[@TEAMFLOOD] Units and Measurement Aakash RM Modules.pdf

Chapter 2
Units and Measurement

Chapter Contents
z Unit UNIT
It is the smallest part of physical quantity (a quantity which is to be
z Order of Magnitude measured) in any system of units. Any standard unit should have the
z Accuracy, Precision of following two properties :
Instruments (a) Invariability : The standard unit must be invariable. Thus assuming
your height as standard unit of length is not invariable because your
z Errors in Measurement
height changes with your age.
z Significant Figures (b) Availability : The standard unit should be easily made available for
z Dimensions of Physical comparing with other quantities. Also you will not be available every
Quantities where for comparison.
There are different system of units as stated below :
z Dimensional Analysis and
its Applications (i) F.P.S. system of units : It is the British engineering system of
units which uses foot as the unit of length, pound as the unit
of mass and second as the unit of time.
(ii) C.G.S. system of units : It is the Gaussian system which uses
centimetre, gram and second as the units for length, mass and
time respectively.
(iii) M.K.S system of units : In this system metre, kilogram and
second are the units of length, mass and time respectively.
(iv) International system of units (SI units) : This system of units
was introduced in 1960, by the general conference of Weights
and Measures and was internationally accepted. Our
calculations mainly will be in this system of units.
Units are divided in two groups as fundamental units and derived
units.
A. Fundamental Unit
If the unit of a physical quantity is independent of the other units, the
physical quantity is said to be fundamental quantity and its unit as
fundamental unit.
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The SI unit is based on the following seven fundamental units and two supplementary units :
Sl. No. Fundamental Quantity Fundamental Unit Unit Symbol Used

1. Mass kilogram kg
2. Length metre m
3. Time second s
4. Temperature kelvin K
5. Electric current ampere A
6. Luminous Intensity candela cd
7. Amount of Matter mole mol
Sl. No. Supplementary Supplementary Unit Symbol

Physical Quantity Unit Used
1. Plane angle Radian rad
2. Solid angle Steradian sr
Note :
(i) Unit cannot be plural e.g., writing 5 kgs is wrong, the correct is 5 kg.
(ii) If the name of a unit is the name of a scientist and you are writing the complete name start from
small letter, e.g., 5 ampere and if you are writing the single letter use capital letter, e.g., 5 A.
B. Derived Unit
If the unit of a physical quantity depends on the units of the fundamental quantities then the quantity is said
to be dependent physical quantity (derived quantity) and its unit is dependent unit or (derived unit). e.g. unit
of velocity is m/s, which depends on the unit of length and time and hence the velocity is said to be dependent
quantity and its unit as derived unit.
METRIC PREFIXES FOR POWERS OF 10 : The physical quantities whose magnitude is either too large or
too small can be expressed more compactly by the use of certain prefixes as given in the table.
TABLE : METRIC PREFIXES
Power of 10 Prefix Symbol Power of 10 Prefix Symbol

–1 1
10 deci d 10 deca da
–2 2
10 centi c 10 hecto h
10–3 milli m 103 kilo k
10–6 micro µ 106 mega M
10–9 nano n 109 giga G
–12
10 pico p 1012 tera T
10–15 femto f 1015 peta P
10–18 atto a 1018 exa E
ORDER OF MAGNITUDE
If the magnitude of a physical quantity is expressed as a × 10b, where (a 5), then the exponent b is called
the order of magnitude of the physical quantity. If 5 < a  10, then the order of magnitude of the physical
quantity become b + 1, where b is any positive or negative exponent (or power) of 10.
For example, the speed of light is given as 3.00 × 108 m s–1. So the order of magnitude of the speed of light
is 8. The order of magnitude, gives an estimate of the magnitude of the quantity. The charge on an electron
is 1.6 × 10–19 C. Therefore, we can say that the charge possessed by an electron is of the order 10–19 or its
order of magnitude is – 19. The expression of a quantity as a × 10b is called scientific notation.
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ACCURACY, PRECISION OF INSTRUMENTS
z Accuracy : It is a measure of how close the measured value is to the true value of the quantity. It may
depend on many factors. As we reduce the errors, the measurement becomes more accurate. Let the true
value of a quantity is 3.9 and its measurements taken by two boys are 3.6 and 3.8. Here 3.8 is more
accurate as it is closer to the true value.
z Precision : It tells us as to what resolution or limit, the quantity is measured. It mainly depends on least
count of instrument. If we measure a certain thickness by two different devices having resolutions 0.1 cm
(a metre scale) and 0.01 cm (a vernier callipers), the latter will give a measurement having more precision.
Thus a value 1.56 is more precise than 1.5.
It is not necessary that a more precise value is more accurate too. Let a man measure a length of 5.65
cm by the above mentioned two devices, and obtains the values 5.5 cm and 5.34 cm respectively.
Though the first value is less precise, it is more accurate as it is closer to the true value. And 5.34 cm
is less accurate but more precise.
Example 1 : The true value of a particular length is 4.283 cm. The three instruments A, B and C, used to
measure this length give the readings 4.1 cm, 4.24 cm and 4.093 cm. Arrange these readings in
the increasing order of accuracy and precision. Which instrument is most reliable for measuring
this length?
Solution : True value = 4.283 cm
Closer the measured value to its true value, more accurate is the reading.
Hence, the three readings can be arranged in increasing order of accuracy as
4.093 cm < 4.1 cm < 4.24 cm.
The reading of the instrument B is most accurate.
In the increasing order of precision, the readings are 4.1 cm < 4.24 cm < 4.093 cm
The instrument C provides the reading upto greatest precision. But since its accuracy is least,
it cannot be considered reliable. In terms of accuracy and precision both, instrument B is best
suited to take the measurements.
ERRORS IN MEASUREMENT
z The difference of true value and measured value is called error in measurement.
Error = Measured value – True value
Various Types of Error
(1) Systematic error: This error occur only in one direction, i.e. either positive or negative.
This error arise due to following reasons
Improper designing or calibration

(i) Instrumental errors Least count of instrument
Zero error
(ii) Imperfection in experimental technique
(iii) Variation in experimental condition: Like change in temperature, wind speed, humidity etc.
(iv) Personal error: Error due to carelessness or casual behaviour.
(2) Random error: The error which cannot be associated with any constant cause called random error.
This error can randomly have any sign i.e. positive or negative.
z These errors can be minimised by taking large number of observation.
z If the number of observation increase by n times then random error decrease by n times.
z Calculation of Errors
(i) True value: The arithmatic mean of measured values called true value.
If measured values are a1, a2, a3, ..... an
a1  a2  a3  ... an
True value am 
n
(ii) Absolute Error : Magnitude of difference of true value and measured value called absolute error
| a1 |  | a1  am |
| a2 |  | a2  am |
............................
............................
| an |  | am  an |
(iii) Mean Absolute Error :
a1  a2  ......  an

a 
n
Final result of measurement may be written as :
a = am ± a
(iv) Relative Error or Fractional Error :
a Mean absolute error

 
am Mean value of measurement
a
(v) Percentage Error  100%
am
z Combination of Errors :
A. In sum and Difference
When physical quantities are added or subtract then the maximum absolute error in the result is
the sum of the absolute errors of the individual quantities.
(i) In Sum : If Z = A + B, then Maximum absolute error Z = A + B,
Z A B
Maximum fractional error  
Z AB AB
(ii) In Difference : If Z = A – B, then maximum absolute error is Z = A + B
Z A B
Maximum fractional error in this case  
Z AB AB
B. In product and division
In multiplication and division relative error in the result is the sum of relative error of quantities used
in calculation.
(i) In Product : If Z = AB, then the maximum relative error,
Z A B
 
Z A B
where Z/Z is known as fractional error or relative error.
(ii) In Division : If Z = A/B, then maximum fractional error is
Z A B
 
Z A B
Z A
(iii) In Power : If Z = An then n
Z A
Ax B y
In more general form if Z 
Cq
then the maximum fractional error in Z is
Z A B C
x y q
Z A B C
T 1 l
z Simple pendulum T  l1/2  
T 2 l
z For sphere
4 3
A  4r 2 , V  r
3
A r V r
  2. and  3.
A r V r
z Two resistors R1 and R2 are connected
(a) In series :
Rs = R1 + R2
 Rs = R1 + R2
 Rs R1  R2


Rs R1  R2
(b) In parallel :
1 1 1
 
Rp R1 R2
R p R1 R2
  
Rp2 R12 R22
z The quantity which has maximum power must be measured carefully because its contribution to error is
maximum for equal magnitude.
z When we add or subtract measured quantities, the absolute error in the final result is equal to the sum
of the absolute errors in the measured quantities.
z When we multiply or divide measured quantities the relative error in the final result is equal to the sum
of relative error in measured quantities.
Example 2 : The length of a rod as measured in an experiment is found to be 2.48 m, 2.46 m, 2.49 m,
2.49 m and 2.46 m. Find the average length, the absolute error in each observation and the
percentage error.
Solution : Average length = Arithmetic mean of the measured values
2.48  2.46  2.49  2.49  2.46
xmean =
5
12.38
= m = 2.476 m
5
 True value, xmean = 2.48 m
Absolute errors in various measurements.
x1  x1 – xmean  2.48 – 2.48  0.00 m
x2  2.46 – 2.48  0.02 m
x3  2.49 – 2.48  0.01 m
x 4  2.49 – 2.48  0.01 m
x5  2.46 – 2.48   0.02 m
x1  x2  x3  ....  x5

Mean absolute error =
5
 0.00  0.02  0.01  0.01  0.02 0.06
= =
5 5
 xmean = 0.01 m
Thus, x= 2.48 ± 0.01 m
xmean 0.01
Percentage error in length =  100 =  100  0.40%
x 2.48
Illustrations
Least count
The least value which can be measured accurately by any instrument called least count of that instrument.
1. Least count of vernier callipers
Value of 1MSD
(a) L.C. of vernier callipers =
Number of division on vernier scale
(b) L.C. of vernier callipers = value of 1 MSD – value of 1 VSD

2. Least count of screw gauge
Pitch (distance travelled by head in one complete rotation)

L.C. of screw gauge =
No. of divisions on circular scale
Example 3 : In a vernier callipers 1 MSD is 1 mm and 9th main scale division coincide with 10th vernier scale.
Calculate least count of vernier.
Solution : 10 vernier division = 9 MSD
= 9 × 1 mm = 9 mm.
9
1VSD = mm
10
9
LC of vernier = 1 mm – mm
10
= 0.1 mm
= 0.01 cm.
Example 4 : In a circular vernier callipers value of 1 MSD is 1 and 30th vernier division coincide with 29th MSD.
calculate least count of instrument.
Solution : 30 VSD = 29 MSD
= 29 × 1
 29 
1 VSD =  
 30 
 29 
L.C. of vernier = 1   
 30 
 1 
=    2
 30 
SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
The number of digits in the measured value about the correctness of which we are sure plus one more digit
are called significant figures.
z Rules for counting the significant figures:

Rule I : All non zero digits are significant. For example 12376 has 5 significant figures.
Rule II : All zeros occurring between the non zero digits are significant. For example 230089 contains six
significant figures.
Rule III : All zeros to the left of non zero digit and right of decimal are not significant. For example 0.0023
contains two significant figures.
Rule IV : If a number ends in zeros that are not to the right of a decimal, the zeros are not significant.
For example, number of significant figures in
1500 (Two)
1.5 × 103 (Two)
1.50 × 103 (Three)
1.500 × 103 (Four)
Rule V : All zeros to the right of decimal and right of non zero are significant. Example 0.0052300 contain
5 significant.
Note :
z Larger the number of significant figures obtained in measurement greater is the accuracy of the
measurement.
z In exponential notation the numerical portion gives the number of significant figures.
z Rules for Arithmetic Operations with Significant Figures
z In general, the calculated value can not be more accurate than the original measured values.
Rule I : In addition or subtraction, the final result should retain as many decimal places, as there are
in the number with the least decimal places.
Rule II : In multiplication or division, the final result should retain as many significant figures as are there
in the original number with the least significant figures.
Example
23.3
2.31 62.831
+ 0.314 – 24.5492
25.924 38.2818
Round off to one decimal place. Round off to three decimal place.
Ans. 25.9 Ans. 38.282
Example
142.06 (5 Significant Figure) 0.90

= 0.2112676
× 0.23 (2 Significant Figure) 4.26
32.6738 (Round off to 2 Significant figure) Round off to two significant figure.
Ans. 33 Ans. 0.21
Rounding off the uncertain digits

Rule I : The preceding digit is raised by 1 if the insignificant digit to be removed is more than 5 and is
left unchanged if the later is less than 5.
Rule II : When the insignificant digit to be removed is 5 and the uncertain digit is even, 5 is simply
dropped and if it is odd, then the preceding digit is raised by 1.
EXERCISE
1. If in a Vernier callipers 10 VSD coincides with 8 MSD, then the least count of Vernier calliper is [given
1 MSD = 1 mm]
(1) 1 × 10–4 m (2) 2 × 10–4 m
(3) 1 × 10–3 m (4) 8 × 10–4 m
2. Which of the following measurement is more accurate?
(1) 40 m (2) 0.04 m
(3) 0.040 m (4) 0.4 m
3. If the random error in the arithmetic mean of 50 observations is , then the random error in the arithmetic
mean of 150 observations would be
(1)  (2) 3

(3) (4) 2
3
4. If momentum of an object is increased by 10% then its kinetic energy will increase by
(1) 20% (2) 21%
(3) 40% (4) 19%
5. Three measurements are made as 18.425 cm, 7.21 cm and 5.0 cm. The addition should be written as
(1) 30.635 cm (2) 30.64 cm
(3) 30.63 cm (4) 30.6 cm
6. If x = 10.0 ± 0.1 and y = 10.0 ± 0.1, then 2x – 2y is equal to
(1) (0.0 ± 0.1) (2) Zero
(3) (0.0 ± 0.4) (4) (20 ± 0.2)
7. The diameter of a wire is measured to be 0.0205 × 10–4 m. The number of significant figures in the
measurement is
(1) Five (2) Four
(3) Three (4) Nine
8. The radius of a circle is 2.12 metre. Its area according to the rule of significant figures is
(1) 14.1124 m2 (2) 14.112 m2
(3) 14.11 m2 (4) 14.1 m2
9. If the value of resistance is 10.845 ohm and the value of current is 3.23 amp, the value of potential with
significant numbers would be
(1) 35.0 volt (2) 3.50 volt
(3) 35.029 volt (4) 35.030 volt
10. The length of a uniform rod is 100.0 cm and radius is 1.00 cm. If length is measured with a meter rod having
least count 1 mm and radius is measured with vernier callipers having least count 0.1 mm, the percentage
error in calculated volume of cylinder is
(1) 2.1% (2) 3%
(3) 2.01% (4) 3.2%
11. The value of (1003)1/3 according to binomial theorem is
(1) 10.01 (2) 10.00
(3) 10.3 (4) 10.03
12. The value of (997)1/3 according to binomial theorem is
(1) 9.00 (2) 9.99
(3) 10.90 (4) 9.33
 T 4 
13. The value of K 1   – 1 (where T << T0) according to Binomial theorem is
 T0  
 
K T 2K T
(1) T0 (2) T0
4K T K T
(3) T0 (4) 4T0
DIMENSIONS OF PHYSICAL QUANTITIES
These are the power raised to the fundamental units to write down the unit of a physical quantity e.g., the
unit of velocity is m/s. It can be also be written as m+1s–1. Hence
Dimension of length in velocity is = +1.
Dimension of time in velocity is = –1.
The symbolic form of dimension formula for fundamental quantities are M, L, T, K, A, cd, mol for the
fundamental quantities mass, length, time, temperature, current, luminous intensity and amount of matter
respectively.
Hence overall dimension of velocity is written as LT–1. Dimension is also represented in capital bracket. The
dimensions of velocity can also be written as [M0LT–1].
Note :
(1) Numerical values are dimensionless e.g. dimensional formula of two (2) is
[2] = [M0L0T0]
(2) All trigonometrical function , sin, cos .... are dimensionless.
y = sin  then [y] = [sin ] = [M0L0T0].
(3) Exponential functions are dimensionless e.g.,
y = ex then [x] = [M0L0T0], [y] = [ex] = [M0L0T0]
(4) Logarithmic functions are dimensionless e.g.,
y = logax then [x] = [M0L0T0], [a] = [M0L0T0] and y = logax = [M0L0T0]
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS AND ITS APPLICATIONS
A. Homogeneity of dimensions in an equation : It states that in a correct physical equation the dimensions
on two sides of sign (+) (–) and (=) are same. This is called principle of homogeneity.
z With the help of above statement we can check the correctness of a physical equation.
z A dimensionally correct equation may be numerically incorrect, but numerically correct equation will
always dimensionally correct.
z A dimensionally incorrect equation will always incorrect equation.
Let us check the equation v = u + at. Here u is the initial velocity, v is the final velocity, a is constant
acceleration and t is the time considered for motion between a segment of path.
m 
[u ]     [LT 1 ]
s
m 
[v ]     [LT 1 ]
s
[at] = [acceleration] [time] = [LT–2] [T]
= [LT–1]
Thus, the equation is correct as the dimensions of each term are the same. So, we can say that the
equation is dimensionally correct.
B. Conversion of units : The numerical value of a physical quantity in a system of units can be changed
to another system of units using the equation nu = constant, where n is the numerical value and u is the
unit in a system of units.
n1u1  n2u2
a b c
 M   L  T 
n2  n1  1   1   1 
 M2   L2  T2 
a, b and c are dimensions

n1 = numerical value in given system
n2 = numerical value in new system
Thus, knowing the conversion factors for the base quantities, one can find the numerical value of a physical
quantity from one system of units to other system of units.
z A new system of units is chosen, in which unit of mass is x kg, unit of length is y m and unit of time is
z second.
(a) 1 Newton = F new units
Where ‘F’ is calculated as follows
1 kg m (s)–2 = F (x kg) (y m) (z s)–2
z2
 F
xy
(b) Speed of light c = 3 × 108 m/s = c New units
 3 × 108 ms–1 = c (y m) (z s–1)
z
 c =  3  108
y
Example 5 : Convert 1 newton in dyne.

Solution : Dimensional formula of force [MLT–2]
n1u1  n2u2
a b c
 M   L  T 
n2  n1  1   1   1 
 M2   L2  T2 
1 1 2
1kg   1m   1 s 
n2  1     
 1 g   1cm   1 s 
2
 1000   100   1
n2  1
 1   1   1
n2 = 105 dyne.
Example 6 : If unit of time is taken as 10 s, unit of mass 5 kg and unit of length 20 m, then convert 1 J energy
in new unit of energy.
Solution : Dimensional formula of energy [ML2T–2]
a b c
 M   L  T 
n2  n1  1   1   1 
 M2   L2  T2 
2 2 2
 1kg   1m   1 s 
n2  1     
 5 kg   20 m  10 s 
1 10  10 1
n2   New unit.
5  20  20 20
C. To find the relation among the physical quantities : Suppose we want to find the relation between
force, mass and acceleration. Let force depends on mass and acceleration as follows.
F = Kmbac, where K = dimensionless constant and b, c are powers of mass and acceleration.
According to principle of homogeneity.
[F] = [K] [m]b [a]c
 [MLT–2] = [M0L0T0] [M]b [LT–2]c
 [MLT–2] = [MbLc T–2c ]
Equating the dimension on both sides we get 1 = b, 1 = c, –2c = –2.
 b = 1 and c = 1.
Now putting the values of b and c in our required equation we will get a mathematical equation F = Kma.
The value of K can be found experimentally.
Limitations of the Dimensional Method

1. If dimensions are given, physical quantity may not be unique for example, work, energy and torque all have
the same dimensional formula ML2T–2.
2. Numerical constants cannot be deduced by the method of dimensions.
3. The method of dimensions cannot be used to derive relations other than product of power function. For
1 2
example, s  ut  at or y  A sin(t  ) can’t be derived by this method.
2
4. The method of dimensions cannot be applied to derive formula, if a physical quantity depends on more than
three physical quantities because unknowns will be more than equations. However correctness can be checked.
e.g. T  2 l can’t be derived by dimensional analysis but its correctness can be checked.
mgL
5. Even if a physical quantity depends on three physical quantities, out of which two have same dimensions,
d 
the formula cannot be derived by theory of dimensions, e.g. the frequency of a tuning fork f   v
 L2 
cannot be derived but can be checked for correctness.
Note : A dimensionless quantity may have units (e.g. radian, steradian) but a unitless quantity has to
be dimensionless.
Note :
Dimensional formulae and SI units of various physical quantities.
S. Physical Quantity Relation with other Dimensional Formula SI Unit

No. quantities
A. Mechanical Quantities
2 0 2 0 2
1. Area Length × breadth L × L = L = [M L T ] m
0 3 0 3
2. Volume Length × breadth × height L × L × L = [M L T ] m
–3
3. Density Mass M kg m
= ML–3 T 0 
Volume L3 
4. Speed or Velocity Distance L m s–1

= M0LT –1
Time T 
–2
5. Acceleration Change in velocity LT –1 ms
= LT – 2 = M 0LT –2 
Time T
6. Momentum Mass × velocity M × LT–1 = [MLT–1] kg m s–1

–2 –2
7. Force Mass × acceleration M × LT = [MLT ] N
–2 2 –2
8. Work Force × distance MLT × L = [ML T ] J
2 –2
9. Energy Amount of work [ML T ] J
10. Power Work ML2 T –2 W

= ML2T –3 
Time T
11. Pressure Force ML1T –2 Pa or N m –2

= ML–1T –2 
Area L2
–2 2 –2
12. Moment of force or torque Force × Perpendicular MLT × L = [ML T ] Nm
distance
13. Gravitational constant ‘G’ Force ×  distance 

2
MLT –2  L2  N m 2 kg–2
–1 3 –2
=[M L T ]
Mass × mass M×M
14. Impulse of a force Force × time MLT–2 × T = [MLT –1] Ns
15. Stress Force MLT –2 N m –2

= ML–1T –2 
Area L2
0 0 0
16. Strain Change in dimension [M L T ] –
Original dimension
–2
17. Coefficient of elasticity Stress ML–1T –2 Nm
= ML–1T –2 
Strain 1
–1
18. Surface tension Force MLT –2 Nm
= MT –2 = ML0 T –2 
Length L
S. R elation with o ther

Physical Quantity Dimensional Fo rmula SI Unit
No. quantities
Energy ML2 T –2
19. Energy density =  ML 1 T –2  J m– 3
Volume L3
–2
Nm s or
Force × distance MLT –2 ×L
20. Coefficient of viscosity 2 –1
=  ML–1T –1  Pa s or
Area× velocity L × LT
decapois e
Arc L
21. Angle = 1=[M0L0 T0 ] rad
Radius L
Angle 1 –1
22. Angular velocity = T –1 = M0L0 T– 1 rad s
T ime T
Angular velocity T –1 –2
23. Angular Acc eleration = T –2 =  M0L0 T –2  rad s
T ime T
2 2 2 0 2
24. Mom ent of inertia Mass × (dis tance) ML = [ML T ] kg m
0 0
25. Radius of gyration Distance L = [M LT ] m
–1 2 –1
26. Angular momentum Mass × velocity × radius M × LT × L = [ML T ] kg m 2 s–1
T-ratios L
Length = 1=  M0L0T 0 
27. L –
(sin, cos, tan) Length
(Dimensionless)
0 0 1
28. Time period Tim e T = [M L T ] s
1 1 –1 0 0 –1 –1
29. Frequency = T = M L T  s or Hz
Tim e period T
E Energy ML2 T –2
30. Planck’s constant ‘h’  2 –1
  ML T  Js
 Frequency T –1
–3
ML
D ensity of substance
–3
= 1 =  M0L0T 0 
31. Relative density ML –
Density of w ater at 4°C
(Dimensionless]
–1
Velocity LT –1 0 0 –1 –1
32. Velocity gradient =T = M L T  s
D istance L
Pressure ML–1T– 2 –1
33. Pressure gradient = M L– 2T –2  Pa m
Distance L
Force ML T –2 –1
34. Force constant = MT –2 =  ML0 T –2  Nm
Dispacem ent L
S. Physical Relation with other
Dimensional Formula SI Unit
No. Quantity quantities
B. Thermal Quantities
Heat or
35. Energy [ML2T–2] J
enthalpy
Heat ML2 T –2 
36. Specific heat = [M0L2 T –2 K –1 ] J kg–1K –1
Mass × Temperature MK 
Ηeat ML2 T –2 
37. Latent heat = M0L2 T –2  J kg–1
Mass M
Thermal Heat × distance ML2 T –2 .L
38. = MLT –3K –1  Js–1m–1k–1
conductivity Area × temp. × time L2 .K.T
Heat ML2T –2
39. Entropy = ML2T –2K –1  JK–1
Temperature K
PV ML–1T – 2L3
Universal Gas
40. mol.K J mol–1K–1
Constant nT 2 –2 –1 –1
= [ML T K mol ]
Thermal Heat × distance ML2 T –2 .L 

41. = MLT –3K –1  Js–1m–1K–1
conductivity Area × temp. × time L2 .K.T 
Heat ML2 T –2 
42. Entropy = ML2 T –2K –1  J K–1
Temperature K 
ML–1T – 2  L3 
Universal Gas PV
43.
Constant nT  mol.K  J mol–1 K–1
= [ML2T–2 K–1mol–1]
Boltzmann’s Energy ML2 T –2 
44. = ML2 T –2K –1  J K–1
Constant Temperature K 
Stefan’s Energy ML2 T –2 
45. = ML0 T –3K –4  Js–1m–2K–4
Area × time ×  temp. L2 .T.K 4  
4
constant
Energy ML2 T –2 
46. Solar Constant = ML0 T –3  J s–1 m–2
Area × time L2 .T 
Mechanical ML2 T –2 
W = M0L0 T 0 
47. equivalent of J= ML2 T –2   –
heat H
(Dimensionless)
Wien’s
48. b =  mT [M0L1 T0 K1] mK
constant
C. Electrical Quantities
Electric
49. Time × Current [T.A] = [M0L0TA] C (coulomb)
Charge
Electrical Work ML2 T –2 
50. = ML2 T –3 A –1  V (volt)
potential Charge  TA 
Potential difference ML2 T –3 A –1 
51. Resistance = ML2 T –3 A –2  (ohm)
Current  A
Charge
 TA  = M–1L–2 T 4 A 2 
52. Capacitance ML2 T –3 A –1  F (farad)
Potential difference
S. Relation with other

Physical Quantity Dimensional Formula SI Unit
No. quantities
EMF ML2 T –3 A –1 
53. Inductance = ML2 T –2 A –2  H (henry)
Current/time  AT –1 
1 q1q2
0 
Permittivity of free 4 Fr 2  AT.AT   M–1L–3 T 4 A 2 
54. MLT –2  L2  C2 N–1m–2
space charge × charge

4 × electric force × (distance)2
Relative permittivity or 0 A pure ratio = [M0L0T0]

55. r or K = –
dielectric constant  (Dimensionless)
Intensity of electric Force MLT –2 

  
56.
Charge = MLT –3 A –1 N C–1 or V m–1
field  AT   
–1
1 1
57. Conductance  = M–1L–2 T3 A 2  Or mho
Resistance ML2 T –3 A –2 
Or S (siemen)
ML T A2 –3
 –2  2
  L 
Specific resistance or Resistance × Area
58.
Length
L m
resistivity
= [ML3T–3 A–2]
Specific conductance 1
59.   [M–1L–3T3A2] –1 m–1
or conductivity 
60. Electric dipole moment Charge × 2(length) [AT][L] = [M0LTA] Cm
D. Magnetic Quantities
F MLT –2
B=  ML0 T –2 A –1 
61. Magnetic field
qv sin  AT.LT –1.1  T (tesla)
[MT–2A–1].[L2] = [ML2T–2A–1]
62. Magnetic flux  = BA Wb (weber)
Permeability of free 2  distance × force


L  MLT –2 
63.  MLT –2 A –2  H m–1
space (µ0) current × current ×length  A 2 .L 
64. Magnetic moment Current × area A.L2 = [M0L2T0 A] Am2 or J T–1
Magnetic moment ΑL2

65. Pole strength  M0LT0 A  Am
Magnetic Length L
IMPORTANT POINTS
z Dimensionless Physical Quantities
Solid Relative Relative
Angle
angle density Permittivity
Magnification &
Joule’s Constant
Magnifying power
No Dimension
Relative
Refractive index
Permeability
Electric or Magnetic Trigonometric

susceptibility Strain Q factor
ratio
 Physical quantities having same dimension.
1. Angular velocity/
frequency
–1
Frequency [T ] Velocity gradient
2.
Surface –2 Spring
Tension [MT ] constant
3.
–1
Velocity [LT ] Speed
4.
–2
Force [MLT ] Weight
Thrust Energy gradient
5.
Gravitational –2
[LT ] Acceleration
field intensity
6.
Gravitational 2 –2
Potential [L T ] Latent heat
7.
Torque
2 –2
Work [ML T ] Energy
8.
Planck’s 2 –1 Angular
Contant [ML T ]
momentum
9. Y
Energy Modulus of
density B Elasticity
G
–1 –2
Pressure [ML T ] Stress
10.
Thermal
capacity
Entropy 2 –2 –1 Boltzmann’s
[ML T K ] Constant
11.
2 –3 –1 Electric
E.m.f. of cell [ML T A ]
potential
COMMONLY USED RELATIONS HAVING SAME DIMENSION

R  Resistance, L  Inductance, C  Capacitance
k  Spring constant, M  Mass, E  Modulus of elasticity
 Density, 0  Absolute permeability, 0  Absolute permittivity
R  Gas constant, V  potential or volume, P  Pressure, T  Temperature.
1. Frequency
1
R/L
RC
1/2
k  –1 
1
  T (LC) 2
m
2. Time
LC
L/R T RC
 = mass per unit

3. Speed
length
T  = frequency
v v = 

1 E
–1
 0 0 LT 
E/B
4. Energy
2
CV PV qV
2 2 –2 q2
Ll ML T
C
2
Vit nRT l Rt
5. Energy density
Stress × Strain
B 2 / 0 ML T
–1 –2
0 E 2
EXERCISE
14. The dimensions of time in energy are

(1) 0 (2) –2
(3) 2 (4) 1
15. Which one of the following is dimensionless physical quantity?
(1) Velocity gradient (2) Stress
(3) Force gradient (4) Angle
16. Two physical quantities A and B have different dimensions. Which mathematical operation given below is
physically possible?
(1) AB (2) A(1 + B)
(3) A – B (4) A + B
17. Which of the following is dimensionally incorrect?
(1) u = v – at
1 2
(2) s – ut = at
2
(3) u2 = 2a (gt – 1)
(4) v2 – u2 = 2as
18. 1 joule of energy is to be converted into new system of units in which length is measured in
10 metre, mass in 10 kg and time in 1 minute. The numerical value of 1 J in the new system is
(1) 36 × 10–4
(2) 36 × 10–3
(3) 36 × 10–2
(4) 36 × 10–1
19. If the unit of force is 1 kilo newton, the length is 1 km, and time is 100 second what will be the unit of mass?
(1) 1000 kg (2) 1 kg
(3) 10000 kg (4) 100 kg
20. The dimensional formula for moment of couple is
(1) [ML2T–2] (2) [MLT–2]
(3) [ML–1T–3] (4) [ML–2T–2]
21. The potential energy of a particle varies with distance x from a fixed origin as
A x
U , where A and B are dimensional constants then dimensional formula for AB is
x2  B
(1) [ML7/2T–2] (2) [ML11/2T–2]
(3) [M2L9/2T–2] (4) [ML13/2T–3]

22. Of the following quantities which one has dimensions different from the remaining three?
(1) Energy per unit volume (2) Force per unit area
(3) Product of voltage and charge per unit volume (4) Angular momentum per unit mass
23. Which of the following relation cannot be deduced using dimensional analysis?
[The symbols have their usual meanings]
(1) y = A sin(t + kx) (2) v = u + at
1
(3) k  mv 2 (4) All of these
2

t
en
nm nment
sig ssig
As A Assignment
Assignment
7. Which of the following physical quantities has
SECTION - A
derived unit? [NCERT Pg. 23]
NCERT Based MCQs
(1) Acceleration
1. The source of instrumental error is (2) Mass
[NCERT Pg. 23] (3) Current
(1) Improper designing or calibration (4) Amount of substances
(2) Zero error 8. The velocity of a particle is given by
(3) External conditions v = Acos(t – kx), where x is position and t is
(4) Both (1) & (2) k
time. The dimensions of is [NCERT Pg. 32]
2. For two resistors R 1 and R 2 , connected in 
parallel, the relative error in their equivalent
(1) [LT–1] (2) [L–1T1]
resistance is (Where R1 = (10.0 ± 0.1)  and
R2 = (20.0 ± 0.4)) [NCERT Pg. 27] (3) [L2T–2] (4) [L–2T2]
(1) 0.08 (2) 0.05 9. Which of the following quantities have same
dimensions as that of energy? [NCERT Pg. 31]
(3) 0.01 (4) 0.04
(1) Power (2) Force
3. The true value of a particular mass is 8.5 g. The
four instruments A, B, C, D used to measure (3) Momentum (4) Work
mass gives the reading as 8.2 g, 8.48 g, 8.186 g, 10. The mean time period of second’s pendulum is
8 g respectively. Which of these instruments is 2.00 s and mean absolute error in the time period
more accurate? [NCERT Pg. 22] is 0.05 s. To express maximum estimate of error,
(1) A (2) B the time period should be written as
(3) C (4) D [NCERT Pg. 27]
4. Which is a supplementary unit? [NCERT Pg. 18] (1) (2.00 ± 0.01) s (2) (2.00 + 0.025) s
(1) radian (2) steradian (3) (2.00 + 0.05) s (4) (2.00 ± 0.10) s
11. The pair of quantities having same dimensions is
(3) candela (4) Both (1) & (2)
[NCERT Pg. 31]
5. In the measured value 10.1000 g, the number of
zeroes which are significant is/are [NCERT Pg. 28] (1) Displacement, velocity
(1) One (2) Two (2) Time, frequency
(3) Three (4) Four (3) Wavelength, focal length

(4) Force, acceleration
a2 b
6. If, R = and percentage error in 1 2
c 4d 12. The dimensions of k in the equation W  kx is
measurement of a, b, c and d are 0.1%, 0.2%, 2
0.3% and 0.4% respectively, then the maximum [Here, W is work done and x is displacement]
percentage error in R is [NCERT Pg. 27] [NCERT Pg. 31]
(1) 1.9% (2) 3.1% (1) [M1L0T–2] (2) [M0L1T–1]
(3) 2.9% (4) 4.0% (3) [M1L1T–2] (4) [M1L0T–1]
Aakash Educational Services Limited - Regd. Office : Aakash Tower, 8, Pusa Road, New Delhi-110005 Ph. 011-47623456
13. Length measured by a measuring instrument is 5. It is given that A = B2. If A = 100 ± 0.20, then B
represented as l = (5.0 ± 0.1) m, then length (l) is is equal to
[NCERT Pg. 24] (1) 10 ± 0.20 (2) 10 ± 0.02
(1) l < 0.1 m (2) 4.9 m  l  5.1 m (3) 10 ± 0.01 (4) 10 ± 0.1
(3) l > 5.1 m (4) l < 4.9 m 6. If density D, frequency F and velocity V are taken
as fundamental quantities then the dimensional
14. Time period of simple pendulum is measured to be formula for kinetic energy should be
T = (2.5 ± 0.1) s, then percentage error in
measurement is [NCERT Pg. 24] (1) [DF –3V 5] (2) [D–2F2V –3]
(3) [D–3F5V] (4) [DFV –3]
(1) 2% (2) 4%
7. The dimensional formula for which of the following
(3) 1% (4) 2.5%
pairs is not same?
15. Length and breadth of a rectangular plate are
(1) Work and potential energy
measured to be L = (4.0 ± 0.2) m and
B = (2.0 ± 0.1) m respectively, then perimeter of (2) Energy per unit volume and pressure
the plate is [NCERT Pg. 26] (3) Impulse and torque
(1) 12.0 ± 0.3 m (2) 12.0 ± 0.6 m (4) Angular momentum and Planck’s constant
(3) 6.0 ± 0.3 m (4) 6.0 ± 0.2 m 8. Kinetic energy of a particle depends on the square
of speed of the particle. If error in measurement of
SECTION - B speed is 40% then error in the measurement of
kinetic energy will be
Objective Type Questions
(1) 80% (2) 40%
1. The number of significant figure in 0.02300 is
(3) 96% (4) 120%
(1) 2 (2) 3
9. If X = 2.14 and Y = 3.232 then value of XY taking
(3) 4 (4) 5 into account significant figures will be
2. If L, M, N are physical quantities with different (1) 6.9 (2) 6.92
dimensions, then which of the following
(3) 6.916 (4) 6.9165
combinations can never be a meaningful quantity?
10. Absolute error of the measurement is defined as
LM
(1) (2) LN – M (1) The magnitude of the difference between
N
individual and the true value of quantity
LN – M 2 L–M
(3) (4) (2) The difference between individual and the true
N N
value
3. The vernier scale of a callipers has 50 divisions
which coincide with 49 main scale divisions. If (3) Positive or negative value
each main scale division is of 0.5 mm, then the
(4) Both (2) & (3)
minimum inaccuracy in the measurement by
callipers is 11. If velocity p, acceleration q and density r are taken
as fundamental quantities, then the dimensional
(1) 0.02 cm (2) 0.02 mm
formula for kinetic energy k is
(3) 0.01 mm (4) 0.01 cm
(1) p8r2q–3 (2) p2r8q3
4. If X = 8.00 ± 0.04 cm and Y = 4.00 ± 0.04 cm,
(3) p2r2q–8 (4) p8rq–3
X
then should be expressed as 12. Two measurement are as A = (2.00 ± 0.01) cm and
Y
B = (1.00 ± 0.01) cm. The [AB] is given as
(1) 2.00 ± 0.01
(1) 2.00 ± 0.01 cm2
(2) 2.00 ± 0.02
(2) 2.00 ± 0.15 cm2
(3) 2.00 ± 0.03
(3) 2.00 ± 0.03 cm2
(4) 2.00 ± 0.04
(4) 2 ± 0.01 cm2
13. Speed of light in S.I. system is 3 × 108 m/s. In a 19. The radius of a spherical body is (10 ± 0.5) cm.
new system, unit of length is a km and unit of Then correct option is/are
time is b second. Then speed of light in new
(1) The percentage error in radius is 5%
system of unit is
(2) The percentage error in volume is 10%
b b
(1)  105 (2)  105 (3) The percentage error in volume is 15%
a 3a
(4) Both (1) & (3)
3a 3b
(3)  105 (4)  105
b a
2
20. The dimensional formula of is [where  is
14. Mass of a body is (10 ± 0.1) kg. Volume is (1 ± 0.1) 0 q v
m3. Then density () is given as magnetic field, q charge, V electric potential and 0
(1) (10 ± 1.1) kg m–3 (2) (10 ± 0.11) kg m–3 permeability]
(3) (10 ± 0.01) kg m–3 (4) (10 ± 0.21) kg m–3 (1) [M0 L–3 T0] (2) [ML–3 T0]
v (3) [M0 L3 T0] (4) [M L3 T0]
2 
15. A force is given as F = e , where F is force,
 21. In a simple pendulum, length increases by 4% and
4 2 g increases by 2%, then time period of simple
v is velocity. Then dimensional formula of   is
pendulum
(1) [M L T–2] (2) [M2 L2 T–2]
(1) Increases by 4% (2) Increases by 3%
(3) [M2 L2 T–4] (4) [M L2 T–2]
(3) Decreases by 3% (4) Increases by 1%
16. The dimensions of a rectangular block measured
with an instrument having least count 0.01 cm is 22. If momentum P and velocity v are related as
4.0 mm × 10.0 mm × 10.0 mm. The maximum a
P , then dimensional formula of [ab–2] is
percentage error in the measurement of volume of b  v2
the block is
(1) [MLT–1] (2) [M2L2T–1]
(1) 0.45%
(3) [M2L2T–2] (4) [ML2T–2]
(2) 0.045%
23. The length of a rod is 6.0 × 10 2 mm. If it is
(3) 4.5% converted into meter then it is given as
(4) 0.54% (1) 0.6 m (2) 6.0 × 10–1 m
17. The position x of a body moving with uniform (3) 6.00 × 10–1 m (4) 0.600 m
acceleration depends on time t as x = 2t + 6t2.
The numbers 2 and 6 in the equations are 24. Select correct option.
(1) Dimensionless variable (1) Error in a measurement cannot be greater than

least count of the measuring instrument
(2) Dimensional constant
(2) Numerical value of the physical quantity is
(3) Dimensionless constant directly proportional to the unit of physical
(4) Dimensional variable quantity
(3) Numerical constant can be deduced by the
l method of dimensions
18. Resistance of a conductor is given as R = .
A
(4) A number which is not a measured value has
The symbols have their usual meanings. Select
infinite number of significant figures
correct option
(1) Expression is dimensionally inconsistent 25. In a new system, the unit of mass is 10 times, the
unit of length is 10 times and unit of time is 100
(2) Expression is correct times the SI unit. Then the value of 1 J in the new
(3) Expression cannot be derived using system of unit is10a, then a is
dimensional analysis (1) Zero (2) 1
(4) Both (2) & (3) (3) 2 (4) –1
5. Planck's constant (h), speed of light in vacuum (c)

SECTION - C
and Newton's gravitational constant (G) are three
Previous Years Questions fundamental constants. Which of the following
combinations of these has the dimension of
1. The main scale of a vernier callipers has n
length? [NEET(Phase-2) 2016]
divisions/cm. n divisions of the vernier scale
coincide with (n – 1) divisions of main scale. The hG hG
least count of the vernier callipers is (1) 3/2 (2)
c c 5/2
[NEET-2019 (Odisha)]
hc Gc
1 1 (3) (4)
(1) cm (2) cm G h3/2
(n +1)(n – 1) n
6. If dimensions of critical velocity vc of a liquid flowing
1 1 through a tube are expressed as [xyr z] where
(3) cm (4) cm
n2 n(n +1) ,  and r are the coefficient of viscosity of liquid,
2. In an experiment, the percentage of error occurred density of liquid and radius of the tube respectively,
in the measurement of physical quantities A, B, C then the values of x, y and z are given by
and D are 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% respectively. Then [Re-AIPMT-2015]
the maximum percentage of error in the
1
(1) 1, 1, 1 (2) 1, – 1, –1
A 2B 2
measurement X, where X = 1
, will be (3) – 1, – 1, 1 (4) –1, – 1, – 1
C 3 D3
[NEET-2019] 7. If energy (E), velocity (V) and time (T) are chosen
as the fundamental quantities, the dimensional
 3 
(1)   % (2) 16% formula of surface tension will be [AIPMT-2015]
 13 
(3) – 10% (4) 10% (1) [E–2 V–1 T–3] (2) [E V–2 T–1]
3. A student measured the diameter of a small steel (3) [E V–1 T–2] (4) [E V–2 T–2]
ball using a screw gauge of least count 0.001 cm. 8. If force (F), velocity (V) and time (T) are taken as
The main scale reading is 5 mm and zero of fundamental units, then the dimensions of mass
circular scale division coincides with 25 divisions are [AIPMT-2014]
above the reference level. If screw gauge has a
(1) [F V T–1] (2) [F V T–2]
zero error of –0.004 cm, the correct diameter of the
ball is [NEET-2018] (3) [F V–1 T–1] (4) [F V–1 T]
(1) 0.521 cm 9. In an experiment four quantities a, b, c and d are
(2) 0.525 cm measured with percentage error 1%, 2%, 3% and
4% respectively. Quantity P is calculated as
(3) 0.529 cm
(4) 0.053 cm a3 b 2
follows: P = . % error in P is [NEET-2013]
cd
4. A physical quantity of the dimensions of length
(1) 10% (2) 7%
e2
that can be formed out of c, G and is [c is (3) 4% (4) 14%
40
10. The damping force on an oscillator is directly
velocity of light, G is universal constant of
proportional to the velocity. The units of the
gravitation and e is charge] [NEET-2017]
constant of proportionality are
1 1 [AIPMT (Prelims)-2012]
1  e2  2  e2  2
2
(1) 2 G  (2) c G  (1) kg s–1
c  40   40 
(2) kg s
1
(3) kg ms–1
1  e2 2 1 e2
(3) 2   (4) G (4) kgm s–2
c  G 40  c 40
11. The dimensions of (00)–½ are 17. If the error in the measurement of radius of a
sphere is 2%, then the error in the determination
[AIPMT (Prelims)-2011 & (Mains)-2012]
of volume of the sphere will be
(1) [L–½ T½] (2) [L½ T–½]
[AIPMT (Prelims)-2008]
(3) [L–1 T] (4) [L T–1] (1) 2% (2) 4%
12. The density of a material in CGS system of units (3) 6% (4) 8%
is 4 g/cm3. In a system of units in which unit of
length is 10 cm and unit of mass is 100 g, the 18. Dimensions of resistance in an electrical circuit, in
terms of dimension of mass M, of length L, of time
value of density of material will be
T and of current I, would be
[AIPMT (Mains)-2011]
(1) 400 (2) 0.04
(1) [ML2T–3I–2]
(3) 0.4 (4) 40
(2) [ML2T–3I–1]
13. A student measures the distance traversed in free (3) [ML2T–2]
fall of a body, initially at rest in a given time. He
uses this data to estimate g, the acceleration due (4) [ML2T–1I–1]
to gravity. If the maximum percentage errors in 19. The velocity v of a particle at time t is given by,
measurement of the distance and the time are e1 b
and e2 respectively, the percentage error in the v  at  , where a, b and c are constants,
t c
estimation of g is [AIPMT (Mains)-2010]
The dimensions of a, b and c are respectively :
(1) e2 – e1 (2) e1 + 2e2
(3) e1 + e2 (4) e1 – 2e2 –2
(1) [LT ], [L] and [T]
1 (2) [L2], [T] and [LT2]
14. The dimension of  E2, where 0 is permittivity of
2 0 (3) [LT2], [LT] and [L]
free space and E is electric field, is (4) [L], [LT] and [T2]
[AIPMT (Prelims)-2010] 20. The ratio of the dimensions of Planck’s constant
(1) ML T2 –2
(2) ML T –1 –2 and that of the moment of inertia is the dimension
of [AIPMT (Prelims)-2005]
2 –1
(3) ML T (4) MLT–1
(1) Frequency
15. If the dimensions of a physical quantity are given
(2) Velocity
by Ma Lb Tc, then the physical quantity will be
(3) Angular momentum
(4) Time
(1) Velocity if a = 1, b = 0, c = –1
Questions asked prior to Medical Ent. Exams. 2005
(2) Acceleration if a = 1, b = 1, c = –2
21. The pair of quantities having same dimensions is
(3) Force if a = 0, b = –1, c = –2
(1) Young's modulus and Energy
(4) Pressure if a = 1, b = –1, c = –2
(2) Impulse and Surface Tension
16. Which two of the following five physical parameters
have the same dimensions? (3) Angular momentum and Work
(a) Energy density (b) Refractive index (4) Work and Torque
(c) Dielectric constant (d) Young's modulus 22. The dimensions of 0 are
(e) Magnetic field [AIPMT (Prelims)-2008] (1) M1 L1/2 T1/2 
 
(1) (a) and (e)
(2) M1L1/2 T 1/2 
(2) (b) and (d)  
(3) (c) and (e) (3) [L–1T]
(4) (a) and (d) (4) [M1L1T–2A–2]
23. What is the dimension of surface tension? 31. Which of the following dimensions will be the
same as that of time?
(1) [ML1T0] (2) [ML1T–1]
(3) [ML0T–2] (4) [M1L0T–2] L C
(1) (2)
24. Which of the following has the dimensions of R L
pressure?
R
(1) [MLT–2] (2) [ML–1T–2] (3) LC (4)
L
(3) [ML–2T–2] (4) [M–1L–1] 32. The dimensional formula of magnetic flux is
25. Percentage errors in the measurement of mass (1) [M0L–2T2A–2] (2) [ML0T–2A–2]
and speed are 2% and 3% respectively. The error
in the estimate of kinetic energy obtained by (3) [ML2T–2A–1] (4) [ML2T–1A3]
measuring mass and speed will be 33. Which pair do not have equal dimensions?
(1) 8% (2) 2% (1) Energy and torque
(3) 12% (4) 10% (2) Force and impulse
26. Which of the following is a dimensional constant? (3) Angular momentum and Planck’s constant
(1) Relative density
(4) Elastic modulus and pressure
(2) Gravitational constant
34. The dimensions of Planck’s constant equals to
(3) Refractive index that of
(4) Poisson’s ratio (1) Energy
27. The dimensions of RC is (2) Momentum
(1) Square of time (3) Angular momentum
(2) Square of inverse time (4) Power
(3) Time 35. The dimensions of universal gravitational constant
(4) Inverse time are
28. The dimensions of impulse are equal to that of (1) [M–1L3T–2]
(1) Pressure (2) [ML2T–1]
(2) Linear momentum (3) [M–2L3T–2]
(3) Force (4) [M–2L2T–1]
(4) Angular momentum
29. The density of a cube is measured by measuring SECTION - D
its mass and length of its sides. If the maximum
error in the measurement of mass and lengths are NEET Booster Questions
3% and 2% respectively, the maximum error in 1. If time (t), energy (E) and momentum (P) taken as
the measurement of density would be base quantities then dimension of mass (m), is
(1) 12% (2) 14% (1) m = ktP2E (2) m = kt0P2E
(3) 7% (4) 9% (3) m = kt0P2E–1 (4) m = kt0P–1E2
2. If ( + 1) divisions on vernier scale of vernier
 a   callipers coincide with  divisions on main scale.
30. An equation is given here  P  2   b where
 V  V The value of one main scale division is  then
P = Pressure, V = Volume and  = Absolute least count of the vernier callipers, is
temperature. If a and b are constants, the 2 
dimensions of a will be (1) (2)
(  1) 2(  1)
(1) [ML–5 T–1] (2) [ML5 T1]  
(3) (4)
(3) [ML5 T–2] (4) [M–1 L5T2] (  1) (  1)
3. Mass and volume of a block are measured as
A
22.42 g and 4.7 cm3. The maximum possible error 11. If Z  and A and B are measured with error
in density is AB
A and B respectively, then relative error in Z,
(1) 0.6% (2) 2.2%
Z
(3) 2.8% (4) 3.2% that is is equal to
Z
4. Which of the following physical quantity has unit
but no dimensions? A A  B A A  B
(1)  (2) 
(1) Coefficient of static friction A AB A AB
(2) Momentum A A  B A A  B
(3)  (4) 
(3) Strain A AB A AB
(4) Angle 12. In the expression for time period T of simple
5. The temperature of two bodies are measured as l

pendulum T  2 , if the percentage error in
(20°C ± 0.5°C) and (40°C ± 0.4°C). The g
temperature difference of two bodies with error
time period T and length l are 2% and 2%
limits, is
respectively then percentage error in acceleration
(1) (20 ± 0.1)°C (2) (20 ± 0.9)°C due to gravity g is equal to
(3) (20 ± 2.0)°C (4) (20 ± 0.0)°C (1) 8% (2) 2%
6. Initial velocity of a particle moving along straight (3) 4% (4) 6%
line with constant acceleration is (20 ± 2) m/s, if
its acceleration is a = (5 ± 0.1) m/s2, then velocity 13. When two resistors R1 and R2 are connected in
of particle with error, after time t = (10 ± 1) s, is parallel, then their parallel combination is given by
(1) (70 ± 3.1) m/s (2) (70 ± 2) m/s R1R2

RP  . If error in measurement of R1 and
(3) (70 ± 4) m/s (4) (70 ± 8) m/s R1  R2
7. Number of significant figures in the measurement R2 are R1 and R2 respectively then error in
12.230 cm is measurement of their parallel combination, that is
RP is equal to
(1) 4 (2) Infinite
 R R   R R2 
(3) 5 (4) 3 (1) RP2  21  22  (2) RP  1  
R R2   R1 R2 
8. If astronomical unit, parsec and light year are  1
denoted by A, B and C respectively then correct R1 R2 R1 R2
order of their magnitude is (3)  (4) 
R1 R2 R1 R2
(1) A > B > C (2) A < B < C
14. If least count of an instrument is taken as absolute
(3) A < C < B (4) A > C > B error then the relative error in the measurement of
x length 32.4 cm by a metre scale is
9. If x = a – b then is equal to
x 0.01 0.1
a b a b (1) (2)
  32.4 32.4
(1) (2)
a b a b
1.0 0.001
a b a b (3)
32.4
(4)
32.4
(3)  (4) 
ab ab ab ab
15. In a vernier callipers each main scale division is of
10. If the percentage error in the measurement of
one mm. Now if 10 vernier scale divisions coincide
surface area of a solid sphere is 4%, then
with 9 main scale divisions then the least count of
percentage error in the measurement of its radius
the vernier callipers is
and volume are respectively
(1) 1 mm
(1) 2%, 6%
(2) 0.1 mm
(2) 2%, 8%
(3) 0.01 mm
(3) 4%, 4%
(4) 6%, 8% (4) 0.001 mm
16. In a screw gauge, the pitch is of one mm and the 24. If frictional force acting on a body is directly
number of circular scale divisions is 20, hence the proportional to its velocity then the dimensional
least count of the instrument is formula of constant of proportionality is
(1) 1 mm (2) 0.1 mm (1) [MLT – 2] (2) [MLT – 3]
(3) 0.5 mm (4) 0.05 mm (3) [MT – 3] (4) [MT – 1]
17. Total number of significant figures in the measured 25. The physical quantity “Energy Density” has same
value 0.004800 is dimensional formula as
(1) 6 (2) 4 (1) Pressure
(3) 2 (4) 1 (2) Stress
18. Which of the following quantities has the (3) Young’s modulus of elasticity
dimensional formula [ML2T–2K–1]?
(4) All of these
(1) Boltzmann’s constant
26. Which of the following practical units of length is
(2) Thermal capacity
not correct?
(3) Entropy
(1) 1 fermi = 10–15 m
(4) All of these
(2) 1 astronomical unit = 1.496 × 1011 m
19. Which of the following pairs has same dimensional
formula? (3) 1 parsec = 3.26 light year
(1) Pressure and angular momentum (4) 1 light year = 9.46 × 1012 m
(2) Torque and impulse 27. The unit of length, velocity and force are doubled.
Which of the following is the correct change in the
(3) Moment of inertia and force
other units?
(4) Strain and Poisson’s ratio
(1) Unit of time is doubled
20. In a new system of units, unit of mass is x kg, unit
(2) Unit of mass is doubled
of length is y metre and unit of time is z second.
Now if 1 newton = F new units then F = (3) Unit of momentum is doubled
z z2 (4) Unit of energy is doubled

(1) (2)
xy xy 28. The unit of “impulse per unit area” is same as that of
z z (1) Viscosity (2) Surface tension
(3) 2 (4) 2
xy x y (3) Bulk modulus (4) Force
21. If mass (M), velocity (V) and time (T) are taken as 29. In a practical unit if the unit of mass becomes
fundamental units, then the dimensions of force (F) double and that of unit of time becomes half, then
are 8 joule will be equal to ............. unit of work.
(1) [MVT ] (2) [MVT–1] (1) 6 (2) 4
(3) [M2VT ] (4) [M–1V–1T ] (3) 1 (4) 10
22. If force F acting on a particle as a function of time 30. The equation of a stationary wave is
B
t is given as F  At  , where A, B and C are  2ct   2x 
t C y  2 A sin   cos  
constants then dimensional formula of B is      
(1) [MLT – 2] (2) [ML2T – 2] Which of the following statements is incorrect?
(3) [MLT – 3] (4) [MLT – 1] (1) The unit of ct is same as that of 
23. Choose the correct statement. (2) The unit of x is same as that of 
(1) A correct formula is dimensionally correct 2c 2x
(3) The unit of is same as that of
(2) A dimensionally incorrect formula is incorrect  t
(3) A dimensionless quantity may have unit c x
(4) The unit of is same as that of
(4) All of these  
31. If the error in the measurement of radius of a 38. A physical quantity is represented by X = [MaLbT–c].
sphere is 2%, then the error in the determination If percentage error in the measurement of M, L and T
of volume of the sphere will be are %, % and % respectively, then maximum
percentage error in measurement of X should be
(1) 2% (2) 4%
(Given that ,  and  are very small)
(3) 6% (4) 8%
(1) (a – b + c)% (2) (a + b + c)%
32. A set of defective observation of weights is used by
(3) (a – b – c)% (4) (a + b – c)%
a student to find the mass of an object using a
physical balance. A large number of readings will 1
39. The least count of a stop watch is second. The
reduce 5
(1) Random error time of 20 oscillations of a pendulum is measured
to be 25 seconds. The maximum percentage error
(2) Systematic error in the measurement of time will be
(3) Random as well as systematic error (1) 0.1% (2) 0.8%
(4) Neither random nor systematic error (3) 1.8% (4) 8%
33. A force F is applied on a square area of side L. If 40. A student measures the distance traversed in free
the percentage error in the measurement of L is fall of a body, initially at rest in a given time. He
2% and that in F is 4%, what is the maximum uses this data to estimate g, the acceleration due
percentage error in pressure? to gravity. If the maximum percentage errors in
(1) 2% (2) 4% measurement of the distance and the time are
e1 and e2 respectively, the maximum percentage
(3) 6% (4) 8%
error in the estimation of g is
34. The radius of a sphere is (5.3 ± 0.1) cm. The
percentage error in its volume is (1) e2 – e1 (2) e1 + 2e2
(3) e1 + e2 (4) e1 – 2e2
0 .1 0 .1
(1)  100 (2) 3   100 41. A dimensionally consistent relation for the volume V of
5.3 5 .3
a liquid of coefficient of viscosity ‘’ flowing per
3 0 .1 0.1
(3)   100 (4) 6   100 second, through a tube of radius r and length l and
2 5 .3 0 .3 having a pressure difference P across its ends, is
35. If the percentage error in the measurement of
Pr 4 
momentum and mass of an object are 2% and 3% (1) V  (2) V 
respectively, then maximum percentage error in the 8l 8Pr 4
calculated value of its kinetic energy is 8P  P 
(3) V  4 (4) V 
(1) 2% (2) 1% r 8r 4
(3) 5% (4) 7% 42. E, m, J and G denote energy, mass, angular
36. The acceleration due to gravity is measured on the momentum and gravitational constant respectively.
surface of earth by using a simple pendulum. If  EJ 2
and  are relative errors in the measurement of The dimensions of are same as of
m5G 2
length and time period respectively, then
percentage error in the measurement of (1) Angle (2) Length
acceleration due to gravity is
(3) Mass (4) Time
 1  43. If y represents pressure and x represents velocity
(1)       100 (2) ( – 2)
 2  d 2y
gradient, then the dimensions of are
(3) (2 + ) × 100 (4) ( + 2) × 100 dx 2
(1) [ML–1T–2]
37. A public park, in the form of a square, has an area
of (100 ± 0.2) m2. The side of park is (2) [M2L–2T–2]
(1) (10 ± 0.01) m (2) (10 ± 0.1) m (3) [ML–1T0]
(3) (10 ± 0.02) m (4) (10 ± 0.2) m (4) [M2L–2T–4]
49. The number of particles crossing per unit area

  t2
44. The dimensions of in the equation F  , perpendicular to Z axis per unit time is given by
 v 2
(N2  N1 )
where F is the force, v is velocity and t is time, is N  D , where N 2 and N 1 are the
(Z2  Z1 )
(1) [MLT–1] (2) [ML–1T–2]
number of particles per unit volume at Z2 and Z1
(3) [ML3T–4] (4) [ML2T–4] respectively. What is the dimensional formula for D?
45. Even if a physical quantity depends upon three (1) [M0L–1T2] (2) [M0L–1T–1]
quantities, out of which two are dimensionally (3) [M0L2T–1] (4) [M0L2T2]
same, then the formula cannot be derived by the
method of dimensions. This statement 50. The frequency of vibrations f of a mass m
suspended from a spring of spring constant K is
(1) May be true given by a relation of type f = cmxKy, where c is
(2) May be false a dimensionless constant. The values of x and y are
(3) Must be true 1 1
(1) x  , y
(4) Must be false 2 2
46. In a new system of units, energy (E), density (d) 1 1
(2) x  , y
and power (P) are taken as fundamental units, then 2 2
the dimensional formula of universal gravitational
1 1
constant G will be (3) x  , y
2 2
(1) [E–1d–2P2] (2) [E–2d–1P2]
1 1
(3) [E2d–1P–1] (4) [E1d–2P–2] (4) x  , y
2 2
 51. If energy E, velocity V and time T are taken as
47. In equation y  x 2 cos2 2 , the units of x, ,  fundamental units, the dimensional formula for

surface tension is
are m, s–1 and (m s–1)–1 respectively. The units of
y and  are (1) [EV–2T–2] (2) [E–2VT–2]
(1) m2, m s–2 (2) m, m s–1 (3) [E–2V–2T] (4) [E–2V–2T–2]
(3) m2, m (4) m, m s–2 52. If force F, area A and density D are taken as the
fundamental units, the representation of Young’s
48. Let P represents radiation pressure, c represents modulus ‘Y’ will be
speed of light and I represents radiation energy
striking a unit area per second, then P x I y c z will be (1) [F–1A–1D–1]
dimensionless for (2) [FA–2D2]
(1) x = 0, y = z (2) x = y = z (3) [FA–1D]
(3) x = z = –y (4) x = y = –z (4) [FA–1D0]


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Chapter 2

Units and Measurement

Sl. No. Fundamental Quantity Fundamental Unit Unit Symbol Used

Sl. No. Supplementary Supplementary Unit Symbol

TABLE : METRIC PREFIXES

Power of 10 Prefix Symbol Power of 10 Prefix Symbol

Error = Measured value – True value

Various Types of Error

This error arise due to following reasons

Improper designing or calibration

(iv) Personal error: Error due to carelessness or casual behaviour.

z These errors can be minimised by taking large number of observation.

a1  a2  ......  an

Final result of measurement may be written as :

(iv) Relative Error or Fractional Error :

a Mean absolute error

(ii) In Difference : If Z = A – B, then maximum absolute error is Z = A + B

 Rs R1  R2

x1  x2  x3  ....  x5

(b) L.C. of vernier callipers = value of 1 MSD – value of 1 VSD

Pitch (distance travelled by head in one complete rotation)

z Rules for counting the significant figures:

z Rules for Arithmetic Operations with Significant Figures

142.06 (5 Significant Figure) 0.90

Ans. 33 Ans. 0.21

Rounding off the uncertain digits

DIMENSIONS OF PHYSICAL QUANTITIES

DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS AND ITS APPLICATIONS

z A dimensionally incorrect equation will always incorrect equation.

[at] = [acceleration] [time] = [LT–2] [T]

a, b and c are dimensions

(b) Speed of light c = 3 × 108 m/s = c New units

 3 × 108 ms–1 = c (y m) (z s–1)

Example 5 : Convert 1 newton in dyne.

Limitations of the Dimensional Method

S. Physical Quantity Relation with other Dimensional Formula SI Unit

4. Speed or Velocity Distance L m s–1

6. Momentum Mass × velocity M × LT–1 = [MLT–1] kg m s–1

10. Power Work ML2 T –2 W

11. Pressure Force ML1T –2 Pa or N m –2

13. Gravitational constant ‘G’ Force ×  distance 

14. Impulse of a force Force × time MLT–2 × T = [MLT –1] Ns

15. Stress Force MLT –2 N m –2

S. R elation with o ther

Thermal Heat × distance ML2 T –2 .L 

S. Relation with other

Relative permittivity or 0 A pure ratio = [M0L0T0]

Intensity of electric Force MLT –2 

60. Electric dipole moment Charge × 2(length) [AT][L] = [M0LTA] Cm

Permeability of free 2  distance × force

64. Magnetic moment Current × area A.L2 = [M0L2T0 A] Am2 or J T–1

Magnetic moment ΑL2

Electric or Magnetic Trigonometric

Thrust Energy gradient

COMMONLY USED RELATIONS HAVING SAME DIMENSION

k  Spring constant, M  Mass, E  Modulus of elasticity

 Density, 0  Absolute permeability, 0  Absolute permittivity

R  Gas constant, V  potential or volume, P  Pressure, T  Temperature.

 = mass per unit