MEASUREMENT AND UNITS & DIMENSIONS

Synopsis :
1. Every measurement has two parts. The first is a number (n) and the next is a unit (u). Q = nu.
Eg : Length of an object = 40 cm.
2. The number expressing the magnitude of a physical quantity is inversely proportional to the unit
selected.
3. If n1 and n2 are the numerical values of a physical quantity corresponding to the units u1 and u2,
then n1u1 = n2u2. Eg : 2.8 m = 280 cm; 6.2 kg = 6200 g
4. The quantities that are independent of other quantities are called fundamental quantities. The units
that are used to measure these fundamental quantities are called fundamental units.
5. There are four systems of units namely C.G.S, M.K.S, F.P.S and SI
6. The quantities that are derived using the fundamental quantities are called derived quantities. The
units that are used to measure these derived quantities are called derived units.
7. The early systems of units :

System of units
Fundamental Quantity
C.G.S. M.K.S. F.P.S.
Length centimetre Metre foot
Kilogra
Mass Gram pound
m
Time second Second second

8. Fundamental and supplementary physical quantities in SI system (Systeme Internationale d’units) :

Physical quantity Unit Symbol
Length Metre m
Mass kilogram kg
Time second s
Electric current ampere A
Thermodynamic temperature kelvin K
Intensity of light candela cd
Quantity of substance mole mol
Supplementary quantities:
Plane angle radian rad
Solid angle steradian sr
SI units are used in scientific research. SI is a coherent system of units.
13. A coherent system of units is one in which the units of derived quantities are obtained as multiples
or submultiples of certain basic units.
SI system is a comprehensive, coherent and rationalised M.K.S. Ampere system (RMKSA system)
and was devised by Prof. Giorgi.

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 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions
14. Metre : A metre is equal to 1650763.73 times the wavelength of the light emitted in vacuum due
to electronic transition from 2p10 state to 5d5 state in Krypton–86. But in 1983, 17th General
Assembly of weights and measures, adopted a new definition for the metre in terms of velocity of
light. According to this definition, metre is defined as the distance travelled by light in vacuum
during a time interval of 1/299, 792, 458 of a second.
15. Kilogram : The mass of a cylinder of platinum–iridium alloy kept in the International Bureau of
weights and measures preserved at Serves near Paris is called one kilogram.
16. Second : The duration of 9192631770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition
between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of caesium–133 atom is called one second.
17. Ampere : The current which when flowing in each of two parallel conductors of infinite length
and negligible cross–section and placed one metre apart in vacuum, causes each conductor to
experience a force of 2x10–7 newton per metre of length is known as one ampere.
18. Kelvin : The fraction of 1/273.16 of the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water is
called kelvin.
19. Candela : The luminous intensity in the perpendicular direction of a surface of a black body of
area 1/600000 m2 at the temperature of solidifying platinum under a pressure of
101325 Nm–2 is known as one candela.
20. Mole : The amount of a substance of a system which contains as many elementary entities as there
are atoms in 12x10 3 kg of carbon–12 is known as one mole.
21. Radian : The angle made by an arc of the circle equivalent to its radius at the centre is known as
radian. 1 radian = 57o17l45ll.
22. Steradian : The angle subtended at the centre by one square metre area of the surface of a sphere
of radius one metre is known as steradian.
23. The quantity having the same unit in all the systems of units is time.
24. Angstrom is the unit of length used to measure the wavelength of light. 1 Å = 10–10 m.
25. Fermi is the unit of length used to measure nuclear distances. 1 fermi = 10–15 metre.
26. Light year is the unit of length for measuring astronomical distances.
27. Light year = distance travelled by light in 1 year = 9.4605x1015 m.
28. Astronomical unit = Mean distance between the sun and earth = 1.5x1011 m.
29. Parsec = 3.26 light years = 3.084x1016 m
30. Barn is the unit of area for measuring scattering cross–section of collisions. 1 barn = 10–28 m2.
31. Chronometer and metronome are time measuring instruments.
32. PREFIXES : (or) Abbreviations for multiples and sub–multiples of 10.
MACRO Prefixes MICRO Prefixes
Kilo → K → 10 3
Milli → m → 103
Mega → M → 106 micro →  → 106
Giga → G → 109 nano → n → 109
Tera → T → 1012 pico → p → 10 12
Peta → P → 1015 femto → f → 10 15
Exa → E → 1018 atto → a → 10 18
Zetta → Z → 1021 zepto → z → 10 21
Yotta → y → 1024 yocto → y → 10 24

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 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions
Note : The following are not used in SI system.
deca → 101 deci → 101
hecta → 102 centi → 102
33. Full names of the units, even when they are named after a scientist should not be written with a
capital letter. Eg : newton, watt, ampere, metre.
34. Unit should be written either in full or in agreed symbols only.
35. Units do not take plural form. Eg : 10 kg but not
10 kgs, 20 w but not 20 ws 2 A but not 2 As
36. No full stop or punctuation mark should be used within or at the end of symbols for units. Eg : 10
W but not 10 W.
37. Dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to which the fundamental units are raised to
obtain one unit of that quantity.
38. The expression showing the powers to which the fundamental units are to be raised to obtain one
unit of a derived quantity is called the dimensional formula of that quantity.
39. If Q is the unit of a derived quantity represented by Q = MaLbTc, then MaLbTc is called
dimensional formula and the exponents a,b and c are called the dimensions.
40. Dimensional Constants : The physical quantities which have dimensions and have a fixed value
are called dimensional constants. Eg : Gravitational constant (G), Planck’s constant (h), Universal
gas constant (R), Velocity of light in vacuum (C) etc.
41. Dimensionless quantities are those which do not have dimensions but have a fixed value.
a) Dimensionless quantities without units.
Eg : Pure numbers,  e, sin cos tan …. etc.,
b) Dimensionless quantities with units.
Eg : Angular displacement – radian, Joule’s constant – joule/calorie, etc.,
42. Dimensional variables are those physical quantities which have dimensions and do not have fixed
value. Eg : velocity, acceleration, force, work, power… etc.
43. Dimensionless variables are those physical quantities which do not have dimensions and do not
have fixed value. Eg : Specific gravity, refractive index, coefficient of friction, Poisson’s ratio etc.
44. Dimensional formulae are used to a) verify the correctness of a physical equation, b) derive
relationship between physical quantities and c) to convert the units of a physical quantity from one
system to another system.
45. Law of homogeneity of dimensions : In any correct equation representing the relation between
physical quantities, the dimensions of all the terms must be the same on both sides. Terms
separated by ‘+’ or ‘–’ must have the same dimensions.
46. A physical quantity Q has dimensions a, b and c in length (L), mass (M) and time (T) respectively,
and n1 is its numerical value in a system in which the fundamental units are L 1, M1 and T1 and n2 is
the numerical value in another system in which the fundamental units are L 2, M2 and T2
respectively, then
a b c
L  M   T 
n2 = n1 1  1 1
   
 2  2  2
L M T

47. Fourier laid down the foundations of dimensional analysis.

48. Limitations of dimensional analysis :

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 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions
1. Dimensionless quantities cannot be determined by this method. Constant of proportionality
cannot be determined by this method. They can be found either by experiment (or) by
theory.
2. This method is not applicable to trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions.
3. In the case of physical quantities which are dependent upon more than three physical
quantities, this method will be difficult.
4. In some cases, the constant of proportionality also possesses dimensions. In such cases we
cannot use this system.
5. If one side of equation contains addition or subtraction of physical quantities, we can not use
this method to derive the expression.
50. Some important conversions :
51. 1 bar = 06 dyne/cm2 = 105 Nm = 105 pascal
76 cm of Hg = 1.013x106 dyne/cm2
= 1.013x105 pascal = 1.013 bar.
1 toricelli or torr = 1 mm of Hg
= 1.333x103 dyne/cm2
= 1.333 millibar.
1 kmph = 5/18 ms1
1 dyne = 10 5 N,
1 H.P = 746 watt
1 kilowatt hour = 36x105 J
1 kgwt = g newton
1 calorie = 4.2 joule
1 electron volt = 1.602x10 19 joule
1 erg = 10 7 joule
52. Some important physical constants :
Velocity of light in vacuum (c) = 3x108 ms1
Velocity of sound in air at STP = 331 ms1
Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.81 ms2
Avogadro number (N) = 6.023x1023 /mol
Density of water at 4oC = 1000 kgm 3 or 1 g/cc.
Absolute zero = 273.15oC or 0K
27
Atomic mass unit = 1.66x10 kg
Quantum of charge (e) = 1.602x10 19 C
Stefan’s constant(  ) = 5.67x10–8 W/m2/K4
Boltzmann’s constant (K) = 1.381x10 23 JK1
One atmosphere = 76 cm Hg
= 1.013x105 Pa
Mechanical equivalent of heat (J) = 4.186 J/cal
Planck’s constant (h) = 6.626x10 34 Js
Universal gas constant (R) = 8.314 J/mol–K
Permeability of free space ( o ) = 4  x10 7 Hm1

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 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions
12
Permittivity of free space (  o ) = 8.854x10 Fm1
3
Density of air at S.T.P. = 1.293 kgm
11
Universal gravitational constant = 6.67x10 Nm2kg 2

53. Derived SI units with special names :

Physical quantity SI unit Symbol
Frequency hertz Hz
Energy joule J
Force newton N
Power watt W
Pressure pascal Pa
Electric charge or quantity of electricity coulomb C
Electric potential difference and emf volt V
Electric resistance ohm 
Electric conductance siemen S
Electric capacitance farad F
Magnetic flux weber Wb
Inductance henry H
Magnetic flux density tesla T
Illumination lux Lx
Luminous flux lumen Lm
Dimensional formulae for some physical quantities :
Dimensiona
Physical quantity Unit
l formula
Acceleration or acceleration due to gravity ms–2 LT–2
Angle (arc/radius) rad MoLoTo
Angular displacement rad MoloTo
Angular frequency (angular displacement / time) rads–1 T–1
Angular impulse (torque x time) Nms ML2T–1
Angular momentum (I  ) kgm2s–1 ML2T–1
Angular velocity (angle / time) T–1
Area (length x breadth) L2
Boltzmann’s constant JK–1 ML2T–2  –1

Bulk modulus ( P.

V
) Nm–2, Pa M1L–1T–2
V
Calorific value Jkg–1 L2T–2

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 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions
–1
Coefficient of linear or areal or volume expansion o
C–1 or K–1 
Coefficient of surface tension (force/length) Nm–1 or Jm–2 MT–2
Coefficient of thermal conductivity Wm–1K–1 MLT–3  –1
dv
Coefficient of viscosity (F = A ) poise ML–1T–1
dx
Compressibility (1/bulk modulus) Pa–1, m2N–2 M–1LT2
Density (mass / volume) kgm–3 ML–3
Displacement, wavelength, focal length m L
Electric capacitance (charge / potential) CV–1, farad M–1L–2T4I2
Ohm–1 or mho or –1 –2 3 2
Electric conductance (1 / resistance) M L TI
siemen
siemen/metre or
Electric conductivity (1 / resistivity) M–1L–3T3I2
Sm –1
Electric charge or quantity of electric charge (current x
coulomb IT
time)
Electric current ampere I
Electric dipole moment (charge x distance) Cm LTI
Electric field strength or Intensity of electric field (force
NC–1, Vm–1 MLT–3I–1
/ charge)
potential difference
Electric resistance ( ) ohm ML2T–3I–2
current
Emf (or) electric potential (work / charge) volt ML2T–3I–1
Energy (capacity to do work) joule ML2T–2
energy
Energy density ( ) Jm–3 ML–1T–2
volume
Entropy ( S = Q / T ) J  –1 ML2T–2  –1
Force (mass x acceleration) newton (N) MLT–2
Force constant or spring constant (force / extension) Nm–1 MT–2
Frequency (1 / period) Hz T–1
Gravitational potential (work / mass) Jkg–1 L2T–2
Heat (energy) J or calorie ML2T–2
lux
Illumination (Illuminance)
MT–3
(lumen/metre2)
Impulse (force x time) Ns or kgms–1 MLT–1
1
Inductance (L) (energy = LI2 ) or
2 henry (H) ML2T–2I–2
coefficient of self induction

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 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions

Intensity of gravitational field (F / m) Nkg–1 L1T–2 L–

1
Intensity of magnetisation (I) I
Joule’s constant or mechanical equivalent of heat MoLoTo
Latent heat (Q = mL) MoL2T–2
Linear density (mass per unit length) kgm–1 ML–1
Luminous flux lumen or (Js–1) ML2T–3
Magnetic dipole moment L2I
Magnetic flux (magnetic induction x area) weber (Wb) ML2T–2I–1
Magnetic induction (F = Bil) NI–1m–1 or T MT–2I–1
Magnetic pole strength (unit: ampere–metre) Am LI
Modulus of elasticity (stress / strain) Nm–2, Pa ML–1T–2

Moment of inertia (mass x radius2) kgm2 ML2

Momentum (mass x velocity) kgms–1 MLT–1
4Fd2
Permeability of free space ( o = ) Hm–1 or NA–2 MLT–2I–2
m m
1 2

Q1Q2
Permittivity of free space ( o = ) Fm–1 or C2N–1m–2 M–1L–3T4I2
4Fd2
Planck’s constant (energy / frequency) Js ML2T–1
Poisson’s ratio (lateral strain / longitudinal strain) –– MoLoTo
Power (work / time) Js–1 or watt (W) ML2T–3
Pressure (force / area) Nm–2 or Pa ML–1T–2
Pressure coefficient or volume coefficient o
C–1 or  –1 
–1

Pressure head m MoLTo

disintegrations
Radioactivity MoLoT–1
per second
Ratio of specific heats –– MoLoTo
Refractive index –– MoLoTo
Resistivity or specific resistance  –m ML3T–3I–2
Specific conductance or conductivity (1 / specific siemen/metre or
M–1L–3T3I2
resistance) Sm–1
Specific entropy (1/entropy) KJ–1 M–1L–2T2 
Specific gravity (density of the substance / density of
–– MoLoTo
water)
Specific heat (Q = mst) Jkg–1  –1 MoL2T–2  –1
Specific volume (1 / density) m3kg–1 M–1L3
Speed (distance / time) ms–1 LT–1

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 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions
 heat energy  –2 –4 o –3 –4
Stefan’s constant  
Wm  ML T 
 area x time x temperature 4 
 

Strain (change in dimension / original dimension) –– MoLoTo

Stress (restoring force / area) Nm–2 or Pa ML–1T–2
Surface energy density (energy / area) Jm–2 MT–2
o
Temperature C or  MoLoTo 
change in temperature
Temperature gradient ( ) o
Cm–1 or  m–1 MoL–1To 
distance

Thermal capacity (mass x specific heat) J  –1 ML2T–2  –1

Time period second T
Torque or moment of force (force x distance) Nm ML2T–2
Universal gas constant (work / temperature) Jmol–1  –1 ML2T–2  –1
m 1m 2
Universal gravitational constant (F = G. ) Nm2kg–2 M–1L3T–2
d2
Velocity (displacement/time) ms–1 LT–1
dv
Velocity gradient ( ) s–1 T–1
dx
Volume (length x breadth x height) m3 L3
Water equivalent kg MLoTo
Work (force x displacement) J ML2T–2

54. Quantities having the same dimensional formulae :

a) impulse and momentum.
b) work, energy, torque, moment of force, energy
c) angular momentum, Planck’s constant, rotational impulse
d) stress, pressure, modulus of elasticity, energy density.
e) force constant, surface tension, surface energy.
f) angular velocity, frequency, velocity gradient
g) gravitational potential, latent heat.
h) thermal capacity, entropy, universal gas constant and Boltzmann’s constant.
i) force, thrust.
j) power, luminous flux.

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 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions
ERRORS AND SIGNIFICANT FIGURES

ACCURACY, PRECISION OF INSTRUMENTS AND ERRORS IN MEASUREMENT :

1. The measured value of a physical quantity is usually different from its true value. The result of
every measurement by any measuring instrument is an approximate number, which contains some
uncertainty. This uncertainty is called error.
2. Every calculated quantity which is based on measured values also has an error. We distinguish
between two terms accuracy and precision.
3. The accuracy of a measurement is a measure of how close the measured value is to the true value
of the quantity. Precision tells us to what resolution or limit the quantity is measured.
4. In general, the errors in measurement can be broadly classified as (a) systematic errors and (b)
random errors.
5. Systematic errors :
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 :
a) Instrumental errors that arise from the errors due to imperfect design or calibration of the
measuring instrument, etc. For example, in a Vernier calipers the zero mark of vernier scale
may not coincide to the zero mark of the main scale, or simply an ordinary metre scale may be
worn off at one end.
b) Imperfection for experimental technique or procedure. For example, to determine the
temperature of a human body, a thermometer placed under the armpit will always give a
temperature lower than the actual value of the body temperature.
c) Personal errors that arise due to an individual’s bias, lack of proper setting of the apparatus of
individuals, carelessness in taking observations without observing proper precautions, etc. For
example, if you, by habit, always hold your head a bit too far to the right while reading the
position of a needle on the scale, you will introduce an error due to parallax.
6. 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 (e.g. unpredictable fluctuations in temperature, voltage supply).
7. Least count error :
a) The least count error is the error associated with the resolution of the instrument. For example,
a vernier calipers has a least count as 0.001 cm. It occurs with both systematic and random
errors. The smallest division on the scale of the measuring instrument is called its least count.
b) Systematic errors can be minimized by improving experimental techniques, selecting better
instruments and removing personal bias as far as possible.
c) Random errors are minimized by repeating the observations several times and taking the
arithmetic mean of all the observations. The mean value would be very close to the true value of
the measured quantity.
8. Absolute Error, Relative Error and Percentage Error :
a) Suppose the values obtained in several measurements are a1, a2, a3 … an. The arithmetic mean
of these values is taken as the best possible value of the quantity under the given conditions of
measurement as :
amean = (a1 + a2 + a3 + ... + an ) / n (or)
n
amean = a / ni
i=1

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 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions
• The magnitude of the difference between the true value of the quantity and the individual
measurement value is called the absolute error of the measurement. This is denoted by |t| (As
we do not know the true value of a quantity, let us accept the arithmetic mean of all
measurements as the true value of the measured quantity). Then the absolute errors in the
individual measurement values are a1 = amean – a1 ; a2 = amean – a2 ; … ; an = amean – an.
• The arithmetic errors may be positive in certain cases and negative in some other cases.
b) The arithmetic mean of all the absolute errors is taken as the final or mean absolute error of the
value of the physical quantity ‘a’. It is represented by amean.
Thus,
amean = ( a1| + a2| + a3| + … + an| ) / n
n

= | a | / n
i=1
i

• If we do a single measurement, the value we get may be in the range amean ± amean.
i.e. a = amean ± amean. or
amean – amean  a  amean + amean.
• This implies that any measurement of the physical quantity ‘a’ is likely to lie between
(amean + amean) and (amean – amean)
c) Instead of the absolute error, we often use the relative error or the percentage error (a). The
relative error is the ratio of the mean absolute error amean to the mean value amean of the
quantity measured.
Relative error = amean / amean.
• When the relative error is expressed in percent, it is called the percentage error (a)
• Thus, Percentage error
a = (amean / amean)  100%
9. Combination of Errors : If we do an experiment involving several measurements, we
must know how the errors in all the measurements combine.
a) Error of a sum or a difference : Suppose two physical quantities A and B have measured
values A ± A, B ± B respectively where A and B are their absolute errors. We wish to
find the error Z in the sum
Z=A+B
We have by addition, Z ± Z = (A ± A) + (B ± B).
The maximum possible error in Z = Z = A + B
For the difference Z = A – B, we have
Z ± Z = (A ± A) – (B ± B)
= (A – B) ± A ± B.
or
± Z = ± A ± B
The maximum value of the error Z is again A + B.
• When two quantities are added or subtracted, the absolute error in the final result is the
sum of the absolute errors in the individual quantities.
b) Error of a product or a quotient : Suppose Z = AB and the measured values of A and B are A
± A and B ± B. Then
Z ± Z = (A ± A) (B ± B).

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 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions
= AB ± B A ± A B ± A B.
Dividing LHS by Z and RHS by AB we have, 1 ± (Z / Z) = 1 ± (A / A) ± (B / B) ± (A / A)
(B / b).
Z = Z / Z = (A / A) + (B / B)
• When two quantities are multiplied or divided, the fractional error in the result is the sum of the
fractional errors in the multipliers.
c) Error due to the power of a measured quantity :
Z = A2, then
Z / Z = (A / A) + (A / A) = 2 (A / A)
If Z = Ap Bq / Cr, then
Z / Z = p (A / A) + q (B / B) + r (C / C)
• The fractional error in a physical quantity raised to the power is the power times the fractional
error in the individual quantity.
SIGNIFICANT FIGURES :
10. Every measurement involves errors. Thus, the result of measurement should be reported
in a way that indicates the precision of measurement.
11. Normally, the reported result of measurement is a number that includes all digits in the
number that 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.
12. If we say the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is 1.62 s, the digits 1 and 6 are
reliable and certain, while the digit 2 is uncertain. Thus, the measured value has three
significant figures. The length of an object reported after measurement to be 287.5 cm
has four significant figures, the digits 2, 8, 7 are certain while the digit 5 is uncertain.
13. Then a length of 16.2 cm means l = 16.20 ± 0.05 cm, i.e. it lies between 16.15 cm and
16.25 cm.
14. A choice of change of different units does not change the number of significant digits or
figures in a measurement.
a) For example, the length 2.308 cm has four significant figures. But in different units, the same value
can be written as 0.02308 m or 23.08 mm or 23080 m.
The example gives the following rules :
i) All the non-zero digits are significant.
ii) All the zeros between two non-zero digits are significant, no matter where the decimal point is,
if at all.
iii) If the number is less than 1, the zeros on the right of decimal point but to the left of the first
non-zero digit are not significant. (In 0.002308, the underlined zeros are not significant)
iv) The terminal or trailing zeros in a number without a decimal point are not significant.
v) (Thus 123 m = 12300 cm = 123000 mm has three significant figures, the trailing zeroes being
not significant). However, you can also see the next observation.
vi) The trailing zeros in a number with a decimal point are significant. (The numbers 3.500 or
0.06900 have four significant figures each).
b) There can be some confusion regarding the trailing zeros. Suppose a length is reported to be 4.700
m. It is evident that the zeros here are meant to convey the precision of measurement and are,
therefore, significant. (If these were not, it would be superfluous to write them explicitly, the
reported measurement would have been simply 4.7 m).
4.700 m = 470.0 cm = 4700 mm = 0.004700 km. Since the last number has trailing zeroes in a
number with no decimal, we would conclude erroneously from observation (1) above that the

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 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions
number has two significant figures, while infact it has four significant figures and a mere change of
units cannot change the number of significant figures.
c) To remove such ambiguities in determining the number of significant figures, the best way is to
report every measurement m scientific notation (in the power of 10). In this notation, every number
is expressed as a  10b, where ‘a’ is a number between 1 and 10, and b is any positive or negative
exponent of 10.
4.700 m = 4.700  102 cm
 4.700  103 mm = 4.700  10–3 km
Thus, in the scientific notation, no confusion arises about the trailing zeros in the base number ‘a’. They are
always significant.
d) The scientific notation is ideal for reporting measurement. But if this is not adopted, we use the
rules adopted in the preceding example :
i) For a number greater than 1, without any decimal, the trailing zeros are not significant.
ii) For a number with a decimal, the trailing zeros are significant.
15. Rules for Arithmetic Operations with Significant Figures :
a) The result of a calculation involving approximate measured values of quantities (i.e. values with
limited number of significant figures) must reflect the uncertainties in the original measured
values.
b) It cannot be more accurate than the original measured values themselves on which the result is
based. In general, the final result should not have more significant figures than the original data
from which it was obtained. Thus, if mass of an object is measured to be, say, 4.237 g (four
significant figures) and its volume is measured to be
3 3
2.51 cm , then its density, by mere arithmetic division, is 1.68804780876 g/cm upto 11 decimal
places.
c) It would be clearly absurd and irrelevant to record the calculated value of density to such a
precision when the measurements on which the value is based, have much less precision. The
following rules for arithmetic operations with significant figures ensure that the final result of a
calculation is shown with the precision that is consistent with the precision of the input measured
values :
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.
4.237g
Density = = 1.69g cm−3
2.51 cm3
Similarly, if the speed of light is given as 3.00  108 ms–1 (three 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.
iii) For example, the sum of the numbers 436.32 g, 227.2 g and 0.301 g by mere arithmetic
addition, is 663.821 g.
iv) But the least precise measurement (227.2 g) is correct to only one decimal place. The final
result should, therefore, be rounded off to
663.8 g.
v) Similarly, the difference in length can be expressed as :
0.307 m – 0.304 m = 0.003 m = 3  10–3 m.
vi) They do not convey the precision of measurement properly. For addition and subtraction, the
rule is in terms of decimal places.
16. Rounding off the Uncertain Digits :

12
 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions
a) The result of computation with approximate numbers, which contain more than one uncertain
digit, should be rounded off.
b) Preceding digit is raised by 1 if the insignificant digit to be dropped (the underlined digit in this
case) is more than 5, and is left unchanged if the latter is less than 5.
c) But what if the number is 2.745 in which the insignificant digit is 5. Here the convention is that
if the preceding digit is even, the insignificant digit is simply dropped and, if it is odd, the
preceding digit is raised by 1.
17. Rules for Determining the Uncertainty of Number in Arithmetic Operations :
a) The uncertainty or error in the measured value, as already mentioned, is normally taken to be half
of the least count of the measuring instrument. The rules for determining the uncertainty of number
in arithmetic operations can be understood from the following examples.
i) If the length and breadth of a thin rectangular sheet are measured as 16.2 cm and 10.1 cm
respectively, there are three significant figures in each measurement. It means that the true
length l may be written as
l = 16.20 ± 0.05 cm = 16.20 cm ± 0.3%
Similarly, the breadth b may be written as
b = 10.10 ± 0.05 cm = 10.10 cm ± 0.5%
To determine the uncertainty of the product of two (or more) experimental values, we often
following a rule that is founded upon probability. If we assume that uncertainties combine
randomly, we have the rule :
When two or more experimentally obtained numbers are multiplied, the percentage uncertainty of
the final result is equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of the percentage uncertainties
of the original numbers.
Following the square root of the sum of the squares rule, we may write for the product of length l
and breadth b as
l b = 163.62 cm2 ±
= 163.62 cm2 ± 0.6%
= 163.62 ± 1.0 cm2
The result leads us to quote the final result as
l b = 163.62 ± 1.0 cm2
b) If a set of experimental data is specified to n significant figures, a result obtained by combining the
data will also be valid to n significant figures.
i) However, if data are subtracted, the number of significant figures can be reduced.
ii) For example : 12.9 g – 7.06 g, both specified to three significant figures, cannot properly be
evaluated as 5.84 g but only as 5.8 g, as uncertainties in subtraction or addition combine in a
different fashion (smallest number of decimal places rather than the number of significant
figures in any of the number added or subtracted).
c) The fractional error of a value of number specified to significant figures depends not only on n but
also on the number itself.
i) For example, the accuracy in measurement of mass 1.02 g is ± 0.005 g whereas another
measurement 9.89 g is also accurate to ± 0.005g.
ii) The fractional error in 1.02 g is
= (± 0.005 / 1.02)  100%  ± 0.5%
iii) On the other hand, the fractional error in 9.89 g is = (± 0.005 / 9.89)  100%  ± 0.05%
iv) Finally, remember that intermediate results in a multi-step computation should be
calculated to one more significant figure in every measurement than the number of digits
in the least precise measurement.

13
 Measurement and Units & $ dimensions
v) Theses should be justified by the data and then the arithmetic operations may be carried out;
otherwise rounding errors can build up. For example, the reciprocal of 9.58, calculated (after
rounding off) to the same number of significant figures (three) is 0.104, but the reciprocal of
0.104 calculated to three significant figures is 9.62. However, if we had written 1/9.58 = 0.1044
and then taken the reciprocal to three significant figures, we would have retrieved the original
value of 9.58.
iv) This example justifies the idea to retain one more extra digit (than the number of digits in the
least precise measurement) in intermediate steps of the complex multi-step calculations in order
to avoid additional errors in the process of rounding off the numbers.

14
 Units and Dimensions (EAMCET)

1. The dimensional formula for Areal Velocity is

1. M 0 L−2T −1  M 0 L−2T 1  M L T  M L T 
0 2 −1
2. 3. 4. 0 2 1

2. If P is the X-ray unit and Q is micron then P/Q is

1. 10-5 2.105 3.107 4.10-7

3. [Jm-2] is the unit of

1. Surface Tension 2. Viscosity
3. Strain Energy 4. Intensity of Energy
4. Linear Momentum and Angular Momentum have the same dimensions in
1. Mass and Length 2. Length and Time
3. Mass and Time 4.Mass, Length and Time
5. The angle subtended at the centre of a circle by an arc whose length is equal to the
diameter of the circle is
1. Radian 2. 2 Radian
3.  Radian 4.  /2 Radian
6. The dimensions of (velocity)/radius are the same as that of
1) Planck’s constant 2) Gravitational constant
3) Dielectric constant 4) Acceleration due to Gravity
7. The physical quantities not having same dimensions are
1) Torque and Work 2) Momentum and Planck’s constant
−1/ 2
 
3) Stress and Young’s Modulus 4) Speed and 0 o 
 
8. The dimensional formula of resistivity in terms of M, L, T and Q, where Q stands
for the dimensions of charge is
1) [ML3T −1Q−2 ] 2) [ML3T −1Q−1 ] 3) [ML2T −1Q−1] 4) [MLT −1Q−1 ]
9. The dimensional formula for magnetic flux is
1) [ ML2T −2 I −1 ] 2) [ ML2T −2 I −2 ] 3) [ ML−2T −2 I −1 ] 4) [ ML−2T −2 I −2 ]

10. If  is the permeability and  is the permittivity then 1

is equal to


1. Speed of sound 2. Speed of light in vacuum

3. Speed of sound in medium 4. Speed of light in medium
 1
11. has the same unit as
Capacitance Inductance

1) Time 2) Velocity 3) Velocity gradient 4) None of the above

12. [M1L2T-3A-2] is the dimensional formula of

1. Electric resistance 2. Capacity
3. Electric potential 4. Specific resistance
13. If m is the mass, Q is the charge and B is the magnetic induction, m/BQ has the
same dimensions as
1. Frequency 2. Time
3. Velocity 4. Acceleration
14. Consider the following two statements A and B and identify the correct answer.
A) The size (u) of the unit of physical quantity and its numerical magnitude (n) are
related to each other by the relation nu = constant.
B) The choice of mass, length and time as fundamental quantities is not unique.
1) A is true but B is false 2) B is true but A is false
3) Both A and B are true 4) Both A and B are false
15. Consider the following two statements A and B and identify the correct answer
A) The MKS system is a coherent system of units
B) In SI, joule is the unit for all forms of energy
1) A is true but B is false 2) B is true but A is false
3) Both A and B are true 4) Both A and B are false
16. With usual notation, the following equation, said to give the distance covered in the

nth second i.e., is S = u + a

(2n −1)
n
2
1) Numerically correct only
2) Dimensionally correct only
3) Both dimensionally and numerically correct
4) Neither numerically nor dimensionally corrects
17. The pair of quantities having neither units nor dimensions is

1) Plane angle and Specific gravity

2) Magnetic permeability and Relative Permittivity

3) Coefficient of friction and Coefficient of restitution

4) Linear momentum and Angular momentum

Energy
18. The physical quantity which has dimensional formula as that of is
mass length
1) Force 2) Power 3) Pressure 4) Acceleration

19. Out of the following the correct order of dimensions of mass increases is
a) Velocity b) Power c) Gravitational Constant
1) a, b, c 2) c, a, b 3) a, c, b 4) b, c, a

20. The correct order in which the dimensions of time decreases in the following physical
quantities.
a) Power b) Modulus of elasticity
c) Moment of inertia d) Angular momentum
1) a, b, d, c 2) c, d, a, b 3) a, c, d, b 4) c, d, b, a

21. (A): Plane angle has unit but no dimensional formula.

(B): All dimensions less quantities are unit less.
1) Both A & B are true 2) Both A & B are false
3) Only A is true 4) Only B is true

22. (A): The correctness of an equation is verified using the principle of homogeneity.
(B): All units less quantities are dimensional less.
1) Both A & B are true 2) Both A & B are false
3) Only A is true 4) Only B is true

23. (A): The value of dimensionless constants or proportionality constants cannot be

found by dimensional methods.
(B): The equations containing trigonometrical, exponential and logarithmic
functions cannot be analyzed by dimensional methods.
1) Both A & B are true 2) Both A & B are false
3) Only A is true 4) only B is true
24. The pair of physical quantities not having the same dimensional formula are
(1993E)
1. Acceleration, Gravitational field strength 2. Torque, Angular momentum
3. Pressure, Modulus of elasticity 4. All the above
25. A pair of physical quantities having the same dimensional formula is
1. Momentum and Impulse 2. Momentum and Energy
3. Energy and Pressure 4. Force and Power
26. A pair of physical quantities having the same dimensional formula is
1. Force and Work 2. Work and Energy
3. Force and Torque 4. Work and Power
27. The pair of physical quantities having the same dimensional formula is
1. Angular momentum and Torque 2. Torque and Strain energy
3. Entropy and Power 4. Power and Angular momentum

28. If the dimensions of velocity, acceleration and length are yz–1, yz–2 and xy
respectively, the dimensions of the coefficient of friction is

(1) x0y0z0 (2) x–1y0z0 (3) x1y0z0 (4) x–1y–1z0

29. Poise is the unit of
(1) Torque (2) Viscosity (3) Surface Tension (4) Moment of Inertia

30. Surface tension has the same dimensional formula as that of

(1) Spring constant(2) Compliance (3) Viscosity (4) Entropy
31. A spherical body of mass m and radius r is allowed to fall in a medium of viscosity .

The time in which the velocity of the body increases from zero to 0.63 times the
terminal velocity (v) is called time constant ( ). Dimensionally can be represented by
(1) mr2 6 mr
(2) (3) m (4) none of these
6
2
g 6rv

32. Which of the following have the same dimensions?

(1) Planck’s constant and Gas constant (2) Latent heat and Gravitational potential
(3) Work and Power (4) Impulse and Torque

33. The dimensional formula of  from equation N = N 0e−t where N is the number of

atoms remaining after a time t of a radioactive decay is

(1) M0L0T0 (2) M0L0T (3) M0L0T–1 (4) MLT
34. Electron volt is the unit of
(1) Energy (2) Potential difference (3) Charge (4) Potential gradient

35. Assume that the mass m of the largest stone that can be moved by a flowing river
depends upon the velocity v of water, its density and acceleration due to gravity g.
Then m is proportional to

(1) v2 (2) v4 (3) v6 (4) v8

36. The dimensions of resistance x capacitance are same as for
(1) Frequency (2) Energy (3) Time Period (4) Current

37. The dimensional formula for Planck’s constant is

(1) M1L–1T–2 (2) ML2T–1 (3) ML–1T–1 (4) MLT–1

38. The dimensional formula for E/B, where E is intensity of electric field and B is
magnetic induction, is as same as that of
(1) Velocity (2) Force (3) Pressure Head (4) Entropy

39. (A): Electric current is a scalar.

(R) : All fundamental physical quantities are scalar.
1. A and R are correct and R is correct explanation of A.
2. A and R are correct and R is correct not correct explanation A.
3. A is true and R is false.
4. A is false and R is true.
40. (A): The equation y=x+t can not be true where x, y are the distances and t is time.
(R): Quantities with different dimensions cannot be added.
1. A and R are correct and R is correct explanation of A.
2. A and R are correct and R is correct not correct explanation A.
3. A is true and R is false.
4. A is false and R is true.
41. A: Surface tension and spring constant have the same dimensions.
R: Both are equivalent to force per unit length.
1. A and R are correct and R is correct explanation of A.
2. A and R are correct and R is correct not correct explanation A.
3. A is true and R is false.
4. A is false and R is true.
42. (A): Elastic strain is a dimensionless quantity.
(R) : The ratio of two similar physical quantities is dimensionless.

(1) A is true, R is true and R is the correct explanation of A.

(2) A is true, R is true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(3) A is true, R is false.
(4) Both A and R are false.
43. (A): If e is charge, h the plank’s constant, and c the velocity of light, then the

quantity e2/hc is a number.

(R) : The dimensions of e2 are the same as those of the product hc.

(1) A is true, R is true and R is the correct explanation of A.

(2) A is true, R is true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(3) A is true, R is false.
(4) Both A and R are false.

44. (A): If u1 and u2 are units and n1, n2 are their numerical values in two different
systems then n1 > n2  u1 < u2.

(R) : The numerical value of physical quantity is inversely proportional to unit.

(1) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(2) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(3) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(4) (A) is false but (R) is true.

45. (A): The value of ‘G’ can not be derived by dimensional method.
(R) : The value of proportionality constants can not be derived by dimensional
method.
(1) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(2) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(3) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(4) (A) is false but (R) is true.
46. (A): In mechanics, we treat length, mass and time as the three basic or fundamental
quantities.
(R) : Length, mass and time cannot be obtained from one another.

(1) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(2) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(3) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(4) (A) is false but (R) is true.

47. (A): When the unit of measurement of a quantity is changed, its numerical value
changes.
(R) : Smaller the unit of measurement smaller is its numerical value.

(1) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(2) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(3) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(4) (A) is false but (R) is true.

48. Match the following:

a) Same negative e) Pressure, Dimensions of mass Rydberg constant
b) Same negative f) Magnetic induction dimensions of length
field, potential
c) Same dimensions g) Capacity, Universal of time gravitational constant
d) Same dimensions h) Energy density of current Surface tension
1) a - g b-e c-h d-f
2) a - g b-h c-e d-f
3) a - e b-f c-g d-h
4) a - f b-e c-h d-g

49. Match the following.

a) Planck’s constant e) ML–1T–2
b) Gravitational constant f) ML–1T–1
c) Bulk modulus g) ML2T–1
d) Coefficient of viscosity h) M–1L3T–2
 1) a - h; b - g; c - f; d-e
2) a - f; b - e; c - g; d-h
3) a - g; b - f; c - e; d-h
4) a - g; b - h; c - e; d-f

50. Match the following.

a) Pa s e) L2T–2K–1

b) NmK–1 f) MLT–3K–1
c) Jkg–1K–1 g) ML–1T–1

d) Wm–1K–1 h) ML2T–2K–1

1) a - h; b - g; c - e; d-f
2) a - g; b - f; c - h; d-e
3) a - g; b - e; c - h; d-f
4) a - g; b - h; c - e; d-f
51. Match the following.
a) Electron volt e) 746 W

b) KWH f) 10-15 m

c) Horse power g) 36 x 105 J

d) Fermi h) 1.6 x 10-19J

(1) a-h, b-g, c-e, d-f (2) a-h, b-f, c-g, d-e
(3) a-g, b-h, c-e, d-f (4) a-h, b-g, c-f, d-e
52. Match the following.

a) Pressure e) ML2T-2I-1

b) Latent heat f) M0L0T-1

c) Velocity gradient g) ML-1 T-2

d) Magnetic flux h) M0L2T-2

(1) a-h, b-f, c-g, d-e (2) a-g, b-h, c-e, d-f
(3) a-g, b-h, c-f, d-e (4) a-f, b-g, c-e, d-h
 53. Match the following.
a) Surface tension e) Gas constant
b) Specific heat f) Areal velocity
c) Latent heat g) Spring constant
d) Kinematic viscosity h) Gravitational potential
(1) a-e, b-g, c-h, d-f (2) a-f, b-h, c-g, d-e
(3) a-g, b-f, c-h, d-e (4) a-g, b-e, c-h, d-f
54. Match the following.
a) Same negative dimensions of mass e) Pressure, Rydberg constant
b) Same negative dimensions of length f) Magnetic induction field, Potential
c) Same dimensions of time g) Capacity, Universal gravitational
constant
d) Same dimensions of current h) Energy density, Surface tension
(1) a-g, b-e, c-h, d-f (2) a-g, b-h, c-c, d-f
(3) a-e, b-f, c-g, d-h (4) a-f, b-e, c-h, d-g

55. A force of 40N acts on a body. If the units of mass and length are doubled and the
unit of time is tripled, then the force in the new system becomes
160 160
1) 90 N 2) 90 new units 3) new units 4) N
9 9

56. If the unit of power is million erg/minute, the unit of force is 1000 dyne and the unit
of length is 5/3 cm then the unit of time is (in second)
1) 10 2) 1 3) 1/10 4) 1/100
J2
57. If J is the angular momentum and E is the kinetic energy, then has the
E
dimensions of
1) Moment of Inertia 2) Power 3) Angular velocity 4) Impulse

58. If the unit of mass is kg, the unit of length is  metre and the unit of time is ‘  ’
second, the magnitude of calorie in the new system is (1 Cal = 4.2 J)
1) 4.2  2 2 2 new units 2) 4.2 −1 −2 2 new units
1
3)  −1 −2 2 New units 4)  −1 −2 2 new units
4.2
59. The number of particles crossing unit area perpendicular to x-axis in unit time is
−D(n2 − n1 )
given by n = where n1 and n2 are number of particles per unit volume for
x2 − x1
the value of x meant to x1 and x2. The dimensions of D are

1) M°L T3 2) M°L2 T–4 3) M°L T–2 4) M°L2 T–1

60. Dimensional formula of the product of the two physical quantities P and Q is ML2T–
2, the dimensional formula of P/Q is MT–2. P and Q respectively are

1) Force, Velocity 2) Momentum, Displacement

3) Force, Displacement 4) Work, Velocity
A
61. If log = (Bx+C) is dimensionally true, then (here h is the coefficient of viscosity
B
and x is the distance)
1) C is dimensionless constant 2) B has dimensions of -1 in length

3) The dimensional formula of A is ML-2T-1 4) All the above are true.

62. The Vander Waals equation for a gas is  P +  (V – b) = nRT where P, V, R, T and
a
 2 
 V 

n represent the pressure, volume, universal gas constant, absolute temperature and
number of moles of a gas respectively. a and b are constants. The ratio b/a will have
the following dimensional formula
1) M–1L–2T2 2) M–1L–1T–1 3) ML2T2 4) MLT–2

∆V
63. A quantity X is given by 0 L where 0 is the permittivity of free space, L is a
∆t
length ∆ V is a potential difference and ∆ t is a time interval. The dimensional
formula for X is the same as that of
1) Resistance 2) Charge 3) Voltage 4) Current

64. If velocity of light C, universal gravitational constant G and Planck’s constant h are
the fundamental quantities in a system of measurement, then the dimensional
formula for mass is
1 −1 1 1 1 1 3 −1 1 1 3 1
1) C2 G 2 h 2 2) C 2 G 2 h2 3) C2 G 2 h 2 4) C2 G 2 h 2
 1
65. Bernoulli’s Equation is given by P + v2 +  gh = constant . The quantity v2/2 has the
2
same units as that of
(1) Force (2) Impulse (3) Strain (4) Pressure

66. The time period of a small liquid drop of density ‘d’, radius ‘r’ and surface tension
‘S’ is
1)  dr3   Sr3 
d   dS 
T=k  3 2) T =k S  3) T =k  r3  4) T =  
 Sr      d 

67. If P represents radiation pressure, C represents speed of light and Q represents

radiation energy striking unit area per second, then non zero integers x, y and z,

such that Px.Qy.Cz is dimensionless are

1) x = 1, y = 1, z = -1 2) x = 1, y = -1, z = 1 3) x = -1, y = 1, z = 1 4) x = 1, y = 1, z = 1

68. If K represents kinetic energy, V velocity and T time, and these are chosen as the
fundamental units then, the units of surface tension will be:

1) KV-2T-2 2) KV-1T-2 3) K2V-1T-3 4) KV-2T-1

69. A certain body of mass M moves under the action of a conservative force with
Kx
potential energy V given by V= (x → dis tan ce, a → amplitude) in this equation
x2 + a2
the units of K will be equal to that of:
1) Power 2) Couple 3) Joule-metre 4) all are true

70. Which one of the following formulae is dimensionally correct?

1) h = 2g cos 2) h = 2T cos 3) h = 2Trg  h=

2Tr
2Tr r g cos 4)  g cos

71. A solid cylinder rolls down an inclined plane without slipping. The velocity of the
cylinder at the bottom of the plane, if the height of the plane is h, is given by:
3gh  4g   2g   4gh 
1) 2)
h 3) h 4)  
4      3 
 t 
72. Given that y = a cos p − qx  , where t is time in seconds and x is distance in

 
metre. Which of the following statements is true?
1) The unit of x is same as that of ‘q’
2) The unit of x is same as that of ‘p’
3) The unit of t is the same as that of ‘q’
4) The unit of t is the same as that of ‘p’

73. For the equation F  AxV y Dz F is force, A is area, V is the velocity and D is the
density with the dimensional analysis gives the following results:
1) x=1, y=2,z=1 2) x=2,y=1, z=1 3) x=1,y=1,z=2 4) x=0,y=1,z=1
2
74. The dimensions of 1  e
0 hc

1) [A2L-3T4M-4] 2) [A-2T-4L3M] 3) [A0M0L0T0] 4) [AT2L-3M-1]

75. The viscosity ‘ ’ of a gas is determined by its density ‘d’, molecular velocity ‘c’ and

its mean free path l , then has the dimensional formula
dcl

1) MLT-2 2) MLT-1 3) M0L0T0 4) M0L0T-1

76. In a particular system, the units of length, mass and time are chosen to be 10cm
10gm and 0.1sec respectively the unit of force in this system will be equivalent to

1) 0.1N 2) 1N 3) 10N 4) 100N

dp
77. Pressure gradient is rate of change of pressure with distance. What are the
dx
dp
dimensions of ?
dx

1) ML-1T-1 2) ML-2T-2 3) ML-1T-2 4) ML-2 T-1

F L
78. To determine the Young's modulus of a wire, the formula is Y =  ;
where L =
A L

length, A = area of cross-section of the wire, L = change in length of the wire when
stretched with a force F . The conversion factor to change it from CGS to MKS
system is

1) 1 2) 1 3) 0.1 4) 0.01
 Key

(1) 3 (2)4 (3)1 (4)3 (5)2 (6)4 (7)2 (8)1 (9)1 (10)4

(11) 3 (12)1 (13)2 (14)3 (15)1 (16)3 (17)3 (18)4 (19)2 (20)4

(21) 3 (22)1 (23)1 (24)1 (25)1 (26)2 (27)2 (28)1 (29)2 (30)1

(31) 4 (32)2 (33)3 (34)1 (35)3 (36)3 (37)2 (38)1 (39)2 (40)2

(41) 1 (42)1 (43)1 (44)1 (45)1 (46)1 (47)3 (48)1 (49)4 (50)4

(51) 1 (52)3 (53)4 (54)1 (55)2 (56)3 (57)4 (58)2 (59)4 (60)3

(61)4 (62)1 (63)4 (64)1 (65) 4 (66) 2 (67) 2 (68) 1 (69) 3 (70) 2

(71) 4 (72) 4 (73) 1 (74) 3 (75)3 (76)1 (77)3 (78) 3

Hints

55. n1u1 = n2u2

40  2  = n2 =
ML 2M2L
2
 T  (3T)
40
ML  4  ML 
 T2  = 9 n 2  T 2 
   
4
40 = n2
9
n2 = 90 new units
 FL FL
56. P = T=
T P
1000 5 1
T= x x 60 = sec
106 3 10

57. J2 = (ML T ) = ML
2 -2
2

E ML2T-2
58. n1U1 = n2U2

4.2 J =    2
n2  2  J

4.2 −1 −2 2 = n2

1
59. n =__________ = L−2T −1
Area  time

(x2 - x1) = L
1
(n − n ) =
2 2
L3
 x − x 
 D = 2 1  .n
n −n
 2 1
L
=  L−2T −1 = L2 T–1
L−3

60. P.Q = ML2T–2

P
= MT −2
Q

P2 = M2L2T–4

P = MLT–2
Q=L
A
61.  = log (Bx + C)
B

C →Dimension less

B = L–1
A
=
B
 A =  .B = ML–1T–1L–1

A = ML–2 T–1

62. p + a  (v − b) = RT
 v2 
 

a = pv2 = ML–1 T–2 L6

a = ML5T–2
b = L3
b L3
= = −1 −2 2
MLT
a ML5T −2

V
63. x =0 L.
T
L.ML2T −3 I−1
= −1 −3 42
I (current)
M L T I
T

64. M  C x Gy h z

M  (LT −1 )x (M −1L3T −2 ) y (ML2T −1 )Z

-y + z = 1
x + 3y + 2z = 0
-x - 2y - z = 0
1 1 1
x= y=− z=
2 2 2

M = C1/ 2 .G−1/ 2 .h1/ 2

66. Let T  d xr y sz (or) T = k. dx ry sz.

Writing dimensions on both the sides and comparing powers of T, M, L, we get

M0L0T = [ML-3]x [L]y [MT-2]z = Mx+z L-3x+y T-2z

z = -1/2, x = 1/2, y = 3/2

dr3
T = k
s
67. [PxQyCz) = [M0L0T0].
y
 ML2T −2 
0 0 0 −1 −2 x
[M L T ] = [ML T ]  −1 z
 [LT ]
 L T 
2

M0L0T0 = M(x+y) L (-x+z) T (-2x-3y-z)

Trying the options, the correct answer is x = 1,
y = -1, z = 1.

75. Dimensional formula of  = ML-1T-1

Dimensional formula of d = ML-3

Dimensional formula of c = LT-1

Dimensional formula of l = L

On substituting these, has the dimensional formula [M0L0T0]
dcl
76. n1 C.G.S units = n2 new units

n1[M1L1T1-2] = n2 [M2L2T2-2]

 M   L  T −2
n1 = n2 2
   
2 2

 1 1 1
M L T
n1 10gm 10cm sec2
 = + + 2
n2 gm cm y100 sec
n = 104 n
1 2

From equation (1)

104n2 dyne = n2

1new unit = 0.1N

dp
dim ensions of p ML−1T −2
77. Dimensions of = =
dx dim ensionof x L
F L dyne 10 −5 N
78. Y = A. L = = = 0.1N / m 2
cm 2 10 −4 m2