UNITS & DIMENSIONS 8

INDEX

1. Theory 03 - 11

2. Exercise 12 - 13

3. Answers Key 14
UNITS & DIMENSIONS 3

UNITS & DIMENSIONS

1. PHYSICAL QUANTITY For Example:

Any quantity which can be measured is called a

physical quantity.
Examples: length, weight, time etc

Fig. 1.3

Fig. 1.1 1.4 Derived Physical Quantities

Examples:
1.1 Types of Physical Quantities length
● Acceleration =
time 2
mass
● Density =
length 3
● Volume = length 3
(length)
● Force = mass.
time 2
Fig. 1.2
Length
● Momentum = mass.
1.2 Fundamental Physical Quantities: time
Physical quantities which are independent of other mass
Pressure =
physical quantities are called fundamental physical length.time 2
quantity. These are the quantities we take as
fundamental quantities.
1.5 How to Measure a Physical Quantity
Quantity
For measuring a physical quantity we have to compare
Length it with some reference, we call it unit.
Mass A unit is a standard amount of a physical quantity.
Time Example: In old times people used to measure length
by hand span or foot span.
Electric Current
Temperature
Amount of Substance
Luminous Intensity

1.3 Derived Physical Quantities

Physical quantities which are dependent on other
physical quantities are called derived physical
quantities. Fig. 1.4
UNITS & DIMENSIONS
Let’s measure the length of a book using our hand
span.
In this case unit for measurement is hand span.
But the length of hand span varies from person to
person. So everyone will get a different result for
measuring the same object.
So, there was a need of precise standardization of
units.
1.6 Standard Units
Some of the standard units:
For measuring length: meter, centimeter, foot etc.
For measuring weight: kilogram, gram, pound etc
Fig. 1.5
1.7 Expressing Measurement of physical quantity
Suppose we measure length of a rod and write
length = 28
By this expression we didn’t get any idea about the
size of rod it can be anything like
28 m
28 mm
28 km
28 foot or 28 steps
So we should always express a measurement with the
unit of measurement.
NOTE:
We always write a measurement of physical quantity as
its magnitude multiplied by its unit.
If we measure a physical quantity in more than one
unit then the multiplication of magnitude and unit is a
constant.
4
If Magnitude of a Physical Quantity is
= n1 in u1 unit and n2 in u2 unit.
We can say that = n1u1 = n2u2
1.8 Need of System of Units
What if everyone uses a unit of their choice for every
measurement.
For Example:
LET’S SEE A SHORTCUT HERE:
Imagine the no. of units force could have.
If everyone decides to have his own way of
measurement, then it will not be possible to come to
correct conclusion. Thus a well-defined, universally
accepted system must be developed.
1.9 System of Units
A system of units is a complete set of units which is
used to measure all kinds of fundamental and derived
quantities.
Let’s see example of some of the major system of units
Fig. 1.6
1.10 The SI System of Units
Earlier different system of units are used in different
countries.
So, there was need of an internationally accepted
system of units as a complete set of units.
Here comes the “The International SI System of
Units”.
Currently it is the most popular system of units
worldwide.
In SI system there are 7 base units and 2
supplementary units.
UNITS & DIMENSIONS 5

1.11 Fundamental Units: 1.14 Solid Angle

Quantity Name of Symbol

units

Length Meter m

Mass Kilogram kg
Fig. 1.8
Time Second s A
= sr
r2
Electric Current Ampere A

1.15 Dimensions
Temperature Kelvin K
Dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to
which the fundamental units must be raised in order to
Amount of Mole mol get the unit of physical quantity.
Substance
Fundamental quantity Dimension
Luminous Candela Cd
Intensity
Mass [M]

Length [L]
1.12 Supplementary Units:

Time [T]
Quantity Name of units Symbol

Current [A]
Plane angle Radian rad

Temperature [K]
Solid angle Steradian sr

Amount of Substance [mol]

1.13 Plane Angle Luminous Intensity [Cd]

1.16 Writing Dimensions of Physical Quantities

Dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to
which the fundamental units must be raised in order to
get the unit of that physical quantity.
displacement length
Velocity = =
Fig. 1.7 time time
s  Dimension of velocity =  L1T −1 
 = rad
r
change in velocity length
Acceleration ( a ) = =
( time )
2
time
UNITS & DIMENSIONS 6

 Dimension of acceleration =  L1T −2  then u1 =  M 1a L1bT1c  and u2 =  M 2 a L2 bT2 c 

length Q = n1  M 1a L1bT1c  = n2  M 2 a L2 bT2 c 

Force = Mass  Acceleration = Mass 
( time )
2
a b c
 M   L  T 
n2 = n1  1   1   1 
 Dimension of force =  M 1 L1T −2   M 2   L2   T2 
This equation can be used to find the numerical value
in the second or new system of units. Space between
1.17 How do Dimensions behave in Mathematical
lines
Formulae?
Let us convert one joule into erg.
Rule 1: All terms that are added or subtracted must Joule is SI unit of energy and erg is the CGS unit of
have same dimensions. energy. Dimensional formula of energy is [ML 2T-2]
● a = 1, b = 2, c = - 2.
SI CGS
M 1 = 1kg = 1000 g M 2 = 1g
Rule 2: Dimensions obey rules of multiplication and L1 = 1m = 100 cm L2 = 1cm
division. T1 = 1s T2 = 1s
AB n1 = 1 ( Joule ) n2 = ? ( erg )
D=
C a b c
 M   L  T 
Given A =  ML T  , B =  M L T  , C =  ML T 
0 −2 0 −1 2 −2 0 n2 = n1  1   1   1 
 M 2   L2   T2 
 ML0T −2    M 0 L−1T 2  This equation can be used to find the numerical value
 D =  in the second or new system of units.
 ML T 
−2 0
1 2 −2
1000  100  1 
  D  =  M 1−1 0 −1+ 2
L T −2 + 2
 = 1   1  1 
 1     
= 1103 104 = 107

2. DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS 1 joule = 107 erg.

Dimensional analysis is a tool to find or check 2.2 Checking the Dimensional Consistency of
relations among physical quantities by using their Equations
dimensions.
Principle of Homogeneity of Dimensions: For an
By using dimensional analysis, we can equation to be valid, the dimensions on the left side
1. Convert a physical quantity from one system of must match the dimensions on the right side, It is then
units to another. dimensionally correct. Checking this is the basic way
2. Check the dimensional consistency of equation. of performing dimensional analysis.
3. Deduce relation among physical quantities. Let’s check that the second equation of motion is
correct or not.
1
2.1 Converting a Physical quantity from one s = ut + at 2
2
System of Units to another
s = distance = length =  L 
If u1 and u2 are the units of measurement of a physical
length
quantity Q and n1 and n2 are their corresponding ut =  time = length =  L 
magnitude then Q = n1u1 = n2u2 time
length
Let M1, L1 and T1 be the fundamental units of mass,  ( time ) = length =  L 
2
at 2 =
( time )
2
length and time in one system; and M2, L2, T2 be
corresponding units in another system. If the
 L =  L +  L
dimensional formula of quantity be  M a LbT c 
UNITS & DIMENSIONS 7

NOTE: ● In the case of physical quantities which are

If an equation is dimensionally incorrect, it must be
wrong. On the other hand, dimensionally correct
equation may or may not be correct.
Let’s take an example to make it simple for you.
If I say the area of a circle = 2 x radius2;
- this is dimensionally correct (both sides have
dimensions [L2])
- but it is wrong, as, it should be '𝛑' instead of '2'.
dependent upon more than three physical
quantities, this method will be difficult.
● In some cases, the constant of proportionality
also possesses dimensions. In such cases, we
cannot use this system.
● If one side of the equation contains addition or
subtraction of physical quantities, we cannot use
this method to derive the expression.

2.3 Deducing Relation among the Physical

Quantities
The method of dimensions can sometimes be used to
deduce relation among the physical quantities.
For this, we should know the dependence of the
physical quantity on other quantities and consider it as
a product type of the dependency.
Let’s find the time period of a simple pendulum by
using dimensional analysis. The period of oscillation
of the simple pendulum depends on its length (𝑳),
mass of the bob (𝒎) and acceleration due to gravity
(𝒈).
Time period T  ma g b Lc
 T = km g L a b c readings might be too small. The next instant they
Where k is dimensionless constant.
By considering dimensions on both sides,
a b c
 M 0 L0T 1  =  M 1    LT −2   L1 
3. ERRORS
An error is a mistake of some kind causing an error in
your results so the result is not accurate.
4.1 Types of Errors
Errors can be divided into two main classes
● Random errors
● Systematic errors
4.2 Random Errors
Random error has no pattern. One instant your
might be too large. You can’t predict random error and
these errors are usually unavoidable.
● Random errors cannot be rectified but can be
minimized.

  M 0 L0T 1  =  M a Lb + cT −2 b  ● Random errors can be reduced by taking a lot of

readings, and then calculating the average
1 1 (mean).
Comparing both sides a = 0, b = − , c =
2 2
1 1
− L
T = km 0 g 2 L2 = k 4.3 Causes of Random errors
g
1. Human Error
2.4 Limitations of Dimensional Analysis Example:
● Dimensionless quantities cannot be determined
by this method.
● Constant of proportionality cannot be determined
by this method. They can be found either by
experiment (or) by theory.
● This method is not applicable to trigonometric,
logarithmic and exponential functions.
UNITS & DIMENSIONS 8

Fig. 1.9 ● If a ruler is wrongly calibrated, or if it expands,

then all the readings will be too low (or all too
Way of taking reading 2 is best, 1
high).
and 3 give the wrong readings.
This is called a parallax error.
2. Faulty Technique
Using the instrument wrongly.

Fig. 1.12
2. Personal Error
Example:
● If someone has habit of taking measurements
Fig. 1.10
always from above the reading, then due to
parallax you will get a systematic error and all
4.4 Systematic Errors the readings will be different from the actual
Systematic error is consistent, repeatable error reading
associated with faulty equipment or a flawed
experiment design. These errors are usually caused by
measuring instruments that are incorrectly calibrated.
● These errors cause readings to be shifted one
way (or the other) from the true reading.

4.5 Causes of Systematic Errors

1. Faulty Instruments
Example:
● There is no any weight and the can’t be nothing Fig. 1.13
weighed but weighing machines are not showing Now, Let’s learn about some common terms used
zero. during, measurements and error analysis

4.6 Accuracy and Precision

Accuracy is an indication of how close a measurement
is to the accepted value.
● An accurate experiment has a low systematic
error.
Precision is an indication of the agreement
among a number of measurements.
● A precise experiment has a low random error

Fig. 1.11
Example:
UNITS & DIMENSIONS 9

The relative error is the ratio of the mean absolute

error amean to the mean value amean of the quantity
measured.
amean
Relative error =
amean
When the relative error is expressed in percent, it is
Fig. 1.14 called the percentage error (δ).
amean
4.7 Calculation of Errors Percentage error  =  100%
amean
For calculation purpose we divide the errors in three
types
Absolute. error 4.10 Range of Uncertainty
Relative. error Range of uncertainty is reported as a nominal value
Percentage. error plus or minus an amount called the tolerance or
percent tolerance.
4.8 Absolute Errors
The magnitude of the difference between the
individual measurement and the true value of the
quantity is called the absolute error of the
measurement.
Absolute error is denoted by Δa, and it is always taken as
positive. 2% of 120 = 2.4,
For Example: 120 - 2.4 = 117.6,
Let say the: Values obtained in several measurements
120 +2.4 = 122.4
are 𝑎1, 𝑎2, 𝑎3, …,
If true value is not available, we can consider
4.11 Limit of Reading or Least Count
arithmetic mean as true value.
The limit of reading of a measurement is equal to the
a1 + a2 + a3 + ... + an
amean = smallest graduation of the scale of an instrument.
n
Absolute Errors in measurements =
a1 = a1 − amean ,
a2 = a2 − amean ,
... ... ...
... ... ... Fig. 1.15
an = an − amean Least count of this scale is 1 mm

Mean Absolute Error

4.12 Least Count Error
a1 + a2 + a3 + ... + an
amean =
n When a measurement falls between two divisions, then
errors due to approximate measurement made by the
So, we show the measurement by a  amean so on.
observer is called least count error.

4.9 Relative Errors 4.13 Propagation of Errors

UNITS & DIMENSIONS 10

If a Physical Quantity 𝑍 = 𝐴 ✕ 𝐵 or
𝑍 = 𝐴/𝐵
Then maximum relative error in Z,
Z A B
= +
Z A B

4.16 Error of a Measured Quantity

Raised to a Power
The relative error in a physical quantity raised to the
Fig. 1.16 power k is the k times the relative error in the
individual quantity.
4.14 Errors of a Sum or a Difference Measured values of physical quantity 𝐴 and 𝐵 are
respectively 𝐴 ± Δ𝐴 and 𝐵 ± Δ𝐵
When two quantities are added or subtracted, the
absolute error in the final result is the sum of the If a Physical Quantity 𝑍 = 𝐴2
absolute errors in the individual quantities. Then maximum relative error in 𝑍,
Measured values of physical quantity A and B are Z A A A
respectively A  A and B  B = + =2
Z A A A
If a Physical Quantity 𝑍 = 𝐴 + 𝐵 or
In general, if Z = A p B q C r
Z = A− B
Then maximum relative error in 𝑍,
Then Maximum possible Error in Z is given by
Z A B C
Z = A + B =p +q +r
Z A B C
4.15 Errors of a Multiplication or Division
Measured value of physical quantity 𝐴 and 𝐵 are
respectively 𝐴 ± Δ𝐴 and 𝐵 ± Δ𝐵
UNITS & DIMENSIONS 11

Dimensional Formulae of Physical Quantities

Relationship with other physical
S. No. Physical quantity Dimensions Dimensional formula
quantities
1. Area Length × breadth [L2] [M0L2 T0]
2. Volume Length × breadth × height [L3] [M0L3 T0]

3. Mass density Mass/volume [M]/[L3] or [ML−2] [ML−3T0]

4. Frequency 1/time period 1/[T] [M0L0T−1]

5. Velocity, speed Displacement/time [L]/[T] [M0LT−1]

6. Acceleration Velocity/time [LT−1]/[T] [M0LT−1]

7. Force Mass × acceleration [M][LT−1] [MLT−1]

8. Impulse Force × time [MLT−1][T] [MLT−1]

9. Work, Energy Force × distance [MLT1][L] [ML1T1]
10. Power Work/time [ML1T2]/[T] [ML1T1]

11. Momentum Mass × velocity [M][LT−1] [MLT−1]

12. Pressure, stress Force/area [MLT−1]/[L2] [ML−1T1]

Change in dim ension

13. Strain [L]/[L] [M0L0T0]
Original dim ension

 ML−1T −2 
14. Modulus of elasticity Stress/strain [ML−1T−2]
 M 0 L0 T 0 

15. Surface tension Force/length [MLT−2]/[L] [ML0T−2]

16. Surface energy Energy/area [ML2T2]/[L2] [ML0T−2]

17. Velocity gradient Velocity/distance [LT1]/[L] [M0L1T−1]

18. Pressure gradient Pressure/distance [ML−1T1]/[L] [ML−2T−2]

19. Pressure energy Pressure × volume [ML−1T−2][L3] [ML2T−2]

 MLT −2 
20. Coefficient of viscosity Force/area × velocity gradient [ML−1T−1]
 L2   LT −1 / L 

Angle, Angular
21. Arc/radius [L]/[L] [M0L1T0]
displacement
Trigonometric ratio
[M0L0T0]
22.
( sin , cos , tan , etc.) Length/length [L]/[L]

23. Angular velocity Angle/time [L0]/[T] [M0L0T−1]

UNITS & DIMENSIONS 12

EXERCISE (Basic Exercise) 5. Given that y = a sin (t/p – qx), where t

represents time in second and x represents
Unit and Dimensions
distance in meter. Which of the following
1. A wire has a mass (0.3 ± 0.003) g, radius
statement is true?
(0.5 ± 0.005) mm and length (6 ± 0.06)
(a) Dimensions of t is same as that of q
cm. The maximum percentage error in
(b) Dimensions of x is same as that of p
measurement of density is
(c) Dimensions of x is same as that of q
(a) 1 (b) 2
(d) Dimensions of t is same as that of p
(c) 3 (d) 4
6. Obtain the dimensions of k in the equation
2. The density of a cube is found by
W = ½ Kx2. Here, W is work, while x is
measuring its mass and the length of its
change in length.
side. If the maximum errors in the
(a) [M1L0T-2] (b) [M0L1T-1]
measurement of mass and length are 0.3%
(c) [M1L1T-2] (d) [M1L0T-1]
and 0.2% respectively, the maximum error
7. If force (F), length (L) and time (T) are
in the measurement of density is
assumed to be fundamental units, then the
(a) 0.3% (b) 0.5%
dimensional formula of the mass will be
(c) 0 : 9% (d) 1 : 1%
(a) [FL-1T2]
3. The linear momentum p of a particle is
(b) [FL-1T-2]
2
given as a function of time t as p = At +
(c) [FL-1T-1]
Bt + C. The dimensions of constant B are
(d) [FL2T2]
-1 -1 -1 -2
(a) [ML T ] (b) [ML T ]
8. Newton-second is the unit of
(c) [MLT-2] (d) [MLT-1]
(a) Velocity
4. The frequency of vibration f of a mass m
(b) Angular momentum
suspended from a spring of spring constant
(c) Momentum
k is given by a relation f = cmxky; where c
(d) Energy
is a dimensionless quantity. The value of
9. The dimensions of universal gravitational
x and y are
constant are
(a) x = ½, y = ½
(a) [M-2L2T2] (b) [M-1L3T-2]
(b) x = -½, y = -½
(c) [ML-1T-2] (d) [ML2T-2]
(c) x = ½, y = -½
10. If A and B are two physical quantities
(d) x = -½, y = ½
having different dimensions. Then which
UNITS & DIMENSIONS 13

of the following operations might be (a) 0.1 s (b) 0.11 s

possible? (c) 0.01 s (d) 1.0 s
(a) A + 3B (b) 3A - B 14. The volume V of water passing through a
(c) A3 + (3B)3 (d) A1/3 x (3B)3 point of a uniform tube during t seconds is
11. According to Joule's law of heating, heat related to the cross-sectional area A of the
produced H = I2Rt, where I is current, R is tube and velocity u of water by the relation
resistance and t is time. If the errors in the V  A  u  t  , which one of the following
measurement of I, R and t are 3%, 4% and will be true
6% respectively then error in the (a)  =  =  (b)    = 
measurement of H is (c)  =    (d)     
(a) ± 17% (b) ± 16%
15. If n is the numerical value of a physical
(c) ± 19% (d) ± 25%
quantity in the system in which its unit is
12. If there is a positive error of 50% in the
u, then which of the following relations is
measurement of velocity of a body, then
correct?
the error in the measurement of kinetic
(a) n/u = constant
energy is
(b) u/n = constant
(a) 25% (b) 50%
(c) nu = constant
(c) 100% (d) 125
(d) n2u = constant
13. The period of oscillation of a simple
pendulum in the experiment is recorded as
2.63 s, 2.56 s, 2.42 s, 2.71 s and 2.80 s
respectively. The average absolute error is
UNITS & DIMENSIONS 14

ANSWERS KEY
1. d 6. a 11. b
2. c 7. a 12. c
3. c 8. c 13. b
4. d 9. b 14. b
5. d 10. d 15. c