Physics

Derived Quantities
Physical quantities that are derived from the fundamental quantities.
Unit : Derived SI units.
Examples :
Area a= length x breadth = m x m = m2
Velocity /Speed = Distance / Time = m/s
Volume = length x length x length = mxmxm = m3
1 gallon = 3785 ml
Density = Mass/ Volume = kg/m3 1 ounce = 30 ml
1 quart = 1 litre

2
Significant Figures
The reliable and first uncertain digits are known as significant digits or
figures.
1. All non-zero digits are significant
2. A zero becomes significant if it appears between two non-zero digits
3. Leading zero or zero placed on the left of a number are never
significant.
4. Trailing zero or the zero placed to the right of a number is significant.
5. In exponential notation, the numerical portion gives the number of
significant figures

3
Rounding off
1. If the digit to be dropped is less than 5, then the preceding digit is left
unchanged
2. If the digit to be dropped is more than 5, then the preceding digit is raised by
one.
3. If the digit to be dropped is 5 followed by digits other than zero, then the
preceding digit is raised by one.
4. If digit to be dropped is 5 or 5 followed by zero, then preceding digit is left
unchanged, if it is even.
5. If digit to be dropped is 5 or 5 followed by zero, then preceding digit is raised
by one, if it is odd.

4
 Errors In Measurement
Generally measured value of a quantity is different from the true value of the physical quantity.
The difference between the true value and measured value is called error.
Error = true value – measured value
Before we discuss about errors let us understand two important terms :
Accuracy : It is the measure of how close the measured value is to the true value of the physical quantity.
Precision : It tells us about the limit or resolution upto which the quantity is measured.

5
 Classification of Errors
Systematic errors : These are due to definite cause. Systematic errors are also
called as determinate errors. Systematic errors are unidirectional w.r.t. the
true value. Systematic errors in instruments can be avoided by proper design
of the instrument.
◦ 1) Least count error : This is due to resolution of instrumental error.
◦ 2) Zero error : It creeps in when zero division doesn't show zero.
◦ 3) Theoretical error : It is due to approximations made in derivations.
◦ 4) Parallax error : This personal error becomes systematic when a scale is viewed
always in a particular direction.
 Classification of Errors - cont
Random errors : These errors arise from uncontrollable causes. Random
errors are also called indeterminate errors. Random errors cannot be
eliminated. Random errors are the ultimate limitations on the measurement.
◦ 1) Line voltage changes can cause random errors
◦ 2) Backlash errors : Appears in the instruments

Gross errors : Arise due to faulty adjustment or improper usage of the

instrument.
Personal errors can be minimized, if the experimenter is more careful and
skilled.
Dimensions of a Physical Quantity
All physical quantities can be expressed in terms of the fundamental quantities.
The dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to which the fundamental quantities mass,
length and time must be raised to represent it.

8
Principle of homogeneity
Only physical quantities with same dimension can be added subtracted or can be equated.
The term on both sides of the dimensional equation should have the same dimensions.
APPLICATIONS OF DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
1) Dimensional formulae can be used to convert one system of units into another system
2) Dimensional formulae can be used to check the correctness of an equation
3) Dimensional formulae can be used to derive relationship among different physical quantities
4) Dimensional formulae can be used to find unit of a given physical quantity
5) Dimensional formulae can be used to design our own new system of units
 LIMITATIONS ON THE USES OF
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
There is no limitation as far as the first use (conversion of units) is concerned. As for
the second use (checking the dimensional accuracy of the given relationship) is
concerned, if both the LHS and RHS are dimensionless, we cannot know whether
the quantities in the numerator and denominator are in correct or reverse order.
The rest of the uses have following limitations.
(i) Proportionality constants cannot be determined by dimensional analysis.
(ii)Formulae containing non-algebraic functions i.e., sin, cos, log, exponential etc.
cannot be derived.
(iii)Formulae which contain two or more terms in the RHS cannot be derived.
 (iv)Formulae containing dimensional constants cannot be derived.
(v) Dimensional analysis does not differentiate between a scalar and a vector
quantity.
(vi) If we do not know the physical quantities on which a physical quantity
depends, we cannot even proceed to derive a formula.
(vii) It is difficult to apply dimensional methods if the physical quantity
depends upon more than three fundamental quantities the length, mass and
time.
Example 1 - The dimensional formula of the product of two physical quantities P and Q is
ML2T-2. The dimensional formula of P/Q is ML0T-2. Then which physical quantities are
represented by P and Q ?
Physical constants may or may not have dimensions.
Quantities having the same dimensions
 Recap
▪ Fundamental
Unit and Measurement ▪ Devices used to  Derived Quantities
Quantities
Need for Measurement –
measure  Significant figures
Length
Physical Quantities – Mass ▪ Length  Dimension of
– Fundamental quantity – Time – Vernier calliper physical quantities
– Derived quantity – Temperature – Screw gauge
– Electric Current
– Luminous Intensity ▪ Mass
– – Common balance
Mole
– – Spring balance
Astronomical Unit
– – Physical balance
Light year
– Radian
– Steradian
Thank You