02-Units and Measurements (2-31)

JR.
IPE PHYSICS VOL-1 UNITS AND MEASUREMENTS
UNITS & MEASUREMENTS

VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
***1. Distinguish between accuracy and precision. (Mar 2013,AP-Mar-16,TS-May-16)

Ans: The accuracy of a measurement is a measure of how close the measured value is to the true value of the
quantity.
Precision tells us to what resolution or limit the quantity is measured by an instrument.
Accuracy depends on errors and also on the precision of the measuring instrument.
Precision depends on the least count of the measuring instrument.
(OR)
S.NO Accuracy Precision
1 It is defined as the closeness of the It is defined as to what resoluton
measured value to the true value the quantity is measured
2 It depends on the minimization of It depends on the least count of the
errors measuring instrument
2. What are the different types of errors that can occur in a measurement?
Ans: The errors in a measurement can be broadly classified as systematic errors, random errors and gross
errors
**3. How can systematic errors be minimised or eliminated? (Mar-14,17,18, TS-Mar-17)
Ans: Systematic errors can be minimised by improving experimental techniques, selecting better instruments
and removing personal bias as far as possible.
4. Illustrate how the result of a measurement is to be reported indicating the error involved.
Ans: We report result of the measurement in the form of number which indicate the precision of measurement
along with the unit of the same physical quantity.
5. What are significant figures and what do they represent when reporting the result of a
measurement?
Ans: In a measurement the reliable digits plus the first uncertain digits are known as significant figures. They
represent precision of measurement when reporting result.
(OR)
The number of reliable digits in a number with first uncertain digit are called significant figure.
Eg: g=9.82 m/s2
Here ‘2’ is first uncertainty significant digits =3
***6. Distinguish between fundamental units and derived units. (TS-Mar-16)
Ans: The units of fundamental physical quantities are called fundamental units
Ex: Kg, m, sec, etc..
The units of derived physical quantities are called derived units
Ex: m/sec, J, m/sec2 etc.
7. Why do we have different units for the same physical quantity?
Ans: We have different system of measurements like CGS and MKS systems hence we have different units for
the same physical quantity.
NARAYANA Page.No. 2
JR.IPE PHYSICS VOL-1 UNITS AND MEASUREMENTS
**8. What is dimensional analysis?
Ans: Representing the unit of derived quantity in terms of units of fundamental physical quantities by raising the
powers of fundamental quantities is known as dimensional analysis.
(OR)
The dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to which the units of base quantities are
raised to represent a derived unit of that quantity.
1 2
Example : Force  [ M 1 LT ]
9. How many orders of magnitude greater is the radius of the atom as compared to that of the
nucleus?
Ans: The radius of a nucleus is of the order of 1015 m , and that of the atom is nearly 1010 m . Thus 5 orders
of magnitude greater is the radius of the atom as compared to that of the nucleus.
Vatom 4 / 3 10 
10 3
 Ratm  1010 m 
Note: V   1015  
nuc 4 / 310 
15 3 15
 Rnuc  10 m 
**10. Express unified atomic mass unit in kg.
Ans: Unified atomic mass unit ( a.m.u) = 1.66  10  27 kg
th
1 1  12 103 
1
  of mass of carbon atom = 12  c12
  
 23 
12  6.02 10 
 1.66 10 27 kg
 12 
ADDITIONAL VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
L
Calculate percentage error in the determination of g  4
2
11. when ' L ' and ' T ' are measured with
T2
2% and 3% error respectively..
L
Sol: g  4 2 2
T
g  L 2T 
 100    100   100 
g  L T 
   2   2  3     2  6   8%
12. The pressure on a circular plate is measured by measuring the force on the plate and the radius of plate. If
the errors in measurement of the force and radius are 5% and 3% respectively find the percentage of error
in the measurement of pressure ?
Force F F
Sol: Pressure = ; P 
Area A R 
P F 2 R
 100   100   100  5  2(3)  5  6  11%
P F R
13. What is error in density of a cube when its mass is uncertainty by 2% and length of its edge is uncertainty
by 1% ?
M M
Sol: Density    
 3
V L
  M L
 3
 M L
   2%  3  1% 
 5%
NARAYANA Page.No. 3
14. A physical quantity X is related to four measurable quantities a, b, c and d as follows:
X  a 2 b3 c5 / 2 d 2 . The percentage error in the measurement of a,b,c and d are 1%,2%,3%
and 4%. What is the percentage error in X ?
Ans. Given that X  a 2 b3 c5 / 2 d 2
The maximum percentage error in the measurement of quantity X is
X  a   b  5  c   d 
100  2  100   3  100    100   2  100 
X  a   b  2 c   d 
Given that the percentage errors in the measurement of quantities a, b, c and d are 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%
respectively
X 5
  100  2 1%   3  2%    3%   2  4% 
X 2
 2%  6%  7.5%  8%  23.5%
15 The temperatures of two bodies measured by a thermometer are t1  200 C  0.50 C and
t2  500 C  0.50 C . Calculate the temperature difference and the error therein.
Ans: t '  t 2  t1   50 0C  0.5 0C    20 0C  0.5 0C   t '  30 0C  1 0C
16. The resistance R  V / I where V  100  5% V and I  10  2% A. Find the
percentage error in R.
R V I
Ans:  100   100  100
R V I
The percentage error in V is 5 and in I is 2. Therefore, the total error in R would be 5  2  7% .
17. Find the relative error in Z. If Z  A 4 B1 3 / CD 3 2

 Z   A   1   B    C   3   D 
Ans: The relative error in Z is Z  4         .
 A   3  B   C   2  D 
18. The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is T  2 L / g . Measured value of L is 20.0

cm known to 1 mm accuracy and time for 100 oscillations of the pendulum is found to be 90 s
using a wrist watch of 1s resolution. What is the accuracy in the determination of g?
L
Ans: g  42
T 2
t t T  t
Here, T  and  T  . Therefore,  .
n n T t
The errors in both L and t are the least count errors. Therefore,
  g    L   T  0.1  1 
      2    2    0.027
 g   L   T  20.0  90 
Thus, the percentage error in g is   g / g 100    L / L 100  2    T / T 100  2.7
19. The measured mass and volume of a body are 2.42 g and 4.7 cm3 respectively with possible
errors 0.01 g and 0.1 cm3 . Find the maximum error in density..
NARAYANA Page.No. 4
mass
Ans: Density 
volume
m V
Maximum percentage error in density  100  100
m V
 0.01 0.1 
  100   100  = 0.413 + 2.127 = 2.54 %
 2.42 4.7 
***20. The error in measurement of radius of a sphere is 1%. What is the error in the measurement of
volume?
Ans: We know V  r 3
V r
so, 100  3 100
V r
r
But given  100  1 %
r
V
Hence, 100  3 1  3%
V
21. The percentage error in the mass and speed are 2% and 3% respectively. What is the maximum
error in kinetic energy calculated using these quantities?
1 2
Ans: K mv  K  mv 2
2
K  m   v 
 100    100   2   100 
K  m   v 
m v
given 100  2% and  100  3%
m v
K
 100  2  2  3  8%
K
22. One mole of an ideal gas at standard temperature and pressure occupies 22.4 L (molar volume).
If the size of the hydrogen molecule is about 1A 0 , what is the ratio of molar volume to the atomic
volume of a mole of hydrogen?
Ans: 1 mole of hydrogen contains 6 .0 2 3  10 23 atoms.
molar volume  22.4 lit  22.4 10 3 m3 1 lit  10 3
m3 
4 3
atomic volume  r  6.023  1023
3
but given r  1A 0  1010 m
22.4  10 3
required ratio 
4
   10 10   6.023  10 23
3
3
22.4  3
 103  1030 10 23  0.89  104
4  3.14  6.023
NARAYANA Page.No. 5
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. The vernier scale of an instrument has 50 divisions which coincide with 49 main scale divisions.
If each main scale division is 0.5 mm, then using this instrument what would be the minimum
inaccuracy in the measurement of distance ?
Ans. The minimum inaccuracy in the measurement of distance by a vernier scale is equal to its least count (L.C).
The least count is defined as the difference between one main scale division (M.S.D) and one vernier scale
division (V.S.D)
Given that the length of 50 V.S.D = 49 M.S.D
= (50-1) M.S.D
= 50 M.S.D - 1 M.S.D
1 M.S.D = 50(M.S.D -V.S.D)
50  L.C  1M .S .D ( L.C  1 M .S .D  1V .S .D )
1 M .S .D
L.C 
50
Given that 1M.S.D = 0.5 mm
0.5mm
 L.C  = 0.01 mm.
50
The minimum inaccuracy in the measurement is 0.01 mm
Note: In general, the least count of a vernier scale of distance on which n V.S.D coincide with (n-1)
1 M .S .D 1 M .S .D
M.S.D, is given by L.C  n

number of vernier divisions
*2. In a system of units the unit of force is 100N, unit of length is 10m and the unit of time is 100s.
What is the unit of mass in this system ?
Ans. The dimensional formula of force is F  MLT 2 , where M, L and T represent unit of mass, length and time.
 F  MLT 2
Unit of mass M  FL1T 2 .............(1)
Given that units of force, length and time are F = 100N, L=10m and T=100s
From (1), M  100 N 10 m  100 s 
1 2
1
 100  10 4 Nm 1s 2  105 Kg
10
In the given system, unit of mass is 105 Kg.
3. The distance of a galaxy from Earth is of the order of 1025 m . Calculate the order of
magnitude of the time taken by light to reach us from the galaxy.
Ans. The distance of galaxy is d  1025 m and speed of light is c  3  108 ms 1
The time taken by light to reach us from that galaxy is
distance d 1025
time = =  8
 0.33  1017 s  3.3 1016 s
speed c 3  10
The time taken is in the order of 1016 s with order of magnitude 16 as 3.3 lies between 1 and 5
4. The Earth-Moon distance is about 60 times of Earth radius. What will be the approxi-
mate angular diameter of the Earth as seen from the Moon ?
Ans. Let the radius of Earth be R, then the distance of Earth from the Moon is given by 60 R
Let  be the angular diameter of Earth as seen from the Moon.
NARAYANA Page.No. 6
In Fig, diameter AB of earth, d=2R (basis) Earth

distance D = 60R
and Parallax angle = 
A R R B
Accroding to parallax method to measure large distances,
d 2R 1  arc 
   rad   
D 60R 30  radius 
180 D=60R
but, 1rad 

1 180 6 6 
      1.9
30   3.142
Moon
 The angular diameter of earth as seen from the moon is 1.9
5. Three measurements of the time for 20 oscillations of a pendulum are given as t1  39.6 s ,
t2  39.9 s and t3  39.5 s . What is the precision in the measurements? What is the accuracy of
the measurements?
Ans. Given t1  39.6s, t2  39.9s, t3  39.5s
t1  t2  t3 39.6  39.9  39.5
True value, tmean    39.66  39.7s
3 3
Individual errors are (precision values)
t1  t1  tmean  39.6  39.7  0.1s
t2  t2  tmean  39.9  39.7  0.2s
t3  t3  tmean  39.5  39.7  0.2 s

Mean error (or) Mean deviation is
t1  t2  t3 0.1  0.2  0.2
tmean    0.166  0.2 s
3 3
tmean
% error in the measurements  t  100  0.2  100  0.5%
mean 39.7
Thus, the measured values are accurate upto 0.5%
6. A calorie is a unit of heat or energy and it equals about 4.2 J where 1J  1kg m 2 s 2 . Suppose we
employ a system of units in which the unit of mass equals  kg, the unit of length equals  m,
the unit of time is  s. Show that a calorie has a magnitude 4.2  1 2 2 in terms of the new
units.
Ans: Given that, 1 calorie  4.2 Joule  n  new unit
4.2M 1L12T12  n  M 2 L22T22

2 2
 M  L   T 
 n  4.2   1  1   1 
 M 2  L2   T2 
NARAYANA Page.No. 7
2 2
 1 kg   1 m   1 s 
 4.2      
  kg    m    s 
 4.2 1 2 2

*7. A new unit of length is chosen so that the speed of light in vacuum is 1 unit. If light takes 8 min
and 20 s to cover this distance, what is the distance between the Sun and Earth in terms of the
new unit ?
Ans. In the new system, speed of light is given as 1ms 1  1unit  1ms 1 
 
c  1  new unit
“c”is the velocity of light. Its dimensional formula is L1 T-1.
 c  3  108 ms 1  1 new unit
(in SI )
3  108 ms 1  1 LT 1
3  108 ms 1  1 L  s 1
 L  3 108 m
 In the new system unit of length is 3  108 m
In SI, the distance of sun is
d  c  t , where c  3  108 ms 1
t  8 min.20s =  8  60  sec +20 sec = 500 s
 d  3 108  500  1500 108 m
In the new system, the distance d  n  new unit of length
1500 108 m  n  3 108  n  500
 The distance of sun in the new system is d = 500 new units
8. A student measures the thickness of a human hair using a microscope of magnification 100. He
makes 20 observations and finds that the average thickness (as viewed in the microscope) is 3.5
mm. What is the estimate of the thickness of hair ?
Ans. Magnification of microscope = 100
Average thickness of human hair observed through microscope over
20 observation = 3.5 mm  3.5  103 m
According to the definition of magnification,
Observed thickness  sizeof image 
magnification =  magnification = 
Real thickness  sizeof object 
3.5 103
100 
Real thickness
3.5 103
 Real thickness   35106 m  35  m
100
 The thickness of human hair estimated by the student is 35 microns.
NARAYANA Page.No. 8
***9. The velocity of a body is given by V  At 2  Bt  C . If V and t are expressed in SI, what are the
units of A, B and C ? [May. 2007]
Ans. The velocity of a body is given by V  At 2  Bt  C (in SI)
Dimensional Formula of V is [ LT 1 ]
Dimensional Formula of t is [T].
Where SI units of L is m and T is sec.
According to the principle of homogeneity
Dimensional Formula of V = Dimensional Formula of At2
LT 1  AT 2  A  [ LT 3 ]
Dimensional Formula of V = Dimensional Formula of Bt
2
LT 1  B.T  B  [ LT ]
Dimensional Formula of V = Dimensional Formula of C
C  [ LT 1 ]
 Dimensional Formula of the constants A, B and C are LT
T-3, LT-2and LT-1
 The SI unit of A, B and C are ms , ms and ms .
-3 -2 -1
SOLVED PROBLEMS
1. Calculate the angle of (a) 10 (degree) (b) 11 (minute of arc or arcmin) and (c) 111
(second of arc or arc second) in radians. Use 3600  2  rad, 10  60' and 1'  60" .
  
(a) we have 3600  2  rad, 1  
0
Ans:  rad  1.745 102 rad
 180 
(b) 10  60'  1.745  10 2 rad
1.745 102
1'=
60
1'  2.908  10  4 rad  2.91  10  4 rad
(c) 1'  60 "  2 .91  10  4 rad ; 1"  4 . 85  10  6 rad
2. A man wishes to estimate the distance of a nearby tower from him. He stands at a point A in front
of the tower C and spots a very distance object O in line with AC. He then walks perpen-
dicular to AC up to B, a distance of 100 m and looks at O and C again. Since O is very distant,
the direction BO is practically the same as AO, but he finds the line of sight of C shifted from the
original line of sight by an angle   400 (  is known as ‘parallax’) estimate the distance of the
tower C from the original position A.
NARAYANA Page.No. 9
Distantobject
C

A B
100 m
Ans: We have, parallax angle   40 , (from fig) AB  AC tan 
0
AB
AC   100 m / tan 400  100m / 0.8391  119 m
tan 
3. The moon is observed from two diametrically opposite points A and B on earth. The angle 
subtended at the moon by the two directions of observation is 1054 '. Given the diameter of the
earth to be about 1.276 107 m, compute the distance of the moon from the earth.
We have   1 54 '  114 '  114  60  "  4.85  10  rad  3.32  10 2 rad,
0 6 Earth
Ans:
since 1"  4.85  10  6 rad d
A B
also d  AB  1.276 107 m
1.276 107
we have the earth - moon distance, D  d /   2
 3.84 108 m
3.32 10
D
MOON
4. The Sun’s angular diameter is measured to be 1920". The distance D of the Sun from the earth
is 1.496  1011 m. What is the diameter of the Sun?
Ans: Sun’s angular diameter   1920"  1920  4.85  10  6 rad  9.31  103 rad
 length of arc 
Sun’s diameter d  D   9.31 10   1.496  10  m angulardisplacement =
3 11

 radius of arc 
Earth
d
A B
D

SUN
NARAYANA Page.No. 10
5. If the size of a nucleus (in the range of 10 15 to 10 14 m ) is scaled up to the tip of a sharp pin,
what roughly is the size of an atom? Assume tip of the pin to be in the range 105 m to 10  4 m .
Ans: The size of a nucleus is in the range of 1015 m and 1014 m. The tip of a sharp pin is taken to be in the range
of 105 m and 10 4 m. Thus we are scaling up by a factor of 1010. An atom roughly of size 10 10 m will be
scaled up to a size of 1m. Thus a nucleus in an atom is as small in size as the tip of a sharp pin placed at the
centre of a sphere of radius about a metre long.
6. Two clocks are being tested against a standard clock located in a national laboratory. At 12:00:00
noon by the standard clock. The readings of the two clocks are
Clock 1 Clock 2
Monday 12:00:05 10:15:06
Tuesday 12:01:15 10:14:59
Wednesday 11:59:08 10:15:18
Thursday 12:01:50 10:15:07
Friday 11:59:15 10:14:53
Saturday 12:01:30 10:15:24
Sunday 12:01:19 10:15:11
If you are doing an experiment that requires ‘precision time interval’ measurements, which of
the two clocks will you prefer?
Ans: The range of variation over the seven days of observations is 162s for clock 1 and 31s
for clock 2. The average reading of clock 1 is much closer to the standard time than the
average reading of clock 2. The important point is that a clock’s zero error is not as significant for precision
work as its variation, because a ‘zero - error’ can always be easily corrected. Hence clock 2 is to be
preferred to clock 1.
7. We measure the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum. In successive measurements, the
readings turn out to be 2.63s, 2.56s, 2.42s, 2.71s and 2.80s. Calculate the absolute errors, rela-
tive error or percentage error.
Ans: The mean period of oscillation of the pendulum
T
 2.63  2.56  2.42  2.71  2.80  s 13.12
 s  2.624 s  2.62 s
5 5
As the periods are measured to a resolution of 0.01s, all times are to the second
decimal. It is proper to put this mean period also to the second decimal.
The errors in the measurements are
2.63 s  2.62 s  0.01 s
2.56 s  2.62 s  0.06 s
2.42 s  2.62 s  0.20 s
2.71 s  2.62 s  0.09 s
2.80 s  2.62 s  0.18 s
Note that the errors have the same units as the quantity to be measured.
The arithmetic mean of all the absolute errors (for arithmetic mean, we take only the
magnitudes) is
  0 .01  0 .06  0 .20  0 .09  0 .18  s  0 .5 4 s
 Tmean   
5
 0 .1 1 s
5
That means, the period of oscillation of the simple pendulum is  2.62  0.11 s i.e. It
lies between  2.62  0.11 s and (2.62 - 0.11)s or between 2.73s and 2.51s. As the arithmetic mean of all
the absolute errors is 0.11 s, there is already an error in the tenth of a second. Hence, there is no point in
giving the period to a hundredth. A more correct way will be to write T  2.6  0.1 s
Note that the last number 6 is unreliable, since it may be anything between 5 and 7. We indicate this by
saying that the measurement has two significant figures. In this case,
the two significant figures are 2, which is reliable and 6, which has an error associated
0.1
with it. For this example, the relative error or the percentage error is a   100  4
2.6
8. Two resistors of resistances R1  100  3 ohm and R2  200  4 ohm are connected (a) in
series, (b) in parallel. Find the equivalent resistance of the (a) series combination. (b) parallel
1 1 1  R '  R1  R2
combination. Use for (a) the relation R  R1  R2 and for (b) R '  R  R and R ' 2  R 2  R 2
1 2 1 2
Ans: (a) The equivalent resistance of series combination

R  R1  R2  100  3 +  200  4    3 0 0  7  
(b) The equivalent resistance of parallel combination
R1 R 2  100  200  200
R'    66.7 
R1  R 2  100  200  3
1 1 1
Then, from R '  R  R
1 2
By applying partial derivative

 R' R R
we get, R '2  R 2  R 2
1 2
1 2
 R R   3 4 
 R   R  2  21  22    R    66.7 
2
 100 2  200 2    R   1.779  1.8
 R1 R2 
Then, R '  66.7  1.8
(Here  R is expressed as 1.8 instead of 2 to keep in conformity with the rules of
significant figures)
9 Each side of a cube is measured to be 7.203 m. What are the total surface area and the volume
of the cube to appropriate significant figures?
Ans: The number of significant figures in the measured length is 4. The calculated area and
the volume should therefore be rounded off to 4 significant figures.
Surface area of the cube
 6  7.203 m 2  311.299254 m 2  311.3m 2

2
surface area = 6  side 2
Volume of the cube   7.203 m3  373.714754 m3  373.7 m3

3
10. 5.74 g of a substance occupies 1.2 cm3. Express its density by keeping the
significant figures in view.
Ans: There are 3 significant figures in the measured mass where as there are only 2
significant figures in the measured volume. Hence the density should be expressed to
only 2 significant figures.
5.74
Density  g cm 3 =4.783=4.8g cm-3
1.2
1
11. Let us consider an equation m v 2  mgh where m is the mass of the body, v its
2
velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity and h is height. Check whether this equation is
dimensionally correct.
The dimensions of LHS are  M   LT 1    M   L2T 2    M L2 T 2 
2
Ans:
The dimensions of RHS are  M   LT   L    M   L T    M L T 

2 2 2 2 2
The dimensions of LHS and RHS are the same and hence the equation is dimensionally
correct.
12. The SI unit of energy is J  kg m 2 s 2 that of speed v is m s 1 and of acceleration a is m s 2 .
Which of the formulae for kinetic energy  K  given below can you rule out on the basis of
dimensional arguments (m stands for the mass of the body):
1 2
(a) K  m 2 v3 (b) K    mv (c) K  m a
2
 3 2 1 2
(d) K    mv (e) K    mv  ma
 16  2
Ans: Every correct formula or equation must have the same dimensions on both sides of the equation. Also,
only quantities with the same physical dimensions can be added or subtracted. The dimensions of the
quantity on the right side are  M L T  for (a)  M L T  for (b) and (d)  M L T  for (c). The
2 3 3 2 2 2
quantity on the right side of (e) has no proper dimensions have been added. Since the kinetic energy
K has the dimensions of  M L T  , formulas (a), (c) and (e) are ruled out. Note that
2 2
dimen-
sional arguments cannot tell which of the two (b) or (d) is the correct formula. For this, one must turn to
the actual definition of kinetic energy. The correct formula for kinetic energy is given by (b).
13. Consider a simple pendulum, having a bob attached to a string, that oscillates under the action
of the force of gravity. Suppose that the period of oscillation of the simple pendulum depends on
its length  l  , mass of the bob (m) and acceleration due to gravity
(g). Derive the expression for its time period using method of dimensions.
Ans: The dependence of time period T on the quantities l , g and m as a product may be
written as: T  k l x g y m z where k is dimensionless constant and x,y and z are the
exponents.By considering dimensions on both sides, we have
x y z
 L 0 M 0 T 1    L1   L1 T 2
  M 1   Lx  y T  2 y M z
On equating the dimensions on both sides, we have x  y  0; 2 y  1; and z  0
1 1
solving, x= , y= and z=0
2 2
l
Then, T  k l1 2 g 1 2 or, T  k here k  2
g
l
so that T  2
g
PROBLEMS
1. In the expression P  E l 2 m 5G 2 the quantities E, l, m and G denote energy, angular momentum,
mass and gravitational constant respectively. Show that P is a dimensionless quantity.
Ans: Given P  E l 2 m 5G 2
D.F of E  [ ML2T 2 ]
D.F. of l  [ ML2T 1 ]
D.F. of m  [ M ]
D.F. of G  [ M 1 L3T 2 ]
Now D.F. of P  [ ML2T 2 ][ ML2T 1 ]2 M 5 [ M 1 L3T 2 ]2
 M 
1  2  5  2   2  4  6    2  2  4   [ M 0 L0T 0 ]
L T
Hence ‘P’ is a dimensionless quantity
2. If the velocity of light c, Planck’s constant h and the gravitational constant G are taken as
fundamental quantities, then express mass, length and time in terms of dimensions of these
quantities
hc Gh Gh
Ans: , 3 , 5
G c c
D.F. c  [ LT 1 ]
G  [ M 1 L3T 2 ]
h  [ ML2T 1 ]
G M 1 L3T 2
(a)  1
 [ M 1L2T 1 ]
c LT
h ML2T 1
 1 2 1  M 2
G M LT
 
c
hc hc
Hence M  M 
2
G G
(b) h  ML2T 1  M [ LT 1 ]L
h  MCL
h h
L  1 2 1 2 1 2  h1 2c 3 2G1 2
Mc h c G c
Gh
hence L 
c3
(c) c  [ LT 1 ]
1
c  h1 2c 3 2G1 2  
T 
Gh
T  h1 2 c 5 2G1 2  T  c5
3) An artificial satellite is revolving around a planet of mass M and radius R, in a circular orbit of
k r3
radius r. Using dimensional analysis show that period of the satellite T  , where k is a
R g
dimensionless constant and g is acceleration due to gravity.
Ans: Given T 2 r 3  T  r 3/ 2 . T is also function of g and R  T  g x R y
T  r 3/ 2 g x R y
[ L0 M 0T 1 ]  [ L3/ 2 M 0T 0 ][ L1M 0T 2 ]x [ L1M 0T 0 ] y

3
For L, 0   x y
2
1
For T, 1  0  2 x  x  
2
3 1
Therefore, 0    y  y  1
2 2
3/ 2 1/ 2 1 k r3
Thus, T  kr g R 
R g
**4) State the number of significant figures in the following:
(a) 6729 (b) 0.024 (c) 0.08240 (d) 6.032 (e) 4.57  108
Ans: (a) 6729, the number of significant figures in the above expression are four as all 6,7,2
and 9 are significant
(b) 0.024 contains only two significant figures, they are 2 and 4
(c) 0.08240 contains four significant figures, they are 8,2,4 and last zero
(d) 6.032 contains four significant figures, they are 6,3,2 and 0, here 0 is significant as it lies between two
non zero digits
(e) 4.57 108 contains three significant figures, they are 4,5 and 7 here power of ten are not counted as
significant
5) A stick has a length of 12.132 cm and another has a length of 12.4 cm. If the two sticks
are placed end to end, what is the total length ? If the two sticks are placed side by side, what is
the difference in their lengths?
Ans: In case of addition and subtraction with significant figures we follow following rule
Out of the given set of numbers we have to notice the number with least number of decimal places (say n)
and then round off all other numbers to  n  1 decimal places
After completing addition or subtraction, we should round off the final result to the least
number of decimal places (n)
(a) Total length L  12.132  12.4  cm
here we have to round off the first number to two decimal places, so that last 2 in 12.132 be omitted
hence L  12.13  12.4  cm  24.53cm
Now 12.53 is rounded to one decimal place. So last 3 is omitted  L  24.5 cm
(b) Difference in the length L  12.4  12.132
First we have to round off the number 12.132 to two decimal places. After round off it
will be 12.13
Hence L  12.4  12.13  0 .2 7
now 0.27 is round off to one decimal place, after round off, it will be 0.3
Hence L  0.3 cm
ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS
1. Fill in the blanks

(a) The volume of a cube of side 1 cm is equal to ............... m3
(b) The surface area of a solid cylinder of radius 2.0 cm and height 10.0 cm is equal to
..............  mm 
2
(c) A vehicle moving with a speed of 18 km h 1 covers ................ m in 1 s.

(d) The relative density of lead is 11.3.
Its density is _ _ _ _ g c m  3  o r  _ _ _ _ _ k g m  3 .
1
Ans : (a) 1 cm  m
100
volume of the cube = 1cm3 .
 1   1   1 
But, 1 cm  1 cm 1 cm  1cm   m m
3
m
 100   100   100 
 1 cm 3  10  6 m 3
Hence, the volume of a cube of side 1 cm is equal to 10 6 m3
(b) The total surface area of a cylinder of radius r and height h is
S  2 r  r  h  .
Given that,
r  2 cm  2  1cm  2  10mm  20 mm
h  10cm  10  10mm  100mm
 S  2  3.14  20   20  100   15072  1.5  104 mm 2
(c) Using the conversion,
5
1km / h  m/s
18
5
18km / h  18   5m / s
18
Therefore, distance can be obtained using the relation :
Distance = Speed  time  5  1  5m
Hence, the vehicle covers 5 m in 1 s.
(d) Relative density of a substance is given by the relation:
Density of substance
Relative density =
Density of water
Density of water 1g/cm3
Density of lead = relative density of lead  Density of water = 11.3 1  11.3 g / cm3
1
Again, 1g  kg  1g  103 kg
1000
1cm3  106 m3
03
1g / cm3  6
kg / m3  103 kg / m3
10
11.3 g / cm3  11.3 103 kg / m3
2. Fill in the blanks by suitable conversion of units :
(a) 1 kg m 2 s 2  ....g cm 2 s 2
(b) 1 m  ......ly
(c) 3.0 m s 2  .... km h 2
G  6.67  10 11 Nm 2  kg   ..............  cm  s 2 g 1

2 3
(d)
Ans:
(a) 1 kg  103 g
1m 2  104 cm 2
1kgm 2 s 2  1kg  1m 2  1s 2
 103 g 104 cm2  1 s 2  107 g cm2 s 2
(b) Light year is the total distance travelled by light in one year.
1ly = Speed of light  one year..
  3108 m/ s  365 246060 s  9.461015 m
1
 1m   1 .0 5 7  1 0  1 6 ly
9 .4 6  1 0 15
(c) 1m  103 km
1
again, 1 s  h
3600
1 s 1  3600 h 1
1 s 2   3600  h 2
2
 2

 3 m s 2   3  10 3 km    3600  h 2  3.88 104 km h 2
(d) 1 N  1 kg m s 2
1kg 1  103 g 1
1 m 3  106 cm3
 6.67 1011 Nm2 kg 2  6.67 1011  1kg m s 2 1 m2 1 kg 2 
 6.67 1011 1kg 1 1m3 1 s 2   6.67  10 11  103 g 1   106 cm3   1s 2 
 6.67  10 8 cm3 s 2 g 1
3. Explain this statement clearly:
“To call a dimensional quantity ‘large’ or ‘small’ is meaningless without specifying a standard
for comparison”. In view of this, reframe the following statements wherever necessary:
(a) atoms are very small objects
(b) a jet plane moves with great speed
(c) the mass of Jupiter is very large
(d) the air inside this room contains a large number of molecules
(e) a proton is much more massive than an electron
(f) the speed of sound is much smaller than the speed of light.
Ans. The given statement is true because a dimensionless quantity may be large or small in comparison to some
standard reference. For example, the coefficient of friction is dimensionless. The coefficient of sliding
friction is greater than the coefficient of rolling friction, but less than static friction.
(a) An atom is a very small object in comparison to a soccer ball.
(b) A jet plane moves with a speed greater than that of a bicycle.
(c) Mass of Jupiter is very large as compared to the mass of a cricket ball.
(d) The air inside this room contains a large number of molecules as compared to that present in a geom-
etry box.
(e) A proton is more massive than an electron.
(f) Speed of sound is less than the speed of light.
4. Which of the following is the most precise device for measuring length:
(a) a vernier callipers with 20 divisions on the sliding scale
(b) a screw gauge of pitch 1 mm and 100 divisions on the circular scale
(c) an optical instrument that can measure length to within a wavelength of light?
Ans. A device with minimum count is the most suitable (or precise) to measure length.
(a) Least count of vernier callipers
9 1
= 1 standard division (SD) - 1 vernier division (VD)  1    0.01 cm
10 10
Pitch 1
(b) Least count of screw gauge  Number of divisions   0.001 cm
1000
(c) Least count of an optical device = wavelength of light ~ 106 cm
Hence, it can be inferred that an optical instrument is the most suitable device to
measure length.
5. Answer the following:
(a) You are given a thread and a metre scale. How will you estimate the diameter of the thread?
(b) A screw gauge has a pitch of 1.0 mm and 200 divisions on the circular scale. Do you think it
is possible to increase the accuracy of the screw gauge arbitrarily by increasing the number of
divisions on the circular scale?
(c) The mean diameter of a thin brass rod is to be measured by vernier callipers. Why is a set of
100 measurements of the diameter expected to yield a more reliable estimate than a set of 5
measurements only?
Ans. (a) Wrap the thread on a uniform smooth rod in such a way that the coils thus formed are very close to
each other. Measure the length of the thread using a metre scale. The diameter of the thread is given by the
relation,
Length of thread
Diameter 
Number of turns
(b) It is not possible to increase the accuracy of a screw gauge by increasing the number of divisions of the
circular scale. Increasing the number divisions of the circular scale will increase precision of screw guage,
but accuracy may or may not increase.
(c) A set of 100 measurements is more reliable than a set of 5 measurements because random errors
involved in the former are very less as compared to the later.
6. The photograph of a house occupies an area of 1.75cm2 on a 35 mm slide. The slide is projected
on to a screen, and the area of the house on the screen is 1.55 m 2 . What is the linear magnifica-
tion of the projector - screen arrangement?
Ans. Area of the house on the slide  1.75cm2
Area of the image of the house formed on the screen  1.55 m 2  1.55  104 cm2
Area of image 1.55
Areal magnification, ma  Area of object  1.75  10
4
1.55
 Linear magnification, m1  ma  104  94.11
1.75
7. State the number of significant figures in the following:
(a) 0.007 m 2 (b) 2.64 10 24 kg
(c) 0.2370 g cm 3 (d) 6.320 J
(e) 6.032 N m 2 (f) 0.0006032 m 2
Ans. (a) Answer: 1
The given quantity is 0.007m2 .
If the number is less than one, then all zeros on the right of the decimal point (but left to the first non-zero)
are insignificant. This means that here, two zeros after the decimal are not significant. Hence, only 7 is a
significant figure in this quantity.
(b) Answer: 3
The given quantity is 2.64 1024 Kg.
Here, the power of 10 is irrelevant for the determination of significant figures. Here, all digits i.e., 2, 6 and
4 are significant figures.
(c) Answer: 4
The given quantity is 0.2370 g cm3 .
For a number with decimals, the trailing zeroes are significant.Hence, besides digits 2,3 and 7, the digit 0
that appears after the decimal point is also a significant figure.
(d) Answer: 4
The given quantity is 6.320 J.
For a number with decimals, the trailing zeroes are significant. Hence, all four digits appearing in the given
quantity are significant figures.
(e) Answer: 4
The given quantity is 6.032 Nm2 .
All zeroes between two non-zero digits are always significant.
(f) Answer: 4
The given quantity is 0.0006032 m 2
If the number is less than one, then the zeroes on the right of the decimal point (but left to the first non-zero)
are insignificant. Hence, all three zeroes appearing before 6 are not significant figures. All zeroes between
two non-zero digits are always significant. Hence, the remaining four digits are significant figures.
8. The length, breadth and thickness of a rectangular sheet of metal are 4.234m, 1.005 m, and 2.01
cm respectively. Give the area and volume of the sheet to correct significant figures.
Ans. Length of sheet, l = 4.234 m
Breadth of sheet, b = 1.005 m
Thickness of sheet, h = 2.01 cm = 0.0201 m,
The given table lists the respective significant figures.
Quantity Number No. of significant Figures
l 4.234 4
b 1.005 4
h 2.01 3
Hence, area and volume both must have least significant figures i.e., 3.
Surface area of the sheet  2  l  b  b  h  h  l 
 2  4.234 1.005  1.005  0.0201  0.0201  4.234 

 2  4.25517  0.02620  0.08510   2  4.360  8.72m 2
Volume of the sheet  l  b  h
 4.234  1.005  0.0201  0.085528917 m3  0.0855m3
This number has only 3 significant figures i.e., 8,5 and 5.
9. The mass of a box measured by a grocer’s balance is 2.3 Kg. Two gold pieces of masses 20.15 g
and 20.17g are added to the box. What is (a) the total mass of the box, (b) the difference in the
masses of the pieces to correct significant figures?
Ans: Mass of grocer’s box = 2.3 kg
Mass of gold piece I = 20.15g = 0.02015 Kg
Mass of gold piece II = 20.17g = 0.02017 Kg
(a) Total mass of the box = 2.3 + 0.02015 + 0.02017 = 2.34032 Kg
In addition, the final result should retain as many decimal places as there are in the number with the least
decimal places. Hence, the total mass of the box is 2.3 Kg.
(b) Difference in masses = 20.17 - 20.15 = 0.02 g
In subtraction, the final result should retain as many decimal places as there are in the number with the least
decimal places.
10. A physical quantity P is related to four observables a, b, c and d as follows:
a3b 2
P
 cd 
The percentage errors of measurement in a, b, c and d are 1%, 3%, 4% and 2%, respectively.
What is the percentage error in the quantity P? If the value of P calculated using the above
relation turns out to be 3.763, to what value should you round off the result?
a3b 2 P 3a 2b 1 c d

P
Ans.
 cd  
P

a

b

2 c

d
 P   a b 1 c d 
  100  %   3   100  2   100    100   100 
 P   a b 2 c d 
1
 3  1  2  3   4  2  3  6  2  2  13%
2
Percentage error in P = 13%
Value of P is given as 3.763
By rounding off the given value to the first decimal place, we get P = 3.8.
11. A book with many printing errors contains four different formulas for the displacement y of a
particle undergoing a certain periodic motion:
 2 t 
(a) y  a sin  
 T 
(b) y = a sin vt
a t
(c) y    sin
T  a
2 t 2 t
(d) y   a 2   sin T  cos T 
 
 
(a = maximum displacement of the particle, v = speed of the particle. T = time-period of motion).
Rule out the wrong formulas on dimensional grounds.
Ans. (a) Answer: Correct
 2 t 
y  a sin  
 T 
Dimensional formula of y  [ M 0 L1T 0 ]
Dimensional formula of a  [ M 0 L1T 0 ]

2 t
Dimensional formula of sin  [ M 0 L0T 0 ]
T
 Dimension of L.H.S = Dimension of R.H.S
Hence, the given formula is dimensionally correct.
(b) Answer: Incorrect
y = a sin vt
Dimensional formula of vt  [ M 0 L1T 1 ][M 0 L0T 1 ]  [ M 0 L1T 0 ]

But the argument of the trigonometric function must be dimensionless, which is not so in the given case.
Hence, the given formula is dimensionally incorrect.
(c) Answer: Incorrect
a t
y    sin
T  a
a
Dimensional formula of  [ M 0 L1T 1 ]
T
t
Dimensional formula of  [ M 0 L1T 1 ]
a
But the argument of the trigonometric function must be dimensionless, which is not so in the given case.
Hence, the formula is dimensionally incorrect.
(d) Answer: Correct
2 t 2 t 
 


y  a 2  sin
T
 cos
T 


t
Dimensional formula of  [ M 0 L0T 0 ]
T
Since the argument of the trigonometric function must be dimensionless (which is true in the given case),
the dimensions of y and a are the same. Hence, the given formula is dimensionally correct.
12. A famous r elation in physics r elates ‘ moving mass’ m to the ‘rest mass’ m0 of a particle in terms
of its speed v and the speed of light, c. (This relation first arose as a consequence of special
relativity due to Albert Einstein). A boy recalls the relation almost correctly but forgets where to
put the constant c. He writes:
m0
m 1
1 v 2 2
 Guess where to put the missing c.
Ans. Given the relation,

m0
m 1
1 v 2 2

Dimensional formula of m  [ M 1L0T 0 ]
Dimensional formula of m 0  [ M 1L 0T 0 ]
Dimensional formula of v  [ M 0 L1T 1 ]

Dimensional formula of v 2  [ M 0 L 2T 2 ]
Dimensional formula of c  [ M 0 L1T 1 ]
The given formula will be dimensionally correct only when the dimension of L.H.S is the same as that of
1
R.H.S . This is the only possible when the factor, 1  v 2   2 is
 2

dimensionless i.e., 1  v is dimensionless. This is only possible if v 2 is divided
by c 2 . Hence , the correct relation is
m0
m 1
 v2 2 .
1  2 
 c 
13. The unit of length convenient on the atomic scale is known as an angstrom and is denoted by
0 10 m . The size of a hydrogen atom is about 0.5 0 what is the total atomic
A 0 , 1A  10 A
volume in m 3 of a mole of hydrogen atoms ?
Ans. Radius of hydrogen atom , r  0.5 A 0  0.5 1010 m
4 3
Volume of hydrogen atom   r
3
 
4 22 3
   0.5 10 10  0.524 10 30 m 3
3 7
1 mole of hydrogen contains 6.023 10 23 hydrogen atoms.
 Volume of 1 mole of hydrogen atoms  6.023 10 23  0.524 10 30  3.16 10 7 m 3
 3  10 7 m3
14. Explain this common observation clearly : If you look out of the window of a fast moving train,
the nearby trees, houses etc. seem to move rapidly in a direction opposite to the train’s motion,
but the distant objects (hill tops, the moon, the stars etc) seem to be stationary. (In fact , since
you are aware that you are moving, these distant objects seem to move with you).
Ans. Near objects make greater angle than distant (far off) objects at the eye of the observer. When you
are moving, the angular change is less for distant objects than nearer objects. So, these distant objects
seem to move along with you, but the nearer objects in opposite direction.
15. The principle ‘parallax’ is used in the determination of distance of very distant stars. The baseline
AB is the line joining the earth’s two locations six months apart in this orbit around the sun. That
is , the baseline is about the diameter of the earth’s orbit  3 10 11 m . However, even the
nearest stars are so distant that with such a long baseline, they show parallax only the order of
1'' (second) of arc or so. A parsec is a convenient unit of length on the astronomical scale. It is
the distance of an object that will show a parallax of 1" (second) of arc from opposite ends of a
baseline equal to the distance from the earth to the sun. How much is a parsec in terms of meters
?
Ans. Diameter of earth’s orbit  3 10 11 m
Radius of earth’s orbit r 1.5 10 11 m

Let the distance parallax angle be
1''  4.847 10 6 rad
Let the distance of the star be D.
Parsec is defined as the distance at which the average radius of the earth’s orbit
subtends an angle of 1 '' .
r r 1.5  10 11
we have  =  D   0.309  1017  3.09  10 16 m
D  4.847  10  6
Hence, 1 parsec  3.09 1016 m .
16. The nearest star to our solar system is 4.29 light years away. How much is this distance in terms
of parsecs ? How much parallax would this star (named Alpha Centauri) show when viewed from
two locations of the earth six months apart in its orbit around the sun ?
Ans. Distance of the star from the system  4.29 ly
1 light year is the distance travelled by light in one year.
1 light year  Speed of light  1 year
 3 10 8  365  24  60  60  94608 10 11 m
 4.29 ly  405868.32 10 11 m

 1par sec  3.08 10 16 m
405868.32 10 11
 4.29 ly   1.32 par sec
3.08 10 16
Using the relation,
d

D
where, Diameter of earth’s orbit , d  3  10 11 m
Distance of the star from the earth, D  405868.32 10 11 m

3 10 11
  11
 7.39 10 6 rad
405868.32 10
But 1sec  4.85 10 6 rad
6 7.39  10 6
 7.39 10 rad   1.52 ''
4.85  10 6
17. Precise measurements of physical quantities are a need of science. For example, to ascertain
the speed of an aircraft, one must have an accurate method to find its positions at closely sepa-
rated instants of time. This was the actual motivation behind the discovery of radar in World war
II. Think of different examples in modern science where precise measurements of length, time,
mass, etc. are needed. Also, wherever you can, give a quantitative idea of the precision
needed.
Ans. It is indeed very true that precise measurements of physical quantities are essential for the development of
science. For example, ultra-short LASER pulses (time interval 10 15 s) are used to measure time inter-
vals in several physical and chemical processes. X-ray spectroscopy is used to determine the inter-atomic
separation or inter-planer spacing. The development of mass spectrometer makes it possible to measure
the mass of atoms precisely.
18. Just as precise measurements are necessary in science, it is equally important to be able to
make rough estimates of quantities using rudimentary ideas and common observations. Think
of ways by which you can estimate the following (where an estimate is difficult to obtain, try to
get an upper bound on the quantity) :
(a) the total mass of rain-bearing clouds over India during the monsoon
(b) the mass of an elephant
(c) the wind speed during a storm
(d) the number of strands of hair on your head
(e) the number of air molecules in your classroom
Ans. (a) During monsoons, a mythologist records about 215 cm of rainfall in India i.e., the height of water
column, h  215 cm  2.15 m
Area of country, A  3.3 10 12 m 2
Hence, volume of rain water , V  A  h  7.09 10 12 m 3
Density of water ,   110 3 kg m 3
Hence, mass of rain water    V  7.09 10 15 kg
Hence, the total mass of rain-bearing clouds over India is approximately 7.09 10 15 kg .
(b) Consider a ship of known base area floating in the sea. Measure its depth in sea (say d 1 ).
Volume of water displaced by the ship , Vb  A d 1
 
Now, move an elephant on the ship and measure the depth of the ship d 2 in this case.
Volume of water displaced by the ship with the elephant on board, Vbe  A d 2
Volume of water displaced by the elephant  A d 2  A d 1

Density of water  D

Mass of elephant  AD d 2  d 1 
(c) wind speed during a storm can be measured by an anemometer. As wind blows, it rotates. The
rotation made by the anemometer in one second gives the value of wind speed.
(d) Area of the head surface carrying hair  A
With the help of a screw gauge, the diameter and hence, the radius of a hair can be determined. Let it be
r.
 Area of one hair   r 2
Total surface area A
Number of strands of hair  
Area of one hair r 2
(e) Let the volume of the room be V.
One mole of air at NTP occupies 22.4 lit i.e., 22.4  10 3 m 3 volume .
Number of molecules in one mole  6.023 10 23
Number of molecules in room of volume V
6.023 1023 60.23  1025
 V   V  2.6888 1025V
22.4 103 22.4
19. The sun is a hot plasma (ionized matter) with its inner core at a temperature exceeding 10 7 k ,
and its outer surface at a temperature of about 6000 K. At these high temperatures, no sub-
stance remains in a solid or liquid phase. In what range do you expect the mass density of the
sun to be, in the range of densities of solids and liquids or gases ? check if your guess is correct
from the following data : mass of the sun = 2.0 10 30 kg , radius of the sun = 7.0 10 8 m .
Ans. Mass the sun, M = 2.0 10 30 kg
Radius of the sun, R = 7.0 10 8 m

4
Volume of the sun, V = R3
3
 
4 22 3 88
   7.0 10 8   343  10 24  1437.3  10 24 m 3
3 7 21
Mass 2.0 10 30
Density of the sun,    1.4  10 3 kg / m 3
Volume 1437.3 10 24
The density of the sun is in the density range of solids and liquids. This high density is attributed to the
intense gravitational attraction of the inner layers on the outer layer of the sun.
20. When the planet Jupiter is at a distance of 824.7 million kilometers from the earth, its angular
diameter is measured to be 35.72 '' of arc. Calculate the diameter of Jupiter..
Ans. Distance of Jupiter from the earth, D  824.7 10 6 km  824.7 10 9 m
Angular diameter = 35.72 ''  35.72  4.874 10 6 rad
Diameter of Jupiter = d
Using the relation,
d    D  824.7 10 9  35.72  4.872 10 6  143520.76 10 3  1.435 10 5 km
21. A man walking briskly in rain with speed v must slant his umbrella forward making an angle 
with the vertical. A student derives the following relation between  and v : tan  v and checks
that the relation has a correct limit : v  0,   0, as expected. (We are assuming there is no
strong wind and that the rain falls vertically for a stationary man). Do you think this relation can
be correct ? if not, guess the correct relation.
Ans. Incorrect
The relation is tan  v .
Dimension of R.H .S  [ M 0 L1T 1 ]
Dimension of L.H .S  [ M 0 L 0T 0 ]
( The trigonometric function is considered to be a dimensionless quantity)
Dimension of R.H.S is not equal to the dimension of L.H.S. Hence, the given relation is not correct
dimensionally.
To make the given relation correct, the R.H.S should also be the dimensionless. One way to achieve this
is by dividing the R.H.S by the speed of rainfall v ' .
Therefore, the relation reduces to
v
tan   . This relation is dimensionally correct.
v'
22. It is claimed that two cesium clocks, if allowed to run for 100 years, free from any disturbance,
may differ by only about 0.02 s. What does this imply for the accuracy of the standard cesium
clock in measuring a time-interval of 1s ?
Ans. Difference in time of cesium clocks  0.02 s

Time required for this difference = 100 years
 100  365  24  60  60  3.15 10 9 s
In 3.15 10 9 s , the cesium clock shows a time difference of 0.02 s.
0.02
In 1s, the clock will show a time difference of s
3.15 10 9
T 2 102 1 1
 6  1012  10 to 10  11 or 12
11 12
Relative error 
T 3.15 10 9
10 10
Thus, the accuracy is 1 part in 1011 to 1012
23. Estimate the average mass density of a sodium atom assuming its size to be about 2.5 A 0 . (Use
the known values of Avogadro’s number and the atomic mass of sodium). Compare it with the
density of sodium in its crystalline phase : 970 kg m 3 . Are the two densities of the same order
of magnitude ? If so, why ?
4 3
r  4.19  2.5  1010 m   6.5 10 29 m3
3
Ans. Volume of a sodium atom. 
3
We know that 6.02  1023 atoms of sodium weigh  23 g  2.3  102 kg
2.3 10 2 kg
Mass of a sodium atom   3.8  1026 kg
6.02 10 23
mass 3.8 1026 kg

Density of sodium atom   29 3
 5.8 102 kg / m3  580kg / m3
volume 6.5 10 m
The density of the sodium atom and the density of crystalline sodium  970 kg / m  are thus of the same
3
order - of magnitude. The reason for this is that the sodium atoms in the solid phase are closely packed.
24. The unit length convenient on the nuclear scale is a fermi : 1fm  10 15 m . Nuclear sizes obey
1
roughly the following empirical relation : r  r0 A 3 . Where r is the radius of the nucleus, A its
mass number, and r0 is a constant equal to about, 1.2 f. show that the rule implies that nuclear
mass density is nearly constant for different nuclei. Estimate the mass density of sodium nucleus.
Compare it with the average mass density of a sodium atom obtained in Example . 2.27.
Ans. Radius of nucleus ‘r’ given by the relation,
1
r  r0 A 3 ........  i 
r0  1.2fm  1.2 10 15 m
4 3
Volume of the nucleus, V   r
3
3
4 
1
4
   r0 A 3    r03 A.....  i 
3   3

Now, the mass of the nuclei M is equal to its mass number
M = A amu = A  1.66  10 27 kg
Density of nucleus,
Mass of nucleus

Volume of nucleus
A 1.66  10 27 3 1.66  10 27

  3
kg / m 3
4 3 4 r
 r0 A 0
3
This relation shows that nuclear mass depends only on constant r0 and it is independent of mass number
(A). Hence, the nuclear mass densities of all nuclei are nearly the same.
Density of sodium nucleus is given by,
3  1.66 10 27

 sodium 
 
3
4  3.14  1.2 10 15
4.98
  10 18  2.29  10 17 kg m 3
21.71
On comparing with the atomic density, nuclear density is typically 1015 times atomic density of matter..
25. A LASER is a source of very intense, monochromatic, and unidirectional beam of light. These
properties of a laser light can be exploited to measure long distances. The distance of the moon
from the earth has been already determined very precisely using a laser as a source of light. A
LASER beamed at the moon takes 2.56 s to return after reflection at the moon’s surface. How
much is the radius of the lunar orbit around the earth ?
Ans. Time taken by the laser beam to return to earth after reflection from the moon = 2.56 s
Speed of light (C)  3  10 8 m / s
1
Time taken by the laser beam to reach moon (t)   2.56  1.28 s
2
Radius of the lunar orbit = Distance between the earth and the moon  t  C
 1.28  3 10 8  3.84 10 8 m
26. A SONAR (sound navigation and ranging) uses ultrasonic waves to detect and locate objects
under water. In a submarine equipped with a SONAR the time delay between generation of a
probe wave and the reception of its echo after reflection from an enemy submarine is found to be
77.0 s. What is the distance of the enemy submarine ? (Speed of sound in water = 1450 m s 1 ).
Ans. Let the distance between the ship and the enemy submarine be ‘s’.
Speed of sound in water  1450 m / s
Time lag between transmission and reception of sonar waves = 77 s
In this time lag, sound waves travel a distance which is twice the distance between the ship and the
submarine (2S).
1
Time taken for the sound to reach the submarine   77  38.5 s
2
 Distance between the ship and the submarine (S)  1450  38.5  55825m  55.8 km
27 The farthest objects in our universe discovered by modern temperature are so distant that light
emitted by them takes billions of years to reach the earth. These objects (known as quasars)
have many puzzling features, which have not yet been satisfactorily explained. What is the dis-
tance in km of a quasar from which light takes 3.0 billion years to reach us ?
Ans. Time taken by quasar light to reach earth = 3 billion years
 3  10 9 years
 3  10 9  365  24  60  60 s
Speed of light  3  10 8 m / s
 8
 9
Distance between the earth and quasar  3 10  3 10  365  24  60  60 
 283824 10 20 m  2.8 10 22 km
28. It is a well known fact that during a total solar eclipse the disk of the moon almost completely
covers the disk of the sun. From this fact and from the information you can gather from
examples 2.3 and 2.4, determine the approximate diameter of the moon.
Ans. The position of the sun, moon, and earth during a lunar eclipse is shown in the given figure.
P
R
V T
Moon u
S Earth
Sun Q
Distance of the moon from the earth  3.84  10 8 m
Distance of the sun from the earth  1.496 1011 m
Diameter of the sun  1.39  10 9 m
It can be observed that TRS and TPQ are similar..
 PQ   3.84 108 1.39 10 

9
RS PQ
  RS  RT 
RT PT

 PT  1.496 1011   3568 km
Hence, the diameter of the moon is  3568 km
29. A great physicist of this century (P.A.M.Dirac) loved playing with numerical values of funda-
mental constants of nature. This led him to an interesting observation. Dirac found that
from the basic constants of atomic physics (c, e, mass of electron, mass of proton) and the
gravitational constant G, he could arrive at a number with the dimension of time. Further , it was
a very large number, its magnitude being close to the present estimate on the age of the uni-
verse ( : 1 5 billion years). If its coincidence with the age of the universe were significant, what
would this imply for the constancy of fundamental constants ?
Ans. One relation consists of some fundamental constants that gives the age of the universe by :
2
 e2  1
t   
 4  m m 2c 3G
 0 p e
where, t = Age of universe
e = Charge of electrons = 1.6 1019 C
 0  Absolute permittivity
m p  Mass of protons = 1.67 10 27 kg
m e  Mass of electrons = 9.1 10 31kg
c = Speed of light = 3 10 8 m / s
G = Universal gravitational constant = 6.67 1011 Nm 2kg 2

1 9 2 2
Also, 4  9  10 Nm / C
0
Substituting these values in the equation, we get
1.6 10 19    9 10 9 

4 2
t
9.110 31  1.67 10 27  3 10 8   6.67 10 11
2 3
4

1.6   81
 10 761862 27 2411 s
9.1 1.67  27  6.67
4

1.6 
 81
 10 7618 62 27 2411 years
9.1 1.67  27  6.67  365  24  3600
 6 10 9 1018 years  6 billion years
9
 6  10 years
30. What are the significant numbers? Write the numbers of significant digits in the
measurement of 0.002308. (Ts-Mar-2018)
Ans. If the number is less than 1, the zero(s) on the right of decimal point but to the left of the first non-zero
digit are not significant. In 0.002308, the underlined zeros are not significant.
***

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IPE PHYSICS VOL-1 UNITS AND MEASUREMENTS

UNITS & MEASUREMENTS

***1. Distinguish between accuracy and precision. (Mar 2013,AP-Mar-16,TS-May-16)

Ans: t '  t 2  t1   50 0C  0.5 0C    20 0C  0.5 0C   t '  30 0C  1 0C

17. Find the relative error in Z. If Z  A 4 B1 3 / CD 3 2

18. The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is T  2 L / g . Measured value of L is 20.0

In Fig, diameter AB of earth, d=2R (basis) Earth

t2  t2  tmean  39.9  39.7  0.2s

t3  t3  tmean  39.5  39.7  0.2 s

4.2M 1L12T12  n  M 2 L22T22

 4.2 1 2 2

Ans: (a) The equivalent resistance of series combination

By applying partial derivative

 6  7.203 m 2  311.299254 m 2  311.3m 2

Volume of the cube   7.203 m3  373.714754 m3  373.7 m3

The dimensions of RHS are  M   LT   L    M   L T    M L T 

On equating the dimensions on both sides, we have x  y  0; 2 y  1; and z  0

Now D.F. of P  [ ML2T 2 ][ ML2T 1 ]2 M 5 [ M 1 L3T 2 ]2

[ L0 M 0T 1 ]  [ L3/ 2 M 0T 0 ][ L1M 0T 2 ]x [ L1M 0T 0 ] y

1. Fill in the blanks

(c) A vehicle moving with a speed of 18 km h 1 covers ................ m in 1 s.

G  6.67  10 11 Nm 2  kg   ..............  cm  s 2 g 1

 2  4.234 1.005  1.005  0.0201  0.0201  4.234 

Volume of the sheet  l  b  h

a3b 2 P 3a 2b 1 c d

Dimensional formula of a  [ M 0 L1T 0 ]

Dimensional formula of a  [ M 0 L1T 0 ]

Dimensional formula of vt  [ M 0 L1T 1 ][M 0 L0T 1 ]  [ M 0 L1T 0 ]

Dimensional formula of y  [ M 0 L1T 0 ]

Ans. Given the relation,

Dimensional formula of v  [ M 0 L1T 1 ]

by c 2 . Hence , the correct relation is

Radius of earth’s orbit r 1.5 10 11 m

 3 10 8  365  24  60  60  94608 10 11 m

 4.29 ly  405868.32 10 11 m

Distance of the star from the earth, D  405868.32 10 11 m

Hence, volume of rain water , V  A  h  7.09 10 12 m 3

Density of water ,   110 3 kg m 3

Hence, mass of rain water    V  7.09 10 15 kg

Volume of water displaced by the ship , Vb  A d 1

Volume of water displaced by the elephant  A d 2  A d 1

Ans. Mass the sun, M = 2.0 10 30 kg

Radius of the sun, R = 7.0 10 8 m

Ans. Difference in time of cesium clocks  0.02 s

 100  365  24  60  60  3.15 10 9 s

In 3.15 10 9 s , the cesium clock shows a time difference of 0.02 s.

Thus, the accuracy is 1 part in 1011 to 1012

We know that 6.02  1023 atoms of sodium weigh  23 g  2.3  102 kg

mass 3.8 1026 kg

r0  1.2fm  1.2 10 15 m

A 1.66  10 27 3 1.66  10 27

3  1.66 10 27

 PQ   3.84 108 1.39 10 

m p  Mass of protons = 1.67 10 27 kg

m e  Mass of electrons = 9.1 10 31kg

c = Speed of light = 3 10 8 m / s

G = Universal gravitational constant = 6.67 1011 Nm 2kg 2

1.6 10 19    9 10 9 

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