the percentage error in the (b) Surface tension of water
equivalent resistance when they are connected in parallel? (c) Weight of a standard kilogram mass
(a) 2% (b) 5% (d) The velocity of light in vacuum
(c) 7% (d) 10% 89. The square root of the product of inductance and
capacitance has the dimensions of
81. The heat generated in a wire depends on the resistance,
(a) length (b) time
current and time. If the error in measuring the above are
(c) mass (d) no dimension
1%, 2% and 1% respectively. The maximum error in
measuring the heat is 90. With usual notation, the following equation, said to give the
(a) 8% (b) 6% distance covered in the nth second. i.e.,
(c) 18% (d) 12% ( 2n - 1)
Sn = u + a is
2
82. A force F is applied on a square plate of side L. If the
(a) numerically correct only
percentage error in the determination of L is 2% and that in
(b) dimensionally correct only
F is 4%. What is the permissible error in pressure?
(c) both dimensionally and numerically only
(a) 8% (b) 6%
(d) neither numerically nor dimensionally correct
(c) 4% (d) 2%
Reason In every measurement, more the last digit is not The change in a or b i.e., Da or Db may be comparable to a
accurately known. and b.
8. Assertion When we change the unit of measurement of a Reason The above relation is valid when Da << a and
Db << b .
quantity, its numerical value changes.
Reason Smaller the unit of measurement smaller is its 13. Assertion Systematic errors and random errors fall in the
numerical value. same group of errors.
Reason Both systematic and random errors are based on the
9. Assertion L / R and CR both have same dimensions. cause of error.
Reason L / R and CR both have dimension of time.
14. Assertion Absolute error may be negative or positive.
Magnetic dipole moment ´ moment induction Reason Absolute error is the difference between the real
10. Assertion
Moment of inertia value and the measured value of a physical quantity.
15. Assertion The watches having hour hand, minute hand and
Dimensional formula [M 0L0 T]
seconds hand have least count as 1 s.
Reason The given dimension is that of frequency.
Reason Least count is the maximum measurement that can
Modulus of elasticity be measured accurately by an instrument.
11. Assertion has the unit ms -1.
Density 16. Assertion Pendulum bob is preferred to be spherical.
1 Reason Sphere has minimum surface area.
Reason Acceleration has the dimensions of .
( e0 m 0 ) t 17. Assertion A screw gauge having a smaller value of pitch has
greater accuracy.
a n
Dx æ ± Da ö æ ± Db ö Reason The least count of screw gauge is directly
12. Assertion If x = m
the =n ç ÷-m ç ÷
b x è a ø è b ø proportional to the number of divisions on circular scale.
Entrance Corner
1. The SI unit of activity of a radioactive sample is (a) Joule (b) Erg
[J& K CET 2011] (c) Newton (d) Watt
(a) Curie 3. The SI unit of thermal conductivity is [J& K CET 2011]
(b) Rutherford (a) Jsm-1K -1
(c) Becquerel (b) W -1m-1K -1
(d) Millicurie
(c) Wm-1K -1
2. SI unit of power is [J& K CET 2011]
(d) Wm-2K -1
20 Objective Physics Volume 1
4. The dimensions of (m 0 e0 ) -1/ 2 are [CBSE AIPMT 2011] is the volume, T is absolute temperature and a and b are
-1 -1 constants. The dimensional formula of a is [JCECE 2010]
(a) [L T] (b) [LT ]
(a) [ML5 T -2 ] (b) [M -1L5 T -2 ]
(c) [L-1/2 T1/2 ] (d) [L1/2 T -1/2 ] -1 -2
(c) [ML T ] (d) [ML-5 T -2 ]
5. Surface tension has the same dimensions as that of - aZ
a
[Kerala CEE 2011] 17. The relation p = e k q , where p is pressure, Z is distance,
(a) coefficient of viscosity b
(b) impulse k is Boltzmann constant and q is temperature. The
(c) momentum dimensional formula of b will be [AFMC 2010]
(d) spring constant (a) [M 0L2 T 0 ] (b) [ML2 T]
(e) frequency (c) [ML0 T -1] (d) [M 0L2 T -1]
6. The dimension of impulse is [J&K CET 2011]
18. The dimension of electromotive force in terms of current A
(a) [MLT -1] (b) [ML2 T -1]
is [BVP 2010]
(c) [ML-1T -1] (d) [MT -1]
(a) [ML-2 A -2 ] (b) [ML2 T -2 A -2 ]
7. If C be the capacitance and V be the electric potential, then (c) [ML2 T -2 A -2 ] (d) [ML2 T -3 A -1]
the dimensional formula of CV 2 is [KCET 2011]
1
(a) [ML2 T -2 A 0 ] (b) [MLT -2 A -1] 19. The dimensional formula of is [Guj. CET 2010]
(c) [M 0LT -2 A 0 ] (d) [ML-3 TA] m 0 e0
8. What is the dimension of surface tension? [WB JEE 2011] (a) [M 0LT -2 ] (b) [M 0L-2 T -2 ]
-1
(a) [MLT 0 ] (b) [MLT -1]
0
(c) [M LT ] (d) [M 0L2 T -2 ]
0 -2
(c) [ML T ] (d) [ML0 T -2 ] 20. If p =
RT -aV / RT
e , then dimensional formula of a is
9. The unit of magnetic moment is [Guj. CET 2010] V -b [UP CPMT 2010]
(a) TJ -1 (b) JT -1 (a) p (b) R
(c) Am-2 (d) Am-1 (c) T (d) V
10. Unit of electrical conductivity is [UP CPMT 2010] 21. Velocity v is given by v = at 2 + bt + c , where t is time. What
(a) ohm (b) siemen are the dimensions of a, b and c respectively?
(c) m / mho (d) mho / m
11. From the dimensional consideration which of the following [UP CPMT 2010]
equations is correct? [Haryana PMT 2010] (a) [LT -3 ], [LT -2 ] and [LT -1] (b) [LT -1], [LT -2 ] and [LT -3 ]
R3 GM (c) [LT -2 ], [LT -3 ] and [LT -1] (d) [LT -1], [LT -3 ] and [LT -2 ]
(a) T = 2p (b) T = 2p
GM R3 22. If E , M , L and G denote energy, mass, angular momentum
GM R2 and gravitation constant respectively, then the quantity
(c) T = 2p 2
(d) T = 2p ( E 2 L2 / M 5G 2 ) has the dimensions of [AMU 2010]
R GM
(a) angle (b) length
12. If force F , length L and time T be considered fundamental
(c) mass (d) None of these
units, then units of mass will be [VMMC 2010]
(a) [FLT -2 ] (b) [FL-2 T -1] 23. A capillary tube is attached horizontally to a constant heat
(c) [FL-1T2 ] (d) [F 2LT -2 ] arrangement. If the radius of the capillary tube is increased
by 10%, then the rate of flow of liquid will change nearly by
13. Dimensions of capacitance is [Manipal 2010]
[WB JEE 2010]
(a) [M -1L-2 T 4A2 ] (b) [MLT -3 A -1]
(a) + 10% (b) + 46%
(c) [ML2 T -3 A -1] (d) [M -1L-2 T3 A -1]
(c) - 10% (d) - 40%
14. A uniform wire of length L, diameter D and density r is 24. If momentum is increased by 20%, then kinetic energy
stretched under a tensionT. The correct relation between its
increases by [WB JEE 2010]
fundamental frequency f , the length L and the diameter D
(a) 48% (b) 44%
is [KCET 2010]
1 1 (c) 40% (d) 36%
(a) f µ (b) f µ 25. If increase in linear momentum of a body is 50%, then
LD L D
1 1 change in its kinetic energy is [Manipal 2010]
(c) f µ 2 (d) f µ (a) 25% (b) 125%
D LD 2
(c) 150% (d) 50%
15. The dimensions of resistance are same as those of ......
where h is the Planck's constant, e is the charge. 26. At constant temperature, the volume of a gas is to be
decreased by 4%. The pressure must be increased by
[KCET 2010]
h2 h2 [BVP 2010]
(a) 2 (b) (a) 4% (b) 4.16%
e e
h h (c) 8% (d) 3.86%
(c) 2 (d) 27. Choose the incorrect statement out of the following.
e e
16. The equation of state of some gases can be expressed as [AMU 2010]
æ a ö (a) Every measurement by any measuring instrument has
ç p + 2 ÷ (V - b ) = RT where, p is absolute the pressure, V some errors
è V ø
(b)
Chapter 1 · Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 21
Every calculated physical quantity that is based on (a) [ML-1T -1] (b) [MLT -1]
measured values has some error (c) [M 0LT -1] (d) [ML0 T -1]
(c) A measurement can have more accuracy but less
precision and vice versa 31. By what percentage should the pressure of a given mass of a
(d) The percentage error is different form relative error gas be increased, so as to decrease its volume by 10% at a
constant temperature? [AIIMS 2009]
28. Which one of the following quantities has not been
(a) 5% (b) 7.2%
expressed in proper units? [Kerala CEE 2009]
(c) 12.5% (d) 11.1%
(a) Torque Newton metre 32. Percentage error in the measurement of mass and speed are
(b) Stress Newton metre -2 2% and 3% respectively. The error in the estimation of
(c) Modulus of elasticity Newton metre -2 kinetic energy obtained by measuring mass and speed will
(d) Power Newton metre/second-1 be [AIIMS 2009]
(e) Surface tension Newton metre -2 (a) 12% (b) 10%
29. The unit of specific conductivity is [Manipal 2009] (c) 2% (d) 8%
(a) W - cm-1 (b) W - cm-2 33. If the length of a seconds pendulum is increased by 2% then
(c) W -1 - cm (d) W -1 - cm-1 in a day the pendulum [Kerala CEE 2009]
(a) loses 764 s (b) loses 924 s
30. An object is moving through the liquid. The viscous damping (c) gains 236 s (d) loses 864 s
force action on it is proportional to the velocity. Then (e) gains 346 s
dimensional formula of constant of proportionality is
[UP CPMT, Punjab PMET 2009]
Answers
Objective Problems (Level 1)
1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (b) 10. (c)
11. (c) 12. (d) 13. (a) 14. (c) 15. (d) 16. (d) 17. (b) 18. (a) 19. (d) 20. (b)
21. (c) 22. (c) 23. (c) 24. (a) 25. (b) 26. (a) 27. (d) 28. (c) 29. (a) 30. (d)
31. (d) 32. (d) 33. (d) 34. (c) 35. (b) 36. (d) 37. (b) 38. (c) 39. (c) 40. (a)
41. (c) 42. (a) 43. (d) 44. (c) 45. (c) 46. (b) 47. (b) 48. (b) 49. (a) 50. (a)
51. (a) 52. (b) 53. (d) 54. (c) 55. (b) 56. (b) 57. (a) 58. (b) 59. (b) 60. (c)
61. (b) 62. (a) 63. (a) 64. (d) 65. (a) 66. (d) 67. (d) 68. (b) 69. (c) 70. (a)
71. (a) 72. (c) 73. (b) 74. (d) 75. (a) 76. (d) 77. (b) 78. (c) 79. (c) 80. (c)
81. (b) 82. (a) 83. (c) 84. (d) 85. (d) 86. (c) 87. (b) 88. (d) 89. (b) 90. (c)
Entrance Corner
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (d) 6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (d)
11. (a) 12. (c) 13. (a) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (a) 17. (a) 18. (d) 19. (d) 20. (a)
21. (a) 22. (d) 23. (b) 24. (b) 25. (b) 26. (b) 27. (d) 28. (c) 29. (d) 30. (c)
31. (d) 32. (d) 33. (d)
22 Objective Physics Volume 1
Solutions
Objective Problems (Level 1) 45. [a] =
éF ù éF ù
and [ b ] = 2
1. Leap year, year and shake are the units of time. êë t úû êë t úû
3. 1 light year = ( 3 ´ 105 ) ( 365) ( 24) ( 3600) 1
47. e0 E 2 is energy density or energy per unit volume.
= 9.416 ´ 1012 km 2
8. Impulse = change in linear momentum. a - t2
48. p = , where p-pressure, t-time
13. Solid angle, strain and dielectric constant are dimensionless bx
constant. [ pbx ] = [a] = [t 2 ]
h
14. Since ( mvr ) = n × [t 2 ]
2p Hence, [b] =
[ px ]
and E = hn
So, unit of h = joule second = angular momentum a
Dimensions of = [ px ] = [ MT -2 ]
17. Wb/m2 and tesla are the units of magnetic field. b
21. Impulse = Force ´ time 49. Velocity gradient is change in velocity per unit length.
24. Young's modulus and pressure have the same dimensions. 50. Unit of emf e is volt.
26. Action is a force. év ù
51. [a] =
Density of substance êë t úû : [ b ] = [vt ] : [c ] = [t ]
28. Relative density =
Density of water at 4° C temperature 1 qq
54. F = ´ 12 2
= Dimensionless 4pe0 r
36. m µ v r g . Writing the dimensions on both sides
a b c
1 q1q2
Þ e0 = ´
[M] = [LT -1] a [ML-2 ] b [LT -2 ]c 4p Fr 2
[M] = [M bLa - 3 b + c T - a - 2c ] (coulomb)2
Þ e0 =
\ b =1 newton - metre2
a - 3b + c = 0 55. From definition of time constant t = RC , where R is
- a - 2c = 0 resistance and C is capacitance.
Solving these we get t
a =6 \ R=
C
Hence, m µv 6 [ T]
= -1 -2 4 2
[M L T A ]
37. Since p x Q y c z is dimensionless. Therefore,
R = [ ML2 T -3 A -2 ]
[ML-1T -2 ] x [MT -3 ]y [LT -1] z = [M 0L0 T 0 ]
56. M = NIA
Only option (b) satisfies this expression
So x = 1, y = - 1, z = 1 rl
57. Since, R = , where r is specific resistance
38. Since units of length, velocity and force and doubled A
[force] [time] [length] é RA ù V W
Hence, [ m ] = , [time] = [r] = ê , R = ,V =
[velocity] [velocity] ë l úû i Q
Hence unit of mass, and time remains same. [r] = [ML3 T -1Q -2 ]
Momentum is doubled. 68. R = 0.16 mm
rl Hence, A = p R2
40. Since, R = , where r is specific resistance.
A 22
´ ( 0.16)2
=
é RA ù V W 7
\ [r] = ê , R = ,V =
ë l úû i Q = 0.080384
[r] = [ML3 T -1Q -2 ] Since radius has two significant figure so answer also will
41. i = i 0 {1 - e -t /( L / R )} have two significant figures.
L \ A = 0.080
Where is time constant and its dimension is same as for 73. Minimum number of significant figure should be 1.
R
time. 75. Radius of ball = 5.2 cm
42. CR is time constant. 4 3
V = pR
44. wk is dimensionless. 3
Chapter 1 · Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 23
DV æ DR ö GM 1 L2
=3 ç ÷ 10. g = : K = Iw2 =
2
V è R ø R 2 2I
æ DV ö æ 0.2 ö Further, L will remain constant.
ç ÷ ´ 100 = 3 ç ÷ ´ 100
è V ø è 5.2 ø 1
\ K µ
= 11% I
78. Since error in measurement of momentum is + 100% 1
or K µ
2
\ p1 = p , p2 = 2 p MR2
5
P2 ( 2p )2
K1 = , K2 = or K µ R -2
2m 2m
and g µ R -2
æ K - K1ö
% in K = çç 2 ÷÷ ´ 100 1
11. Energy = mv 2
è K1 ø 2
æ 4 - 1ö [E]
=ç ÷ ´ 100 [ m] = 2 = [Ev -2 ]
è 1 ø [v ]
= 300% 12. [Froce] = [MLT2 ]
2
81. H = i R t æ 1 öæ 1 ö 2
\ 1N = ç ÷ç ÷ ( 3600)
è 100 ø è 1000 ø
\ % error in H = 2 (% error in i)
= 129.6 units.
+ (% error in R) + (% error in t) 13. [FL-1T2 ] = [ MLT -2 ] [L-1] [ T2 ] = [ M]
F F
82. p = = 2 = FL-2 p
A L 14. Here, ( ct - x ) is dimensionless.
l
% error in pressure = (% error in F ) + 2 (error in L)
ct
= ( 4%) + 2 ( 2%) Hence, is also dimensionless and unit of ct is same as that
l
= 8% of x.
1 Therefore, unit of l is same as that of x. Also unit of y is same
89. f =
2p LC as that of A, which is also that unit of x.
1 T 15. m is mass per unit length.
or LC = =
2pf 2p
Match the Columns
Thus, LC has the dimensions of time.
3. [ A] = [L2 ]
Objective Problems (Level 2) \ [L] = [ A1/ 2 ]
3. Volume of cylinder [ T] = [ T]
æDö [F ] = [ MLT -2 ]
V = pr 2 L, r = ç ÷
è2ø \ [ M] = [FL-1T2 ] = [FA1/ 2 T2 ]
æ DV ö æ DD ö æ DL ö Now, [ W] = [FL] = [FA1/ 2 ]
\ ç ÷ ´ 100 = 2 ç ÷ ´ 100 + ç ÷ ´ 100
è V ø è D ø è L ø [I] = [ ML2 ] = [FA -1/ 2 T2 A] = [FA1/ 2 T2 ]
æ 0.01ö æ 0.1 ö [ V] = [LT -1] = [ A1/ 2 T -1]
=2 ç ÷ ´ 100 + ç ÷ ´ 100
è 4.0 ø è 0.5 ø
= 2.5% Entrance Corner
4. Since error is measured for 400 observations instead of 100 1. The SI unit of activity of a radioactive sample is Becqueral.
observations. So error will reduce by 1/4 factor. 2. The SI unit of power is watt.
x
Hence, = 3. The SI unit of thermal conductivity is Wm-1 K -1.
4
4. This expression for speed of light and the dimensions of
5. Dimension of (ohm) R
h speed of light are [LT -1].
= 2 ; (e = charge = current ´ time)
e 5. Surface tension has the same dimension as that of spring
[ Et ] constant.
=
[ it ]2 6. The dimension of impulse = [MLT -1].
P æE ö 7. We know, Energy, E = CV 2
= = ( R ) as P = ç ÷
i2 èt ø Dimensions of CV 2 = Dimensions of energy, E
-2 -1 2 2 -2 -1
8. [ f] = [ BS] = [ MT A ] [L ] = [ ML T A ] = [ ML2 T -2 ]
24 Objective Physics Volume 1
2 -1
8. We know, T =
F é h ù [ML T ]
Now for
êë e úû
2
= = [ML2 T -3 A -2 ]
l [AT]2
Dimensions of F 16. In the equation p, V and T are pressure, volume and
Dimensions of T =
Dimension of L temperature respectively
[MLT2 ] æ a ö
T = ç p + 2 ÷ (V - b ) = RT
[L] è V ø
= [ML0 T -2 ] a
Dimensions of 2 will be same as that of pressure
9. Magnetic moment is the strength of magnet. Its SI unit is V
A ´ m2 or N-m/T or JT -1. a
\ Dimensions of 2 = dimensions of p
V
10. Unit of electrical conductivity is mho / m or siemem / m.
Dimension of a = dimension of p ´ dimension of V 2
R3 [ML-1T -2 ] [L6] = [ML5 T -2 ]
11. Taking T = 2p
GM aZ
17. In the given equation, should be dimensionless
Substituting the dimensions, kq
LHS, T = [ T] kq
\ a=
R3 [L]3 Z
RHS, 2p = -1 3 -2
[ M L T ] [ M] [ML2 T -2K -1] [K]
GM Þ [a] = = [MLT -2 ]
[L]
= [T]2 = [ T] a
and p=
R3 b
Thus, LHS = RHS for T = 2p
GM é a ù [MLT -2 ]
Þ [b] = ê ú = -1 -2
12. Let [ M] µ [F aLb Tc ] ë p û [ML T ]
0 2 0
So, using dimensions, we have = [M L T ]
[M1L0 T 0 ] = K [MLT -2 ] a [L] b [T]c 18. Electromotive force = potential difference
Þ a = 1, a = b = 0 Þ b = - 1 W [ML2 T -2 ]
Þ V = =
and - 2a + c = 0 Þ c = 2 q [AT]
So unit of mass is [FL-1T 2] = [ML2 T2 A -1]
13. The capacitance C of a conductor is defined as the ratio of 1
19. Velocity of electromagnetic waves v =
charge q given to raise the potential V of the conductor. m 0e0
q 1
i . e., C = Þ = v2
V m 0 e0
coulomb coulomb
\ Farad = = 1
volt joule / coulomb Thus the dimensional formula of
m 0 e0
coulomb2
= = [M 0LT -1]2
joule
= [M 0L2 T -2 ]
(ampera - sec)2 ampere2 - sec
= = 20. Given p =
RT
e - aV / RT
newton - metre (kg - m sec -2 ) ´ metre V -b
ampera2 - sec 4 aV
= So, is dimensionless.
kg - metre2 RT
2 -2 -1
= kg -1- metre -2 - sec 4 - amp2 é RT ù [ML T q ] [ q]
Hence, [a ] = ê =
So, the dimension of capacitance is [M -1L-2 T 4A2 ]. ë V ûú [L3 ]
1 T = [ ML-1T -2 ]
14. The fundamental frequency is f =
2L m This is also the dimension less formula of pressure.
T 1 1 T 21. Dimensions of velocity is [ v] = [L] [ T -1]
Þ f = =
D22L LD pr So, dimensions of [at2 ] = [LT -1]
rp
4 Þ [a] [ T2 ] = [LT -1]
1
\ f µ Þ [a] = [LT -3 ]
LD
Dimensions of [ bt] = [LT -1] Þ [ b] [ T] = [LT -1]
V W [ML2 T -2 ]
15. Resistance, R = = = Þ [ b] = [LT -2 ]
i qi [A2 T]
Þ R = [ML2 T -3 A -2 ] Dimensions of [c] = [LT -1]
Chapter 1 · Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 25