Units and Measurement

1.

PHYSICAL QUANTITY, UNITS AND DIMENSIONS

Physical quantity: A quantity that can be measured by instrument, clearly defined and has
proper units is called physical quantity. Physical quantities are classified as fundamental
and derived quantities.
Fundamental units: The physical quantity which does not depend on any other physical
quantity is called a fundamental physical quantity such as length; mass and time are called
fundamental units.
Derived units: The units that can be obtained from fundamental units are called derived
units.
System of units:
There are three systems of units.
Name of system
Fundamental unit of
Length
Mass
Time
F.P.S.
Foot
Pound
Second
C.G.S.
Centimetre
Gram
Second
M.K.S. (S.I.)
Meter
Kilogram
Second
In physics SI system is based on seven fundamental and two supplementary units.
(i) Fundamental units:
S.No.
Basic Physics
Fundamental Unit
Symbol
1.
Mass
kilogram
kg
2.
Length
meter
m
3.
Time
second
s
4.
Electric current
ampere
A
5.
Temperature
Kelvin or Celsius
K or C
6.
Luminous intensity
candela
Cd
7.
Quantity of matter
mole
Mol
(ii) Supplementary units:
S.No.
Supplementary
Quantities
1.
Plane angle
2.
Solid Angle

Physical Supplementary unit

Radian
Steradian

Symbol
rad
sr

Unit & Dimensions & Vectors

DEFINITIONS OF BASE UNITS:
(i) Meter:
The currently accepted definition of meter is the length of path travelled by light in vacuum
in 1/299,792,458th second.
(ii) Kilogram:

Kilogram is the fundamental unit of mass. It is defined as the mass of a specific cylinder of
platinum - iridium kept at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in Paris.
.
(iii) Second:
Second is the fundamental unit of time. It is defined as 86,400th part of a mean solar day.
Second is accurately measured by an atomic clock.
(iv) Coulomb:
Coulomb is the fundamental unit of charge. It is defined as the charge required to obtain
9109 Newton of force between two equal charges separated at a distance of one meter in
vacuum.
(v) Candle:
Candle is the fundamental unit of luminous intensity. It is defined as luminous intensity
observed from a source of monochromatic light of frequency 5401012 Hz, that has an
intensity of 1/683 watt per steradian.
(vi) Kelvin:
Kelvin is the fundamental unit of temperature. It has value of zero where the molecular
activity of gases cease.
(vii) Mole:
Mole is the fundamental unit of quantity of matter. It is defined as amount of substance of a
system that contains as many elementary particle as there are in 0.012 kg of carbon-12 (C12).

1.1

BASIC PHYSICAL QUANTITIES

PHYSICAL QUANTITY

SYMBOL DIMENSION MEASUREMENT UNIT

UNIT

Length

Meter

Mass

Kilogram

Kg

Time

Second

Sec

Electric charge

Coulomb

luminous intensity
Temperature
Angle

I
T

C
K
none

Candela
Kelvin
Radian

Cd
o
K
None

Mechanical Physical Quantities (derived)

PHYSICAL QUANTITY SYMBOL DIMENSION
EQUATION
Area

L2

MEASURMENT
SI)
square meter

(in UNIT
m2

Volume

L3

cubic meter

m3

velocity

L/T

meter per second

m/sec

angular velocity

1/T

radians per second

1/sec

acceleration

L/T2

meter

angular acceleration

1/T2

Force

ML/T2

per
square m/sec2
second
radians per square
1/sec2
second
Newton
Kg m/sec2

Energy

ML2/T2

Joule

Kg m2/sec2

Work

ML2/T2

Joule

Kg m2/sec2

Heat

ML2/T2

Joule

Kg m2/sec2

Torque

ML2/T2

Newton meter

Kg m2/sec2

Power

ML2/T3

watt or joule/sec

Kg m2/sec3

Density

D or

M/L3

pressure

impulse

ML/T

kilogram per
Kg/m3
cubic meter
Newton per square Kg m-1/sec2
meter
Newton second
Kg m/sec

Inertia

ML2

Kilogram square meter Kg m2

luminous
flux
illumination

C/L2

entropy

lumen (4Pi candle for cd sr

point source)
lumen per
cd sr/m2
square meter
joule per degree
Kg m2/sec2K

Volume
rate of flow
kinematic
viscosity
dynamic
viscosity

L3/T

L2/T

ML-1/T2

ML2/T2K

M/LT

cubic meter
per second
square meter
per second
Newton second
per square meter

m3/sec
m2/sec
Kg/m sec

specific
M/L2 T2

weight
Electrical Physical Quantities (derived)
Electric
I
Q/T
current
emf, voltage,
E
ML2 /T2 Q
potential
resistance or
R
ML2 /TQ2
impedance
Electric
TQ2 /M2L2

conductivity
capacitance
C
T2 Q2 /ML2
inductance
L
ML2 /Q2
Current density
J
Q/TL2

Kg m-2/sec2

Newton
per cubic meter
Ampere

C/sec

Volt

Kg m2/sec2C

ohm

Kgm2 /secC2

mho

secC2/Kg m3

Farad
Henry
ampere per
square meter
coulomb
per
meter
weber per
square meter

sec2C2/Kgm2
Kg m2 /C2
C/sec m2

Charge density

Q/L3

magnetic flux,
Magnetic induction

M/TQ

magnetic
intensity
magnetic vector
potential
Electric
field intensity
Electric displacement

Q/LT

ampere per meter

C/m sec

ML/TQ

weber/meter

Kg m/sec C

ML/T2 Q

Q/L2

permeability

ML/Q2

volt/meter or
Kg m/sec2 C
newton/coulomb
coulomb per square C/m2
meter
henry per meter
Kg m/C2

permittivity,
dielectric constant
frequency

K
f or

T2Q2/ML3
M0L0T0
1/T

farad per meter

None
Hertz

sec2C2/Kgm3
None
sec-1

angular frequency
Wave length

1/T
L

radians per second

Meters

sec-1
M

1.

cubic C/m3
Kg/sec C

Meter: Since 1983, the standard metre is defined as the length of the path travelled

th part of a second.
299
,
792458

by light in vacuum in
2.

Kilogram:
Now a days the standard kilogram is the
mass of a cylinder made of platinum-iridium alloy and stored in a special vault in the
International Bureau of Standards in France.

3.

Second:
At present second is defined as the time
interval of 9,192,631,770 vibrations of electromagnetic radiation in cesium-133 atom
(corresponding to the transition between two specific hyperfine levels).

Limitations of Dimensional Analysis

1.
Dimension does not depend on the magnitude. Therefore, a dimensionally correct
equation need not be actually correct. Eg dimension of
2.

1
2
and
are same.
T
T

Dimensional method cannot be used to derive relations other than product of

physical parameters. e.g. - r ro ut

1 2
at or y = a cos(t kx) can not be derived
2

by their method.
3.

This method cannot be applied to derive formula if in mechanics a physical quantity

depends on more than 3 physical quantities (mass, length, time). e.g. T = 2
cannot be derived by theory of dimensions.

Dimensions of Physical Quantities

Quantity
Dimensions
Acceleration LT2
Angular acceleration
T2
Angular displacement
-Angular frequency/ speed
T1
Angular Momentum
ML2T1
Angular velocity
T1
Area
L2
Displacement
L
Energy
(Total /Kinetic /potential/ Internal)
ML2T2
Force
MLT2
Frequency T1
Gravitational Field strength
LT2

Quantity
Dimensions
Velocity
LT1
Heat/ Temperature
-Capacitance M1L2T2Q2
Charge
Q
Conductivity M1L3TQ2
Current
T1Q
Current Density
L2T1Q
Electric dipole moment
LQ
Electric field Strength
MLT2Q1
Electric Flux ML3T2Q1
Electric Potential
ML2T2Q1
Electromotive force
ML2T2Q1
Inductance ML2Q2
Magnetic dipole moment
L2T1Q

I
mgh

Gravitational potential
L2T2
Length
L
Mass
M
Mass density ML3
Momentum MLT1
Period
T
Power
ML2T3
Pressure
ML2T2
Rotational Inertia
ML2
Time
T
Torque
ML2T2
Velocity
LT1

2.

Magnetic field Strength

MT1Q
Magnetic Flux
ML2T1Q1
Magnetic Induction
MT1Q1
Permeability MLQ2
Permittivity M1L3T2Q2
Resistance ML2T1Q2
Resistivity
ML3T1Q2
Voltage
ML2T2Q1
Volume
L3
Wavelength L
Entropy
ML2T2

APPLICATIONS OF DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

(i)

To find the unit of a physical quantity

Example-1 G = [M-1L3T-2]. Its SI unit is m3kg-1s-2 or Nm2kg-2.
(ii)
To convert a physical quantity from one system of units to another system of
units
n1u1 = n2u2
(1)
( Where ni and ui are numerical constant unit and dimension in a particular system)

Example-2 Let us convert value of g (i.e. 9.8 m/s2) from SI system to CGS system
From eq. no. 1 [ n1u1]in SI = [n2u2]in CGS
[u1]in SI
[n2]CGS = [n1 ]in SI
[u2 ]in CGS
L
= n1 1
L 2

T 1-2

T 2-2
-2
1m 1sec

-2
1cm 1 sec

= 9.8 m/sec2

-2
100cm 1sec
= 9.8

-2
1cm 1 sec
= 980

(iii)

To check the correctness of a given physical relation

Based on principle of homogeneity, the dimensions on two sides must be same for a
given relation.

Example-3 Check dimensionally

mv 2
where,[F ] [MLT 2 ];[v ] [LT 1] Therefore, LHS [MLT 2 ]
r
[M ][LT 1 ]2
RHS
[MLT 2 ]
L
If dimensions are same on both sides then the relation is dimensionally correct
otherwise incorrect.
F

(iv)

To derive a relation

Example-4 Derive Plancks length in terms of G, c and h, where G is gravitation

constant,
c velocity of light and h is plank constant.
x y z
L= f(G, c, h), L = KG c h
[L] = [M-1L3T2]x [LT-2]y [ML2T-1]z
-x + y = 0, 3x + y + 2z = 1 and 2x y z = 0
1
3
1
x ,y
and z
2
2
2
Gh
Thus, L = K
C3
If K = 1 then L - 10-35 m.
The importance of Planks length is yet to be established.
Limitations of dimensional Analysis:
(i)

The dimensional analysis cannot be applied to derive relations other than product of
power functions, for example, s = ut + 1at2 or y = y0 cos t and so on, cannot be
2
derived directly.

(ii)

The dimensional analysis cannot be applied to derive those relations that involve
more than 3 unknowns, however, we can use them to check the correctness of a
relation even if variables are more than 3.

(iii)

Even if a physical quantity depends upon 3 quantities, out of which two have same
dimension then dimensional analysis cannot be applied to derive such a formula but
can be used to check the relation.

(iv)

Numerical constants, trigonometric ratios and ratios which are dimensionless cannot
be derived.
Physical quantities having same dimensions may not be the same. For example
[ML2T-2] is a dimensional relation for torque as well as work or energy.

Polygon Rule of vector addition

This an extension of triangle law of addition of
vectors. According to this rule n number of
vector can be added by drawing a diagram in
which first vector is taken at the origin and
other vectors are added one by one in which
tail of next vector coincides with the heat of
previous vector. The vector joining the tail of

a n ) is
first vector ( a1 ) to heat
of
last
vector
(

the resultant vector R

R (Resultant vector) = a1 + a2 + . . . . . . + a5

= OE
Example:
There are four forces acting at a common point as shown in figure. Find the resultant
F using polygon law of vector addition. (given F1 = 10 N, F2 = 10 2N, F3 = 15 2N and
F4 = 20 N)

Solution:
Form Polygon law
Resultant force

F = OA AB BC CD OD

= F1 F2 F3 F4
= [20(cos30 i +sin30 j )
+ 102{cos45( i ) + sin45 j }
+ 152 {cos45( i ) + sin45( j )} +
20 {cos60 i + sin60( j )} ]
1

3 1
1
1
1
1
13
i j 10 2
i
j 15 2
i
j 20 i
j

2
2
2
2
2
2

2
2
= [(53 i +5 j ) + (10 i + 10 j ) + (15 i 15 j ) + {10 i 103 j )]
= [(15 53)( i ) + 103() j

F = 10

F = [(15 53) i + 103 j ]

F = 15 5 3 2 10

Let = angle between F and x-axis as shown in the figure.

tan =

10 3
195 5 3

= 2.73,

= 63.89

F = 18.45 N at an angle (69.89) with negative x-axis.

=18.45 N

3.

SOLVED PROBLEMS

SP1. The time period T of oscillation of a gas bubble from an explosion under water
is proportional to pa db Ec, where p is the static pressure, d is the density of
water and E is total energy of explosion. Find the value of a, b, and c?
Key concept: Value a, b and c can be calculated by using dimension of time,
pressure, density and energy.
Solution:
Given T = k pa db Ec, where k is a proportionally constant. Substituting the
dimensions of T, p, d and E, we have
(T) = (ML-1T-2) a (ML-3) b (ML2T -2) c
Equating power of M, L, and T on both sides, we have
a+b+c=0
a 3b + 2c = 0
2a 2c = 1
5
1
1
Solving these equations, we get a , b and c
6
2
3
SP2. The frequency(n) of a tuning fork depends upon the length (l) of its prong, the
density (d) and Youngs modulus (Y) of its material. Using dimensional
consideration, find a relation of n in terms of l, d and Y?
Solution:
Let n = k la db Yc, where k is a dimensionless constant. Putting the dimensions
of n, l, d and Y we have
(T-1) = (L)a (ML-3)b (ML-1 T-2)c
Equating power of M, L and T on both sides, we get
b+c=0
a 3b c = 0
2c = 1
These give c = , b = 1/2 and a = 1

 n = kl 1d-1/2 Y 1/2 or n = k Y
l d
This is the required relation for the frequency of a tuning fork.
SP3. The period of revolution (T) of a planet moving round the sun in a circular
orbit depends up on the radius (r) of the orbit, mass (M) of the sum and
gravitational constant (G). Using dimensional considerations, obtain Keplers
third law (the law of periods) of planetary motion?
Solution:
Given T = k raMbGc
Where k is a dimensionless constant. Substituting the dimensions of all the
quantities on both sides, we have
(T) = (L)a (M)b (M-1L3T-2)c
Equating the powers of T, M and L, we get
1 = 2c
0=bc
0 = a + 3c
which give a =

3
2

,b=

1
1
and c =
2
2

Hence T = kr3/2M -1 / 2 G -1 / 2 or T 2

k 2r 3M
G

Since k, M and G are constants, T2 r3. This is Keplers third law of planetary
motion.
SP6. Find the dimensions of (a) self inductance (b) resistance (c) potential?
Key concept:
Use that formula in which you know the
dimensions of each physical quantity except finding one.
Solution:
1 2
E [ML2L2 ]
Li

E
or
L

[ML2T 2 A 2 ]
(a)
2
2
2
i
[A ]

(b) R =

V [ML2T 3 A 1 ]

[ML2T 3 A2 ]
I
[ A]

E [ML2T 2 ]
[ML2T 3 A 1 ]
(c) QV = E or V
Q
[ AT ]
Keep remember that dimension of current can be taken as Q/T also.
SP7. Find the dimensions of compressibility, thermal conductivity, resistivity and
coefficient of viscosity.
Solution:
Compressibility =

1
A
L2
= M-1LT+2

Bulk modulus F MLT -2

Thermal conductivity K
dQ KAQ
dQ
1
ML2T 3L

or K

= MLT-3K-1
2
dt
1
dt AQ
LK
Coefficient of viscosity ()
F A

SP8.

dv
dx

Fdx [MLT 2L ]
2
[ML1T 1 ]
1
Adv [L ][LT ]
Find the dimensions of a and b in van der waals equation.

a
P V 2 (V b ) nRT

Key concept:
Quantity having same dimensions can
only be subtracted or added so P and a/V 2 has same dimensions.
a = PV2 = ML-1T-2 (L6) = ML5T-2
a
Since 2 has a dimension of Pressure,
V

Solution:

Similarly b has a dimension of volume i.e. is L3.

4.

CONVERSION FACTORS

(i)

1 A.U = 1.4961011m
1X-ray unit = 10-13m
1foot = 30.48 cm
1Chandra Shekhar limit (CSL) = 1.4 times the mass of sun
1 metric Ton = 1000kg
1pound = 0.4537kg
1 atomic mass unit (a.m.u) = 1.67 10-27kg
1shake = 10-8kg
1 year = 365.25d = 3.156107s
1 carat = 200mg
1 bar = 0.1 M Pa = 105Pa
1curie = 3.71010s-1
1 roentgen = 2.58 10-4 C/kg
1quintal = 100kg
1barn = 10-28m2
1standard atmospheric pressure = 1.013105 Pa or N/m2
1mm of Hg = 133N/m2
1horse power = 746w
Gas constant, R = 8.36j/mol k = 8.3610-7erg/mol k = 2cal/mol
1 Weber = 108 maxwell
1 tesla = 1wb/m2 = 104 gauss
1amp turn/meter = 410-3 oersted
1electron volt (eV) = 1.6 10-19J
1calorie = 4.19J
1watt-hour = 3.6 103J

(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(xi)
(xii)
(xiii)
(xiv)
(xv)
(xvi)
(xvii)
(xviii)
(xix)
(xx)
(xxi)
(xxii)
(xxiii)
(xxiv)
(xxv)

Example-5 The density of water is equal to

Solution:
Ideally speaking, the examiner should specify the temperature in this
question. This is because the density of water varies with temperature. It is
maximum (103 kg m-3) at 4C.
Example:
5eV in joule?

What will be equivalent energy of

Solution:

5eV = 51.6 10-19J

= 8.0 10-19J
joule is the equivalent of ----------

Exercise 2:
calorie.

One

5.

SIGNIFICANT FIGURES

All measurements have some degree (quantity) of uncertainty; how great the uncertainty depends on
both the accuracy of the measuring device and the skill of its operator. For example, on a
compass box scale, the diameter of circle can be measured to the nearest (least measurement)
0.1 cm; diameter differences less than this cannot be detected on this scale. We might
therefore indicate the diameter of a cylinder measured on this scale as 15.2 0.1 cm; the 0.1
(read plus or minus 0.1) is a measure of the accuracy of the measurement of scale. It is
important to have some indication of how accurately any measurement is made; the
notation is one way to accomplish this. It is common to drop the notation with the
understanding that there is uncertainty of at least one unit in the last digit of the measured
quantity; that is, measured quantities are reported in such a way that only the last digit is
uncertain. All of the digits, including the uncertain one, are called significant digits or, more
commonly, significant figures. The number 2.2 has 2 significant figures, while the number
2.2405 has 5 significant figures.

6.

PERCENTAGE ERRORS

Measured physical quantities are always approximate and cannot be expressed in exact
numbers; the difference between the true and the measured values of a quantity is called
error. Error may be positive or negative.
If there is an error L in measurement of any physical quantity L, then
error and

L
100 is called percentage error.
L

Combination of Errors
(a)

Sum and difference of quantities:

x=ab
x = (a + b)
(b)

Products and quotients of quantities:

x = a b,

x = a/b

For both
x
a b


x
b
a
(c)

Powers of quantities:
n

a
bm
Inx = nIna mInb
x=

L
is called fraction
L

differentiating
db
dx da
m
= n
a
b
x

For errors,
Maximum fractional error in x,

x
a
b
n
m

x
a

SP 13.Let us consider following relation between the function Y and variable a,b and
c such that
by
; where x, y
Y
x
z
a c
and z R
If there are small error a' , b' and z' to calculate in a, b, and c respectively,
then what will be resulting error in Y? Calculate percentage error also.
Differentiate the relation Y

Solution:

by
,
axcz

then we get
logY y log b x log a z log c
Y
b
a
c
y.
x.
z
Y
b
a
c
To get maximum permissible error in Y,
taking all errors to affect the result in one direction only, we get
Y
b
a
c
y.
x.
z
Y
b
a
c
Percentage error in Y=
SP13.

Y
b
a
c
100 y .
x.
z
100
Y
b
a
c

The sides of a rectangle are (10.5 0.2) cm and (5.2 0.1) cm. Calculate
its perimeter with error limit.

Solution:
Here, l = (10.5 0.2) cm
b = (5.2 0.1) cm

P = 2(l + b) = 2 (10.5 5.2) = 31.4cm

P = 2(l + b) = 0.6
Hence perimeter = (31.4 0.6) cm
SP14.

The following measurements were taken for an unknown resistance x,

with a P.O.box.
Rate (P)
10
10
10
10
10
10

Arms(Q)
10
10
100
100
1000
1000

Rheostat Arm(R)
15
16
152
153
1524
1525

Galvanometer Deflection
Left
Right
Left
Right
Left
Right

Find the value of X and the error in X.

Solution:
The resistance x satisfies
(i)
15 < x <16
(ii)
15.2 < x, 15.3
(iii)
15.24 < x < 15.25
The error

15.25 15.24
= 0.005
2

SP15.
P

A physical quantity P is related to four

measurable quantities a, b, c, and d as
3 2
ab
cd
The percentage errors in the measurements of a, b, c, and d are 1%, 3%,
4% and 2% respectively. What is the percentage error in the quantity P? If the
value of P obtained from the above relation turns out to be 3.763, to what
value should you round off the result?

Key concept:
Power of physical quantity is multiplier
factor of error for that physical quantity.
Solution:

Given, P =
Proportional error in P is given by

a3 b 2
cd

= a3b2c-1/2d-1

P
a
b 1 c d
3
2

P
a
b 2 c
d
Maximum proportional error in P is
a
b 1 c d
P
3
2

P
a
b 2 c
d

max
Percentage error in P is
b
1 c
d
P
a

100 3
100 2
100

100

100
P

a
b
2 c
d

max

= 3 (percentage error in a) + 2 (percentage error in b) +

(percentage error in c) + (percentage error in d)

1
= 3 1% + 2 3% +
4% + 2%
2
= 3% + 6% + 2% + 2% = 13 %
Now, value of P = 3.763. The percentage error in P is 13%.
Error in P is
3.763 13
= 0.48919 = 0.5
100
Since the error in P is in the first decimal place, the value of P = 3.763 must
be rounded off to the first decimal place. The value of P up to appropriate significant
figures is 3.8.
P =

Example-6SP16.

The potential difference across a

wire is measured with a voltmeter having least count 0.2 volt and the current
in the wire is measured with an ammeter having least count 0.1 ampere. The
following readings were obtained.
Voltmeter reading (V) = 6.4volt
Ammeter reading (I) = 2.0 ampere
Find the value of the resistance of the wire with maximum permissible
error. Also find the maximum percentage error.

Solution:
is given by

From Ohms law, the resistance of the wire

V 6.4

= 3.2 ohms
I 2.0
The maximum proportionate error in R is
R V I 0.2 0.1

= 0.03125 + 0.05 = 0.08125

R
V
I
6.4 2.0
R=

 R = 0.08125 R = 0.08125 3.2 = 0.26

Since the error is in the first decimal place, we must round off the value of R
to the first decimal place, giving R = 0.3. Thus the value of R with maximum
permissible error is
R + R = (3.2 0.3) ohm
The maximum percentage error is
R
100 = 0.08125 100 = 8.125% = 8%
R
SP17.
One atmospheric pressure is equal
to
Solution:
1 atmospheric pressure = 76 cm of Hg
= 76 13.6 981 dyne cm-2
= 1.01 106 dyne cm-2 = 1.01 105 N m-2Two resistance R1 = 10.0 0.1
and R = 5.0 0.1 are connected (a) in series (b) in parallel. Calculate % error.
Solution:
(a) In series
Rs = R1 + R2
Rs R1 R2
0.11 0.12
100

100
100 = 1.33%
Rs
R1 R2
10 5
(b) In Parallel
R1R2
RP =
R1 R2
Percentage error =

= 4.3%

RP R1 R2 R1 R2

100
RP
R2
R1 R2
R1
0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

100
=
5
10 5
10

Example-7 If C is the capacity and R is the resistance, then the dimensional formula of
1
is
CR
Solution:(B) CR is time constant of CR circuit.SP18.
A student measured the
length of the pendulum 1.211m using a meter scale and time for 25 vibrations
as 2 minutes 20 second using his wristwatch. Find % error and absolute error
in g.
Solution:
0.84 + 1.43 = 2.27%

% error

g
L 2T
100

100
g
T
L

 L 2T
0.01 2 1

9.8 =
T
L
1.21 140

g
(0.0227 9.8) = 0.22 ms-2

7.

EXPERIMENTS BASED ON VERNIER CALIPERS & SCREW GAUGE

A meter scale can measure accurately up to onetenth part of one cm. Its least
measurement 0.1 cm, is called least count of scale. There is limitation of meter scale that
the meter scale cannot measure the value less than 0.1 cm. For greater accuracy
measurement we have devices such as,
(i) Vernier Callipers
(ii) Screw Gauge
(i) Vernier Callipers: A vernier callipers provides with an auxiliary (or vernier) scale in
addition to the main scale. The vernier scale can slide along the main scale. The vernier
scale is so graduated (or marked) that the length of total number of divisions on it is smaller
by length of one division on main scale.
The least count of vernier scale is calculated by using the following formula
value of 1 main scale division
Least count of vernier scale (or vernier constant)=
Total number of division on vernier scale n
or
Least count (vernier constant) = 1 M.S.D.(Main scale division) 1 V.S.D.(vernier scale
division).
Exercise 4:
depend on ---------------

Least

count

of

screw

gauge

Example-8SP19.

If N division of vernier coincides with (N

1) division of main scale. Given one main scale division is equal to a unit,
find the least count of the vernier.

Solution:

N 1
a

Vernier constant = 1MSD 1VSD = 1

MSD =
,

N
N

Generally, the value of 1 main scale division on vernier callipers is 0.1 cm and there
are 10 divisions on the vernier scale, i.e., x = 0.1 cm and n = 10.
Least count of vernier callipers =

0.1 cm
= 0.01 cm.
10

Zero error of vernier callipers: If the zero marking of main scale and vernier callipers
does not coincide, necessary correction has to be made for this error which is known as
zero error of the instrument. If the zero error of the vernier scale is to the right of the zero of
the main scale the zero error is said to be positive & the correction will be negative
otherwise vice versa.
(ii) Screw gauge: Screw gauge works on the principle of screw. It has a linear scale called
the main scale, and another scale called the circular scale. The circular scale can be
rotated by a head screw. On turning the screw, the circular scale advances linearly on the
main scale. The distance moved by the tip of screw when it is given one complete rotation,
is called the pitch of the screw. Dividing the pitch of screw by the total number of division
on the circular scale, we get the distance which the screw advances on rotating the screw
by 1 division on its circular scale. This distance is called the least count of the instrument.
Thus
Pitch
Least count =
Total number of division n on the circular scale
Generally, in a screw gauge the screw advances by 1 or division on main scale when
the screw is given one rotation. If there are total 100 division on its circular scale and the
0.1 cm
value of 1 division on main scale is 0.1 cm, then least count =
= 0.001 cm
100
Zero error of screw gauge: In a perfect instrument the zeros of the main scale and
circular scale coincides with each other, In this condition screw gauge has zero-error,
otherwise the instrument is said to have zero-error which is equal to the cap reading with
the gap closed. This error is positive when zero line or reference line of the cap lies above
the line of graduation and corresponding corrections will be just opposite otherwise viceversa.

Example-9SP20.

What

will

be

the

measurement

of

following screw gauge position?

5
0
45
40

Solution:
Reading = Main scale reading + Number of circular scale division(or screw
gauge reading)least count
3mm + 45 0.01mm = 3.45 mm

Example-10SP21.

What will be the measurement of

following screw gauge position?

Solution:

25
20
15
10

Reading = Main scale reading + Number of circular scale division(or screw

gauge reading)least count
5.5mm + 16 0.01mm = 5.66 mm

SP22.

What will be measurement of following vernier callipers gauge position?

0

0.5

1
Main scale

Vernier scale

Coinciding division
Solution:
Reading = main scale reading + vernier scale positionleast count
= 0.1cm + 4 (due to fourth line of vernier matches with main scale) .01cm
= 0.1+ 0.04= 0.14cm
SP23. Find the absolute error in density of a sphere of radius 10.01 cm and mass
4.692kg. Least count of vernier callipers and balance is 0.01cm and 0.001kg
respectively.
M
4.692 3

3
6
4
Solution:
=
= 1.12 10-3 kg m-3
r 3 4 3.14 (10.01) 10
3
M 3r

M
r
M 3r 0.001 3 01

1.12 103 = 3.97 kgm-3

r 4.692 10.01
M

SP24. In an experiment for determining the acceleration due to gravity (g), the length
of the string is measured with the help of a meter scale having a least count of
0.1 cm, the diameter of the bob is measured with a venire calipers having

venire constant 0.01 cm and the time period is measured using a stop watch
having a least count of 0.1s. the following observations were obtained.
Length of the string (l) = 98.0 cm
Diameter of the bob (d) = 2.56 cm
Time for 10 oscillations (t) = 20.0s
Find the maximum permissible error in g and express the result in the form (g
+ g). use the formula
T = 2

L
g

Where L = l + r, where r = radius of the bob =

d 2.56

= 1.28 cm
2
2

t
20.0

= 2.0 s
10
10
4 (3.142)2 (98.0 1.28)
g=
= 980.1 cm2 = 9.801 ms2
(2.0)2
In terms of measured quantities, g is giving by
(l r )
t l r 2 t
2

g= 2
t /100
t
(l r
t
0.1 0.01
2 0.1

=
= 0.0011 + 0.01 = 0.0111
(98.0 1.28) 20.0
Error g = 0.0111 g = 0.0111 9.801
= 0.108 ms2
Thus we find that the error in g expressed in ms 2 is in the first decimal place. Hence
we must round off g to the first decimal place, giving g = 0.1 ms2. Since the error
in g is in the first decimal place, the value of g = 9.801 ms 2. Hence the result of the
experiment is expressed as g = (9.8 0.1) ms2. The maximum percentage error is

Solution:

T=

g
100 = 0.0111 100 = 1.11%
g

OBJECTIVE
1.

The mass of a box measured by a grocers balance is 2.3kg. Two gold pieces of
mass 20.15g and 20.17 g are added to the box. The total mass of the box to correct
significant figure is
(A) 2.3kg
(B) 2.34032 kg
(C) 2.34 kg
(D) 2.3403 kg
Which of the following sets cannot enter into the list of fundamental quantities in any
system of units?

(A)
length, time and mass
(B)
mass, time and velocity
(C)
length, time and velocity
(D)
gravitational constant
Solution:(C) Since velocity is derivable from length and time therefore it cannot be
grouped with length and time as fundamental quantity.
2.

Sleman is S.I unit for

(A)
Specific-ConductanceResistance
(C)
Capacitance
Solution 2: (A)

(B)
(D)

Inductance
Pressure

3.

A science student takes 100 observations in an experiment. Second time he takes

500 observations in the same experiment. By doing so the possible error becomes
(A)
5 times
(B)
1/5 times
(C)
Unchanged
(D)
None of these
Solution 3: (B) (1/5 times)

4.

The unit of surface energy per unit area may be expressed

(A)
Nm2
(B)
Nm1
(C)
Nm
(D)
Nm2
Solution 4: (B) Surface energy per unit
Energy
Surface energy per unit area =
Area
Force displacement

Area
N m
Nm1
m2
5.

Density of a liquid is 13.6 gcm3. Its value in SI units is

(A)
136.0kgm3
(B)
13600kgm3
(C)
13.60kgm3
(D)
1.360kgm3
Solution 5: (B) Density = 13.6 g cm3
13.6 10 3 kg
=
(102 m)3
= 13600 kg m3
[Q 1 g = 103 kg, 1 cm = 102 m]

6.

The diameter of a cylinder is measured with vernier callipers having least count
0.01cm. The diameter is 1.95 cm. The radius to correct significant figures will be
(A) 0.975cm
(B) 0.98cm
(C) 1.0cm
(D) 1cm
If the size of a unit be represented by k and is numerical value as n, then

1
k
1
(C)
n k2
(D)
n
k
Solution:(B) Value = nk. Since value is fixed therefore nk = constant.
(A)

nk

(B)

7.

The SI unit of the universal gas constant R is

(A)
Erg K1 MOL1
(B)
-1
-1
(C)
Newton MOL
(D)
Joule
Solution 7: (B)
(mol k)

Watt K-1 MOL-1

Jule1 MOL1

8.

The maximum error in the measurement of mass and density of the cube are 3%
and 9% respectively. The maximum error in the measurement of length will be
(A)
9%
(B)
3%
(C)
64%
(D)
2%
Mass(M)
M
Solution 8: (C) Density =
=
Volume(V) V
M
V=

M
l3 =

Max. fractional error

3l M

l
M

Percentage error
3
% = 3% + 9%
l
l
12
%
%
l
3
l
%= 4 %
l
9.

What is the value of 600m + 600mm with due regard to the significant digits
(A) 601m
(B) 600m
(C) 600.600m
(D) 600.6m
The SI unit of electrochemical equivalent is
(A)
kg C
(B)
C kg-1
-1
(C)
kg C
(D)
kg2C-1

Solution:(C) According to Faraday's first law of electrolysis, m = ZQ or Z

m
. So, SI unit of
Q

Z is kg C-1
10.

Which of the following has a dimensional constant

(A)
Refractive index
(B)
Passions ratio
(C)
Relative velocity
(D)
Gravitation of constant
Solution 10: (D) All of physical quantity has no dimension except gravitational force so
correct.
The dimensions of surface tension length are
(A)
ML0T-2
(B)
-1 2
(C)
ML T
(D)
0 2
-2
Solution 11: (B) ML T L= MLT
11.

Pick the odd man out

(A)
Weight
(C)
Electromotive force
Solution 12: (C)

MLT-2
ML2T2

12

(D)

Dimension formula for luminous flux is

(A)
ML2T-2
(C)
ML2T1
Solution 13: (D)

(B)
Thrust
Force

13

14.

(B)
(D)

ML2T-3
None of these

If w, x, y and z are mass, length, time and current respectively, then

dimensional formula same as
(A)
electric potential
(C)
electric field

(B)
(D)

x2w
has
y3 z

capacitance
permittivity

Sol. : (A)
x 2 w
ML2

3
T3 A
y z
x 3 w
ML2T 2
[Work]

3
AT
[Charge]
y z

y 3 w
[Work]
[Potential] 14 The dimension of potential difference are
3
[Charge]
y z

(A) ML2T-3I-1
(C) ML2T-2I

(B) MLT-2I-1
(D) MLT-2I

MLT-1 T-1 are the dimension of

(A)
Power
(C)
Force
Solution 15: (C)
15.

(B)
(D)

Momentum
Couple

16.

The unit of impulse is the same as that of

(A) Moment of force
(B) Linear momentum
(C) Rate of change of linear momentum
(D) Force
Solution 16: (B) Impulse = Force time
= MLT2 T
= MLT1
i.e. Dimension of linear momentum
17.

The dimensions of capacitance are

(A)
M-1L-2TI2
(C)
ML-2T-2I-1
Q
Solution 17: (D) C =
V
Q
Q2 T 2
T2 2

I
C=
W / Q W T2 W 2
T 2I2
=
ML2T 2
= M1L2T4I2

(B)
(D)

M-1L-2T2I-2
M-1L-2T4I2

The dimension of angular momentum length are

(A)
MLT-1
ML2TML3T-1
(C)
ML-1T
0 -2
ML T
Solution 18: (B) ML3T1
18.

19.

(B)
(D)

The SI unit of the universal gas constant R

is
(A)
1

(B)

watt

mol-1

(C)
joule K-1mol-1
Solution 19: (D)
20.

erg K-1mol-1
newton K-1mol-1

The dimension of planks are the same as those of

(A)
energy
(C)
angular frequency
angular momentum

(D)

(B)

power
(D)

K-

Solution 20: (D) E = h

E

ML2T 2
Dimension of (h) =
1/ T
2 1
h = ML T
Dimension of angular momentum = ML 2T1
Planks constant h =

21.

The volume V of water passing any point of

a uniform tube during t seconds is related to the cross-sectional area A of the tube
and velocity u of water by the relation
V Aut
Which one of the following will be true?
(A)

==

(B)

(C)

(D)

=

Solution 21: (B) V = k. u t

L3 = k (L2).
(LT1). (T)
L3 = k . L(2 + ) T +
2 + = 3
+ = 0
= , 2 + = 3
so are can conclude that
=
22.

Which one of the following relations is dimensionally consistent where h is height to

which a liquid of density rises in a capillary tube of radius, r, T is the surface ension
of the liquid, the angle of contact and g the acceleration due to gravity

2T cos
r g
2 g cos
h
(C)
2Tr
Solution 22: (A)
(A)

23

The dimension of calories are

(A)
ML2T-2
(C)
ML2T1

(B)
(D)

(B)
(D)

2Tr
g cos
2Tr g
h
cos
h

MLT-2
ML2T-1

Solution 23: (A) Calories is unit of energy so dimension of calories is = ML 2T2

The dimension of potential difference length are
(A)
ML2TML3T-3I-1
(B)
MLT-2I-1
2 -2
(C)
ML T I
(D)
MLT-2I
work
ML2 T 2

length

L
Solution 24: (A) V = charge
Q T
T
3 3 1
= ML T I
24.

The mass of an electron is 9.111031kg. The speed of light is 2.9979108ms1.

Calculate the energy corresponding to the mass of the electron, from the Einstein
relation E = mc2, correct to appropriate significant figures.
(A)
81.9 1015J
(B)
801.9 1012J
(C) 81.9 1012J
(D) 81 1015J What is the power of a 100
W bulb in cgs units?
(A)
106 erg/s
(B)
107 erg/s
(C)
109 erg/s
(D)
1011 erg/s
Solution:(C) 100 W = 100 J s-1= 100 107 ergs-1.
25.

v
, where 0 is the permittivity of free space, l is the
t
length, v is a potential difference and t is a interval. The dimensional formula for
X is the same as that of
(A)
Resistance
(B)
Charge
(C)
Voltage
(D)
Current
2
v
N M C = C That isunit of current
C
Solution:
(D) x = 0l
= 2
M
t
sec
M N
sec
26.

A quantity X is given by 0l

27.

Let (0) denote the dimensional formula for the permittivity of the vacuum, and (0)
that of the permeability of the vacuum. If M = mass, L = length, T = time and A =
electric current
(A)
[0] =[M1L3T2A]
(B)
[0] = [ML3T4A2]

(C)
Solution:
28.

[0] = [MLT2A2]
(B)

The dimensions of
(A)
(C)

(A2L3T4M4)
(A0M0L0T0)

(D)

[0] = [M 1L3T2A]

(B)
(D)

(A2T4L3M)
(AT2L3M1)

e2
are
2 0 (hc )

Solution:

(C)

C2
C2 (N m2 ) Joule sec meter sec 1

If a measurement is made as 24.5 0.1cm, what is the percentage error?

(A)
0.2%
(B)
0.4%
(C)
0.41%
(D)
0.1%
Density of liquid is 15.7 g cm-3. Its value in the International System of Units is
(A)
15.7 kg m-3
(B)
157 kg m-3
-3
(C)
1570 kg m
(D)
15700 kg m-3
Solution:(D) 15.7 g cm-3 = 15.7 10-3kg(10-2m)-3= 15700 kg m-3
29.

630.

On the basis of dimensional equation, the maximum number of unknown that can be
found is
(A)
One
(B)
Two
(C)
Three
(D)
Four
Solution:
(C)

731.

If v stands for velocity of sound, E is elasticity and d the density, then find x in the
x
d
equation v =
E
(A)
1
(B)

(C)
2
(D)

Solution:

d
(D) V =
E

ML
3

LT1 =

MLT

/ L2

LT1 = L3x + x T2x

1 = 2x
1
x=
2
The dimension of 0E2 (0 is permittivity of free space and E is electric field) are
(A)
MLT-1
(B)
ML2T-2
(C)
ML-1T-2
(D)
ML2T-1
2 2
Solution:
(B) Dimension of energy = ML T
832.

933.

The measurement of a radius of a circle has error of 1%. The error in measurement
of its area is
(A)
1%
(B)
2%
(C)
3%
(D)
None of these

A weber is equivalent to
(A)
A m-2
(C)
A m2
Solution:(D) 1 T = 1 Wb m-2

(B)
A m-1
(D) T m-2

1034. With the usual notation, the equation tan

is
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Solution:

rg
said to give the angle of banking
v2

Numerical correct only

Dimensionally correct only
Both numerical & dimensionally correct
Neither numerical nor dimensionally correct
(C)

1135. When light travels through glass, the refractive index is found to vary with the
wavelength as = A + B/2 , what is dimension of B ?
(A)
L
(B)
L2
-1
(C)
L
(D)
L-2
Solution:
(B) Dimension of wavelength = L2
Dimension of refractive index = M0L0T0

Dimension of B is L2
1236. The dimension of 0E2 (0 is permittivity of free space and E is electric field) are
(A)
MLT-1
(B)
ML2T-2
(C)
ML-1T-2
(D)
ML2T-1
Solution:
(B)
137.

A travelling wave in a stretched string is described by the equation y = A sin (kx-t)

The dimension of k is
(A)
M0L-1T0
(B)
M0L0T0
0 2 0
(C)
MLT
(D)
MLT-1
2
Solution:
(A) k =

Dimension of k = L1
1438. Dimension formula of Stefans constant
(A)
ML2T-2-4
(C)
ML0T-3-4
Solution: (C)

(B)
(D)

ML2T-3-4
M0LT-1

1539. Of the following quantities, which one has dimensions different from the remaining
three
(A)
Energy per unit volume

(B)
(C)
(D)
Solution:

Force per unit area

Product of voltage and charge per unit volume
Angular momentum
(C)

1640. The dimension equation for magnetic flux is

(A)
ML2T-2I-1
(C)
ML-2T-2I-1
Solution:
(A) = B. A
MLT 2 L2
F
=
.A=
IL
I L
= ML2T2I1
417.1 The dimension of the Rydberg constant are
(A)
M0L-1T
(C)
M0L1T0ML-1T0
Solution: (C) M0L1T0

(b)
(d)

ML2T-2I-2
ML-2T-2I-2

(B)
(D)

MLT1
ML0T2

1842. The pairs of physical quantities which have same dimension are
(A)
Reynolds number and coefficient of friction
(B)
Latent heat and gravitational potential
(C)
Curie and frequency of light wave
(D)
Planks constant and torque
Solution:
(B)
1943. In the relation x = 3yz2, x and z represent the dimensions of capacitance and
magnetic induction respectively. What will be the dimension of y
(a)
M-3L-2T4Q4
(B)
M2L-2T4Q4
(c)
M-2L-2T4Q4
(D)
M-3L-2T4Q
2
Solution:
(A) x = 3yz
x
dimension of y = 2
z
Capici tance
=
(Magnetic induction)2
M1L2T 2Q2
(MT 1Q1 )2
= M-3 L-2 T+4 Q4
=

2044. A sphere has a mass of 12.2 kg .1kg and radius 10cm 0.1 cm. The maximum %
error in density
(A) 3.83%
(B) 3.84%
(C)
3.74%
(D)
3.94%

A sextant is used to measure

(A)
area of hill
(B)
height of an object
(C)
breadth of a tower
(D)
volume of the building.
Solution:(B) The height of a tree, building, tower, hill etc. can be determined with the help
of a sextant.
2145. A cube has side 1.210-2m. Its volume will be recorded as
(A)
1.72810-6m3
(B) 1.7210-6m3
(C) 1.710-6m3
(D)
0.7210-6m3
What is the dimensional formula of coefficient of linear expansion?
(A)
[ML2T-2K-1]
(B)
[MLT-2K-1]
(C)
[M0L0TK-1]
(D)
[M0L0T0K-1]
lt l0
Solution:(D) lt = l0(1 + t) or
l0 t
2246.

In the measurement of a physical quantity X

A2B
C1/ 3D3

The percentage errors

introduced in the measurement of the quantities A, B,C and D are 2%, 2%, 4% and
5% respectively. Then the minimum amount of percentage of error in the
measurement of X is contributed by
(A) A (B) B
(C) C (D) D
A pressure of 106 dyne cm-2 is equivalent to
(A)
105 N m-2
(B)
104 N m-2
(C)
106 N m-2
(D)
107 N m-2
Solution:(A) Remember the conversion factor of 10.
2347. The Vander Waals equation for a gas is (P+a/v2)(V-b) = nRT. The ratio b/a will have
the following dimensional formula
(A)
M-1L-2T2
(B)
M-1L-1T-1
2 2
(C)
ML T
(D)
MLT-2
Solution:
(A) Dimension of (b) = L3
Dimension of (a) = ML5 T-2
b
L3
Dimension of =
M1L2 T 2
a
ML5 T 2
2448. If the time period of a drop of liquid of density d, radius r, vibrating under surface
tension s is given by the formula t (d a r bs c )1/ 2 and if a = 1, c = -1, then b is
(A)
1
(B)
2
(C)
3
(D)
4
Solution:
(C) T = (M L-3)a/2 Lb/2 (ML0T-2)c/2
M0L0 T = Ma/2 + c/2 L-3a/2+b/2 T-c

3a b
0
2
2
- 3 a + b =0
b=3a
b = 3 1
b=3
2549. If P represents radiation pressure, C represents speed of light and Q represents
radiation energy striking a unit area per second, then the non-zero integers x, y and
z, such that PxQyCz is dimensionless are
(A)
x=1, y=1, z=1
(B)
x=1, y=-1, z=1
(C)
x=-1,y=1,z=1
(D)
x=1, y=1, z=-1
0 0 0
x
y
z
Solution:
(B) M L T = P Q C
= (M L-1 T-2)x (ML2T-2)y (LT-1)z
x + y = 0 x = -y
-x + 2y +z = 0
-2x 2y z = 0
x = -y

kEZ
e
2650. In the relation
,P is pressure Z is distance k is Boltzman constant and

is the temperature. The dimension formula of will be

P

M0L2T0
(B)
M1L2T-1
ML0T-1
(D)
M0L2T1
z
Solution 26: (A)
is dimension less quantity
k
k

dimension of =
z
2 2 1
ML T K
=
K
L
= MLT2

Dimension of
is equal to dimension of pressure P

(A)
(C)

P=

ML1T2 =

MLT 2

MLT 2
ML1T 2
= M0L2T0
=

2751. Velocity v, acceleration a and force f are taken as fundamental quantities, then
angular momentum will have the dimension
(A)
fv2a-2
(B)
f2v2a-2
(C)
fv3a-2
(D)
None of thesef2
Solution:
(D) Angular momentum (L) vx ay fz
MLT2 = LT 1

52.

LT MLT
2

MLT2 = Mz Lx +y + z Tx 2y 2z
1=z
1=x+y+z
2 = x 2y 2z
z = 1
x+y=0

x = y
2 = x + 2x 2
0 = x, y = 0

Angular momentum(L) = f
Fund the unit of acceleration time?
(A)
ms1
(C)
ms+1

Solution:

(B)
(D)

ms3
ms+2

m
Velocity
V
m
(A) Acceleration =
C
time t s 2 s ms 1
time
S
s s

What is the unit of current Resistance.

(A)
amps
(B)
(C)
coulomb
(D)
Solution:
(B)
53.

volt
farad

54.

What will be equivalent energy of 5eV in joule?

(A)
8.0 1022J
(B)
8.0 1019J
(C)
8.0 1025J
(D)
8.0 1026J
Solution:
(B)
55.

One joule is the equivalent of ?

1
calorie
(A)
5.19
1
calorie
(C)
6.19
1
calorie
Solution:
(B)
4.19
56.

(B)
(D)

Least count of screw gauge depend on ?

1
calorie
4.19
1
calorie
8.19

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Solution:

Main scale division

circular scale
no. of circular scale division
Main scale division & no. of circular scale division
(D)

57.

Least count of vernier calipers depend on?

(A)
Main scale division
(B)
vernier scale
(C)
no. of vernier scale division
(D)
Main scale division & no. of vernier scale division
Solution:
(D)
58.

Least count of spherometer depend on ?

(A)
Main scale division
(B)
circular scale
(C)
no. of circular scale division
(D)
Main scale division & no. of circular scale division
Solution:
(D)
What is the dimension of angular frequency time?
(A)
Dimension less
(B) sec2
3
(C)
sec
(D) sec+1
Solution:
(A)
59.

What is the dimension of wave length Frequency?

(A)
M
(B)
LT1
(C)
T
(D)
MT1
Solution:
(B)
60.