Physical World and Measurement
Day
0 1 Physical World and
Measurement
Scope and Excitement of Physics
Scope of physics lies in its various sub-disciplines.
Basically there are two domains of interest, macrosopic and
microscopic. The microscopic domain includes phenomena
at the laboratory terrestrial and astronomical scales. The
microscopic domain of physics deals with the constituent
and structure of matter at the minute scales of atoms and
nuclei and their interaction with other elementary particles
like electrons, photons etc.
Physics is exciting in many ways. To some people the
excitement comes from the elegance and universality of its
basic theories, from the fact that a few basic concepts and
laws can explain about physical quantities. To some others,
the challenge is carrying out imaginative new experiments
to unlock the secrets of nature is thrilling.
Nature of Physical Laws
Physicists explore the nature and abural phenomenon. They
investigate on the bases of scientific processes. In addition
to finding the facts, by observation and experimentation,
physicists try to discover the laws that summarize there
facts. Physicists have found several conservation laws
which include conservation of momentum, energy,
angular momentum, charge and mass. Conservation laws
are different in character from Newton’s law of motion
and gravity, but they are just as fundamental, useful
and important. Conservation laws can provide useful
information about a system.
Not all quantities in physics are conserved. For instance,
there is no conservation of force or conservation of velocity.
But the quantities that are conserved, such as momentum,
energy etc. are important properties to know about an
object. Current research in physics aims at determining
these properties for everything ranging from subatomic
particles to astronomical objects.
Physics, Technology and Society
Physics and society are connected with each other, as
most of the inventions in physics have a direct impact
on society. When the principles of physics are applied
for practical purposes, it is known as technology. Physics
1
try to discover the rules or principles that govern natural
processes or phenomena and then technologists apply
them for betterment of everyday life.
Units of Measurement
Measurement is basically a process of comparison.
A quantity that can be measured and by which various
physical happenings can be explained and expressed in the
form of laws is called a physical quantity. Measurement of
any physical quantity involves comparison with a certain
basic, arbitrarily chosen, internationally occupied reference
standard called unit.
Physical quantity is represented completely by its
magnitude and unit.
Physical quantity = Magnitude × unit
Fundamental and Derived units
Any unit which cannot be expressed in terms of other
units is called a fundamental unit. For example, unit of
mass, length and time are fundamental units. Other units
which can be expressed in terms of fundamental units are
called derived units. For example, unit of velocity, energy
etc. are derived units.
System of Units
(( A complete set of both fundamental and derived units
for all kind of physical quantities is called a system of
units. Such system of units include, CGS System, MKS
System, FPS System and SI System.
(( The base units for length, mass and time in their
systems are as follows :
(( In CGS system, they are centimeter, gram and second
respectively.
(( In FPS System, they are foot, pound and second
respectively.
(( In MKS System, they are meter, kilogram and second
respectively.
(( SI system is also known as international system of
units and it is an extended MKS system of units. The
given table shows the units for all the base quantities
in SI system.
 Physical quantity Units (SI) Notations Accuracy and precision of measuring
Mass kg(kilogram) M instrument
Length m(metre) L Measurement is a part of doing experiments in science.
The result of every measurement by any measuring
Time s(second) T
instruments contains some uncertainty. This uncertainty
Temperature K(kelvin) q in measurement is known as error. Accuracy of a
Electric current A(ampere) I or A measurement means how close the measured value is to
Luminous intensity cd (candela) cd the true value of a physical quantity. The limit of resolution
to which a physical quantity is measured by a measuring
Amount of substance moles mol
instrument is known as its precision.
There are also two supplementary quantities in addition
to the seven fundamental quantities. They are Types of Error
(( Plane angle : Unit of plane angle is radian and its (( Systematic error : It is the error due to known causes.
symbol is rad. The measurement errors that are unidirectional
(( Solid angle : Unit of solid angle is steradian and its in nature, which means they are either positive or
symbol is sr. negative.
(( Personal errors : These measurement errors occur
Measurement of Length due to the improper setting of the apparatus or an
(( Length of an object is the distance of separation individual’s carelessness in taking observations without
between any two points at the extreme ends of it. Most following the required precautionary measures.
common unit of length is metre.
(( Instrumental errors : These errors occur due to faulty
(( One metre is the length of the path travelled by light in
or wrongly calibrated measuring instruments. For
vacuum is 1/299, 792, 458 of a second.
example if the zero of the vernier scale and main scale
Range of Length do not coincide, it may cause error in measurement
and such type of error is called zero error.
(( 1 fermi = 10–15 m
(( 1 angstrom = 10–10 m (( Imperfection in experimental technique or
(( 1 astronomical unit = 1.496 × 1011 m procedure : An error occurring in the measurement
of a physical quantity due to wrong experimental
(( 1 light year = 9.46 × 1015 m
technique or procedure gives rise to systematic
(( 1 parsec = 3.2 light year = 3.08 × 1016 m
errors.
Measurement of Mass (( Random errors : It is the error due to unknown
(( Mass is the basic property of matter and is equal to the causes.
quantity of matter contained in the body. The SI Unit These errors occur due to unpredictable variations
of mass is kilogram, while dealing with atoms and in experimental conditions, such as fluctuations
molecules, the standard unit of mass is unified atomic in temperature, voltage supply, and mechanical
mass unit (amu). vibrations of experimental setups are known as
(( One kilogram is defined as the mass of international random errors. These errors occur irregularly and
prototype standard block of platinum, iridium alloy vary in size and sign (positive or negative).
preserved in the international Bureau of weights and
(( Least count error : It is the error associated with the
measures.
resolution of the measuring instruments.
(( One amu is (1/12)th of the mass of an atom of carbon
12 isotope.
Absolute Error, Relative Error and Percentage
Measurement of Time Error
(( The most common unit of time is second. One second Absolute Error
is the duration of 9, 192, 631, 770. Periods of radiation
(( The difference between the measured value and the
corresponding to unperturbed transition between the
two hyperfine levels of the ground state of Cs - 133 true value gives the error in measurement.
atom. (( Let a physical quantity be measured n times. Let the
(( Range of Time : Time interval of an event varies over measured values be a1, a2, a3, ...., an, The arithmetic
wide range from 10–24 s which is the life span of most mean of these values is
unstable particle to 1017 s which is the approximate a + a2 + ... + an
am = 1 .
age of the universe. n
Physical World and Measurement

(( The error in the measured values of the physical Maximum percentage error in Z is
quantity are DZ DA DB
D a1 = am = a1 , × 100 = × 100 + × 100
Z A B
D a2 = am = a2 ,
(( In power : If Z = Am, then the maximum relative error

in Z is given by
D an = am − an . DZ DA
(( Absolute error D a is always positive and is denoted =m
Z A
by D a .
Maximum percentage error in Z is
(( Hence the final result of measurement after including
the absolute error may be written as a = am ± D a , DZ DA
× 100 = m × 100
Z A
where D a is the mean absolute error.
(( Mean absolute error is the arithmetic mean of the A p Bq
In more general form if Z =
absolute errors in all the measurements of a physical C r Ds
quantity. Maximum relative error in Z is given by
D a1 + D a2 + ... + D an DZ DA DB DC DD
Da = =p +q +r +s
n Z A B C D
n D ai Maximum percentage error in Z is
=∑
i =1 n DZ × 100 = p DA × 100 + q DB × 100 + r DC × 100 + s DD × 100
Z A B C D
Relative Error DZ × 100 = p DA × 100 + q DB × 100 + r DC × 100 + s DD × 100
Relative error of a measurement is defined as the ratio of Z A B C D
the mean absolute error to the mean value of the physical
quantity measured. Significant Figures
Mean absolute error The result of a measurement of a physical quantity is
Relative error =
Mean value a number which includes reliable digits plus the first
Da uncertain digits, which is known as significant figures.
=
am
Rules to find Significant Figures
Percentage Error (( Rule-1:
When the relative error is expressed in percentage it is All non-zero digits are significant. e.g. 1324 has four
known as percentage error. significant figures.
Da (( Rule-2 :
δa = × 100% All zeros occuring between two non-zero digits are
am
significant. e.g. 120024 has 6 significant digits.
(( Rule-3 :
Combination of Error If the number is less than 1, the zero(s) on the right of
(( In sum : If Z = A + B, then the maximum absolute error decimal point, but to the left of the first non-zero digit
in Z is are not significant. e.g. 0.00064 has two significant
DZ = DA + DB digits.
(( In difference : If Z = A – B, then the maximum absolute (( Rule-4 :
error in Z is In a number without a decimal point the terminal or
DZ = DA + DB trailing zero(s) are not significant. e.g. 227800 have
four significant digits.
(( In product : If Z = AB, then the maximum relative
(( Rule-5 :
error in Z is given by
In a number with a decimal point the trailing zero(s)
DZ DA DB
= + are significant. e.g. 3.200 or 0.05400 have four significant
Z A B digits each.
Maximum percentage error in Z is Note : The power (or exponent) of 10 is irrelevant to
DZ DA DB the determination of significant figures. For example,
× 100 = × 100 + × 100
Z A B 3.100 × 102 has 4 significant figures.
(( In division : If Z = A/B, then the maximum relative The change of units only changes the order of
error in Z is exponent but not the number of significant figures.
DZ DA DB e.g. 1.40 m = 1.40 × 102 cm both have three significant
= + figures.
Z A B
Dimensions of physical quantities
Physical quantities can be expressed in terms of seven
fundamental units. These seven fundamental quantities are
called as the seven dimensions of physical world denoted by
mass [M], length [L], time [T], current [A], temperature [K],
luminous intensity [cd] and amount of substance [mol].
Dimensional analysis
Dimensions : The dimensions of a physical quantity are
the powers (or exponents) to which the base quantities are
raised to represent that quantity.
Dimensional formula : The expression which represents
the dimensions of a physical quantity.
Dimensional equation : An equation obtained by equating
a physical quantity with its dimensional formula is known
as the dimensional equation of the physical quantity.
(( The dimensional formula for frequency, angular
frequency, angular velocity, and velocity gradient are
same. i.e. [M0L0T–1].
(( Strain, Poisson’s ratio, refractive index, relative
permittivity, relative permeability, relative density,
angle, solid angle and trigonometric ratios have no
dimensions i.e. [M0L0T0].
(( Relative velocity has the dimensions of velocity.
i.e. [M0LT–1].
(( Work, kinetic energy, potential energy, internal
energy, heat, torque, couple and moment of force have
the same dimensional formula [ML2T–2].
(( Surface tension and spring constant have the same
dimensional formula [ML0T–2].
(( Momentum and impulse have the same dimensional
formula, [MLT–1].
(( Acceleration due to gravity has the same dimensional
formula as gravitational intensity [M0LT–2].
(( Force, thrust and weight have the same dimensional
formula [MLT–2] as the energy gradient.
(( Angular momentum and Planck’s constant have the
same dimensional formula [ML2T–1].
(( Electric field strength and potential gradient have the
same dimensional formula [MLT–3A–1].
(( Homogeneity principle : If the dimensions of left
hand side of an equation are equal to the dimensions
of right hand side of the equation, then the equation is
dimensionally correct. This is known as homogeneity
principle.
(( Dimensional variables : These are the quantities
whose values are variable, and they possess
dimensions. e.g. area, volume, density, velocity,
acceleration, force etc.
(( Dimensional constants : These are the quantities whose
values are constant and they possess dimensions.
e.g. universal gravitational constant, universal gas
constant, Boltzmann constant, Planck’s constant etc.
(( Dimensionless variables : These are the quantities,
whose values are variables, and they do not have
dimensions. e.g. angle, strain, specific gravity etc.
(( Dimensionless constants : These are the quantities,
whose values are constant, but they do not possess
dimensions. e.g. pure numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, ..., mathematical
constants p and ‘e’ etc.
Physical World and Measurement 5

1.
p q r
If the energy, E = G h c , where G is the universal x
10. The relation between force F and density d is F = .
gravitational constant, h is the Planck’s constant and c The dimensions of x are d
is the speed of light, then the values of p, q and r are, (a) [L–1/2 M3/2 T–2] (b) [L–1/2 M1/2 T–2]
respectively –1
(c) [L M T ]3/2 –2 (d) [L–1 M1/2 T–2]
−1 1 5 1 −1 −5
(a) , and (b) , and
2 2 2 2 2 2 11. Which of the following is a dimensionless quantity?
−1 1 3 1 −1 −3 (a) Magnetic flux density (b) Electric flux density
(c) , and (d) , and
2 2 2 2 2 2 (c) Lumen flux density (d) Optical density.
2. The density of a cube is measured by measuring 12. In a vernier callipers, N divisions of vernier scale coincide
its mass and the length of its side. If the maximum with (N – 1) division of main scale (in which one
errors in the measurements of mass and length are division represents 1 mm). The vernier constant is (cm)
3% and 2% respectively, then the maximum error in
1 1
the measurement of density is (a) N (b) N – 1 (c) (d)
(a) 7% (b) 5% (c) 9% (d) 3% N −1 10N
13. The side of a cubical block when measured with a
3. The velocity of a body moving in viscous medium is vernier callipers is 2.50 cm. The vernier constant is
given by V = P (1 − e Qt ) where t is time; P and Q are 0.01 cm. The maximum possible error in the area of
Q the side of the block is
constants. Then the dimensions of P are (a) ± 0.01 cm2 (b) ± 0.02 cm2
(c) ± 0.05 cm 2 (d) ± 0.10 cm2
(a) M0LT–2 (b) M0L2T–2
–1
(c) M LT –2 (d) M0L0T–2 14. A physical quantity is given by X = MaLbTc.The
4. In the relation, y = rsin(wt + kx), the dimensional percentage error in measurement of M, L and T are a,
formula for kx or wt is same as b and g respectively. Then, the maximum % error in
(a) r/w (b) r/y (c) wt/r (d) yr/wt the quantity X is
(a) aa + bb + cg (b) aa + bb – cg
5. The dimensional formula for acceleration, velocity and
length are ab–2, ab–1 and ag. What is the dimensional a b c
(c) + + (d) none of these.
formula for the coefficient of friction? a b g
(a) abg (b) a–1b0g0
0 –1 0 15. A certain body weighs 22.42 g and has a measured
(c) a b g (d) a0b0g–1
volume of 4.7cc. The possible error in the measurement
6. Turpentine oil is flowing through a tube of length l of mass and volume are 0.01 g and 0.1 cc. Then
and radius r. The pressure difference between the two maximum error in the density will be
ends of the tube is P. The viscosity of oil is given by (a) 22% (b) 2% (c) 0.2% (d) 0.02%.
P(r 2 − x 2 )
h= , where v is the velocity of oil at a distance 16. In the formula, X = 3YZ2; X has dimensions of
4vl capacitance and Z has dimensions of magnetic
x from the axis of the tube. The dimension of h is
induction. The dimensions of Y are
(a) [M0L0T0] (b) [MLT–1]
2 –2 (a) [M–3L–2 T–2A4] (b) [ML–2T2A2]
(c) [ML T ] (d) [ML–1T–1]
(c) [M–3L–2T4A4 ] (d) [M–3L–2 T 8A4]
7. The dimensions of mobility of charge carriers are
(a) M–2T2A (b) M–1T2A 17. A new unit of length is chosen such that the speed
(c) M–2T3A (d) M–1T3A of light in vacuum is unity. What is the distance between
the sun and the earth in terms of the new unit if light
8. A physical quantity Q is found to depend on
takes 8 min and 20 s to cover this distance?
x3 y2
observables x, y and z, obeying relation Q = . (a) 300 (b) 400 (c) 500 (d) 600
z
The percentage error in the measurements of x, y and 18. Which of the following is the most precise device for
z are 1%, 2% and 4% respectively. What is percentage measuring length?
error in the quantity Q ? (a) A vernier callipers with 20 divisions on the vernier
(a) 11% (b) 4% (c) 1% (d) 3% scale coinciding with 19 main scale divisions
9. What will be the unit of time in that system in which (b) A screw gauge of pitch 1 mm and 100 divisions
the unit of length is metre, unit of mass is kg and unit on the circular scale.
of force is kg wt? (c) A spherometer of pitch 0.1 mm and 100 divisions
(a) (9.8)2 s (b) 9.8 s on the circular scale.
1 (d) An optical instrument that can measure length
(c) 9. 8 s (d) s
9. 8 to within a wavelength of light.
19. Which of the following statements is incorrect 30. In an experiment of simple pendulum, the errors
regarding mass? in the measurement of length of the pendulum (L)
(a) It is a basic property of matter and time period (T) are 3% and 2% respectively. The
L
(b) The SI unit of mass is kg maximum percentage error in the value of is
(c) The mass of an atom is expressed in u T2
(d) It depends upon the temperature, pressure or (a) 5% (b) 7% (c) 8% (d) 1%
location of the object in space. 31. The moment of inertia of a body rotating about a given
axis is 12.0 kgm2 in the SI system. What is the value
20. Percentage errors in the measurement of mass and
of the moment of inertia in a system of units in which
speed are 2% and 3% respectively. The error in the
the unit of length is 5 cm and the unit of mass is 10 g?
estimation of kinetic energy obtained by measuring
(a) 2.4 × 103 (b) 6.0 × 103
mass and speed will be 5
(c) 5.4 × 10 (d) 4.8 × 105
(a) 8% (b) 2% (c) 12% (d) 10%
32. In a slide callipers, (m + 1) number of vernier
21. In an experiment to measure the height of a bridge by
dropping stone into water underneath, if the error in divisions is equal to m number of smallest main
measurement of time is 0.1 s at the end of 2 s, then the scale divisions. If d unit is the magnitude of the
error in estimation of height of bridge will be smallest main scale division, then the magnitude of
(a) 0.49 m (b) 0.98 m (c) 1.96 m (d) 2.11 m the vernier constant is
d d
22. If E, m, I and G denote energy, mass, angular (a) unit (b) unit
momentum and gravitational constant respectively, (m + 1) m
the quantity (EI2/m5G2) has the dimensions of (c)
md (d) (m + 1)d
(a) angle (b) length (c) mass (d) time unit unit
(m + 1) m
23. In the following equation, x, t and F represent 33. The temperatures of two bodies measured by a thermo-
respectively, displacement, time and force : meter are t1 = 20°C ± 0.5°C and t2 = 50°C ± 0.5 °C.
1 The temperature difference and the error therein is
F = a + bt + + A sin(wt + f).
c + dx (a) 30 °C ± 1 °C (b) 70 °C ± 0.5 °C
The dimensional formula for A·d is (c) 30 °C ± 0.5 °C (d) 70 °C ± 1 °C
(a) T–1 (b) L–1 (c) M–1 (d) TL–1
34. Two resistors of resistances R1 = (100 ± 3) W and
24. The least count of the metre rod is 0.1 cm. What is the R2 = (200 ± 4) W are connected in parallel. The
permissible error in the length of the rod measured equivalent resistance of the parallel combination is
with it ? (a) (66.7 ± 1.8) W (b) (66.7 ± 4.0) W
(a) ± 0.2 cm (b) ± 0.1 cm (c) (66.7 ± 3.0 ) W (d) (66.7 ± 7.0) W
(c) ± 0.05 cm (d) ± 0.01 cm
35. Which of the following statements is incorrect
25. Which two of the following five physical parameters regarding significant figures?
have the same dimensions ? (a) All the non-zero digits are significant.
1. energy density 2. refractive index (b) All the zeros between two non-zero digits are
3. dielectric constant 4. young’s modulus significant.
(a) 1 and 4 (b) 1 and 5 (c) Greater the number of significant figures in a
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 3 and 5 measurement, smaller is the percentage error.
(d) The power of 10 is counted while counting the
26. In a new system of units, unit of mass is 10 kg, unit of number of significant figures.
length is 1 km and unit of time is 1 minute. The value
of 1 joule in this new hypothetical system is 36. You measure two quantities as A = 1.0 m ± 0.2 m,
(a) 3.6 × 10 –4 new units (b) 6 × 107 new units B = 2.0 m ± 0.2 m. We should report correct value for
(c) 1011 new units (d) 1.67 × 104 new units
AB as
27. The ratio of the dimensions of Planck constant and (a) 1.4 m ± 0.4 m (b) 1.41 m ± 0.15 m
that of moment of inertia is the dimensions of (c) 1.4 m ± 0.3 m (d) 1.4 m ± 0.2 m
(a) time (b) frequency
(c) angular momentum (d) velocity 37. The equation of state of a gas is given by
 a  2
28. The dimensions of resistance × capacitance are same  P + 3  (V − b ) = cT , where P, V, T are pressure,
as that of V
(a) current (b) energy volume and temperature respectively, and a, b, c are
(c) frequency (d) time-period. constants. The dimensions of a and b are respectively
(a) ML8T–2 and L3/2 (b) ML5T–2 and L3
29. Three measurements are made as 18.425 cm,
7.21 cm and 5.0 cm. The sum of measurements upto (c) ML5T–2 and L6 (d) ML6T–2 and L3/2
correct number of significant figures is 38. The time dependence of a physical quantity p is given
(a) 30.635 cm (b) 30.64 cm by p = p0 exp (–at2), where a is a constant and t is the
(c) 30.63 cm (d) 30.6 cm time. The constant a
Physical World and Measurement

(a) is dimensionless (b) has dimensions [T–2] 42. When one metre, one kg and one minute are taken as
(c) has dimensions [T2] (d) has dimensions of p fundamental units, the magnitude of a force is 36 units.
What is the value of this force in CGS system?
39. An important milestone in the evolution of the
(a) 103 dyne (b) 105 dyne
universe just after the Big Bang is the Planck time
(c) 106 dyne (d) 107 dyne
tp , the value of which depends on three funda-mental
constants-speed of light in vacuum c, Gravitational 43. The dimensions of sb4 (s = Stefan’s constant and
constant G and Planck’s constant h. Then, tp ∝ b = Wein’s constant) are
1/2 (a) [M0L0T0] (b) [ML4T–3]
c5 Gh  Gh 
(a) Ghc5 (b) (c) (d)  (c) [ML T]–2 (d) [ML6T–3]
Gh c5  c 5 
40. The mass of a body is 20.0 g and its volume is 44. Which one of the following is dimensionally incorrect?
10.0 cm3. If possible maximum errors in the (a) Capacitance C = [M–1L–2T4A2]
measurement of mass of body and volume of body are (b) Magnetic field induction B = [ML0T–2A–1]
0.001 g and 0.01 cm3 respectively, then the maximum (c) Coefficient of self-induction L = [ML2T–2A–1]
error in the value of density is (d) Specific resistance r = [M L3T–3A–2]
(a) 0.001 g cm–3 (b) 0.010 g cm–3 DV
45. A quantity X is given by e0 L , where e0 is the
(c) 0.10 g cm–3 (d) none of these Dt
permittivity of free space, L is length, DV is potential
41. If 3.8 × 10–6 is added to 4.2 × 10–5 giving due regard to difference and Dt is time interval. The dimensional
significant figures, then the result will be formula for X is the same as that of
(a) 4.58 × 10–5 (b) 4.6 × 10–5 (a) resistance (b) charge
(c) 4.5 × 10 –5 (d) 4.7 × 10–5 (c) voltage (d) current

Day 01 OMR sheet


8

p q r
1. (a) : E = G h c ...(i) [P][(r 2 − x) 2 ] [ML−1 T −2 ][L2 ]
Equating dimensions on both sides of equation (i), \ Dimensions of h = [v][l]
=
[LT −1][L]
we get
p q r
= [ML–1T–1]
[M1L2T–2] = [M–1L3T–2] [ML2T–1] [LT–1]
= [M–p + q L3p + 2q + r T–2p – q – r] Drift velocity (vd )
7. (b) : Mobility, m =
Applying principle of homogeneity of dimensions, Electric field (E )
we get [v ] [M0 LT −1 ]
– p + q = 1 ...(ii) \ [m] = d = = [M −1T2 A]
−3
[E] [MLT A ] − 1
3p + 2q + r = 2 ...(iii)
–2p – q – r = – 2 ...(iv)
x3 y2
Adding (iii) and (iv), we get 8. (a) : Q =
p + q = 0 ...(v) z
Adding (ii) and (v), we get The percentage error in the quantity Q is
1 DQ  Dx Dy Dz 
2q = 1 or q = × 100 =  3 +2 +  × 100
2
1 1 Q  x y z 
From (ii), p = q − 1 = − 1 = −
2 2  Dx   Dy  Dz
Substituting the values of p and q in equation (iii), = 3  × 100  + 2  × 100  + × 100
 x   y  z
we get
3 5 = 3 × 1% + 2 × 2% + 4% = 11%
− + 1 + r = 2 or r =
2 2 9. (d) : As [F] = [MLT–2]
1 1 5
Hence, p = − , q = , r = ML 1 kg × 1 m 1 kg × 1 m
2 2 2 \ T2 = = =
F 1 kg wt 9. 8 N
M
2. (c) : Q r = , 1
L3 (Q 1 kg wt = 9.8 N) or T = s
Dr DM DL 9. 8
\ = +3 = 3% + 3(2%) = 9 %. x
r M L 10. (a) : Given : F =
d
P
3. (a) : V = (1 − e Qt ) \ x=F d
Q [x] = [L1 M1 T–2][L–3 M1 T0]1/2
1
As Qt = number, \ [Q] = = T −1 = [L1 M1 T–2][L–3/2 M1/2 T0] = [L–1/2 M3/2 T–2]
[t ]
11. (d) : Optical density is the ratio of the speed of light
P
Now, =V, in two media. As optical density is the ratio of two similar
Q physical quantities, therefore it is the dimensionless
\ [P] = [Q × V] = T–1 × LT–1 = [M0LT–2] quantity. All other given physical quantities have dimensions.
4. (b) : wt and kx both are dimensionless. Out of the 12. (d) : N VSD = (N – 1) MSD
given options, only r/y is dimensionless. N −1
1 VSD = MSD
5. (d) : Here, [a] = LT–2 = ab–2 N
[v] = LT–1 = ab–1 V.C. = 1 MSD – 1 VSD
\ a = L, b = T  N −1 1
[L] = ag = 1 MSD −   MSD = MSD
 N  N
[L] L
\ g= = =1 1 1
a L = mm = cm
Coefficient of friction, N 10 N
F 13. (c) : Here l = 2.50 cm and Dl = 0.01 cm
m= = M 0 L0 T 0 i.e. dimensionless
R Since A = l2 = (2.50 cm)2
Now, a0b0g–1 = L0T0(1)–1 = 1, DA Dl DA 0.01 cm
which is dimensionless.
\ =2⋅ ; =2×
A l A 2.50 cm
6. (d) : Dimensions of P = [ML–1T–2] 2 × 0.01 cm
\ DA = × (2.50 cm)2
Dimensions of r = [L] 2.50 cm
Dimensions of v = [LT–1] = 2 × 0.01 × 2.50 cm2 = 0.01 × 5 cm2
Dimensions of l = [L] or DA = ± 0.05 cm2
Physical World and Measurement

14. (a) : X = M aLbT c 1 1

Percentage error in X = mm = cm = 0.001 cm
100 1000
DX DM DL DT
× 100 = a × 100 + b × 100 + c × 100 As given, (c) Least count of spherometer
X M L T
DM DL DT Pitch
× 100 = a, × 100 = b, × 100 = g =
M L T No.of divisions on circular scale
\ Percentage error in X = aa + bb + cg. 0.1 mm 1
= = mm = 0.0001 cm
mass m 100 1000
15. (b) : Density r = ...(i) (d) Wavelength of light, l ≈ 10–5 cm = 0.00001 cm
volume V
Clearly the optical instrument is the most precise.
Take logarithm on the both sides of eqn. (i), we get
lnr = lnm – lnV ...(ii) 19. (d) : Mass does not depend on the temperature,
Differentiate eqn. (ii), on both sides, we get pressure or location of the object in space.
Dr Dm DV 1
= − 20. (a) : As K = mv 2
r m V 2
Errors are always added for maximum error. DK Dm 2Dv
\ Maximum error in the density r will be \ × 100 = × 100 + × 100 = 2% + 2 × 3% = 8%
K m v
 Dm DV   0.01 0.1  1
= +  × 100% =  +  × 100 % = 2% 21. (c) : h = ut + gt 2
 m V   22.42 4.7  2
1
16. (d) : As q = CV, h = 0 + × 9.8 (2)2 = 19.6 m (Q u = 0)
2
q q2  W Dh  Dt   0. 1  1
= 2  = 2  =
⇒ C= = as V = 
V W  q h t 2 10
 A T 
2 2 h 19.6
Dh = = = 1.96 m
[X] → [C] =  2 −2  = [M −1L−2T 4 A 2] 10 10
 ML T 
F  22. (a) : [E] = [ML2T–2], [m] = [M],[l] = [ML2T–1],
F = BIl sin q, [ B ] =   [G] = [M −1L3T−2 ]
 Il 
 MLT −2  0 −2 −1  El 2  [ML2 T−2 ] ⋅[M2 L4 T−2 ]
[Z] → [B] =   = [ML T A ]
 AL  \  = = [M0L0 T0]
Given: X = 3YZ2 ⇒ Y = X/(3Z2)
5 2
 m G  [M5 ] ⋅[M −2 L6 T−4 ]

[ X] [M −1L−2T 4A2 ] −3 −2 8 4 As angle has no dimension, this has the same dimension
or [Y ] = = = [M L T A ] as the angle.
[Z 2] [ ML0T −2A −1 ]2
1
17. (c) : Here, 23. (b) : F = a + bt + + A sin(wt + f)
c + dx
Speed of light in vacuum,
As sin(wt + f) is dimensionless, therefore A has dimensions
c = 1 new unit of length s–1 of force.
Time taken by light of sun to reach the earth \ [A] = [F] = [MLT–2]
t = 8 min and 20 seconds
As each term on RHS represents force
= (8 × 60 + 20) s = 500 s
\ Distance between the sun and the earth  1 
\   = [F ]
S = ct = 1 new unit of length s–1 × 500 s  c + dx 
= 500 new unit of length 1
18. (d) : The most precise device is one whose least count  c  = [F ]
 
is the least. 1 1
(a) Least count of vernier callipers \ [c] = = = [M −1L−1T2]
[F] [MLT −2]
19
= 1 MSD – 1 VSD = 1 MSD – MSD
20 As c is added to dx, therefore dimensions of c is same that
1 1 1 of dx.
= MSD = mm = cm = 0.005 cm \ [dx] = [c]
20 20 200
(... 1 MSD = 1 mm) [c] [M −1L−1T −2]
(b) Least count of screw gauge or [d] = = = [M −1L−2T −2]
[x] [L]
Pitch The dimensional formula for A·d is
=
No.of divisions on circular scale [A·d] = [MLT2][M–1L–2T–2] = [L–1]
24. (b) : Permissible error = ± least count = ± 0.1 cm L
The maximum percentage error in is
 Work done 
25. (a) : [Energy density] = 
T2
  L 
 Volume  D 2 
T  Dg
[MLT −2 L] × 100 = × 100 = 7%
= = [ML−1T−2 ] L g
[L3 ] T2 a b c
 Force  [l]  M   L  T 
[Young’s modulus] = [Y ] =  31. (d) : n2 = n1  1   1   1  ...(i)
×  M 2   L2   T2 
 Area  [Dl]
[MLT −2] [L] Dimensional formula of moment of inertia = [ML2T0]
= = [ML−1T −2] \ a = 1, b = 2, c = 0
2
[L ] [L]
Here, I1 = 12.0, M1 = 1 kg, M2 = 10 g
The dimensions of 1 and 4 are the same. L1 = 1 m, L2 = 5 cm, T1 = 1 s, T2 = 1 s
26. (a) : The dimensional formula of energy is [ML2T–2]. 1
 1 kg   1 m   1 s 
2 0

1 2 −2 I 2 = 12.0  (Using (i))

 1 kg   1m 
 1s   10 g   5 cm   1 s 
n2 = 1   1 km 
1 min 
10 kg 
1 2
     1000 g   100 cm 
= 12 ×  ×1
1 1 1
3600  10 g   5 cm 
= × 6 × = 7 = 3.6 × 10 −4
10 10 (60)−2
10 = 12 × 100 × 400 = 4.8 × 105
E 32. (a) : (m + 1) V.S.D. = m M.S.D.
27. (b) : Planck’s constant, h =
υ m
[ML2T −2] 2 −1 1 V.S.D. = M.S.D.
= = [ML T ] m +1
[T −1]
Vernier constant = 1 M.S.D. – 1 V.S.D.
Moment of inertia, I = [ML2]
 m 
= 1 M.S.D. −  M.S.D.
h [ML2T −1]
= = [T −1] = frequency  m + 1 
I [ML2] 1 d
= M.S.D. = unit
voltage (m + 1) m +1
28. (d) : Resistance = and
current 33. (a) : Here, t1 = 20 °C ± 0.5 °C
charge t2 = 50 °C ± 0.5 °C
Capacitance = The temperature difference of two bodies is
voltage
t = t2 – t1 = 50 °C – 20 °C = 30 °C
\ Resistance × capacitance The error in temperature difference is given by
voltage charge charge Dt = (Dt1 + Dt2)
= × = = (0.5 °C + 0.5 °C) = 1 °C
current voltage current
\ The temperature difference is 30 °C ± 1 °C.
current × time period
= = time period. 34. (a) : Here, R1 = (100 ± 3) W
current R2 = (200 ± 4) W
29. (d) : Sum of the measurements is correct only upto The equivalent resistance in parallel combination is
one place of decimal corresponding to the number with 1 1 1
= +
least decimal places. R p R1 R2
18.425 + 7.21 + 5.0 = 30.635 = 30.6 cm
1 1 1 3
= + =
30. (b) : Time period of simple pendulum is R p 100 200 200
L 200
T = 2p Rp = = 66.7 W
g 3
Squaring both sides, we get The error in equivalent resistance is given by
L DR p DR1 DR2
\ T 2 = 4p2 ...(i) = +
g R2p R12 R22
L 2 2
or g = 4p2 2  Rp   Rp 
T DR p = DR1   + DR2  
The maximum percentage error in g is  R1   R2 
2 2
Dg DL  DT   66.7   66.7 
× 100 = × 100 + 2  × 100 = 3% + 2 × 2% = 7% = 3 + 4 = 1.8 W
g L T   100   200 
L g Hence, the equivalent resistance along with error in
From (i), we get 2 =
T 4p 2 parallel combination is (66.7 ± 1.8) W.
Physical World and Measurement

35. (d) : The power of 10 is irrelevant to the determination 1 1 −2

of significant figures. 1 kg   1 m  1 min 
n2 = 36      
36. (c) : If u1 and u2 be the units to measure a quantity  1 g  1 cm   1 s 
Q and n1, n2 be the numerical values respectively then we 1 1 −2
know that Q = n1u1 = n2u2. Since the quantity Q does not 1000 g  100 cm   60 s 
= 36      
change irrespective of the units used to measure it Q =  g   1 cm   1 s 
1
constant. So nu = constant ⇒ n ∝ i.e. smaller the unit 36 × 103 × 102
u = = 103
of measurement, greater is the corresponding numerical 3600
value. Hence, in the CGS system of units the value of given force
 a  is 103 dyne.
37. (a) : Given,  P + (V − b2 ) = cT
 3  43. (b) : Wein’s displacement law
V
Dimensions of [a] = dimensions of [PV3] lmT = b or b4 = lm4T4 ...(i)
F   F From Stefan’s law,
=  V3 Q P =  E
A  A s= ...(ii)
AtT 4
[MLT −2 ]
= × [L3 ]3 = [ML8T–2] From (i) and (ii),
2
[L ] 4 4
Now, dimensions of [b]2 = dimensions of [V] E lmT
sb 4 =
[b] = [L3]1/2 or [b] = [L3/2] AtT 4
38. (b) : Given : p = p0e –at2
[ML2T −2][L]4
at2 is dimensionless [sb 4 ] = 2
= [ML4T −3]
1 1 [L ][T]
\ [a ] = = = [T−2 ]
[t 2 ] [T2 ] [q2 ] [AT]2
44. (c) : [C] = = = [M −1L−2T4 A2 ]
39. (d) : [Gh] = [M–1L3T–2][ML2T–1] = [M0L5T–3] [W ] [ML2T−2 ]
[c] = [LT–1]
1/2 [F ] [MLT−2 ]
 Gh  [B] = = = [ML0T−2 A−1]
\  5 = [T] [I ][l] [A][L]
c  1/2
 Gh  W 
Hence, t p ∝  5  (Q [t p] = [T])
e  q  [t ]  ML2T−2  [T]
c  [L] = =   = 
40. (d) : Maximum error in measuring mass is 0.001 g,  di  [i]  AT  [A]
 
and maximum error in measuring volume is 0.01 cm3. dt
Dr DM DV 0.001 0.01 = [ML2T−2 A −2 ]
= + = +
r M V 20.0 10.0 [R][ A] [ML2T−3A −2 ][L2 ]
= (5 × 10–5) + (1 × 10–3) = 1.05 × 10–3 [r] = = = [ML3T−3A −2 ]
[L] [L]
Dr = (1.05 × 10–3) × r
20.0 Choice (c) is dimensionally wrong.
= 1.05 × 10 −3 × = 0.002 g cm −3 Dq
10.0 45. (d) : As, C =
41. (b) : We will use the general rule of addition by DV
making the powers same. A Dq  e0 A 
i.e., we add 3.8 × 10–6 and 42 × 10–6, we get
or e0 = Q C = 
L DV L 
45.8 × 10–6 = 4.58 × 10–5.
(Dq)L
As least number of significant figures in given values are 2, or e0 = ...(i)
so we round off the result to 4.6 × 10–5. A(DV )
a b c DV
 M   L  T  X = e0 L (Given)
42. (a) : n2 = n1  1   1   1  Dt
 M 2   L2   T2 
(Dq)L DV
M1 = 1 kg M2 = 1 g \ X= L (Using (i))
L1 = 1 m L2 = 1 cm
A(DV ) Dt
T1 = 1 min T2 = 1 s But [A] = [L]2
n1 = 36 n2 = ? Dq
The dimensional formula of force is [MLT–2]. \ X= = current
\ a = 1, b = 1, c = – 2 Dt

ab