Solution

PHYSICS SH 1(12) (ERROR AND DIMENSIONS)

Class 11 - Physics
Section A
1. (a) 2.74 and 2.74
Explanation: As we know, according to the rules:
If the digit to be dropped is 5 or 5 followed by zeros, then the preceding digit is left unchanged, if it is even.
If the digit to be dropped is 5 or 5 followed by zeros, then the preceding digit is raised by one, if it is odd.
Therefore, according to the given numbers 2.745 and 2.735.
Let us round off 2.745 to 3 significant figures; it would be 2.74.
Hence on rounding off 2.735 to 3 significant figures, it would be 2.74.
2. (a) 4
Explanation: In a number less than one (i.e. a decimal).
The zeroes on the left of non zero numbers are not significant figures, and zeroes to the right side of a nonzero number are
significant figures.
In the number 0.06900, two zeroes before six are not significant figure and two zero on the right side of 9 are significant
–––––
figures. Significant figures are underlined.
3.
1

T2]
−
(c) [L 2

T2
−
Explanation: L 2

4.
(b) [M-1L3T-2]
j
AK
−2 2
2 [MLT ][L ]
Explanation: [G] = Fr

m1 m2
=
[M][M]

= [M-1L3T-2]
5.
(c) gravitational constant
Explanation: Only G has dimensions of [M-1L3T2]. The remaining three quantities are pure ratios.
6. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Two quantities having different dimensions cannot be added or subtracted. Dimension of force is [MLT-2] and
dimension of power is [ML2T-3]. So they cannot be added. So, the assertion and reason both are true and the reason explains
the assertion.
7. (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The principle of homogeneity states that the dimensions of each the terms of a dimensional equation on both
sides should be same.
The dimension of L.H.S. is [T].
−−−−−
−2

= [T-1]
[LT ∣

The dimension of R.H.S. is √ [L]

−
−
g
So, both sides do not have the same dimension. So, it violates the principle. Hence T cannot be equal to k√ . l

So, the assertion and reason both are true and the reason explains the assertion.
8.
(c) A is true but R is false.
Explanation: If u1 and u2 be the units to measure a quantity Q and n1, n2 be the numerical values respectively then we know
that Q = n1 u1 = n2 u2. Since the quantity Q does not change irrespective of the units used to measure it Q = constant. So mu =
1
constant ⇒ n ∝ u
i.e. smaller the unit of measurement, the greater is the corresponding numerical value.
Section B

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 9. Dimensional formula in L.H.S. and R.H.S. by principal of homogeneity are equal.
∴ Dimension of y = dimensions of A sin (ω t - kx)

[L] = [L] × dimensions of (ω t - kx)

as (ω t - kx) are angle of sin (Trigonmetrical ratio)
So (ω t - kx) = No dimension or dimensions of ω t = dimensions of kx
2π

T
= Kx ⇒ [M0L0T0] = k[L]
0 0 9

= [M0L-1T0], Dimension of ω = No dimension

[M L T ]
Hence, Dimension of k =
|L|

n2 − n1
10. As n = −D x2 − x1

n( x2 − x1 )
∴ D= ( n2 − n1 )
[numerically]
Now n = number of particles per unit area per second
∴ [n] = L-2T-1
n2 - n1 = number of particles per unit volume

∴ [n2 - n1] = L-3

x2 - x1 = position
∴ x2 - x1 = L

= [L2T-1]
−2 −1

Hence, [D] = L T

−3
⋅L

OR
i. 1 hour = 3600 sec so that 1 sec = 1/3600 hour
1 km = 1000 m so that 1 m = 1/1000 km
3.0 m s–2 = 3.0 (1/1000 km)( 1/3600 hour )-2
= 3.9 × 104 km/hr2
ii. 6.67 10-11Nm2/kg2 = g-1cm3s-2
j
AK
−11 −1 3 −2
= 6.67 × 10 kg m s
3
−11 3 2
= 6.67 × 10 × 10 × (10 )

−8 −1 3 −2
= 6.67 × 10 g cm s

11. According to question, the mass M of the largest stone that can be moved by a flowing river depends upon v the velocity, ρ the
density of water and on g, the acceleration due to gravity
Let M = Kva ρ b gc
where K = a dimensionless constant.
Dimensions of the various quantities are
[M] = M, [v]= LT-1 [ρ ] = ML-3, [g] = LT-2
Substituting these dimensions in equation (i), we get
[M] = [LT-1]a[ML-3]b [LT-2]c
M1 L0 T0 = Mb La - 3b + c T -a -2 c
Equating the powers of M, L and T, we get
b = 1, a - 3b + c = 0, - a - 2c = 0
On solving, a = 6, b = 1, c = -3
∴ M = Kv ρ g
6 1 −3

Hence M ∝
Section C
12. Let = v = K r ρ S ... (i)
a b c

where K = a dimensionless constant.

Dimensions of various quantities are
[v] = T-1, [r] = L, [ρ ] = ML-3, [S] = MT-2
Substituting these dimensions in equation (i), we get
T-1 = [L]a [ML-3]b [MT-2]c
or M0L0T-1 = Mb + c La - 3b T-2c
By using principle of homogeneity of equations and Equating the powers of M, L and T on both sides,

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 b + c = 0, a - 3b = 0, - 2c = -1
On solving,
a = − , b = − , c = , substituting these values in equation (i), we get
3

2
1

2
1

2
−−
−
−3/2 −1/2 1/2 S
∴ v = Kr ρ S = K√
3
ρr

OR
2 −2
[ML T ]
Dimension of h = E

ν
=
−1
2
= [M L T
−1
]
[T ]

Dimensions of c = [LT-1]
Dimension of G = N-m2 Kg-2 = [MLT-2] [L2][M-2] = [M-1L3T-2]
Let Mass m α [h]a[c]b[G]c
[M1L0T0] = k [ML2T-1]a [LT-1]b[M-1L3T-2]c
[M1L0T0] = k [Ma-c L2a+b+3cT-a-b-2c]
On comparing the powers of M, L, T on both side we get
a-c = 1 ⇒ a = c+1 .........(i)
2a+b+3c = 0 ........(ii)
-a -b -2c = 0 ........(iii)
a = c+1 [from equation (i)]
By putting the value of a in equation (ii) & (iii), we get
2(c+1)+b+3c = 0
2c+2+b+3c = 0
b+5c = -2 .........(iv)
and -(c+1)-b-2c=0
-b-3c = 1 ..........(v)
From equations (iv) & (v), we obtain on adding
j
c=− 1
AK

So, a = c + 1 = −
1

2
+ 1 =
1

Put the value of c in equation (iv), we get

1
b + 5 (− ) = −2
2
5
b = −2 +
2
1 1 1
b = ,a= and c = −
2 2 2
1 1 1
−
∴ m = kh 2 c 2 G 2

−−
hc
m = k√
G

2 −2
[ML T ]
13. Dimension of h = E

ν
=
−1
2
= [M L T
−1
]
[T ]

Dimensions of c = [LT-1]
Dimension of G = N-m2 Kg-2 = [MLT-2] [L2][M-2] = [M-1L3T-2]
Let Mass m α [h]a[c]b[G]c
[M1L0T0] = k [ML2T-1]a [LT-1]b[M-1L3T-2]c
[M1L0T0] = k [Ma-c L2a+b+3cT-a-b-2c]
On comparing the powers of M, L, T on both side we get
a-c = 1 ⇒ a = c+1 .........(i)
2a+b+3c = 0 ........(ii)
-a -b -2c = 0 ........(iii)
a = c+1 [from equation (i)]
By putting the value of a in equation (ii) & (iii), we get
2(c+1)+b+3c = 0
2c+2+b+3c = 0
b+5c = -2 .........(iv)
and -(c+1)-b-2c=0
-b-3c = 1 ..........(v)

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 From equations (iv) & (v), we obtain on adding
c=− 1

So, a = c + 1 = −
1

2
+ 1 =
1

Put the value of c in equation (iv), we get

1
b + 5 (− ) = −2
2
5
b = −2 +
2
1 1 1
b = ,a= and c = −
2 2 2
1 1 1
−
∴ m = kh 2 c 2 G 2

−−
hc
m = k√
G

Section D
14. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
All quantities in mechanics are represented in terms of base units of length, mass and time. Additional base unit of temperature
(kelvin) is used in heat and thermodynamics. In magnetism and electricity, the additional unit of electric current is ampere.
(i) (a) [M-1L3T-2]
Explanation: [M-1L3T-2]
(ii) (a) [MLT-3K-1]
Explanation: [MLT-3K-1]
(iii) (b) [ML2T-3A-1]
Explanation: [ML2T-3A-1]
(iv) (c) [M2L-2T-2], [M1/3L-1]
Explanation: [M2L-2T-2], [M1/3L-1]
j
(v) (b) Angle
AK

Explanation: Angle
15. Dimension, an expression of the character of a derived quantity in relation to fundamental quantities, without regard for its
numerical value. In any system of measurement, such as the metric system, certain quantities are considered fundamental, and all
others are considered to be derived from them.
Physical quantities are classified on the basis of dimension into two groups
i. Dimensional physical quantities: These are further classified into
Dimensional constants: These are the quantities which possess dimensions and have a fixed value.
Ex: Gravitational Constant
Dimensional variables: These are the quantities which possess dimensions and do not have a fixed value
For example, velocity, acceleration etc.
ii. Dimensionless physical quantities: These are further classified into
Dimensionless constants: These are the quantities which do not possess dimensions and have a fixed value.
For example π etc.
Dimensionless variables: These are the quantities which are dimensionless and do not have a fixed value.
For example Strain, Specific Gravity etc.

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