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03_unit & Dimension

The document discusses physical quantities, categorizing them into fundamental, derived, and supplementary quantities, and outlines the International System of Units (SI) established for consistent measurement. It details the seven fundamental SI units and their definitions, as well as derived units and the principles of measurement, including dimensional analysis. Additionally, it provides examples of unit conversions and dimensional formulas for various physical quantities.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
9 views

03_unit & Dimension

The document discusses physical quantities, categorizing them into fundamental, derived, and supplementary quantities, and outlines the International System of Units (SI) established for consistent measurement. It details the seven fundamental SI units and their definitions, as well as derived units and the principles of measurement, including dimensional analysis. Additionally, it provides examples of unit conversions and dimensional formulas for various physical quantities.

Uploaded by

ayushaman1531
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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3 Unit, Dimension and Measurement

1. Physical Quantities
The quantities which can be measured by an instrument and by means of which we can describe
the laws of physics are called physical quantities.
e.g. length, velocity, acceleration, force, time, pressure, mass, density etc.
Fundamental
Basic quantities
Physical quantities
are of three types Derived Quantities

Supplementary
Quantities
1.1 Fundamental Quantities
• These are the elementary quantities which covers the entire span of physics.
• Any other quantities can be derived from these.
• All the basic quantities are chosen such that they should be different, that means
independent of each other. (i.e., distance, time and velocity cannot be chosen as basic
d
quantities as V = ). An International Organization named CGPM : General Conference on
t
weight and Measures, choose seven physical quantities as basic or fundamental.

Length Time Mass Temperature Electrical Luminous


Amount of
(L) (T) (M) (K) current Intensity
Substance
(A) (Cd)
(mol)

Example 1:
Which of the following sets cannot enter into the list of fundamental quantities in any newly
proposed system of units?
(A) length, mass and velocity (B) pressure, density and velocity
(C) force, velocity and time (D) force, momentum and time
Ans. (B, D)
Solution:
–1
For (A): Length [L], mass [M] and velocity [LT ] are independent.
1 –1 –2 1 –3 0 0 –1
For (B): Pressure [M L T ], density [M L T ] and velocity [M LT ] are dependent
–2 –1
For (C): Force [MLT ], velocity [LT ] and time [T] are independent
Momentum
For (D): Force =
Time
⇒ force, momentum and time are dependent.

1.2 Derived Quantities


Physical quantities which can be expressed in terms of basic quantities (M,L,T....) are called
derived quantities.
i.e., Momentum P = mV

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 51


1.3 Supplementary Quantities
Besides seven fundamental quantities two supplementary quantities are also defined. They are
• Plane angle (The angle between two lines)
Plane angle is the radius measurement of rotation of line radius arc
along a plane.
arclength s
Plane angle θ = =
radius r θ
• Solid Angle Planeangle
It is the 3D analogue of an angle. Such as that subtended
by cone or formed by planes meeting at a point
r dA

dA
Solid angle Ω =
r2
dA
R


R

2. The International System of Units


In earlier time scientists of different countries were using different system of units for
measurement. There such systems, the CGS, the FPS (or British) system and the MKS system
were in use extensively till recently.
The base units for length, mass and time in these systems were as follows :
• In CGS system they were centimetre, gram and second respectively.
• In FPs system they were foot, pound and second respectively.
• IN MKS system they were metre, kilogram and second respectively.
The system of units which is at present internationally accepted for measurement is the system
international d’ Unites (French for International system of Units), units and abbreviations, was
developed and recommended by General Conference on Weights and Measures in 1971 for
international usage in scientific, technical, industrial and commercial work. Because SI units
used decimal system, conversions within the system are quite simple and convenient.

3. SI Base Quantities and Units


Length (meter): The meter is the length of the path traveled by light in vacuum during a time
interval of 1/299,792,458 of a second (1983). It is denoted by m.
Mass (kilogram): The kilogram is equal to the mass of the international prototype of the
kilogram (a platinum-iridium alloy cylinder) kept at International Bureau of Weights and
Measures, at Sevres, near Paris, France. (1889). It is denoted by kg.
Time (second): The second is the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation
corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the
cesium-133 atom (1967). It is denoted by s.
Electric Current (ampere): The ampere is that constant current which, if maintained in two
straight parallel conductors of infinite length, of negligible circular cross-section, and placed 1
–7
metre apart in vacuum, would produce between these conductors a force equal to 2 × 10
Newton per metre of length. (1948). It is denoted by A.

52 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


Thermodynamic Temperature (kelvin): The kelvin, is the fraction 1/273.16 of the thermodynamic
temperature of the triple point of water. (1967). It is denoted by K.
Amount of Substance (mole): The mole is the amount of substance of a system, which contains
as many elementary entities as there are atoms in 0.012 kilogram of carbon-12. (1971). It is
denoted by mol.
Luminous Intensity (candela): The candela is the luminous intensity, in a given direction, of a
12
source that emits monochromatic radiation of frequency 540 × 10 hertz and that has a radiant
intensity in that direction of 1/683 watt per steradian (1979). It is denoted by Cd.
• SI units of derived Quantities
displacement → meter
• Velocity =
time → second
So unit of velocity will be m/s
changein velocity m/s m
• Acceleration = = = 2
time s s
• Momentum = mV
so unit of momentum will be
= (kg) (m/s) = kg m/s
• Force = ma
2 2
Unit will be = (kg) × (m/s ) = kg m/s called newton (N)
• Work = FS
unit = (N) × (m) = N m called joule (J)
work
• Power =
time
Unit = J / s called watt (W)

4. Supplementary Units, SI Prefixes


• Two supplementary units were also defined
• Plane angle – Unit = radian (rad)
• Solid angle – Unit = Steradian (sr)
Power of 10 prefix Symbol Power of 10 prefix Symbol
1018
exa E 10–1 deci d
10 15
peta P 10 –2
centi c
10 12
tera T 10 –3
milli m
10 9
giga G 10 –6
micro µ
10 6
mega M 10 –9
nano n
10 3
kilo k 10–12
pico p
102 hecto h 10–15 femto f
10 1
deca da 10–18
atto a

5. Principal of Measurement, Numerical Value and Unit


The result of measurement of a physical quantity is expressed by a number ‘n’ (numerical
measure) accompanied by a unit ‘u’.
Measurement = nu

Example 2:
Convert all in meters (m) :
(i) 5 µm (ii) 3 km (iii) 20 mm (iv) 73 pm (v) 7.5 nm
Solution:
–6 3 –3
(i) 5 µm = 5 × 10 m (ii) 3 km = 3 × 10 m (iii) 20 mm = 20 × 10 m
–12 –9
(iv) 73 pm = 73 ×10 m (v) 7.5 nm = 7.5 × 10 m

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 53


Example 3:
F = 5 N convert it into CGS system
Solution:
kg × m (103 g)(100cm) 5 g cm
F=5 2
= (5) 2
= 5 × 10 (in CGS system).
s s s2
g cm
This unit ( 2 ) is also called dyne
s

Example 4:
– 11 kg −1 m3
G = 6.67 × 10 convert it into CGS system.
s2
Solution:
– 11 kg −1 m3
G = 6.67 × 10
s2
–11  1  (100cm)3
= (6.67×10 )  
 1000 g  s2
– 11 10+6 cm3
= 6.67 × 10 × = 6.67 × 10−8 g −1
103 s2

Concept Builder-1

Q.1 Can Pressure (P), density (ρ) and velocity (v) be taken as fundamental quantities ?

Q.2 A cyclist moves 20 m on a curved path. By what angle the position vector of cyclist will rotate
if centre (origin) is assumed to be 0.2 km away.

Q.3 Convert 7 pm into µm

Q.4 v = 90 km / hour convert it into m/s

Q.5 If unit of length is doubled, the numerical value of Area will be ................

Q.6 Force acting on a particle is 5N. If unit of length and time are doubled and unit of mass is halved
than the numerical value of the force in the new unit will be.... .

6. Dimensions
The nature of a physical quantity is described by its dimensions. All the physical quantities
represented by derived units and be expressed in terms of some combination of seven
fundamental or base quantities. We shall call these base quantities as the seven dimensions of
the physical world, which are denoted with square brackets [ ]. Thus, length has the dimension
[L], mass [M], time [T], electric current [A], thermodynamic temperature [K], luminous intensity
[cd], and amount of substance [mol]. The dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers (or
exponents) to which the base quantities are raised to represent that quantity.

7. Dimensional Formula, Dimensional Equation & Characteristics


An equation obtained by equating a physical quantity with its dimensional formula is called the
dimensional equation of the physical quantity. Thus, the dimensional equations are the
equations, which represent the dimensions of a physical quantity in terms of the base
quantities. For example, the dimensional equations of volume [V], speed [v], force [F] and mass
density [ρ] may be expressed as
0 3 0 0 –1
[V] = [M L T ] [v] = [M LT ]
–2 –3 0
[F] = [M L T ] [ρ] = [M L T ]

54 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


• Pure numbers are dimensionless.
• All trigonometric ratios, powers, exponential and logarithmic functions are dimensionless.
• All ratio of physical quantities having same dimensional formula are dimensionless. e.g.
relative density, relative permeability, dielectric constant, angles, refractive index etc.
• Dimensions do not depend upon magnitude.
• Dimension of a physical quantity will be same, it doesn’t depend on which formula we are
using for that quantity.
Principle of Homogeneity of dimensions : It states that in a correct equation, the dimensions of
each term added or subtracted must be same. Every correct equation must have same
dimensions on both sides of the equation.

Example 5:
Find out the dimensional formula of the following
(i) Density (ii) Velocity (iii) Acceleration (iv) Momentum
(v) Angle (vi) Torque
Solution:
[mass] M 1 –3 [Displacement] L 0 1 –1
(i) [Density] = = = [M L ] (ii) Velocity [v] = = = [M L T ]
[volume] L3 [time] T
dv LT −1 1 1 –1
(iii) Acceleration (a) = = = LT −2 (iv) Momentum (P) = mV = [M L T ]
dt T
[Arc] L 0 0 0
(v) Angle (θ) = = = [M L T ] (Dimensionless)
[radius] L
1 1 –2 1 2 –2
(vi) Torque = Force × Arm length = [M L T ] × [L] = [M L T ]

Example 6:
To increase the temperature of a body by ∆T, Heat required is Q = ms ∆T
Here ‘s’ is specific heat capacity. Then find out the dimensional formula of ‘s’
Solution:
[Q] = [m] [s] [∆T]
Here Q is heat : A kind of energy so
1 2 –2
[Q] = M L T
1 2 –2
[M L T ] = [M] [S] [K]
0 2 –2 –1
[S] = [M L T K ]

Example 7:
If any spherical ball of radius r moves with velocity v in a viscous liquid, then viscous force
acting on it is given by
Fv = 6πηrv
Here η is coefficient of viscosity. Find out the dimensional formula of ‘η’
Solution:
[Fv] = [6π] [η] [r] [v]
1 1 –2 –1
MLT = (1) [η] [L] [LT ]
1 –1 –1
[η] = M L T

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 55


Example 8:
α β
If = Fv + 2
t2 x
Find dimension formula for [α] and [β]
(here t = time, F = force, v = velocity, x = distance)
Solution:
1 2 –3 β 1 2 –3
Since [Fv] = M L T , so  2  should also be M L T
x
 
[β] 1 2 –3 1 4 –3
= [M L T ] [β] = [M L T ]
[x2 ]
 β 1 2 –3
and Fv + 2  will also have dimension [M L T ]
 x 
[α ] 1 2 –3 1 2 –1
so 2
= [M L T ] ⇒ [α] = [M L T ]
[t ]

Example 9:
FV2  2πβ 
α= 2
loge  2  where F = force, V = velocity. Find the dimensions of α and β.
β  V 
Solution:

FV 2 2πβ
α= loge 2
β2 V

dim ensionless

[2π ][β] 0 0 0
2
=MLT
[V ]
[1][β] 0 0 0 2 –2
⇒ 2 –2
= M L T ⇒ [β] = L T
LT
[F][V2 ] [M1L1T −2 ][L2 T −2 ]
[α] = ⇒ [α] =
[β2 ] [L2 T −2 ]2
1 –1 0
⇒ [α] = M L T

Example 10:
The dimensional formula of product and quotient of two physical quantities A and B are given
2 –2 A 
by [AB] = [ML T ];   = [MT–2 ] . The quantities A and B respectively are
B 
(A) Force and velocity (B) Force and displacement
(C) Momentum and displacement (D) Work and velocity
Ans. (B)
Solution:
2 A  2 2 –4
[A] = [AB].   = [M L T ]
B 
–2
⇒ [A] = [MLT ] ≡ Force
[AB]
[B] = = [L] ⇒ [B] = [L] ≡ Displacement
[A]

56 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


Example 11:
 n2a 
The Vanderwall's equation for n moles of a real gas is given by  P + 2  (V – nb) = nRT, where
 V 
P = pressure of gas, V = volume of gas, T = temperature of gas, R = molar gas constant,
a & b = Vander wall's constants
Which of the following have the same dimensions as those of nRT.
aV PV2 na
(A) PV (B) (C) (D)
b2 nb b
Ans. (A, B, C, D)
Solution:
 n2a 
Here [P] =  2  , [V] = [nb]
 V 
so [PV] = [nRT]
 aV   PV2  V 
Also  2  =  2  2
 = [PV] = [nRT]
 b   n  (V / n) 

PV2  2
⇒   =na
 nb 

Concept Builder-2

Q.1 Find out dimensional formula of


(i) Force (ii) Work (iii) Energy (iv) Power
(v) Pressure (vi) Angular velocity (vii) Angular acceleration

Q.2 If two bodies of mass m1 and m2 are placed at r distance, both feel gravitational attraction force,
Gm1m2
whose value is, Gravitational force Fg = where G is a constant called Gravitational
r2
constant. Find out dimensional formula of ‘G’
Q.3 If light of frequency υ is falling on a surface & the energy of a photon is given by
E = hυ Here h = Planck’s constant
then find out the dimensional formula of ‘h’

F
Q.4 If α = sin (βt) (here V = velocity, F = force, t = time). Find the dimension of α and β
V2

x y z
Q.5 If the dimensions of a physical quantity are given by M L T , then physical quantity may be
(A) acceleration due to gravity, if x =0, y=1, z=–2
(B) atmospheric pressure, if x=1, y=1, z=–2
(C) linear momentum, if x=1, y=1, z=–1
(D) potential energy, if x=1, y=2, z=–2

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 57


8. Application of Dimensions
8.1 To Check the Correctness of the Formula
If the dimensions of the L.H.S and R.H.S are same, then we can say that this eqn. is atleast
dimensionally correct. So this equation may be correct.
But if dimensions of L.H.S and R.H.S is not same then the equation is not even dimensionally
correct. So it cannot be correct.
Formula for centrifugal force Fe is given by
mv 2
Fe =
r
(where m = mass, v = velocity, r = radius)
we have to check whether it is correct or not.
Dimension of L.H.S is
1 1 -2
[F] = [M L T ]
Dimension of R.H.S is
[m][v 2 ] [M][LT–1 ]2 1 1 –2
= = [M L T ]
[r] [L]
So this eqn. is at least dimensionally correct.
⇒ we can say that this equation may be correct.

Example 12:
3FV2
Check whether this equation may be correct or not Pressure Pr = (where F = force,
π 2 t2 x
V = velocity, t = time, x = distance)
Solution:
1 –1 –2
Dimension of L.H.S = [Pr] = M L T
[3][F][v 2 ] [M1L1T–2 ][L2 T–2 ] 1 2 –6
Dimension of R.H.S = 2
= 2
= ML T
[π ][t ][x] [T ][L]
Dimension of L.H.S and R.H.S are not same. So the relation cannot be correct.

8.2 Designing an Expression of Relationship Between Variables


If a quantity depends on many parameters, we can estimate, to what extent, the quantity
depends on the given parameters.

Example : Timeperiodof a simple


pendulumcan dependon

Massof Lengthof Gravitational


Pendulum the string acceleration
(m) () (g)
So we can say that expression of T should be in this form
a b c
T ∝ (m) () (g)
0 0 1 1 a 1 b 1 –2 c

M L T = (1) [M ] [L ] [L T ]
0 0 1
MLT =M L T
a b+c – 2c m
Comparing the powers of M, L and T,
get a = 0, b + c = 0, – 2c = 1 g

58 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


1 1
so a = 0, b = ,c= −
2 2
0 1/2 – 1/2
so T ∝ M L g

T = (Constant)
g
The “Constant” can be found experimentally.

Example 13:
If velocity (V), force (F) and time (T) are chosen as fundamental quantities, express
(i) mass and (ii) energy in terms of V,F and T.
Solution:
a b c
Let M ∝ (V) (F) (T)
Equating dimensions of both the sides
1 0 0 1 –1 a 1 1 -2 b 1 c
M L T = (1) [L T ] [M L T ] [T ]
1 0 0 b a+b – a – 2b + c
ML T = M L T
get a = – 1, b = 1, c = 1
–1 1 1 –1 1 1
M = (V F T ) ⇒ [M] = [V F T]
Similarly we can also express energy in terms of V, F, T
a b c
Let [E] ∝ [V] [F] [T]
2 –2 –1 a –2 b c
⇒ [ML T ] = [LT ] [MLT ] [T]
1 2 –2 b a+b –a – 2b + c
⇒ [M L T ] = [M L T ]
⇒ b = 1; a + b = 2; –a–2b + c = –2
a=1 c=1
1 1 1
E ∝V F T

8.3 Conversion of Units


n[u] = constant i.e., n1[u1] = n2[u2] where n is the numerical value and u is the unit.
a b c
M  L   T 
n2 = n1  1   1   1 
M2  L2   T2 
a b c
where the dimensional formula of the physical quantity is [M L T ].

Example 14:
3
The density of a material in CGS system is 2g /cm . In a system of units in which unit of length
is 2 cm and unit of mass is 4 g, what is the numerical value of the density of the material?
Solution:
n1u1 = n2u2
  M  1  L –3   1g   1cm  –3 
⇒ n2 = n1   1   1   = 2    = 4
 M2  L2    4g   2cm 
   

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 59


Concept Builder-3

Q.1 If A and B are two physical quantities having different dimensions then which of the following
can denote a new physical quantity?
A3  A 2 A
(A) A + (B) exp  –  (C) AB (D)
B  B B4

Q.2 "A particle of mass m is located in a region where its potential energy [U(x)] depends on the
a b
position x as Potential Energy [U(x)] = – here a & b are positive constants"
x 2 x
(i) Write dimensional formula of a & b.
(ii) If the time period of oscillation which is calculated from above formula is stated by a student
ma
as T = 4πa , check whether this answer is dimensionally correct.
b2

Q.3 Natural frequency (f) of a closed pipe depends upon


(i) length of tube  (ii) density of air ρ (iii) pressure of air P

Then find out the relation of f with all these variables

Q.4 If the momentum is P and mass M are chosen as fundamental quantities, then derive K.E. in
terms of P and M.

3
Q.5 ρ = 2 g/cm convert it into MKS system

9. Limitations of Dimensional Analysis


• Dimensional analysis doesn’t give information about the “constant” (The dimensional
constant).
• This method is useful only when a physical quantity depends on other quantities by
multiplication and power relations.
a b c
(i.e., f = x y z )
It fails if a physical quantity depends on sum or difference of two quantities
(i.e.f = x + y – z)
i.e., we cannot get the relation
1 2
S = ut + at from dimensional analysis.
2
• This method will not work if a quantity depends on another quantity as sine or cosine,
logarithmic or exponential relation. The method works only if the dependence is by power
functions.
• We equate the powers of M, L and T hence we get only three equations. So we can have
only three variable (only three dependent quantities)
So dimensional analysis will work only if the quantity depends only on three parameters,
not more than that.

60 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


10. Measurement
(i) Measurement of Length
You are already familiar with some direct methods for the measurement of length. For example,
–3 2
a metre scale is used for lengths from 10 m to 10 m. A Vernier calipers is used for lengths to
–4
an accuracy of 10 m. A screw gauge and a spherometer can be used to measure lengths as
–5
less as to 10 m. To measure lengths beyond these ranges, we make use of some special
indirect methods.
(ii) Measurement of Large Distances
Large distances such as the distance of a planet or a star from the earth cannot be measured
directly with a metre scale. An important method in such cases is the parallax method.
When you hold a pencil in front of you against some specific point on the background (a wall)
and look at the pencil first through your left eye A (closing the right eye) and then look at the
pencil through your right eye B (closing the left eye), you would notice that the position of the
pencil seems to change with respect to the point on the wall. This is called parallax. The
distance between the two points of observation is called the basis. In this example, the basis
is the distance between the eyes.
To measure the distance D of a far away planet S by the parallax method, we observe it from
two different positions (observatories) A and B on the earth, separated by distance AB = b at
the same time as shown in figure. We measure the angle between the two directions along
which the planet is viewed at these two points. The ∠ASB is represented by symbol θ is called
the parallax angle or parallactic angle.
S
b
As the planet is very far away, <<1, and therefore, θ is very small. Then we
D θ
approximately take AB as an arc of length b of a circle with centre at S and the D D
distance D as the radius AS = BS so that AB = b =D θ where θ is in radians.
b
D=
θ A b B

11. Range of Lengths


The sizes of the objects we come across in the universe vary over a very wide range. These may
–14
vary from the size of the order of 10 m of the tiny nucleus of an atom to the size of the order
26
of 10 m of the extent of the observable universe.

12. Accuracy, Precision of Instrument


• Accuracy
The closeness of the measured value to the true value of the physical quantity is known as the
accuracy of the measurement.
• Precision
It is the measure of the extent to which successive measurements of a physical quantity differ
from one another.
The accuracy in measurement may depend on several factors, including the limit of the
resolution of the measuring instrument. For example, suppose the true value of a certain length
is near 3.678 cm. In one experiment, using a measuring instrument of resolution 0.1 cm, the
measured value is found to be 3.5 cm, while in another experiment using a measuring device of
greater resolution, say 0.01 cm, the length is determined to be 3.88 cm. The first measurement
has more accuracy (because it is closer to the true value) but less precision (its resolution is
only 0.1 cm), while the second measurement is less accurate but more precise.

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 61


13. Errors in Measurement
13.1 Systematic Error
The systematic errors are those errors that tend to be in one direction, either positive or
negative. Some of the sources of systematic errors are:
(i) Instrumental Error
Instrumental error that arise from the errors due to imperfect design or calibration of the
measuring instrument, zero error in the instrument, etc.
(ii) Imperfection in Experimental Technique
Systematic errors can be minimised by improving experimental techniques, selecting better
instrumental and removing personal bias as far as possible. For a given set-up, these errors
may be estimated to a certain extent and the necessary corrections may be applied to the
readings.
(iii) Personal Errors
Personal errors that arise due to an individual’s bias, lack of proper setting of the apparatus or
individual’s carelessness in taking observations without observing proper precautions, etc.

13.2 Random Errors


The random errors are those errors, which occur irregularly and hence are random with respect
to sign and size. These can arise due to random and unpredictable fluctuations in experimental
conditions.
13.3 Least Count Error
The smallest value that can be measured by the measuring instrument is called its least count.
All the readings or measured values are good only up to this value.
The least count error is the error associated with the resolution of the instrument.

13.4 Permissible Error


Error in measurement due to the limitation (least count) of the instrument, is called permissible
error.
From mm scale → we can measure upto 1 mm accuracy (least count). From this we will get
measurement like  = 34 mm
Max uncertainty can be 1 mm.
Max permissible error (∆) = 1 mm.
But if from any other instrument, we get = 34.5 mm then maximum permissible error
(∆) = 0.1 mm and if from a more accurate instrument, we get  = 34.527 mm then maximum
permissible error (∆) = 0.001 mm = place value of last number
Maximum permissible error in a measured quantity is equal to the place value of the last
number.

13.5 Maximum Permissible Error in Result Due to Error in Each Measurable Quantity
Let Result f(x, y) contains two measurable quantity x and y
Let error in x is ± ∆x i.e. x ∈ (x – ∆x, x + ∆x)
error in y is ± ∆y i.e. y ∈ (y – ∆y, y + ∆y)

Case : (I)
If f(x, y) = x + y
df = dx + dy
error in f = ∆f = ± ∆x ± ∆y
max possible error in f = (∆f)max
= max of (± ∆x ± ∆y)
(∆f)max = ∆x + ∆y

62 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


Case : (II)
If f = x – y
df = dx – dy
(∆f) = ± ∆x  ∆y
max possible error in f = (∆f)max
= max of (± ∆x  ∆y)
⇒ (∆f)max = ∆x + ∆y
For getting maximum permissible error, sign should be adjusted, so that errors get added up to
give maximum effect
i.e. f = 2x – 3y - z
(∆f)max = 2∆x + 3∆y + ∆z

14. Absolute Error, Relative Error and Percentage Error


Suppose to measure some quantity, we take several observations, a1, a2, a3…. an .To find the
absolute error in each measurement and percentage error , we have to follow these steps
• First of all mean of all the observations is calculated : a mean= (a1+ a2 +a3 +…+ an) / n. The mean
of these values is taken as the best possible value of the quantity under the given conditions
of measurements..
• Absolute Error
The magnitude of the difference between the best possible or mean value of the quantity and
the individual measurement value is called the absolute error of the measurement. The absolute
error in an individual measured value is:
∆an = | amean − an |
The arithmetic mean of all the absolute errors is taken as the final or mean absolute error.
∆amean = (|∆a1| + |∆a2| + |∆a3|+...........+|∆an|)/n

• Relative and Percentage Error


Relative error is the ratio of the mean absolute error and arithmetic mean .
∆amean
Relative error =
amean
When the relative error is expressed in percent, it is called the percentage error.
Thus,
∆amean
Percentage error = × 100%
amean

Example 15:
Following observations were taken with a vernier calipers while measuring the length of a
cylinder: 3.29 cm, 3.28 cm, 3.29 cm, 3.31 cm, 3.28 cm, 3.27 cm, 3.29 cm, 3.30cm Then find :
(a) Most accurate length of the cylinder.
(b) Absolute error in each observation.
(c) Mean absolute error
(d) Relative error
(e) Percentage error
Express the result in terms of absolute error and percentage error.

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 63


Solution:
(a) Most accurate length of the cylinder will be the mean length = 3.28875 cm = 3.29 cm
(b) Absolute error in the first reading = 3.29 – 3.29 = 0.00 cm
Absolute error in the second reading = 3.29 – 3.28 = 0.01 cm
Absolute error in the third reading = 3.29 – 3.29 = 0.00 cm
Absolute error in the forth reading = 3.39 – 3.31 = –0.02 cm
Absolute error in the fifth reading = 3.29 – 3.28 = 0.01 cm
Absolute error in the sixth reading = 3.29 – 3.27 = 0.02 cm
Absolute error in the seventh reading = 3.29 – 3.29 = 0.00 cm
Absolute error in the last reading
= 3.29 – 3.30 = –0.01 cm
(c) Mean absolute error
0.00 + 0.01 + 0.00 + 0.02 + 0.01 + 0.02 + 0.00 + 0.01
∆ = = 0.01 cm
8
∆ 0.01
(d) Relative error in length = = = 0.0030395 = 0.003
 3.29
∆
(e) Percentage error = × 100 = 0.003 × 100 = 0.3%

So length  = 3.29 cm ± 0.01 cm (in terms of absolute error)

⇒  = 3.29 cm ± 0.30% (in terms of percentage error)

15. Combination of Errors


In Sum : If Z = A + B, then ∆Z = ∆A + ∆B, maximum fractional error in this case
∆Z ∆A ∆B
= +
Z A +B A +B
In Difference : If Z = A – B, then maximum absolute error is ∆Z = ∆A + ∆B and maximum fractional
error in this case
∆Z ∆A ∆B
= +
Z A –B A –B
In Product : If Z = AB, then the maximum fractional error,
∆Z ∆A ∆B
= +
Z A B
where ∆Z/Z is known as fractional error.
In Division : If Z = A/B, then maximum fractional error is
∆Z ∆A ∆B
= +
Z A B
n ∆Z ∆A
In Power : If Z = A then =n
Z A
A xBy
In more general form if Z =
Cq
then the maximum fractional error in Z is
∆Z ∆A ∆B ∆C
= x +y +q
Z A B C

64 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


Example 16:
Two resistors of resistances R1 = (100 ± 3) ohm and R2 = (200 ± 4) ohm are connected (a) in
series (b) in parallel. Find the equivalent resistance of the (a) series combination, (b) parallel
1 1 1 ∆R' ∆R1 ∆R2
combination. Use for (a) the relation R = R1 + R2 and for (b) = + and = + 2
R' R1 R2 R'2 R21 R2

Solution:
(a) The equivalent resistance of series combination
R = R1 + R2 = (100 ± 3) ohm + (200 ± 4) ohm = 300 ± 7 ohm.
(b) The equivalent resistance of parallel combination
R1R2 200
R' = = = 66.7 ohm
R1 + R2 3
1 1 1
Then, from = +
R' R1 R2
We get,
∆R' ∆R1 ∆R2
= + 2
R'2 R21 R2

2
 ∆R ∆R 
∆R' = (R' )  2 1 + 22 
 R1 R2 
2 2
 66.7   66.7 
∆R' =  3+  4 = 1.8
 100   200 
Then, R' = 66.7 ± 1.8 ohm
(Here, ∆R is expressed as 1.8 instead of 2 to keep in conformity with the rules of significant
figures)

Example 17:
If measured value of resistance R = 1.05 Ω, wire diameter d = 0.60 mm, and length  = 75.3 cm,
then find maximum permissible error in resistivity.
 πd2 
R 
 4 
Given ρ =

Solution:
 ∆ρ  ∆R ∆d ∆
 ρ  = +2 +
max
R d 
R = 1.05 Ω → ∆R = 0.01 Ω (least count)
d = 0.60 mm → ∆d = 0.01 mm (least count)
 = 75.3 → ∆ = 0.1 cm (least count)

 ∆ρ   0.01Ω 0.01mm 0.1cm 


 ρ  = +2× + ×100 = 4%
max
 1.05Ω 0.60mm 75.3cm

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 65


Example 18:
To find the value of ‘g’ using simple pendulum. T = 2.00 sec;  = 1.00 m was measured. Estimate
maximum permissible error in ‘g’. Also find the value of ‘g’ .
2
(use π = 10 )
Solution:
 4π2 
T = 2π ⇒ g=
g T2
 ∆g  ∆ ∆T
 g  = +2
max
 T

 0.01 0.01 
=  +2× × 100 % = 2 %
 1.00 2.00 

4π2  4 × 10 × 1.00 2
value of g = 2
= 2
= 10.0 m/s
T (2.00)
 ∆g  2 ∆gmax 2
 g  = so =
max
100 10.0 100
so (∆g)max = 0.2 = max error in ‘g’
2
so ‘g’ = (10.0 ± 0.2) m/s

Example 19:
4 1/3 3/2
Find the relative error in Z, If Z = A B /CD .
Solution:
The relative error in Z is
∆z  ∆A  1  ∆B   ∆C  3  ∆D 
= 4 + + +
z  A  3  B   C  2  D 

Example 20:
The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is T = 2π L / g . measured value of L is 20.0 cm
known to 1 mm accuracy and time for 100 oscillations of the pendulum is found to be 90s using
a wrist watch of 1s resolution. What is the accuracy in the determination of g ?
Solution:
2 2
g = 4π L /T
t ∆T ∆t
Here, T = and =
n T t
The errors in both L and t are the least count errors. Therefore.
∆g  ∆L   ∆T 
=   + 2
g  L   T 
∆g 0.1  1 
= + 2   = 0.027
g 20.0  90 
Thus the percentage error in g is
∆g  ∆L   ∆T  
× 100% =   + 2  × 100% = 2.7%
g  L   T  

66 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


Example 21:
The length and breadth of a rectangle are (5.7 ± 0.1) cm and (3.4 ± 0.2) cm. Calculate area of
the rectangle with error limits.
Solution:
Given  = (5.7 ± 0.1) cm
and b = (3.4 ± 0.2) cm
2
Area A =  × b = 5.7 × 3.4 = 19.38 cm

∆A  ∆ ∆b 
=  +
A   b 
 0.1 0.2   0.34 + 1.14  1.48
=±  + =±  =±
 5.7 3.4   5.7 × 3.4  19.38
1.48
⇒ ∆A = ± ×A
19.38
1.48
=± × 19.38 = 1.48
19.38
2
Area = (19.38 ± 1.48) cm

Concept Builder-4

Q.1 When measuring the diameter of sphere,. following observation were taken.
5.29 cm, 5.28 cm, 5.29, 5.31, 5.28, 5.27, 5.29, 5.29 cm. then find
(a) Most accurate length of the cylinder. (b) Absolute error in each observation.
(c) Mean absolute error (d) Relative error
(e) Percentage error

Q.2 The initial and final temperatures of water as recorded by an observer are (40.6 ± 0.2)°C and
(78.3 ± 0.3)°C. Calculate the rise in temperature.

Q.3 A thin copper wire of length L increase in length by 2% when heated from T1 to T2. If a copper
cube having side 10 L is heated from T1 to T2 what will be the percentage change in
(i) area of one face of the cube
(ii) volume of the cube.

Q.4 The resistance R = V/I where V = (100 ± 5) V and I = (10 ± 0.2)A. Find the percentage error in R.

16. Significant Figures


Every measurement involves errors. Thus, the result of measurement should be reported in a
way that indicates the precision of measurement. Normally, the reported result of measurement
is a number that includes all digits in the number at are known reliably plus the first digit that
is uncertain. The reliable digits plus the first uncertain digit are known as significant digits or
significant figures.
Significant figures indicate, as already mentioned, the precision of measurement which depends
on the least count of the measuring instrument. A choice of change of different units does not
change the number of significant digits or figures in a measurement.

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 67


16.1 Common Rules of Counting Significant Figures
Rule 1 :
All non-zero digits are significant
i.e. 123.56 has five S.F.
Rule 2 :
All zeros occurring between two non-zero digits are significant (obviously)
i.e. 1230.05 has six S.F.
Rule 3 :
= 3.5cm
=  3.50cm
=  3.500cm
↓ ↓ closer ! ↓ more closer !
0.1cm 0.01cm 0.001cm
accuracy accuracy accuracy
↓ ↓ ↓
 liesbetween  liesbetween  liesbetween
(3.4 – 3.6) (3.49 – 3.51) (3.499 – 3.501)
So trailing zeroes after decimal place are significant (Shows the further accuracy)
3.5cm 3.50cm 3.500cm
↓ ↓ ↓
Two S.F. Three S.F. Four S.F.
Once a measurement is done, significant figures will be decided according to closeness of
measurement. Now if we want to display the measurement in some different units, the S.F.
shouldn’t change (S.F. depends only on accuracy of measurement)
Number of S.F. is always conserved, change of units cannot change S.F.
Suppose measurement was done using mm scale, and we get  = 85 mm (Two S.F.)

If we want to display it in other units.


85mm → 8.5cm → 0.085m
↓ ↓
85000mm 0.000085km
4
8.5 × 10 mm
= 8.5 × 10–5 km
=
All should have two S.F.
The following rules support the conservation of S.F.
Rule 4:
From the previous example, we have seen that,
0.000085km also should has two S.F. 8and5

Not significant

So leading Zeros are not significant.


In the number less than one, all zeros after decimal point and to the left of first non-zero digit
are insignificant (arises only due to change of unit)
0.000305 has three S.F.
–4
⇒ 3.05 × 10 has three S.F.

68 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


Rule 5 :
From the previous example, we have also seen that
85000 µm should also has two S.F. 8 and 5

Not significant
So the trailing zeros are also not significant.
The terminal or trailing zeros in a number without a decimal point are not significant. (Also
arises only due to change of unit)
154 m = 15400 cm = 154000 mm
9
= 154 × 10 nm
all has only three S.F. all trailing zeros are insignificant
Rule 6 :
There are certain measurement, which are exact i.e.

Number of apples are = 12 (exactly) = 12.000000........... ∞


This type of measurement is infinitely accurate so, it has ∞ S.F.
Numbers of students in class = 125 (exact)
Speed of light in the vacuum = 299,792,458 m/s (exact)

16.2 Rules for Arithmetic Operation with Significant Figures


(i) 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.
(ii) In addition, or subtraction, the final result should retain as many decimal places as are there in
the number with the least decimal places.

17. Rounding off the Uncertain Digits


The result of computation with approximate numbers, which contain more than one uncertain
digit, should be rounded off. The rules of rounding off numbers to the appropriate significant
figures are obvious in most cases.
Rules of Rounding Off
• If removable digit is less than 5 (50%) ; drop it.
Round off
47.833  → 47.8
till onedecimal place
• If removable digit is greater than 5(50%), increase the last digit by 1.
Roundoff
47.862  → 47.9
till onedecimal place
If removablenumber
is exactly 5(50%)

If last number If last number isodd,


is evendrop5 increase thelast digit by1
20.65 20.75

20.6 20.8

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 69


Example 22:
In ohm’s law exp., reading of voltmeter across the resistor is 12.5 V and reading of current
i = 0.20 Amp. Estimate the resistance in correct S.F.
Solution:
V 12.5 → 3SF
R= = = 62.5Ω  → 62Ω
i 0.20 → 2SF roundoff
to 2 S.F.

Example 23
Write down the number of significant figures in the following:
(a) 165 (b) 2.05 (c) 34.000 m (d) 0.005
–1
(e) 0.02340 N m
Solution:
(a) 3SF (b) 3 SF (c) 5 SF (d) 1 SF (e) 4 SF

Concept Builder-5

Q.1 Round off the following numbers within three significant figures -
8 –6
(i) 0.03927 kg (ii) 4.085 x 10 sec (iii) 5.2354 m (iv) 4.735 x 10 kg

Q.2 Round off the following numbers to 3 significant digits-


(i) 899.68 (ii) 987.52 (iii) 2.0082 (iv) 336.5 (v) 335.5

Q.3 The length, breadth and thickness of a metal sheet are 4.234 m, 1.005 m and 2.01 m respectively.
Give the area and volume of the sheet to correct number of significant figures.

Q.4 Write number of significant digits


1 –19
(i) 62.3 cm (ii) 6.23 × 10 cm (iii) 20.000 (iv) 0.02 × 10
(v) 500.000 (vi) 0.5210 (vii) 896.80 (viii) 201
(ix) 1200 (x) 1200 N

Q.5 Solve with regards to significant figure


(i) 908 + 2.76 (ii) 999 – 989 (iii) 625 ÷ 125

18. Measuring Instruments


18.1 Least Count
The smallest value of a physical quantity which can be measured accurately with an instrument
is called the least count (L. C.) of the measuring instrument.

Least Count of Vernier Calipers


Suppose the size of one main scale division (M.S.D.) is M units and that of one vernier scale
division (V. S. D.) is V units. Also let the length of 'a' main scale divisions is equal to the length
of 'b' vernier scale divisions.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 14 15

70 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


a
aM = bV ⇒ V = M
b
a  b – a
∴M–V=M– M or M – V =  M
b  b 
The quantity (M– V) is called vernier constant (V. C.) or least count (L. C.) of the vernier calipers.
 b – a
L.C. M
= = –V  M
 b 

Example 24:
One cm on the main scale of vernier calipers is divided into ten equal parts. If 20 divisions of
vernier scale coincide with 8 small divisions of the main scale. What will be the least count of
caliper?
Solution:
 8  2
20 div. of vernier scale = 8 div. of main scale ⇒ 1 V. S .D. =   M. S. D. =   M. S. D.
 20   5
Least count = 1 M. S. D. – 1 V. S . D.
 2  2
= 1 M. S. D. –   M. S. D. =  1 –  M. S. D.
5
   5

3 3
= M. S. D. = × 0.1 cm = 0.06 cm
5 5
1
(1 M. S. D. = cm = 0.1 cm)
10
Note : for objective questions
 b – a  20 – 8   1  3
L. C. = M – V =   M=  cm ⇒ cm = 0.06 cm
 b   20   10  50
18.2 Least Count of Screw Gauge
Circular(Head)scale
Spin dle

Linear (Pitch)
Scale Thimble
Sleeve

Pitch
Lease Count =
Total no. of divisionon the circular scale
where pitch is defined as the distance moved by the screw head when the circular scale is given
one complete rotation. i.e.
Distance moved by the screw on the linear scale
Pitch =
No. of full rotations given
Note: With the decrease in the least count of the measuring instrument, the accuracy of the
measurement increases and the error in the measurement decreases.

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 71


Example 25:
th th
The n division of main scale coincides with (n + 1) division of vernier scale. Given one main
scale division is equal to 'a' units. Find the least count of the vernier calipers.
Solution:
(n + 1) divisions of vernier scale = n divisions of main scale
n
∴ 1 vernier division = main scale division
n+ 1
Least count = 1 M. S. D. – 1V. S. D.
 n   1  a
= 1–  M.S.D. =   M. S. D. =
 n + 1  n + 1 n +1

Example 26:
1
The least count of a stop watch issecond. The time of 20 oscillations of a pendulum is
5
measured to be 25 seconds. How much will be the percentage error in the measurement of
time?
Solution:
1
Error in measuring 25 sec.= sec. = 0.2 sec.
5
0.2
∴ percentage error = × 100% = 0.8%
25
Note: The final absolute error in this type of questions is taken to be equal to the least count of the
measuring instrument.

19. Zero Error


19.1 Zero Error in Vernier Callipers

Calculation of Zero Error for Vernier Calipers


Positive zero error = (No. of Division of VS coincided with MS).LC
Negative zero error = -(Total division in VS – No. of division of VS coincided with MS).LC
Correct Reading with Zero Error
Reading = MSR + VSR × LC
Correct reading = (Reading) – (Zero error)
The zero error is always subtracted with sign from the reading to get the corrected value.

19.2 Zero Error in Screw Gauge


If there is no object between the jaws (i.e. jaws are in contact), the screw gauge should give
zero reading. But due to extra material on jaws, even if there is no object, it gives some excess
reading. This excess reading is called Zero error.

72 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


Calculation of Zero Error for Screw Gauge
Reading = LSR + CSR × LC
Positive zero error = (No. of division of CS on MS).LC
Negative zero error = -(Total division on CS – No. of division of CS on MS).LC
Correct reading = (Reading) – (zero error)
Remember
To get correct reading take zero error with their sign.
Positive zero error = + (Numerical value of zero error)
Negative zero error = – (Numerical value of zero error)

Example 27:
What is the diameter of sphere shown in figure. Pitch of screw gauge is 1 mm and number of
divisions in circular scale are 50 :

(1) 1.238 cm (2) 1.218 cm (3) 1.228 cm (4) 1.215 cm


Solution:
Zero Error:
1
Least count of circular scale
= = 0.02 mm
50
Reading of main scale = 0.0 cm
Number of division coincied = 5
reading of circular scale = 5 × 0.02
Zero error = 0.10 mm = +0.010 cm
For diameter sphere:
Reading of main scale = 1.2 cm
No. of division coincided = 14
Reading of circular scale = 14 × 0.02 = 0.28 mm = 0.028 cm
Reading = 1.228 cm
Diameter = 1.228 – 0.010 = 1.218 cm

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 73


Example 29:
Find the thickness of the cubical object using a defective vernier calliper. Main scale has mm
marks and 10 divisions of vernier scale coincide with 9 divisions of main scale.

(1) 13.8 mm (2) 13.4 mm (3) 14.1 mm (4) 13.0 mm


Solution:
 9
Least count of vernier callipers = 1 −  × 1 mm =0.1 mm
 10 
Zero error = VSR × LC = 3 × 0.1 = 0.3 mm
Reading = MSR + VSR × LC = 13mm + 7 × 0.1 mm = 13.7 mm
Correct reading = Reading – Zero error = 13.7 – 0.3 mm = 13.4 mm

20. Order of Magnitude


Order of magnitude of a quantity is the power of 10 required to represent that quantity. This
power is determined after rounding off the value of the quantity properly. For rounding off, the
last digit is simply ignored if it is less than 5 and, is increased by one if it is 5 or more than 5.
x
• When a number is divided by 10 (where x is the order of the number) the result will always
x
lie between 0.5 and 5 i.e. 0.5 ≤ N/10 < 5
Example : Order of magnitude of the following values can be determined as follows :
1 1
(a) 49 = 4.9 × 10 ≈ 10 ∴ Order of magnitude = 1
1 2
(b) 51 = 5.1 × 10 ≈ 10 ∴ Order of magnitude = 2
–2 –2
(c) 0.049 = 4.9 × 10 ≈ 10 ∴ Order of magnitude = –2
–2 –1
(d) 0.050 = 5.0 × 10 ≈ 10 ∴ Order of magnitude = –1
–2 –1
(e) 0.051 = 5.1 × 10 ≈ 10 ∴ Order of magnitude = –1

74 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


Concept Builder-6

Q.1 One centimetre on the main scale of vernier callipers is divided into ten equal parts. If 20
divisions of vernier scale coincide with 19 small divisions of the main scale then what will be
the least count of the callipers.

Q.2 If the number of divisions on the circular scale is 100 and number of full rotations given to
screw is 8 and distance moved by the screw is 4 mm, then what will be least count of the
screw gauge.

Q.3 Give the order of the following :


(a) 1 (b) 1000 (c) 499 (d) 500
11 –10
(e) 501 (f) 1 AU (1.496 × 10 m) (g) 1 Å (10 m)
8 –11 2 2
(h) Speed of light (3.00 × 10 m/s) (i) Gravitational constant (6.67 × 10 N – m /kg )
23 –1 –34
(j) Avogadro constant (6.02 × 10 mol ) (k) Planck's constant (6.63 × 10 J-s)
–19 –11
(l) Charge on electron (1.60 × 10 C) (m) Radius of H–atom (5.29 × 10 m)
5
(n) Atmospheric pressure (1.01 × 10 Pa) (o) Mass of earth (5.98 × 1024 kg)
6
(p) Mean radius of earth (6.37 × 10 m)

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 75


ANSWER KEY FOR CONCEPTS BUILDERS

CONCEPT BUILDER-1 CONCEPT BUILDER-4


1. No 2. 0.1 rad 1. (a) 5.29, (c) 0.01, (d) 0.00189,

3. (7×10
–6
) µm 4. 25 m/s (e) 0.189%

5. one fourth 6. 4 times 2. (37.7 ± 0.5)°C


3. (i) 4%; (ii) 6% 4. 7%
CONCEPT BUILDER-2

1.
1
(i) [M L T ]
1 –2 1
(ii) [M L T ]
2 –2 CONCEPT BUILDER-5
8
(iii) [M L T ]
1 2 –2
(iv) [M L T ]
1 2 –3 1. (i) 0.0393 kg (ii) 4.08 × 10 sec
–6
(v) [M L T
1 –1 –2
] (vi) [M L T ]
0 0 –1 (iii) 5.24 m (iv) 4.74 × 10 kg
0 0 –2 2. (i) 900, (ii) 988, (iii) 2.01, (iv) 336, (v) 336
(vii) [M L T ]
2 3
–1 3 –2 1 2 –1 3. Area = 4.255 m , Volume = 8.55 m
2. M L T 3. ML T
1 –1 0 –1 4. (i) 3 (ii) 3 (iii) 5 (iv) 1 (v) 6 (vi) 4
4. (α) = [M L T ] ; (β) = [T ]
(vii) 5 (viii) 3 (ix) 2 (x) 4
5. (A, C, D)
5. (i) 911, (ii) 10.0, (iii) 5.00

CONCEPT BUILDER-3
CONCEPT BUILDER-6
1. (C,D)
1. 0.005 cm 2. 0.005 mm
4 –2 3 –2
2. (i) [a] = [ML T ]; [b] = [ML T ];
3. (a) 0, (b) 3, (c) 2, (d) 3, (e) 3, (f) 11,
(ii) his answer is dimensionally incorrect
(g) –10, (h) 8, (i) –10, (j) 24,
1 P P2
3. f∝ 4. k∝ (k) –33, (l) –19, (m) –10, (n) 5,
 ρ M
(o) 25, (p) 7
3 kg
5. 2 × 10
m3

76 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


Exercise - I
Units & Quantities Dimensions, Dimensional Analysis
1. Which of the following system of units is
9. When a wave travels in a medium, the
not based on units of mass, length and
displacement of a particle located at
time alone
distance x at time t is given by y = a sin
(1) SI (2) MKS (bt – cx) where a, b and c are constants of
(3) FPS (4) CGS the wave. The dimension of b/c are same
as that of :
2. Which of the following quantity is (1) wave velocity (2) wave length
unitless? (3) wave amplitude (4) wave frequency
(1) Velocity / length
(2) Pressure / length 10. The dimensional formula of k in y = sin(kx)
(3) Displacement / length is
(4) Force / length (if x is the distance)
0 0 –1 –1 –1 0
(1) M L T (2) M L T
3. The ratio of one micron to one nanometre 0 –1 0 0 0 0
(3) M L T (4) M L T
is
3 –3
(1) 10 (2) 10 11. The method of dimensional analysis can
–6 –1
(3) 10 (4) 10 be used to derive which of the following
relations ?
4. Temperature can be expressed as a (1) N0e
–λt

derived quantity in terms of which of the


(2) A sin(ωt + kx)
following.
(1) Length and mass 1 2 1 2
(3) mv + Iω
(2) Mass and time 2 2
(3) Length mass and time (4) None of the above
(4) In terms of none of these
12. Which of the following does not have the
5. Density of wood is 0.5 gm/cc in the CGS dimensions of force ?
system of units. The corresponding value (1) Potential / length
in MKS units is (2) Energy / length
(3) Weight
(1) 500 (2) 5
(4) Rate of change of momentum
(3) 0.5 (4) 5000

13. Which of the following is incorrect


6. Which of the following is not the unit of
statement
time.
(1) A dimensionally correct equation may
(1) Micro second
be correct
(2) leap year
(2) A dimensionally correct equation may
(3) Lunar months
be incorrect
(4) Parallactic second
(3) A dimensionally incorrect equation
7. Which of the following is smallest unit
may be correct
(1) Milimetre (2) Angstrom
(4) A dimensionally incorrect equation is
(3) Fermi (4) Metre incorrect

8. Which relation is wrong 14. A dimensionless quantity


(1) 1 Calorie = 4.18 Joules (1) Never has a unit
–10
(2) 1 Å = 10 m (2) Always has a unit
–13
(3) 1 MeV = 1.6 × 10 Joules (3) May have a unit
–5
(4) 1 Newton = 10 Dynes (4) Does not exist

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 77


15. A unitless quantity 20. In a particular system the units of length
(1) Does not exist mass and time are chosen to be 10 cm, 10
(2) Always has a nonzero dimension g and 0.1 s respectively. The unit of force
(3) Never has a nonzero dimension in this system will be equal to
(4) May have a nonzero dimension (1) 0.1 N (2) 1 N
(3) 10 N (4) 100 N
16. Which of the following is incorrect
(1) All derived quantities may be
21. The dimensional formula of angular
represented dimensionally in terms of
velocity is
the base quantities
0 0 –1 –1
(2) A base quantity cannot be represented (1) M L T (2) MLT
0 0 1 0 –2
dimensionally in terms of other base (3) M L T (4) ML T
quantities 22. Given the force (F) is given F = Pt
–1
+ Qt.
(3) The dimension of a derived quantity is Here t is time. The unit of P is same as
never zero in any base quantity
that of :
(4) The dimension of a base quantity in
(1) displacement (2) velocity
other base quantities is always zero.
(3) acceleration (4) momentum
17. Two physical quantities of which one is a
vector and the other is a scalar having the
same dimensional formula are : 23. The force is given in terms of time (t) and

(1) Work and energy displacement (x) by the equation :


(2) Torque and work F = A cos Bx + C sin Dt
(3) Impulse and momentum D
Then, the dimensions of are :
(4) Power and pressure B
0 0 0 0 0 –1
(1) M L T (2) M L T
18. The equation of a wave is given by 0 –1 0 0 –1
(3) M L T (4) M LT
x 
Y = A sin ω  – k  where ω is the angular
 v 
24. In the relation y = r sin (ωt – kx) the
velocity and v is the linear velocity. The
ω
dimension of k is dimensions of are :
k
(1) LT (2) T
0 1 0 0 1 –1
–1 2 (1) M L T (2) M L T
(3) T (4) T
0 0 3 0 1 0
(3) M L T (4) M L T
19. The time dependence of a physical
quantity P is given by P = P0e (–a t 2 )
, where Error, Signification Digits

α is a constant and t is time. The


25. For a cubical block, error in measurement
constant α
(1) dimensionless of sides is +1% and error in measurement
–2 of mass is +2%, then maximum possible
(2) has dimensions T
(3) has dimensions of P error in density is-

(4) has dimensions T


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

78 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


2 L 33. What is the fractional error in g calculated
26. To estimate ‘g’ (from g = 4π ), error in
T2 from T= 2π  / g ? Given that fractional
measurement of L is +2% and error in errors in T and  are ±2 and ±2
measurement of T is +3%. The error in
respectively.
estimated ‘g’ will be -
(1) 4 (2) 0
(1) ± 8% (2) ± 6%
(3) 6 (4) 2
(3) ± 3% (4) ± 5%

27. The least count of a stop watch is 0.2 34. A thin copper wire of length  metre
second. The time of 20 oscillations of a increases in length by 2% when heated
pendulum is measured to be 25 seconds. through 10°C. What is the percentage
The percentage error in the time period is increase in area when a square copper
(1) 16% (2) 0.8 % sheet of length  metre is heated through
(3) 1.8 % (4) 8 %
10°C ?
28. The dimensions of a rectangular block (1) 4% (2) 8%
measured with a vernier callipers having (3) 16% (4) None of the above
least count of 0.1 mm is 5 mm × 10 mm ×
5 mm. The maximum percentage error in V
35. The resistance is R = where V = 100 ± 5
measurement of volume of the block is I
(1) 5 % (2) 10 % Volts and I = 10±0.2 amperes. What is the
(3) 15 % (4) 20 % total error in R ?
(1) 5 % (2) 7 %
29. An experiment measures quantities x, y, z
5
and then t is calculated from the data as (3) 5.2 % (4)   %
2
xy2
t= . If percentage errors in x, y and z
z3
36. The length, breadth and thickness of a
are respectively 1%, 3%, 2%, then
strip are (10.0 ± 0.1)cm, (1.00 ± 0.01)cm and
percentage error in t is :
(0.100 ± 0.001)cm respectively. The most
(1) 10 % (2) 4 %
(3) 7 % (4) 13 % probable error in its volume will be
3 3
(1) ± 0.03 cm (2) ± 0.111 cm
3
30. The external and internal diameters of a (3) ± 0.012 cm (4) None of these
hollow cylinder are measured to be (4.23
± 0.01) cm and (3.89 ± 0.01) cm. The 37. If error in measuring diameter of a circle
thickness of the wall of the cylinder is is 4%, the error in circumference of the
(1) (0.34 ± 0.02) cm (2) (0.17 ± 0.02) cm circle would be :-
(3) (0.17 ± 0.01) cm (4) (0.34 ± 0.01) cm (1) 2 % (2) 8 %
(3) 4 % (4) 1 %
31. The mass of a ball is 1.76 kg. The mass of 38. Percentage error in measuring the radius
25 such balls is
and mass of a solid sphere are 2% & 1%
3
(1) 0.44 × 10 kg (2) 44.0 kg respectively. Then error in measurement
(3) 44 kg (4) 44.00 kg of moment of inertia with respect to its
 2 
32. Zero error of an instrument introduces diameter is :-  Ι = MR2 
 5 
(1) Systematic errors (2) Random errors
(3) Both (4) None (1) 3 % (2) 6 %
(3) 5 % (4) 4 %

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 79


39. The heat generated in a circuit is 44. In an experiment four quantities a, b, c
dependent upon the resistance, current and d are measured with percentage error
and time for which the current is flown. If 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% respectively. Quantity
the error in measuring the above are as 1%, P is calculated as follows :
2% and 1% respectively, then maximum a 3b2
2 P= ; % error in P is :
error in measuring heat will be (H = Ι Rt) cd
(1) 2% (2) 3% (1) 10% (2) 7%
(3) 6% (4) 1% (3) 4% (4) 14%

40. The percentage errors in the 45. The respective number of significant
measurement of mass and speed are 2% figures for the numbers 23.023, 0.0003
and 3% respectively. How much will be the and 2.1 × 10
–3
are
maximum error in the estimate of kinetic (1) 5, 1, 2 (2) 5, 1, 5
energy obtained by measuring mass and (3) 5, 5, 2 (4) 4, 4, 2
 1 
speed ?  k = mv 2 
 2  46. The edge of a cube is a = 1.2 × 10 m. Then
−2

(1) 11 % (2) 8 % its volume will be recorded as :


(3) 5 % (4) 1 % (1) 1.72 × 10
−6
m
3
(2) 1.728 × 10
−6
m
3

−6 3 −6 3
(3) 1.7 × 10 m (4) 1.73 × 10 m
41. While measuring acceleration due to
47. When a copper sphere is heated,
gravity by a simple pendulum a student maximum percentage change will be
makes a positive error of 1% in the length observed in (on heating radius will
of the pendulum and a negative error of increase)
3% in the value of the time period. His (1) radius (2) area
percentage error in the measurement of (3) volume (4) none of these
the value of g will be -
(1) 2 % (2) 5 % (Questions 48 to 53)
Find significant figures in the following
(3) 7 % (4) 10 %
observations-
48. 0.007 gm
42. If the error in the measurement of radius (1) 1 (2) 2
of a sphere is 2%, then the error in the (3) 3 (4) 4
determination of volume of the sphere will
be : 49. 2.64 x 10
24
kg
(1) 4% (2) 6% (1) 1 (2) 2
(3) 8% (4) 2% (3) 3 (4) 4

3
43. A student measures the distance 50. 0.2370 gm/cm
traversed in free fall of a body, initially at (1) 1 (2) 2
(3) 3 (4) 4
rest, in a given time. He uses this data to
estimate g, the acceleration due to gravity.
51. 6.320 J/K
If the maximum percentage errors in (1) 1 (2) 2
measurement of the distance and the (3) 3 (4) 4
time are e1 and e2 respectively, the
2
percentage error in the estimation of g is : 52. 6.032 N/m
(1) e2 – e1 (2) e1 + 2e2 (1) 1 (2) 2
(3) e1 + e2 (4) e1 – 2e2 (3) 3 (4) 4

80 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


53. 0.0006032 K
–1
59. A pendulum clock, designed to give
(1) 1 (2) 2 correct time in planes, gives incorrect
(3) 3 (4) 4 time at hill station. Type of error in
measurement of time can be :-
(1) Systematic error (2) Random error
54. Dimensional formula of a physical
–1 3 –2 (3) Gross error (4) None of these
quantity is [M L T ]. The errors in
measuring quantities M, L and T
60. A vernier callipers has 40 divisions on the
respectively are 2%, 3% and 4%. The vernier scale which coincide with 38
maximum percentage error that occurs in divisions on the main scale. The least
measuring the quantity is count of the instrument is 0.1 mm. The
(1) 9% (2) 10% main scale divisions are of
(3) 14% (4) 19% (1) 0.5 mm
(2) 1 mm
55. If length of a rectangle is 2.1 m and width (3) 2 mm
is 1.62 m then its area will be (4) 1/4 mm
2 2
(1) 3.402 m (2) 3.4 m
2 2 61. In main scale of a vernier callipers 1 cm
(3) 3.40 m (4) 3 m
divided into 10 equal divisions. The vernier
scale has 10 equal divisions that
Measurement correrspond to 9 main scale divisions. The
56. A vernier callipers has 20 divisions on the measured value by this calliper is :
vernier scale which coincide with 19
divisions on the main scale. The least
count of the instrument is 0.1 mm. The
(1) 2.82 cm
main scale divisions are of
(2) 2.83 cm
(1) 0.5 mm (2) 1 mm
(3) 2.87 cm
(3) 2 mm (4) 1/4 mm
(4) 2.89 cm

57. One centimeter on the main scale of 62. One full rotation of the cap of a screw
vernier callipers is divided into ten equal gauge is equivalent to 5 mm. The cap has
parts. If 10 divisions of vernier scale 100 division. Find the least count.
coincide with 8 small divisions of the (1) 0.5 m
main scale, the least count of the (2) 0.05 mm
callipers is (3) 0.005 m
(1) 0.01 cm (2) 0.02 cm (4) 5 × 10
–4
m
(3) 0.05 cm (4) 0.005 cm
63. Distance moved by a screw in 5 rotation is
58. A student measured the diameter of a 5 mm and total number of circular
divisions is 100. The least count of the
wire using a screw gauge with least count
screw gauge is :-
0.001 cm and listed the measurements.
(1) 1 mm
The correct measurement is – (2) 0.001 cm
(1) 5.3 cm (2) 5.32 cm (3) 0.0001 cm
(3) 5.320 cm (4) 5.3200 cm (4) 0.001 mm

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 81


64. Find the reading of micrometer ?

(1) 3.25 mm (2) 3.24 mm


(3) 3.30 mm (4) 3.41 mm

65. The number of circular division on the


shown screw gauge is 100. It moves 0.1 cm
on main scale for one complete rotation (1) 2.25 mm (2) 2.20 mm
and main scale has 1 mm marks. The (3) 1.20 mm (4) 1.25 mm
diameter of the ball is :-

ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Ans. 1 3 1 4 1 4 3 4 1 3 4 1 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 4 4 2 2
Que. 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
Ans. 1 2 1 4 3 2 1 3 1 2 1 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 4 1 3 3 1 3 4
Que. 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65
Ans. 4 4 4 4 2 3 2 3 1 3 3 2 2 1 2

82 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


Exercise - II
1. The fundamental unit which has same 5. In a vernier caliper, N divisions of vernier
power in the dimensional formula of scale coincide with (N – 1) divisions of
surface tension and coefficient of main scale (in which 1 division represents
viscosity is 1mm). The least count of the instrument
(1) Mass in cm. should be
(2) Length
(1) N (2) N – 1
(3) Time
(4) None 1 1
(3) (4)
10N N– 1
2. Match list I with list II and select the
correct answer by using the codes given 6. The length of a cylinder is measured with
below the lists a meter rod having least count 0.1 cm. Its
List I List II diameter is measured with vernier
(Item) (Units of callipers having least count 0.01 cm. Given
length) the length is 5.0 cm. and radius is 2.00 cm.
A. Distance between 1. Micron
The percentage error in the calculated
earth and stars
value of volume will be:
B. Inter atomic distance 2. Angstrom
(1) 2% (2) 1%
in a solid
C. Size of nucleus 3. Light year (3) 3% (4) 4%
D. Wavelength of 4. Fermi
Infrared Laser 7. A physical quantity X is related to four
5. Kilometer a2b3
variables a, b, c and d as follows, X =
Codes : c d
A B C D
. Errors in measurement of a, b, c, d are
(1) 5 4 2 1
1%, 3%, 2% and 2% respectively. What is
(2) 3 2 4 1
percentage error in quantity X?
(3) 5 2 4 3
(4) 3 4 1 2 (1) 12% (2) 8%
(3) 14% (4) 5%
3. Two resistors R1=(24 ± 0.5) Ω and R2=(8 ± 0.3)
a b
Ω are joined in series. The equivalent 8. If the energy E = m c where m is the mass
resistance is and c is the velocity of light, then the
(1) 32 ± 0.33 Ω values of a and b are, respectively
(2) 32 ± 0.8 Ω (1) 1, 2 (2) 2, 1
(3) 32 ± 0.2 Ω (3) –1, 2 (4) –2, 1
(4) 32 ± 0.5 Ω
(Questions 9 to 12)
a b c
4. A quantity is represented by X = M L T . Using screw gauge, the observation of the
The percentage error in measurement of diameter of a wire are 1.324, 1.326, 1.334,
M, L and T are α%, β % and γ % 1.336 cm respectively.
respectively. The percentage error in X
would be 9. Find the average diameter of wire :
(1) (α a + βb + γc) % (1) 1.33 (2) 1.32
(2) (αa – βb + γc) % (3) 1.30 (4) 1.31
(3) (α a – βb– γc) %
(4) None of these

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 83


10. Find the mean error : 14. Suppose refractive index µ is given as
(1) 0.006 (2) 0.005 2
µ = A + B/λ , were A and B are constants
(3) 0.007 (4) 0.004 and λ is wavelength then the dimension of
B are same as that of :-
11. Find the relative error : (1) wavelength (2) pressure
(1) 0.004 (2) 0.002 (3) area (4) volume
(3) 0.005 (4) 0.006
15. The equation of the stationary wave is
12. Find the Percentage error :  2πct   2πx 
y = 2A sin   cos  
(1) 0.4% (2) 0.2%  λ   λ 
(3) 0.3% (4) 0.5% Which of the following statements is
wrong ?
13. Which of the following combination of (1) the unit of ct is same as that of λ
three quantities P, Q, R having different (2) the unit of x is same as that of λ
dimension cannot be meaningful ? (3) the unit of 2πc/λ is same as that of
(1) PQ – R (2) PQ – 1 2πx/λ t
PR − Q2 (4) the unit of c/λ is same as that of x/λ
(3) (P – Q)/R (4)
QR

ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans. 1 2 2 1 3 3 3 1 1 2 1 1 3 3 4

84 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


Exercise – III (Previous Year Question)
1. The ratio of the dimension of Planck's 7. The density of a material in CGS system of
constant (= energy / frequency) and that 3
units is 4 g/cm . In a system of units in
of the moment of inertia is the dimension which unit of length is 10 cm and unit of
of :- [AIPMT 2005] mass is 100 g, the value of density of
(1) Velocity material will be :- [AIPMT 2011]
(2) Angular momentum (1) 0.04 (2) 0.4
(3) Time (3) 40 (4) 400
(4) Frequency
–1/2
8. The dimensions of (µ0 ∈0) are
2. The velocity v of a particle at time t is
b 1
given by =
v at + where a, b and c are (if speed of light = ):
t+c µ0 ∈0
constants. The dimensions of a, b and c [AIPMT 2011]
are respectively: [AIPMT 2006] (1) [L
1/2
T
–1/2
]
–1
(2) [L T]
–2 2 2
(1) LT , L and T (2) L , T and LT (3) [LT ]
–1
(4) [L
–1/2 1/2
T ]
2 2
(3) LT , LT and L (4) L, LT and T
9. If voltage across a bulb rated 220 Volt 100
3. Dimension of electrical resistance is :–
Watt drops by 2.5% of its rated value, the
[AIPMT 2007]
2 –3 –1 2 –3 –2
percentage of the rated value by which
(1) [ML T A ] (2) [ML T A ] the power would decrease is :
3 –3 –2 –1 3 3 2
(3) [ML T A ] (4) [M L T A ] [AIPMT-2012]
(1) 5% (2) 10%
4. Which two of the following five physical
(3) 20% (4) 2.5%
parameters have the same dimensions ?
[AIPMT 2008]
10. In an experiment four quantities a, b, c
(a) energy / volume
and d are measured with percentage
(b) refractive index
errors 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% respectively.
(c) dielectric constant
Quantity P is calculated as follows
(d) Young's modulus
a 3b2
(e) magnetic field P= , percentage error in P is:
cd
(1) (a) and (d) (2) (a) and (e)
[NEET-2013]
(3) (b) and (d) (4) (c) and (e)
(1) 4% (2) 14%
(3) 10% (4) 7%
5. If the dimensions of a physical quantity
a b c
are given by M L T , then the physical
11. If force (F), velocity (V) and time (T) are
quantity will be : [AIPMT 2009]
taken as fundamental units, then the
(1) Force if a = 0, b = –1, c = – 2
dimensions of mass are: [AIPMT-2014]
(2) Pressure if a = 1, b = – 1, c = – 2 –1 –2
(1) [FVT ] (2) [FVT ]
(3) Velocity if a = 1, b = 0, c = – 1
–1 –1 –1
(4) Acceleration if a = 1, b = 1, c = – 2 (3) [FV T ] (4) [FV T]
1
6. The dimension of ε E2 , where ∈0 is 12. If energy (E), velocity (V) and time (T) are
2 o
chosen as the fundamental quantities, the
permittivity of free space and E is electric
dimensional formula of surface tension
field, is :- [AIPMT 2010]
–1 2 –2
will be : [AIPMT-2015]
(1) [MLT ] (2) [ML T ] –1 –2 –2 –2
–1 –2 2 –1 (1) [EV T ] (2) [EV T ]
(3) [ML T ] (4) [ML T ] –2 –1 –3 –2 –1
(3) [E V T ] (4) [EV T ]

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 85


13. If dimension of critical velocity νc, of liquid 18. In an experiment, the percentage of error
flowing through a tube is expressed as occurred in the measurement of physical
x y z quantities A, B, C and D are 1%, 2%, 3% and
(η ρ r ), where η, ρ and r the coefficient
4% respectively. Then the maximum
of viscosity of liquid, density of liquid and
percentage of error in the measurement X,
radius of the tube respectively, then the
values of x, y and z are given by : A2B1/2
where X = , will be : [NEET-2019]
[Re-AIPMT-2015] C1/3 D3
(1) 1, 1, 1 (2) 1, –1, –1 (1) –10% (2) 10%
(3) –1, –1, 1 (4) –1, –1, –1  3
(3)   % (4) 16%
 13 
14. Planck's constant (h), speed of light in
vacuum (c) and Newton's gravitational 19. The main scale of a vernier caliper has n
constant (G) are three fundamental divisions/cm. n divisions of the vernier
constants. Which of the following scale coincide with (n – 1) divisions of
combinations of these has the dimension main scale. The least count of the vernier
of length? [NEET-2016] caliper is : [NEET-2019 (Odisha)]
hc Gc 1 1
(1) (2) (1) cm (2) cm
G h3/2 (n + 1)(n − 1) n
hG hG 1 1
(3) (4) (3) cm (4) cm
c3/2 c5/2 n2 n (n + 1)

15. A physical quantity of the dimensions of


20. Dimensions of stress is : [NEET-2020]
length that can be formed out of c, G and 0 –2 –1 –2
(1) [ML T ] (2) [ML T ]
e2
is [c is velocity of light, G is universal (3) [MLT ]
–2 2 –2
(4) [ML T ]
4πε0
constant of gravitation and e is charge] : 21. A screw gauge has least count of 0.01 mm
[NEET-2017] and there are 50 divisions in its circular
 e2 
1/2
1  e2 
1/2
scale. The pitch of the screw gauge is :
(1) c G
2
 (2)   [NEET-2020]
 4πε0  c2  G 4πε0 
(1) 0.5 mm (2) 1.0 mm
1/2
1 e2 1  e2  (3) 0.01 mm (4) 0.25 mm
(3) G (4) 2 G 
c 4πε0 c  4πε0 
22. Taking into account of the significant
16. A student measured the diameter of a
figures, what is the value of 9.99 m–
small steel ball using a screw gauge of
0.0099 m? [NEET-2020]
least count 0.001 cm. The main scale (1) 9.980 m
reading is 5 mm and zero of circular scale (2) 9.9 m
division coincides with 25 divisions above (3) 9.9801 m
the reference level. If screw gauge has a (4) 9.98 m
zero error of − 0.004 cm, the correct
diameter of the ball is: [NEET-2018] 23. Time intervals measured by a clock give
(1) 0.521 cm (2) 0.525 cm the following readings :
(3) 0.053 cm (4) 0.529 cm 1.25 s, 1.24 s, 1.27 s, 1.21 s and 1.28 s.
What is the percentage relative error of
17. The unit of thermal conductivity is- the observations ? [NEET_Covid_2020]
[NEET-2019] (1) 2 % (2) 4 %
(1) W m K
–1
(2) W m K
–1 –1
(3) 16 % (4) 1.6 %
–1 –1 –1
(3) J m K (4) J m K

86 Unit, Dimension and Measurement


24. If force [F], acceleration [A] and time [T] 27. Plane angle and solid angle have:
are chosen as the fundamental physical [NEET-2022]
quantities. Find the dimensions of energy. (1) Units but no dimensions
[NEET-2021] (2) Dimensions but no units
2
(1) [F] [A] [T] (2) [F] [A] [T ] (3) No units and no dimensions
–1 –1
(3) [F] [A] [T ] (4) [F] [A ] [T] (4) Both units and dimensions

25. A screw gauge gives the following readings 28. The area of a rectangular field (in m ) of
2

when used to measure the diameter of a length 55.3 m and breadth 25m after
wire Main scale reading : 0 mm rounding off the value for correct
Circular scale reading : 52 divisions significant digits is: [NEET-2022]
Given that 1 mm on main scale (1) 138 × 10
1

corresponds to100 divisions on the (2) 1382


circular scale. The diameter of the wire (3) 1382.5
from the above data is : [NEET-2021] 2
(4) 14 × 10
(1) 0.52 cm (2) 0.026 cm
(3) 0.26 cm (4) 0.052 cm
29. The physical quantity that has the same
dimensional formula as pressure is:
26. If E and G respectively denote energy and
[Re-NEET-2022]
E (1) Momentum
gravitational constant, then has the
G (2) Young's modulus of elasticity
dimensions of [NEET-2021] (3) Coefficient of viscosity
(1) [M2 ][L−1 ][T0 ] (2) [M][L−1 ][T −1 ] (4) Force
(3) [M][L0 ][T0 ] (4) [M2 ][L−2 ][T −1 ]

ANSWER KEY
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Ans. 4 1 2 1 2 3 3 3 1 2 4 2 2 3 4 4 2 4 3 2 1 4 4 2 4
Que. 26 27 28 29
Ans. 1 1 4 2

Unit, Dimension and Measurement 87

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