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CHAPTER-03

UNIT & DIMENSIONS

3. UNIT : Physics is the study of nature and its surroundings. This description involves experimental
observations, hence it is quantitative and requires measurement and comparison of physical
quantities. To measure a physical quantity we need some standard unit of that quantity.
The measurement of a physical quantity is mentioned in two parts, the first part gives how many
times of the standard unit and the second part gives the name of the unit., Thus, suppose I have
to play for 2 hours. The numeric part 2 says that it is 2 times of the unit of time and the second part
hour says that the unit chosen here is an hour.
Thus Measurement of a physical quantity = numerical value (n) × unit (u)
Ex. Height of Jitu = 1.2 m, here 1.2 is numerical value and metre is unit of height.
3.1 Fundamental and Derived Quantities and their Units : There are a large number of physical
quantities which are measured and every quantity needs a definition of unit. However, not all the
quantities are independent of each other. For example, if a unit of length is defined, a unit of area
is automatically obtained. We can define a set of fundamental quantities (Base quantities) as
follows :
(1) the fundamental quantities should be independent of each other, and
(2) all other quantities may be expressed in terms of the fundamental quantities.
It turns out that the number of fundamental quantities is only seven. All the rest may be derived
from these quantities by multiplication and division, called derived quantities. The units defined for
the fundamental quantities are called fundametal units and those obtained for the derived quantities
are called the derived units.
In 1971 CGPM held its meeting and decided a system of units which is known as the International
System of Units. It is abbreviated as SI from the French name Le System International d Unites.
The following table gives the fundamental quantities and their units in SI :
Any standard unit should have the following two properties :
(1) Invariability
(2) Availability
We briefly mention the definitions of the base quantity and its units which may serve as a refrence
if needed.
Base Quantity Definition
(SI Unit)
1
Length (m) The distance travelled by light in vacuum in
299,792,458
second is called 1 metre.
Mass (kg) The mass of a cylinder made of platinum-iridium alloy kept
at International Bureau of Weights and Measures is defined
as 1 kilogram.
Time (s) The second is the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the
radiation corresponding to the transition between the two
hyperfine levels of the ground state of the cesium-133 atom.
 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 3]
Electric Current (1) If equal current are maintained in the two infinitely long wires
of neglegible cross-section, so that the force between them
is 2 × 10–7 newton per metre of the wires, the current in any
of the wires is called 1 Ampere.

1
Thermodynamic Temperature (K) The fraction of the thermodynamic temperature of
273.16
triple point of water is called 1 Kelvin
Luminous Intensity (cd) 1 candela is the luminous intenstiy of a blackbody of

1
surface area m2 placed at the temperature of
600,000
freezing platinum and at a pressure of 101,325 N/m2, in the
direction perpendicular to its surface.
Amount of substance (mole) The mole is the amount of a substance that contains as
many elementary entities as there are number of atoms in
0.012 kg of carbon-12.
Apart from these seven base fundamental units, there are two supplementary units used
1. The plane angle measured in radian.
2. The solid angle measured in steradian.
Other Commonly used international systems of units are :
(1) the fps system (foot, pound and seconds system)
(2) the mks system (metre, kilogram and second system)
(3) the cgs system (centimetre, gram and seconds system)
3.2 Dimensions and Dimensional Formula : All the physical qnatities of interest can be drived from
the base quantities. “The power (exponent) of base quantity that enters into the expression of a
physical quantity, is called the dimension of the quantity in that base. To make it clear, consider
the physical quantity force.
Force = mass × acceleration
length / time
= mass = mass × length × (time)–2
time
So the dimension of force are 1 in mass, 1 in length and –2 in time. Thus
[Force] = MLT–2
Similerly energy has dimensional formula given by
[Energy ] = ML2T–2
i.e. energy has dimensions, 1 in mass, 2 in length and -2 in time.
Such an expression for a physical quantitiy is terms as base quantities is called dimensional
formula.

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 4]
3.3 Uses Of Dimensional Analysis :
(i) To convert a physical quantity from one system of units to another : It is based on
the fact that, Numerical value × unit = constant
So on changing unit, numerical value will also get changed. If n1 and n2 are the numerical
values of a given physical quantity and u1 and u2 be the units respectively in two different
systems of units, then
n1u1 = n2u2
a b c
M   L   T 
n2  n1  1   1   1 
 M2   L2   T2 
Ex. A calorie is a unit of heat or energy and it equals about 4.2 J, where 1 J = 1 kg m2/s2. Suppose we
employ a system of units in which the unit of mass equals  kg, the unit of length equals  metre,
the unit of time is  second. Show that a calorie has a magnitude 4.2 –1 –12 in terms of the new
units.
Soln. 1 cal = 4.2 kg m2s–2
SI New system
n1 = 4.2 n2 = ?
M1 = 1 kg M2 =  kg
L1 = 1 m L2 =  metre
T1 = 1 s T2 =  second
Dimensional formula of energy is [ML2T–2]
Comparing with [MaLbTc], we find that a = 1, b = 2, c = –2
a b c
M   L   T 
Now, n2  n1  1   1   1 
 M2   L2   T2 

1 2 2
 1 kg   1 m   1 s 
= 4.2        4.2 12  2
  kg    m    s 
(ii) To check the dimensional correctness of a given physical relation : It is based on
principle of homogeneity, which states that a given physical relation is dimensionally correct
if the dimensions of the various terms on either side of the relation are the same.
Ex. Let us check the dimensional correctness of the relation v = u + at.
Here ‘u’ represents the initial velocity, ‘v’ represents the final velocity, ‘a’ the uniform acceleration
and ‘t’ the time.
Dimensional formula of ‘u’ is [M0LT–1]
Dimensional formula of ‘v’ is [M0LT–1]
Dimensional formula of ‘at’ is [M0LT–2][T] = [M0LT–1]
Here dimentions of every term in the given physical relation are the same, hence the given physical
relation is dimentionally correct.

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 5]
(iii) To establish a relation between different physical quantities : if we know the various
factors on which a physical quantity depends, then we can find a relation among
different factors by using principle of homogeneity.
Ex. Let us find an expression for the time period t of a simple pendulum. The time period t may possible
depend upon (i) mass m of the bob of the pendulum, (ii) length l of pendulum, (iii) acceleration due
to gravity g at the place where the pendulum is suspended.

Let (i) t  m  (ii) t   b (iii) t  g c

Combining all the three factors, we get

t  ma b g c or t  Km a  b g c  d
where K is a dimensioless constant of proportionality.
Writing down the dimensions on either side of equation (i), we get
[T] = [Ma][Lb][LT–2]c = [MaLb+cT–2c]
Comparing dimensions, a = 0, b + c = 0 , – 2c = 1
 a = 0, c = – 1/2, b = 1/2
1/ 2
 
From equation (i) t = Km01/2g–1/2 or t  K   K
g g
The value of K, as found by experiment or mathematical investigation, comes out to be 2.


 t  2
g
3.4 Limitations Of Dimensinonals Analysis :
(i) It supplies no information about dimensionless constants and the nature (vector and scaler)
of physical quantites.
(ii) This method fails to derive the exact form of a physical relation, if a physical quantity depends
upon more than three other physical quantities.
(iii) This method is applicable only in the case of power functions. It fails in the case of exponential
and trigonometric relations.

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 6]

Solved Example – 1
UNIT
01. If x = at + bt2, where x
is the distance travelled by the body in kilometre while t the time in seconds,
then the units of b are
(1) km/s (2) km-s (3) km/s2 (4) km-s2
Soln. (3) From the principle of dimensional homogenity [x] = [bt2] [x]  [bt2]

x
 [b]   2 
t 
 Unit of b = km/s2.

02. A suitable unit for gravitational constant is

(1) kg metre sec–1 (2) Newton metre–1
(3) Newton metre2kg–2 (4) Kg metre sec–1
Gm1m 2
Soln. (3) As F 
r2

Fr 2
 G 
m1m 2
Substituting the unit of above quantities unit of G = Newton metre2kg–2.
03. The unit of surface tension in SI system is
(1) Dyne/cm2 (2) Newton/m (3) Dyne/cm (4) Newton/m2

F
Soln. (2) From the formula of surface tension T 
l
By substituting the S.I. units of force and length,
we will get the unit of surface tension = Newton/m
04. The SI unit of universal gas constant (R) is
(1) Watt K–1mol–1 (2) Newton K–1mol–1
(3) Joule K–1mol–1 (4) Erg K–1mol–1
Soln. (3) Ideal gas equation PV = nRT

[P][V] [ML1T 2 ][L3 ]

 [R]  
[nT] [mole] [K]

[ML2 T 2 ]

[mole]  [K]
So the unit will be Joule K–1mol–1.

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 7]

 a 
05. The equation  P  2  (V – b) = constant. The units of a is
 V 
(1) Dyne × cm5 (2) Dyne × cm4 (3) Dyne × cm3 (4) Dyne × cm2

Soln. (2) According to the principle of dimensional homogenity

 a 
[P]   2 
V 
 [a] = [P] [V2] = [ML–1T–2][L6] = [ML5T–2]
or unit of a = gm × cm5 × sec–2 = Dyne × cm4
06. Unit of Stefan’s constant is
(1) Js –1 (2) Jm –2S–1K–4 (3) Jm –2 (4) Js

Q
Soln. (2) Stefan’s formula  T 4
At

Q
 
AtT 4

Joule
 Unit of   = Jm–2s–1K–4
m  sec K 4
2

 2ct   2 x 
07. The equation of the stationary wave is y = 2a sin   cos   , which of the following
     
statements is wrong

(1) The unit of ct is same as that of  (2) The unit of x is same as that of l
(3) The unit of 2c/ is same as that of 2x/t (4) The unit of c/ is same as that of x/

2 ct 2 x  2ct   2 x 
Soln. (4) Here, as well as are dimensionless (angle) i.e.      M0L0 T 0 ,So
       
(i) unit of c t is same as that of 

(ii) unit of x is same as that of 

 2 c   2 x 
(iii)       t  and
   

x c
(iv) is unit less. It is not the case with .
 

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 8]
DIMENSION
08. A force F is given by F = at + bt2, where t is time. What are the dimensions of a and b
(1) MLT–3 and ML2T–4 (2) MLT–3 and MLT–4
(3) MLT–1 and MLT0 (4) MLT–4 and MLT1
Soln. (2) From the principle of dimensional homogenity [F] = [at]

2
F   MLT 
 [a]  
 t   T   [MLT 3 ]
   

Similarly [F] = [bt2]

 F   MLT 2 
 [b]   2  = [MLT–4].
 t   T 2 

 v0   t
09. The position of a particle at time t is given by the relation x(t)    (1  c ), where v is a
0
  
constant and  > 0. The dimensions of v0 and  are respectively
(1) M0L1T–1 and T–1 (2) M0L1T0 and T–1
(3) M0L1T–1 and LT–2 (4) M0L1T–1 and T
Soln. (1) From the principle of dimensional homogeneity [ t] = dimensionless

 1 1
 []   t   [T ]
 

v 0 ]
Similarly [x] 
[]

 [v0] = [x] [] = [L] [T–1] = [LT–1] .

X
10. The dimensions of physical quantity X in the equation Force  is given by
Density
(1) M1L 4T–2 (2) M2L -2T–1 (3) M2L -2T–2 (4) M1L –2T–1
Soln. (3) [X] = [Force] × [Density]

= [MLT–2] × [ML–3] = [M2L–2T–2].

n2  n1
11. Number of particles is given by n  D x  x crossing a unit area perpendicular to X- axis in unit
2 1
time, where n1 and n2 are number of particles per unit volume for the value of x meant to x2 and
x1. Find dimensions of D called as diffusion constant
(1) M0LT 2 (2) M0L 2T-4 (3) M0LT –3 (4) M0L 2T–1

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 9]

No. of particle
Soln. (4) (n) = Number of particle passing from unit area in unit time =
At

[M0L0 T 0 ]
 = [L–2T–1]
[L2 ] [T]

[n1] = [n2] = No. of particle in unit volume = [L–3]

[n][x2  x1] [L2 T 1][L]

Now from the given formula [D]   = [L2T–1].
[n2  n1] [L3 ]

x 
12. The equation of a wave is given by Y = A sin    k  where  is the angular velocity and v is the
v 
linear velocity. The dimension of k is

(1) LT (2) T (3) T–1 (4) T2

x  L 
Soln. (2) According to principle of dimensional homogeneity [k]    =  1   [T] .
 v   LT 

A x
13. The potential energy of a particle varies with distance x from a fixed origin as U  , where
x2  B
A and B are dimensional constants then dimensional formula for AB is

(1) ML7/2T 2 (2) ML11/2T–2 (3) M2L9/2T–2 (4) ML13/2T–3

Soln. (2) From the dimensional homogeneity [x2] = [B]
 [B] = [L2]

[A][x1/ 2 ]
As well as U 
[x2 ]  [B]

2 2 [A][L1/ 2 ]
 [ML T ] 
[L2 ]

 [A]  [ML7 / 2 T 2 ]
Now [AB] = [ML7/2T–2] × [L2] = [ML11/2T–2]
14. You may not know integration. But using dimensional analysis you can check on some results. In
dx x 
the integral  2 1/ 2
 an sin1  1 the value of n is
(2ax  x ) a 

1
(1) 1 (2) –1 (3) 0 (4)
2
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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 10 ]
Soln. (3) Let x = length  [X] = [L] and [dx] = [L]

x 
By principle of dimensional homogeneity    dimensionless  [a]  [x]  [L]
a
[L]
By substituting dimension of each quantity in both sides: 2 2 1/ 2
 [Ln ]  n = 0
[L  L ]
1
15. The dimensions of  E2 ( 0 = permittivity of free space ; E = electric field ) is
2 0
(1) MLT–1 (2) ML 2 T 2 (3) ML 1 T 2 (4) ML2T–1
1 Energy
Soln. (3) Energy density = 0E2 
2 Volume

 ML2 T 2  1 2
 3   [ML T ]
 L 

1
16. Dimensions of   , where symbols have their usual meaning, are
0 0
(1) [LT–1] (2) [L–1T] (3) [L–2T2] (4) [L2T–2]
1
Soln. (4) We know that velocity of light C  0  0

1 2
   C
0 0

 1  1 2
 So    [LT ] = [L2T–2].
 
 0 0
17. If L, C and R denote the inductance, capacitance and resistance respectively, the dimensional
formula for C2LR is

(1) [ML–2T–1I0] (2) [M0L0T3I0] (3) [M–1L–2T6I2] (4) [M0L0T2I0]

 2 2 R  2  R 
Soln. (2) [C2LR] = C L  = (LC)   
 L   L 

1 1
and we know that frequency of LC circuits is given by f  i.e., the dimension of LC is
2 LC

L  L
equal to [T2] and   gives the time constant of L – R circuit so the dimension of is equal to [T].
R  R

 2  R  2 2 1 3
By substituting the above dimensions in the given formula (LC)     [T ] [T ]  [T ] .
  L 

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 11 ]
18. Which relation is wrong
(1) 1 Calorie = 4.18 Joules (2) 1Å =10–10 m
(3) 1 MeV = 1.6 × 10–13 Joules (4) 1 Newton =10–5 Dynes
Soln. (4) Because 1 Newton = 105 Dyne.
19. In C.G.S. system the magnitude of the force is 100 dynes. In another system where the fundamental
physical quantities are kilogram, metre and minute, the magnitude of the force is
(1) 0.036 (2) 0.36 (3) 3.6 (4) 36
n
Sol . (3) n1 = 100, M1 = g, L1 = cm, T1 = sec and M2 = kg, L2 = meter, T2 = minute, x = 1, y = 1, z = –2
x y 2
 M1   L1   T1 
By substituting these values in the following conversion formula n2  n1      
 M2   L 2   T2 

1 1 2
 gm   cm   sec 
n2  100      
 kg   meter   minute 

1
 gm   cm 1  sec  2
n2  100       = 3.6
 103 gm   102 cm   60 sec 

F L
20. To determine the Young’s modulus of a wire, the formula is Y  . ; where L = length, A= area
A l
of cross- section of the wire, L  Change in length of the wire when stretched with a force F. The
conversion factor to change it from CGS to MKS system is
(1) 1 (2) 10 (3) 0.1 (4) 0.01
n
Sol . (3) We know that the dimension of young’s modulus is [ML T ] –1 –2

C.G.S. unit : gm cm–1 sec–2 and M.K.S. unit : kg. m–1 sec–2 .
1 1 2 1 1 2
 M1   L1   T1   gm   cm   sec 
By using the conversion formula: n2  n1            sec 
 M2   L 2   T2   kg   meter   

11 2
n2  gm   cm   sec  1
 Conversion factor        =  0.1
3 2
n1  10 gm   10 cm   sec  10
21. Conversion of 1 MW power on a new system having basic units of mass, length and time as 10kg,
1dm and 1 minute respectively is
(1) 2.16 × 1012 unit (2) 1.26 × 1012 unit (3) 2.16 × 1010 unit (4) 2 × 1014 unit
Soln. (1) [P] = [ML2T–3]
x y z 1
3 2
 M1   L1   T1  6  1kg   1m   1s 
n
Using the relation 2  n1       1 10  10 kg   1dm   1min  [As 1MW =
 M2   L 2   T2       
6
10 W]
2 3
 1kg   10dm   1sec 
6
 10      = 2.16 × 1012 unit
 10kg   1dm   60sec 
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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 12 ]

1
22. If the present units of length, time and mass (m, s, kg) are changed to 100m, 100s, and kg
10
then
(1) The new unit of velocity is increased 10 times

1
(2) The new unit of force is decreased times
1000
(3) The new unit of energy is increased 10 times
(4) The new unit of pressure is increased 1000 times

100m m
Soln. (2) Unit of velocity = m/sec ; in new system =  (same)
100sec sec

kg  m 1 100m 1 kg  m
Unit of force  ; in new system  10 kg  100 sec  100 sec 
sec 2 1000 sec2

kg  m2 1 100m  100m  kg  m2
Unit of energy  ; in new system  10 kg  100 sec  100 sec 
sec 2 10 sec 2

kg 1 1 1 7 kg
Unit of pressure  ; in new system  10 kg  100 m  100 sec  100sec  10
2
m  sec m  sec2
23. Suppose we employ a system in which the unit of mass equals 100 kg, the unit of length equals 1
km and the unit of time 100 s and call the unit of energy eluoj (joule written in reverse order), then
(1) 1 eluoj = 104 joule (2) 1 eluoj = 10–3 joule
(3) 1 eluoj = 10–4 joule (4) 1 joule = 103 eluoj
Soln. (1) [E] = [ML2T–2]
1 eluoj = [100 kg] × [1km]2 × [100sec]–2
= 100kg × 106 m2 × 10–4 sec–2
= 104 kg m2 × sec–2 = 104 joule
24. If 1gm cms–1 = x Ns, then number x is equivalent to
(1) 1 × 10–1 (2) 3 × 10–2 (3) 6 × 10–4 (4) 1 × 10–5
Soln. (4) gm – cm s–1 = 10–3 kg × 10–2 m × s–1
= 10–5 kg × m × s–1
= 10–5 Ns

2
25. In two systems of relations among velocity, acceleration and force are respectively v 2  v,
 1
F1
a2 = a1 and F2  . If  and  are constants then relations among mass, length and time in

two systems are
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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 13 ]

 2  3 T1 1 3 
(1) M2  M1,L 2  L1, T2  (2) M2  2
M ,L 
2 1 2 3
L1, T2  T1
 2     2

3 2  2  3
(3) M2  M1,L 2  L1, T2  T1 (4) M2  M1,L 2  L 1, T2  T1
3 2  2 2 3

2 1 1 
2
Soln. (2) v 2  v1 [L T
 2 2 ]  [L T
1 1 ] …(i)
 

a2 = a1  [L 2 T22 ]  [L1T12 ]  …(ii)

F1 2 2 1
and F2   [M2L 2 T2 ]  [M1L1T1 ]  …(iii)
 

M1 M1
Dividing equation (iii) by equation (ii) we get M2  ()   2 2
 B

3
Squaring equation (i) and dividing by equation (ii) we get L 2  L1
3


Dividing equation (i) by equation (ii) we get T2  T1
2
26. From the dimensional consideration, which of the following equation is correct

R3 T  2
GM GM R2
(1) T  2 (2) 3 (3) T  2 2 (4) T  2
GM R R GM

3
R 3  2 R  2  R
Soln. (1) T  2
GM gR2 g

Now by substituting the dimension of each quantity in both sides.

1/ 2
 L 
[T]    = [T]
 LT 2 
L.H.S. = R.H.S. i.e., the above formula is Correct.
27. A highly rigid cubical block A of small mass M and side L is fixed rigidly onto another cubical block
B of the same dimensions and of low modulus of rigidity  such that the lower face of A completely
covers the upper face of B. The lower face of B is rigidly held on a horizontal surface. A small force
F is applied perpendicular to one of the side faces of A. After the force is withdrawn block A
executes small oscillations. The time period of which is given by

M L ML M
(1) 2 (2) 2 (3) 2 (4) 2 
L M  L

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 14 ]
Soln. (4) Given m = mass = [M],  = coefficient of rigidity = [ML–1T–2, L = length = [L]
By substituting the dimension of these quantity we can check the accuracy of the given formulae
1/ 2 1/ 2
 [M]   M 
[T]  2   =  1 2  = [T].
 [][L]   ML T L 
L.H.S. = R.H.S. i.e., the above formula is Correct.
28. A small steel ball of radius r is allowed to fall under gravity through a column of a viscous liquid of
coefficient of viscosity. After some time the velocity of the ball attains a constant value known as
terminal velocity vT. The terminal velocity depends on (i) the mass of the ball. (ii)  (iii) r and (iv)
acceleration due to gravity g. which of the following relations is dimensionally correct

mg r mgr
(1) vT  (2) vT  (3) v T  rmg (4) v T 
r mg 
Soln. (1) Given vT = terminal velocity = [LT–1], m = Mass = [M], g = Acceleration due to gravity = [LT–
2]

r = Radius = [L],  = Coefficient of viscosity = []

By substituting the dimension of each quantity we can check the accuracy of given formula
mg
vT 
r

[M] [LT 2 ]
 [LT 1]  1 1
= [LT–1]
[ML T ][L]
L.H.S. = R.H.S. i.e., the above formula is Correct.
29. A dimensionally consistent relation for the volume V of a liquid of coefficient of viscosity  flowing
per second through a tube of radius r and length l and having a pressure difference p across its
end, is

pr4 V
l 8pl p
(1) V (2) 4 (3) V  4 (4) V 
8l 8pr r 8lr 4

Volume
Soln. (1) Given V = Rate of flow =  [L3 T 1] , P = Pressure = [ML–1T–2], r = Radius = [L]
sec
= Coefficient of viscosity = [ML–1T–1], l = Length = [L]

Pr 4
By substituting the dimension of each quantity we can check the accuracy of the formula V 
8l

3 1 [ML1T 2 ] [L4 ]
 [L T ]  = [L3T–1]
[ML1T 1][L]
L.H.S. = R.H.S. i.e., the above formula is Correct.

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 15 ]

1
30. With the usual notations, the following equation, s t  u  a(2t  1) is
2
(1) Only numerically correct
(2) Only dimensionally correct
(3) Both numerically and dimensionally correct
(4) Neither numerically nor dimensionally correct
1
Soln. (3) In fact St  u .1 a  2t  1 .1
2
Given St = distance travelled by the body in tth sec = [LT–1] , a = Acceleration = [LT–2],
v = velocity = [LT–1], t = time = [T]
By substituting the dimension of each quantity we can check the accuracy of the formula
1
St  u  a(2t  1)
2
L = [LT–1] [T] + [LT–2] [T] [T]
Since the dimension of each terms are equal therefore this equation is dimensionally correct. And
after deriving this equation from Kinematics we can also proof that this equation is correct
numerically also.
31. If velocity v, acceleration A and force F are chosen as fundamental quantities, then the dimensional
formula of angular momentum in terms of v, A and F would be
(1) FA–1 v (2) Fv3 A–2 (3) Fv2A–1 (4) F2v2A–1
Soln. (2) Given, v = velocity = [LT–1] , A = Acceleration = [LT–2], F = force = [MLT–2]
By substituting, the dimension of each quantity we can check the accuracy of the formula
[Angular momentum] = Fv3 A–2
[ML2T–1] = [MLT–2] [LT–1]3 [LT–2]–2
= [ML2T–1]
L.H.S. = R.H.S. i.e., the above formula is Correct.
32. The largest mass (m) that can be moved by a flowing river depends on velocity (v), density () of
river water and acceleration due to gravity (g). The correct relation is

2 v 4 v6 v4 v6

(1) m (2) m (3) m  (4) m 
g2 g2 g3 g3
Soln. (4) Given, m = mass = [M], v = velocity = [LT–1],  = density = [ML–3], g = acceleration due to
gravity = [LT–2]
By substituting, the dimension of each quantity we can check the accuracy of the formula

 v6
mK
g3

[ML3 ][LT 1]6

[M]  = [M]
[LT 2 ]3
L.H.S. = R.H.S. i.e., the above formula is Correct.

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 16 ]
33. If the velocity of light (3), gravitational constant (G) and Planck’s constant (h) are chosen as
fundamental units, then the dimensions of mass in new system is
(1) c1/2G1/2h1/2 (2) c1/2G1/2h–1/2 (3) c1/2G–1/2h1/2 (4) c–1/2G 1/2h1/2

Soln. (3) Let m  c x Gy hz or m = K cx Gy hz

By substituting the dimension of each quantity in both sides
[M1L0T0] = K[LT–1]x[M-1L3T –2]y [ML2T–1]z
= [M–y+zLx+3y+2zT–x–2y–z]
By equating the power of M, L and T in both sides : –y + z = 1, x + 3y + 2z = 0, –x – 2y – z = 0

1
By solving above three equations x= , y = –1/2 and z = 1/2.
2

 m  c1/ 2G1/ 2h1/ 2

34. If the time period (T) of vibration of a liquid drop depends on surface tension (S), radius (r) of the
drop and density () of the liquid, then the expression of T is

(1) T  K r3 / S (2) T  K 1/ 2r 3 / S (3) T  K r 3 / S1/ 2 (4) None of these

Soln. (1) Let T  S x r y z or T = K Sxryz

By substituting the dimension of each quantity in both sides
[M0L0T1] = K[MT–2]x [L]y [ML–3]z = [Mx+z Ly–3zT–2x]
By equating the power of M, L and T in both sides x + z = 0, y – 3z = 0, –2x = 1
By solving above three equations  x = –1/2, y = 3/2, z = 1/2
So the time period can be given as,

r 3
T  K S 1/ 2r3 / 21/ 2  K .
S
35. If P represents radiation pressure, C represents speed of light and Q represents radiation energy
striking a unit area per second, then non-zero integers x, y and z such that PxQyCz is dimensionless,
are
(1) x = 1, y = 1, z = –1 (2) x = 1, y = –1, z = 1
(3) x = –1, y = 1, z = 1 (4) x = 1, y = 1, z = 1
Soln. (2) [Px Qy Cz] = M0 L0 T0
By substituting the dimension of each quantity in the given expression
[ML–1T –2]x[MT–3]y [LT–1]z
= [Mx+y L–x+z T–2x–3y–z]
= M0 L0 T0
by equating the power of M, L and T in both sides: x + y = 0, –x + z = 0, and –2x – 3y – z = 0
by solving we get x = 1, y = –1, z = 1.

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 17 ]
36. The volume V of water passing through a point of a uniform tube during t seconds is related to the
cross-sectional area A of the tube and velocity u of water by the relation V  Au t  , which one of
the following will be true
(1)  (2)  (3)      (4)     
Soln. (2) Writing dimensions of both sides [L3] = [L2][LT–1][T][L3 T0] = [L2 T

By comparing powers of both sides and and 

1
Which give  and   (3  ) i.e.      .
2
37. If velocity (V), force (F) and energy (E) are taken as fundamental units, then dimensional formula
for mass will be
(1) V–2F0E (2) V0FE 2 (3) VF–2E0 (4) V–2F0E
Soln. (4) Let M = VaFbEc
Putting dimensions of each quantities in both side [M] = [LT–1]a [MLT–2]b[ML2T–2]c
Equating powers of dimensions. We have b + c = 1, a + b + 2c = 0 and –a – 2b – 2c = 0
Solving these equations, a = –2, b = 0 and c = 1
So M = [V–2F0E]
38. Given that the amplitude A of scattered light is :
(i) Directly proportional to the amplitude (A0) of incident light.
(ii) Directly proportional to the volume (V) of the scattering particle
(iii) Inversely proportional to the distance (r) from the scattered particle
(iv) Depend upon the wavelength () of the scattered light. then:
1 1 1 1
(1) A (2) A (3) A  (4) A 
2 3
   4
KA 0 V x
Soln. (2) Let A 
r
By substituting the dimension of each quantity in both sides
[L].[ L3 ] [Lx ]
 [ L] 
[L]
 [L] = [L3 + x]; 3 + x = 1 or x = –2
 A   2

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 18 ]

Daily Practice Paper-1

1. Number of base SI units is
(1) 4 (2) 7 (3) 3 (4) 5
2. Dimensions of potential energy are
(1) MLT –1 (2) ML 2T –2 (3) ML –1 T –2 (4) ML –1 T –1
3. Which of the two have same dimensions
(1) Force and strain (2) Force and stress
(3) Angular velocity and frequency (4) Energy and strain
4. Identify the pair whose dimensions are equal
(1) Torque and work (2) Stress and energy
(3) Force and stress (4) Force and work
5. A physical quantity x depends on quantities y and z as follows: x = Ay + Btan Cz, where A, B and
C are constants. Which of the following do not have the same dimensions
(1) x and B (2) C and z–1 (3) y and B/A (4) x and A
6. Two quantities A and B have different dimensions. Which mathematical operation given below is
physically meaningful
(1) A/B (2) A+B (3) A – B (4) None of these
7. The dimensions of universal gravitational constant are
(1) M–2 L2 T–2 (2) M–1 L3 T–2 (3) ML–1 T-2 (4) ML2 T–2
z
  k
8. In the relation P  e , P is pressure, z is distance , k is Boltzmann constant and  is

temperature. The dimensional formula of  will be
(1) [M0L 2T0 ] (2) [M1L 2T1 ] (3) [M1L 0T0 ] (4) [M0L 2T1 ]

9. If the acceleration due to gravity be taken as the unit of acceleration and the velocity generated in
a falling body in one second as the unit of velocity then
(1) The new unit of length is g metre (2) The new unit of length is 1 metre


(3) The new unit of length is g2 metre (4) The new unit of time is second
g
10. The frequency n of vibrations of uniform string of length l and stretched with a force F is given by
p F
n where p is the number of segments of the vibrating string and m is a constant of the
2l m
string. What are the dimensions of m
(1) ML–1 T– 1 (2) ML– 3 T0 (3) ML– 2 T0 (4) ML–1 T0

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 19 ]
11. Choose the wrong statement(s)
(1) A dimensionally correct equation may be correct
(2) A dimensionally correct equation may be correct
(3) A dimensionally incorrect equation may be correct
(4) A dimensionally incorrect equation may be incorrect
12. A certain body of mass M moves under the action of a conservative force with potential energy V

Kr
given by V  where x is the displacement and a is the amplitude. The units of K are
x  a 2'
2

(1) Watt (2) Joule (3) Joule-metre (4) None of these.

Answer Daily Practice Paper - 1

1. (2) 2. (2) 3. (3) 4. (1) 5. (4) 6. (1)
7. (2) 8. (1) 9. (1) 10. (4) 11. (3) 12. (3)

Note

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 20 ]

3.5 ACCURACY AND PRECISION OF MEASURING INSTRUMENTS : Measurement is essential

in everyday life and is the foundation of all experimental science and technology. The accuracy of
a measurement is a measure of how close the measured value is to the true value of the quantity
while. Precision tells us to what resolution or limit the quantity is measured.
For example, suppose the true value of a certain length is 3.678 cm. In one experiment, using a
measuring instrument of resolution 0.1 cm, the measured value is found to be 3.6 cm, while in
another experiment using a measuring device of greater resolution, say 0.01 cm, the length is
determined to be 3.67 cm. The first measurement has more accuracy (because it is closer to the
true value) but less precision (its resolution is only 0.1 cm), while the second measurement is less
accurate but more precise.
3.6 SIGNIFICANT FIGURES : The number of figures required to specify a given measurement are
called significant figures. Though the last digit of the measurement is always doubtful, yet it is
included in the number of significant figures. As an example if we measure the length of an object
as 5.46 cm, then it has 3 significant figures.
3.6.1 Rules for Calculating Significant Figures :
(1) All non-zero digits are significant. Example : 462 contains three significant digits.
(2) All zeroes occuring in between two non -zero digits are significant no matter where the decimal
point is. Example : 42.0042 has six significant figures.
(3) Whenever there is no decimal, the concluding zeroes all zeroes to the right of the right most
non-zero digit are non-significant. Example : 126000, 1260 and 12600 all have only 3 significant
figures.
(4) All zeroes appearing after the last non - zero digit on right side of a decimal point are significant
(i.e. in case of experimental data). Example : The number 123.000 has six significant figures.
(5) For numbers having absolute value less than 1, all zeroes lying in between a decimal point
and the first non-zero digit on the right side of it are non-significant. Example : The number
0.00235 has only three significant figures. It is also important to note that :
(i) The powers of 10 do not influence the accuracy of the measurement. For Ex. 200 m, 2 × 102
m, 2 ×104 cm are all equivalent and each of there has 3 significant figures. It also shows that
choice of different units does not change the number of significant digits.
(ii) Greater the number of significant figures in a measurement, smaller is the percentage error.
(iii) For rounding off significant figures, if the succeeding figure is greater than 5 then the figure is
increased by 1 else it is left unchanged. However, if the succeeding figure is 5 itself then the
figure is raised by 1 if it is odd and left unchanged if it is even.
3.6.2 Signifiation Figures in Algebraic Operations : In addition or subtraction the final result contains
as many decimal places as are there in the number with the least decimal place
Example : Suppose we have to find the sum of numbers 420.42 m, 420.4 m and 0.402 m by
arithmetic addition
420.42
420.4
0.402
________________

441.222

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 21 ]
But the least precise measurement 420.4 m is correct to only one decimal place. So final answer
will be 841.2 m.
In multiplication or division, the number of significant digits in the final result should be equal to the
number of significant digits in the quantity, which has minimum number of significant digits.
Example : If mass of an object is measured is 4.242 g (four significant digit) and its volume is
measured to be 4.20 cm3 (three significant digit), then its
density = mass/volume = 4.242/4.20 = 1.01
Here Answer should be up to three significant digits hence answer is 1.01.
3.7 ERRORS
The uncertainty in a measurement is called ‘error’. It is difference between the measured and the
true values of a physical quantity. There are three ways of expressing an error :
(i) absolute error
(ii) relative error
(iii) percentage error.
Consider a physical quantity measured by taking repeated number of observations say
x1, x2, x3, x4 .................. . If  x  or x be the average value of the measurement, then error in the
respective measurement is

x1  x1  x

x 2  x 2  x
.....................
.....................

x  x experimental value  x true value

If we take the arithmetic mean of all absolute errors, we get the final absolute error Xmean. When
arithmetic mean is taken, only the magnitudes of the absolute errors are taken into account.

| x1 |  | x 2 | ........  | x n | 1 n
x mean    | x i |
n n i 1
If follows from the above discussion that any single measurement of X has to be such that

x mean  x mean  x  x mean  x mean

x mean
Relative error =
x mean

x mean
Percentage error = 100
x mean

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 22 ]
Ex. The successive measurements of time period of a simple pendulum in a simple pendulum
experiment come out to be 2.63 s, 2.56 s, 2.42 s, 2.71 s and 2.80 s. (i) What is the mean period of
oscillation of the pendulum? (ii) What is the arithmetic mean of all the absolute errors? (iii) Calculate
the percentage error.
Soln. (i) Mean period of oscillation of the simple pendulum is given by

2.63  2.56  2.42  2.71  2.80 13.12

T s s  2. 624 s
5 5
Since the given measurements are expressed to the second decimal therefore the mean period
should also be expressed to the second decimal only.
 Mean period = 2.62 s
(ii) The absolute errors in the measurements are :
2.62 s – 2.63 s = – 0.01 s ; 2.62 s – 2.56 s = + 0.06 s
2.62 s – 2.42 s = + 0.20 s ; 2.62 s – 2.71 s = – 0.09 s
and 2.62 s – 2.80 s = – 0.18 s

0.01  0.06  0.20  0. 09  0.18 0.54

Tmean    0. 11 s
5 5
(iii) So, the period of oscillation of the simple pendulum is (2.62 ± 0.11)s i.e., it lies between
(2.62 + 0.11) s and (2.62 – 0.11) s or beween 2.73 s and 2.51 s. As the arithmetic mean of all
the absolute errors is 0.11 s, there is already an error in the tenth of a second. So, here is no
point in given the period to a hundredth. A more correct way will be to write
T = 2.6 ± 0.1 s
Note that the last numeral 6 is unreliable. It may be anything between 5 and 7. We indicated
this by saying that the measurement has two significant figures. In this case, the two significant
figures are 2, which is reliable and 6, which has an error associated with it. Percentage error

0.1
  100  4
2.6
3.8 PROPAGATION OF ERRORS
3.8.1. In case of Addition and subtraction
If x  A  B,
then x  A  B
i.e. for both addition and subtraction the absolute errors are added up. The percentage of error in
the value of x is

 A  B 
Percentage error in value of x   A  B   100%
 
Ex. Two resistances R1 = 100 ± 3 ohm and R2 = 200 ± 4 ohm are connected in series. Find the
equivalent resistance of the series combination.
Soln. The equivalent resistance
R = R1 + R2 = (100 ± 3) ohm + (200 ± 4) ohm
= 300 ± 7 ohm
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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 23 ]
Ex. The initial and final temperatures of liquid in a container are observed to be 76.3 ± 0.4°C and
67.7 ± 0.3°C. Determine the fall in the temperature of the liquid.
Soln. Fall in temperature = (76.3 ± 0.4°C) – (67.7 ± 0.3°C) = 8.6 ± 0.7°C
3.8.2. In case of Multiplication and Division
A
If y = AB or y
B
then,
y A B
 
y A B

y A B
  100%   100%   100%
y A B

 Percentage error in = Percentage error + Percentage error in

value of y in value of A value of B
Ex. A capacitor of capacitance C = 2.0 ± 0.1 F is charged to a voltage V = 20 ± 0.2 volt. What will be
the charge Q on the capacitor? Use Q = CV.
n
Sol . If we omit all errors, then
Q = CV = 2.0 × 10–6 × 20 coulmb = 40 × 10–6 coulomb
Error in C = 0.1 part in 2 = 1 part in 20 = 5%
Error in V = 0.2 part in 20 = 2 part in 200 = 1 part in 100 = 1%
Error in Q = 5% + 1% = 6%
 charge, Q = 40 × 10–6 ± 6% coulomb = (40 ± 2.4) × 10–6 coulomb
Ex. The resistance R = V/I, where V = (100 ± 5) V and I = (10 ± 0.2)A. Find the percentage error in R.
Soln. The percentage error in V is 5% and in I it is 2%. The total error in R would therefore be 5% + 2% =
7%
3.8.3. In case of Power functions
A Bm
If y k then,
Cn

y  A   B   C 
    m B   n C 
y  A     

 Percentage error   Percentage error   Percentage error   Percentage error 

     m   n 
 in value of y   in value of A   in value of B   in value of C 
It is important to note that :
(1) The error in a measurement is always equal to the least count of the measuring instrument.
(2) Errors never propagate in case of constants
Ex. A physical quantity P is related to four observably a, b, c and d as follows :

a 3b2
P
cd

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 24 ]
The percentage errors of measurement in a, b, c and d are 1%, 3%, 4% and 2% respectively.
What is the percentage error in the quantity P? If the value of P calculated using the above relation
turns out to be 3.763, to what value should you round off the result?

a 3b 2
Soln. P
cd

P a b 1  c  d
3 2  
P a b 2 c d
a 1 b 3 c 4 d 2
But  ,  ,  , 
a 100 b 100 c 100 d 100
P 1 3 1 4 2
  3  2   
P 100 100 2 100 100
% error in P = 3% + 6% + 2% + 2% = 13 %
3.763 should be rounded off to 3.8.

Solved examples–2
39. Each side a cube is measured to be 7.203 m. The volume of the cube up to appropriate significant
figures is
(1) 373.714 (2) 373.71 (3) 373.7 (4) 373
Soln. (3) Volume = a3 = (7.023)3 = 373.715 m3
In significant figures volume of cube will be 373.7 m3 because its side has four significant figures.
40. The number of significant figures in 0.007 m2 is
(1) 1 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 4
Soln. (1)
41. The length, breadth and thickness of a block are measured as 125.5 cm, 5.0 cm and 0.32 cm
respectively. Which one of the following measurements is most accurate
(1) Length (2) Breadth (3) Thickness (4) Height
Soln. (1) Relative error in measurement of length is minimum, so this measurement is most accurate.
42. The mass of a box is 2.3 kg. Two marbles of masses 2.15 g and 12.39 g are added to it. The total
mass of the box to the correct number of significant figures is
(1) 2.340 kg (2) 2.3145 kg. (3) 2.3 kg (4) 2.31 kg
Soln. (3) Total mass = 2.3 + 0.00215 + 0.01239 = 2.31 kg
Total mass in appropriate significant figures be 2.3 kg.
43. The length of a rectangular sheet is 1.5 cm and breadth is 1.203 cm. The area of the face of
rectangular sheet to the correct no. of significant figures is :
(1) 1.8045 cm2 (2) 1.804 cm2 (3) 1.805 cm2 (4) 1.8 cm2
Soln. (4) Area = 1.5 × 1.203 = 1.8045 cm2 = 1.8 cm2 (Upto correct number of significant figure).
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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 25 ]
44. Each side of a cube is measured to be 5.402 cm. The total surface area and the volume of the
cube in appropriate significant figures are :
(1) 175.1 cm2, 157 cm2 (2) 175.1 cm2 , 157.6 cm3
(3) 175 cm2, 157 cm2 (4) 175.08 cm2, 157.639 cm3
Soln. (2) Total surface area = 6 × (5.402)2 = 175.09 cm2 = 175.1 cm2 (Upto correct number of significant
figure)
Total volume =(5.402)3 = 175.64 cm3 = 175.6 cm3 (Upto correct number of significant figure).
45. Taking into account the significant figures, what is the value of 9.99 m + 0.0099 m
(1) 10.00 m (2) 10 m (3) 9.9999 m (4) 10.0 m
n
Sol . (1) 9.99m + 0.0099 m = 9.999m = 10.00m (In proper significant figures).
46. The value of the multiplication 3.124 × 4.576 correct to three significant figures is
(1) 14.295 (2) 14.3 (3) 14.295424 (4) 14.305
Soln. (2) 3.124 × 4.576 = 14.295 = 14.3 (Correct to three significant figures).
47. The number of the significant figures in 11.118 × 10–6V is
(1) 3 (2) 4 (3) 5 (4) 6
n –6
Sol . (3) The number of significant figure is 5 as 10 does not affect this number.
48. If the value of resistance is 10.845 ohms and the value of current is 3.23 amperes, the potential
difference is 35.02935 volts. Its value in significant number would be
(1) 35 V (2) 35.0 V (3) 35.03 V (4) 35.025 V
n
Sol . (2) Value of current (3.23 A) has minimum significant figure (3) so the value of potential difference
V (= IR) have only 3 significant figure. Hence its value be 35.0 V.
49. A physical parameter a can be determined by measuring the parameters b, c, d and e using the
relation a = bc/de. If the maximum errors in the measurement of b, c, d and e are b1%, c1%,
d1% and e1%, then the maximum error in the value of a determined by the experiment is
(1) (b1 + c1 + d1 + e1)% (2) (b1 + c1 – d1 – e1)%
(3) (b1 + c1 – d1 – e1)% (4) (b1 + c1 + d1 + e1)%
n  
Sol . (4) a = b c / d e  

So maximum error in a is given by

 a  b c d e
  100    .  100   .  100   .  100   .  100
 a max b c d e
= (b1 + c1 + d1 + e1)%
50. The pressure on a square plate is measured by measuring the force on the plate and the length of
the sides of the plate. If the maximum error in the measurement of force and length are respectively
4% and 2%, The maximum error in the measurement of pressure is
(1) 1% (2) 2% (3) 6% (4) 8%
F F
Soln. (4) P  , so maximum error in pressure (P)
A l2

 P  F l
  100    100  2  100
 P max F l
= 4% + 2 × 2% = 8%
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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 26 ]
51. The relative density of material of a body is found by weighing it first in air and then in water. If the
weight in air is (5.00 0.05 ) Newton and weight in water is (4.00 0.05 ) Newton. Then the relative
density along with the maximum permissible percentage error is
(1) 5.0  11% (2) 5.0  1% (3) 5.0  6% (4) 1.25  5%
Soln. (1) Weight in air = (5.00  0.05) N
Weight in water = (4.00  0.05) N
Loss of weight in water = (1.00  0.1) N

weight inair 5.00  0.05

Now relative density  weight loss in water i.e. R . D 
1.00  0.1

5.00  0.05 0.1 

Now relative density with max permissible error      100
1.00  5.00 1.00 

 5.0  (1  10)%  5.0  11%

V
52. The resistance R = where V = 100  5 volts and i = 10  0.2 amperes. What is the total error
i
in R

5
(1) 5% (2) 7% (3) 5.2% (4) %
2

V  R  V I
Soln. (2) R   R  100   V  100  I  100
I  max

5 0.2
  100   100 = (5 +2)% = 7%
100 10
53. The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum in the experiment is recorded as 2.63 s, 2.56 s, 2.42
s, 2.71 s and 2.80 s respectively. The average absolute error is
(1) 0.1 s (2) 0.11 s (3) 0.01 s (4) 1.0 s

2.63  2.56  2.42  2.71  2.80

Soln. (2) Average value  = 2.62 sec
5
Now | T1| = 2.63 – 2.62 = 0.01
| T2| = 2.62 – 2.56 = 0.06
| T3| = 2.62 – 2.42 = 0.20
| T4| = 2.71 – 2.62 = 0.09
| T5| = 2.80 – 2.62 = 0.18

| T1 |  | T2 |  | T3 |  | T4 |  | T5 |

Mean absolute error T 
5

0.54
 = 0.108 = 0.11sec
5
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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 27 ]
54. The length of a cylinder is measured with a meter rod having least count 0.1 cm. Its diameter is
measured with Vernier Callipers 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 value of the volume will be
(1) 1% (2) 2% (3) 3% (4) 4%
Soln. (3) Volume of cylinder V = r2l

V 2r l
Percentage error in volume  100   100   100
V r l

 0.01 0.1 
 2   100   100  = (1 + 2)% = 3%
 2.0 5.0 
55. According to Joule’s law of heating, heat produced H = I2Rt, where I is current, R is resistance
and t is time. If the errors in the measurement of I, R and t are 3%, 4% and 6% respectively then
error in the measurement of H is
(1) 17% (2) 16% (3) 19% (4) 25%
Soln. (2) H = I2R t

H  2I R t 
  100       100
H  I R t 
= (2 × 3 + 4 + 6)% = 16%
56. If there is a positive error of 50% in the measurement of velocity of a body, then the error in the
measurement of kinetic energy is
(1) 25% (2) 50% (3) 100% (4) 125%

1
Soln. (3) Kinetic energy E  mv 2
2

E  m 2v 
  100      100
E  m v 

v E
Here m = 0 and  100  50%   100  2  50  100%
v E
1
A 3B 2
57. A physical quantity P is given by P = 3 . The quantity which brings in the maximum percentage
C4D 2
error in P is
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
Soln. (3) Quantity C has maximum power. So it brings maximum error in P.

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 28 ]

Daily Practice Paper–2

l
1. The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is given by T  2 where l is about 100 cm and
g
is known to 1mm accuracy. The period is about 2s. The time of 100 oscillations is measured by a
stop watch of least count 0.1 s. The percentage error in g is
(1) 0.1% (2) 1% (3) 0.2% (4) 0.8%
2. The percentage errors in the measurement of mass and speed are 2% and 3% respectively. How
much will be the maximum error in the estimation of the kinetic energy obtained by measuring
mass and speed
(1) 11% (2) 8% (3) 5% (4) 1%
3. The mean time period of second’s pendulum is 2.00s and mean absolute error on the time period
is 0.05s. To express maximum estimate of error, the time period should be written as
(1) (2.00 ± 0.01) s (2) (2.00 +0.025) s (3) (2.00 ± 0.05) s (4) (2.00 ± 0.10) s
4. The decimal equivalent of 1/20 upto three significant figures is
(1) 0.0500 (2) 0.05000 (3) 0.0050 (4) 5.0 × 10-2

Answer Daily Practice Paper - 2

1. (3) 2. (2) 3. (3) 4. (1)

Note

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 29 ]
3.9 MEASURING INSTRUMENTS AND LEAST COUNT
The error in the measurement by an instrument is equal to least count of the instrument.
For example, a meter scale has smallest division 1 mm. This represents the least count or the
absolute error in the measurement.
Let a length measured by the meter scale = 56.0 cm
This implies that x = 56.0 cm
Absolute error x = 1 mm = 0.1 cm
x 0.1
Relative error in the measurement = 
x 56.0
3.9.1 Vernier Callipers
It consists of two scales viz main scale and vernier scale. Vernier scales moves on the main
scale. The least count of the instrument is the smallest distance between two consecvtive
divisions and it is equal to 1 MSD – 1 VSD.
In general 10 divisions of main scale is equal to 9 divisions (9 mm) of main scale so that 1
MSD = 0.1 cm and 1 VSD = 0.09 cm

Movable Jaws
Fixed Jaws C D S
Screw
Main Scale
0 1 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 E

P Metallic
strip
Vernier Scale

A B

Sphere
Least count = 1 MSD – 1 VSD = 0.01 cm = 0.1 mm
For the commonly used instruments, least counts are given below :
Least count of Vernier callipers = 1 MSD – 1 VSD
3.9.2 Zero Error : When the two jaws A and B of the instrument are brought together to touch
each other, then it may happen that the zero of the vernier scale does not concide with the
zero of the main scale. This defect in the instrument is called the zero error.

0 1 2 3

0 5 10

Positive Zero Error

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 30 ]

Solved Example – 3
58. A Vernier calipers has 1 mm marks on the main scale. It has 20 equal divisions on the Vernier
scale which match with 16 main scale divisions. For this Vernier calipers, the least count is
(1) 0.02 mm (2) 0.05 mm (3) 0.1 mm (4) 0.2 mm
Soln. L.C. = 1 MSD – 1VSD
20 VSD = 16 MSD

16 4
 1VSD   MSD
20 5

 4 1
 L.C.   1   MSD  MSD
 5 5

1mm
  0.2 mm
5
59. The sides of the qube is measured with the Vernier Calliper . One division of main scale is 1 mm
and ten division of vernier scale coincide with nine division of main scale .Find the side if main
scale reads 10mm and first division of vernier scale coincides with the main scale.
Soln. Least count of vernier calliper

1 division of main scale 1

   0.1 mm
number of divisions in vernier scale 10
The sides of cube = 10 mm + 1 .( 0.1 ) mm =1.01 cm
60. In an instrument, the angles are required to be measured using an instrument. 29th division of the
main scale exactly coincides with the 30th division of the vernier scale. If the smallest division of
the main scale is half-a-degree (= 0.5°), then the least count of the instrument is
(1) half degree (2) one degree (3) half minute (4) one minute
n
Sol . 30 V.S.D. = 29 MSD

29
 1 VSD  MSD
30
L.C. = 1 MSD – 1 VSD

29 1
 1 
30 30

1 1 1
MSD     1min
30 2 60

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 31 ]

Daily Practice Paper - 3

01. The main scale of a Vernier calliper has 0.5 mm mark and 16 main scale division coincide
with 20 Vernier scale division cm. Then least count is
(1) 0.2 mm (2) 1 mm (3) 1mm (4) 0.01 mm
02. The main scale of a Vernier calliper has 100 division/ cm. 100 divisions of the Vernier scale
coincide with 99 divisions of main scale. The least count of the vernier calliper is
(1) 0.01 mm (2) 0.1 mm (3) 0.001 mm (4) 1 mm
03. The main scale of a Vernier calliper has 50 division/ cm.50 divisions of the Vernier scale coin-
cide with 49 divisions of main scale. The least count of the vernier calliper is
(1) 0.02 mm (2) 0.002 mm (3) 0.004 mm (4) 0.04 mm
04. The main scale of a Vernier calliper has n division/ cm. n divisions of the Vernier scalec oinc ide
with (n - 1) divisions of main scale. The least count of the vernier calliper is

(1) 1/(n + 1) ( n -1) cm (2) 1/n cm

2
(3) 1/ n cm (4) 1/n(n + 1) cm
05. In a slide calliper , ( m + 1 ) number of Vernier divisions is equal to m number of smallest main
scale divisions . If d unit is the magnitude of the smallest main scale division, then the
magnitude of the Vernier constant
(1) d/(m + 1 ) (2) d / m
(3) md / (m + 1) unit (4) (m + 1) d / m unit
06. The length of a strip measured with a metre rod is 10.0 cm. Its width measured with a vernier
calipers is1.00 cm. The least count of the metre rod is 0.1 cm and that of vernier calipers 0.01
cm. What will be error in its area?
(1) +13% (2) +7% (3) +4% (4) +2%

Answer Daily Practice Paper - 3

1. (3) 2. (3) 3. (3) 4. (3) 5. (3)
6. (4)

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 32 ]

3.10 Screw Gauge

It contains a main scale and a circular scale. The circular scale is divided into a number of
divisions. In other words, the complete rotation of circular scale is divided into a number of
parts. The least count of a screw gauge is pitch/no. of circular scale divisions.

Stud Wire Screw Nut Refrence Line

Main Scale
A B S N
H
E
5 K Ratchet

O
Stud R
Stem Circular Scale Thimble

M
U frame

If reading on main scale is 5 cm (say) and reading on circular scale is 25 divisions, then the
reading is 5 cm + 25 × least count.
Pitch
Least count of spherometer and Screw Gauge =
No. of CSD

Zero Error (e) : When the two studs of the screw gauge are brought in contact without
applying any under pressure and if the zero of the circular scale does not concides with the
refrance line then there is a zero error.
(A) (i) Positive zero error : If the refrence line is above the zero of the circular scale, then
there is positive zero error.

Circular scale

5
0
0

Reference Line

Positive Zero Error

(ii) Calculation of zero error : If the zero of the circular scale lies N division below the
refrence line, then the magnitude of the positive error is e = + (N × LC)

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 33 ]
(iii) Zero correction for the positive zero error : correction is negative which means
C = – e = – (N × LC)
(iv) The true reading is
Rt = R0 + C
= R0 – e
= R0 – (N × LC)
where R0 is the observed reading
(B) (i) Negative zero error : If the refrence line is below the zero of the circular scale, then
there is negative zero error.
Circular scale

45

Reference Line

Negative Zero Error

(ii) Calculation of zero error : If the zero of the circular scale lies N divisions above the
refrence line, then the magnitude of negative error is
e = – (N × LC)
(iii) Zero correction for the negtive zero error : Correction is positive which means
C = – e = – (– N × LC)
C = (N × LC)
(iv) The true reading is Rt = R0 + C
= R0 – (– e)
= R0 + (N × LC) , where R0 is the observed reading
(C) If with the wire between plane faces A and B, the edge of the cap lies ahead of Nth division
of linear scale.
Then, linear scale reading (L.S.R.) = N.
If nth division of circular scale lies over reference line.
Then, circular scale reading (C.S.R.) = n × (L.C.) (L.C. is least count of screw gauge)
Total reading (T.R.) = L.S.R. + C.S.R. = N + n × (L.C.).

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 34 ]

Solved Example – 4
61. A screw gauge gives the following reading when used to measure the diameter of a wire.
Main scale reading : 0 min
Circular scale reading : 52 divisions
Given that 1 mm on main scale corresponds to 100 divisions of the circular scale.
The diameter of wire from the above data is
(1) 0.52 cm (2) 0.052 cm (3) 0.026 cm (4) 0.005
n
Sol . Diameter = MSD + CSR + L.C.
1
 0  52   0.52 mm
100
= 0.052 cm
62. Two full turns of the circular scale of a screw gauge cover a distance of 1 mm on its main scale.
The total number of divisions on the circular scale is 50. Futher, it is found that the screw gauge
has a zero error of –0.03 mm. While measuring the diameter of a thin wire, a student notes the
main scale reading of 3 mm and the number of circular scale divisions in line with the main scale
as 35. The diameter of the wire is
(1) 3.38 mm (2) 3.32 mm (3) 3.73 mm (4) 3.67 mm
Soln. Pitch of screw gauge
Distance moved by screw

No. of rotations
Least count of screw guage
Pitch

No. of divisions on circular scale
0.5 mm
  0.01mm
50
Observed diameter of wire = 3 mm + 35 × 0.01 mm = 3.35 mm
Correct diameter of wire = 3.35 mm + 0.03 mm = 3.38 mm
63. The circular division of shown screw gauge are 50. It moves 0.5 mm on main scale in one rotation.
The diameter of the ball is

2
0 0 25

(1) 1.20 mm (2) 2.20 mm (3) 1.25 mm (4) 2.25 mm

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 35 ]
n
Sol . Pitch of screw gauge = 0.5 mm
Least count of screw gauge

Pitch

No. of circular scale divisions

0.5 mm
  0.01mm
50
Diameter of ball = Main scale reading + Circular scale division coinciding with reference line ×
L.C.
64. The density of a solid ball is to be determined in an experiment. The diameter of the ball is measured
with a screw gauge, whose pitch is 0.5 mm and there are 50 divisions on the circular scale. The
reading on the main scale is 2.5 mm and that on the circular scale is 20 divisions. If the measured
mass of the ball has a relative error of 2% the relative percentage error in the density is
(1) 0.9% (2) 2.4% (3) 3.1% (4) 4.2%

0.5
Soln. L.C. of screw gauge  mm  0.01mm
50
Diameter of ball, d = MSD + CSR × LC
= 2.5 mm + 20 × 0.01 mm
= 2.70 mm

8M

Density of ball, 4 3
d
3

 m d
  100   100  3  100
 m d

0.01
 2%  3   100  3.1%
2.70

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 36 ]

Daily Practice Paper - 4

01. The pitch of a screw gauge is 0.5 mm. Its head scale contains 50 divisions. The least count
of the screw gauge is -
(1) 0.001 mm (2) 0.01 mm (3) 0.02 mm (4) 0.025 mm
02. The pitch of screw gauge is 0.5 mm and there are 50 division on the circular scale. In
measuring the thickness of a metal plate, there are five divisions on the pitch (or main) scale
and thirty fourth division coincides with the refrence line. The thickness of the metal plate is-
(1) 2.50 mm (2) 2.34 mm (3) 2.44 mm (4) 2.84 mm
03. The distance advanced by screw of a screw gauge is 2 mm in four rotation. Its cap is divided
into 50 divisions. The screw reads 3 divisions on the main scale and 32 divisions on the cap,
if there is no zero error then the diameter of wire is -
(1) 3.32 mm (2) 1.82 mm (3) 2.87 (4) 4.72
04. The pitch of a screw gauge is 1 mm and there are 100 divisions on the circular scale. While
measuring the diameter of a wire, the linear scale reads 1 mm & 47 th division on the circular
scale coincides with the reference line. The length of the wire is 5.6 cm. The curved surface
area (in cm2) of the wire in appropriate number of significant figures -
(1) 2.4 (2) 2.5 (3) 2.6 (4) 2.7
05. Zero correction as per given figure of a standard screw gauge is -

1 2
0

(1) 0.002 cm (2) – 0.002 cm (3) – 0.003 cm (4) 0.003 cm

06. Two full turns of the circular scale of a screw gauge cover a distance of 1 mm on its main
scale. The total number of division on the circular scale is 50. Further it is found that the
screw gauge has a zero error of – 0.03 mm. While measuring the diameter of a thin wire, a
student notes the main scale reading of 3 mm and the number of circular scale divisions in
line with the main scale as 35. The diameter of the wire is -
(1) 3.73 mm (2) 3.67 mm (3) 3.38 mm (4) 3.32 mm
PROBLEMS BA SED ON ZERO CORRECTION
07. The pitch of a screw gauge is 1 mm and there are 100 divisions on its circular scale. When
nothing is put in between its jaws, the zero of the circular scale lies 4 divisions below the
refrence line when a steel wire is placed between the jaws, two main scale divisions are
clearly visible and 67 division on the circular scale are observed. The diameter of the wire
is -
(1) 2.67 mm (2) 2.04 mm (3) 2.71 mm (4) 2.63 mm
08. The pitch of a screw gauge is 1 mm and there are 100 divisions on the cap. When nothing
is placed in between its jaws, it reads – 5 divisions. When a wire is held there, the reading
on the main scale is 2 mm and 69 division on its cap. If the length of wire is 20 cm, the
volume in mm3 will be -
(1) 2.74 × 103 (2) 2.69 × 103 (3) 1.18 × 103 (4) 1.88 × 103

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 UNIT & DIMENSIONS [ 37 ]
09. The pitch of a screw gauge is 1 mm and there are 50 divisions on its cap. When nothing is
put in between the studs, 44th division of the circular scale coincides with the refrence line.
When a glass plate is placed between the studs, the main scale reads three divisions and
the circular scale reads 26 division. The thickness of the plate is -
(1) 3.52 mm (2) 3.12 mm (3) 3.64 mm (4) 3.40 mm
10. The main scale of a screw gauge reads in millimeter. The cap of the instrument is divided
into 100 equal parts. Find the diameter of a wire if no division on the main scale is completed
and the cap has been moved through 37 division, the zero being – 3 division -
(1) 1.40 mm (2) 1.34 mm (3) 0.34 mm (4) 0.40 mm
11. The pitch of a screw gauge is 0.5 mm and there are 100 divisions on it circular scale. The
instrument reads +2 divisions when nothing is put in between its jaws. In measuring the
diameter of wire, there are 8 divisions on the main scale and 83rd division coincides with the
refrence line -
(1) 4.425 mm (2) 8.425 mm (3) 4.405 mm (4) 8.425 mm
12. The pitch of a screw gauge is 0.5 mm and there are 50 divisions on circular scale. When
there is nothing between the two ends (studs) of screw gauge, 45th division of circular scale
is coinciding with screw gauge, and in this situation zero of main scale is not visible. When
a wire is placed between the studs, the linear scale reads 2 divisions and 20th division of
circular scale coincides with reference line. For this situation mark the correct statement(s)-
(1) Least count of the instrument is 0.01 mm
(2) Zero correction for the instrument is + 0.45 mm
(3) Thickness of wire is 1.65 mm
(4) All of the above
13. The following observations were made when a screw gauge was used to measure the
diameter of a wire.
1. Number of turns of the screw = 6
2. Distance through which the screw moved = 6 mm
3. Number of divisions on the head scale = 100
4. Mean of the zero correction = + 0.09 mm
5. Pitch scale reading = 2
6. Head scale reading = 42
What is the diameter of the wire ?
(1) 2.42 mm (2) 2.51 mm (3) 2.33 mm (4) 2.46 mm

Answer Daily Practice Paper - 4

1. (2) 2. (4) 3. (2) 4. (3) 5. (3)
6. (3) 7. (4) 8. (3) 9. (3) 10. (4)
11. (3) 12. (4) 13. (2)

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