Scribd
Upload
14 views3 pages

Units Andmeasurements - Notes

Chapter 2 discusses units and measurements, defining physical quantities as measurable entities categorized into fundamental and derived quantities. It explains the unit systems (CGS, FPS, MKS), the principle of homogeneity, and the applications and limitations of dimensional analysis. Additionally, it covers significant figures and the rules for determining them, emphasizing their importance in measurement accuracy.

Uploaded by

adilakshmiprasannakumar11
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
14 views3 pages

Units Andmeasurements - Notes

Chapter 2 discusses units and measurements, defining physical quantities as measurable entities categorized into fundamental and derived quantities. It explains the unit systems (CGS, FPS, MKS), the principle of homogeneity, and the applications and limitations of dimensional analysis. Additionally, it covers significant figures and the rules for determining them, emphasizing their importance in measurement accuracy.

Uploaded by

adilakshmiprasannakumar11
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Chapter -2

Units and Measurements


1) Physical quantity
Any quantity that can be measured is called as physical quantity.
2) Two types of physical quantities
Fundamental quantity (Base quantity) ii) Derived quantity
• Quantities that cannot be expressed in terms of other
quantities are known as fundamental quantities. Eg:- mass,
length, time etc.
• Quantities which are derived from fundamental quantities are
known as derived quantities. Eg:- force, velocity, area,
volume ,etc
3) Unit system
A complete set of both the base and derived units, is known as
the system of units.
Three such systems, the CGS, the FPS (or British) system and the
MKS system.

4) Dimensional formula and dimensional equations


The expression which shows how and which of the base
quantities represent the dimensions of a physical quantity is
called the dimensional formula of the given physical quantity.
For example, the dimensional formula of the volume is [M 0 L 3 T
0
].
An equation obtained by equating a physical quantity with its
dimensional formula is called the dimensional equation of the
physical quantity. For example, the dimensional equations of
volume [V], speed [v], force [F ] and mass density [] may be
expressed as

5) Principle of Homogeneity
The magnitudes of physical quantities may be added together or
subtracted from one another only if they have the same
dimensions.
Eg: In the equation P  AB CD , is dimensionally correct only if
[P]  [AB]  [CD].
6) Applications Of Dimensional Analysis
• Dimensional analysis can be used to: a) To check the
dimensional consistency of equations b) To deduce relation
among physical quantities.

7) Limitations of dimensional analysis


• The dimensional consistency does not guarantee correct
equations.
• The arguments of special functions, such as the trigonometric,
logarithmic and exponential functions are dimensionless.
• A pure number, ratio of similar physical quantities, such as
angle as the ratio (length/length), refractive index as the ratio
(speed of light in vacuum/speed of light in medium) etc., has no
dimensions.
• Dimensionless constants cannot be obtained by this method.
• It does not distinguish between the physical quantities having
same dimensions.

8) Significant Figures
The number of digits in a measurement about which we are
certain and one additional digit which is uncertain is known as
significant figures. The number of significant figures indicates the
accuracy with which the quantity is measured.

9) Rules For Determining Significant Figures


 All the non-zero digits are significant and the zeros between the
nonzero digits are significant.
Eg : 1008- 4 significant figures , 1.008- 4 sig fig 0.1008- 4 sig fig.
 If the number is less than 1, the zero(s) on the right of decimal
point but to the left of the first non-zero digit are not significant.
Eg: In 0.00 2308, the underlined zeroes are not significant.
 The terminal or trailing zero(s) in a number without a decimal
point are not significant.
Eg: Thus 123 m = 12300 cm = 123000 mm has three significant
figures, the trailing zero(s) being not significant.
 The trailing zero(s) in a number with a decimal point are
significant.
Eg: The numbers 3.500 or 0.06900 have four significant figures
each.
 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.
 In addition or subtraction, the final result should retain as many
decimal places as are there in the number with the least
decimal places.
 If the insignificant digit to be dropped is more than 5 preceding
digit is raised by 1
Eg : 1.68 =1.7 to 2 significant figures
 If the insignificant digit to be dropped is less than 5. it is left
unchanged. Eg: 1.62=1.6 to 2 significant figures.
 If the preceding digit is even, the insignificant digit is simply
dropped and if it is odd, the preceding digit is raised by 1. • Eg:
2.745 =2.74 and 2.735 =2.74

You might also like