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Units & Measurements Notes

The document outlines key terms and units used in physics, including Angstrom, Fermi, light year, astronomical unit, and parsec, along with their definitions and conversions. It also discusses dimensional analysis, types of quantities (dimensional constants, variables, dimensionless constants, and variables), and provides examples of equations and their dimensional correctness. Additionally, it includes various problems related to dimensions, force, and measurements in physics.

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Rachit Mittal
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4 views4 pages

Units & Measurements Notes

The document outlines key terms and units used in physics, including Angstrom, Fermi, light year, astronomical unit, and parsec, along with their definitions and conversions. It also discusses dimensional analysis, types of quantities (dimensional constants, variables, dimensionless constants, and variables), and provides examples of equations and their dimensional correctness. Additionally, it includes various problems related to dimensions, force, and measurements in physics.

Uploaded by

Rachit Mittal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Some Important Key Terms (Units)

 Angstrom is used to measure the wavelength of light. 1 Å = 10-10 m

 Fermi is used to measure nuclear distances. 1 Fermi = 10-15 m

 A light year is used for measuring astronomical distances.

One Light year = distance travelled by light in 1 year = 9.4605 × 1015 m

 Astronomical unit = Mean distance between the sun and earth = 1.5 × 1011 m

 Parsec = 3.26 light years = 3.084×1016 m.

 Barn is the unit of area for measuring scattering cross-section of collisions.

1 barn = 10-28 m2.

 Chronometer and metronome are time-measuring instruments. The quantity


having the same unit in all the systems of units is time.

 Principle of homogeneity states that, an equation is dimensionally correct if the


dimensions of the various terms on either side of the equal sign (=) must be the
same.
2
−x
For ex: The force of interaction between two atoms is given by F = α β exp ( ) where
α kt
x is the distance, k is the Boltzmann constant, and t is temperature and α, β two
constants. The dimension of β is:
2
−x
Solution: As per principle of homogeneity, here F = α β and exp = 0 (exp = 0)
α kt
or x2 = αkt ⇒ α = x2 / kt (k is Boltzmann’s constant and t is temperature)
Dimensions of α = L2 / ML2 T -2 θ-1 (t) [Here θ represents unit related to temp.t ]
Dimensions of α = M-1 T2
Now, F = α β or β = F / α Dimensions of β = M L T -2 = M2 L T -4
M-1 T2
Four types of quantities

Dimensional constant: These are the quantities whose values are constant, and they
possess dimensions. Example, velocity of light in vacuum, universal gas constant etc.

Dimensional variables: These are the quantities whose values are variable, and they
possess dimensions. For example, area, volume, density etc.

Dimensionless constants: These are the quantities whose values are constant, but
they do not possess dimensions. For example, π, 1, 2, 3, ….. etc.

Dimensionless Variables: These are the quantities, whose values are variable, and
they do not have dimensions, e.g., angle, strain, specific gravity etc.
Q1. Which of the following equations may be correct?

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v) V = √GMR

Given: G = Gravitational constant, whose dimensions are [M−1 L3T−2] M1 ,M2 and M have
dimensions of mass. L, x, r, R has dimensssions of length. And t has dimensions of
Time. ‘F’ denotes Force and ‘a’ has dimensions of acceleration.

Solution:

(i) Yes (ii) Yes (iii) No (iv) Yes (v) No.

Q 2. Using the method of dimensions, find the acceleration of a particle moving with a
constant speed v in a circle of radius r.

Solution: Since the acceleration of the particle depends on v and r

a ∝ vx r y ⇒ a = k v x r y ……………..(1)

Now, dimensions of acceleration (a) = M°LT−2

and dimensions of velocity (v) = M°LT−1

dimension of radius (r) = M °LT°

Putting all three dimensions in (1), we get

M°LT −2 = k (M°LT−1)x (M °LT°)y

M°LT−2 = k M°Lx + YT−x

Comparing the powers, we get

x+y=1x=2

∴y = 1−2 = −1

∴ a = k v2r−1
Q 3. In the expression P is pressure and V is the volume.
Calculate the dimensions of a and b.

Solution: Only physical quantities having same dimensions are added or subtracted.

Solution: Yes, this expression is dimensionally correct, yet it appears to be incorrect. As


we are taking it to be for nth second. Here 1 second is divided through the equation.

Q 5. A displacement of a particle is given by equation y = A sin ωt, where y is in metres


and A is also in metres, t is in seconds. What are the dimensions of ω.

Solution: As the angles are always dimensionless, so

ωt = dimensionless quantity

Dimensions of ωt = M°L°T° , Therefore Dimensions of ω = M°L°T−1

Q 6. If density ρ, acceleration due to gravity g and frequency f are the basic quantities,
find the dimensions of force.

Solution: We have ρ = ML−3,g = LT−2f = T−1

Solving for M, L and T in terms of ρ, g and f , we get

M = ρ2g3f−6, L = gf−2 & T = f−1

Force = [MLT−2] = [ρg3f−6.gf−2. f2] = [ρg4f−6]


Q 7. An athlete’s coach told his team that muscle times speed equals power. What
dimensions does he view for “muscle”?

(A) ML T2 (B) ML2 T−2 (C) ML T–2 (D) L

Solution: Power = force x velocity

Given muscle times speed = Power

∴ muscle represents force

muscle = [MLT−2] Correct answer is (C)

Q 8. If force, length and time would have been the fundamental units what would have
been the dimensional formula for mass

(A) FL −1 T−2 (B) FL−1T2 (C) FL T−2 (D) F

Solution: Let M = K FaLbTc

= [MLT−2]a [Lb] Tc = [MaL(a+b)T(−2a+c)]

a = 1, a + b = 0 & – 2a + c = 0

⇒ a = 1, b = – 1, c = 2 Correct answer is (B)

Q 9. The dimensions of the Rydberg constant are

(A) M ° L−1 T (B) MLT−1 (C) M°L−1 T (D) ML°T2

Solution: From the relation

R = 1/L = L-1 = M°L−1 T° Correct answer is (C)

Q 10. The error in the measurement of the radius of a sphere is 1%. Then error in the
measurement of volume is

(A) 1% (B) 5% (C) 3% (D) 8%

Solution: Volume of sphere = 4/3 πr3

ΔV/V x 100 = 3(Δr/r) x 100 = 3% Correct answer is (C)

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