UNIT – 1

NATURE OF PHYSICAL WORLD AND MEASUREMENT

BOOK BACK ONE MARK
1. One of the combinations from the fundamental physical constants is hc / G.
The unit of this expression is
a) Kg2 b) m3 c) s-1 d) m
2. If the error in the measurement of radius is 2%, then the error in the determination of
volume of the sphere will be[SEP 2020]
a) 8% b) 2% c) 4% d) 6%
3. If the length and time period of an oscillating pendulum have errors of 1% and 3%
respectively then the error in measurement of acceleration due to gravity is
a) 4% b) 5% c) 6% d) 7%
4. The length of a body is measured as 3.51m, if the accuracy is 0.01mm, then the
percentage error in the measurement is [MAR 2020]
a) 351% b) 1% c) 0.28% d) 0.035%
5. Which of the following has the highest number of significant figures?
a) 0.007 m2 b) 2.64x1024 kg c) 0.0006032 m2 d) 6.3200 J
6. If π = 3.14, then the value of π is[MAY 2022]
2

a) 9.8596 b) 9.860 c) 9.86 d) 9.9

7. Round of the following number 19.95 into three significant figures
a) 19.9 b) 20.0 c) 20.1 d) 19.5
8. Which of the following pairs of physical quantities have same dimension? [MAR 2019]
a) force and power b) torque and energy c) torque and power
d) force and torque
9. The dimensional formula of Planck's constant h is[SEP 2021]
a) [ML2T-1] b) [ML2T-3] c) [MLT-1] d) [ML3T-3]
10. The velocity of a particle v at an instant t is given by v = at + bt . The dimensions of b
2

is
a) [L] b) [LT-1] c) [LT-2] d) [LT-3]
11. The dimensional formula for gravitational constant G is
a) [ML3T-2] b) [M-1L3T-2] c) [M-1L-3T-2] d) [ML-3T2]
12. The density of a material in CGS system of units is 4 g cm . In a system of units
-3

in which unit of length is 10 cm and unit of mass is 100 g, then the value of density of
material will be
a) 0.04 b) 0.4 c) 40 d) 400
13. If the force is proportional to square of velocity, then the dimension of proportionality
constant is
a) [MLT0] b) [MLT-1] c) [ML-2T] d) [ML-1T0]
14. The dimension of (µ0ε0) -1/2 is
(a) length (b) time (c) velocity (d) force
15. Planck’s constant (h), speed of light in vacuum (c) and Newton’s gravitational
Constant (G) are taken as three fundamental constants. Which of the following
combinations of these has the dimension of length?
(a) √ (b)√ (c)√ (d)√

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SSVS, Cud OT (9597883136) 1 Nature of Physical World and Measurement
15. A length-scale (l) depends on the permittivity (ε ) of a dielectric material,Boltzmann
constant (kB ), the absolute temperature (T), the number per unit volume (n) of certain
charged particles, and the charge (q) carried by each of the particles. Which of the
following expression for is dimensionally correct?

(a) √ (b) √ (c) √ (d) √

ANSWERS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
a d d c d c b b a
10 11 12 13 14 15
d b c d c a

SOLUTION

1. = =

2. V =
=3 =3x2%=6%

3.T = 2 ( )
=4
g = 4
= +2 = 1 + (2x3) = 1 +6 = 7 %

4.

=
= 0.28%

5. 6.3200 has five significant figures

6.
= 9.856 rounded to 9.86

8. Torque = Force x displacement = M L T -2 . L T -2 = M L 2 T2

Energy = work done = force x displacement = M L T -2 . L T -2 = M L 2 T2

9. Dimensional formula for Planck’s constant

E = hv

h = = = M L2 T-2

10. Dimensions of each term must be same

v = LT -2
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SSVS, Cud OT (9597883136) 2 Nature of Physical World and Measurement
 bt2 = LT-1
substituting dimensions for t2
b [T]2 = LT-1

b= = LT-3
11. Unit for gravitation G constant is = N m2 kg-2

Substituting for dimensions we get [ MLT-2] [ L2] [ M-2]

On simplification we get [ M-1 L3 T-2]

12. Dimension formula for density = ML-3

Value of density in new system = 4* + * +
=4 * + * +
=4[ ][ ]
=4 x 10-2 x 10+3
=4 x 10
= 40
13. F
[ M L T -2] = k [ ]
= k L2T-2

k= = ML-1T0

14. Dimensional formula for µo = M L T -2A -2

Dimensional formula for 0 = M-1 L-3 T+4 A2
µo 0 = L-2 T2
( µo 0 ) -1/2 =[ ]

= LT-1
LT-1 is the dimensional formula for velocity

PUBLIC QUESTIONS:

1.The length of the body is measured as 3.51m.If the accuracy 0.01m,then the
percentage error in measurement is [MAR 2020]
(a) 0.035% (b) 351% (c) 1% (d) 0.28%

BOOK BACK
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS.
1. Briefly explain the types of physical quantities.[MAR 2024]
Physical quantities are classified into two types. They are fundamental and derived
quantities.
1) Fundamental or base quantities are quantities which cannot be expressed in terms
of any other physical quantities.
2) These are length, mass, time, electric current, temperature, luminous intensity
and amount of substance
3) Quantities that can be expressed in terms of fundamental quantities are called
derived quantities.
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SSVS, Cud OT (9597883136) 3 Nature of Physical World and Measurement
 4) For example, area, volume, velocity, acceleration, force
2. How will you measure the diameter of the Moon using parallax method?
M - moon S- distance between Moon and Earth Moon
d-diameter of the moon
O-observation point on Earth A d B
An astronomical telescope held at O is focused on moon at A
and B. The image of moon appears as a circular disc.
The parallax angle is measured . Let it be
As S is very large compared to diameter of the moon ,the diameter S
of the moon is considered as a circular arc of radius ,S
d = Sx
Hence d diameter of the Moon can be calculated

Earth
3. Write the rules for determining significant figures.[MAR 2023]

S.No Rule Number No of

significant
figures
I All non-zero digits are significant 1342 4
Ii All zeros between two non zero 2008 4
digits are significant
Iii All zeros to the right of a non- 30700. 5
zero digit but to the left of a
decimal point are significant.
iv a The number without a decimal 30700 3
point, the
terminal or trailing zero(s) are
not significant.
iv b All zeros are significant if they 30700 m 5
come from a measurement
V If the number is less than 1, the 0.00345 3
zero (s) on the right of the
decimal point but to left of the
first non zero digit are not
significant.
Vi All zeros to the right of a decimal 40.00 4
point and to the right of non-
zero digit are significant. 0.030400 5
Vii The number of significant figures 1.53cm,.0153m, 3
does not depend on the system 0.0000153km,
of units used

4. What are the limitations of dimensional analysis?

1) This method gives no information about the dimensionless constants in the

formula like 1, 2, …. π, e, etc.
2) This method cannot decide whether the given quantity is a vector or a scalar.
3) This method is not suitable to derive relations involving trigonometric, exponential
and logarithmic functions.
4) It cannot be applied to an equation involving more than three physical quantities.

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 5) It can only check on whether a physical relation is dimensionally correct but not
the correctness of the relation. For example using dimensional analysis, s = ut +
1/3 at 2 is dimensionally correct whereas the
correct relation is s = ut + ½ at2.

5. Define precision and accuracy. Explain with examples.

Accuracy refers to how far we are from the true value.

Precision refers to how well we measure.
Example
The true value of a certain length is near 5.678 cm. Using a measuring instrument of
resolution 0.1 cm, the measured value is found to be 5.5 cm. Using a measuring
instrument of greater resolution, say 0.01 cm, the length is found to be 5.38 cm. The first
measurement is more accurate as it is closer to the true value, but
it has lesser precision. On the contrary, the second measurement is less accurate, but it
is more precise.

(i) Not accurate Not precise (ii) Not accurate but precise (iii) Accurate and precise
TARGET SHOOTING

Target shooting is an example which explains the difference between accuracy and
precision.
Fig (i) the shots are focused so as to reach the bull’s eye (mid - point), but the arrows
have reached only around this point. Hence the shots are not accurate and also not
precise.
Fig (ii) all the shots are close to each other but not at the central point. Hence the shots
are said to be precise but not accurate.
Fig (iii) the shots are closer and also at the central point. Hence the shots are both
precise and accurate.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS:
TWO MARKS
1. Check the correctness of the equation mv2 = mgh using dimensional analysis
method.[MAR 2020]
Dimensional formula for
mv2 = [M] [LT-1]2 =[ML2T-2]

Dimensional formula for

mgh =[M] [LT-2] [L]= [ML2T-2]

Both sides are dimensionally the same, hence the equations mv2 = mgh is
dimensionally correct.

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SSVS, Cud OT (9597883136) 5 Nature of Physical World and Measurement
2. Write any two errors of systematic errors and explain them [MAR 2019]
Systematic errors:
Systematic errors are reproducible inaccuracies that are consistently in the same
direction. These occur often due to a problem that persists throughout the experiment.
Instrumental errors:
When an instrument is not calibrated properly at the time of manufacture,
instrumental errors may arise. If a measurement is made with a meter scale whose end is
worn out, the result obtained will have errors. These errors can be corrected by choosing
the instrument carefully.
Personal errors:
These errors are due to individuals performing the experiment, may be due to
incorrect initial setting up of the experiment or carelessness of the individual making the
observation due to improper precautions.

III LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS

1)
i) Explain the use of screw gauge and vernier caliper in measuring smaller
distances
ii) Write a note on triangulation method and radar method to measure large distances

i) Measurement of small distances: screw gauge and vernier caliper

Screw gauge: The screw gauge is an instrument used for measuring accurately the
dimensions of objects
up to a maximum of about 50 mm. The principle of the instrument is the magnification of
linear motion using the circular motion of a screw. The least count of the screw gauge is 0.01
mm
Vernier caliper: A vernier caliper is a versatile instrument for measuring the dimensions of
an object namely diameter of a hole, or a depth of a hole. The least count of the vernier
caliper is 0.1 mm

ii) Triangulation method for the height of an accessible

object

Let AB = h be the height of the tree or tower to be measured.

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SSVS, Cud OT (9597883136) 6 Nature of Physical World and Measurement
Let C be the point of observation at distance x from B.
Place a range finder at C and measure the angle of
elevation, ACB =

From right angled triangle ABC,

tan =
height h = x tan

Knowing the distance x, the height h can be determined.

RADAR method [MAR 2020 - 3 MARK]

The word RADAR stands for radio detection and ranging. Radar can be used to measure
accurately the distance of a nearby planet such as Mars. In this method, radio waves are
sent from transmitters which, after reflection from the planet, are detected by the receiver. By
measuring, the time interval (t) between the instants the radio waves are sent and received,
the distance of the planet can be determined as

Speed = distance travelled / time taken

Distance (d) = Speed of radio waves × time taken

d =
where v is the speed of the radio wave.

As the time taken (t) is for the distance covered during the forward and backward path of the
radio waves, it is divided by 2 to get the actual distance of the object. This method can also
be used to determine the height, at which an aeroplane flies from the ground.

2. Explain in detail the various types of errors.[MAR 2019]

ERROR:
The uncertainty in a measurement is called an error.
TYPES OF ERRORS:
i) Systematic errors
Systematic errors are reproducible inaccuracies that are consistently in the same direction.
These occur often due to a problem that persists throughout the experiment.
Systematic errors can be classified as follows
1) Instrumental errors
When an instrument is not calibrated properly at the time of manufacture, instrumental
errors may arise. If a measurement is made with a meter scale whose end is worn out, the
result obtained will have errors. These errors can be corrected by choosing the instrument
carefully.
2) Imperfections in experimental technique or procedure

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SSVS, Cud OT (9597883136) 7 Nature of Physical World and Measurement
These errors arise due to the limitations in the experimental arrangement. As an example,
while performing experiments with a calorimeter, if there is no proper insulation, there will be
radiation losses. This results in errors and to overcome these, necessary correction has to be
applied.
3) Personal errors
These errors are due to individuals performing the experiment, may be due to incorrect initial
setting up of the experiment or carelessness of the individual making the observation due to
improper precautions.
4) Errors due to external causes
The change in the external conditions during an experiment can cause error in
measurement. For example, changes in temperature, humidity, or pressure during
measurements may affect the result of the measurement.
5) Least count error
Least count is the smallest value that can be measured by the measuring instrument, and
the error due to this measurement is least count error. The instrument’s resolution hence is
the cause of this error. Least count error can be reduced by using a high precision
instrument for the measurement.
ii) Random errors
Random errors may arise due to random and unpredictable variations in
Experimental conditions like pressure, temperature, voltage supply etc. Errors may also be
due to personal errors by the observer who performs the experiment. Random errors are
sometimes called “chance error”. When different readings are obtained by a person every time
he repeats the experiment, personal error occurs. For example, consider the case of the
thickness of a wire measured using a screw gauge. If n number of trial readings are taken in
an experiment, and the readings are a1, a2, a3,…………………. an. The arithmetic mean is

am=
am = ∑
iii) Gross Error[MAR 2023(3m)]
The error caused due to the shear carelessness of an observer is called gross error.
For example
(i) Reading an instrument without setting it properly.
(ii) Taking observations in a wrong manner without bothering about
the sources of errors and the precautions.
(iii) Recording wrong observations.
(iv) Using wrong values of the observations in calculations.
These errors can be minimized only when an observer is careful and mentally alert.

3. What do you mean by propagation of errors? Explain the propagation of errors in

addition and multiplication [MAR 2020]

A number of measured quantities may be involved in the final calculation of an experiment.

Different types of instruments might have been used for taking readings. Then we may have
to look at the errors in measuring various quantities, collectively. The error in the final result
depends on
(i) The errors in the individual measurements
(ii) On the nature of mathematical operations performed to get the final result.
(i) Error in the sum of two quantities
Let ΔA and ΔB be the absolute errors in the two quantities A and B respectively.
Then,
Measured value of A = A ΔA
Measured value of B = B ΔB
Consider the sum, Z = A + B

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SSVS, Cud OT (9597883136) 8 Nature of Physical World and Measurement
The error ΔZ in Z is then given by
Z • ΔZ = (A ΔA) + (B ΔB)
= (A + B) • (ΔA ΔB)
= Z (ΔA ΔB)
(or) ΔZ = ΔA + ΔB
The maximum possible error in the sum of two quantities is equal to the sum of the absolute
errors in the individual quantities.

Error in the product of two quantities

Let ΔA and ΔB be the absolute errors in the two quantities A, and B, respectively.
Consider the product
Z = AB
The error ΔZ in Z is given by

Z ΔZ =(A ΔA) (B ΔB)

= (AB) • (A Δ B) • (B Δ A) • (ΔA . ΔB)
Dividing L.H.S by Z and R.H.S by AB,
we get,
1 = 1 .

, are both small quantities, their product term . can be neglected.

The maximum fractional error in Z is = )

The maximum fractional error in the product of two quantities is equal to the sum of the
fractional errors in the individual quantities.

4. Write short notes on the following.

a) Unit
b) Rounding - off
c) Dimensionless quantities

a) Unit
An arbitrarily chosen standard of measurement of a quantity, which is accepted
internationally is called unit of the quantity.
b) Rounding - off
Calculators are widely used now-a-days to do calculations. The result given by a
calculator has too many figures. In no case should the result have more significant
figures than the figures involved in the data used for calculation. The result of
calculation with numbers containing more than one uncertain digit should be rounded
off.
i) If the digit to be dropped is smaller than 5, then the preceding digit should be left
unchanged.
Eg:
i) 7.32 is rounded off to 7.3
ii) 8.94 is rounded off to 8.9

ii) If the digit to be dropped is greater than 5, then the preceding digit should be increased
by 1
Eg:
i) 17.26 is rounded off to 17.3
ii) 11.89 is rounded off to 11.9

iii) If the digit to be dropped is 5 followed by digits other than zero, then the preceding digit
should be raised by 1
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SSVS, Cud OT (9597883136) 9 Nature of Physical World and Measurement
Eg:
i) 7.352, on being rounded off to first decimal becomes 7.4
ii) 18.159 on being rounded off to first decimal, become 18.2

iv) If the digit to be dropped is 5 or 5 followed by zeros, then the preceding digit is not
changed if it is even
Eg:
i) 3.45 is rounded off to 3.4
ii) 8.250 is rounded off to 8.2

v) If the digit to be dropped is 5 or 5 followed by zeros, then the preceding digit is raised by 1
if it is odd
Eg:
i) 3.35 is rounded off to 3.4
ii) 8.350 is rounded off to 8.4

c) Dimensionless quantities
Dimensionless variables
Physical quantities which have no dimensions, but have variable values are called
dimensionless variables. Examples are specific gravity, strain, refractive index etc.
Dimensionless Constant
Quantities which have constant values and also have no dimensions are called
Dimensionless constants. Examples are π, e, numbers etc.
5. Explain the principle of homogeneity of dimensions. What are its uses? Give example.
Principle of homogeneity of dimensions
The principle of homogeneity of dimensions states that the dimensions of all the terms in a physical
expression should be the same. For example, in the physical expression v2 = u2 + 2as, the dimensions of
v2, u2 and 2 as are the same and equal to [L2T−2].
(i) To convert a physical quantity from one system of units to another
The product of the numerical values (n) and its corresponding unit (u) is a constant. i.e, n [u]
= constant (or) n1[u1] = n2[u2].
EXAMPLE
Convert 76 cm of mercury pressure into Nm−2 using the method of dimensions.
In cgs system 76 cm of mercury pressure = 76 × 13.6 × 980 dyne cm−2
The dimensional formula of pressure P is [ML−1T−2]

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ii) To check the dimensional correctness of a given physical equation
Let us take the equation of motion v = u + at
Apply dimensional formula on both sides
[LT−1] = [LT−1] + [LT−2] [T]
[LT−1] = [LT−1] + [LT−1]
(Quantities of same dimension only can be added)
We see that the dimensions of both sides are same. Hence the equation is dimensionally correct.
(iii) To establish the relation among various physical quantities
If the physical quantity Q depends upon the quantities Q1, Q2 and Q3 ie. Q is proportional to Q1,
Q2 and Q3.
Qα
Q=k
Then,where k is a dimensionless constant.
EXAMPLE
Obtain an expression for the time period T of a simple pendulum. The time
period T depend upon (i) mass ‘m’ of the bob (ii) length ‘l’ of the pendulum and (iii)
acceleration due to gravity g at the place where the pendulum is suspended.(k = 2π)[MAR 2023]

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SSVS, Cud OT (9597883136) 11 Nature of Physical World and
Measurement
PUBLIC QUESTIONS:

1. What do you mean by propagation of errors? Explain the propagation of errors in

Division. [MAR 2019]

A number of measured quantities may be involved in the final calculation of an experiment.

Different types of instruments might have been used for taking readings. Then we may have
to look at the errors in measuring various quantities, collectively. The error in the final result
depends on
(i) The errors in the individual measurements
(ii) On the nature of mathematical operations performed to get the final result.
Error in the division or quotient of two quantities
Let ΔA and ΔB be the absolute errors in the two quantities A and B respectively.
Consider the quotient, Z =
The error ΔZ in Z is given by

The maximum fractional error in the quotient of two quantities is equal to the sum of their
individual fractional errors

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SSVS, Cud OT (9597883136) 12 Nature of Physical World and
Measurement
2. Explain principle of homogeneity of dimensions .The force F acting on a body
moving in a circular path depends on mass of the body (m), velocity (v) and radius
(r) of the circular path. Obtain the expression for the force by dimensional analysis
method. (Take the value of k=1)

Principle of homogeneity of dimensions

The principle of homogeneity of dimensions states that the dimensions of all
the terms in a physical expression should be the same. For example, in the
physical expression v2 = u2 +2as, the dimensions of v2, u2 and 2as are the same
and equal to [L2T−2].

where k is a dimensionless constant of proportionality. Rewriting above equation in terms

of dimensions and taking k = 1, we have

Comparing the powers of M, L and T on both sides

a= 1 b+c = 1 -b = -2
2+c = 1 b=2
a =1 b = 2 and c = -1
From the above equation we get

V. CONCEPTUAL QUESTIONS

1. Why is it convenient to express the distance of stars in terms of light year (or)
parsec rather than in km?
The distances of astronomical objects like stars, planets etc from the earth are huge. The
distance on the earth are relatively small so it can be measured in km,m.
For example
The distance to the next nearest big galaxy Andromeda is
21,000,000,000,000,000,000 km i.e 21 x 10 18 km. This no. is so large that it becomes hard
to write and to interpret. So astronomical units
like light year ,parsec , AU, for large distances.

2. Show that a screw gauge of pitch 1 mm and 100 divisions is more precise than a
vernier caliper with 20 divisions on the sliding scale.
Least count of the screw gauge =
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SSVS, Cud OT (9597883136) 13 Nature of Physical World and
Measurement
 =
= 0.01 mm (or) 0.001 cm
Least count of vernier calipers = 1 MSD – 1 VSD
= ( 1 – ) MSD
=

= 0.05 cm
So, screw gauge is more precise than vernier calipers

3. If humans were to settle on other planets which of the fundamental quantities will
be in trouble? Why?
Time becomes irrelevant. Because day and year is based on spinning and revolution of the
planet. So each planet has its own year length.

Eg. Uranus and Neptune move too slow.

4. Having all units in atomic standards is more useful. Explain.

All units in atomic standard are more useful because they never change with time
5. Why dimensional methods are applicable only up to three quantities?
If a quantity depends on more than three factors having dimensional formula cannot
be derived. Because , on equating powers of M , L , T on either side of the dimensional
equation, three equations can beobtained , from which only three only three unknown
dimensions can be obtained.

**********

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SSVS, Cud OT (9597883136) 14 Nature of Physical World and
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