Chapter

1
Units and Measurements

2023 8618263670
T1: Physical Quantities and Units

T2: Common Errors in Measurements

2022
2019 T2/ 2
T3: Significant Figures and Rounding Off

T2/ 1 T4: D i m en si o n s o f P hy s i ca l Qu a n ti ti es ,
T3

Dim ensio nal Fo rmu lae & D im ensio nal

/1

T1/ 1 T4/ 3
Eq ua ti on s an d Ap pl ic at io ns of
Dimensional Analysis
T4/ 1
2020 T2/ 1
T4/ 2
T3/ 1
2021

Easy Average Difficult

 2
Main Scale
E
Fig
Units of supplementary quantities
- plane angle and solid angle are
radian and steradian respectively.
CGS system
Units of derived physical quantities r centimetre, gram, second system
e.g., speed, acceleration, force are r dΩ dA
ds O
2 –2
m/s, m/s, kgms (newton) dθ FPS system
O
respectively. dθ = ds/ r radian dΩ = dA/r² steradian Foot, pound, second system

MKS system
metre, kilogram, second system
Dimensions
Powers to which S.I. system
Types of unit
fundamental quantities systeme Internationale d’ unites
mass, length and time UNITS AND Internationally accepted
must be raised to MEASUREMENTS
represent a
physical quantity Comparison of a Unit In sum or difference
–2 physical quantity with its unit Reference standard Z= A B
e.g., force=[MLT ]
2 –2 used to measure a
work done = [ML T ] physical quantity. In multiplication or division
Z A B
= +
Z A B

Applications of dimensions Principle of homogeneity Measured quantity raised to a power

of dimensions
Z = Ap B q Cr
If the dimensions of all
Combination of error Z A B C
the terms occuring on =p +q +r
both sides of the equation Z A B C
Error in measurement
are the same then a = true value – measured value
physical equation is
dimensionally correct. Significant figure Rules for rounding off a measurement
All non-zero digits (i) If the digit to be dropped is smaller than 5,
Types of error All zero between two then the preceding digit is left unchanged.
To convert a physical quantity from one system of units to another
none-zero digits (ii) If the digit to be dropped is greater than 5,
To Check the correctness of a given physical relation.
If number < 1, Zero(s) on then the preceding digit is increased by 1.
To derive a relationship between different physical quantity.
right of decimal but left of (iii) If the digit to be dropped is 5 followed by
To find the unit of a physical quantity in a given system of units.
first non-zero digit are not non-zero digits, then the preceding digit is
significant increased by 1.
Trailing zero(s) without a (iv) if the digit to be dropped is 5 followed by
Absolute error Relative error decimal are not significant zero or no digits, preceding digit is left
an = a n – a mean Percentage error The Trailing zero(s) in a unchanged if it is even
a mean a mean number with a decimal (v) If the digit to be dropped is 5 followed by
a a ..... + a n a amean a mean 100%
a mean = 1 + 2 + a mean a1 a 2 ..... an n point are significant zero or no digits, preceding digit is
Physics

n
increased by 1 if it is odd
 Units and Measurements 3

TOPIC 1.1 Physical Quantities and Units

PHYSICAL QUANTITIES (c) The unit should be easily reproducible.

Ø Those quantities which can describe the laws of physics (d) The unit should not change with time.
and possible to measure are called physical quantities. (e) The unit should not change with physical conditions like
A physical quantity is that which can be measured. pressure, temperature etc.
Ø Physical quantity is completely specified; (f) The unit should be universally acceptable.
If it has Types of Units
only numerical value (ratio) Ex. Refractive index, 1. Fundamental Units
dielectric constant etc. The units defined for the fundamental quantities are called
only magnitude (scalar) Ex. Mass, charge etc.
fundamental or base units.
magnitude and direction (vector) Ex. Displacement, Fundamental or Base quantities and their SI unit
torque etc.
1. Unit of mass = kilogram
One kilogram is defined as the mass of a platinum – iridium
cylinder kept in National Bureau of Weights and
(1) There are also some physical quantities which are not Measurements, Paris.
completely specified even by magnitude and direction. 2. Unit of length = metre
These physical quantities are called tensors. e.g. The distance travelled by light in vacuum in 1/299,792,458
moment of inertia. second or it is equal to 1650763.73 wavelength emitting
(2) Physical quantity = numerical value × unit from Kr86.
3. Unit of time = second
Types of Physical Quantities The time interval in which Cesium-133 atom vibrates
Physical quantities 9,192,631, 770 times.
4. Unit of temperature = kelvin
Independent quantities Dependent quantities It is defined as the (1/273.16) fraction of thermo dynamic
Fundamental Derived temperature of triple point of water.
quantities quantities Triple Point of Water is the temperature at which ice, water
Mass and water vapours co-exist.
Distance
Length Speed = 5. Unit of electric current = ampere
Time
Time The amount of current which produces a force of 2 × 10–
Temperature 7 N per unit length acts between two parallel wires of
Current electricity Mass infinite length and negligible cross-section area placed at
Density =
Luminous intensity Volume
Amount of substance
1m distance in vacuum.
Ø The physical quantities which do not depend upon other 6. Unit of luminous intensity = candela
physical quantities are called fundamental quantities. The amount of intensity on 1/60000 m2 area of blackbody
In M.K.S. System the fundamental quantities are mass, in the direction perpendicular to its surface at freezing
length and time. point of platinum 2042K at pressure of 101325 N/m2.
Ø In Standard International (S.I.) system the fundamental 7. Unit of quantity of substance = mole
quantities are mass, length, time, temperature, illuminating It is the amount of a substance which has same number of
power (or luminous intensity), current and amount of elementary entities as in 12 gm of carbon-12.
substance. 2. Derived Units
Ø The physical quantities which depend on fundamental Ø The units defined for the derived quantities are called
quantities are called derived quantities e.g. speed, derived units.
acceleration, force, etc.
Ø Unit of speed
UNITS Distance (displacement)
(Speed/velocity) =
Ø The unit of a physical quantity is the reference standard Time
metre
used to measure it. Þ (Unit of speed/velocity) = =ms–1
Ø For the measurement of a physical quantity a definite sec.
Ø Unit of acceleration
magnitude of quantity is taken as standard and the name v
given to this standard is called unit. Acceleration; a =
t
Properties of Unit m/s
(a) The unit should be well-defined. Þ Unit of 'a' = = m/s2
s
(b) The unit should be of some suitable size.
 4 Physics

Ø Unit of force
Force F = ma Þ Unit of force = kg m/s2 = newton
Ø Unit of force is newton, unit of thermal conductivity is Ø The order of magnitude of a physical quantity is its value
watt metre–1 kelvin–1 NEET 2019
in suitable power of 10 nearest to the actual value of the
quantity.
System of Units
Ø A complete set of fundamental and derived units is known Some Important Practical Units :
as the system of units.
Unit system (1) For large distance (macro-cosm)
(a) Astronomical unit: It is the average distance of the
centre of the sun from the centre of the earth.
CGS FPS/British system MKS System of International(S.I.) 1 A.U. = 1.496 × 1011m
(b) Light year: It is the distance travelled by the light in
Fundamental Name of system of unit
vacuum in one year. 1 ly = 9.46 × 1015m
quantity C.G.S. F.P.S. M.K.S.
Length centimetre foot metre (c) Parsec: One parsec is the distance at which average
Mass gram pound kilogram radius of earth’s orbit subtends an angle of 1 second of arc.
Time second second second 1 parsec = 3.08 × 1016m
Physical quantity S. I. unit (2) For small distance (micro-cosm)
Length metre(m)
Mass kilogram (kg) 1 micron = 10–6m 1nanometre = 10–9m
Time second (s) 1angstorm (Å) = 10–10m 1fermi = 10–15m
Temperature kelvin (K) (3) For small area 1 barn = 10–28m2
Electric current ampere (A)
Luminous intensity candela (cd) (4) For heavy mass 1 tonne = 1000kg
Amount. of substance mole (mol) 1quintal = 100kg 1slug = 14.57kg
Ø In S.I. units there are two supplementary units. 1 C.S.L (chandrasekhar limit) = 1.4 times the mass of the
1. Unit of plane angle : radian (rad) sun
2. Unit of solid angle : steradian (sr) NEET 2022 (5) For small mass 1 amu = 1.67 x 10–27kg
1 pound = 453.6g = 0.4536 kg
• Misconcept : A constant has no unit. (6) For small time 1 shake = 10–8s
• Concept : Constants can have units. The unit of the
constant depends on the physical quantities it relates to. (7) For large time
For instance, gravitational constant (G) is a universal
Lunar month: It is the time taken by the moon to complete
constant and its unit is N-m2 kg–2 in SI system.
one rotation about its axis with respect to sun.
S.I. Prefixes
S.No. Perfix Symbol Power of 10 1L.M. = 27.3 days.
1 exa E 1018 Solar day: It is the time taken by the earth to complete one
2 peta P 1015 rotation about its axis with respect to sun.
3 tera T 1012
4. giga G 109 Sedrial day: It is the time taken by earth to complete one
5. mega M 106 rotation on its axis with respect to distant star.
6. kilo K 103
7. hecto h 102 (8) For measuring pressure
8. deca da 101
9. deci d 10–1 1 bar = 1atm pressure = 105N/m2 = 760mm of Hg
10. centi c 10–2 1torr = 1 mm of Hg
11. milli m 10–3
12. micro µ 10–6 1 poiseuille = 10 Poise.
13. nano n 10–9
14 pico p 10–12 (9) Radioactivity Unit = becquerel
15. femto f 10–15
16. atto a 10–18 (10) Radiation doze Unit = roentgen
 Units and Measurements 5

Classroom Discussion Questions

1. Which one of the following pairs of quantities and their (a) Heat and temperature (b) Temperature and mole
units is a proper match?
(a) Electric field – coulomb /m (c) Heat and work (d) Specific heat and heat
(b) Magnetic flux – weber 4. Which one of the following physical quantities is not a
(c) Power – farad fundamental quantity?
(d) Capacitance – henry (a) Luminous intensity
2. Which of the following physical quantities has same unit
(b) Thermodynamic temperature
in all the three M.K.S., FP.S. and SI. system of units?
(c) Electric current (d) work
(a) Mass (b) Length
5. If the units of mass, length and time are doubled, unit of
(c) Time (d) None of these angular momentum will be
3. Which of the following pairs of physical quantities may be (a) Doubled (b) Tripled
represented in the same unit
(c) Quadrupled (d) 8 times the original value

TOPIC 1.2 Common Errors in Measurements

COMMON ERRORS IN MEASUREMENTS Ø Relative error : It is the ratio of mean absolute error to the
Ø It is not possible to measure the 100% correct value of any mean value of quantity measured.
physical quantity, even after measuring it so many times. Mean absolute error (Da )
There always exists some uncertainty, which is usually i.e., Relative error = Mean value (amean )
referred to as experimental error.
Ø Percentage error (da): When the relative error is expressed
Experimental errors : in per cent it is called percentage error.
(i) Random error : It occurs irregularly and at random in Mean absolute error (Da )
Percentage error = ´ 100%
magnitude and direction. It has an almost equal chance Mean value (amean )
for both positive or negative error. It can be caused
Ø If time interval measured by a clock is given 1.25s, 1.24s,
(a) by the lack of perfection of observer
(b) if the measuring instrument is not perfectly sensitive. 1.27s, 1.21s and 1.28s
1.25 + 1.24 + 1.27 + 1.21 + 1.28 625
(ii) Systematic error : It tends to occur in one direction T = = = 1.25 s
5 5
either positive or negative. It occurs due to
Absolute errors in the measured values of time intervals
(a) measuring instrument having a zero error. are
(b) an instrument being incorrectly calibrated (such as | DT1 |= 1.25 - 1.25 = 0
slow- running-stop clock)
(c) the observer persistently carrying out a mistimed | DT2 |= 1.25 - 1.24 = 0.01
action (e.g., in starting and stopping a clock) | DT3 |= |1.25 - 1.27 |= 0.02
Ø Least count error : It is associated with resolution of the | DT4 |= | 1.25 - 1.21|= 0.04
measuring instrument.
Ø Absolute error : It is the difference in the true value or | DT5 |= |1.25 - 1.28 |= 0.03
mean value and measured value of a quantity. Mean absolute error,
Suppose, a1, a2, a3 ...............an are the measured value then, | DT1 | + | DT2 | + | DT3 | + | DT4 | + | DT5 |
DT =
5
a1 + a2 + a3 + ......... + an
Ø True value or mean value am = 0 + 0.01 + 0.02 + 0.04 + 0.03 0.1
n = = = 0.02 s
5 5
where n is the number of observations. DT
Ø Absolute error = Da1 = am - a1 \ Percentage relative error = ´ 100
T
Da2 = am – a2
0.02
.......................... = ´ 100 = 1.6%. NEET 2020
Dan = am – an 1.25
 6 Physics

Combination of Errors DZ æ DA DB ö
then, = ±ç + ÷
Z è A Bø
(a) Error of a sum or a difference : In sum or difference of (c) Error in quantity raised to some power : The relative
quantities the absolute error in final result is the sum of error in a physical quantity raised to the power p is the p
the absolute errors in the individual quantities. times the relative error in the measured quantity.
i.e., If Z = Ap
i.e., If Z = A ± B then,
æ DZ ö æ DA ö
DZ = ± (DA + DB) then, çè ÷ = ± çè p ÷ø
Z ø A
A 2 B1 2
Ø For x =
• Misconcept : Errors are also subtracted if two physical C1 3 D3
quantities are subtracted to give rise the third one. Dx DA 1 DB
% error in x = ´ 100 = 2 ´100 + ´
• Concept : Subtraction of error means reduction in error, x A 2 B
which cannot done by just mere mathematical operation. 1 DC DD
100 + ´100 + 3 ´ 100 NEET 2019
Therefore even in case of subtraction, resultant error will 3 C D
be addition of individual errors.
(b) Error of a product or a quotient : In multiplication or
division, the relative error in the result is equal to the sum Ø In an expression, if a quantity appears with a power less
of the relative errors in the measured quantities. than one, its error contribution in the final result is reduced.
A
i.e., If Z = A × B or
B

Classroom Discussion Questions

6. If the length of rod A is 3.25 ± 0.01 cm and that of B is accuracy and time for 100 oscillations of the pendulum is
4.19 ± 0.01 cm then how much rod B is longer than rod A? found to be 90 s using a wrist watch of 1s resolution. The
(a) 0.94 ± 0.00 cm (b) 0.94 ± 0.01cm accuracy in the determination of g is :
(c) 0.94 ± 0.02cm (d) 0.94 ± 0.005cm (a) 1% (b) 5% (c) 2% (d) 3%
7. A physical quantity A is related to four observable 9. A student measures the time period of 100 oscillations of a
simple pendulum four times. The data set is 90 s, 91 s, 95 s,
a 2 b3 and 92 s. If the minimum division in the measuring clock is
quantities a, b, c and d as follows, A = and the
c d 1 s, then the reported mean time should be:
percentage errors of measurement in a, b, c and d are 1%, (a) 92 ± 1.8 s (b) 92 ± 3s
3%, 2% and 2% respectively. What is the percentage error (c) 92 ± 1.5 s (d) 92 ± 5.0 s
in the quantity A? 10. You measure two quantities as A = 1.0 m ± 0.2 m, B = 2.0 m
(a) 12% (b) 7% (c) 5% (d) 14% ± 0.2 m. We should report correct value for AB as
8. The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is
(a) 1.4 m ± 0.4 m (b) 1.41 m ± 0.15 m
L
T = 2p Measured value of L is 20.0 cm known to 1 mm (c) 1.4 m ± 0.3 m (d) 1.4 m ± 0.2 m
g

TOPIC 1.3 Significant Figures and Rounding Off

SIGNIFICANT FIGURES (iii) All zeroes between to the right of a decimal point and to
Ø Significant figures are the number of digits upto which we the left of a first non-zero digit are not significant.
are sure about their accuracy. (iv) All zeroes to the right of the last non-zero digit are not
Ø In the measured quantity, significant figures are those digits significant provided decimal is not marked. On the other
which are known reliably plus the first digit that is uncertain. hand, all zeroes to the right of the last non-zero digit are
Rules in counting the number of significant figures in a given significant provided decimal is marked.
measured quantity : (v) Power of ten are not counted in significant figures.
(i) All non-zero digits are significant. e.g. 2.5 × 10–29 has only 2 significant figures.
(ii) All zeroes occuring between two non-zero digits are sigificant. Example : 324 has 3, 3004 has 4, 300 has 1, 3.204 has 4,
0.030 has 2 significant figures.
 Units and Measurements 7

Significant figures in measurements

(a) In addition or subtraction, the final result should retain as Ø e.g. 9.99
many decimal places as are there in the number with the - 0.0099
least decimal places.
Example : 22.3 (has only one decimal places) 9.9801
+ 2.11 (has two decimal places)
As the least number of decimal places is 3. So, answer
+ 0. 313 (has three decimal places)
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– should be 9.98 m. NEET 2020
24.723 (result should be reported to one
decimal place) ROUNDING OFF
Answer = 24.7
Rules of Rounding off Uncertain Digits
Ø In multiplication or division, the final result should retain
as many significant figures as are there in the original (a) The preceding digit is raised by 1 if the uncertain digit to
number with the least significant figures. be dropped is more than 5 and is left unchanged if the
latter is less than 5.
For a rectangle, if
length = 55.3 Example : x = 5.686 is rounded off to 5.69 (as 6 > 5)
breadth = 25 x = 3.462 is rounded off to 3.46 (as 2 < 5)
Area = length × breadth = 55.3 × 25 (b) If the uncertain digit to be dropped is 5, the preceeding
As, Answer of multiplication is rounded off to the same digit raised by 1 if it is odd and is left unchanged if it is
number of significant figure as present in least precise even digit.
term.
Example : 7.735 is rounded off to three significant figures
Here, 25 has least significant figure and it is 2 so, Answer
becomes 7.74 as preceeding digit is odd.
will also have 2 SF.
Therefore, area A = 14 × 102 NEET 2022
7.745 is rounded off to 7.74 as preceeding digit is
even.
(b) In multiplication or division, the final result should retain
as many significant figures as are there in the original
number with the least significant figures.
Example : • Misconcept : Truncation is better than rounding off.
107.88 (5 significant figures)
• Concept : Rounding means making a number simpler
× 0.610 (3 significant figures)
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––– but keeping its value close to what it was. Truncation
65.8068 (result should have 3 significant figures) is less accurate, but easier to use. Truncation is a method
Answer = 65.8 used for approximating numbers.
Ø In addition or subtraction, the final result should retain Truncation is easier than rounding off, but it does not
as many decimal places as are there in the number with always give the best approximation to the original
the least decimal places. number.

Classroom Discussion Questions

11. The sum of the numbers 436.32, 227.2 and 0.301 in (c) Greater the number of significant figures in a
appropriate significant figures is measurement, smaller is the percentage error.
(a) 663.821 (b) 664 (d) The power of 10 is counted while counting the number
(c) 663.8 (d) 663.82 of significant figures.
12. The mass and volume of a body are 4.237 g and 2.5 cm3, 14. The number of significant figures in the numbers
repectively. The density of the material of the body in
4.8000 × 104 and 48000.50 are respectively
correct significant figures is
(a) 1.6948 g cm–3 (b) 1.69 g cm–3 (a) 5 and 6 (b) 5 and 7
(c) 1.7 g cm –3 (d) 1.695 g cm–3 (c) 2 and 7 (d) 2 and 6
13. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding 15. The numbers 3.845 and 3.835 on rounding off to 3
significant figures? significant figures will give
(a) All the non-zero digits are significant. (a) 3.85 and 3.84 (b) 3.84 and 3.83
(b) All the zeros between two non-zero digits are significant. (c) 3.85 and 3.83 (d) 3.84 and 3.84
 8 Physics

Dimensions of Physical Quantities, Dimensional Formulae & Dimensional

TOPIC 1.4 Equations and Applications of Dimensional Analysis

DIMENSIONS OF A PHYSICAL QUANTITIES Ø When a dimensional formula is equated to its physical

Ø The dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to quantity then the equation is called dimensional equation.
which the fundamental quantities must be raised to Ex. Dimensional equation of force :
represent that quantity. By F = ma
Ø The basic units are represented as : Þ Dimension equation of force, F = [M1] [L1 T–2]
kilogram = M metre = L = [MLT–2]
second = T ampere = A
kelvin = K or q candela = cd Ex. Dimensional equation of energy :
mole = mol By E = W = force × displacement
Ø Force is the product of mass and acceleration Dimensional equation of energy, E = [M1 L1 T–2] [L1]
Force = mass × acceleration = mass × (length) / (time)2 = [M L2 T–2]
Dimensions of force are [M] [L]/ [T]2 = [MLT–2]
i.e. 1 in mass, 1 in length and 2 in time. Ø Stress [s] = [ML-1T -2 ] NEET 2020

Ø Dimension of gravitational constant [G] = [M–1L3T–2]

NEET 2021, 2022
1. A physical quantity may have a number of units but
their dimensions would be same.
Ø Magnetic permeability |m0| = [MLT–2A–2] NEET 2022
Ex. The units of velocity are: cms–1, ms–1, km s–1 but the
dimensions are [M0LT–1]. Important Views Related to Dimensions
2. Dimension does not depend on the system of units of 1. Pure number and pure ratio are dimensionless.
physical quantity. Ex. 1, 2, p, ex, logx, sin q, cos q, refractive index etc.
2. Dimensionless quantity may have unit.
DIMENSIONAL FORMULAE AND Ex. Plane angle and solid angle.
DIMENSIONAL EQUATIONS Procedure to Obtain Dimensional Formula of Different
Ø The expression which shows how and which fundamental Quantities
quantities represent the dimensions of a physical quantity (i) Firstly we write the formula.
is known as dimensional formula. (ii) Now change derived units in the fundamental units.
Ex. The dimensional formula of force is [MLT–2] (iii) At last solve the equation except given quantity.

Dimensions of physical quantities in mechanics

Physical quantity Dimensions Physical quantity Dimensions
Distance Force,
Displacement, [M0LT0] Weight
Length/depth/thickness, Tension [MLT–2]
wavelength Centripetal force
Mass, Work
Inertia, Energy
Intertial mass, [ML0T0] Torque [ML2T–2]
Gravitational mass Moment of couple
Heat
Speed, Linear momentum [MLT–1]
Velocity [M0LT–1] Impulse
Acceleration (a), Surface tension [ML0T–2]
Acceleration due to gravity(g) [M0LT–2]
Angular velocity, Pressure, [ML–1T–2]
Velocity gradient, Coefficient of elasticity
Decay constant (l), [M0L0T–1] Young’s modulus
Linear frequency Bulk modulus
Stress
Wave number, Planck’s constant,
Propagation constant (K), [M0L–1T0] Angular momentum [ML2T–1]
Rydberg constant
Gravitational constant (G) [M–1L3T–2] Coefficient of viscosity [ML–1T–1]
 Units and Measurements 9

Dimensions in heat 10. Strain

11. Angular displacement
Physical quantity Dimensions 12. Plane angle/solid angle
Temperature [M0 L0 T0 q ]

Latent heat [M0 L2 T–2 q 0] • Misconcept : Every physical quantity that has unit must
also have dimension.
Specific heat [M0 L2 T–2 q –1] • Concept : Angle is a physical quantity that has unit degree
arc
or radian but it has no dimension as it is defined as
Coefficient of thermal expansion [M0 L0 T0 q –1] radius
which is a ratio of two lengths.
Coeff. of thermal conductivity [ML T–3 q –1]

Mechanical equivalent of heat (J) [M0 L0 T0]

Dimensionless quantity may have unit but unitless
Stefan’s constant [ML0 T–3 K–4] quantities are dimensionless.
Ex. Plane angle - dimensionless but it has unit radian.
Wein's constant [M0 L T0 q ]

Boltzmann constant [ML2 T–2 q –1] If units or dimensions of two physical quantities are same,
these need not represent the same physical characteristics
Dimensions in electricity
like torque and work have the same unit (joule) and
Physical quantity Dimensions Physical quantity Dimensions dimensions [ML2T–2] but their physical characteristics are
different.
Charge [M0L0AT] Electric [ M–1 L–3 T4 A2 ]
permittivity Principle of Homogeneity
Ø The dimensions of both sides i.e. dimensions of left side
Current [M0L0T0A] Resistance
of physical quantity and right side of physical quantity in
Reactance [ML2 T–3 A–2 ] an equation are same.
Impedance 1
Potential gradient Electrical Ex. s = ut + gt 2
2
Electric field [M L T–3A–1] conductance L.H.S. R.H.S
Intensity of electric field Admittance [M–1L–2 T3A2] [L] = [L T–1 . T] + [LT–2 . T2]
Susceptance [L] = [L] + [L]
Potential difference
APPLICATIONS OF DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Potential [ML2 T–3A–1] Electric flux [ML3 T–3 A–1]
Electromotive force 1. Conversion of one system of unit into another
Let the numerical values are n1 and n2 of a given quantity
Electrical [M–1 L–2 T4 A2] Specific [ML3 T–3 A–2] Q in two unit systems and the units are –
capacitance resistance
u1 = M1a Lb1 T1c and u 2 = M a2 Lb2 T2c
Dimensions in Magnetism Therefore, by the principle, nu = constant
Physical quantity Dimensions n2u2 = n1u1
Magnetic induction [M L0T–2A–1] n 2 [M 2a Lb2 T2c ] = n1 [M1a Lb1 T1c ]
Permeability of magnet (µ) [M L T–2A–2 ] a b c
Self inductance or [M L2T–2A–2 ] n1 [M1a Lb1 T1c ] éM ù éL ù éT ù
Þ n2 = Þ n 2 = ê 1 ú ê 1 ú ê 1 ú n1
Mutual inductance [M a2 Lb2 T2c ] ë M 2 û ë L 2 û ë T2 û
Bohr magneton (µB) [M0L2T0A]
Ø The density of material in CGS system of units is
Dimensionless quantity 4g/cm3. In a system of units in which unit of length is
1. Efficiency (h) 10 cm and unit of mass is 100 g, density is given by
2. Trigonometric ratios æ 100g ö æ 4 ö
3. Q-factor 4ç ÷ ç ÷
4. Power coefficient è 100 ø è 100 ø (100g)
Density = 3 = 3 3
5. Relative electric permittivity (Îr) æ 10 ö æ 1 ö (10cm)
6. Relative magnetic permeability (µ) ç cm ÷ ç ÷
è 10 ø è 10 ø
7. Refractive index (n)
4 100g
8. Mechanical equivalent of heat (J) = ´ (10)3· = 40 unit NEET 2011 1
9. Poisson’s ratio (s) 100 (10cm)3
 10 Physics

Example 1 After solving equations (2), (3) and (4) value of a, b and c
will be m, n and o may be find out
How many dynes are in 20 N ? Now substitute the values of x, y and z in equation (1)
Sol. Dimensional formula of force, F = [MLT–2] Then obtained formula will be
n1 = 20, n2 = ? x = (P)m (Q)n (R)o
a b c
éM ù éL ù é T ù
n2 = ê 1 ú ê 1 ú ê 1 ú n Ø Dimension formula of surface tension = [EV –2 T–2], if
ë M 2 û ë L2 û ë M 2 û 1 energy [E], velocity (V) and time (T) are chosen as
1 1 -2
é1 kg ù é1 m ù é1 sec. ù fundamental quantities. NEET 2015
n 2 = 20 ê ú ê ú ê ú
ë g û ë cm û ë sec û Ø Dimension formula of energy = [FAT2], if force [F],
1 1 acceleration [A] and time [T] are choosen as fundamental
é103 g ù é10 2 cm ù
= 20 ê ú ê ú quantities NEET 2021
ë g û ë cm û
n2 = 20 × 105 Example 3
20 N = 20 × 105 dyne The time period of oscillation ‘T’ depends upon the density 'd'
2. To check the accuracy of a formula radius 'r' and surface tension ‘s’. Obtain the formula for T by
It is based on homogeneity principle of dimension. dimensional method.
According to it, formula is correct when L.H.S. = R.H.S. Sol. Let, T µ (d)a (r)b (s)c
dimensionally. Þ T = k(d)a (r)b (s)c ....(1)
Taking dimensions of each quantity of both sides.
Example 2 [M0L0T] = [ML–3T0]a [L]b [ML0T–2]c
l Þ [M0L0T] = [Ma+c][L–3a+b] [T–2c]
Test the correctness of the formula T = 2p , where, Þ [M0L0T] = [Ma + cL–3a + bT–2c]
g
T = time period, l = length of pendulum and g = acc. due to Comparing the dimensions of both sides.
gravity. a+c=0 ....(2)
Sol. L.H.S. dimensional formula of T Þ [M0L0T] –3a + b = 0 ....(3)
R.H.S. dimensional formula of; –2c = 1 or c = –1/2 ....(4)
1/ 2 Substituting value of c in equation (2)
l é M 0 LT 0 ù a + (–1/2) = 0 Þ a = 1/2
2p Þ ê -2 ú = [M0L0T2]1/2 = [M0L0T]
g ë LT û Now putting a = 1/2 in equation (3)
i.e., L.H.S. = R.H.S.; dimensionally. æ 1ö
Therefore, the given formula is correct.
-3 ç ÷ + b = 0 Þ b = 3/2
è 2ø
On substituting value of a, b and c in equation (1)
3. To derive the formula by dimensional analysis method
Let a physical quantity x depends on the another r 3d
T = k (d)1/2 (r)3/2 (s)–1/2 Þ T =
quantities P, Q and R. Then s
x µ (P)a (Q)b (R)c
Limitations of Dimensional Analysis
or, x = k (P)a (Q)b (R)c .....(1) (i) While deriving a formula the proportionality constant
Now consider dimensional formula of each quantity in cannot be found.
both sides. (ii) The formula for a physical quantity depending on more
MxLyTz = [M x1 Ly1 T z1 ]a [M x2 Ly2 Tz2 ]b [M x3 Ly3 T z3 ]c than three other physical quantities cannot be derived. It
Þ MxLyTz = Max1 Lay1 Taz1 Mbx2 Lby2 Tbz2 Mcx3 Lcy3 Tcz3 can be checked only.
ax + bx + cx ay + by + cy az + bz +cz (iii) The equations of the type v = u ± at cannot be derived.
Þ MxLyTz = M 1 2 3 L 1 2 3 T 1 2 3 They can be checked only.
Now comparing the powers of both sides –
(iv) The equations containing trigonometrical functions
ax1 + bx2 + cx3 = x ....(2) (sin q, cos q, etc), logarithmic functions (log x, log x3, etc)
ay1 + by2 + cy3 = y ....(3) 2
and exponential functions (ex, ex , etc) cannot be derived.
az1 + bz2 + cz3 = z ....(4) They can be checked only.

Classroom Discussion Questions

16. The dimensions of gravitational constant G are 17. Which of the following physical quantities has units but
(a) [MLT–2] (b) [ML3 T–2] not dimensions?
–1 3
(c) [M L T ] –2 (d) [M–1LT–2 ] (a) Relative velocity (b) Relative density
(c) Angle (d) Energy
 Units and Measurements 11

18. Using the principle of homogeneity of dimensions, which (a) [P1 A–1 T1] (b) [P2 A1 T1]
of the following is correct? (c) [P1 A–1/2 T1] (d) [P1 A1/2 T–1]
4p 2 r 3 20. Of the following quantities, which one has dimensions
(a) T2 = (b) T 2 = 4p 2 r 3
GM different from the remaining three?
4p 2 r 3 2p 2 r 3 (a) Energy per unit volume
(c) T 2 = (d) T =
G G (b) Force per unit area
19. If momentum (P), area (A) and time (T) are taken to be (c) Product of voltage and charge per unit volume
fundamental quantities, then the energy has the
(d) Angular momentum
dimensional formula

Example 1 Example 4
æ a ö Value of acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/sec2. Find its
The equation ç P + ÷ (v - b) = constant value in km/h2
è v2 ø
-2
Find the unit of a. é L 2 ù é T2 ù
Sol. Unit of a = unit of P × unit of v 2 Sol. n1 = n 2 ê ú . ê ú
ë L1 û ë T1 û
= newton m–2 × (m3)2
= newton m4 Given n2 = 9.8
-2
é 1 m ù é1 sec ù
Example 2 Therefore, n1 = 9.8 ê ú.ê ú
ë1 km û ë 1 h û
-2
é ù é 1 m ù é 1 sec ù
In the formula; N = - D ê n 2 - n1 ú , where D = diffusion = 9.8 ê ú.ê ú
x
ë 2 - x 1û ë1000 m û ë 60 ´ 60 sec û
coefficient, n1 and n2 is number of molecules in unit volume
along x1 and x2 which represents distances and N is é 1 ù
n1 = 9.8 ê ´ 60 ´ 60 ´ 60 ´ 60 ú
number of molecules passing through per unit area per ë1000 û
unit time. Calculate dimensions of D.
= 98 ´ 36 ´ 36 = 127008
Sol. By homogeneity theory of dimensions,
\ g = 127008 km/h2
Dimensions of (N)
dimension of (n 2 - n1 ) Example 5
= dimension of D ×
dimension of (x 2 - x 1 ) Density of oil is 0.8 gm/cm3. Find its value in MKS system.
1 L-3
= dimensions of D × -3 -3
L2 T L éM ù é L2 ù é 1 g ù é1 cm ù
Sol. n1 = n 2 . ê 2 ú ê ú = 0.8 . ê ú.ê ú
L L2 ë M1 û ë L1 û ë1 kg û ë 1 m û
Þ Dimensions of 'D' = -3 = = [M0L2T–1]
L ´ L2 T T
-3
é 1 g ù é 1 cm ù
Example 3 or, n1 = 0.8 . ê ú.ê ú
ë1000 g û ë100 cm û
Find the number of erg in one joule.
Sol. 1 joule = ? erg or n1 = 0.8 × 103
i.e. n1u1 = n2u2 \ Density of oil is 0.8 × 103 kg/m3 in MKS system.
2 -2
éM ù éL ù éT ù Example 6
n1 = n 2 ê 2 ú ê 2 ú ê 2 ú
ë M1 û ë L1 û ë T1 û The kinetic energy of rotation K depends on the angular
2 -2 momentum J and moment of inertia I. Find the expression
é 1 kg ù é 1 m ù é 1 sec ù
or n1 = 1. ê ú ê ú ê ú for kinetic energy.
ë 1 g û ë 1 cm û ë 1 sec û Sol. Let K µ Ja Ib then, K = C . Ja Ib ......(i)
2
é1000 g ù é100 cm ù Writing dimensions of both sides, we get
=1 ê ú ê ú
ë 1 g û ë 1 cm û [M L2 T–2] = [M L2 T–1]a . [M L2]b
n1 = 103 . 104 = 107 [M L2 T–2] = [Ma + b L2a + 2b T–a]
\ 1 joule = 107 erg.
 12 Physics

Comparing powers of T, we get

so, [L] = [ ML2T -1 ]x [LT
T–1]y [ M -1 L3T -2 ] z
– a = –2 or a = 2 x–z
[L] = M L 2x+y+3z T–x–y–3z
Comparing powers of M, we get by comparing the power of both sides
a + b = 1 or 2 + b = 1 or b = –1 we can get x = 1/2 , y = –3/2, z = 1/2
Putting these values of 'a' and 'b' in eq. (i), we get So dimensions of radius of gyration are [h 1/2 c–3/2 G1/2]
CJ 2 Example 9
K=
I
A body travels uniformly a distance of (13.8 ± 0.2)m in
The value of constant C cannot be found.
a time (4.0 ± 0.3)s. Determine velocity of the body within
Example 7 error limits.
Sol. Here, S = (13.8 ± 0.2)m
ML3 and t = (4.0 ± 0.3) sec
If T = 2 p then, find the dimensions of q where T
3 Yq Expressing it in percentage error, we have,
is the time period, mass of bar M, length L and Young’s 0.2
modulus Y. S = 13.8 ± ´100% = 13.8 ± 1.4%
13.8
0.3
ML3 and t = 4.0 ±
´100% = 4 ± 7.5%
Sol. T = 2 p , writing dimensions of both sides we get, 4
3 Yq
S 13.8 ± 1.4
1/2 Q V= = = (3.45 ± 0.3)m / s.
é ML3 ù t 4 ± 7.5
[ T] = ê -1 -2 ú or q = [L4]
ë ML T q û Example 10
The percentage errors in the measurement of length and
Example 8 time period of a simple pendulum are 1% and 2%
If the constant of gravitation (G), Planck’s constant (h) respectively. Then find the maximum error in the
and the velocity of light (c) be chosen as fundamental measurement of acceleration due to gravity.
units. What is the dimension of the radius of gyration? Sol. Time period of a simple pendulum is
Sol. Let radius of gyration [ k ] µ [h]x [c] y [G ]z L 4p 2 L
T = 2p Þg= 2
By substituting the dimension of [k] = [L] g T
Dg æ DL DT ö
[h] = [ ML2T -1 ] , [c] = [LT
T–1], [G] = [ M -1 L3T -2 ] \ ´100 = ç +2 ÷ ´ 100 = 1% + 2 ´ 2% = 5%
g è L T ø
 Units and Measurements 13

Exercise 1 Home Assignment (NCERT Based MCQs)

TOPIC 1.1 Physical Quantities and Units

1. Temperature can be expressed as derived quantity in terms 12. Unit of specific resistance is
of Page-17 / N-1 Appendix A 6.3 | Page-214 / N-151
(a) length and mass (a) ohm/m2 (b) ohm m3
(b) mass and time (c) ohm – m (d) ohm/m
(c) length, mass and time 13. Unit of magnetic moment is
(d) None of these Appendix A 6.3 | Page-213 / N-150
2. Which one of the following is not measured in units of (a) ampere–metre2 (b) ampere–metre
energy? Page-17 / N-1 (c) weber–metre2 (d) weber/metre
(a) Couple × angle 14. Surface tension of a liquid is 70 dyne/cm. Its value in SI is
(b) Moment of inertia × (angular velocity)2 Page-17 / N-3
(c) Force × distance (a) 70 N/m (b) 7 × 10–2 N/m
(d) Impulse × time (c) 7 × 102 N/m (d) 7 × 103 N/m
3. Which one of the following pairs of quantities and their 15. For the given figure solid angle, dW is equal to
units is a proper match?
Page-17 / N-3
Appendix A.6.2 and Appendix A.6.3
| Page-213, 214 / N-150, 151 (a) r2dA steradian
r
(a) Impulse – N/sec (b) Magnetic flux – weber (b) dA/r2 steradian
(c) Power – farad (d) Capacitance – henry dW
4. One second is defined to be equal to r2 dA
(c) steradian
Page-22 / N-2 dA
(a) 1650763.73 periods of the krypton clock (d) dA/r steradian
(b) 652189.63 periods of the krypton clock
(c) 1650763.73 periods of the cesium clock 16. Which of the following represents incorrect unit?
(d) 9192631770 periods of the cesium clock Appendix A-6.2 | Page-213 / N-150
5. One yard in SI unit is equal to Page-209 / N-146 (a) Pressure = N/m2 (b)
Surface tension = N/m
(a) 1.9144 metre (b) 0.9144 metre
Stress
(c) 0.09144 kilometre (d) 1.0936 kilometre (c) Energy = kg-m/sec (d) =N/m2
6. One pico farad is equal to Strain
(a) 10–24 farad (b) 10–18 farad 17. Which of the following is the unit of molar gas constant?
(c) 10 –12 farad (d) 10–6 farad Page-17 / N-3
7. ‘Torr’ is the unit of Appendix A.4 | Page-209 / N-146 (a) JK–1 mol–1 (b) Joule
(a) pressure (b) volume (c) JK–1 (d) J mol–1
(c) density (d) flux 18. The unit of permeability of free space, m0 is
8. Joule second is a unit of Appendix A3 | Page-208 / N-145
Appendix A.6.3 | Page-214 (a) (newton-metre)2 coulomb–2
(a) energy (b) torque (b) newton-second2/coulomb–2
(c) power (d) angular momentum (c) coulomb newton–1 metre–1
9. The unit of the coefficient of viscosity in S.I. system is (d) coulomb newton-second–1
(a) m/kg-s (b) m-s/kg2 (c) kg/m-s2 (d) kg/m-s 19. The numerical values of young's modulus in S.I. unit is b.
10. The unit of the Stefan-Boltzmann's constant is What is its numerical value in cgs system?
Page-17 / N-3
Appendix A.3 | Page-208 / N-145
(a) b (b) 10b
(a) W/m2K4 (b) W/m2 (c) W/m2K (d) W/m2K2
(c) b/10 (d) 100 b
11. The wrong unit conversion among the following is
æ a ö
Page-21 / N-3 20. In the eqn. ç P + ÷ (V - b) = constant, the unit of a is
(a) 1 angstrom = 10–10m è V2 ø
(b) 1 fermi = 10–15m Page-17 / N-3
(c) 1 light year = 9.46 × l015m (a) dyne × cm5 (b) dyne × cm4
(d) 1 astronomical unit = 1.496 × 10–11m (c) dyne/cm3 (d) dyne × cm2
 14 Physics

21. In equation, r = m2 sin pt, where t represents time. If the 26. Velocity (v) and acceleration (a) in two systems of units 1
unit of m is N, then the unit of r is Page-17 / N-3 n a
and 2 are related as v2 = 2 v1 and a2 = 1 respectively..
(a) N (b) N2 (c) Ns (d) N2s m mn
22. If x = at + bt2, where x is the distance travelled by the
Here m and n are constants. The relations for distance
body in kilometers while t is the time in seconds, then the
and time in two systems respectively are:
unit of b is Page-17 / N-3
(a) km/s (b) kms (c) km/s2 (d) kms2 (a) n3 n2
L1 = L2 and T1 = T2 Page-17 / N-3
23. The unit of permittivity of free space, eo is m3 m
Appendix A3 | Page-208 / N-145
n4 n2
(a) coulomb2/(newton-metre)2 (b) L1 = L2 and T1 = T2
2 m
(b) coulomb/newton-metre m
(c) newton-meter2/coulomb2 2 4
(d) coulomb2/newton-metre2 (c) L1 = n L2 and T1 = n = T2
r A m m2
24. The electric field is given by E = iˆ + Byjˆ + Cz 2kˆ . The
x3 n2 n4
SI units of A, B and C are respectively: [where x, y and z are (d) L1 = L2 and 2 T1 = T2
m m
in m] Page-17 / N-3
27. If unit of length and force are increased 4 times. The unit of
3 energy
N –m
(a) , V/m2, N/m2-C (b) V-m2, V/m, N/m2-C
C (a) is increased by 4 times Page-17 / N-3
(c) V/m2, V/m, N-C/m2 (d) V/m, N-m3/C, N-C/m (b) is increased by 16 times
25. E, m, J and G denote energy, mass, angular momentum and (c) is increased by 8 times
gravitational constant respectively, then the unit of (d) remains unchanged
EJ 2 28. The density of a material in CGS system of units is 4g/cm3.
is Appendix A3, Appendix A.6.2
In a system of units in which unit of length is 10 cm and
m5 G 2
| Page-208, 213, 214 / N-150, 151 unit of mass is 100 g, the value of density of material will be
(a) newton (b) metre Page-17 / N-3
(c) kilogram (d) second (a) 0.4 (b) 4 0 (c) 400 (d) 0.04

TOPIC 1.2 Common Errors in Measurements

29. Systematic errors can be Page-23 34. A torque meter is calibrated to reference standards of mass,
(a) positive only length and time each with 5% accuracy. After calibration,
(b) negative only the measured torque with this torque meter will have net
(c) either positive or negative accuracy of : Page-27
(d) None of these (a) 15% (b) 25% (c) 75% (d) 5%
30. Random error can be eliminated by Page-23 35. A simple pendulum is being used to determine the value of
gravitational acceleration at a certain place. The length of
(a) careful observation
the pendulum is 25.0 cm and a stop watch with 1s resolution
(b) eliminating the cause
measures the time taken for 40 oscillations to be 50s. The
(c) measuring the quantity with more than one instrument
accuracy in g is Page-27
(d) taking large number of observations and then their mean
(a) 5.40% (b) 4.40% (c) 3.20% (d) 2.40%
31. The _____ is the error associated with the resolution of
36. A physical quantity z depends on four observables a, b, c
the instrument. Page-24
2
(a) parallax error (b) systematic error 2 3
(c) random error (d) least count error a b
and d, as z = . The percentages of error in the
32. The smallest value that can be measured by the cd 3
measuring instrument is called Page-24 measurement of a, b, c and d are 2%, 1.5%, 4% and 2.5%
(a) least count (b) parallax respectively. The percentage of error in z is :
(c) accuracy (d) precision Page-27
33. Which of the following is not a systematic error?
(a) 12.25% (b) 16.5% (c) 13.5% (d) 14.5%
Page-23
37. If the length of the pendulum in pendulum clock increases
(a) Instrumental error
(b) Imperfection in experimental technique by 0.1%, then the error in time per day is: Page-27
(c) Personal error (a) 86.4 s (b) 4.32 s
(d) None of these (c) 43.2 s (d) 8.64 s
 Units and Measurements 15

38. The magnitude of the difference between the individual 47. Find equivalent resistance when R1 = (100 ± 3)W and
measurement and true value of the quantity is called R2 = (200 ± 4)W when connected in series
Page-24 Page-27
(a) absolute error (b) relative error (a) (300 ± 7)W (b) (300 ± 1)W
(c) percentage error (d) None of these (c) (100 ± 7)W (d) None of these
39. When two quantities are divided, the relative error in DZ
the result is given by Page-26 48. If Z = A4 B1/3/ CD3/2, than relative error in Z. is
Z
(a) the product of the relative error in the individual equal to Page-27
quantities
4 1/3 3/2
(b) the quotient of the relative error in the individual æ DA ö æ DB ö æ DC ö æ DD ö
quantities (a) ç ÷ +ç ÷ –ç ÷-ç ÷
(c) the difference of the relative error in the individual è A ø è B ø è C ø è D ø
quantities æ DA ö æ 1 öæ DB ö æ DC ö æ 3 öæ DD ö
(d) the sum of the relative error in the individual quantities (b) 4 ç ÷ + ç ÷ç ÷ +ç ÷ + ç ÷ç ÷
è A ø è 3 øè B ø è C ø è 2 øè D ø
40. Two masses MA and MB (MA < MB) are weighed using
same weighing machine. Absolute error and relative error æ DA ö 1 æ DB ö æ DC ö æ 3 öæ DD ö
in two measurement are (Assume only systematic errors
(c) 4 ç ÷+ ç ÷-ç ÷ - ç ÷ç ÷
è A ø 3 è B ø è C ø è 2 øè D ø
are involved) Page-24, 25 4
(a) absolute error same for both, relative error greater for æ D A ö 1 æ D B ö æ D C ö 3 æ DD ö
(d) ç ÷ + ç ÷+ç ÷+ ç ÷
MA and lesser for MB. è A ø 3è B ø è C ø 2è D ø
(b) absolute error same for both, relative error greater for 49. Relative density of a metal may be found with the help of
MB and lesser for MA. spring balance. In air the spring balance reads (5.00 ± 0.05)
(c) relative error same for both, absolute error greater for N and in water it reads (4.00 ± 0.05) N. Then, the relative
MA and lesser for MB. density along with the maximum permissible percentage
(d) relative error same for both, absolute error greater for error would be Page-26
MB and lesser for MA.
(a) (5.00 ± 0.05) (b) (5.00 ± 11%)
41. The refractive index of water measured by the relation
(c) (5.00 ± 0.10) (d) (5.00 ± 6%)
real depth
m= is found to have values of 1.34, 1.38, 50. A quantity is represented by X = Ma Lb Tc. The % error
apparent depth in measurement of M, L and T are a%, b% and g%
1.32 and 1.36; the mean value of refractive index with respectively. The % error in X would be Page-27
percentage error is Page-24, 25 (a) (aa + bb + gc)% (b) (aa – bb + gc)%
(a) 1.35 ± 1.48 % (b) 1.35 ± 0 % (c) (aa – bb – gc) × 100% (d) None of these
(c) 1.36 ± 6 % (d) 1.36 ± 0 % 51. In an experiment four quantities a, b, c and d are measured
D Z with percentage error 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% respectively.
42. If Z = A3, then = ––––– Page-27
Z Quantity P is calculated as follows Page-27
3
DA3 æ DA ö a 3b 2
(a) (b) ç ÷ P= % error in P is
A è A ø cd
1/3
æ DA ö æ DA ö (a) 10% (b) 7% (c) 4% (d) 14%
(c) 3 ç ÷ (d) ç ÷ 52. The heat generated in a circuit is given by Q = I2 Rt, where
è A ø è A ø
43. Error in the measurement of radius of a sphere is 1%. Then I is current, R is resistance and t is time. If the percentage
errors in measuring I, R and t are 2%, 1% and 1%
error in the measurement of volume is Page-27
respectively, then the maximum error in measuring heat
(a) 1% (b) 5% (c) 3% (d) 8%
will be Page-27
44. Resistance R = V/I, here V = (100 ± 5)V and I = (100 ± 0.2 )
(a) 2% (b) 3% (c) 4% (d) 6%
A. Find percentage error in R. Page-26
53. A physical quantity P is described by the relation
(a) 5% (b) 2% (c) 7% (d) 3%
P = a1/2 b2 c3 d –4. If the relative errors in the measurement
45. If x = a – b, then the maximum percentage error in the
of a, b, c and d respectively, are 2%, 1%, 3% and 5%, then
measurement of x will be Page-26
the relative error in P will be : Page-27
æ Da Db ö æ Da Db ö (a) 8% (b) 12% (c) 32% (d) 25%
(a) ç + ÷ ´ 100% (b) ç - ÷ ´ 100%
è a b ø è a b ø 54. The pressure on a square plate is measured by measuring
the force on the plate and length of the sides of the plate
æ Da Db ö æ Da Db ö
(c) ç + ÷ ´ 100% (d) ç - ÷ ´ 100% F
èa-b a -bø èa-b a -bø by using the formula P = . If the maximum errors in the
46. A wire has a mass 0.3 ± 0.003 g, radius 0.5 ± 0.005 mm and l2
measurement of force and length are 6% and 3%
length 6 ± 0.06 cm. The maximum percentage error in the respectively, then the maximum error in the measurement
measurement of its density is Page-26 of pressure is Page-27
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4 (a) 1% (b) 2% (c) 12% (d) 10%
 16 Physics

55. A physical quantity z is calulated using the formula 56. ln a simple pendulum experiment, the maximum percentage
1 2 1/3 error in the measurement of length is 2% and that in the
z= xy / z , where x, y and z are experimentally observation of the time-period is 3%. Then the maximum
10
measured quantities. If the fractional error in the percentage error in determination of the acceleration due
measurement of x, y and z are 2%, 1% and 3% respectively, to gravity g is Page-27
then the percentage error in z will be Page-27 (a) 5% (b) 6% (c) 1% (d) 8%
(a) 0.5% (b) 5% (c) 6% (d) 7%

TOPIC 1.3 Significant Figures and Rounding Off

57. What is the correct number of significant figures in III. 125000 has three significant figures.
0.0003026? Page-28, 29 / N-4, 5 IV. 9.0042 has five significant figures.
(a) Four (b) Seven (c) Eight (d) Six (a) I only (b) II only
(c) I, III and IV (d) II, III and IV
4.327 g
58. Number of significant figures in expression is 62. The number of significant figures in a number
2.51 cm3 “1700.00200” is Page-28, 29 / N-4, 5
Page-28, 29 / N-4, 5 (a) 3 (b) 7 (c) 9 (d) 10
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 63. If L = 2. 331 cm, B = 2.1 cm, then L + B =
59. The respective number of significant figures for the number Page-29 / N-5
23.023, 0.0003 and 2.1 × 10–3 are respectively.
(a) 4.4 cm (b) 4 cm (c) 4.43 cm (d) 4.431 cm
Page-28, 29 / N-4, 5
64. The length of one rod l 1 = 3.323 cm and the other is
(a) 5, 1 and 2 (b) 5, 1 and 5 l2 = 3.321 cm. Both rods were measured with one measuring
(c) 5, 5 and 2 (d) 4, 4 and 2
instrument with least count 0.001 cm Then (l1 – l2) is
60. The value of resistance is 10.845 W and the value of current
is 3.23 A. The potential difference is 35.02935 volt. Its value Page-26

in significant number would be Page-29 / N-4, 5

(a) (0.002 ± 0.001) cm (b) (0.002 ± 0.000) cm
(a) 35 V (b) 35.0 V (c) (0.002 ± 0.002) cm (d) None of these
(c) 35.03 V (d) 35.029 V 65. The area of a square is 5.29 cm2. The area of 7 such
61. Which of the following statements is/are correct? squares taking into account the significant figures is:
Page-28, 29 / N-4, 5 Page-29 / N-5
I. 345.726 has six significant figures. (a) 37cm2 (b) 37.030 cm2
II. 0.004289 has seven singificant figures. (c) 37.03 cm2 (d) 37.0 cm2

Dimensions of Physical Quantities, Dimensional Formulae & Dimensional

TOPIC 1.4 Equations and Applications of Dimensional Analysis

66. The dimensions of pressure is equal to 71. The dimensions of torque are
Page-31 / N-7
Appendix 9 | Page-219 / N-156
(a) force per unit volume (b) energy per unit volume
(c) force (d) energy (a) [MLT–2] (b) [ML2T–2]
67. The dimensional formula of angular velocity is (c) [ML2T–1] (d) [M2L2T–2]
Appendix 9 | Page-218 / N-155 72. The dimensional formula for magnetic flux is
(a) [MLT–1] (b) [M0L0T] Appendix 9 | Page-221 / N-158
(c) [ML0T–2] (d) [M0L0T–1] (a) [ML2T–2A–1] (b) [ML3T–2A–2]
68. The physical quantity that has no dimensions is (c) [M0L–2T2A–2] (d) [ML2T–1A2]
Appendix 9 | Page-218 / N-155 73. The dimensions of magnetic field in M, L, T and C
(a) strain (b) angular velocity (coulomb) is given as Page-31 / N-7
(c) angular momentum (d) linear momentum (a) [MLT–1 C–1] (b) [MT2 C–2]
69. Which is dimensionless? Page-32 / N-8
(c) [MT–1 C–1] (d) [MT–2 C–1]
(a) Force/acceleration (b) Velocity/acceleration 74. The dimensions of coefficient of self inductance are
(c) Volume/area (d) Energy/work
Page-31 / N-7
70. Dimensions of specific heat are
Appendix 9 | Page-220 / N-157 (a) [ ML2 T–2 A–2 ] (b) [ ML T A–1 ]
2 –2

(a) [ML2 T–2 K] (b) [ML2 T–2 K–1] (c) [ MLT–2 A–2 ] (d) [ MLT–2 A–1 ]
(c) [ML2 T2 K–1] (d) [L2 T–2 K–1]
 Units and Measurements 17

75. Which of the following is not a dimensionless quantity ? (a) [L2T], [LT –1] (b) [LT–1], [LT –2]
Page-31 / N-7 (c) [LT], [LT] (d) [LT–1], [LT –1]
(a) Relative magnetic permeability (mr) 85. The division of energy by time is X. The dimensional
(b) Power factor formula of X is same as that of Page-31 / N-7
(c) Permeability of free space (m0) (a) momentum (b) power
(d) Quality factor (c) torque (d) electric field
76. The dimensions of mobility are Page-31 / N-7 86. The dimensions of energy density of magnetic field
–2
(a) [M T A]2 –1
(b) [M T A] 2
1 B2
(c) [M –2T3A] (d) [M –1T3A] , where B is magnetic field and m is the magnetic
2 m0 0
77. Which one of the following represents the correct
dimensions of the coefficient of viscosity? permeability of vacuum, is Page-31 / N-7
(a) [MLT–2] (b) [ML2T–1]
Appendix 9 | Page-218 / N-155
(c) [ML2T–2] (d) [ML–1T–2]
(a) [ML–1T–1] (b) [MLT–1]
–1 –2
87. The SI unit of a physical quantity is pascal-second. The
(c) [ML T ] (d) [ML–2T–2] dimensional formula of this quantity will be
78. The ratio of the dimensions of Planck’s constant and that
Page-31 / N-7
of the moment of inertia is the dimensions of
(a) [ML–1T–1] (b) [ML–1T–2]
Appendix A9 | Page-219 / N-156 2 –1
(c) [ML T ] (d) [M–1L3T0]
(a) time (b) frequency
88. Identify the pair of physical quantities which have different
(c) angular momentum (d) velocity
79. Dimensions of ‘resistance’ are same as (where h is Planck’s dimensions : Page-31 / N-7

constant and e is charge) Page-31 / N-7

(a) Wave number and Rydberg’s constant
(b) Stress and Coefficient of elasticity
h h2 h h2 (c) Coercivity and Magnetisation
(a) (b) (c) (d)
e e e2 e2 (d) Specific heat capacity and Latent heat
89. If the dimensions of a physical quantity are given by
80. If L denotes the inductance of an inductor through which
Ma Lb Tc, then the physical quantity will be
a current i is flowing, the dimensions of L i2 are
(a) velocity if a = 1, b = 0, c = – 1 Page-33 / N-8
Page-31 / N-7
(b) acceleration if a = 1, b = 1, c = – 2
(a) [ML2 T–2] (b) [MLT–2] (c) force if a = 0, b = – 1, c = – 2
(c) [M2 L2 T–2] (d) Not expressible in M,L,T (d) pressure if a = 1, b = – 1, c = – 2
81. Which one of the following represents the correct 90. Which of the following physical quantities have the same
dimensions of the gravitational constant? dimensions? Page-31 / N-7
Appendix A9 | Page-219 / N-156 ur
(a) [M–1L3T–2] (b) [MLT–1] (a) Electric displacement ( D ) and surface charge density
–1
(c) [ML T ] –2 (d) [ML–2T–2] (b) Displacement current and electric field
82. If electronic charge e, electron mass m, speed of light in (c) Current density and surface charge density
vacuum c and Planck’s constant h are taken as (d) Electric potential and energy
fundamental quantities, the permeability of vacuum m0 DV
91. A quantity X is given by e0 L where Î0 is the
can be expressed in units of Page-31 / N-7 Dt
permittivity of the free space, L is a length, DV is a potential
æ h ö æ hc ö
(a) (b) ç 2÷ difference and Dt is a time interval. The dimensional formula
ç 2÷ è me ø
è me ø for X is the same as that of Page-32 / N-8
(a) resistance (b) charge
æ h ö æ mc2 ö
çç 2 ÷÷ (c) voltage (d) current
(c) ç 2÷ (d)
è ce ø è he ø 92. Dimensional analysis can be applied to
Page-32 / N-8
83. The dimensional formula for relative density is
(a) check the dimensional consistency of equations
Page-31 / N-7 (b) deduce relations among the physical quantities
(a) [ML–3] (b) [MoL–3] (c) to convert from one system of units to another
(c) [MoLoT–1] (d) [MoLoTo] (d) All of these
93. [MLT–1] + [MLT–1] = ............. Page-32 / N-8
84. The dimensions of speed and velocity are
(a) [M°L°T°] (b) [MLT–1]
Page-31 / N-7 (c) 2[MLT–1] (d) None of these
 18 Physics

94. Two quantities A and B have same dimensions which

mathematical operation given below is physically é a ù
100. In Vander Waals equation ê P + 2 ú [V - b] = RT ; P is
meaningful? Page-32 / N-8 ë V û
(a) A/B (b) A + B2 pressure, V is volume, R is universal gas constant and T is
(c) A2 – B (d) A = B2
a
95. Distance travelled by a particle at any instant ‘t’ can be temperature. The ratio of constants is dimensionally
represented as S = A (t + B) + Ct2. The dimensions of B are b
Page-32 / N-8 equal to Page-32 / N-8
(a) [M0L1T–1] (b) [M0L0T1]
P V
(c) [M0L–1T–2] (d) [M0L2T–2] (a) (b) (c) PV (d) PV3
V P
96. An expression for a dimensionless quantity P is given by
b - x2
a æ kt ö 101. Write the dimensions of a × b in the relation E = ,
P = log e ç ÷ ; where a and b are constants, x is at
b è bx ø where E is the energy, x is the displacement and t is time
distance; k is Boltzmann constant and t is the temperature. Page-32 / N-8
Then the dimensions of a will be : (a) ML2T (b) M–1L2T1
Page-32 / N-8 2
(c) ML T–2 (d) MLT–2
(a) [M0L–1T0] (b) [ML0T–2] 102. What are the dimensions of A/B in the relation
(c) [MLT–2] (d) [ML2T–2]
F = A x + Bt 2, where F is the force, x is the distance and
a t is time?
97. If v = + bt 3 where v = velocity and t is time Page-32 / N-8
t 2 –2
(a) ML T (b) L T –1/2 2 –1/2
(c) L T –1 (d) LT–2
The dimensional formula of a and b are 103. A physical quantity x depends on quantities y and z as
Page-32 / N-8 follows : x = Ay + B tan Cz, where A, B and C are constants.
(a) [T], [T–3] (b) [L], [LT–4] Which of the following do not have the same dimensions:
(c) [T–3], [T] (d) [LT–4], [L] Page-32 / N-8
98. A, B, C and D are four different physical quantities having (a) x and B (b) C and z–1
different dimensions. None of them is dimensionless. But (c) y and B/A (d) x and A
we know that the equation AD = C ln (BD) holds true. 104. Which of the following equations is dimensionally
Then which of the combination is not a meaningful incorrect ?
quantity? Page-32 / N-8 Where t = time, h = height, s = surface tension, q =
angle, r = density, r = radius, g = acceleration due to
C AD2 gravity, V = volume, P = pressure, W = work done, Î
(a) – (b) A2 –B2C2
BD C = permittivity, E = electric field, J = current density, L =
A (A – C) length, t = torque Page-32 / N-8
(c) –C (d) ppa 4 2s cos q
B D (a) v = (b) h =
99. The displacement of a body at a particular second n is 8hL rrg
a ¶E
given by the expression Snth = u + (2n - 1) . The (c) J=Î (d) W = t q
2 ¶t
dimensional formula of Snth in this equation is
105. If force (F), length (L) and time (T) are assumed to be
Page-32 / N-8
fundamental units, then the dimensional formula of the
(a) [M1L0T1] (b) [M0L1T0]
(c) [M0L1T–1] (d) [M0L0T0] mass will be Page-33 / N-9
(a) [FL–1T2] (b) [FL–1T–2]
(c) [FL–1T–1] (d) [FL2T2]
 Units and Measurements 19

1. The errors in the measurement which arise due to 9. Dimensions of stress are: NCERT | Page-31 / N-7 | 2020
unpredictable fluctuations in temperature and voltage (a) [ML2T–2] (b) [ML0T–2]
supply are NCERT | Page-23 | 2023
(c) [ML–1 T–2] (d) [MLT–2]
(a) Instrumental errors (b) Personal errors
(c) Least count errors (d) Random errors 10. Time intervals measured by a clock give the following
readings :
2. A metal wire has mass (0.4 ± 0.002) g, radius (0.3 ± 0.001)
mm and length (5 ± 0.02) cm. The maximum possible 1.25 s, 1.24 s, 1.27 s, 1.21 s and 1.28 s
percentage error in the measurement of density will nearly What is the percentage relative error of the observations?
be NCERT | Page-25 | 2023 NCERT | Page-25 | Ph-II 2020
(a) 1.2% (b) 1.3% (c) 1.6% (d) 1.4% (a) 1.6% (b) 2% (c) 4% (d) 16%
3. –2 –2
The dimensions [MLT A ] belong to the: 11. Taking into account of the significant figures, what is the
(a) self inductance NCERT | Page-32 / N-7 | 2022 value of 9.99 m – 0.0099 m? NCERT | Page-28 / N-5 | 2020
(b) magnetic permeability (a) 9.98 m (b) 9.980 m (c) 9.9 m (d) 9.9801 m
(c) electric permittivity 12. In an experiment, the percentage of error occurred in the
(d) magnetic flux measurement of physical quantities A, B, C an D are 1%,
4. Plane angle and solid angle have: 2%, 3% and 4% respectively. Then the maximum
NCERT | Page-17 / N-8 | 2 022 percentage of error in the measurement X, where X
(a) Dimensions but no units
A 2 B1/ 2
(b) No units and no dimensions = will be : NCERT | Page-25 | 2019
(c) Both units and dimensions C1/3 D3
(d) Units but no dimensions æ 3ö
5. Match List-I with List-II (a) çè ÷ø % (b) 16% (c) –10% (d) 10%
13
NCERT | Page-31, 32 / N-7 | 2022
List-I List-II 13. The unit of thermal conductivity is :
(A) Gravitational constant (G) (i) [L2T2] NCERT | Page-17 / N-2, 3 | 2019
(B) Gravitational potential energy (ii) [M–1L 3T –2 ]
(a) J m K–1 (b) J m–1 K–1
(C) Gravitational potential (iii) [LT–2]
(D) Gravitational intensity (iv) [ML2T–2] (c) W m K–1 (d) W m–l K–1
Choose the correct answer from the options given below: 14. A physical quantity of the dimensions of length that can
(a) A–ii; B–iv; C–i; D–iii
(b) A–ii; B–iv; C–iii; D–i e2
be formed out of c, G and is [c is velocity of light,
(c) A–iv; B–ii; C–i; D–iii 4 pe0
(d) A–ii; B–i; C–iv; D–iii G is universal constant of gravitation and e is charge]
6. The area of a rectangular field (in m2) of length 55.3 m and NCERT | Page-33 / N-9 | 2017
breadth 25 m after rounding off the value of correct 1/2 1/2
significant digits is: NCERT | Page-30 / N-5 | 2022 2
é e2 ù 1 é e2 ù
(a) c êG ú (b) ê ú
(a) 1382 (b) 1382.5 (c) 14 × 102 (d) 138 × 101 êë 4pe 0 úû c 2 êë G 4pe 0 úû
7. If E and G respectively denote energy and gravitational 1/2
E 1 e2 1 é e2 ù
constant, then has the dimensions of (c) G (d) êG ú
G c 4pe 0 c 2 ëê 4pe 0 ûú
NCERT | Page-31, 32 / N-7 | 2021 15. Planck’s constant (h), speed of light in vacuum (c) and
(a) [M2] [L–2] [T–1] (b) [M2] [L –1] [T0] Newton’s gravitational constant (G) are three fundamental
constants. Which of the following combinations of these has
(c) [M] [L–1] [T–1] (d) [M] [L0] [T0] the dimension of length?
8. If force [F], acceleration [A] and time [T] are chosen as NCERT | Page-33 / N-9 | Ph-II 2016
the fundamental physical quantities. Find the dimensions
of energy. NCERT | Page-33 / N-9 | 2021
hc Gc hG hG
–1
(a) [F][A ][T] (b) [F][A][T] (a) (b) (c) (d)
3/2
G h 3/2 c c5/2
(c) [F][A][T2] (d) [F][A][T–1]
 20 Physics

16. If energy (E), velocity (V) and time (T) are chosen as the 18. If force (F), velocity (V) and time (T) are taken as
fundamental quantities, the dimensional formula of surface fundamental units, then the dimensions of mass are :
tension will be: NCERT | Page-33 / N-9 | 2015
NCERT | Page-33 / N-9 | 2014
(a) [EV–1T–2] (b) [EV–2T–2] (a) [F V T– 1] (b) [F V T– 2]
(c) [E–2 V–1T –3 ] (d) [EV–2T–1] (c) [F V– 1 T– 1] (d) [F V– 1 T]
17. If dimensions of critical velocity uc of a liquid flowing 19. In an experiment four quantities a, b, c and d are measured
through a tube are expressed as [hxryrz], where h, r and r with percentage error 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% respectively.
are the coefficient of viscosity of liquid, density of liquid
and radius of the tube respectively, then the values of x, a3b2
y and z are given by : NCERT | Page-33 / N-9 | 2015 RS
Quantity P is calculated as follows P = % error in P
cd
(a) –1, –1, 1 (b) –1, –1, –1 is: NCERT | Page-25 | 2013

(c) 1, 1, 1 (d) 1, –1, –1 (a) 10% (b) 7% (c) 4% (d) 14%

é a ù 7. Column I Column II
1. In the equation ê X + 2 ú [y – b] = RT, X is pressure, Y is (A) Mean absolute error (1) D amean/ amean
ë Y û
volume, R is universal gas constant and T is temperature. The æ D a mean ö
a (B) Relative error (2) ç a ÷ ´100
physical quantity equivalent to the ratio is : è mean ø
b n
(a) Energy
(c) Pressure gradient
(b) Impulse
(d) Coefficient of viscosity
(C) Percentage error (3) å | Dai | / n
i=1
2. If force (F), velocity (V) and time (T) are considered as (D) Absolute error (4) an – amean
fundamental physical quantity, then dimensional formula (a) (A)®(3); (B)®(1); C®(2); (D)®(4)
of density will be: (b) (A)®(1); (B)®(2); C®(4); (D)®(3)
(a) FV–2T2 (b) FV–4T2 (c) (A)®(3); (B)®(2); C®(4); (D)®(1)
(c) FV4T–6 (d) F2V–2T6
(d) (A)®(2); (B)®(4); C®(1); (D)®(3)
3. Match List-I with List-II.
List-I List-II 8. The velocity v of a particle at time t is given by
A. Angular I. [ML2T–2] b
momentum v = at + , where a, b and c are constant. The
B. Torque II. [ML–2T–2] t+c
C. Stress III. [ML2T–1] dimensions of a, b and c are respectively
D. Pressure gradient IV. [ML–1T–2] (a) [L2], [T] and [LT2] (b) [LT2], [LT] and [L]
Choose the correct answer from the options given below: (c) [L], [LT] and [T2] (d) [LT–2], [L] and [T]
(a) A-I, B-IV, C-III, D-II (b) A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
(c) A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I (d) A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III] 9. Force F is given in terms of time t and distance x by
4. To determine the Young’s modulus of a wire, the formula is A C
F = A sin (Ct) + B cos (Dx). Then, dimensions of and
F L B D
Y= ´ : where L = length, A = area of cross-section are
A DL (a) [M0 L0 T0], [M0 L0 T–1]
of the wire, DL = change in length of the wire when
(b) [M L T–2], [M0 L–1 T0]
stretched with a force F. The conversion factor to change
(c) [M0 L0 T0], [M0 L T–1]
it from CGS to MKS system is
(a) 1 (b) 10 (c) 0.1 (d) 0.01 (d) [M0 L1 T–1], [M0 L0 T0]
5. If 3.8 × 10–6 is added to 4.2 × 10–5 giving the regard to 10. If E and H represents the intensity of electric field and
significant figures then the result will be magnetising field respectively, then the unit of E/H will be :
(a) ohm (b) mho (c) joule (d) newton
(a) 4.58 × 10–5 (b) 4.6 × 10–5
–5 11. The density of a material in SI unit is 128 kg m–3. In
(c) 4.4 × 10 (d) None of these
certain units in which the unit of length is 25 cm and the
6. The displacement of a particle moving along x-axis with unit of mass is 50 g, the numerical value of density of
respect to time t is x = at + bt2 – ct3. The dimensions of c are the material is:
(a) T –3 (b) LT–2 (c) LT–3 (d) LT3 (a) 40 (b) 16 (c) 640 (d) 410
 Units and Measurements 21

22. Match List I with List II.

æ B2 ö
12. The dimensions of ç ÷ will be : (if µ0 : permeability of List I List II
è m0 ø –1
A. Torque I. Nms
free space and B : magnetic field)
–1
(a) [M L2 T–2] (b) [M L T–2] B. Stress II. J kg
–1
(c) [M L T ] –2 (d) [M L2 T–2 A–1] C. Latent Heat III. Nm
13. Consider the efficiency of an engine is given by –2
D. Power IV. Nm
ab bx Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
h= log e , where a and b are constants. If T is
sin q kT (a) A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV (b) A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
temperature, k is Boltzmann constant, q is angular (c) A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II (d) A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV
displacement and x has the dimensions of length. Then, 23. The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is
choose the incorrect option :
(a) Dimensions of b is same as that of force. L
T = 2p . Measured value of ‘L’ is 1.0 m from meter
(b) Dimensions of a–1 x is same as that of energy. g
(c) Dimensions of h–1 sinq is same as that of ab. scale having a minimum division of 1 mm and time of one
(d) Dimensions of a is same as that of b. complete oscillation is 1.95 s measured from stopwatch of
14. If momentum [P], area [A] and time [T] are taken as 0.01 s resolution. The percentage error in the determination
fundamental quantities, then the dimensional formula for of ‘g’ will be :
coefficient of viscosity is: (a) 1.13% (b) 1.03% (c) 1.33% (d) 1.30%
(a) [P A–1 T0] (b) [P A T–1] 24. Match List-I with List-II.
(c) [P A–1 T] (d) [P A–1 T–1] List-I List-II
15. The speed of a wave produced in wat er is gi ven by (A) Torque (i) MLT–1
u = la gb rc. Where, l, g and r are wavelength of wave, (B) Impulse (ii) MT –2
(C) Tension (iii) ML2 T–2
acceleration due to gravity and density of water
(D) Surface Tension (iv) MLT–2
respectively. The values of a, b and c respectively, are:
Choose the most appropriate answer from the option given
1 1 1 1 below :
(a) , , 0 (b) 1, 1, 0 (c) 1, –1, 0 (d) , 0,
2 2 2 2 (a) (A)–(iii), (B)–(i), (C)–(iv), (D)–(ii)
16. Electric field in a certain region is given by (b) (A)–(ii), (B)–(i), (C)–(iv), (D)–(iii)
(c) (A)–(i), (B)–(iii), (C)–(iv), (D)–(ii)
ur æ A B ö (d) (A)–(iii), (B)–(iv), (C)–(i), (D)–(ii)
E = ç ˆi + ˆj÷ . The SI unit of A and B are:
èx 2
y3 ø 25. The percentage errors in quantities P, Q, R and S are 0.5%,
1%, 3% and 1.5% respectively in the measurement of a
(a) Nm3C–1; Nm2C–1 (b) Nm2C–1; Nm3C–1
3
(c) Nm C; Nm C 2 (d) Nm2C; Nm3C P3 Q 2
physical quantity A = .
17. Which of the following is a dimensional constant? RS
(a) Refractive index (b) Plane angle The maximum percentage error in the value of A will be
(c) Relative density (d) Gravitational constant (a) 8.5% (b) 6.0% (c) 7.5% (d) 6.5%
18. A body of mass (5 ± 0.5) kg is moving with a velocity of (20 mass
26. Statement I : In the equation momentum, P = x, the
± 0.4) m/s. Its kinetic energy will be area
(a) (1000 ± 140) J (b) (1000 ± 0.14) J dimensional formula of x is LT – 2.
(c) (500 ± 0.14) J (d) (500 ± 140) J Statement II : Quantities with different dimensions cannot
19. If force (F), length (L) and time (T) are taken as the be multiplied.
fundamental quantities. Then what will be the dimension (a) Both statement I and II are correct.
of density : (b) Both statement I and II are incorrect.
(a) [FL–4 T2] (b) [FL–3 T2] (c) Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.
–5
(c) [FL T ] 2 (d) [FL–3 T3] (d) Statement II is correct but statement I is incorrect.
20. A quantity x is given by (IFv /WL4) in terms of moment of inertia
2 27. The time dependence of a physical quantity p is given by
I, force F, velocity v, work W and Length L. The dimensional p = p0 exp (–at2), where a is a constant and t is the time.
formula for x is same as that of : The constant a
(a) Planck’s constant (b) force constant (a) is dimensionless (b) has dimensions T–2
(c) coefficient of viscosity(d) energy density (c) has dimensions T 2 (d) has dimensions of p
21. A silver wire has mass (0.6 + 0.006) g, radius (0.5 + 0.005) 28. Statement I : Absolute error may be negative or positive.
mm and length (4 + 0.04) cm. The maximum percentage Statement II : Absolute error is the difference between the
error in the measurement of its density will be : real value and the measured value of a physical quantity.
(a) 4% (b) 3% (c) 6% (d) 7% (a) Both statement I and II are correct.
 22 Physics

(b) Both statement I and II are incorrect. 38. A student determined Young’s Modulus of elasticity using
(c) Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.
(d) Statement II is correct but statement I is incorrect. MgL3
the formula Y = . The value of g is taken to be 9.8
29. Amount of solar energy received on the earth's surface 4bd 3d
per unit area per unit time is defined as solar constant. m/s2, without any significant error, his observation are as
Dimension of solar constant is : following.
(a) ML2 T–2 (b) ML0 T–3
(c) M2 L0 T–1 (d) MLT–2 Least count of the
Observed
30. If L, C and R are the self inductance, capacitance and Physical Quantity Equipment used
value
resistance respectively, which of the following does not for measurement
have the dimension of time ? Mass (M) 1g 2 kg
L L Length of bar (L) 1 mm 1m
(a) RC (b) (c) LC (d)
R C Breadth of bar (b) 0.1 mm 4 cm
31. Identify the pair of physical quantities that have same
dimensions : Thickness of bar (d) 0.01 mm 0.4 cm
(a) velocity gradient and decay constant Depression (δ) 0.01 m 5 mm
(b) wien's constant and Stefan constant Then the fractional error in the measurement of Y is :
(c) angular frequency and angular momentum (a) 0.0083 (b) 0.0155 (c) 0.155 (d) 0.083
(d) wave number and Avogadro number 39. For the four sets of three measured physical quantities as
32. If e is the electronic charge, c is the speed of light in free given below. Which of the following options is correct?
2
1 e (A) A1 = 24.36, B1 = 0.0724, C1 = 256.2
space and h is Planck's constant, the quantity
4 pe 0 hc (B) A2 = 24.44, B2 = 16.082, C2 = 240.2
has dimensions of :
(C) A3 = 25.2, B3 = 19.2812, C3 = 236.183
(a) [M L T–1] (b) [M L T0]
–1
(c) [L C ] (d) [M0 L0 T0] (D) A4 = 25, B4 = 236.191, C4 = 19.5
33. Which one of the following groups have quantities that (a) A4 + B4 + C4 < A1 + B1 + C1 < A3 + B3 + C3 < A2 + B2 + C2
do not have the same dimensions? (b) A1 + B1 + C1 = A2 + B2 + C2 = A3 + B3 + C3 = A4 + B4 + C4
(a) pressure, stress (b) velocity, speed (c) A4 + B4 + C4 < A1 + B1 + C1 = A2 + B2 + C2 = A3 + B3 + C3
(c) force, impulse (d) work, energy (d) A1 + B1 + C1 < A2 + B2 + C2 = A3 + B3 + C3 < A4 + B4 + C4
34. Statement I : The time period of a pendulum is given by 40. The dimensions of stopping potential V0 in photoelectric
the formula, T = 2p g / l . effect in units of Planck’s constant ‘h’, speed of light ‘c’
Statement II : According to the principle of homogeneity and Gravitational constant ‘G’ and ampere A is:
of dimensions, only that formula is correct in which the (a) hl/3G2/3cl/3 A –1 (b) h2/3c5/3G1/3A –1
dimensions of L.H.S. is equal to dimensions of R.H.S. (c) h0 C5 G–1 A–1 (d) h2G3/2C1/3 A–1
(a) Both statement I and II are correct. 41. The dimensions of angular momentum, latent heat and
(b) Both statement I and II are incorrect. capacitance are, respectively.
(c) Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.
(d) Statement II is correct but statement I is incorrect. (a) ML2 T1A 2 , L2 T -2 , M -1L-2 T 2
35. Which of the following combinations has the dimension
of electrical resistance (Î0 is the permittivity of vacuum (b) ML2 T -2 , L2 T 2 , M -1L-2 T 4 A 2
and m0 is the permeability of vacuum)? (c) ML2 T -1 , L2 T -2 , ML2 TA 2
m0 m0 e0 e0
(a) e0 (b) e0 (c) m0 (d) m (d) ML2 T -1 , L2 T -2 , M -1L-2 T 4 A 2
0
36. In the formula X = 5YZ2, X and Z have dimensions of 42. Which of the following statements is/are correct ?
capacitance and magnetic field, respectively. What are I. Change of units does not change the number of
the dimensions of Y in SI units ? significant digits.
(a) [M–3 L–2 T8 A4] (b) [M–1 L–2 T4 A2] II. All the non– zero digits are significant.
–2 0
(c) [M L T A ]–4 –2 (d) [M–2 L–2 T6 A3] III. All the zero between two non-zero digits are
37. Let l, r, c and v represent inductance, resistance, significant.
capacitance and voltage, respectively. The dimension of IV. The power of 10 is counted while counting the
number of significant figures.
l
in SI units will be : (a) I and IV only (b) II and IV only
rcv (c) II, III and IV (d) I, II and III
(a) [LA – 2] (b) [A–1 ] (c) [LTA] (d) [LT2]
 Units and Measurements 23

43. Identify the pair whose dimensions are equal 45. If the time period t of the oscillation of a drop of liquid of
(a) torque and work (b) stress and energy density d, radius r, vibrating under surface tension s is given
(c) force and stress (d) force and work
by the formula t = r 2b s c d a / 2 . It is observed that the time
44. Dimensions of 1 , where symbols have their usual
mo eo d
meaning, are period is directly proportional to . The value of b should
s
(a) [L-1T] (b) [L-2 T 2 ] therefore be :
3 3 2
(c) [L2 T -2 ] (d) [LT -1 ] (a) (b) 3 (c) (d)
4 2 3

Exercise 4 Assertion Reason MCQs

Directions : These questions consist of two statements, each Force

printed as Assertion and Reason. While answering these Reason : Coefficient of viscosity = .
Velocity gradient
questions, you are required to choose any one of the following
four responses. 5. Assertion : The error in the measurement of radius of
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and the Reason the sphere is 0.3%.The permissible error in its surface
is a correct explanation of the Assertion. area is 0.6%.
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is Reason : The permissible error is calculated by the
not a correct explanation of the Assertion. DA 4Dr
(c) If the Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect. formula =
A r
(d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
1. Assertion : Now a days a standard metre is defined in 6. Assertion : Absolute error may be negative or positive.
terms of the wavelength emitted from kr86. Reason : Absolute error is the difference between the real
Reason : Light year has no relation with length. value and the measured value of a physical quantity.
2. Assertion : Time period of oscillation of a liquid drop 7. Assertion : Out of three measurements I = 0.7 m; I = 0.70
depends on surface tension (S), if density of the liquid m and I = 0.700 m, the last one is most accurate.
Reason : In every measurement, only the last significant
pr3 digit is not accurately known.
is p and radius of the drop is r, then T = K is
S3/2 8. Assertion : Number of significant figures in 0.005 is one
and that in 0.500 is three
dimensionally correct, where K is dimensionless.
Reason : This is because zeros left to the first non zero
Reason : Using dimensional analysis we get R.H.S. having
number are significant.
different dimension than that of time period.
9. Assertion : Energy cannot be divided by volume.
3. Assertion : When we change the unit of measurement of
a quantity, its numerical value may changes. Reason : Dimensions for energy and volume are same.
Reason : Smaller the unit of measurement smaller is its 10. Assertion : Physical constants are the quantities whose
numerical value. values are constant.
4. Assertion : Product of Pressure (P) and time (t) has the Reason : Physical constants must be dimensionless.
same dimension as that of coefficient of viscosity.

Exercise 5 Master Stroke

1. Which two of the following five physical parameters have

1 E l
the same dimensions? Page-31 / N-7 2. The quantities x = , y= and z = are
m0 e0 B CR
(A) Energy density (B) Refractive index
defined where C-capacitance, R-Resistance, l-length,
(C) Dielectric constant (D) Young’s modulus
E-Electric field, B-magnetic field and e 0 , m 0 , - free space
(E) Magnetic field
permittivity and permeability respectively. Then :
(a) (B) and (D) (b) (C) and (E)
Page-31, 32 / N-7
(c) (A) and (D) (d) (A) and (E)
 24 Physics

(a) x, y and z have the same dimension. force in this system will be equivalent to Page-17
(b) Only x and z have the same dimension. (a) 0.1 N (b) 1 N
(c) Only x and y have the same dimension. (c) 10 N (d) 100 N
(d) Only y and z have the same dimension. 9. Dimensions of resistance in an electrical circuit, in terms
æ a ö q of dimension of mass [M], of length [L], of time [T] and of
3. An equation is given as : ç P + 2 ÷ = b where P = current [I], would be Page-33 / N-9
è V ø V
Pressure, V = Volume & q = Absolute temperature. If a and (a) [ML2T–2] (b) [ML2T –1I–1 ]
b are constants, then dimensions of a will be (c) [ML2T –3I–2 ] (d) [ML2T –3I–1 ]
Page-32 / N-7, 8
10. The frequency (v) of an oscillating liquid drop may depend
upon radius (r) of the drop, density (r) of liquid and the
(a) [ML5T–2] (b) [M–1 L5 T2 ] surface tension (s) of the liquid as : Page-33 / N-9
(c) [ML–5 T–1 ] (d) [ML5T1] a b c
v = r r s . The values of a, b and c respectively are
4. An expression of energy density is given by
æ 3 1 1ö æ 3 1 1ö
a æ ax ö
u = sin ç
(a) çè - , - , ÷ø (b) çè , - , ÷ø
÷ . where a, b are constants, x is 2 2 2 2 2 2
b è kt ø
displacement, k is Boltzmann constant and t is the æ 3 1 1ö æ 3 1 1ö
temperature. The dimensions of b will be : (c) çè , , - ÷ø (d) çè - , , ÷ø
2 2 2 2 2 2
Page-32 / N-7, 8
11. Turpentine oil is flowing through a tube of length l and
(a) [ML2 T–2 q–1] (b) [M0 L2 T–2]
radius r. The pressure difference between the two ends of
(c) [M0 L0 T0] (d) [M0 L2 T0]
the tube is p. The viscosity of oil is given by
5. According to Newton, the viscous force acting between
liquid layers of area A and velocity gradient DV/DZ is
h=
(
p r 2 - x2 )
DV 4vl
given by F = -hA where h is constant called
DZ where v is the velocity of oil at a distance x from the axis
coefficient of viscosity. The dimensional formula of h is of the tube. The dimensions of h are
Page-31 / N-7 Page-32 / N-7, 8
(a) ML –2 T –2 (b) M0 L 0 T 0 (a) [M0L0T0 ] (b) –1
[MLT ]
(c) ML 2 T –2 (d) ML –1 T –1 (c) [ML2T–2] (d) [ML–1 T–1 ]
6. Match List-I with List-II: 12. P represents radiation pressure, c represents speed of light
List-I List-II and S represents radiation energy striking unit area per
sec. The non zero integers x, y, z such that Px Sy cz is
(A) h (Planck's constant) (I) [MLT–1] dimensionless are Page-33 N-9
(B) E (kinetic energy) (II) [ML2T–1] (a) x = 1, y = 1, z = 1 (b) x = –1, y = 1, z = 1
(C) V (electric potential) (III) [ML2T–2] (c) x = 1, y = –1, z = 1 (d) x = 1, y = 1, z = –1
(D) P (linear momentum) (IV) [ML2A–1T–3] 13. The following observations were taken for determining
surface tensiton T of water by capillary method :
Page-31, 32 / N-7
Diameter of capilary, D = 1.25 × 10–2 m
Choose the correct answer from the options given below: Rise of water, h = 1.45 × 10–2 m
(a) (A) ® (I), (B) ® (II), (C) ® (IV), (D) ® (III) Using g = 9.80 m/s 2 and the simplified relation
(b) (A) ® (II), (B) ® (III), (C) ® (IV), (D) ® (I) rhg
T= ´103 N/m, the possible error in surface tension
(c) (A) ® (III), (B) ® (II), (C) ® (IV), (D) ® (I) 2
(d) (A) ® (III), (B) ® (IV), (C) ® (II), (D) ® (I) is closest to : Page-27

7. A certain body weighs 22.42 gm and has a measured (a) 2. 4 % (b) 10 %

volume of 4.7 cc. The possible error in the measurement (c) 0.15% (d) 1.5%
of mass and volume are 0.01 gm and 0.1 cc. Then 14. In the density measurement of a cube, the mass and
maximum error in the density will be Page-25 edge length are measured as (10.00 ± 0.10) kg and (0.10
(a) 22% (b) 2% ± 0.01) m, respectively. The error in the measurement of
density is: Page-26
(c) 0.2% (d) 0.02%
(a) 0.01 kg/m3 (b) 0.10 kg/m3
8. In a particular system, the unit of length, mass and time are
chosen to be 10 cm, 10 g and 0.1 s respectively. The unit of (c) 0.31 kg/m3 (d) 0.07 kg/m3
 Units and Measurements 25

21. The moment of inertia of a body rotating about a given axis

hc 5 is 6.0 kg m2 in the SI system. What is the value of the moment
15. A quantity f is given by f = where c is speed of
G of inertia in a system of units in which the unit of length is 5

light, G universal gravitational constant and h is the cm and the unit of mass is 10 g? Page-17

Planck’s constant. Dimension of f is that of : (a) 2.4 × 103 (b) 2.4 × 105
Page-31, 32 / N-7 (c) 6.0 × 103 (d) 6.0 × 105

(a) area (b) energy 22. The frequency (f) of a wire oscillating with a length l, in p

(c) momentum (d) volume p T

loops, under a tension T is given by f = where µ =
16. The work done by a gas molecule in an isolated system 2l m

x2 linear density of the wire. If the error made in determining

-
is given by, W = ab e 2 akT , where x is the displacement length, tension and linear density be 1%, –2% and 4%,
then find the percentage error in the calculated frequency.
k is the Boltzmann constant and T is the temperature, a
and b are constants. Then the dimensions of b will be : Page-27

Page-32 / N-7, 8 (a) – 4% (b) – 2%

(a) [ML2T–2] (b) [MLT–2] (c) –1% (d) –5%

(c) [M2LT2] (d) [M0LT0] V

23. The resistance of a metal is given by R = , where V is
I
1.53 ´ 0.9995 potential difference and I is the current. In a circuit the
17. Find the value of with due regard for
1.592 potential difference across resistance is V = (8 ± 0.5) V and
significant figures – Page-29 / N-5 current in resistance, I = (2 ± 0.2) A. What is the value of
(a) 0.961 (b) 0.123 (c) 0.921 (d) 0.913 resistance with its percentage error ? Page-27

18. The volume of a liquid of density r and viscosity h (a) 4W ± 16.25% (b) (4 ± 0.7) W
flowing in time t through a capillary tube of length l and (c) 4W ± 0.7% (d) 4W ± 7%
radius R, with a pressure difference P, across its ends is 24. Statement I : Physical constants are the quantities whose
proportional to : Page-33 / N-9 values are constant.
(a) P2R 2t/hl2 (b) PR 4/hlt Statement II : Physical constants must be dimensionless.
(c) PR 4t/hl (d) hR4/lt Page-32 / N-7, 8

b k .q.t 3 (a) Both statement I and II are correct.

19. A formula is given as P = 1+ (b) Both statement I and II are incorrect.
a m.a
where P = pressure; k = Boltzmann’s constant; (c) Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.
q = temperature; t = time; ‘a’ and ‘b’ are constants. (d) Statement II is correct but statement I is incorrect.
Dimensional formula of ‘b’ is same as 25. The current voltage relation of a diode is given by
Page-32, 33 / N-7, 8 I = ( e1000V T - 1) mA, where the applied voltage V is in
(a) Force (b) Linear momentum
volts and the temperature T is in degree kelvin. If a student
(c) Angular momentum (d) Torque
makes an error measuring ±0.01 V while measuring the
20. For z = a2 x3 y1/2 , where ‘a’ is a constant. If percentage
current of 5 mA at 300 K, what will be the error in the value
error in measurement of ‘x’ and ‘y’ are 4% and 12%,
of current in mA? Page-27
respectively, then the percentage error for ‘z’ will be
(a) 0.2 mA (b) 0.02 mA
Page-27
(c) 0.5 mA (d) 0.05 mA
(a) 12 % (b) 18 % (c) 24 % (d) 36 %
26 Physics

ANSWER KEYS
CDQs 1.1 Classroom Discussion Questions
1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5 (c)
CDQs 1.2 Classroom Discussion Questions
6 (c) 7 (d) 8 (d) 9 (c) 10 (d)
CDQs 1.3 Classroom Discussion Questions
11 (c) 12 (c) 13 (d) 14 (d) 15 (d)
CDQs 1.4 Classroom Discussion Questions
16 (c) 17 (c) 18 (a) 19 (d) 20 (d)
Exercise 1 Home Assignment (NCERT Based MCQs)
1 (d) 12 (c) 23 (d) 34 (b) 45 (c) 56 (d) 67 (d) 78 (b) 89 (d) 100 (b)
2 (d) 13 (a) 24 (a) 35 (b) 46 (d) 57 (a) 68 (a) 79 (c) 90 (a) 101 (b)
3 (b) 14 (b) 25 (d) 36 (d) 47 (a) 58 (c) 69 (d) 80 (a) 91 (d) 102 (b)
4 (d) 15 (b) 26 (a) 37 (c) 48 (b) 59 (a) 70 (d) 81 (a) 92 (d) 103 (d)
5 (b) 16 (c) 27 (b) 38 (a) 49 (b) 60 (b) 71 (b) 82 (c) 93 (b) 104 (a)
6 (c) 17 (a) 28 (b) 39 (d) 50 (a) 61 (c) 72 (a) 83 (d) 94 (a) 105 (a)
7 (a) 18 (b) 29 (c) 40 (a) 51 (d) 62 (c) 73 (c) 84 (d) 95 (b)
8 (d) 19 (b) 30 (d) 41 (a) 52 (d) 63 (a) 74 (a) 85 (b) 96 (c)
9 (d) 20 (b) 31 (d) 42 (c) 53 (c) 64 (c) 75 (c) 86 (d) 97 (b)
10 (a) 21 (b) 32 (a) 43 (c) 54 (c) 65 (d) 76 (b) 87 (a) 98 (d)
11 (d) 22 (c) 33 (d) 44 (c) 55 (b) 66 (b) 77 (a) 88 (d) 99 (c)
Exercise 2 NEET Past Year MCQs
1 (d) 3 (b) 5 (a) 7 (b) 9 (c) 11 (a) 13 (d) 15 (c) 17 (d) 19 (d)
2 (c) 4 (d) 6 (c) 8 (c) 10 (a) 12 (b) 14 (d) 16 (b) 18 (d)
Exercise 3 Multi-Concept Exercise
1 (a) 6 (c) 11 (a) 16 (b) 21 (a) 26 (d) 31 (a) 36 (a) 41 (d)
2 (b) 7 (a) 12 (c) 17 (d) 22 (b) 27 (b) 32 (d) 37 (b) 42 (d)
3 (b) 8 (d) 13 (d) 18 (a) 23 (a) 28 (a) 33 (c) 38 (b) 43 (a)
4 (c) 9 (c) 14 (a) 19 (a) 24 (a) 29 (b) 34 (d) 39 (d) 44 (c)
5 (b) 10 (a) 15 (a) 20 (d) 25 (d) 30 (d) 35 (a) 40 (c) 45 (c)
Exercise 4 Assertion Reason MCQs
1 (c) 2 (d) 3 (c) 4 (c) 5 (c) 6 (a) 7 (b) 8 (c) 9 (d) 10 (c)
Exercise 5 Master Stroke
1 (c) 4 (d) 7 (b) 10 (a) 13 (d) 16 (b) 19 (b) 22 (a) 25 (a)
2 (a) 5 (d) 8 (a) 11 (d) 14 (c) 17 (a) 20 (b) 23 (a)
3 (a) 6 (b) 9 (c) 12 (c) 15 (b) 18 (c) 21 (b) 24 (c)