PHYSICS

UNITS, DIMENSIONS
&
VECTORS
 Contents
UNITS & DIMENSIONS
S.No. Topic Page no.
1. Units ................................................................................................................................. 03
2. Fundamental and derived quantities and their units ................................................. 03
3. Dimensions and dimensional formula .......................................................................... 05
4. Uses of dimensional analysis ........................................................................................ 05
5. Limitations of dimensional analysis ............................................................................. 07
6. Solved example objective ............................................................................................. 08
7. Solved example subjective ........................................................................................... 09
8. Assignments
Exercise-01 ....................................................................................................................... 12
Exercise-02 ....................................................................................................................... 14
Exercise-03 ....................................................................................................................... 15
Exercise-04 ....................................................................................................................... 16
Exercise-05 ....................................................................................................................... 17
Exercise-06 ....................................................................................................................... 20
9. Answer Sheet .................................................................................................................. 22

VECTORS

S.No. Topic Page no.

1. Scalar and vector quantities ......................................................................................... 23
2. Some definitions regarding vector ............................................................................... 23
3. Addition of vectors .......................................................................................................... 24
4. Subraction of vectors ..................................................................................................... 26
5. Resolution of a vector .................................................................................................... 27
6. Multiplication of a vector by a real number ................................................................ 28
7. Dot product of two vectors ............................................................................................. 28
8. Cross Product of two vectors ......................................................................................... 30
9. Assignments
Exercise-01 ....................................................................................................................... 32
Exercise-02 ....................................................................................................................... 34
Exercise-03 ....................................................................................................................... 37
Exercise-04 ....................................................................................................................... 39
10. Answer Sheet .................................................................................................................. 40
 U N IT S & D IM E N S IO N S
1 . U nits
Physics is the study of nature and its surroundings. This description involves experimental observations,
hence it is quantitative and requires measurement and comparison of physical quantities. To measure a
physical quantity we need some standard unit of that quantity.
The measurement of a physical quantity is mentioned in two parts, the first part gives how many times of
the standard unit and the second part gives the name of the unit. Thus, suppose I have to play for 2 hours.
The numeric part 2 says that it is 2 times of the unit of time and the second part hour says that the unit
chosen here is an hour.
Thus Measurement of a physical quantity = numerical value (n) × unit (u)
Ex. Height of Jitu = 1.2 m, here 1.2 is numerical value and metre is unit of height.

2 . Fundamental and derived quantities and their U nits

There are a large number of physical quantities which are measured and every quantity needs a definition
of unit. However, not all the quantities are independent of each other. For example, if a unit of length is
defined, a unit of area is automatically obtained. We can define a set of fundamental quantities (Base
quantities) as follows :
(a) the fundamental quantities should be independent of each other, and
(b) all other quantities may be expressed in terms of the fundamental quantities.
It turns out that the number of fundamental quantities is only seven. All the rest may be derived from these
quantities by multiplication and division, called derived quantities. The units defined for the fundamental
quantities are called fundamental units and those obtained for the derived quantities are called the derived
units.
In 1971 a system of units were decided which are known as the International System of Units. It is
abbreviated as SI from the French name Le System International d Unites.

The following table gives the fundamental quantities and their units in SI :
We briefly mention the definitions of the base quantity and its units which may serve as a reference if
needed.

Base Quantity Definition

(SI Unit)

Length (m) The distance travelled by light in vacuum in

second is called 1 metre.
Mass (kg) The mass of a cylinder made of platinum-iridium alloy kept
at International Bureau of Weights and Measures is defined
as 1 kilogram.
Time (s) The second is the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of
the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two
hyperfine levels of the ground state of the cesium-133 atom.

Electric Current (A) If equal currents are maintained in the two infinitely long
wires of negligible cross -section, so that the force
between them is 2 × 10–7 newton per metre of the wires,
the current in any of the wires is called 1 Ampere.
 2
Thermodynamic Temperature (K) The fraction of the thermodynamic temperature
273.16
of triple point of water is called 1 Kelvin
Luminous Intensity (cd) 1 candela is the luminous intensity of a blackbody of

2
surface area m2 placed at the temperature of
600,000
freezing platinum and at a pressure of 101,325 N/m 2, in
the direction perpendicular to its surface.
Amount of substance (mole) The mole is the amount of a substance that contains as
many elementary entities as there are number of atoms in
0.012 kg of carbon-12.
Apart from these seven base fundamental units, there are two supplementary units used
1. The plane angle measured in radian.
2. The solid angle measured in steradian.
Other Commonly used international systems of units are :
(1) the fps system (foot, pound and seconds system)
(2) the mks system (metre, kilogram and second system)
(3) the cgs system (centimetre, gram and seconds system)
SI Prefix :
Suppose distance between KOTA to JAIPUR is 3000m. so

d = 3000m = 3 × 1000 m
kilo (k)

= 3km (here ‘k’ is the prefix used for 1000 (103))

Suppose thickness of a wire is 0.05 m

d = 0.05 = 5 × 10–2 m
centi (c)

= 5cm (here ‘c’ is the prefix used to (10–2))

Similarly, the magntiude of physical quantities vary over a wide range. So in order to express very large
magnitude as well as very small magnitude more compactly, “CGPM” recommended so standard prefixes
for certain powers of 10.

Power to 10 Prefix Symbol Power to 10 Prefix Symbol

18 –1
10 exa E 10 deci d
15 –2
10 peta P 10 centi c
12 –3
10 tera T 10 milli m
109 giga G 10–6 micro 
106 mega M 10–9 nano n
3 –12
10 kilo k 10 pico p
2 –15
10 hecto h 10 femto f
1 –18
10 deca da 10 atto a
 3 . D imensions and dimensional formula
All the physical quantities of interest can be derived from the base quantities. “The power (exponent) of
base quantity that enters into the expression of a physical quantity, is called the dimension of the quantity
in that base. To make it clear, consider the physical quantity force.
Force = mass × acceleration

length / time
= mass 
time
= mass × length × (time)–2
So the dimensions of force are 1 in mass, 1 in length and –2 in time. Thus
[Force] = MLT–2
Similarly energy has dimensional formula given by
[Energy ] = ML2T–2
i.e. energy has dimensions, 1 in mass, 2 in length and -2 in time.
Such an expression for a physical quantity is terms of base quantities is called dimensional formula.

4 . U ses of dimensional analysis

(i) To convert a physical quantity from one system of units to another :
It is based on the fact that, Numerical value × unit = constant
So on changing unit, numerical value will also gets changed. If n1 and n2 are the numerical values of a given
physical quantity and u1 and u2 be the units respectively in two different systems of units, then
n1u1 = n2u2

a b c
M   L1   T1 
n 2  n1  1     
 M2   L 2   T2 
Illustration 1
A calorie is a unit of heat or energy and it equals about 4.2 J, where 1 J = 1 kg m 2/s2. Suppose we employ
a system of units in which the unit of mass equals  kg, the unit of length equals  metre, the unit of time
is  second. Show that a calorie has a magnitude 4.2 –1–12 in terms of the new units.
Solution
1 cal = 4.2 kg m 2s–2
SI New system
n1 = 4.2 n2 = ?
M1 = 1 kg M2 =  kg
L1 = 1 m L2 =  metre
T1 = 1 s T2 =  second
Dimensional formula of energy is [ML T ] 2 –2

Comparing with [MaLbTc], we find that a = 1, b = 2, c = –2

a b c
M  L   T 
Now, n2  n1  1   1   1 
 M2   L 2   T2 
1 2 2
 1 kg   1 m   1 s 
= 4.2        4.2  12  2
  kg    m    s 
 (ii) To check the dimensional correctness of a given physical relation :
It is based on principle of homogeneity, which states that a given physical relation is dimensionally correct
if the dimensions of the various terms on either side of the relation are the same.
Illustration 2
Let us check the dimensional correctness of the relation v = u + at.
Here ‘u’ represents the initial velocity, ‘v’ represents the final velocity, ‘a’ the uniform acceleration and ‘t’ the
time.
Dimensional formula of ‘u’ is [M0LT–1]
Dimensional formula of ‘v’ is [M0LT–1]
Dimensional formula of ‘at’ is [M0LT–2][T] = [M0LT–1]
Here dimensions of every term in the given physical relation are the same, hence the given physical relation
is dimensionally correct.
(iii) To establish a relation between different physical quantities :
If we know the various factors on which a physical quantity depends, then we can find a relation among
different factors by using principle of homogeneity.
Illustration 3
Let us find an expression for the time period t of a simple pendulum. The time period t may possibly depend
upon (i) mass m of the bob of the pendulum, (ii) length  of pendulum, (iii) acceleration due to gravity g at
the place where the pendulum is suspended.

Let (i) t  m a (ii) t   b (iii) t  gc

Combining all the three factors, we get
or
where K is a dimensionless constant of proportionality.
Writing down the dimensions on either side of equation (i), we get
[T] = [Ma][Lb][LT–2]c = [MaLb+cT–2c]
Comparing dimensions, a = 0, b + c = 0 , – 2c = 1
a = 0, c = – 1/2, b = 1/2

1/ 2
 
From equation (i) t = Km  g
0 1/2 –1/2
or t  K   K
g g

The value of K, as found by experiment or mathematical investigation, comes out to be 2.


 t  2
g

Units and Dimensions of some Physical Quantities

Quantity SI Unit Dimension
Density kg/m 3
M/L3
Force newton (N) ML/T2
Work joule (J)(=N-m) ML2/T2
Energy joule(J) ML2/T2
Power watt (W) (=J/s) ML2/T3
Momentum kg-m/s ML/T
 Gravitational constant N-m2/kg2 L3/MT2
Angular velocity radian/s T–1
Angular acceleration radian/s2 T–2
Angular momentum kg-m2/s ML2/T
Moment of inertia kg-m2 ML2
Torque N-m ML2/T2
Angular frequency radian/s T–1
Frequency hertz (Hz) T–1
Period s T
Surface Tension N/m M/T2
Coefficient of viscosity N-s/m2 M/LT
Wavelength m L
Intensity of wave W/m2 M/T3
Temperature KELVIN(K) K
Specific heat capacity J/kg-K L2/T2K
Stefan’s constant W/m2–K4 M/T3K4
Heat J ML2/T2
Thermal conductivity W/m-K ML/T3K
Current density A/m2 A/L2

Electrical conductivity 1/-m(= mho/m) A2T3/ML3

Electric dipole moment C-m LAT
Electric field V/m (=N/C) ML/AT3
Potential (voltage) volt (V) (=J/C) ML2/AT3
Electric flux V-m ML3/AT3
Capacitance farad (F) A2T4/ML2
Electromotive force volt (V) ML2/AT3

Resistance ohm () ML2/A2T3

Permittivity of space C2/N-m2 (=F/m) A2T4/ML3
Permeability of space N/A2 ML/A2T2
Magnetic field tesla (T) (= Wb/m 2) M/AT2
Magnetic flux weber (Wb) ML2/AT2
Magnetic dipole moment N-m/T AL2
Inductance henry (H) ML2/A2T2

5 . Limitations of dimensional analysis

(i) It supplies no information about dimensionless constants and the nature (vector and scalar) of physical
quantities.
(ii) This method fails to derive the exact form of a physical relation, if a physical quantity depends upon
more than three other physical quantities.
(iii) This method is applicable only in the case of power functions. It fails in the case of exponential and
trigonometric relations.
 Solved Example Objective
Example 1 The relation between velocity and time of body is given

B
vA  Ct 2
t
the units of A, B and C will be
A B C
(a) m m/s m/s2
(b) m/s m m/s3
(c) m/s2 m/s3 m/s4
(d) m/s m/s2 m/s3

Solution : [Ans. (b)]

B
By the principle of homogeneity unit of A, and ct2 must be of v..
t
v =A i.e. A = m/s

B
v= B=m
t
v = Ct2 C = m/s3
Example 2 The equation of state of some gases can be expressed as ;

 a 
 P  V 2   V  ab   RT ,
 
where P is pressure, V the volume, T the absolute temperature and a, b, R are
constants.
The dimensions of ‘a’ are :
(a) ML5 T 2 (b) ML3 T 2 (c) ML1T 2 (d) M0L0 T 0
Solution : [Ans. (a)]

 a 
According to Principle of homogeneity the unit of  2  must be same as the unit of pressure.
V 

P   V 2 
a
 

 ML1T 2 
a 
L6

 a  ML5 T 2

Example 3 The dimension formula of angular velocity is

(a) M0L0T–1 (b) M0L0T–1 (c) M0L0T–1 (d) M0L0T–1

[] M0L0 T0
Solution : [angular velocity] =   M0L0 T 1
[t] T
Example 4 Of the following quantities, which one has dimension different from the remaining three ?
(a) energy per unit volume
(b) force per unit area
(c) product of voltage and charge per unit volume
(d) angular momentum per unit mass

ML2T 2
Solution : [energy per unit volume] =  ML1T 2
L3

ML1T 2
[force per unit area] =  ML1T 2
2
L

[product of voltage and charge per unit volume] = ML–1T–2

[angular momentum per unit mass] = ML2T–1.M–1 = L2T–1
 (d)
Example 5 E, m, J and G denote energy, mass, angular momentum and gravitational constant respectively.
Then the dimensions of EJ2/m5G2 are
(a) angle (b) length (c) mass (d) time

[EJ2 ] [ML2 T 2 ][ML2 T 1]2

Solution :   M0L0 T 0
[m5 G2 ] [M]5 [M1L3 T 2 ]2

Example 6 Which of the following quantities possess the same dimensions?

(a) Acceleration, retardation and gravitational intensity
(b) Force, work and energy
(c) Electric potential, electric field strength and angular velocity
(d) Stress, Young’s modulus and Bulk modulus
Solution : (A) and (D)

Solved Example Subjective

Example 1 The value of acceleration due to gravity is 980 cm/s2. What will be its value if the unit of length is
kilometre and that of time is minute?
Dimension of acceleration due to gravity is LT  .
2
Solution :
In C.G.S. system, Let L1, T1 represent length and time measured in cm and second. The numerical
value n1  980 cm / sec 2 . Let n2 be the value of acceleration due to gravity in the new system. The
length L2 and time T2 are measured in kilometre and minute respectively.
Now
n1 L1T12   n2 L 2 T22 

2
L   T 
or n2  n1  1   1 
 L 2   T2 
2
 1  1  980  60  60
 n2  980  5    
10   60  105

 n2  3.53
Example 2 A body of mass m hung at one end of the spring executes simple harmonic motion. The force
constant of a spring is k while its period of vibration is T. Prove by dimensional method that the
2m
equation T  is incorrect. Derive the correct equation, assuming that they are related by a
k
power law.
2m
Solution : The given equation is T 
k
M
Taking the dimensions of both sides, we have  T    T2
ML0 T 2 
As the dimensions of two sides are not equal, hence the equation is incorrect.
Let the correct relation be T  Cma k b
where C is constant.
Equating the dimensions of both sides, we get

 T   M
a b
MT 2 

or M L T   M L T 
0 0 a  b 0 2b

Comparing the powers of M, L and T on both sides

a+b=0
and –2b = 1
1 1
 b and a 
2 2

m
 T  Cm1/ 2k 1/ 2  C  
k
This is correct equation.

Example 3 It has been observed that velocity of ripple waves produced in water depends upon their wavelength

T
   , density of water    and surface tension (T). Prove that v 2  .

Solution : According to the problem,
v   a b T c

 v  k  a b T c
where k is a dimensionless constant.

LT 1  La ML3  MT 2 
b c


 M0L1T 1  Mb  c La  3b T 2c

Using the principle of Homogeneity, we get

b + c = 0, a – 3b = 1, –2c = –1
Solving these equations we get,

1 1 1
a , b , c
2 2 2
So, the relation becomes,
v  k  1/ 2  1/ 2 T1/ 2
T
 v2 

Example 4 Finding dimensions of resistance R and inductance L, speculate what physical quantities (L/R)
and LI2 represent, where I is current ?
Solution : The dimensions of R and L are
R = [M1L2T–3A–2]
and L = [ML2 T–2 A–2]

L ML2 T 2 A 2
Now, =   T1
R ML2 T 3 A 2

It represents time constant of RL circuit.

1 2
Again, = LI  [ML2 T 2 A 2 ]  A 2
2

= [M1 L2 T–2]
It represents (magnetic) energy stored in an inudctor.
Example 5 One of the satellite of Jupiter has an orbital period of 1.769 days and the radius of the orbit is
4.22 × 108 m. Show that the mass of Jupiter is about one-thousandth that of the Sun.
Solution : Here, T = 1.769 days
= 7.769 × 24 × 60 × 60sec
R = 4.22 × 108 m, M = ?
As we shall study in the chapter on Gravitation,
Centripetal force = gravitational pull

42mR GMm

2
T R2

42R3
M=
GT 2
22 22
 4  (4.22  108 )3
M = 7 7
6.67  10 11(1.739  24  60  60)2
M = 3.41 × 1027 kg  1027 kg
Mass of sun, M’  1030 kg

M 1027 1
  
M' 10 30 1000

which was to be proved.

 1
1. = 2 g/cm3 convert it into MKS system

3 kg 3 kg 3 kg 6 kg
(A) 2  10 3 (B) 2  10 3 (C) 4  10 3 (D) 2  10
m m m m3

2. G = 6.67 × 10–11 kg–1 m3 s–2 convert it into CGS system

(A) 6.67 × 10–8 (B) 6.67 × 102 (C) 0.149 × 10–2 (D) 0.149 × 102

F
3.  sin(t) (here V = velocity, F = force, t = time) : Find the dimension of and 
V2

(A) = [M1L1T0], = [T–1] (B) = [M1L1T–1], = [T1]

(C) = [M1L1T–1], = [T–1] (D) = [M1L–1T0], = [T–1]

4. In a certain system of units, 1 unit of time is 5 sec, 1 unit of mass is 20 kg and unit of length is 10 m. In this
system, one unit of power will correspond to

(A) 16 watts (B) 1/16 watts (C) 25 watts (D) none of these

5. If force, acceleration and time are taken as fundamental quantities, then the dimensions of length will be:

(A) [FT2] (B) [F–1A2T–1] (C) [FA2T] (D) [AT2 ]

6. Which of the following sets cannot enter into the list of fundamental quantities in any system of units?

(A) length, mass and velocity (B) length, time and velocity

(C) mass, time and velocity (D) length, time and mass

7. A dimensionless quantity

(A) never has a unit (B) always has a unit (C) may have a unit (D) does not exit

8. A unit less quantity

(A) never has a nonzero dimension (B) always has a nonzero dimension

(C) may have a nonzero dimension (D) does not exit

9. Choose the correct statement(s) :

(A) All quantities may be represented dimensionally in terms of the base quantities.

(B) A base quantity cannot be represented dimensionally in terms of the rest of the base quantities.

(C) The dimensions of a base quantity in other base quantities is always zero.

(D) The dimensions of a derived quantity is never zero in any base quantity.

10. Force F is given in terms of time t and distance x by : F = A sin Ct + B cos Dx

A C
Then the dimensions of and are given by
B D

(A) MLT–2, M0L0T–1 (B) MLT–2 , M0L–1T0 (C) M0L0T0, M0L1T–1 (D) M0L1T–1, M0L0T0
11. The velocity of water waves may depend on their wavelength , the density of water and the
acceleration due to gravity g. The method of dimensions gives the relation between these quantities as

(A) v2 = k–1 g–1 –1 (B) v2 = k g (C) v2 = k g   (D) v2 = k3 g–1 –1

12. Choose the correct statement (s) :

(A) A dimensionally correct equation may be correct.
(B) A dimensionally correct equation may be incorrect.
(C) A dimensionally incorrect equation may be correct.
(D) A dimensionally incorrect equation must be incorrect.
13. Force applied by water stream depends on density of water (), velocity of stream (v) and cross sectional
area of the stream (A). The expression of the force should be
(A) [Av] (B) [Av2] (C) [2Av] (D) [A2v]

2ma  2  
An unknown quantity ‘’ is expressed as  log  1 
m a 
14.
 

where m = mass, a = acceleration, = length

The unit of should be
(A) meter (B) m/s (C) m/s2 (D) s–1
15. If unit of length and time is doubled, the numerical value of ‘g’ (acceleration due to gravity) will be
(A) doubled (B) halved (C) four times (D) remain same
 2
1. Convert all in meters (m) :
(1) 5 m (2) 3 km (3) 20 nm (4) 73 pm (5) 7.5 nm

2. V = 90 km/hour convert it into m/s

3FV 2
3. Check whether this equation may be correct or not pressure Pr =
2 t 2 x

4. If velocity (V), force (F) and time (T) are chosen as : Fundamental quantities, express (i) mass and (ii)
energy in terms of V.F. and T.

5. Convert 7 pm into m

6. If unit of length is doubled, the numerical value of Area will be ......

7. Force acting on a particle is 5N. If unit of length and time are doubled and unit of mass is halved than the
numerical value of the force in the new unit will be ......

8. The mass m of the heaviest stone that can be moved by the water flowing in a river varies as with the speed
of water (v), density of water (d) and the acceleration due to gravity. Prove that the heaviest mass moved is
proportional to the sixth power of speed. Also find the complete dependence.

9. The frequency (f) of a stretched string of linear mass density (m), length (), depends (in addition to

k F
quantities specified before) on the force of stretching (F). Prove that f  , where k is a dimensionless
 m
constant.
10. The distance moved by a particle in time from centre of ring under the influence of its gravity is given
by x = asint where a and  are constant. If  is found to depend on the radius of the ring (r), its
mass (m) and universal gravitational constant (G), find using dimensional analysis an expression for 
in terms of r, m and G.
 3
1. Which of the following quantities can be written in SI units in kg m 2 A–2 s–3 :
(A) Resistance (B) Inductance (C) Capacitance (D) Magnetic flux
2. The dimensional formula for Planck’s constant is :
(A) [ML2T–1] (B) [ML2T3] (C) [ML–1T–2] (D) [MLT–2]
3. The time dependence of a physical quantity P is given by P = P0exp (–t2) [where is a constant and t is
time]. The constant :
(A) is dimensionless (B) has dimensions [T –2] (C) has dimensions [T2] (D) has dimensions of P
4. If L and R denote inductance and resistance respectively, then the dimension of L/R is :
(A) [M0L0T0] (B) [M0L0T] (C) [M2L0T2] (D) [MLT2]

 1 2
5. The dimension of   0E (0 : permittivity of free space; E: electric field ) is :
2
 
(A) MLT–1 (B) ML2T–2 (C) ML-1T–2 (D) ML2T–1
6. If the velocity (V), acceleration (A) and force (F) are taken as fundamental quantities instead of mass (M),
length (L) and time (T), the dimension of Young’s modulus would be
(A) FA2V–2 (B) FA2V–3 (C) FA2V–4 (D) FA2V–5

n2  n1
7. The number of particles crossing per unit area perpendicular to X - axis in unit time is N  D x  x ,
2 1

where n1 and n2 are number of particles per unit volume for the value of x1 and x2 respectively. The dimensions
of diffusion constant D are
(A) M°LT2 (B) M°L2T–4 (C) M°LT-3 (D) M°L2T–1

dx x 
9.   an sin1   1 . The value of n is
2ax  x 2 a 

(A) 0 (B) –1 (C) 1 (D) none of these

You may use dimensional analysis to solve the problem.

10. Turpentine oil is flowing through a tube of length  and radius r. The pressure difference between the two
ends of the tube is p; the viscosity of the oil is given by :

p(r 2  x2 )

4v

where is the velocity of oil at a distance x from the axis of the tube. From this relation, the dimensions of
viscosity is :
(A) [M0L0T0] (B) [MLT–1] (C) [ML2T–2] (D) [ML–1T–1]
 4 a
nRT  RTV
1. In the formula ; p  e , find the dimensions of ‘a’ and ‘b’, where p = pressure n = no. of moles,
V b
T = temperature, V = volume and R = universal gas constant.

2. If the velocity of light ‘c’, Gravitational constant ‘G’ & Plank’s constant ‘h’ be chosen as fundamental units,
find the dimensions of mass, length & time in this new system.

3. Test if the following equations are dimensionally correct :

2S cos  P  Pr 4 t 1 mg
(i) h  rg (ii) v  (iii) V  (iv) f 
 8 2 I
where h = height, S = surface tension, v = speed of sound,  = density, P = pressure, V = volume
 = coefficient of viscosity, f = frequency and I = moment of inertia.

4. The intensity of X-rays decreases exponentially according to the law I = I0r–x, where I is the initial intensity
of X-rays and I is the intensity after it penetrates a distance x through lead. If be the absorption coefficient,
then find the dimensional formula for .

5. The critical velocity of flow of a liquid through a pipe depends upon the diameter (d)of the pipe, density , and
the coefficient of viscosity of the liquid. Obtain an expression for the critical velocity.

6. Laplace corrected Newton’s calculation for the velocity of sound. Laplace said that speed of sound in a
solid medium depends upon the coefficient of elasticity of the medium under adiabatic conditions (E) and
E
the density of the medium . Prove that v  k

7. It has been observed that the rate of flow (V) of a liquid of viscosity () through a capillary tube of radius (r)
depends upon and the pressure gradient P maintained across the length () of the tube. Prove that the rate
of flow of liquid is proportional to r4. Also find the exact expression upto a constant.

8. The viscosity  of a gas depends upon its mass m, the effective diameter D and the mean speed v of the
molecules present in the gas. Find dependence of on all these quantities.

9. Consider a planet of mass (m), revolving round the sun. The time period (T) of revolution of the planet
depends upon the radius of the orbit (r), mass of the sun (M) and the gravitational constant (G). Using
dimensional analysis, verify Kepler’s third law of planetary motion.

10. The height h to which a liquid rises in a tube of radius (r) depends upon the density of the liquid (d), surface
tension (T), and acceleration due to gravity (g). Show that it would not be possible to derive the relation

without the additional information that h is inversely proportional to r. Also find the relation.
NEW PATTERN
5
OBJECTIVE PROBLEMS (MORE THAN ONE ALTERNATIVE MAY BE CORRECT )
1. Which of the following groups have the same dimensions.
(A) velocity, speed (B) pressure, stress (C) force, impulse (D) work, energy
2. If dimensions of length are expressed as G c h , where G, c and h are the universal gravitational constant,
x y z

speed of light and Planck’s constant respectively, then:

(A) x = (1/2), y = (1/2) (B) x = (1/2), z = (1/2)
(C) y = (–3/2), z = (1/2) (D) y = (1/2), z = (3/2)
3. Complete the cross word by filling either left to right or vertically the unit of appropriate physical quantity
1. Magnetic field 2. Temperature 3. Across : Energy down : Heat
4. Power 5. Frequency 6. Charge 7. Current
8. Potential difference 9. Resistance 10. Length
2

4 5
6 7
8

9 10

Ans. (1) Tesla (2) Kelvin (3) Across : Joule, down : Joule (4) Watt (5) Hertz (6) Coulomb (7) Ampere
(8) Volt (9) ohm (10) Metre
For Q. No. 4 to 8

 a 
The van-der Waals equation is  P  (V  b)  RT, where P is pressure, V is molar volume and T is
 V2 
the temperature of the given sample of gas. R is called molar gas constant, a and b are called van-der Wall
constants.
4. The dimensional formula for b is same as that for
(A) P (B) V (C) PV2 (D) RT
5. The dimensional formula for a is same as that for
(A) V2 (B) P (C) PV2 (D) RT
6. Which of the following does not possess the same dimensional formula as that for RT
(A) PV (B) Pb (C) a/V2 (D) ab/V2
7. The dimensional formula for ab/RT is
(A) ML5T–2 (B) M0L3T0 (C) ML–1T–2 (D) M0L6T0
8. The dimensional formula of RT is same as that of
(A) energy (B) force (C) specific heat (D) latent heat
9. Match the physical quantities in column A with their dimensional formulae expressed in column B.
Column A Column B
1) Angular Momentum (a) ML2T-2
2) Latent Heat (b) ML2T-2A-2
3) Torque (c) ML2T-1
4) Capacitance (d) ML3T-3A-2
5) Inductance (e) M-1L-2T4A2
6) Resistivity (f) ML2T-2A-1
7) Magnetic Flux (g) ML-1T-2
8) Magnetic Energy Density (h) L2T-2
10. Match the following :
Physical quantity Dimension Unit
(1) Gravitational constant ‘G’ (P) M L T
1 1 –1
(a) N.m
(2) Torque (Q) M–1L3T–2 (b) N.s
(3) Momentum (R) M L T
1 –1 –2
(c) Nm2/kg2
(4) Pressure (S) M1L2T–2 (d) Pascal
11. Match the following :
Physical quantity Dimension Unit
(1) Stefen’s constant ‘’ (P) M L T A
1 1 –2 –2
(a) W/m2
(2) Wein’s constant ‘b’ (Q) M1L0T–3K–4 (b) K.m.
(3) Coefficient of visocity ‘’ (R) M L T
1 0 –1
(c) Tesla .m/A
(4) Emmissive power of radiation (Intensity emitted) (S) M L T K
0 1 0 1
(d) W/m2.K4
(5) Mutual induction ‘M’ (T) M1L2T–2A–2 (e) Poise
(6) Magnetic permeability ‘0’ (U) M L T
1 –1 –1
(f) Henry
12. STATEMENT - 1
Unit of torque is joule
because
STATEMENT - 2
Unit of torque should be N-m and that is called joule.
(A) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is a correct explanation for
STATEMENT-1
(B) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is NOT a correct explanation for
STATEMENT-1
(C) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is False
(D) STATEMENT-1 is False, STATEMENT -2 is True
13. STATEMENT - 1
Velocity, volume and acceleration can be taken as basic variables
because
STATEMENT - 2
All the three quantities are independent from each other.
(A) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is a correct explanation for STATE-
MENT-1
(B) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is NOT a correct explanation for
STATEMENT-1
(C) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is False
(D) STATEMENT-1 is False, STATEMENT -2 is True
14. STATEMENT - 1
If two physical quantities have same dimensions, then that can be certainly added or substructed
because
STATEMENT - 2
If the dimensions of both the quantities are same then both the physical quantities should be similar.
(A) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is a correct explanation for STATE-
MENT-1
(B) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is NOT a correct explanation for
STATEMENT-1
(C) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is False
(D) STATEMENT-1 is False, STATEMENT -2 is True
15. STATEMENT - 1
When dimensions are given, the physical quantities can be uniquely found
STATEMENT - 2
When physical quantities are given, the dimensions can be uniquely found
(A) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is a correct explanation for STATE-
MENT-1
(B) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is NOT a correct explanation for
STATEMENT-1
(C) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is False
(D) STATEMENT-1 is False, STATEMENT -2 is True
16. STATEMENT - 1
All constants are dimensionless
STATEMENT - 2
All physical quantities do not necessarily have dimensions
(A) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is a correct explanation for STATE-
MENT-1
(B) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is NOT a correct explanation for
STATEMENT-1
(C) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT -2 is False
(D) STATEMENT-1 is False, STATEMENT -2 is True
 6
OBJECTIVE PROBLEMS
Only one option is correct :

1
1. The dimensions of  0 E 2 (0 : permittivity of free space; E : electric field) is : [2000, 2M]
2
(A) [MLT–1] (B) [ML2T–2] (C) [ML–1T–2] (D) [ML2T–1]

V
2. A quantity X is given by  0 L , where 0 is the permittivity of free space, L is a length, V is a potential
t
difference and t is a time interval. The dimensional formula for X is the same as that of : [2001, 2M]
(A) resistance (B) charge (C) voltage (D) current

Z
  k
3. In the relation; P  e , P is pressure, Z is distance, k is Boltzmann constant and is the temperature.

The dimensional formula of  will be : [2004, 2M]

(A) [M0L2 T0] (B) [M1L2 T1] (C) [M1L0T–1] (D) [M0L2 T–1]

4. Which of the following sets have different dimensions? [2005, 2M]

(A) Pressure, Young’s modulus, Stress (B) Emf, Potential difference, Electric Potential
(C) Heat, Work done, Energy (D) Dipole moment, Electric flux, Electric field

5. Let [0 ] denote the dimensional formula of the permittivity of vacuum. If M=mass, L =length , T= time and
A= electric current, then : [JEE(MAINS)-2013]
(A) [0 ]  [M 1 L3 T 2 A] (B) [0 ]  [M 1 L3 T 4 A 2 ]

(C) [0 ]  [M 1 L2 T 1 A2 ] (D) [0 ]  [M 1 L2 T 1 A]

More than one option, may be correct :

6. L, C and R represent the physical quantities inductance, capacitance and resistance respectively. The
combinations which have the dimensions of frequency are : [1984, 2M]

(A) 1/RC (B) R/L (C) 1/ LC (D) C/L

7. The dimensions of the quantities in one (or more) of the following pairs are the same. Identify the pair
(s) : [1986, 2M]
(A) torque and work (B) angular momentum and work
(C) energy and Young’s modulus (D) light year and wavelength
8. The pairs of physical quantities that have the same dimensions is (are) : [1995, 2M]
(A) Reynolds number and coefficient of friction (B) Curies and frequency of a light wave
(C) Latent heat and gravitational potential (D) planck’s constant and torque
9. Let [0] denote the dimensional formula of the permittivity of the vacuum and [0] that of the permeability of
the vacuum. If M = mass, L = length, T = time and I = electric current :
(A) [0] = [M–1L–3T2I] (B) [0] = [M–1L–3T4I2] [1998, 2M]

(C) [0] = [MLT–2I–2] (D) [0] = [ML2T–1I]

10. The SI unit of the inductance, the Henry can be written as : [1998, 2M]
(A) weber/ampere (B) volt-second/ampere (C) joule/(ampere) 2
(D) ohm-second
FILL IN THE BLANKS
11. Planck’s constant has dimensions ...................... [1985, 2M]
12. In the formula X = 3YZ , X and Z have dimensions of capacitance and magnetic induction respectively. The
2

dimensions of Y in MKSQ system are ................. [1988, 2M]

SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS
13. Given the MKS units for each of the following quantities : [1980, 3M]
(i) Young’s modulus, (ii) Magnetic induction, (iii) Power of a lens
14. A gas bubble, from an explosion under water, oscillates with a period T proportional to Pa db Ec where P is
the static pressure, d is the density of water and E is the total energy of the explosion. Find the value of
a, b and c : [1981, 3M]
15. Write the dimensions of the following in terms of mass, time, length and charge : [1982, 2M]
(A) Magnetic flux, (ii) Modulus of rigidity
16. Match the physical quantities given in Column I with dimensions expressed in terms of mass (M) length (L)
time (T), and charge (Q) given in Column II . [1993, 6M]
Column - I Column - II
(i) Angular momentum (a) [ML2T–2]
(ii) Latent heat (b) [ML2Q–2]
(iii) Torque (c) [ML2T–1]
(iv) Capacitance (d) [ML3T–1Q–2]
(v) Inductance (e) [M–1L–2T2Q2]
(vi) Resistivity (f) [L2T–2]
17. Some physical quantities are given Column I and possible SI units in which these quantities may be
expressed are given in Column II. Match the physical quantities in Column I with the units in Column II and
indicate your answer by darkening appropriate bubbles in the 4×4 matrix given in the ORS.
[2007, 6M]
Column I Column II
(A) GMeMs (p) (volt) (coulomb) (metre)
G - universal gravitational constant,
Me - mass of the earth,
Ms - mass
3RT
(B) (q) (kilogram) (metre)3 (second)–2
M
R - universal gas constant,
T - absolute temperature,
M - molar mass

F2
(C) (r) (metre)2(second)–2
q 2 B2
F - force,
q - charge,
B - magnetic field
GM e
(D) (s) (farad (volt)2 (kg)–1
Re
G - universal gravitational constant,
Me - mass of the earth
Re - radius of the earth
 ANSWER SHEET
EXERCISE # 1
1. (B) 2. (A) 3. (D) 4. (A)
5. (D) 6. (B) 7. (C) 8. (A)
9. (A), (B), (C) 10. (C) 11. (B) 12. (A), (B), (D)
13. (B) 14. (A) 15. (A)
EXERCISE # 2
1. (i) 5 × 10–6 m (ii) 3 × 103 m (iii) 20 × 10–9 m (iv) 73 × 10–12 m (v) 7.5 × 10–9 m
2. 25 m/sec 3. Not correct 4. (i) [V–1 F1 T1] (ii) [V1] [F1] [T1] 5. 7 × 10–6 m

kv 6 d GM
6. One fourth 7. Two times 8. m  3 10.
g r3

EXERCISE # 3
1. (A) 2. (A) 3. (B) 4. (B) 5. (C)
6. (C) 7. (D) 9. (A) 10. (D)

EXERCISE # 4
1. [a] = [ML T mol ], [b] = [L ]
5 –2 –1 3
2. [M] = [h1/2 C1/2 G–1/2] ; [h1/2 C–3/2 G1/2], [T] = [h1/2 C–5/2 G1/2]

K
3. All are dimensionally correct. 4. L–1 5. Vc 
d

Pr 4  T 
7. k 8. MD–2 v 10. h  k  rdg 
  

EXERCISE # 5

1. (A), (B), (D) 2. (B), (C)

3. (i) Tesla (ii) Kelvin (iii) Across : Joule, down : Joule (iv) Watt (v) Hertz (vi) Coulomb (vii) Ampere

(viii) Volt (ix) ohm (x) Metre

4. (B) 5. (C) 6. (C) 7. (D)

8. (A) 9. [1  (c), 2  (h), 3  (a), 4  (e), 5  (b), 6  (d), 7  (f ), 8  (g)]

10. (1)  (Q) (c), (2)  (S) (a), (3)  (P) (b), (4)  (R) (d)
11. (1)  (Q) (d), (2)  (S) (b), (3)  (U) (e), (4)  (R) (a), (5)  (T) (f), (6)  (P) (c)
12. D 13. D 14. D 15. D 16. D
EXERCISE # 6

1. C 2. D 3. A 4. D 5. B
6. A,B,C 7. A,D 8. A, B,C 9. B, C
10. A, B, C, D, 11. [ML T ] 2 –1
12. [M L T Q ]
–3 –2 4 4
13. (i) N/m2 (ii) Tesla (iii) m–1

5 1 1
14. a=  b= c= 15. (i) ML2T–1Q–1 (ii) ML–1T–2
2 2 3

16. (i) c, (ii)  f, (iii)  a, (iv)  e, (v)  d, (vi)  b 17. (A) pq, (B)  rs, (C)  rs, (D)  rs