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1 Units, Dimensions and

Error Analysis

m
1.1 Units and Dimensions

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Chapter Snapshot
To measure a physical quantity we need some Units and Dimensions
standard unit of that quantity. The measurement of the Significant Figures
ing
quantity is mentioned in two parts, the first part gives how Error Analysis
many times of the standard unit and the second part gives
the name of the unit. Thus, suppose I say that length of this
ch

wire is 5 m. The numeric part 5 says that it is 5 times of the

unit of length and the second part metre says that unit
chosen here is metre.
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abbreviated as SI from the French name Le Systems

Fundamental and Derived Quantities International d Unites. This system is widely used
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There are a large number of physical quantities and throughout the world. Table below gives the seven
every quantity needs a unit. fundamental quantities and their SI units.
However, not all the quantities are independent. For
kM

Table 1.1
example, if a unit of length is defined, a unit of volume is
automatically obtained. Thus, we can define a set of S. No. Quantity SI Unit Symbol
fundamental quantities and all other quantities may be
pic

1. Length metre m
expressed in terms of the fundamental quantities. 2. Mass kilogram kg
Fundamental quantities are only seven in numbers. Unit 3. Time second s
of all other quantities can be expressed in terms of the
w.

4. Electric current ampere A

units of these seven quantities by multiplication or 5. Thermodynamic temperature kelvin K
division.
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6. Amount of substance mole mol

Many different choices can be made for the 7. Luminous intensity candela cd
fundamental quantities. For example, if we take length
and time as the fundamental quantities, then speed is a Two supplementary units namely plane angle and
derived quantity and if we take speed and time as solid angle are also defined. Their units are radian (rad)
and steradian (st) respectively.
fundamental quantities then length is a derived quantity.
(i) CGS System In this system, the units of length,
Several system of units are in use over the world. The mass and time are centimetre (cm), gram (g) and
units defined for the fundamental quantities are called second (s) respectively. The unit of force is dyne and
fundamental units and those obtained for derived that of work or energy is erg.
quantities are called the derived units. (ii) FPS System In this system, the units of length,
mass and time are foot, pound and second. The
SI Units unit of force in this system is poundal.
In 1971, General Conference on Weight and SI Prefixes
Measures held its meeting and decided a system of units The most commonly used prefixes are given below in
which is known as the International System of Units. It is tabular form.

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2 Objective Physics Volume 1

Table 1.2 (ix) Steradian The steradian is the solid angle which
having its vertex at the centre of the sphere, cut-off an
Power of 10 Prefix Symbol area of the surface of sphere equal to that of a square
6 mega M with sides of length equal to the radius of the sphere.
3 kilo k
-2 centi c Dimensions
-3 mili m Dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to
-6 micro m which the fundamental quantities must be raised to
-9 nano n represent the given physical quantity.
- 12 pico p mass mass
For example, density = =
volume (length)3
Definitions of Some Important SI Units or density = (mass) (length)3 (i)
(i) Metre 1 m = 1,650,763.73 wavelengths in Thus, the dimensions of density are 1 in mass and - 3
vacuum, of radiation corresponding to orange red in length. The dimensions of all other fundamental
light of krypton-86. quantities are zero.
(ii) Second 1 s = 9, 192, 631, 770 time periods of a For convenience, the fundamental quantities are
particular radiation from cesium-133 atom. represented by one letter symbols. Generally mass is denoted

m
(iii) Kilogram 1 kg = mass of 1 L volume of water at 4C. by M, length by L, time by T and electric current by A.
(iv) Ampere It is the current which when flows through The thermodynamic temperature, the amount of
substance and the luminous intensity are denoted by the

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two infinitely long straight conductors of negligible
cross-section placed at a distance of 1 m in vacuum symbols of their units K, mol and cd respectively. The
physical quantity that is expressed in terms of the base
produces a force of 2 10 -7 N/m between them. quantities is enclosed in square brackets.
ing
(v) Kelvin 1 K = 1 / 273.16 part of the thermodynamic Thus, Eq. (i) can be written as
temperature of triple point of water. [density] = [ML3 ]
(vi) Mole It is the amount of substance of a system Such an expression for a physical quantity in terms of
which contains as many elementary particles
ch

the fundamental quantities is called the dimensional

(atoms, molecules, ions etc.) as there are atoms in formula.
12 g of carbon-12.
Here, it is worthnoting that constants such as 5, p or
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(vii) Candela It is luminous intensity in a perpendicular trigonometrical functions such as sin q, cos q etc., have no
1 2 units and dimensions.
direction of a surface of m of a black
600000 [sin q] = [cos q] = [tan q] = [log x ]
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body at the temperature of freezing platinum under a = [ ex ] = [M0L0T0 ]

pressure of 1.013 105 N/m2 .
Table 1.3 given below gives the dimensional
(viii) Radian It is the plane angle between two radii of a
kM

formulae and SI units of some physical quantities

circle which cut-off on the circumference, an arc
frequently used in physics.
equal in length to the radius.
pic

Table 1.3
S. No. Physical Quantity SI Units Dimensional Formula
0 -1
Velocity = displacement/time
w.

1. m/s [M LT ]
2. Acceleration = velocity/time m/s 2
[M0LT -2 ]
[MLT -2 ]
ww

2
3. Force = mass acceleration kg-m/s = newton or N
4. Work = force displacement kg-m 2 /s 2 = N-m = joule or J [ML2 T -2 ]
5. Energy J [ML2 T -2 ]
6. Torque = force perpendicular distance N-m [ML2 T -2 ]
7. Power = work/time J/s or watt [ML2 T -3 ]
8. Momentum = mass velocity kg-m/s [MLT -1 ]
9. Impulse = force time N-s [MLT -1 ]
10. Angle = arc/radius radian or rad [M0 L0 T 0 ]
DL DV
11. Strain = or No units [M0 L0 T 0 ]
L V
12. Stress = force/area N/m 2 [ML-1T -2 ]
13. Pressure = force/area N/m 2 [ML-1T -2 ]

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Chapter 1 Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 3

S. No. Physical Quantity SI Units Dimensional Formula

14. Modulus of elasticity = stress/strain N/m 2 [ML-1T -2 ]
15. Frequency = 1/time period per sec or hertz (Hz) [M0 L0 T 1 ]
16. Angular velocity = angle/time rad/s [M0 L0 T -1 ]
17. Moment of inertia = (mass) (distance) 2 kg-m 2 [ML2 T 0 ]
18. Surface tension = force/length N/m [ML0 T -2 ]

19. force (distance) 2 N-m 2 /kg 2 [M-1 L3 T -2 ]

Gravitational constant = 2
(mass)
20. Angular momentum kg-m 2 /s [ML2 T -1 ]
21. Coefficient of viscosity N-s/m 2 [ML-1 T -1 ]
22. Planck's constant J-s [ML2 T -1 ]
23. Specific heat (s) J/kg-K [M0 L2 T -2 q-1 ]
24. Coefficient of thermal conductivity (K ) watt/m-K [MLT -3 q-1 ]

m
25. Gas constant (R ) J/mol-K [ML2 T -2 q-1 mol -1 ]
[ML2 T -2 q-1 ]

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26. Boltzmann constant (k ) J/K
27. Wien's constant (b) m-K [L q]
28. Stefan's constant (s) watt/m 2 -K 4 ing [MLT -3 q-4 ]
29. Electric charge C [AT]
30. Electric intensity N/C [MLT -3 A -1 ]
31. Electric potential volt (V) [ML2 T -3 A -1 ]
ch

32. Capacitance farad (F) [M-1 L-2 T 4 A 2 ]

C 2 N -1m -2 [M1L3 T4 A2 ]
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33. Permittivity of free space

34. Electric dipole moment C-m [LTA]
35. Resistance Ohm [ML2 T 3 A 2 ]
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36. Magnetic field tesla (T) or weber/m 2 (Wb/m 2 ) [MT 2 A 1 ]

37. Coefficient of self-induction henry (H) [ML2 T 2 A 2 ]
kM

Key-Terms for Concepts

pic

Astronomical unit X-ray unit

1 AU = mean distance of earth from sun 1 U = 10 -13 m
1.5 1011 m 1 shake = 10 -8 s
w.

Light year 1 bar = 105 N/m2 = 105 pascal

1 ly = distance travelled by light in vacuum in 1 year
1 torr = 1 mm of Hg = 133.3 Pa
= 9.46 1015 m 1 barn = 10 -28 m2
ww

Parsec 1 horse power = 746 W
1 parsec = 3.07 1016 m = 3.26 light year 1 pound = 453.6 g = 0.4536 kg

Example 1.1 Find the dimensional formulae of where A denotes the area, v the velocity, l is the length, I the
(a) coefficient of viscosity h electric current, t the time and U the energy.
(b) charge q F Dl
(c) potential V Solution (a) h = -
(d) capacitance C, and A Dv
(e) resistance R. [ F][ l] [MLT -2 ][L]
\ [ h] = =
Some of the equations containing these quantities are [ A][ v] [L2 ][LT -1 ]
Dv
F = - hA , q = It , U = VIt , = [ML-1 T -1 ]
Dl
(b) q = It
q = CV and V = IR
\ [ q] = [ I][t] = [ AT]

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4 Objective Physics Volume 1

(c) U = VIt (ii) To check the dimensional correctness of a given

U physical equation Every physical equation should
\ V = be dimensionally balanced. This is called the
It Principle of Homogeneity. The dimensions of
[U] [ML2 T -2 ] each term on both sides of an equation must be the
or [V ] = = = [ML2 T -3 A -1 ] same. On this basis we can judge whether a given
[ I][t] [ A ][ T]
equation is correct or not. But a dimensionally
(d) q = CV correct equation may or may not be physically
q correct.
\ C=
V Example 1.3 Show that the expression of the time period T of
[ q] [ AT] a simple pendulum of length l given by T = 2p l / g is
or [C ] = = = [M -2 L-2 T 4 A 2 ]
[ V ] [ML2 T -3 A -1 ] dimensionally correct.

(e) V = IR l
Solution T = 2p
V g
\ R=
I [L]
Dimensionally, [T] = = [T]
2
[ V ] [ML T A ] -3 -1
[LT -2 ]
or [ R] = = = [ML2 T -3 A -2 ]

m
[ I] [ A] As in the above equation, the dimensions of both sides
are same. The given formula is dimensionally correct.
Uses of Dimensions

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Theory of dimensions have following main uses Principle of Homogeneity of Dimensions
(i) Conversion of units This is based on the fact that This principle states that the dimensions of all the
the product of the numerical value ( n) and its terms in a physical expression should be same. For
ing
corresponding unit (u) is a constant, i. e., 1
example, in the physical expression s = ut + at2 , the
n [ u] = constant or n1 [ u1] = n2 [ u2 ] 2
1
Suppose the dimensions of a physical quantity are dimensions of s, ut and at2 all are same.
ch

a in mass, b in length and c in time. If the 2

fundamental units in one system are M1, L1 and T1 Note The physical quantities separated by the symbols + , -, =, >, < etc, have the
and in the other system are M2 , L2 and T2
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same dimensions.
respectively. Then, we can write
n1 [M1a Lb1 T1c ] = n2 [M2a Lb2 T2c ] (i) Example 1.4 The velocity v of a particle depends upon the
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Here, n1 and n2 are the numerical values in two c

time t according to the equation v = a + bt + Write the
system of units respectively. Using Eq. (i), we can d+t
convert the numerical value of a physical quantity dimensions of a, b, c and d.
kM

from one system of units into the other system.

Solution From principle of homogeneity
Example 1.2 The value of gravitational constant is
G = 6.67 10 11
N-m /kg 2 2
in SI units. Convert it into CGS [ a] = [ v]
pic

system of units. or [ a] = [LT -1 ]

Solution The dimensional formula of G is [M-1L3 T -2 ]. [ bt] = [ v]
Using Eq. (i), i.e., [ v] [LT -1 ]
w.

or [ b] = =
n1[M11L31 T12 ] = n2 [M21L32 T22 ] [t] [ T]
or [ b] = [LT-2 ]
ww

1 3 2
M L1 T1
n2 = n1 1 L T Similarly, [ d ] = [t] = [ T]
M2 2 2
[ c]
Here, n1 = 6.67 10-11 Further, = [ v] or [ c] = [ v][ d + t]
[ d + t]
3
M1 = 1 kg, M2 = 1 g = 10 kg
or [ c] = [LT-1 ][ T]
L 1 = 1 m, L 2 = 1 cm = 102 m,
or [ c] = [L]
T1 = T2 = 1 s
(iii) To establish the relation among various physical
Substituting in the above equation, we get
quantities If we know the factors on which a given
1
1 kg
3
1 m 1 s
2
physical quantity may depend, we can find a
n2 = 6.67 10-11 3 102 m 1 s formula relating the quantity with those factors.
10 kg Let us take an example.
or n2 = 6.67 10-8
Example 1.5 The frequency (f) of a stretched string depends
Thus, value of G in CGS system of units is
6.67 10-8 dyne cm2 /g2 . upon the tension F (dimensions of force), length l of the string

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Chapter 1 Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 5

and the mass per unit length m of string. Derive the formula Significant figures depends on the least count
for frequency. measuring instrument.
Solution Suppose, that the frequency f depends on the For example, when we measure the length of a
tension raised to the power a, length raised to the power b and straight line using a metre scale and it lies between 7.4 cm
mass per unit length raised to the power c. and 7.5 cm, we may estimate it as l = 7.43 cm. This
Then, f (F )a (l )b ( m )c expression has three significant figures out of these 7 and
or f = k (F)a (l)b (m )c (i) 4 are precisely known but the last digit 3 is only
approximately known.
Here, k is a dimensionless constant.
Thus, [ f] = [F]a [ l]b [m ]c Rules for Counting Significant Figures
or [M0 L0 T 1 ] = [MLT 2 ]a [L]b [ML1 ]c For counting significant figures, we use the following
or [M0 L0 T 1 ] = [M a + c La + b - c T -2 a] rules
For dimensional balance, the dimensions on both sides Rule 1 All non-zero digits are significant. For
should be same.
example, x = 2567 has four significant figures.
Thus, a+ c =0 (ii)
Rule 2 The zeros appearing between two non-zero
a+ b - c =0 (iii) digits are counted in significant figures, no matter where

m
and - 2a = - 1 (iv) the decimal point is, if any. For example, 6.028 has
4 significant figures.
Solving these three equations, we get

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Rule 3 If the number is less than 1, the zero(s) on the
1 1
a= , c=- and b = - 1 right of decimal point but to the left of first non-zero digit
2 2
are not significant.
Substituting these values in Eq. (i), we get
ing
For example, 0.0042 has two significant digits.
f = k(F)1 / 2 (l)-1 (m )- 1 / 2 Rule 4 The terminal or trailing zero(s) in a number
without a decimal point are not significant. Thus, 426 m
ch

k F
or f=
l m = 42600 cm = 426000 mm has three significant figures.
1 Rule 5 In a number with decimal, zeros to the right of
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Experimentally, the value of k is found to be

2 last non-zero digit are significant.
1 F For example, 4.600 or 0.002300 have four significant
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Hence, f= figures each.

2l m
Point of confusion and its remedy
Limitations of Dimensional Analysis Suppose we change the units,then we will write
kM

The method of dimensions has the following 2.30 m = 23.0 cm

= 2300 mm
limitations
pic

= 0.00230 km
(i) By this method the value of dimensionless constant
cannot be calculated. When we are writing 2300 mm, then from Rule -4, we
would conclude erroneously that the number has two
(ii) By this method the equation containing trigono-
w.

significant figures, while in fact it has three significant

metrical, exponential and logarithmic terms figures and a mere change of units cannot change the
cannot be analysed. number of significant figures.
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(iii) If a physical quantity depends on more than three To remove such ambiguities in determining the
factors, then relation among them cannot be number of significant figures, apply following rule.
established because we can have only three Rule 6 The power of 10 is irrelevant to the
equations by equalising the powers of M, L and T. determination of significant figures. For example, in the
measurements
1.2 Significant Figures 2.30 m = 2.30 102 cm
= 2.30 103 mm
Significant figures in the measured value of a physical
quantity tell the number of digits in which we have = 2.30 10 -3 km
confidence. Larger the number of significant figures The significant figures are three in each
obtained in a measurement, greater is the accuracy of the measurement, because all zeros appearing in the base
measurement. number in the scientific notation (in the power of 10) are
All accurately known digits in a measurement plus significant.
the first uncertain digit together form significant figures.

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6 Objective Physics Volume 1

Rule 7 A choice of change of different units does not Example 1.2 + 3.45 + 6.789 = 11.439 11.4
change the number of significant digits or figures in a
Here, the least number of significant digits after
measurement.
the decimal is one. Hence, the result will be 11.4
For example, the length 7.03 cm has three significant (when rounded off to smallest number of decimal
figures. But in different units, the same value can be places).
written as, 0.0703 m or 70.3 mm. All these measurements
have the same number of significant figures (digits 7, 0 Example 12.63 - 10.2 = 2.43 2.4
and 3) namely three. (ii) Multiplication or Division Suppose in the
This shows that location of decimal point is of no measured values to be multiplied or divided, the
consequence in determining the number of significant least number of significant digits be n, then in the
figures. product or quotient, the number of significant
digits should also be n.
Measured value Number of significant figures Rule
Example 1.2 36.72 = 44.064 44
12376 5 1
The least number of significant digits in the measured
6024.7 5 2 values are two. Hence, the result when rounded off to two
0.071 2 3 significant digits become 44. Therefore, the answer is 44.
410 m 3 4 1100
= 107.8431373 110

m
Example
2.40 3 6 10.2
1.6 10 10 2 7 As 1100 has minimum number of significant figures

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( i. e., 2), therefore the result should also contain only two
significant digits. Hence, the result when rounded off to
Rounding off a Digit two significant digits becomes 110.
ing
Following are the rules for rounding off a 1100 m /s
measurement Example = 107.8431373 108
10.2 m /s
Rule 1 If the number lying to the right of cut-off digit
is less than 5, then the cut-off digit is retained as such.
ch

Note In this case answer becomes 108. Think why?

However, if it is more than 5, then the cut-off digit is
increased by 1.
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For example, x = 6.24 is rounded off to 6.2 to two

significant digits and x = 5.328 is rounded off to 5.33 to
1.3 Error Analysis
three significant digits. No measurement is perfect, as the errors involved in a
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Rule 2 If the insignificant digit to be dropped is 5 then measurement cannot be removed completely. Measured
value is always somewhat different from the true value.
the rule is The difference is called an error.
kM

(i) it the preceding digit is even, the insignificant Errors can be classified in two ways. First
digit is simply dropped. classification is based on the cause of error. Systematic
(ii) if the preceding digit is odd, the preceding digit is errors and random errors fall in this group.
raised by 1.
pic

Second classification is based on the magnitude of

For example, x = 6.265 is rounded off to x = 6.26 to error. Absolute error, mean absolute error and relative (or
three significant digits and, x = 6.275 is rounded off to fractional) error lie on this group. Now let us discuss them
x = 6.28 to three significant digits. separately.
w.

(i) Systematic errors These are the errors whose

Algebraic Operations with Significant causes are known to us. Such errors can therefore
ww

Figures be minimised. Following are few causes of these

In addition , subtraction, multiplication or division the errors.
final result should not have more significant figures than (a) Instrumental errors may be due to erroneous
the original data from which it was obtained. To instruments. These errors can be reduced by
understand this, let us consider a chain of which all links using more accurate instruments and applying
are strong except the one. The chain will obviously break zero correction, when required.
at the weakest link. Thus, the strength of the chain cannot (b) Sometimes errors arise on account of ignoring
be more than the strength of the weakest link in the chain. certain facts. For example, in measuring time
period of simple pendulum error may creap
(i) Addition and Subtraction Suppose in the because no consideration is taken of air
measured values to be added or subtracted, the resistance. These errors can be reduced by
least number of significant digits after the decimal applying proper corrections to the formula used.
is n. Then, in the sum or difference also, the
(c) Change in temperature, pressure, humidity
number of significant digits after the decimal etc., may also sometimes cause errors in the
should be n.

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Chapter 1 Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 7

result. Relevant corrections can be made to (e) percentage error, and

minimise their effects. (f) express the result in terms of percentage error.
(ii) Random errors The causes of random errors are Solution (a) Mean value of diameter,
not known. Hence, it is not possible to remove 2.620 + 2.625 + 2.630 + 2.628 + 2.626
them completely. These errors may arise due to a am =
5
variety of reasons. For example, the reading of a
sensitive beam balance may change by the = 2.6258 cm = 2.626 cm
vibrations caused in the building due to persons (rounding off to three decimal places)
moving in the laboratory or vehicles running (b) Taking am as the true value, the absolute errors in
nearby. The random errors can be minimised by different observations are,
repeating the observation a large number of times Da1 = 2.626 2.620 = + 0.006 cm
and taking the arithmetic mean of all the Da2 = 2.626 2.625 = + 0.001 cm
observations. The mean value would be very close
to the most accurate reading. Thus, Da3 = 2.626 2.630 = 0.004 cm
a + a2 + K + an Da4 = 2.626 2.628 = 0.002 cm
amean = 1
n Da5 = 2.626 2.626 = 0.000 cm
(c) Mean absolute error,
(iii) Absolute errors The difference between the true

m
| Da1| + | Da2| + | Da3| + | Da4| + | Da5|
value and the measured value of a quantity is called Damean =
an absolute error. Usually the mean value am is 5

.co
taken as the true value. So, if 0.006 + 0.001 + 0.004 + 0.002 + 0.000
=
a + a2 + + an 5
am = 1
n = 0.0026
ing
Then by definition, absolute errors in the = 0.003
measured values of the quantity are,
(rounding off to three decimal places)
Da1 = am - a1
Damean
ch

Da2 = am - a2 (d) Fractional error =

am

Dan = am - an 0.003
oa

=
Absolute error may be positive or negative. 2.626
= 0.001
(iv) Mean absolute error It is the arithmetic mean of
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the magnitudes of absolute errors. Thus, (e) Percentage error = 0.001 100
|Da|
1 + |Da|
2 + K + |Dan|
= 0.1%
Damean =
(f) Diameter of wire can be written as,
kM

n
The final result of measurement can be written as d = 2.626 cm 0.1%
a = am Damean
Combination of Errors
pic

This implies that value of a is likely to lie between

am + Damean and am - Damean . (i) Errors in sum or difference Let x = a b.

(v) Relative or fractional error The ratio of mean Further, let Da is the absolute error in the
w.

absolute error to the mean value of the quantity measurement of a, Db is the absolute error in the
measured is called relative or fractional error. measurement of b and Dx is the absolute error in
the measurement of x. Then,
ww

Thus,
Da x + Dx = ( a Da) ( b Db)
Relative error = mean = ( a b) ( Da Db)
am
= x ( Da Db)
Relative error expressed in percentage is called as or Dx = Da Db
the percentage error, i.e., The four possible values of Dx are ( Da - Db),
Da ( Da + Db),( - Da - Db) and ( - Da + Db). Therefore, the
Percentage error = mean 100
am maximum absolute error in x is
Dx = ( Da + Db )
Example 1.6 The diameter of a wire as measured by a screw
gauge was found to be 2.620, 2.625, 2.630, 2.628 and 2.626 cm. i. e., the maximum absolute error in sum and
Calculate difference of two quantities is equal to sum of the
(a) mean value of diameter, absolute errors in the individual quantities.
(b) absolute error in each measurement,
(c) mean absolute error,
(d) fractional error,

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8 Objective Physics Volume 1

Example 1.7 The volumes of two bodies are measured to be Dx Da Db Da Db

or 1 =1 +
V1 = (10.2 0.02) cm3 and V2 = (6.4 0.01) cm3 . Calculate x a b a b
sum and difference in volumes with error limits. Da Db
Here, is a small quantity, so can be
Solution V1 = (10.2 0.02) cm3 a b
and V2 = (6.4 0.01) cm3 neglected.
Dx Da Db
DV = (DV1 + DV2 ) Hence, = +
x a b
= (0.02 + 0.01) cm3 = 0.03 cm3 Dx Da Db Da Db
V1 + V2 = (10.2 + 6.4) cm3 = 16.6 cm3 Possible values of are - , + ,
x a b a b
and V1 V2 = (10.2 6.4) cm3 = 3.8 cm3 Da Db Da Db
- - and - + . Therefore, the
Hence, sum of volumes = (16.6 0.03) cm3 a b a b
and difference of volumes = (3.8 0.03) cm3 maximum value of
(ii) Errors in a product Let x = ab Dx Da Db
= +
Then, ( x Dx ) = ( a Da)( b Db) x a b
Dx Da Db
or x 1 = ab 1 1 Or, the maximum value of fractional error in

m
x a b division of two quantities is equal to the sum of
Dx Db Da Da Db fractional errors in the individual quantities.

.co
or 1 =1 (as x = ab)
x b a a b (iv) Error in quantity raised to some power
Dx Da Db Da Db
or = an
Let x= m
x a b a b
ing
b
Da Db
Here, is a small quantity, so can be Then, ln ( x ) = n ln ( a) - m ln ( b)
a b
neglected. Differentiating both sides, we get
ch

Dx Da Db dx da db
Hence, = =n -m
x a b x a b
oa

Dx Da Db Da Db In terms of fractional error we may write,

Possible values of are + , - , Dx Da Db
x a b a b = n +m
yC

Da Db Da Db x a b
- + and - - . Therefore, maximum value of
a b a b
Dx Da Db
Hence, maximum possible value of = n +m
kM

x a b
Dx Da Db
= + Example 1.8 The mass and density of a solid sphere are
x a b
measured to be (12.4 0.1) kg and (4.6 0.2) kg/m3 . Calculate
pic

Therefore, maximum fractional error in product of the volume of the sphere with error limits.
two (or more) quantities is equal to sum of
Solution Here, m Dm = (12.4 0.1) kg
fractional errors in the individual quantities.
w.

and r Dr = (4.6 0.2) kg/m3

a
(iii) Error in division Let x = m 12.4
b Volume V = =
ww

r 4.6
a Da
Then, x Dx =
b Db = 2.69 m3 = 2.7 m3
Da (rounding off to one decimal place)
a 1
Dx DV Dm Dr
=
a Now, = +
or x 1
x Db V m r
b 1
b Dm Dr
or DV = + V
-1 m r
Dx Da Db a
or 1 = 1 1 as x = 0.1 0.2
x a b b = + 2.7
Db 12.4 4.6
As <<1, so expanding binomially, we get
b = 0.14
Dx Da Db \ V DV = (2.7 0.14) m3
1 = 1 1 +
x a b

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Chapter 1 Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 9

Example 1.9 Calculate percentage error in determination of 1 1

= 1 + 2 = 1.5%
time period of a pendulum 2 2
l
T = 2p
g Least Count
where l and g are measured with 1% and 2% errors. The minimum measurement that can be measured
accurately by an instrument is called the least count. The
DT 1 Dl 1 Dg least count of a metre scale graduated in millimetre mark
Solution 100 = 100 + 100
T 2 l 2 g is 1 mm. The least count of a watch having seconds hand is
1 s.

Key-Terms for Concepts

Least count of vernier callipers Value of 1 part on main scale ( s )
Least count =
Value of 1 part of Value of one part on Number of parts on vernier scale ( n )
=
main scale ( s ) vernier scale ( v ) Least count of screw guage

m
Least count of vernier callipers = 1MSD 1VSD Pitch ( p )
=
where, MSD = Main Scale Division Number of parts on circular scale ( n )

.co
VSD = Vernier Scale Division
ing
Solved Examples
ch

1 2 Solution Let F = k (m)x (v)y (r )z (i)

Example 1. Check the correctness of the relation s = ut + at
2 Here, k is a dimensionless constant of proportinality.
where u is initial velocity, a the acceleration, t the time and s
oa

Writing the dimensions of RHS and LHS in Eq. (i), we

the displacement. have
Solution Writing the dimensions of either side of the given [MLT -2 ] =[M]x [LT -1 ]y [L]z
yC

equation. = [M xLy + z T - y ]
LHS = s = displacement = [M0 LT0 ] Equating the powers of M, L and T of both sides, we have
RHS = ut = velocity time = [M0 LT -1 ][T] =[M0 LT0 ] x = 1, y = 2 and y + z = 1
kM

1 2 or z =1 - y = -1
and at = (acceleration) (time)2
2 Putting the values in Eq. (i), we get
pic

0 -2 2
= [M LT ][T] =[M LT ] 0 0
mv2
F = kmv2 r -1 = k
As LHS = RHS, formula is dimensionally correct. r
mv2
w.

Example 2. Write the dimensions of a and b in the relation, F= (where k = 1)

b - x2 r
P=
at Example 4. Write down the number of significant figures in
ww

where P is power, x the distance and t the time. the following :

(a) 6428 (b) 62.00 m
Solution The given equation can be written as, (c) 0.00628 cm (d) 1200 N
Pat = b - x2
Solution (a) 6428 has four significant figures.
Now, [ Pat] = [ b] = [ x2 ]
(b) 62.00 m has four significant figures.
or [ b] = [ x2 ] = [M0 L2 T0 ]
(c) 0.00628 cm has three significant figures.
[ x2 ] [L2 ]
and [ a] = = (d) 1200 N has four significant figures.
[ Pt] [ML2 T -3 ][T]
Example 5. Round off to four significant figures :
= [M -1L0 T2 ] (a) 45.689 (b) 2.0082
Example 3. The centripetal force F acting on a particle Solution (a) 45.69
moving uniformly in a circle may depend upon mass (m),
(b) 2.008
velocity (v) and radius (r) of the circle. Derive the formula for F
using the method of dimensions. Example 6. Add 6.75 103 cm to 4.52 102 cm with regard to
significant figures.

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10 Objective Physics Volume 1

Solution a = 6.75 103 cm 0.02 + 0.01+ 0.01+ 0.03 + 0.03

=
b = 4.52 102 cm 5
= 0.452 103 cm = 0.02
3 Dnmean 0.02
= 0.45 10 cm (d) Fractional error = =
nm 1.51
(upto 2 places of decimal)
\ a + b = (6.75 10 + 0.45 103 ) cm
3 = 0.0132

= 7.20 10 cm3 (e) Percentage error = ( 0.0132 100) = 1.32%

Example 7. A thin wire has a length of 21.7 cm and radius Example 9. The radius of sphere is measured to be
0.46 cm. Calculate the volume of the wire to correct significant ( 2.1 0.5) cm . Calculate its surface area with error limits.
figures. Solution Surface area, S = 4pr 2
Solution Given l = 21.7 cm, 22
= (4) (2.1)2
7
r = 0.46 mm = 0.046 cm
Volume of wire V = pr 2 l = 55.44 = 55.4 cm2
22 DS Dr
= (0.046)2 (21.7) Further, =2

m
7 S r
= 0.1443 cm3 = 0.14 cm3 Dr
or DS = 2 (S)

.co
r
Note The result is rounded off to least number of significant figures in the given
measurements i . e., 2 ( in 0.46 mm ). 2 0.5 55.4
=
2.1
ing
Example 8. The refractive index (n) of glass is found to have = 26.38 = 26.4 cm2
the values 1.49, 1.50, 1.52, 1.54 and 1.48. Calculate
(a) the mean value of refractive index, \ S = (55.4 26.4) cm2
ch

(b) absolute error in each measurement, Example 10. Calculate focal length of a spherical mirror from
the following observations. Object distance u = (50.1 0.5) cm
(c) mean absolute error,
and image distance v = (20.1 0.2) cm.
oa

(d) fractional error, and

1 1 1
(e) percentage error. Solution = +
f v u
yC

Solution (a) Mean value of refractive index, uv

or f=
1.49 + 1.50 + 1.52 + 1.54 + 1.48 u+v
nm =
5 (50.1) (20.1)
kM

= = 14.3 cm
= 1.505 = 1.51 (50.1 + 20.1)
(rounded off to two decimal places) Df Du Dv Du + Dv
Also, = + +
(b) Taking nm as the true value, the asbolute errors in u + v
pic

f u v
different observations are,
0.5 0.2 0.5 + 0.2
Dn1 = 1.51 - 1.49 = + 0.02 = + +
50.1 20.1 50.1 + 20.1
w.

Dn2 = 1.51 - 1.50 = + 0.01

Dn3 = 1.51 - 1.52 = - 0.01 = [0.00998 + 0.00995 + 0.00997]
= (0.0299)
ww

Dn4 = 1.51 - 1.54 = - 0.03

Dn5 = 1.51 - 1.48 = + 0.03 \ Df = 0.0299 14.3
(c) Mean absolute error, = 0.428 = 0.4 cm
| Dn1 | + | Dn2 | + | Dn3 | + | Dn4 | + | Dn5 | \ f = (14.3 0.4) cm
Dnmean =
5

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Chapter 1 Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 11

NCERT Corner
1. Fill in the blanks 1
-2

(a) The volume of a cube of side 1 cm is equal to m 3 . (c) 3.0 ms -2 = 3 10 -3 km h -1

60 60
(b) The surface area of a solid cylinder of radius
2.0 cm and height 10.0 cm is equal to mm 2 . = 3 10 -3 ( 3600)2 kmh-2
(c) A vehicle moving with a speed of 18 kmh-1 = 3.888 10 4 kmh-2 = 3.9 10 4 kmh-2
covers m in 1s. (d) G =6.67 10 -11 Nm2 kg -2
(d) The relative density of lead is 11.3. Its density is
g cm -3 or kg m -3 = 6.67 10 -11 (105 dyne) (102 cm)2 (103 g) -2
= 6.67 10 -11 105 10 4 10 -6 dyne cm2g -2
Solution
(a) The volume of a cube of side 1 cm is given by, = 6.67 10 -8 (g cm s -2 ) cm2 g -2
V = (10 -2 m)3 = 10 -6 m3 = 6.67 10 -8 cm3 g -1 s -2
(b) The surface area of a solid cylinder of radius r and height 3. A calorie is a unit of heat or energy and it equals
h is given by about 4.2 J, where 1J = 1kgm 2s-2 . Suppose we

m
A = Area of two circles + curved surface area employ a system of units in which the unit of mass
equals a kg, the unit of length b m , and the unit of
= 2pr 2 + 2prh time is g s. Show that a calorie has a magnitude

.co
= 2pr ( r + h ) 4.2 a -1 b-2 g 2 in terms of new units.
Here, r = 2 cm = 20 mm, h = 10 cm = 100 mm Solution n1u1 = n2u2
22
\ A = 2 20 (20 + 100) (mm)2
ing u1 [M a Lb Tc ]
7 or n2 = n1 = n1 1a b1 1c
u2 [M2 L2 T2 ]
= 15099 mm2
a b c
= 1.5099 10 4 mm2 M L T
ch

= n1 1 1 1
= 1.5 10 4 mm2 M2 L 2 T2
18 1000 m 1 cal = 4.2 J =4.2 kg m2 s -2 ,
oa

(c) Here v = 18 km h-1 = = 5 ms -1

3600 s \ a = 1, b = 2, c = - 2
1 2 -2
t = 1s 1 kg 1 m 1 s
yC

\ n2 = 4.2
\ x = vt = 5 1 = 5m a kg b m g s
(d) Relative density of lead = 11.3
n 2 = 4.2 a -1 b- 2 g 2
Density of water = 1 g cm-3
kM

\ 1 cal = 4.2 a -1 b -2 g 2 in new system.

density of lead
Relative density of lead = 4. A new unit of length is chosen such that the speed of
density of water
light in vacuum is unity. What is the distance
pic

\ Density of lead between the sun and the earth in terms of the new
= relative density of lead density of water unit if light takes 8 min and 20s to cover this distance?
= 11.3 1 g cm-3 Solution We are given that velocity of light in vacuum, c = 1 new
w.

= 11.3 g cm-3 unit of length s - 1.

In SI system density of water = 103 kg m-3 Time taken by light of sun of reach the earth,
ww

t = 8 min 20s.
\ Density of lead = 11.3 103 kg m-3
= 8 60 + 20 = 500 s
= 1.13 10 4 kg m-3 \Distance between the sun and the earth,
2. Fill in the blanks by suitable conversion of units. x = c t
(a) 1 kg m 2 s-2 = g cm 2 s-2 = 1 new unit of length s -1 500 s
(b) 1 m = ly (light year) = 500 new units of length
(c) 3.0 ms-2 = km h-2 5. Which of the following is the most precise device for
(d) G = 6.67 1011Nm 2 kg -2 = cm 3 s-2 g -1 measuring length?
(a) A vernier callipers with 20 divisions on the sliding
Solution scale.
(a) 1 kg m2s -2 = 1 (103 g) (102 cm)2 s -2 (b) A screw gauge of pitch 1 mm and 100 divisions on
= 103 10 4 g cm2s -2 = 107 g cm2 s -2 the circular scale.
(c) An optical instrument that can measure length to
(b) 1 light year (ly) = 9.46 1015 m within a wavelength of light.
1
\ 1m = ly = 1.057 - 16 ly Solution The most precise device is that whose least count is
9.46 1015 minimum.

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12 Objective Physics Volume 1

(a) Least count of vernier callipers 9. A physical quantity P is related to four observables
= 1 MSD - 1 VSD a3 b2
a, b, c and d as follows P = . The percentage errors
19 1 cd
= 1 MSD - MSD = MSD
20 20 of measurement in a, b, c and d are 1%, 3%, 4% and 2%
=
1
mm
respectively. What is the percentage error in the
20 quantity P? If the value of P calculated using the
1 above relation turns out to be 3.763, to what value
= cm should you round off the result?
200
= 0.005 cm a 3b 2
Solution P=
(b) Least count of screw gauge ( c )d
Pitch \Percentage error in P is given by
=
Number of divisions of circular scale DP Da Db
1 1 100 = 3 100 + 2 100
= mm = cm P a b
100 1000 1 Dc Dd
=0.001 cm + 100 + 100 (i)
2 c d
(c) Wavelength of light, l 10 -5 cm = 0.00001 cm Da Dc
100 = 1%, 100 = 4%

m
\ Least count of optical instrument = 0.00001 cm a c ...(ii)
Db Dd
Thus, clearly the optical instrument is the most precise. 100 = 3 %, 100 = 2%

.co
6. State the number of significant figures in the b d
following \From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
(a) 0.007 m 2 (b) 2.64 1024 kg DP 1
100 = 3 1% + 2 3% + 4% + 2%
(c) 0.2370 g cm -3
(d) 6.320 J
ing P 2
= 3 + 6 + 2 + 2 = 13%
(e) 6.032 Nm -2 (f) 0.0006032 m 2
The calculation of error clearly shows that the number of
Solution The number of significant figures is as given below. significant figures is 2, so the result of P may be rounded off
ch

(a) 1 (b) 3 to two significant digits i.e. P = 3.763 = 3.8.

(c) 4 (d) 4
(e) 4 (f) 4 10. A book with many printing errors contains four
different formulae for the displacement y of a particle
oa

7. The length, breadth and thickness of a rectangular under going a certain periodic motion :
sheet of metal are 4.234 m, 1.005 m and 2.01 cm 2pt
respectively. Give the area and volume of the sheet to (a) y = a sin
yC

T
correct significant figures.
(b) y = a sin vt
Solution Here length, l = 4.234 m a
(c) y = sin (t / a)
kM

Breadth, b = 1.005 m T
Thickness, h = 0.0201 m = 2.01 cm a 2 pt 2 pt
(d) y = sin + cos
Area of the sheet = 2 ( lb + bh +hl ) 2 T T
pic

= 2 ( 4.234 1005
. + 1005
. 0.0201 + 0.0201 4.234) (where a = maximum displacement of the particle,
= 8.7209468 m2 v = speed of the particle, T = time period of motion).
As the least number of significant figures in thickness is 3, Rule out the wrong formulae on dimensional grounds.
w.

\ Area = 8.72 m2 Solution The argument of a trigonometrical function i . e., angle is

Volume = l b h dimensionless. Now here in each case dimensions of LHS is
[L] and dimensions of RHS in
ww

= 4.234 1005
. 0.0201 m3 = 0.0855 m3 2pt

(a) = [L] angle is dimensionless
8. The mass of a box measured by a grocers balance is T
2.3 kg. Two gold pieces of masses 20.15 g and 20.17 g (b) = [L] sin [LT -1 (T)] = [L] sin [L]
are added to the box. What is (a) the total mass of the
(angle is not dimensionless here)
box, (b) the difference in the mass of the pieces to
[L] [T]
correct significant figures? (c) = sin = [LT ] sin [TL-1]
-1
[T] [L]
Solution (a) Total mass = (2.300 + 0.02015 + 0.02017) kg
(angle is not dimensionless here)
= 2.34032 kg T T
As the least number of significant figures in the mass of (d) = [L] sin + cos = [L]
T T
box is 2, so maximum number of significant figures in
the result can be 2. \Formulae (b) and (c) are wrong.
\ Total mass = 2.3 kg 11. The unit of length convenient on the atomic scale is
(b) Difference in masses = 20.17 - 20.15 = 0.02 g known as an angstrom and is denoted by . 1
= 10 -10 m . The size of the hydrogen atom is about
Since there are two significant figures, so the difference
in masses to the correct significant figures is 0.02 g. 0.5 . What is the total atomic volume in m 3 of a
mole of hydrogen atoms?

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Chapter 1 Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 13

Solution r = 0.5 = 0.5 10 -10 m Solution Time interval = 100 years

4 = 100 365 24 60 60 s
V1 = Volume of each hydrogen atom = pr 3
3 = 3.155 10 9s
4 -10 3 Difference in time = 0.2s
= 3.14 (0.5 10 )
3 Difference in time(s)
\Fractional error =
= 5.236 10 -31 m3 Time interval(s)
According to Avogadros hypothesis, one mole of hydrogen 0.2
contains =
3.155 10 9
N = 6.023 1023 atoms
= 6.34 10 -12
\Atomic volume of 1 mole of hydrogen atoms,
= 10 10 -12 10 -11
V = NV1
\In 1s, the difference is 10 -11 to 6.34 1012
or V = 6.023 1023 5.236 10 -31
= 3.154 10 -7 m3 Hence degree of accuracy shown by the atomic clock in 1s is
1 1
@ 3 10 -7 m3 1 part in -11 to or 1011 to 1012 .
10 6.34 10 -12
12. One mole of an ideal gas at standard temperature and
15. Estimate the average mass density of sodium atom
pressure occupies 22.4 L (molar volume). What is the

m
assuming, its size to be about 2.5 (Use the known
ratio of molar volume to the atomic volume of a mole
values of Avogadro's number, and the atomic mass of
of hydrogen? (Take the size of hydrogen molecule to

.co
sodium). Compare it with the density of sodium in its
be about 1 ). Why is this ratio so large?
crystalline phase 970 kg m -3 . Are the two densities of
Solution d = diameter of hydrogen molecule = 1 the same order of magnitude? If so, why?
ing
Molar volume of one mole of hydrogen Solution Average radius of sodium atom,
= 22.4 L = 22.4 10 -3 m3 r = 2.5 = 2.5 10 -10 m
r = radius of one molecule of hydrogen 4
\ Volume of sodium atom = pr 3
ch

d 3
= =0.5
2 4
= 3.14 (2.5 10 -10 )3
= 0.5 10 -10 m 3
oa

Volume of one molecule of hydrogen = 65.42 10 -30 m3

4 4
= pr 3 = p (0.5 10 -10 )3 Mass of a mole of sodium = 23 g = 23 10 -3 kg.
yC

3 3
One mole contains 6.023 1023 atoms, hence the mass of
= 5.236 10 -31 m3
sodium atom,
1 mole has 6.023 1023 atoms or molecules of H2
23 10 -3
kM

\Atomic volume of one mole of hydrogen M = kg =3.82 10 -26 kg

6.023 1023
= 6.023 1023 5.236 10 -31 m3
\Average mass density of sodium atom,
= 3.154 10 -7 m3
pic

M 3.82 10 -26
Molar volume 22.4 10 -3 m3 r= = kgm-3
\ = V 65.42 10 -30
Atomic volume 3.154 10 -7 m3 = 0.64 103 kgm-3
w.

= 7.1 10 4 = 7 10 4
Density of sodium in crystalline phase = 970 kgm-3
The large value of the ratio shows that the inter molecular
separation in a gas in much larger than size of a mulecule. = 0.970 103 kgm-3
ww

13. The nearest star to our solar system is 4.29 light years Average mass density of sodium atom 0.64 103
\ =
away. How much is this distance in terms of parsecs? Density of sodium of crystalline phase 0.970 103
Solution Distance = 4.29 light year = 0.66
= 4.29 9.46 1015 m Both densities are of the same order i.e. of the order of 103 .
(Q 1 ly = 9.46 1015 m) This is because in the solid phase atoms are tightly packed,
4.29 9.46 1015 so the atomic mass density is close to the mass density of the
= parsec solid.
3.08 1016
16. A SONAR (sound navigation and ranging) uses
(Q 1 parsec = 3.08 1016 m) ultrasonic waves to detect and locate objects under
= 1.318 parsec = 1.32parsec water. In a submarine equipped with a SONAR the
14. It is claimed that the two cesium clocks, if allowed time delay between generation of a probe wave and
of run for 100 yr, free from any disturbance, may the reception of its echo after reflection from an
differ by only about 0.02s. What does this imply for enemy submarine is found to be 77.0 s. What is the
the accuracy of the standard cesium clock in distance of the enemy submarine? (Speed of sound in
measuring a time interval of 1s? water = 1450 m s-1 ).

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14 Objective Physics Volume 1

Solution Time taken by the wave to go from submarine to enemy puzzling features which have not yet been
submarine is satisfactorily explained. What is the distance in km of
77 a quasar from which light takes 3.0 billion years to
t = = 38.5 s reach us?
2
Speed of sound, v = 1450 ms -1 Solution Time taken, t = 3 10 9 years

Distance of enemy submarine, = 3 10 9 365 24 60 60 s

\ S = vt = 1450 38.50 Velocity of light, c = 3 10 8 ms -1
= 55825 m = 55.825 km \Distance of quasar from earth = ct
17. The farthest objects in our universe discovered by = 3 10 8 3 10 9 365 24 3600 m
modern astronomers are so distant that light emitted
by them takes billions of years to reach the earth. = 2.8 1025 m
These objects (known as quasars) have many =2.8 1022 km

Objective Problems (Level 1)

m
Measurement of Length and Time

.co
9. In the SI system, the unit of temperature is
1. Which one is not a unit of time? (a) degree centigrade (b) kelvin
(a) Leap year (b) Year (c) degree celsius (d) degree fahrenheit
10. Which one of the following have same dimensions?
(c) Shake (d) Light year
ing
2. Parsec is the unit of (a) Torque and force
(a) time (b) distance (b) Potential energy and force
(c) frequency (d) angular acceleration (c) Torque and potential energy
ch

(d) Plancks constant and linear momentum

3. One light-year distance is equal to
11. Which of the following does not posses the same dimensions
(a) 9.46 1010 km (b) 9.46 1012 km
oa

9 as that of pressure?
(c) 9.46 10 km (d) 9.46 1015 km
(a) Stress (b) Bulk modulus
4. Parallactic second is equal to (c) Thrust (d) Energy density
yC

(a) 9.4605 1015 m (b) 3.07 1016m 12. Which of the following is a dimensional constant?
(c) 1.496 1011m (d) 3 10 8 m (a) Poissions ratio (b) Refractive index
5. A new unit of length is chosen such that the speed of light in (c) Relative density (d) Gravitational constant
kM

vacuum is unity. What is the distance between the sun and 13. Which one of the following is not the dimensionless
the earth in terms of the new unit, if light takes 8 min and 20 s
quantity?
to cover this distance?
(a) Plancks constant (b) Dielectric constant
pic

(a) 300 (b) 400

(c) 500 (d) 600 (c) Solid angle (d) Strain
6. A student measures the thickness of a human hair by looking 14. Joule second is the unit of
at it through a microscope of magnification 100. He makes (a) energy (b) momentum
w.

20 observations and finds that the average width of the hair (c) angular momentum (d) power
is 3.5 mm. What is the estimate on the thickness of the hair? 15. Which of the following is not equal to watt?
ww

(a) 0.0035 mm (b) 0.035 mm (a) joule/second (b) ampere volt

(c) 0.01 m (d) 0.7 mm (c) (ampere)2 ohm (d) ampere/volt
7. Which of the following is the most precise device for 16. Which of the following is not the units of surface tension?
measuring length? (a) N / m (b) J / m2
(a) a vernier calipers with 20 divisions on the sliding scale (c) kg / s2
(d) None of these
(b) an optical instrument that can measure length to within
a wavelength of light 17. Wb/m2 is equal to
(a) dyne (b) tesla (c) watt (d) henry
(c) a screw gauge of pitch 1 mm and 100 divisions on the
circular scale 18. Dimensional formula for electromotive force is same as that
(d) All the above are equally precise for
(a) potential (b) current
Units and Dimensions (c) force (d) energy
19. Which of the following has the dimensions of pressure?
8. The dimensions of impulse are equal to that of
(a) force (b) linear momentum (a) [ML-2 T -2 ] (b) [M -1L-1]
-2
(c) pressure (d) angular momentum (c) [MLT ] (d) [ML-1T -2 ]

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Chapter 1 Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 15

20. Dimensions of torque are 36. Assuming that the mass m of the largest stone that can be
(a) [M2L2 T2 ] (b) [ML2 T -2 ] moved by a flowing river depends upon the velocity v of the
0 -1
(c) [ML T ] (d) [ML2 T -1] water, its density r and the acceleration due to gravity g.
21. Dimensions of impulse are Then, m is directly proportional to
(a) [ML-2 T -3 ] (b) [ML-2 ] (a) v 3 (b) v 4
5
(c) [MLT ] -1
(d) [MLT -2 ] (c) v (d) v 6
22. What is the dimensional formula of gravitational constant? 37. If p represents radiation pressure, c represent speed of light
(a) [ML2 T -2 ] (b) [ML-1T -1] and Q represents radiation energy striking a unit area per
-1 3 -2
(c) [M L T ] (d) None of these second, then non-zero integers x , y and z such that p x Q y c z
23. Dimensions of surface tension are is dimensionless are
(a) [M2L2 T -2 ] (b) [M2LT -2 ] (a) x = 1, y = 1, z = - 1
(c) [MT ]-2
(d) [MLT -2 ] (b) x = 1, y = - 1, z = 1
(c) x = - 1, y = 1, z = 1
24. The dimensional formula for Youngs modulus is
(d) x = 1, y = 1, z = 1
(a) [ML-1T -2 ] (b) [M 0LT -2 ]
(c) [MLT ] -2
(d) [ML2 T -2 ] 38. The units of length, velocity and force are doubled. Which of
the following is the correct change in the other units?
25. Which of the following is the dimensions of the coefficient of
(a) Unit of time is doubled
friction?

m
(b) Unit of mass is doubled
(a) [M2L2 T] (b) [M 0L0 T 0 ]
(c) Unit of momentum is doubled
(c) [ML2 T -2 ] (d) [M2L2 T -2 ]

.co
(d) Unit of energy is doubled
26. The dimensional formula for the action will be 39. Which of the following pairs has the same units?
(a) [MLT -2 ] (b) [M2LT -2 ] (a) Wavelength and Rydberg constant
2 -1
(c) [ML T ] (d) [M2L2 T -2 ] (b) Relative velocity and relative density
-1 -1
ing
27. [ML T ] stand for dimensions of (c) Thermal capacity and Boltzmann constant
(a) work (b) torque (d) Time period and acceleration gradient
(c) linear momentum (d) coefficient of viscosity 40. The dimensional representation of specific resistance in
ch

28. Dimensions of relative density is terms of charge Q is

(a) [ML-2 ] (b) [ML-3 ] (a) [ML3 T -1Q -2 ] (b) [ML2 T -2Q2 ]
(c) dimensionless (d) [M2L-6] (c) [MLT Q ]-2 -1
(d) [ML2 T -2Q -1]
oa

29. The dimensions of the ratio of angular to linear momentum 41. Which of the following will have the dimensions of time?
us R
(a) [M 0LT 0 ] (b) [MLT -1] (a) LC (b)
yC

2 -1
L
(c) [ML T ] (d) [M -1L-1T -1] L C
(c) (d)
30. The dimensional formula for thermal resistance is R L
(a) [ML2 T -3K -1] (b) [ML2 T -2 A -1]
kM

2 -3 -2
42. If C and R denote capacity and resistance, the dimensions of
(c) [ML T K ] (d) [M -1L-2 T3K] CR are
31. [ML2 T -3 A -1] is the dimensional formula for (a) [M 0L0 T]
(b) [ML0 T]
pic

(a) capacitance (b) resistance

(c) resistivity (d) potential difference (c) [M 0L0 T2 ]
32. Temperature can be expressed as a derived quantity in (d) not expressible in terms of M, L and T
terms of any of the following 43. The force F on a sphere of radius a moving in a medium with
w.

(a) length and mass (b) mass and time velocity v is given by F = 6p ha v . The dimensions of h are
(c) length, mass and time (d) None of these (a) [ML-3 ] (b) [MLT -2 ]
ww

-1
t (c) [MT ] (d) [ML-1T -1]
33. Given that y = a cos - qx , where t represents time in
p x
44. The equation of a wave is given by y = a sin w - k
following statements is true? v
(a) The unit of x is same as that of q where w is angular velocity and v is the linear velocity. The
(b) The unit of x is same as that of p dimension of k will be
(c) The unit of t is same as that of q (a) [T -2 ] (b) [T -1]
(d) The unit of t is same as that of p (c) [T] (d) [LT]
34. The dimensional formula [ML0 T -3 ] is more closely associated 45. A force is given by F = at + bt 2 , where t is the time. The
with dimensions of a and b are
(a) power (b) energy
(a) [MLT -4] and [MLT] (b) [MLT -1] and [MLT 0 ]
(c) intensity (d) velocity gradient -3 -4
(c) [MLT ] and [MLT ] (d) [MLT -3 ] and [MLT 0 ]
35. Which of the following is dimensionally correct?
(a) Pressure = energy per unit area 46. The dimensional formula for Plancks constant and angular
(b) Pressure = energy per unit volume momentum is
(c) Pressure = force per unit volume (a) [ML2 T -2 ] and [MLT -1] (b) [ML2 T -1] and [ML2 T -1]
3 -1 2 -2
(d) Pressure = momentum per unit volume per unit time (c) [ML T ] and [ML T ] (d) [MLT -1] and [MLT -2 ]

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16 Objective Physics Volume 1

1 62. A student measured the diameter of a wire using a screw

47. The dimension of e0 E 2( e0 is the permittivity of the space
2 gauge with least count 0.001 cm and listed the
and E is electric field), is measurements. The correct measurement is
(a) [ML2 T -1] (b) [ML-1T -2 ] (c) [ML2 T -2 ] (d) [MLT -1] (a) 8.320 cm (b) 5.3 cm
(c) 5.32 cm (d) 5.3200 cm
a a - t2
48. The dimensions of in the equation p = , where p is 63. The length, breadth and thickness of rectangular sheet of
b bx metal are 4.234 m, 1.005 m and 2.01 cm respectively. The
pressure, x is distance and t is time, are volume of the sheet to correct significant figures is
(a) [M2LT -3 ] (b) [MT -2 ] (a) 0.0855 m3 (b) 0.086 m3
-3
(c) [LT ] (d) [ML3 T -1] (c) 0.08556 m3 (d) 0.08 m3
49. Dimension of velocity gradient is 64. Three measurements are made as 18.425 cm, 7.21 cm and
(a) [M 0L0 T -1] (b) [ML-1T -1] 5.0 cm. The addition should be written as
0
(c) [M LT ] -1
(d) [ML0 T -1] (a) 30.635 cm (b) 30.64 cm
(c) 30.63 cm (d) 30.6 cm
50. The dimensional formula for emf e is MKS system will be
65. Subtract 0.2 J from 7.26 J and express the result with
(a) [ML2 T -2Q -1] (b) [ML2 T -1]
-2 -1 correct number of significant figures
(c) [ML Q ] (d) [MLT -2Q -2 ] (a) 7.1 (b) 7.06
51. The velocity v of a particle at time t is given by v = at +
b
, (c) 7 (d) None of these

m
t +c 66. Multiply 107.88 by 0.610 and express the result with correct
where a, b and c are constants. The dimensions of a, b and c number of significant figures

.co
are respectively (a) 65.8068 (b) 64.807
(a) [LT -2 ], [L] and [T] (b) [L2 ], [T] and [LT2 ] (c) 65.81 (d) 65.8
2
(c) [LT ], [LT] and [L] (d) [L], [LT] and [T2 ] 67. When 97.52 is divided by 2.54, the correct result is
1 (a) 38.3937 (b) 38.394
ing
52. What is the units of k = ? (c) 65.81 (d) 38.4
4 pe0
68. The radius of a thin wire is 0.16 mm. The area of
(a) C2 N-1m-2 (b) Nm2C -2
2 2 cross-section of the wire in mm2 with correct number of
(c) Nm C (d) Unitless
ch

significant figures is
53. Pressure gradient has the same dimensions as that of (a) 0.08 (b) 0.080
(a) velocity gradient (b) potential gradient (c) 0.0804 (d) 0.080384
oa

(c) energy gradient (d) None of these

69. What is the number of significant figure in
54. The unit of permittivity of free space, e0 is
(3.20 + 4.80) 105 ?
(a) coulomb/newton-metre
(a) 5 (b) 4
yC

(b) newton-metre2 /coulomb2

(c) 3 (d) 2
(c) coulomb2 /newton-metre2
(d) coulomb2 /(newton-metre)2 70. What is the value of [( 5.0 10 -6 ) ( 5.0 10 -8 )] with due
kM

55. Dimensions of electrical resistance are regards to significant digits?

(a) [ML2 T -3 A -1] (b) [ML2 T -3 A -2 ] (a) 25 10 -14 (b) 25.0 10 -14
(c) [ML3 T -3 A -2 ] (d) [ML-1L3 T3 A3 ] (c) 2.50 10 -13
(d) 250 10 -15
pic

56. The magnetic moment has dimensions of 71. The mass of a box is 2.3 kg. Two gold pieces of masses
(a) [LA] (b) [L2 A] 20.15 g and 20.17 g are added to the box. The total mass of
-1
(c) [LT A] (d) [L2 T -1A] the box to correct significant figures is
(a) 2.3 kg (b) 2.34 kg (c) 2.3432 kg (d) 2.31 kg
w.

57. The dimensional representation of specific resistance in

terms of charge Q is 72. Subtract 0.2 kg from 34 kg. The result in terms of proper
(a) [ML3 T -1Q -2 ] (b) [ML2 T -2Q2 ] significant figure is
ww

-2 -1
(c) [MLT Q ] (d) [ML2 T -2Q -1] (a) 33.8 kg (b) 33.80 kg
(c) 34 kg (d) 34.0 kg
Significant Figures 73. The length, breadth and thickness of a block are given by
l = 12 cm, b = 6 cm and t = 2.45 cm. The volume of the block
58. The significant figures of the number 6.0023 is
according to the idea of significant figures should be
(a) 2 (b) 5
(a) 1 102 cm3 (b) 2 102 cm3
(c) 4 (d) 1 2 3
(c) 1.763 10 cm (d) None of these
59. What is the number of significant figures in 0.0310 103 ?
(a) 2 (b) 3
(c) 4 (d) 6 Error Analysis
60. The number of significant figures in 11.118 10 -6 V is 74. The length of a rod is (11.05 0.2) cm. What is the length of
(a) 3 (b) 4 the two rods?
(c) 5 (d) 6 (a) (22.1 0.05) cm (b) (22.1 0.1) cm
(c) (22.10 0.05) cm (d) (22.10 0.2) cm
61. In which of the following numerical values, all zeros are
significant? 75. The radius of a ball is (5.2 0.2) cm. The percentage error in
(a) 0.2020 (b) 20.2 the volume of the ball is approximately
(c) 2020 (d) None of these (a) 11% (b) 4% (c) 7% (d) 9%

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Chapter 1 Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 17

76. A physical quantity Q is calculated according to the 83. A cuboid has volumeV = l 2l 3l , where l is the length of
expression one side. If the relative percentage error in the
measurement of l is 1%, then the relative percentage error
A3 B3 in measurement of V is
Q=
C D (a) 18% (b) 6% (c) 3% (d) 1%
If percentage errors in A, B, C , D are 2%, 1%, 3% and 4%
respectively. What is the percentage error in Q? Miscellaneous Problems
(a) 8% (b) 10% 84. The ratio of the SI unit to the CGS unit of modulus of rigidity
(c) 14% (d) 12% is
77. A body travels uniformly a distance of (13.8 0.2) m in a time (a) 102 (b) 10 -2 (c) 10 -1 (d) 10
(4.0 0.3) s. The velocity of the body within error limit is 85. Imagine a system of unit in which the unit of mass is 10 kg,
(a) (3.45 0.2) ms -1 length is 1 km and time is 1 min. Then, 1 J in this system is
(b) (3.45 0.3) ms -1 equal to
(a) 360 (b) 3.6
(c) (3.45 0.4) ms -1
(c) 36 105 (d) 36 10 -5
(d) (3.45 0.5) ms -1
86. The dimensional formula for molar thermal capacity is same
78. If the error in the measurement of momentum of a particle is
as that of

m
( + 100%), then the error in the measurement of kinetic
(a) gas constant (b) specific heat
energy is
(c) Boltzmanns constant (d) Stefans constant

.co
(a) 100% (b) 200%
(c) 300% (d) 400% 87. In measuring electric energy, 1kWh is equal to
(a) 3.6 10 4 J (b) 3.6 10 6 J
79. If error in measuring diameter of a circle is 4%, the error in 6
(c) 7.3 10 J (d) None of these
measuring radius of the circle would be
ing
(a) 2% (b) 8% 88. Out of the following four dimensional quantities, which one
(c) 4% (d) 1% qualifies to be called a dimensional constant?
(a) Acceleration due to gravity
ch

80. The values of two resistors are (5.0 0.2) kW and

(10.0 0.1) kW. What is the percentage error in the (b) Surface tension of water
equivalent resistance when they are connected in parallel? (c) Weight of a standard kilogram mass
oa

(a) 2% (b) 5% (d) The velocity of light in vacuum

(c) 7% (d) 10% 89. The square root of the product of inductance and
capacitance has the dimensions of
yC

81. The heat generated in a wire depends on the resistance,

(a) length (b) time
current and time. If the error in measuring the above are
(c) mass (d) no dimension
1%, 2% and 1% respectively. The maximum error in
90. With usual notation, the following equation, said to give the
kM

measuring the heat is

(a) 8% (b) 6% distance covered in the nth second. i.e.,
(c) 18% (d) 12% ( 2n - 1)
Sn = u + a is
2
82. A force F is applied on a square plate of side L. If the
pic

(a) numerically correct only

percentage error in the determination of L is 2% and that in
(b) dimensionally correct only
F is 4%. What is the permissible error in pressure?
(c) both dimensionally and numerically only
(a) 8% (b) 6%
w.

(d) neither numerically nor dimensionally correct

(c) 4% (d) 2%
ww

Objective Problems (Level 2)

e0 lV (a) 13% (b) 7%
1. A quantity is given by X = , where V is the potential
t (c) 4% (d) 2%
difference and l is the length. Then, X has dimensional 3. The length of cylinder is measured with a metre rod having
formula same as that of least count 0.1 cm. Its diameter is measured with vernier
(a) resistance (b) charge calipers having least count 0.01 cm. Given that length is 5.0 cm
and radius is 2.0 cm. The percentage error in the calculated
(c) voltage (d) current value of the volume will be
2. The length of a strip measured with a metre rod is 10.0 cm. (a) 1.5% (b) 2.5% (c) 3.5% (d) 4%
Its width measured with a vernier calipers is 1.00 cm. The 4. The random error in the arithmetic means of
least count of the metre rod is 0.1 cm and that of vernier 100 observations is x, then random error in the arithmetic
calipers 0.01 cm. What will be error in its area? mean of 400 observation would be

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18 Objective Physics Volume 1

1 (c) g increases by 4% and K increases by 2%

(a) 4x (b) x
4 (d) g increases by 2% and K increases by 4%
1 11. If the energy ( E ), velocity ( v ) and force ( F ) be taken as
(c) 2x (d) x
2 fundamental quantities, then the dimension of mass will be
5. Dimensions of ohm are same as (a) Fv -2 (b) Fv -1
h h2 h h2 (c) Ev -2 (d) Ev 2
(a) (b) (c) 2 (d) 2 12. In a system of units, the units of mass, length and time are
e e e e
(where h is Plancks constant and e is charge) 1 quintal, 1 km and 1 h respectively. In this system 1 N
force will be equal to
dx x -a
6. Given that = a n sin-1 (a) 1 new unit (b) 129.6 new unit
2ax - x 2 a (c) 427.6 new unit (d) 60 new unit
where a = constant. Using dimensional analysis, the value of 13. If force F , length L and time T are taken as fundamental
n is units, the dimensional formula for mass will be
(a) 1 (b) zero (a) [FL-1T2 ] (b) [FLT - 2 ]
(c) - 1 (d) None of these -1 -1
(c) [FL T ] (d) [FL5 T2 ]
7. If E = energy, G = gravitational constant, I = impulse and
2p
GIM 2 14. Given that y = A sin ( ct - x ) , where y and x are
M = mass, then dimensions of are same as that of l
E2

m
(a) time (b) mass measured in metre. Which of the following statements is
(c) length (d) force true?

.co
(a) The unit of l is same as that of x and A
8. The dimensional formula for magnetic flux is
(b) The unit of l is same as that of x but not of A
(a) [ML2 T -2 A -1] (b) [ML3 T -2 A -2 ]
0 -2 -2 -2 2p
(c) [M L T A ] (d) [ML2 T -1A2 ] (c) The unit of c is same as that of
l
ing
9. Using mass ( M ), length ( L ), time (T ) and current ( A ) as 2p
fundamental quantities, the dimension of permeability is (d) The unit of ( ct - x ) is same as that of
l
(a) [M -1LT -2 A] (b) [ML-2 T -2 A -1]
The frequency of vibration of string is given by
ch

-2 -2
(c) [MLT A ] (d) [MLT -1A -1] 15.
1/ 2
Let g be the acceleration due to gravity at earths surface p F
10. f = . Here, p is number of segments in the string
and K the rotational kinetic energy of the earth. Suppose the 2l m
oa

earths radius decreases by 2%. Keeping mass to be and l is the length. The dimensional formula for m will be
constant, then (a) [M 0LT -1] (b) [ML0 T -1]
(a) g increases by 2% and K increases by 2% -1 0
(d) [M 0L0 T 0 ]
yC

(b) g increases by 4% and K increases by 4% (c) [ML T ]

kM

Assertion and Reason

Directions (Q. Nos. 1-17) These questions consists of two 3. Assertion When percentage errors in the measurement of
mass and velocity are 1% and 2% respectively, the
pic

statements each printed as Assertion and Reason. While

answering these questions you are required to choose any one percentage error in KE is 5%.
1 DE Dm 2Dv
of the following five responses. Reason KE or E = mv 2 , = +
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason in 2 E m v
w.

the correct explanation of Assertion. 4. Assertion The error in the measurement of radius of the
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is sphere is 0.3%. The permissible error in its surface area is
ww

not correct explanation of Assertion. 0.6%.

(c) If Assertion is true but Reason is false. Reason The permissible error is calculated by the
(d) If Assertion is false but Reason is true. formula
(e) If both Assertion and Reason are false. DA Dr
=4 .
1. Assertion Pressure has the dimensions of energy density. A r
energy [ML2 T -2 ] 5. Assertion The light year and wavelength consist of
Reason Energy density = = = [ML-1T -2 ] dimensions of length.
volume [L3 ]
Reason Both light year and wavelength represent time.
= pressure.
6. Assertion Number of significant figures in 0.005 is one and
2. Assertion Method of dimension cannot be used for deriving
that in 0.500 are three.
formulae containing trigonometrical ratios.
Reason This is because zeros before decimal are non
Reason This is because trigonometrical ratios have no
significant.
dimensions.
7. Assertion Out of two measurements l = 0.7 m and l = 0.70 m,
the second one is more accurate.

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Chapter 1 Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 19

Reason In every measurement, more the last digit is not The change in a or b i.e., Da or Db may be comparable to a
accurately known. and b.
8. Assertion When we change the unit of measurement of a Reason The above relation is valid when Da << a and
Db << b .
quantity, its numerical value changes.
Reason Smaller the unit of measurement smaller is its 13. Assertion Systematic errors and random errors fall in the
numerical value. same group of errors.
Reason Both systematic and random errors are based on the
9. Assertion L / R and CR both have same dimensions. cause of error.
Reason L / R and CR both have dimension of time.
14. Assertion Absolute error may be negative or positive.
Magnetic dipole moment moment induction Reason Absolute error is the difference between the real
10. Assertion
Moment of inertia value and the measured value of a physical quantity.
15. Assertion The watches having hour hand, minute hand and
Dimensional formula [M 0L0 T]
seconds hand have least count as 1 s.
Reason The given dimension is that of frequency.
Reason Least count is the maximum measurement that can
Modulus of elasticity be measured accurately by an instrument.
11. Assertion has the unit ms -1.
Density 16. Assertion Pendulum bob is preferred to be spherical.
1 Reason Sphere has minimum surface area.
Reason Acceleration has the dimensions of .

m
( e0 m 0 ) t 17. Assertion A screw gauge having a smaller value of pitch has
greater accuracy.
n
Dx Da Db

.co
a Reason The least count of screw gauge is directly
12. Assertion If x = m
the =n -m
b x a b proportional to the number of divisions on circular scale.
ing
Match the Columns
1. Match the following columns. 4. Match the following columns.
ch

Column I Column II Column I Column II

(A) R / L (p) Time -1 -2
(p) [M L T 4A2 ]
oa

(A) Electrical resistance

(B) C / R (q) Frequency
(B) Capacitance (q) [ML2 T -2 A -2 ]
(C) E / B (r) Speed
(C) Magnetic field (r) [ML2 T -3 A -2 ]
yC

(D) e0 m 0 (s) None

(D) Inductance (s) [MT -2 A -1]
2. Match the following columns.
5. Match the following two columns.
kM

Column I Column II
(A) Stress (p) Pressure Column I Column II
(B) Strain (q) Energy density (A) (p) [M2L2 T -3 ]
pic

GM e M s
(C) Modulus of elasticity (r) Angle
(B) 3RT (q) [ML3 T -2 ]
(D) Torque (s) Energy M
w.

3. Suppose force ( F ), area ( A ) and time (T ) are the fundamental (C) F2 (r) [L2 T -2 ]
units, then the match the following columns. 2 2
q B
ww

Column I Column II (D) GM e (s) None

(A) Work (p) [A 1/ 2 -1
T ] Re

(B) Moment of inertia (q) [FA 1/ 2 ]

(C) Velocity (r) [FA 1/ 2 T 2 ]

Entrance Corner
1. The SI unit of activity of a radioactive sample is (a) Joule (b) Erg
[J& K CET 2011] (c) Newton (d) Watt
(a) Curie 3. The SI unit of thermal conductivity is [J& K CET 2011]
(b) Rutherford (a) Jsm-1K -1
(c) Becquerel (b) W -1m-1K -1
(d) Millicurie
(c) Wm-1K -1
2. SI unit of power is [J& K CET 2011]
(d) Wm-2K -1

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20 Objective Physics Volume 1

4. The dimensions of (m 0 e0 ) -1/ 2 are [CBSE AIPMT 2011] is the volume, T is absolute temperature and a and b are
-1 -1 constants. The dimensional formula of a is [JCECE 2010]
(a) [L T] (b) [LT ]
(a) [ML5 T -2 ] (b) [M -1L5 T -2 ]
(c) [L-1/2 T1/2 ] (d) [L1/2 T -1/2 ] -1 -2
(c) [ML T ] (d) [ML-5 T -2 ]
5. Surface tension has the same dimensions as that of - aZ
a
[Kerala CEE 2011] 17. The relation p = e k q , where p is pressure, Z is distance,
(a) coefficient of viscosity b
(b) impulse k is Boltzmann constant and q is temperature. The
(c) momentum dimensional formula of b will be [AFMC 2010]
(d) spring constant (a) [M 0L2 T 0 ] (b) [ML2 T]
(e) frequency (c) [ML0 T -1] (d) [M 0L2 T -1]
6. The dimension of impulse is [J&K CET 2011]
18. The dimension of electromotive force in terms of current A
(a) [MLT -1] (b) [ML2 T -1]
is [BVP 2010]
(c) [ML-1T -1] (d) [MT -1]
(a) [ML-2 A -2 ] (b) [ML2 T -2 A -2 ]
7. If C be the capacitance and V be the electric potential, then (c) [ML2 T -2 A -2 ] (d) [ML2 T -3 A -1]
the dimensional formula of CV 2 is [KCET 2011]
1
(a) [ML2 T -2 A 0 ] (b) [MLT -2 A -1] 19. The dimensional formula of is [Guj. CET 2010]
(c) [M 0LT -2 A 0 ] (d) [ML-3 TA] m 0 e0

m
8. What is the dimension of surface tension? [WB JEE 2011] (a) [M 0LT -2 ] (b) [M 0L-2 T -2 ]
-1
(a) [MLT 0 ] (b) [MLT -1]
0
(c) [M LT ] (d) [M 0L2 T -2 ]

.co
0 -2
(c) [ML T ] (d) [ML0 T -2 ] 20. If p =
RT -aV / RT
e , then dimensional formula of a is
9. The unit of magnetic moment is [Guj. CET 2010] V -b [UP CPMT 2010]
(a) TJ -1 (b) JT -1 (a) p (b) R
(c) Am-2 (d) Am-1
ing (c) T (d) V
10. Unit of electrical conductivity is [UP CPMT 2010] 21. Velocity v is given by v = at 2 + bt + c , where t is time. What
(a) ohm (b) siemen are the dimensions of a, b and c respectively?
ch

(c) m / mho (d) mho / m

11. From the dimensional consideration which of the following [UP CPMT 2010]
equations is correct? [Haryana PMT 2010] (a) [LT -3 ], [LT -2 ] and [LT -1] (b) [LT -1], [LT -2 ] and [LT -3 ]
oa

R3 GM (c) [LT -2 ], [LT -3 ] and [LT -1] (d) [LT -1], [LT -3 ] and [LT -2 ]
(a) T = 2p (b) T = 2p
GM R3 22. If E , M , L and G denote energy, mass, angular momentum
R2 and gravitation constant respectively, then the quantity
yC

GM
(c) T = 2p 2
(d) T = 2p ( E 2 L2 / M 5G 2 ) has the dimensions of [AMU 2010]
R GM
(a) angle (b) length
12. If force F , length L and time T be considered fundamental
(c) mass (d) None of these
kM

units, then units of mass will be [VMMC 2010]

(a) [FLT -2 ] (b) [FL-2 T -1] 23. A capillary tube is attached horizontally to a constant heat
(c) [FL-1T2 ] (d) [F 2LT -2 ] arrangement. If the radius of the capillary tube is increased
by 10%, then the rate of flow of liquid will change nearly by
pic

13. Dimensions of capacitance is [Manipal 2010]

[WB JEE 2010]
(a) [M -1L-2 T 4A2 ] (b) [MLT -3 A -1]
(a) + 10% (b) + 46%
(c) [ML2 T -3 A -1] (d) [M -1L-2 T3 A -1]
(c) - 10% (d) - 40%
w.

14. A uniform wire of length L, diameter D and density r is 24. If momentum is increased by 20%, then kinetic energy
stretched under a tensionT. The correct relation between its
increases by [WB JEE 2010]
fundamental frequency f , the length L and the diameter D
(a) 48% (b) 44%
ww

is [KCET 2010]
1 1 (c) 40% (d) 36%
(a) f (b) f 25. If increase in linear momentum of a body is 50%, then
LD L D
1 1 change in its kinetic energy is [Manipal 2010]
(c) f 2 (d) f (a) 25% (b) 125%
D LD 2
(c) 150% (d) 50%
15. The dimensions of resistance are same as those of ......
where h is the Planck's constant, e is the charge. 26. At constant temperature, the volume of a gas is to be
decreased by 4%. The pressure must be increased by
[KCET 2010]
h2 h2 [BVP 2010]
(a) 2 (b) (a) 4% (b) 4.16%
e e
h h (c) 8% (d) 3.86%
(c) 2 (d) 27. Choose the incorrect statement out of the following.
e e
16. The equation of state of some gases can be expressed as [AMU 2010]
a (a) Every measurement by any measuring instrument has
p + 2 (V - b ) = RT where, p is absolute the pressure, V some errors
V
(b)

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Chapter 1 Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 21

Every calculated physical quantity that is based on (a) [ML-1T -1] (b) [MLT -1]
measured values has some error (c) [M 0LT -1] (d) [ML0 T -1]
(c) A measurement can have more accuracy but less
precision and vice versa 31. By what percentage should the pressure of a given mass of a
(d) The percentage error is different form relative error gas be increased, so as to decrease its volume by 10% at a
constant temperature? [AIIMS 2009]
28. Which one of the following quantities has not been
(a) 5% (b) 7.2%
expressed in proper units? [Kerala CEE 2009]
(c) 12.5% (d) 11.1%
(a) Torque Newton metre 32. Percentage error in the measurement of mass and speed are
(b) Stress Newton metre -2 2% and 3% respectively. The error in the estimation of
(c) Modulus of elasticity Newton metre -2 kinetic energy obtained by measuring mass and speed will
(d) Power Newton metre/second-1 be [AIIMS 2009]
(e) Surface tension Newton metre -2 (a) 12% (b) 10%
29. The unit of specific conductivity is [Manipal 2009] (c) 2% (d) 8%
(a) W - cm-1 (b) W - cm-2 33. If the length of a seconds pendulum is increased by 2% then
(c) W -1 - cm (d) W -1 - cm-1 in a day the pendulum [Kerala CEE 2009]
(a) loses 764 s (b) loses 924 s
30. An object is moving through the liquid. The viscous damping (c) gains 236 s (d) loses 864 s

m
force action on it is proportional to the velocity. Then (e) gains 346 s
dimensional formula of constant of proportionality is

.co
[UP CPMT, Punjab PMET 2009]

Answers
ing
Objective Problems (Level 1)
1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (b) 10. (c)
ch

11. (c) 12. (d) 13. (a) 14. (c) 15. (d) 16. (d) 17. (b) 18. (a) 19. (d) 20. (b)
21. (c) 22. (c) 23. (c) 24. (a) 25. (b) 26. (a) 27. (d) 28. (c) 29. (a) 30. (d)
oa

31. (d) 32. (d) 33. (d) 34. (c) 35. (b) 36. (d) 37. (b) 38. (c) 39. (c) 40. (a)
41. (c) 42. (a) 43. (d) 44. (c) 45. (c) 46. (b) 47. (b) 48. (b) 49. (a) 50. (a)
51. (a) 52. (b) 53. (d) 54. (c) 55. (b) 56. (b) 57. (a) 58. (b) 59. (b) 60. (c)
yC

61. (b) 62. (a) 63. (a) 64. (d) 65. (a) 66. (d) 67. (d) 68. (b) 69. (c) 70. (a)
71. (a) 72. (c) 73. (b) 74. (d) 75. (a) 76. (d) 77. (b) 78. (c) 79. (c) 80. (c)
(b) (a) (c)
kM

81. 82. 83. 84. (d) 85. (d) 86. (c) 87. (b) 88. (d) 89. (b) 90. (c)

Objective Problems (Level 2)

pic

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

Assertion and Reason

w.

1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (d)
ww

11. (b) 12. (d) 13. (a) 14. (a) 15. (d) 16. (a) 17. (c)

Match the Columns

1. (A q, B p, C r, D s) 2. (A r, B p, C s, D q)
3. (A q, B r, C p) 4. (A s, B p, C r, D q)
5. (A q, B r, C r, D s)

Entrance Corner
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (d) 6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (d)
11. (a) 12. (c) 13. (a) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (a) 17. (a) 18. (d) 19. (d) 20. (a)
21. (a) 22. (d) 23. (b) 24. (b) 25. (b) 26. (b) 27. (d) 28. (c) 29. (d) 30. (c)
31. (d) 32. (d) 33. (d)

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22 Objective Physics Volume 1

Solutions
Objective Problems (Level 1) 45. [a] =
F F
and [ b ] = 2
1. Leap year, year and shake are the units of time. t t
3. 1 light year = ( 3 105 ) ( 365) ( 24) ( 3600) 1
47. e0 E 2 is energy density or energy per unit volume.
= 9.416 1012 km 2
8. Impulse = change in linear momentum. a - t2
48. p = , where p-pressure, t-time
13. Solid angle, strain and dielectric constant are dimensionless bx
constant. [ pbx ] = [a] = [t 2 ]
h
14. Since ( mvr ) = n [t 2 ]
2p Hence, [b] =
[ px ]
and E = hn
So, unit of h = joule second = angular momentum a
Dimensions of = [ px ] = [ MT -2 ]
17. Wb/m2 and tesla are the units of magnetic field. b

m
21. Impulse = Force time 49. Velocity gradient is change in velocity per unit length.

24. Young's modulus and pressure have the same dimensions. 50. Unit of emf e is volt.

.co
26. Action is a force. v
51. [a] =
Density of substance t : [ b ] = [vt ] : [c ] = [t ]
28. Relative density =
Density of water at 4 C temperature
ing 1 qq
54. F = 12 2
= Dimensionless 4pe0 r
36. m v r g . Writing the dimensions on both sides
a b c
1 q1q2
e0 =
ch

[M] = [LT -1] a [ML-2 ] b [LT -2 ]c 4p Fr 2

[M] = [M bLa - 3 b + c T - a - 2c ] (coulomb)2
e0 =
oa

\ b =1 newton - metre2
a - 3b + c = 0 55. From definition of time constant t = RC , where R is
- a - 2c = 0 resistance and C is capacitance.
yC

Solving these we get t

a =6 \ R=
C
Hence, m v 6 [ T]
kM

= -1 -2 4 2
[M L T A ]
37. Since p x Q y c z is dimensionless. Therefore,
R = [ ML2 T -3 A -2 ]
[ML-1T -2 ] x [MT -3 ]y [LT -1] z = [M 0L0 T 0 ]
pic

56. M = NIA
Only option (b) satisfies this expression
So x = 1, y = - 1, z = 1 rl
57. Since, R = , where r is specific resistance
38. Since units of length, velocity and force and doubled A
w.

[force] [time] [length] RA V W

Hence, [ m ] = , [time] = [r] = , R = ,V =
[velocity] [velocity] l i Q
ww

Hence unit of mass, and time remains same. [r] = [ML3 T -1Q -2 ]
Momentum is doubled. 68. R = 0.16 mm
rl Hence, A = p R2
40. Since, R = , where r is specific resistance.
A 22
( 0.16)2
=
RA V W 7
\ [r] = , R = ,V =
l i Q = 0.080384
[r] = [ML3 T -1Q -2 ] Since radius has two significant figure so answer also will
41. i = i 0 {1 - e -t /( L / R )} have two significant figures.
L \ A = 0.080
Where is time constant and its dimension is same as for 73. Minimum number of significant figure should be 1.
R
time. 75. Radius of ball = 5.2 cm
42. CR is time constant. 4 3
V = pR
44. wk is dimensionless. 3

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Chapter 1 Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 23

DV DR GM 1 L2
=3 10. g = : K = Iw2 =
2
V R R 2 2I
DV 0.2 Further, L will remain constant.
100 = 3 100
V 5.2 1
\ K
= 11% I
78. Since error in measurement of momentum is + 100% 1
or K
2
\ p1 = p , p2 = 2 p MR2
5
P2 ( 2p )2
K1 = , K2 = or K R -2
2m 2m
and g R -2
K - K1
% in K = 2 100 1
11. Energy = mv 2
K1 2
4 - 1 [E]
= 100 [ m] = 2 = [Ev -2 ]
1 [v ]
= 300% 12. [Froce] = [MLT2 ]

m
2
81. H = i R t 1 1 2
\ 1N = ( 3600)
100 1000

.co
\ % error in H = 2 (% error in i)
= 129.6 units.
+ (% error in R) + (% error in t) 13. [FL-1T2 ] = [ MLT -2 ] [L-1] [ T2 ] = [ M]
F F
82. p = = 2 = FL-2 p
A L
ing
14. Here, ( ct - x ) is dimensionless.
l
% error in pressure = (% error in F ) + 2 (error in L)
ct
= ( 4%) + 2 ( 2%) Hence, is also dimensionless and unit of ct is same as that
l
ch

= 8% of x.
1 Therefore, unit of l is same as that of x. Also unit of y is same
89. f =
oa

2p LC as that of A, which is also that unit of x.

1 T 15. m is mass per unit length.
or LC = =
2pf 2p
yC

Match the Columns

Thus, LC has the dimensions of time.
3. [ A] = [L2 ]
[L] = [ A1/ 2 ]
kM

Objective Problems (Level 2) \

3. Volume of cylinder [ T] = [ T]
D [F ] = [ MLT -2 ]
V = pr 2 L, r =
pic

2 \ [ M] = [FL-1T2 ] = [FA1/ 2 T2 ]
DV DD DL Now, [ W] = [FL] = [FA1/ 2 ]
\ 100 = 2 100 + 100
V D L
w.

[I] = [ ML2 ] = [FA -1/ 2 T2 A] = [FA1/ 2 T2 ]

0.01 0.1 [ V] = [LT -1] = [ A1/ 2 T -1]
=2 100 + 100
4.0 0.5
ww

= 2.5% Entrance Corner

4. Since error is measured for 400 observations instead of 100 1. The SI unit of activity of a radioactive sample is Becqueral.
observations. So error will reduce by 1/4 factor. 2. The SI unit of power is watt.
x
Hence, = 3. The SI unit of thermal conductivity is Wm-1 K -1.
4
4. This expression for speed of light and the dimensions of
5. Dimension of (ohm) R
h speed of light are [LT -1].
= 2 ; (e = charge = current time)
e 5. Surface tension has the same dimension as that of spring
[ Et ] constant.
=
[ it ]2 6. The dimension of impulse = [MLT -1].
P E 7. We know, Energy, E = CV 2
= = ( R ) as P =
i2 t Dimensions of CV 2 = Dimensions of energy, E
-2 -1 2 2 -2 -1
8. [ f] = [ BS] = [ MT A ] [L ] = [ ML T A ] = [ ML2 T -2 ]

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24 Objective Physics Volume 1

2 -1
8. We know, T =
F h [ML T ]
Now for
e
2
= = [ML2 T -3 A -2 ]
l [AT]2
Dimensions of F 16. In the equation p, V and T are pressure, volume and
Dimensions of T =
Dimension of L temperature respectively
[MLT2 ] a
T = p + 2 (V - b ) = RT
[L] V
= [ML0 T -2 ] a
Dimensions of 2 will be same as that of pressure
9. Magnetic moment is the strength of magnet. Its SI unit is V
A m2 or N-m/T or JT -1. a
\ Dimensions of 2 = dimensions of p
V
10. Unit of electrical conductivity is mho / m or siemem / m.
Dimension of a = dimension of p dimension of V 2
R3 [ML-1T -2 ] [L6] = [ML5 T -2 ]
11. Taking T = 2p
GM aZ
17. In the given equation, should be dimensionless
Substituting the dimensions, kq
LHS, T = [ T] kq
\ a=

m
R3 [L]3 Z
RHS, 2p = -1 3 -2
[ M L T ] [ M] [ML2 T -2K -1] [K]
GM [a] = = [MLT -2 ]

.co
[L]
= [T]2 = [ T] a
and p=
R3 b
Thus, LHS = RHS for T = 2p
GM
ing a [MLT -2 ]
[b] = = -1 -2
12. Let [ M] [F aLb Tc ] p [ML T ]
0 2 0
So, using dimensions, we have = [M L T ]
ch

[M1L0 T 0 ] = K [MLT -2 ] a [L] b [T]c 18. Electromotive force = potential difference

a = 1, a = b = 0 b = - 1 W [ML2 T -2 ]
V = =
oa

and - 2a + c = 0 c = 2 q [AT]
So unit of mass is [FL-1T 2] = [ML2 T2 A -1]
1
yC

13. The capacitance C of a conductor is defined as the ratio of 19. Velocity of electromagnetic waves v =
charge q given to raise the potential V of the conductor. m 0e0
q 1
i . e., C = = v2
kM

V m 0 e0
coulomb coulomb
\ Farad = = 1
volt joule / coulomb Thus the dimensional formula of
m 0 e0
coulomb2
pic

= = [M 0LT -1]2
joule
= [M 0L2 T -2 ]
(ampera - sec)2 ampere2 - sec
= = RT
w.

newton - metre (kg - m sec -2 ) metre 20. Given p = e - aV / RT

V -b
ampera2 - sec 4 aV
= So, is dimensionless.
ww

kg - metre2 RT
2 -2 -1
= kg -1- metre -2 - sec 4 - amp2 RT [ML T q ] [ q]
Hence, [a ] = =
So, the dimension of capacitance is [M -1L-2 T 4A2 ]. V [L3 ]
1 T = [ ML-1T -2 ]
14. The fundamental frequency is f =
2L m This is also the dimension less formula of pressure.
T 1 1 T 21. Dimensions of velocity is [ v] = [L] [ T -1]
f = =
D22L LD pr So, dimensions of [at2 ] = [LT -1]
rp
4 [a] [ T2 ] = [LT -1]
1
\ f [a] = [LT -3 ]
LD
Dimensions of [ bt] = [LT -1] [ b] [ T] = [LT -1]
V W [ML2 T -2 ]
15. Resistance, R = = = [ b] = [LT -2 ]
i qi [A2 T]
R = [ML2 T -3 A -2 ] Dimensions of [c] = [LT -1]

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Chapter 1 Units, Dimensions and Error Analysis 25

22. The dimension of E = [ ML2 T -2 ] V2 1 V 24

1- = 2 =
V1 25 V1 25
Dimensions of M = [ M]
Dimensions of L = [ ML2 T -1] p1 V2 24
= =
p2 V1 25
Dimensions of G = [ M -1L3 T -2 ]
p2 - p1 25 1
\Dimensions of = -1=
p1 24 24
E2L2 [ML2 T -2 ]2 [ML2 T -1]2 100
5 2 = 5 -1 3 -2 2
= [ML2 T -2 ] Percentage increase in pressure = = 4.16%
M G [M] [M L T ] 24
23. Volume of liquid coming out of the tube per second 27. When the relative error is expressed in percentage, we cal it
ppr 4 percentage error.
V =
8hl 28. The correct unit of surface tension is newton/metre.
4 1 1
V2 r2 29. Specific conductivity = =
= specific resistance W-cm
V1 r1
4 = ( W-cm) -1
110
V2 = V1

m
30. We have F v F = kv
100
-2
= V1 (1.1) 4 = 1.4641 volt F [MLT ]
[ k] = = -1
= [ML0 T -1]

.co
DV V2 - V1 1.4641 - V v [LT ]
= = = 46%
V V V 31. When T is constant, pV = constant. When volume is
90
p2 decreased by 10% that is volume becomes , the pressure
24. The kinetic energy is given by KE =
ing
100
2m
must become 100/99. Thus percentage increase in pressure
2pDp pDp
So, DKE = = ( 100 - 90) 100
2m = = 11.1%
ch
m
4KE 2Dp 90
=
KE p 1
32. Kinetic energy K = mv 2
oa

Thus, the final momentum becomes 1.2 p. 2

final KE - initial KE Fractional error in kinetic energy
So, percentage change in KE = 100
initial KE DK Dm 2 Dv
yC

= +
. ( p 2 / 2m ) - ( p 2 / 2m )
144 K m v
= = 44%
( p 2 / 2m ) Percentage error in kinetic energy is
kM

Dm 2 Dv
25. We know that linear momentum p = 2mK = 100 + 100
m v
Now we have p1 = p , p2 = p1 + 50% of p1 = 15
. p1
Dm 2Dv
K 1 p12 p22 As we know, 100 = 2% and 100 = 3%
pic

= K 2 = 2 K 1 = 2.25 K m v
K 2 p22 p1 So, percentage error in kinetic energy
So change in KE = 2.25 - 1 = 125
. = 125% = 2 + 2 3 = 2 + 6 = 8%
w.

26. At constant temperature, p1V1 = p2V2 l DT 1 Dl

p1 V2 33. Time period, T = 2p or =
= g T 2 l
ww

p2 V1
1 Dl 1
Hence, tractional change in volume For 1s, DT = T = 0.02 T = 0.01 T = 0.01 s
2 l 2
V1 - V2 4 1
= = For a day, DT = 24 60 60 0.01 = 864 s
V1 100 25

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