UNITS, DIMENSIONS, ERRORS & MEASUREMENT

INDEX
 CONCEPTS IN BRIEF 1–9
 MOST PROBABLE QUESTIONS FOR SCHOOL EXAM 10-15
 EXERCISE # 01 TOPIC-WISE SHEETS 16-25
SHEET # 01 PRINCIPLE OF HOMOGENEITY
SHEET # 02 DIMENSIONS AND DERIVATION OF RELATIONS
SHEET # 03 ERRORS BASICS, SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
SHEET # 04 PROPOGATION OF ERRORS & PRACTICE
SHEET # 05 VERNIER CALLIPERS & SCREW GAUGE
 EXERCISE # 02 OBJECTIVE EXERCISE 26 - 27
 EXERCISE # 03 SUBJECTIVE EXERCISE 28 – 29
 EXERCISE # 04 JEE (MAIN) CORNER 64 - 66
 EXERCISE # 05 JEE (ADVANCED) CORNER 67 – 71
 ANSWER KEYS 72 – 73
  
*BASED ON AVERAGED DATA OF JEE (MAIN) 2019 ORGANISED IN JANUARY 

JEE ADVANCED

2 2
1 1

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

YEAR
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UNITS, DIMENSIONS, ERRORS & MEASUREMENT

CONCEPTS IN BRIEF
UNITS
Measurement of any physical quantity involves its comparison with a certain basic, reference standard called
unit.
Any standard unit must have two properties
(a) Invariability (b) Availability
The result of measurement of a physical quantity is expressed by a number (numerical measure) accompanied
by a unit.
Measurement = nu
Fundamental quantities: The units for these quantities are called fundamental or base units. Length, mass,
time, electric current etc. are some of the fundamental quantities.

Derived quantities: They can be expressed in terms of fundamental quantities. The units of derived quantities
are expressed in terms of fundamental units and they are called derived units. e.g., velocity, force, impulse etc.
are derived quantities.
International system of units (SI):- This system of units was introduced in 1971 by the general conference on
weights and measures and was internationally accepted. It has seven fundamental units along with two
supplementary units (Radian & Steradian).
DIMENSIONS
All the physical quantities represented by derived units can be expressed in terms of some combination of
seven fundamental quantities. These seven fundamental quantities are called seven dimensions of the physical
world. They are denoted with square brackets [ ].
The dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers (or exponents) to which the base quantities are raised to
represent that quantity. Note that,
1. In this type of representation the magnitudes are not considered. It is the quality of the type of the
physical quantity that matters.
2. The expression which shows how and which of the base quantities represent the dimensions of a physical
quantity is called dimensional formula of the given physical quantity.
3. An equation obtained by equating a physical quantity with its dimensional formula is called the
dimensional equation of the physical quantity.
e.g.  S    M 0 L2T 2 K 1 

FUNDAMENTAL QUANTITIES, THEIR UNIT AND DIMENSIONAL FORMULA

S.NO. Fundamental Quantity Fundamental Unit Unit Symbol Used Dimensions

1 Mass kilogram kg [M]
2 Length metre m [L]
3 Time second s [T]
4 Temperature Kelvin K [K]
5 Electric current Ampere A [A]
6 Luminous Intensity candela cd [cd]
7 Amount of Matter mole mol [mol]

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!

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SUPPLEMENTARY QUANTITY AND UNIT

Table: SI Units and Dimensions of Some Important Physical Quantities

S.No. Quantity SI Unit Dimensional Formula

1 Volume m3  M 0 L3T 0 
 
2 Density kgm 3  M 1 L3T 0 
 
3 Velocity ms 1  M 0 L1T 1 
 
4 Acceleration ms 2  M 0 L1T 2 
 
5 Angular Velocity rads 1  M 0 L0T 1 
 
6 Frequency s 1 or hertz (Hz)  M 0 L0T 1 
 
7 Momentum kg ms 1  M 1 L1T 1 
 
8 Force kg ms 2 or newton (N)  M 1 L1T 2 
 
9 Work, Energy kgm 2 s 2 or roule (J)  M 1 L2T 2 
 
10 Power kgm 2 s 3 or Js 1  M 1 L2T 3 
 
or watt (W)
11 Pressure, Stress Nm2 or pascal (Pa)  M 1 L1T 2 
 
12 Modulus of Elasticity Nm2  M 1 L1T 2 
 
13 Moment of Inertia kgm 2  M 1 L2T 0 
 
14 Torque Nm  M 1 L2T 2 
 
15 Angular Momentum kg m2 s 1  M 1 L2T 1 
 
16 Impulse Ns  M 1 L1T 1 
 
17 Coefficient of Viscosity kgm 1 s 1  M 1 L1T 1 
 
18 Surface Tension Nm1  M 1 L0T 2 
 
19 Universal Gravitational Constant Nm2 kg 2  M 1 L3T 2 
 
20 Latent Heat Jkg 1  M 0 L2T 2 
 
21 Specific Heat Jkg 1 K 1  M 0 L2T 2 K 1 
 
22 Thermal Conductivity Jm 1s 1 K 1  M 1 L1T 3 K 1 
 
23 Electric Charge As or coulomb (C)  M 1 L0T 1 A1 
 
24 Electric Potential JC 1 or volt (V)  M 1 L2T 3 A1 
 
25 Electric Resistance VA1 or ohm     M 1 L2T 3 A2 
 
26 Electric Resistivity m  M 1 L3T 3 A2 
 

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27 Electric Conductance 1 or siemens (S)  M 1 L2T 3 A2 

 
28 Electric Conductivity 1m1 or Sm1  M 1 L3T 3 A2 
 
29 Capacitance CV 1 or farad (F)  M 1 L2T 4 A2 
 
30 Inductance Vs A1 or henry (H)  M 1 L2T 2 A2 
 
31 Electric field NC 1 or Vm1  M 1 L1T 3 A1 
 
32 Magnetic Induction NA1m1 or tesla (T)  M 1 L0T 2 A1 
 
33 Magnetic Flux Tm 2 or weber (Wb)  M 1 L2T 2 A1 
 
34 Permittivity C 2 N 1m2  M 1 L3T 4 A2 
 
35 Permeability TmA1 or Wb A1 m1  M 1 L1T 2 A2 
 
36 Planck's Constant Js  M 1 L2T 1 
 
37 Boltzman Constant JK 1  M 1 L2T 2 K 1 
 
38 Stefan Constant Wm2 K 4  M 1 L0T 3 K 4 
 

DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Principle of Homogeneity of dimensions: It states that in a correct equation, the dimensions of each term
added or subtracted must be same. Every correct equation must have same dimensions on both sides of the
equation.
ILLUSTRATION # 1
 a 
The equation  P + 2  (V – b) = constant. The unit of a is
 V 
(A) Dyne × cm 5 (B) Dyne × cm 4 (C)  Dyne × cm 3 (D)  Dyne × cm 2
 a 
Sol. (B) According to the principle of dimensional homogeneity  P    2 
V 
  a    P  V 2    ML1T 2   L6    ML5T 2 
or unit of a  gm  cm5  sec2  Dyne  cm4
ILLUSTRATION # 2
If x = at + bt 2 , where x is the distance travelled by the body in kilometre while t the time in seconds, then
the units of b are
2 2
(A) km/s (B) km-s (C) km/ s (D) km- s
x
Sol. From the principle of dimensional homogeneity  x   bt 2   b    2   Unit of b  km / s 2 .
t 

Conversion of units : The numerical value of a physical quantity in a system of units can be changed to
another system of units using the equation n u   constant i.e., n1 u1   n2 u2  where n is the numerical value
and u is the unit.
By knowing the conversion factors for the base quantities and dimensional formula of the derived
quantity, one can convert the numerical value of a physical quantity from one system of units to other system
of units.

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a b c
 M   L  T 
n2  n  1   1   1  where the dimensional formula of the physical quantity is  M a LbT c  .
 M 2   L2   T2 

ILLUSTRATION # 3
In C.G.S. system the magnitude of the force is 100 dynes. In another system where the fundamental
physical quantities are kilogram, metre and minute, the magnitude of the force is
(A) 0.036 (B) 0.36 (C) 3.6 (D) 36
Sol. n1  100, M 1  g , L1  cm, T1  sec and M 2  kg , L2  meter , T2  minute, x = 1, y = 1, z = –2
1
 gm   cm   sec 
1
n2  100      
 kg   meter   min 
1 2
 gm   cm 1  sec 
n2  100  3   2     3.6 .
10 gm  10 cm   60sec 

To find a relation among the physical quantities. If one knows the quantities on which a particular physical
quantity depends and guesses that this dependence is of product type, method of dimensions are helpful in
deducing their relation.
Suppose we want to find the relation between force, mass and acceleration. Let force depends on mass and
acceleration as follows.
F  Kmb a c when K = dimensionless constant b and c are powers of mass and acceleration.
According to principle of homogeneity.

 F    K  m b  a c   MLT 2    M 0 L0T 0   M b  LT 2 
c
  MLT 2   M b LcT 2 c

Equating the dimension on both sides we get 1 = b, 1 = c, –2c = –2.

 b  1 and c = 1.
Now putting the values of b and c in our required equation we will get a mathematical equation F  Km a .
The value of K can be found experimentally.

ILLUSTRATION # 4
If P represents radiation pressure, C represents speed of light and Q represents radiation
x y z
energy striking a unit area per second, then non-zero integers x, y and z such that P Q C 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

Sol.  P x Q y C z   M 0 L0T 0
By substituting the dimension of each quantity in the given expression
x y z
 ML1T 2   MT 3   LT 1    M x  y L x  z T 2 x  3 y  z   M 0 L0T 0
       
by equating the power of M, L and T in both sides: x + y = 0, –x + z = 0 and –2x – 3y – z = 0
by solving we get x = 1, y = – 1, z = 1.
LIMITATIONS OF DIMENSIONAL METHOD
1. Dimensional method cannot be used to derive equations involving addition and substraction.
2. Numerical constants having no dimensions cannot be obtained by method of dimensions.
3. Dimensional method fails when number of variables is more than number of equations obtained from the
exponents of fundamental quantities.
4. Equations using trigonometric, exponential and logarthmic functions cannot be deduced.

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Some Important Points:

1. If name of unit is the name of scientist, then for e.g., 5 Ampere is wrong, correct is 5 ampere. Also 5a is
wrong, correct is 5A.
2. Pure numbers are dimensionless.
3. All trigonometrical ratios, powers, exponential and logarithmic functions are dimensionless.
4. All ratio of physical quantities having same dimensional formula are dimensionless. e.g. relative
density, relative permeability, dielectric constant, angles, refractive index etc.
5. Dimensions do not depend upon magnitude.

ERROR & MEASUREMENTS

ACCURACY AND PRECISION
Accuracy
The closeness of the measured value to the true value of the physical quantity is known as the accuracy of the
measurement.
Precision
It is the measure of the extent to which successive measurements of a physical quantity differ from one
another.
Suppose the true value of a measurement is 35.75 and two measured values are 35.73 and 35.725. Here 35.73
is closest to 35.75, so its accuracy is more than 35.725 but 35.725 is more precise than 35.73 because 35.725 is
measured upto after 3 decimal places.
SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
The number of digits in the measured value about the correctness of which we are sure plus one more digit are
called significant figures.
Rules for counting the significant figures
Rule I : All non-zero digits are significant.
Rule II : All zeros occurring between the non zero digits are significant. For example 230089 contains six
significant figures.
Rule III : All zeros to the left of non zero digit are not significant. For example 0.0023 contains two
significant figures.
Rule IV : If a number ends in zeros that are not to the right of a decimal, the zeros are not significant.
For example, number of significant figures in
1500 (Two) 1.5  103 (Two) 1.50 103 (Three) 1.500  103 (Four)
Length of an object may be represented in many ways say 5 m, 5.0 m, 500 cm, 5.00 m, 5  102 cm. Here 5.00
m is most precise as it contains 3 significant figures.

ILLUSTRATION # 5
The number of significant figures in 0.007 m2 is
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
Sol. (A)

Rules for Arithmetic Operations with Significant Figures

Rule I : In addition or subtraction, the final result should retain as many decimal places are there are in
the number with the least decimal places.
Rule II : 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.

Rounding Off of Uncertain Digits

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Rule I : The preceding digit is raised by 1 if the insignificant digit to be removed is more than 5 and is
left unchanged if the later is less than 5.
Rule II : When the insignificant digit to be removed is 5 and the uncertain digit is even, 5 is simply
dropped and if it is odd, then the preceding digit is raised by 1.

ILLUSTRATION # 6
Each side a cube is measured to be 7.203 m. The volume of the cube up to appropriate significant figures is
(A) 373.714 (B) 373.71 (C) 373.7 (D) 373
Sol. Volume  a3   7.023  373.715 m3
3

In significant figures volume of cube will be 373.7 m3 because its side has four significant figures.

ILLUSTRATION # 7
The mass of a box is 2.3 kg. Two marbles of masses 2.15 g and 12.39 g are added to it. The total mass of
the box to the correct number of significant figures is
(A) 2.340 kg (B) 2.3145 kg. (C) 2.3 kg (D) 2.31 kg
Sol. Total mass =2.3 +0.00215 +0.01239 =2.31 kg
Total mass in appropriate significant figures be 2.3 kg.

ILLUSTRATION # 8
The length of a rectangular sheet is 1.5 cm and breadth is 1.203 cm. The area of the face of rectangular
sheet to the correct no. of significant figures is:
(A) 1.8045 cm 2 (B) 1.804 cm 2 (C) 1.805 cm 2 (D) 1.8 cm 2
Sol. Area 1.5 1.203  1.8045 cm2  1.8 cm2 (Upto correct number of significant figure).

ILLUSTRATION # 9
If the value of resistance is 10.845 ohms and the value of current is 3.23 amperes, the potential
difference is 35.02935 volts. Its value in significant number would be
(A) 35 V (B) 35.0 V (C) 35.03 V (D) 35.025 V
Sol. Value of current (3.23 A) has minimum significant figures (3) so the value of potential difference V (= IR)
will have only 3 significant figures. Hence its value be 35.0 V.

ERRORS IN MEASUREMENT
1. Mean Absolute Error :- It is given by
a1  a2  .....  an
a 
n
a1  a2  ....  an
am  = is taken as the true value of a quantity, if the same is not known.
n
a1  am  a1
a2  am  a2
.....................
an  am  an
Final result of measurement may be written as : a  am   a .

2. Relative Error or Fractional Error: It is given by

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a Mean absolute Error


am Mean value of measurement

a
3. Percentage Error   100%
am

4. Combination of Errors:
(i) In Sum: If Z  A  B , then Z  A  B , maximum fractional error in this case
Z A B
 
Z A B A B
i.e. when two physical quantities are added then the maximum absolute error in the result is the sum
of the absolute errors of the individual quantities.
(ii) In Difference: If Z = A – B, then maximum absolute error is Z  A  B and maximum
Z A B
fractional error in this case   .
Z A B A B
Z A B
(iii) In Product: If Z = AB, then the maximum fractional error,  
Z A B
where Z / Z is known as fractional error.
Z A B
(iv) In Division: If Z = A/B, then maximum fractional error is  
Z A B
Z A Ax B y
(v) In Power: If Z  A then n
n . In more general form if Z 
Z A Cq
then the maximum fractional error in Z is
 A B C
x y q .
Z A B C
Applications:
T 1 l
For a simple pendulum, T  l  
1/2
1. ,
T 2 l
2. For a sphere
4 A r V r
A  4 r 2 ,V   r 3   2. and  3. .
3 A r V r

3. When two resistors R1 and R2 are connected

(a) In series
RS  R1  R2  RS  R1  R2
RS R1  R2
 .
RS R1  R2
NOTE –
(b) In parallel,
1 1 1 dR p dR dR
   2  21  22
RP R1 R2 Rp R1 R2

ILLUSTRATION # 9

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L
The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is T  2 . L is about 10 cm and is known to 1 mm
g
accuracy. The period of oscillation is about 0.5 second. The time of 100 oscillations is measured with a
wrist watch of 1 s resolution. What is the accuracy in the determination of g?
L L 4 2 L g L T
Sol. T  2 or T 2  4 2 or g  2 Now   2
g g T g L T
g L T
In terms of percentage,  100   100  2   100
g L T
L 0.1
Percentage error in L  100   100   1%
L 10
T 1
Percentage error in T  100   100   2%
T 50
g
Percentage error in g  100   1%  2  2%  5%
g

ILLUSTRATION # 10
In an experiment on the determination of Young’s Modulus of a wire by Searle’s method, following data
is available:
Normal length of the wire L = 110 cm
Diameter of the wire d = 0.01 cm
Elongation in the wire  = 0.125 cm
This elongation is for a tension of 50 N. The least counts for corresponding quantities are 0.01 cm,
0.00005 cm and 0.001 cm respectively. Calculate the maximum error in calculating the value of
Young’s modulus (Y).
Stress T / A TL 4TL Y L  d
Sol. Y   Y    2
Strain  / L A  d  2
Y L  d
4T
Since is a constant, so it does not contribute anything to the net error.

Y 0.01 0.001  0.00005  Y
    2   0.01809   100%  0.009  0.8  1  1.809%
Y 110 0.125  0.01  Y

MEASURING INSTRUMENTS AND LEAST COUNT

The error in the measurement by an instrument is equal to least count of the instrument.
For example, a meter scale has smallest division 1 mm. This represents the least count or the absolute error in
the measurement. Let a length measured by the meter scale= 56.0 cm
x 0.1
This implies that x  56.0 cm Absolute error x  1mm  0.1 cm Relative error   .
x 56.0
NOTE -
(a) If absolute error is not given but LEAST COUNT of measuring instrument is given. It is taken
as absolute error.
(b) If LEAST COUNT is also not given, take ‘1’ in last digit as error e.g. for measurement of 1.25
cm, if nothing is given; we should take 1.25  0.01 cm .

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Vernier Callipers
It consists of two scales viz main scale and vernier scale. Vernier scales moves on the main scale. The least
count of the instrument is the smallest distance between two consecvtive divisions and it is equal to 1 MSD – 1
VSD. 0.9 cm
In the figure shown, 1 MSD = 0.1 cm
vs
1 VSD = 0.09 cm
Least count = 1 MSD – 1 VSD = 0.01 cm 0 main scale 1
For the commonly used instruments, least counts are given below : 1 cm
Least count of Vernier callipers = 1 MSD – 1 VSD

Screw Gauge
It contains a main scale and a circular scale. The circular scale is divided into a number of divisions. In other
words, the complete rotation of circular scale is divided into a number of parts. The least count of a screw
gauge is pitch/no. of circular scale divisions.
If reading on main scale is 5 cm (say) and reading on circular scale is 25 divisions, then the reading is
5cm  25  least count.
Pitch
Least count of spherometer and Screw Gauge  .
No. of CSD



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EXAM FILE

1. Determine  2 with due regard for significant figures. [given   3.14 ]

Ans.  2  3.14  3.14  9.8596  9.86
2. State the number of significant figures in the following:
(a) 0.007 m 2 (b) 2.64 1024 kg (c) 0.2370 g cm3
(d) 6.320 J (e) 6.032 Nm 2 (f) 0.0006032 m2
Ans. (a) 0.007 m2  7.00 103 m2
The significant figures are 7, 0, 0 and therefore the number of significant figure is 3.
(b) 2.64 1024 kg
The significant figures are 2, 6 and 4 and their number is 3.
(c) 2.2370 g cm3  2.370 101 g cm3
The significant figures are 2, 3, 7 and 0 and their number is 4.
(d) 6.320 J
The significant figures are 6, 3, 2 and 0 and their number is 4.
(e) 4 significant figures, since zeros between numbers are significant.
(f) 4 significant figures, since zeros after decimal and before non-zero digits are not
significant.
3. Are all dimensionally correct equations numerically correct? Give one example.
Ans. No. e.g., v 2  u 2  as
4. Write the dimensional formula of torque.
Ans.  ML2T 2 

5. Write the dimensional formula corresponding to:

(a) Photon (b) Calorie.
Ans. (i) Photon -  ML T 
2 2
(ii) Calorie -  ML2T 2 

6. If x  a  bt  ct 2 , where x is in metres are t second, what is the dimensional formula of c.

Ans.  M 0 L1T 2 

7. If m, v, and c respectively denote mass, speed and the velocity of light, then in the equation
1
 v2  2
m  m0  1  2  , m0 has the dimensions of…
 c 
Ans. Mass
8. Name two quantities with (i) same dimensions (ii) constant value having dimension.
Ans. (i) Work and torque (ii) Gravitational constant G and Planck’s constant h.
9. A calorie is a unit of heat or energy and it equals about 4.18 J where 1 J = 1 kg m2 s 2 .
Suppose we employ a system of units in which the unit of mass equals kg, the unit of
length equals m, the unit of time is  s. Show that a calorie has a magnitude 4.18  1 2 2
in terms of the new units.
Ans. 1 calorie = 4.18 J = 4.18 kg m2 s 2
1 1
As new unit of mass =  kg hence in terms of new unit 1 kg    .


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Similarly, in terms of the new unit of length 1m   1 or 1m2   2 .

In terms of the new unit of time 1s   1

 
2
 1s 2   1 2

Hence, 1 calorie = 4.18kgm 2 s 2

   
 4.18  1  2  2
 4.18 1  2 2 .
10. Check whether equation:
1 1
F .S  mv 2  mu 2 is dimensionally correct, where m is mass of the body, v its final velocity,
2 2
u its initial velocity, F is force applied and S is the distance moved.
1 1
Ans. F .S  mv 2  mu 2 .
2 2
L.H .S .   ML T 
2 2

1
R.H .S .   M   LT 1    M   LT 1 
2 2

2
 ML T    ML2T 2    ML2T 2 
2 2
     
L.H .S.  R.H .S.
Which is dimensionally correct.
11. The wavelength   associated with a moving particle depends upon its mass m, its velocity v
and Planck’s constant h. Show dimensionally the relationship between them.
Ans.   kha mb v c
a c
 M 0 L1T 0    ML2T 1   M b   LT 1 
      
 M a  b L2 a  cT  a c
Applying principle of homogeneity of dimensions
ab  0
2a  c  1
a  c  0
Solving the three equations, we get
a  1, b  1, c  1
  h1m 1v 1
h

mv
12. For the determination of ‘g’ using a simple pendulum, measurements of l and T are required.
Error in the measurement of which of these will have larger effect on the value of ‘g’ thus
obtained and why?
Ans. Error in measurement of time period T has larger effect on the value of g.
l l
Since T  2 g 2 .
g T
Thus, time for large number of oscillations is measured to minimize error.
13. Write the dimensions of:
(i) Linear density (ii) Power (iii) Impulse (iv) Velocity gradient
(v) Mass per unit area (vi) Kinetic energy (vii) Angular acceleration (viii) Couple

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(ix) Moment of force (x) Work done

Ans. (i)  ML1T 0  (ii)  ML2T 3  (iii)  MLT 1  (iv)  M 0 L0T 1 

(v)  ML2T 0  (vi)  M 1 L2T 2  (vii)  M 0 L0T 2  (viii)  ML2T 2 

(ix)  ML2T 2  (x)  ML2T 2 

14. Write the dimensional formula for the following:

(i) Wein’s constant (ii) Planck’s constant (iii) Specific heat (iv) Latent heat
(v) Rydberg’s constant
Ans. (i)  M 0 LT 0 K  (ii)  ML2T 1  (iii)  M 0 L2T 2 K 1  (iv)  M 0 L2T 2 

(v)  M 0 L1T 0 

15. Write the dimensions of the following:

(i) Gravitational potential (ii) Variable force
(iii) Pressure gradient (iv) Moment of inertia
(v) Buoyant force (vi) Angular momentum
(vii) Work done by torque (viii) Moment of momentum
(ix) Moment of force (x) Pressure energy
Ans. (i)  M 0 L2T 2  (ii)  MLT 2  (iii)  ML2T 2  (iv)  ML2T 2 
 
(v)  MLT 2  (vi)  ML2T 1  (vii)  ML2T 2  (viii)  ML2T 1 

(ix)  ML2T 2  (x)  ML2T 2 

 a  a
16. If  P  2  V  b   RT , where the symbols have their usual meanings, then   has a
 V  b
dimension of …
Ans. Energy
17. A man walking briskly in rain (speed v) must slant his umbrella (forward) making an angle 
with the vertical. A student derives the following relation between  and v : tan   v and
checks that the relation has a correct limit as v  0,   0 as expected. Do you think this
relation can be correct? If not, guess the correct relation.
Ans. The given relation is not correct because L.H.S. has no dimensions. The correct formula should be
v
tan   .
u
Where u is the speed with which the rain is falling.
18. In an experiment, refractive index of glass was observed to be 1.45, 1.56, 1.54, 1.44, 1.54 and
1.53. Calculate (i) Mean value of refractive index; (ii) Mean absolute error; (iii) Fractional
error; (iv) Percentage error. Express the result in terms of absolute error and percentage
error.
1.45  1.56  1.54  1.44  1.54  1.53
Ans. (i) Mean value of    1.51
6
sumof absolute error
(ii) Mean absolute error 
6
0.06  0.05  0.03  0.07  0.03  0.02
 
6

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0.26
  0.0433  0.04
6
 0.04
(iii) Fractional error    0.02649  0.03
 1.151

(iv) Percentage error   100  3% .

μ = 1.51 ± 0.04 in terms of absolute error. Also, μ = 1.51 ± 3% in terms of % error.
19. Assuming that the mass (m) of the largest stone that can be moved by a flowing river
depends only upon the velocity v, the density  of water and the acceleration due to gravity
g. Show that m varies, with the sixth power of the velocity of the flow.
Ans. Let m  v a  b g c
 m  kv a  b g c , where k is constant.
Taking the dimensions of various physical quantities on both the sides, we have,
 M    LT 1 
a b c
 ML3   LT 2 
   
  M b La 3b  cT  a  2c 
Comparing the powers of M, L and T on both the sides, we have:
b 1 ….(i)
a  3b  c  0 ….(ii)
a  2c  0 ….(iii)
Solving these equations we get,
b  1, a  6 and c  3
 m  kv 6  1 g 3
m  v6
Thus, the mass (m) varies as the sixth power of velocity (v) of the flow.
20. The time of oscillation (t) of a small drop of liquid under surface tension depends upon the
density  , radius r and surface tension   .
 
r3
Prove dimensionally that t  .

Ans. Time of oscillation t   a r b c
 t  k  a r b c , where k = constant.
Writing dimensions of both the sides, we have,
T    ML3   L b  MT 2 
a c

  M a  c L3a  bT 2c 
Comparing the powers of M, L and T on both sides, we have,
ac  0 …(i)
3a  b  0 …(ii)
2c  1 …(iii)
1 1 3
Solving equations (i), (ii) and (iii) we get, a  , c   and b  .
2 2 2
Putting these values in t  k  r 
a b c

1 3 1
we get t  k  2 r 2 2 .

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r3
or t .

21. The length, breadth and thickness of a rectangular sheet of metal are 4.234 m, 1.005 m and
2.01 cm respectively. Calculate the surface area and volume of the sheet to correct
significant figures.
Ans. Length (l) = 4.234 m
Breadth (b) = 1.005 m
Thickness (h) = 2.01 cm = 0.0201 m
Surface are of the sheet =  2  lb  bh  lh 
 2  4.234 1.005  1.005  0.0201  4.234  0.0201
 8.7209478
As the lowest significant figure in the given measurement is 3 (that of thickness) the volume and
area should be expressed in 3 significant figures only.
 surface area  8.72 m2
Volume of the sheet
 l b h
 4.234 1.005  0.0201
 0.0855289 m3  0.086 m3

22. Deduce by the method of dimensions, an expression for the energy of a body executing
S.H.M. assuming that the energy of the body depends upon  a  the mass m (b) the
frequency v and (c) the amplitude of vibration a.
Ans. Let E be the energy of the body executing
S.H.M. E  m v  a
  
or E  Km v a , where K is constant. Writing the dimensions of both the, sides we have:

 ML2T 2    M   L  T 1 
   
 ML2T 2    M  L T   
   
Comparing the powers of M, L and T, we get,
  1,   2 and   2 . Putting the values of  ,  ,  we have, E  K mv 2 a 2 .
23. By using the method of dimension, check the accuracy of the following formula:
rh g
T , where T is the surface tension, h is the height of the liquid in a capillary tube, 
2cos
is the density of the liquid, g is the acceleration due to gravity,  is the angle of contract,
and r is the radius of the capillary tube.
Ans. In order to find out the accuracy of the given equation, we shall compare the dimensions of T and
rh g
-
2cos 
Dimensions of surface tension,
force  MLT 
2

T 
length  L
rh g
Dimension of   L L   ML3   LT 2    MT 2 
2cos 
(2 cos has no dimension)
The dimensions of both the sides are the same and hence the equation is correct.

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24. A physical quantity P is related to four observables, a, b, c and d as follows:

a3 
P .
cd
The percentage errors of measurement in 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 calculated using the given
relation turns out to be 3.763, to what value should the result be rounded off?

a 3b 2
Ans. Given: P 
d c
Percentage error in P is given by,
P a b d 1 c
3 2  
P a b d 2 c
P 1
 3  1%  2  3%  1 2%   4%
P 2
  a  b c d 
  1%,  3%,  4% and  2% 
 a b c d 
P
  3%  6%  2%  2%  13% .
P
 percentage error in P = 13%
If the calculated number of P is 3.763, the round off value of 3.8.
25. Show dimensionally that the frequency n of transverse waves in a string of length l and
K T
mass per unit length m under a tension T is given by n  .
l m
Ans. Let us suppose that
n  Kl aT b mc
where k is a dimensionless constant and a. b and c are unknown powers to be found. Writing the
dimensions of all the quantities involved, we get
T 1    L a  MLT 2   ML1  .
b c
     
T 1   La  b  c M b  cT 2b
 
Comparing powers L, M and T on both sides we have
a  b  c  0 and  2b  1
On simplifying, we get
b  1 / 2, c  1 / 2, a  1
 n  Kl 1T 1/ 2 m1/ 2
K T
or n .
l m

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EXERCISE # 01 TOPIC-WISE SHEETS

SHEET# 01 PRINCIPLE OF HOMOGENEITY
1. If E, m, L, G denote energy, mass, angular momentum and gravitational constant respectively
EL2
then dimensions of 5 2 will be that of
mG
(A) angle (B) length (C) mass (D) time

2. According to Newton, the viscous drag acting between the liquid layers of area A and velocity
V  V 
gradient is given by F   A   , where is the coefficient of viscosity. The dimensions
Z  Z 
of η are
(A) ML1T 2 (B) MLT 2 (C) ML1T 1 (D) ML0T 1

3. Which of the following physical quantities represents the dimensional formula  M 1 L2T 2  .
(A) Energy/Area (B) Pressure
(C) Force × length (D) Pressure per unit length

4. The dimensional formula for which of the following pair is not the same
(A) impulse and momentum (B) torque and work
(C) stress and pressure (D) momentum and angular momentum

Match the following:

COLUMN–I COLUMN–II
5. Latent heat constant (i) M 0 L0T 0
6. Reynold number (ii) ML2
7. Coefficient of friction (iii) ML0T 3
8. Avogadro constant (iv) L2T 2
9. Intensity of wave (v) mol 1
10. Moment of inertia

11. Which of the following pairs have same dimensions

(A) Work and angular momentum (B) Light year and wavelength
(C) Stress and work (D) Energy and modulus of elasticity 

ANSWER KEY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A C D D L2T 2 M 0 L0T 0 M 0 L0T 0 mol 1 ML0T 3 ML2
11
B
 

   

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SHEET # 02 UDL–2
1. The rate of change of velocity of a body falling from rest in a resisting medium is described by
dv
equation  At  Bv . The dimensions for A and B are
dt
(A) LT 3 , T (B) LT , T 1 (C) LT , T (D) LT 3 , T 1

 a 
2. In Vander Waal’s equation  P  2  V  b   RT , dimensions of a would be
 V 
(A) ML5T 2 (B) ML3T 2 (C) ML1T 2 (D) M 0 L0T 0
3. The solar constant is defined as the energy incident per unit area per second on the earth.
The dimensions of solar constant are thus given by
(A) M 0 L0T 0 (B) MLT 2 (C) ML2T 2 (D) MT 3

4. The formula, W   F  2 Ma  v n , where W is the work, F is the force, M is the mass, a is the
acceleration and v is the velocity can be made dimensionally correct for
(A) n = 0 (B) n = 1 (C) n =–1 (D) no value of n
5. In the following dimensionally consistent equation
X
F  Y where F is the force, the dimensional formula for X and Y are given as
Linear Density
(A) M 2 L0T 2 , MLT 2 (B) M 2 L2T 2 , MLT 2
(C) MLT 2 , ML2T 2 (D) M 0 L0T 0 , ML0T 0
6. The damping force on an oscillating body is proportional to its velocity. The constant of
proportionality has the dimensions of
(A) MT 1 (B) MLT 2 (C) MT 3 (D) M 0 L0T 0

7. The position of the particle moving along Y–axis is given as y  At 2  Bt 3 where y is measured
in metre and t in second. Then the dimensions of B are
(A) LT 2 (B) LT 1 (C) LT 3 (D) MLT 2
8. The number of particles n crossing a unit area perpendicular to the x–axis in a unit time can be
n  n 
written as n  P 2 1 , where n1 and n2 are number of particles per unit volume between
 x2  x1 
length  x2  x1  . Then dimensions of P are given by
(A) M 0 LT 1 (B) M 0 L2T 1 (C) MLT 2 (D) M 0 L2T 4
b
9. Velocity of a particle is given by expression v  at  where t is taken and a, b, c are
t c
constants then a, b and c have dimensions
(A) M 0 LT 2 , M 0 LT 0 , MT 2 (B) M 0 L1T 2 , M 0 L1T 0 , M 0 L0T 1
(C) M 1 L1T 2 , M 0 L0T 0 , M 0T 2 (D) M 1 L1T 2 , M 1 L0T 1 , M 0 L0T 0

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10. The force F is given by expression F  A cos  Bx   C sin  Dt  where x is the displacement and t
D
is the time. Then dimensions of are same as that of
B
(A) Velocity,  LT 1  (B) Angular velocity T 1 

(C) Angular momentum  ML2T 1  (D) Velocity Gradient T 1 

11. The loss in K.E. in direct impact is given by K 

m1m2
2  m1  m2 
 
 u1  u2 2 1  e2 . The quantity e
has got dimensional formula
(A) M 0 LT 1 (B) MLT 2 (C) M 0 L0T 0 (D) None of these

vn
12. The angle of banking θ for a cyclist taking a curve is given by tan   , where symbols have
rg
their usual meaning. Then value of n is equal to
(A) 1 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) 4
13. With usual notation, the following equation, said to give the distance covered in the nth second
 2n  1
i.e. Sn  u  a is
2
(A) numerically correct only.
(B) dimensionally correct only.
(C) both dimensionally and numerically only.
(D) neither numerically and dimensionally correct.

14. The dimensions of  rg , where μ is the coefficient of friction, r is radius of circular path and g
is the acceleration due to gravity are equivalent to the dimensions of
F F
(A) (B) (C) Fm (D) None of these
Bq 

15. The position of a particle at time t, is given by the reaction, x  t  

v0

1  e   , where v
 t
0 is a

constant and   0 . The dimensions of v0 &  are respectively.

(A) M 0 L1T 0 & T 1 (B) M 0 L1T 1 & T
(C) M 0 L1T 1 & T 1 (D) M 1 L1T 1 & LT 2
a a  t2
16. The dimensions of in the equation P  where P is pressure, x is distance and t is
b bx
time, are:
(A)  M 2 LT 3  (B)  MT 2  (C)  LT 3  (D)  ML3T 1 
       

ANSWER KEY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
D A D D A A C B B A
11 12 13 14 15 16
C C A A C B

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SHEET # 03 UDL–3
1. If energy E, velocity v and time T are chosen as the fundamental unit then dimensions of
surface tension will be
(A) Ev 2T 2 (B) Ev 1T 2 (C) Ev 2T 1 (D) E 2 v 1T 3

2. A uniform wire of length L and mass M is stretched between two fixed points, keeping a
tension F. A sound of frequency  is impressed on it. Then the maximum vibrational energy is
existing in the wire when  
1 ML FL FM 1 F
(A) (B) (C) 2 (D)
2 F M L 2 ML
3. A gas bubble oscillates with a time period T proportional to P a d b E c where P is pressure, d is
the density and E is the energy. The values of a, b & c are :
3 1 1 5 1 1
(A) a  ,b   ,c  (B) a   ,b  ,c 
2 3 2 6 3 2
5 1 1 3 1 1
(C) a   , b  , c  (D) a  , b   , c 
6 2 3 2 3 2

ANSWER KEY
1 2 3
A D C

   

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SHEET # 04 UDL–4
1. In a particular system of unit, if the unit of mass becomes twice & that of time becomes half,
then 8 Joules will be written as _______ units of work
(A) 16 (B) 1 (C) 4 (D) 64

2. If the unit of length be doubled then the numerical value of the universal gravitation constant G
will become (with respect to present value)
(A) Double (B) Half (C) 8 times (D) 1/8 times

3. In a given system of units, 1 unit of mass = 2 kg, 1 unit of length = 5 m and 1 unit of time = 5
sec. Then in this system, 1 N represents :
5 2
(A) units of force (B) units of force
2 5
1
(C) 2 units of force (D) units of force
2

4. In a new unit system, 1 unit of time is equal to 10 second, 1 unit of mass is 5 kg and 1 unit of
length is 20 m. In the new system of units, 1 unit of energy is equal to:
1
(A) 20 Joule (B) Joule (C) 4 Joule (D) 16 Joule
20

ANSWER KEY
1 2 3 4
B D A A

   

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SHEET # 05 EML–1
1. The measurement 8.987652 km is rounded to 4 significant figures. The value of measurement
will be written as
(A) 8.9876 (B) 8.9877 (C) 8.987 (D) 8.988

2. The volume of one sphere is 1.76 cm3 . What is the volume of 25 such spheres (according to
the idea of significant figures)?
(A) 44.000 cm3 (B) 44.00 cm3 (C) 44.0 cm3 (D) 44 cm3

3. The value of resistance is 10.845 Ω and the value of current is 3.23 A. The potential difference
is 35.02935 V. Its value in significant number would be
(A) 35 V (B) 35.0 V (C) 35.03 V (D) 35.029 V

4. The radius of a disc is 1.2 cm. Its area according to idea of significant figures, will be given by
(A) 4.5216 cm2 (B) 4.521cm2 (C) 4.52 cm2 (D) 4.5 cm2

5. A research worker takes 100 careful readings in an experiment. If he repeats the same
experiment by taking 400 readings, then by what factor will the probable error be reduced?

6. The length, breadth and thickness of a rectangular sheet of metal are 4.234m, 1.005m and
2.01 cm respectively. Find the area and volume of the sheet to correct significant figures.
 
ANSWER KEY
1 2 3 4 5 6
D C B D By a factor of 4 Volume 0.0855, Area = 8.720
 

   

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SHEET # 06 EML–2
1. If y  a  b , the maximum percentage error in the measurement of y will be
 a b   a b 
(A)     100% (B)     100%
 a b   a b 
 a b   a b 
(C)     100% (D)     100%
 ab ab ab ab

2. The density of a material of a cube is calculated by measuring its mass and a side. What is the
maximum percentage error in the density if the errors in the measurement of a side and mass
are 3% and 4% respectively?
(A) 15% (B) 13% (C) 7% (D) 5%

3. The error in the measurement of radius of the sphere is 0.3%. What is the permissible error in
its surface area?
(A) 0.6 % (B) 1.2 % (C) 1.8 % (D) 2.4 %

4. The relative density of a material may be found by weighing it first in air and then in water. If its
weight in air is  5.00  0.05 N and weight in water is  4.00  0.05  N. Then the relative density
along with maximum permissible error will be quoted as
(A) 5.0  11% (B) 5.0  6% (C) 5.0  1% (D) 1.25  5% .
5. If y = ab, the maximum percentage error in the measurement of y will be
 a 
  100% 
 a   a   b 
(A) (B)   100%     100%  .
  b   a   b 
  100% 
 b 
 a b   a b 
(C)     100% (D)     100% .
 a b   a b 
V
6. The resistance of a metal is given by R  , where V is potential difference and I is the
l
current. In a circuit the potential difference across resistance is V   8  0.5 V and current in
resistance l   2  0.2  A . What is the value of resistance with its percentage error?
(A) 4   16.25% (B)  4  0.7   (C) 4   0.7% (D) 4   7% .

7. The heat generated in a circuit is given by H  l 2 Rt joule where I is current, R is resistance

and t is time. If the percentage errors is measuring I, R and t are 2%, 1% and 1% respectively.
The maximum error in measuring heat will be
(A) 2% (B) 3% (C) 4% (D) 6%

8. Using the expression 2d sin    one calculates the values of d by measuring the
corresponding angles  in the range 0 to 90 . The wavelength  is exactly known and the
error in  is constant for all values of  . As  increases from 0 ,
(A) The absolute error in d remains constant.
(B) The absolute error in d increases
(C) The fractional error in d remains constant.
(D) The fractional error in d decreases.

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9. The coefficient of viscosity   of a liquid by the method of flow through a capillary tube is
given by the formula
 R4 P
 .
8  Q
where,
R = radius of the capillary tube,
 = Length of the tube,
P = Pressure difference between its ends, and
Q = volume of liquid flowing per second.
Which measurement needs to be made most accurately and why?

10. Determine the focal length of the lens from the following readings :
Object distance, u  20.1  0.2 cm
Image distance, v  50.1  0.5 cm .

11. The specific gravity of the material of a body is determined by weighing the body first in air and
then in water. If the weight in air is 10.0  0.1 gf and weight in water is 5.0  0.1 gf , then what is
the maximum possible percentage error in the specific gravity?

12. An experiment to determine the specific resistance  of a metal wire provided the following
observations
Resistance of R   64  2  ohm
Length   156  0.1 cm
Radius r   0.26  0.02  cm
 r2R
If s is expressed as :   .

Find the percentage error in  .
 

ANSWER KEY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C B A A C A D D R 14.3  0.4 cm

11 12
5% 18.6%
 

   

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SHEET # 07 EML–3
1. The length, breadth and thickness of a block is measured to be 50 cm, 2.0 cm and 1.00 cm.
What is the percentage error in the measurement of volume?
(A) 8% (B) 0.8% (C) 10% (D) 12.5%
2. Two resistances are expressed as R1   4  0.5   and R2  12  0.5   . What is the net
resistance when they are connected (i) in series and (ii) in parallel, with percentage error?
(A) 16  23%,3  6.25% (B) 16  2.3%,3  6.25%
(C) 3  23%, 16  6.25% (D) 16  6.25%,3  10.5%
3. While measuring the acceleration due to gravity by a simple pendulum, a student makes a
positive error of 1% in the length (l) of the pendulum and an error of 3% in the value of time
period (T). His percentage error in the measurement of g will be
(A) 2% (B) 4% (C) 7% (D) 10%
4. The least count of a stopwatch is 1/5 second. The time for 20 oscillations of a pendulum is
measured to be 25 seconds. The percentage error in the measurement of time will be
(A) 0.1% (B) 8% (C) 1.8% (D) 0.8%
5. Two resistors have resistances R1   24  0.5   and R2   8  0.3  . Calculate the absolute
error and the percentage relative error in calculating the combination of two resistances when
they are in -
(a) series (b) parallel
6. In an electrical set up the following readings are obtained.
Voltmeter Reading (V) = 6.4 V
Ammeter Reading (I) = 2.0 A
The respective least counts of the instruments used in these measurements are 0.2 V and 0.1
A. Calculate the value of resistance of the wire with maximum permissible absolute error and
relative percentage error.
7. Find out the maximum percentage error while the following observations were taken in the
determination of the value of acceleration of the value of acceleration due to gravity.
Length of thread = 100.2 cm;
Radius of bob = 2.34 cm;
Time of one oscillation = 2.3 s.
Calculate the value of maximum percentage error up to the required significant figures. Which
quantity will be measured more accurately?
mv2
8. The centripetal force is given by F  .
r
The mass, velocity and radius of the circular path of an object are 0.5 kg, 10 m/s and 0.4 m
respectively. Find the percentage error in the force. Given: m, v and r are measured to
accuracies of 0.005 kg, 0.01 m/s and 0.01 m respectively.
 

ANSWER KEY
1 2 3 4 5
A D C D RS   32  0.8 , RS   32   2.5%  , RP   6  0.5  , RP   6  8.33% 

6 7 8
R   3.2  0.26  , R   3.2  8%  9.2%, Time period 3.7%
 

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SHEET # 08 VERNIER CALLIPERS & SCREW GAUGE

1. One centimeter on the main scale of a vernier calipers is divided into 10 equal parts. If 10
divisions of vernier coincide with 8 small divisions of the main scale, the least count of calipers
is
(A) 0.01 cm (B) 0.02 cm (C) 0.05 cm (D) 0.005 cm
2. A screw gauge has 100 parts on circular scale and on rotation of a full circular scale, the
screw advances a distance of 1 mm. the least count of screw gauze is
(A) 0.1 cm (B) 0.01 cm (C) 0.001 cm (D) 0.02 cm

3. In a vernier callipers N divisions of vernier coincide with (N–1) divisions of main scale in which
length of 1 division is 1 mm. The least count of the instrument in cm is
1 1
(A) N (B) N–1 (C) (D) 1 .
10N N

4. A Vernier calipers has 1 mm marks on the main scale. It has 20 equal divisions on the Vernier
scale which match with 16 main scale divisions. For this Vernier calipers, the least count is
(A) 0.02 mm (B) 0.05 mm (C) 0.1 mm (D) 0.2 mm

5. The density of a solid ball is to be determined in an experiment. The diameter of the ball is
measured with a screw gauge, whose pitch is 0.5 mm and there are 50 divisions on the
circular scale. The reading on the main scale is 2.5 mm and that on the circular scale is 20
divisions. If the measured mass of the ball has a relative error of 2 %, the relative percentage
error in the density is
(A) 0.9 % (B) 2.4 % (C) 3.2 % (D) 4.2 %

 4 MLg 
6. In the determination of Young’s modulus  Y   by using Searle’s method, a wire of
  d 2 
length L = 2m and diameter d = 0.5 mm is used. For a load M = 2.5 kg, an extension
  0.25 mm in the length of the wire is observed. Quantities d and  are measured using a
screw gauge and a micrometer, respectively. They have the same pitch of 0.5 mm. The
number of divisions on their circular scale is 100. The contributions to the maximum probable
error of the Y measurement -
(A) due to the errors in the measurements of d and  are the same.
(B) due to the error in the measurement of d is twice that due to the error in the measurement
of  .
(C) due to the error in the measurement of  is twice that due to the error in the measurement
of d.
(D) due to the error in the measurement of d is four times that due to the error in the
measurement of  .

7. The diameter of a cylinder is measured using a Vernier callipers with no zero error. It is found
that the zero of the Vernier scale lies between 5.10 cm and 5.15 cm of the main scale. The
Vernier scale has 50 divisions equivalent to 2.45 cm. The 24th division of the Vernier scale
exactly coincides with one of the main scale divisions. The diameter of the cylinder is
(A) 5.112 cm (B) 5.124 cm (C) 5.136 cm (D) 5.148 cm

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8. During Searle’s experiment, zero of the Vernier scale lies between 3.20  10 2 m and
3.25  102 m of the main scale. The 20th division of the Vernier scale exactly coincides with
one of the main scale divisions. When an additional load of 2 kg is applied to the wire, the zero
of the Vernier scale still lies between 3.20  10 2 m and 3.25  102 m of the main scale but now
the 45th division of Vernier scale coincides with one of the main scale divisions. The length of
the thin metallic wire is 2 m and its cross-sectional area is 8  107 m 2 . The least count of the
Vernier scale is 1.0 105 m .The maximum percentage error in the Young’s modulus of the wire
is
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
9. Consider a Vernier callipers in which each 1 cm on the main scale is divided into 8 equal
divisions and a screw gauge with 100 divisions on its circular scale. In the Vernier callipers, 5
divisions of the Vernier scale coincide with 4 divisions on the main scale and in the screw
gauge, one complete rotation of the circular scale moves it by two divisions on the linear scale.
Then:
(A) If the pitch of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the Vernier callipers, the least
count of the screw gauge is 0.01 mm.
(B) If the pitch of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the Vernier callipers, the least
count of the screw gauge is 0.005 mm.
(C) If the least count of the linear scale of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the
Vernier callipers, the least count of the screw gauge is 0.01 mm.
(D) If the least count of the linear scale of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the
Vernier callipers, the least count of the screw gauge is 0.005 mm.
10. There are two Vernier calipers both of which have 1 cm divided into 10 equal divisions on the
main scale. The Vernier scale of one of the calipers  C1  has 10 equal divisions that
correspond to 9 main scale divisions. The Vernier scale of the other caliper  C2  has 10 equal
divisions that correspond to 11 main scale divisions. The readings of the two calipers are
shown in the figure. The measured values (in cm) by calipers C1 and C2 respectively, are

(A) 2.87 and 2.86 (B) 2.87 and 2.87 (C) 2.87 and 2.83 (D) 2.85 and 2.82

END OF PRACTICE SHEET

ANSWER KEY
1 2 3 4 5
B C C D C
6 7 8 9 10
A B D BC C

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EXERCISE # 02 OBJECTIVE EXERCISE

1. If force, acceleration and time are taken as fundamental quantities, then the dimensions of length
will be:
(A) FT 2 (B) F 1 A2T 1 (C) FA2T (D) AT 2
2. In a certain system of units, 1 unit of time is 5 sec, 1 unit of mass is 20 kg and unit of length is 10
m. In this system, one unit of power will correspond to
1
(A) 16 watts (B) watts (C) 25 watts (D) None of these
16

3. The dimensions ML1T 2 can correspond to :

(A) moment of a force or torque (B) surface tension
(C) pressure (D) co-efficient of viscosity.
   F
(useful relation are   r  F , S  , F   rv , where symbols have usual meaning)
l

4. The pressure of 106 dyne / cm2 is equivalent to

(A) 105 N / m 2 (B) 106 N / m2 (C) 107 N / m2 (D) 108 N / m 2

5. If area (A) velocity (v) and density    are base units, then the dimensional formula of force can
be represented as.
(A) Av  (B) Av 2  (C) Av  2 (D) A2 v 

ma  2kl 
6. In a book, the answer for a particular question is expressed as b   1 .
k  ma 
here m represents mass, a represents accelerations , l represents length. The unit of b should be
(A) m/ s (B) m / s2 (C) meter (D) / sec.
7. Which of the following can be a set of fundamental quantities
(A) length, velocity, time (B) momentum, mass, velocity
(C) force, mass, velocity (D) momentum, time, frequency
1
8. If 1 unit of mass = 4 kg; 1 unit of length  m and 1 unit of time = 5 sec, then 1 Joule = x units of
4
energy in this system where x =
(A) 100 units (B) 0.01 units (C) 200 units (D) 0.02 units

9. Kinetic energy (K) depends upon momentum (p) and mass (m) of a body as K p a mb
(A) a = 1; b = 1 (B) a = 2; b = –1 (C) a = 2; b = 1 (D) a = 1; b = 2
10. The circular divisions of shown screw gauge are 50. It moves 0.5 mm on main scale in one
rotation. The diameter of the ball is

(A) 2.25 mm (B) 2.20 mm (C) 1.20 mm (D) 1.25 mm

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11. In a Vernier Calipers (VC), N divisions of the main scale coincide with N + m divisions of the
vernier scale. What is the value of m for which the instrument has minimum least count?
(A) 1 (B) N (C) Infinity (D) N/2
12. Consider the vernier calipers as shown, the instrument has no zero error. What is
the length of the rod shown, if 1 msd = 1mm? Use 7 msd = 8 vsd.
(A) 4.6 mm (B) 4.5 mm (C) 4.3 mm (D) none

13. In a vernier calipers the main scale and the vernier scale are made up different materials. When
the room temperature increases by T C , it is found the reading of the instrument remains the
same. Earlier it was observed that the front edge of the wooden rod placed for measurement
crossed the Nth main scale division and N + 2 msd coincided with the 2nd vsd. Initially, 10 vsd
coincided with 9 msd. If coefficient of linear expansion of the main scale is  1 and that of the
vernier scale is  2 then what is the value of 1 /  2 ?
(Ignore the expansion of the rod on heating)
(A) 1.8 / (N) (B) 1.8 /(N+2) (C) 1.8 / (N–2) (D) None
14. Consider a screw gauge without any zero error. What will be the final
reading corresponding to the final state as shown? It is given that the circular
head translates P msd in N rotations. One msd is equal to 1mm.
(A) (P/N) (2 + 45/100) mm (B) (N/P) (2+45/N)mm
 45 P 
(C) P (2/N + 45/100)mm (D) 2   mm
 100 N 

15. A screw gauge has some zero error but its value is unknown. We have two
identical rods. When the first rod is inserted in the screw, the state of the
instrument is shown by diagram (I). When both the rods are inserted
together in series then the state is shown by the diagram (II). What is the
zero error of the instrument? 1 msd = 100 csd = 1mm
(A) –0.16 mm (B) +0.16 mm
(C) +0.14 mm (D) –0.14 mm
16. Which of the following reading is most accurate
(A) 4.00 cm (B) 0.004 mm (C) 40.00 cm (D) 4.00 m
17. The least count of a stop watch is 1/5 sec. The time of 20 oscillations of a pendulum is measured
to be 25 sec. The minimum percentage error in the measurement of time will be
(A) 0.1% (B) 0.8% (C) 1.8% (D) 8%
18. A vernier callipers having 1 main scale division = 0.1 cm is designed to have a least count of 0.02
cm. If n be the number of divisions on vernier scale and m be the length of vernier scale, then
(A) n =10, m =0.5 cm (B) n = 9, m = 0.4 cm
(C) n =10, m =0.8 cm (D) n = 10 , m = 0.2 cm






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EXERCISE # 03 SUBJECTIVE EXERCISE

1. A particle is in a uni-directional potential field where the potential energy (U) of a particle depends
on the x-coordinate given by U x  k 1  cos ax  & k and 'a' are constants. Find the physical
dimensions of 'a' & k.

2. An enclosed ideal gas A has its pressure P as a function of its volume V as P  P0  V 2 , where
P0 &  are constants . Find the physical dimensions of  .

3. The time period (T) of a spring mass system depends upon mass (m) & spring constant (k) &
 Force 
length of the spring (l)  k   . Find the relation among, (T), (m), (l) & (k) using dimensional
 length 
method.

4. A satellite is orbiting around a planet. Its orbital velocity  v0  is found to depend upon
(a) Radius of orbit (R)
(b) Mass of planet (M)
(c) Universal gravitation constant (G)
Using dimensional analysis find an expression relating orbital velocity  v0  to the above physical
quantities.

5. The equation of state for a real gas at high temperature is given by

nRT a
P  1/2 where n, P, V & T are number of moles, pressure, volume & temperature
V  b T V V  b 
respectively & R is the universal gas constant . Find the dimensions of constant 'a' in the above
equation.

6. The distance moved by a particle in time t from centre of a ring under the influence of its gravity is
given by x  a sin t where a &  are constants. If  is found to depend on the radius of the ring
(r), its mass (m) and universal gravitational constant (G), find using dimensional analysis an
expression for  in terms of r, m and G.

7. If the velocity of light c, Gravitational constant G & Plank's constant h be chosen as fundamental
units, find the dimension of mass, length & time in the new system.

8. Consider a home made vernier scale as shown in the figure.

In this diagram, we are interested in measuring the length of the line PQ. If the angle of both the
inclines is equal to  then what is the least count of the instrument.

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9. The diagram shows the initial and the final state of SG, which has zero error
in it. What can be the length of the object?
1 msd = 100 csd

10. Solve with due regard to significant digits

2.91 0.3842
(i) 6.5  6.32 (ii)
0.080

11. A body travels uniformly a distance of 13.8  0.2  m in time  4.0  0.3 sec . Calculate its velocity.

12. The main scale of a vernier calipers reads in millimeter and its vernier is divided into 10 divisions
which coincide with 9 divisions of the main scale. When the two jaws of the instrument touch each
other the seventh division of the vernier scale coincide with a scale division and the zero of the
vernier lies to the right of the zero of main scale. Furthermore, when a cylinder is tightly placed
along its length between the two jaws, the zero of the vernier scale lies slightly to the left of 3.2
cm and the fourth vernier division coincides with a scale division. Calculate the measured length
of the cylinder.

13. 5.74 gm of a substance occupies a volume of 1.2 cm3 . Calculate its density with due regard for
significant figures.

14. The time period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is given by

l
T  2
g
The length of the pendulum is measured as l  10  0.1cm and the time period as T  0.5  0.02 s .
Determine percentage error in the value of g.

15. A physical quantity P is related to four observables A, B, C and D as follows.

A3 B 2
P  4 2
CD
The percentage error of the measurement in A, B, C and D are 1%, 3% and 2%, 4% respectively.
Determine the percentage error & absolute error in the quantity P. Value of P is calculated 3.763.
Round off the result in scientific way.

16. In the given vernier calliper scale, the length of 1 main scale division is 1mm whereas the length
of the vernier scale is 7.65 mm. Find the reading on the scale correct to significant digits as
shown in the diagram.




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EXERCISE # 04 JEE (MAIN) CORNER

1. A screw gauge gives the following reading when used to measure the diameter of a wire. [2011]
Main scale reading: 0 mm
Circular scale reading: 52 divisions
Given that 1 mm on main scale corresponds to 100 divisions of the circular scale. The diameter of
wire from the above date is:
(A) 0.052 cm (B) 0.026 cm (C) 0.005 cm (D) 0.52 cm
2. Resistance of a given wire is obtained by measuring the current flowing in it and the voltage
difference applied across it. If the percentage errors in the measurement of the current and the
voltage difference are 3% each, then error in the value of resistance of the wire is [2012]
(A) 6% (B) Zero (C) 1% (D) 3%

3. A spectrometer gives the following reading when used to measure the angle of a prism. [2012]
Main scale reading : 58.5 degree
Vernier scale reading : 09 divisions
Given that 1 division on main scale corresponds to 0.5 degree. Total divisions on the vernier
scale is 30 and match with 29 divisions of the main scale. The angle of the prism from the above
data
(A) 58.59 (B) 58.77 (C) 58.65 (D) 59

4. Let  0  denote the dimensional formula of the permittivity of vacuum. If M = mass, L = Length,
T= Time and A = electric current, then : [2013]
(A)  0   M 1L3T 2 A (B)  0   M 1L3T 4 A2 
(C)  0   M 1L2T 1A2  (D)  0   M 1L2T 1A
5.  
The current voltage relation of diode is given by I  e1000V /T  1 mA , where the applied voltage V
is in volts and the temperature T is in degree Kelvin. If a student makes an error measuring
 0.01V while measuring the current of 5 mA at 300 K, what will be the error in the value of
current in mA? [2014]
(A) 0.5 mA (B) 0.05 mA (C) 0.2 mA (D) 0.02 mA
6. A student measured the length of a rod and wrote it as 3.50 cm. Which instrument did he use to
measure it? [2014]
(A) A screw gauge having 100 divisions in the circular scale and pitch as 1 mm.
(B) A screw gauge having 50 divisions in the circular scale and pitch as 1 mm.
(C) A meter scale
(D) A vernier caliper where the 10 divisions in vernier scale matches with 9 division in main
scale and main scale has 10 divisions in 1 cm.
7. A student measures the time period of 100 oscillations of a simple pendulum four times. The data
set is 90s, 91s, 95s and 92s. If the minimum division in the measuring clock is 1s, then the
reported mean time should be : [2016]
(A) 92  5.0 s (B) 92  1.8s (C) 92  3 s (D) 92  2s
8. A screw gauge with a pitch of 0.5 mm and a circular scale with 50 divisions is used to measure
the thickness of a thin sheet of Aluminium. Before starting the measurement, it is found that when
the two jaws of the screw gauge are brought in contact, the 45th division coincides with the main
scale line and that the zero of the main scale is barely visible. What is the thickness of the sheet if
the main scale reading is 0.5 mm and the 25th division coincides with the main scale line?[2016]
(A) 0.80 mm (B) 0.70 mm (C) 0.50 mm (D) 0.75 mm

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9. Time (T), velocity (C) and angular momentum (h) are chosen as fundamental quantities instead of
mass, length and time. In terms of these, the dimensions of mass would be : [2017]
(A) M   T C h  (B) M   T C h  (C) M   T C h  (D) M   TC h 
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

10. A physical quantity P is described by the relation

P  a1/2 b 2c 3 d 4
If the relative errors in the measurement of a, b, c and d respectively, are 2%, 1%, 3% and 5%,
then the relative error in P will be : [2017]
(A) 8% (B) 12% (C) 32% (D) 25%
11. The characteristic distance at which quantum gravitational effects are significant, the Planck
length, can be determined from a suitable combination of the fundamental physical constants G,
 and c. Which of the following correctly gives the Planck length? [2018]
1/2
2 2 2 1/2 2  G 
(A) G  c (B) G c (C) G  c (D)  3 
c 
12. The relative error in the determination of the surface area of a sphere is  . Then the relative
error in the determination of its volume is: [2018]
3 2 5
(A)  (B)  (C)  (D) 
2 3 2
13. The percentage errors in quantities P, Q, R and S are 0.5%, 1%, 3% and 1.5% respectively in the
P 3Q 2
measurement of a physical quantity A  [2018]
RS
The maximum percentage error in the value of A will be :
(A) 6.0% (B) 7.5% (C) 8.5% (D) 6.5%
  
14.    
Let A  iˆ  jˆ and B  2iˆ  jˆ . The magnitude of a coplanar vector C such that
     
A.C  B.C  A.B, is given by: [2018]
10 5 20 9
(A) (B) (C) (D)
9 9 9 12
15. The density of a material in the shape of a cube is determined by measuring three sides of the
cube and its mass. If the relative errors in measuring the mass and length are respectively 1.5%
and 1%, the maximum error in determining the density is: [2018]
(A) 2.5% (B) 3.5% (C) 4.5% (D) 6%
16.
Expression for time in terms of G (universal gravitational constant), h (Planck constant) and c
(speed of light) is proportional to: [2019]
Gh c3 hc 5 Gh
(A) c5 (B) Gh (C) G (D) c3
17.
The pitch and the number of divisions, on the circular scale, for a given screw gauge are 0.5 mm
and 100 respectively. When the screw gauge is fully tightened without any object, the zero of its
circular scale lies 3 divisions below the mean line.
The readings of the main scale and the circular scale, for a thin sheet, are 5.5 mm and 48
respectively, the thickness of this sheet is: [2019]
(A) 5.740 mm (B) 5.755 mm (C) 5.725 mm (D) 5.950 mm
18. The density of a material in SI units is 128 kg m 3 . In certain units in which the unit of length is 25
cm and the unit of mass is 50 g, the numerical value of density of the material is: [2019]
(A) 16 (B) 640 (C) 40 (D) 410

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19. The diameter and height of a cylinder are measured by a meter scale to be 12.6  0.1 cm and
34.2  0.1 cm, respectively. What will be the value of its volume in appropriate significant figures?
[2019]
(A) 4264.4  81.0cm3 (B) 4264  81cm3

(C) 4300  80cm3 (D) 4260  80cm3

 x2 
20. The force of interaction between two atoms is given by F   exp    , where x is the
  kt 
distance, k is the Boltzmann constant and T is temperature and  and  are two constants. The
dimension of  is: [2019]
(A) M 2L2T 2 (B) M 2LT 4 (C) M 0 L2T 4 (D) MLT 2

21. A simple pendulum of length 1 m is oscillating with an angular frequency 10 rad/s. The support of
the pendulum starts oscillating up and down with a small angular frequency of 1 rad/s and an
amplitude of 102 m . The relative change in the angular frequency of the pendulum is best given
by: [2019]
(A) 1 rad/s (B) 103 rad / s (C) 105 rad / s (D) 10 1 rad / s

22. If speed (V), acceleration (A) and force (F) are considered as fundamental units, the dimension of
Young’s modulus will be: [2019]
(A) V 4 A2F (B) V 2 A2F 2 (C) V 4 A2F (D) V 2 A2F 2

23. The least count of the main scale of a screw gauge is 1 mm. The minimum number of division on
its circular scale required to measure 5  m diameter of a wire is: [2019]
(A) 50 (B) 500 (C) 100 (D) 200

24. Let l , r , c and v represent inductance, resistance, capacitance and voltage, respectively. The
l
dimension of in SI units will be: [2019]
rcv
(A) [LTA] (B) LT 2  (C)  A 1  (D) LA2 
     



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EXERCISE # 05 JEE (ADVANCED) CORNER

1. A student performs an experiment to determine the Young’s modulus of a wire, exactly 2 m long,
by Searle’s method. In a particular reading, the student measures the extension in the length of
the wire to be 0.8 mm with an uncertainty of 0.05 mm at a load of exactly 1.0 kg. The student
also measures the diameter of the wire to be 0.4 mm with an uncertainty of 0.01mm . Take

g  9.8 m / s 2 (exact). The Young’s modulus obtained from the reading is [2007]
(A)  2.0  0.3   1011 N / m 2 (B)  2.0  0.2   1011 N / m 2
(C)  2.0  0.1  1011 N / m 2 (D)  2.0  0.05   1011 N / m 2

2. Students I, II and III perform an experiment for measuring the acceleration due to gravity (g) using
a simple pendulum. They use different lengths of the pendulum and /or record time for different
number of oscillations. The observations are shown in the table. [2008]
Least count for length = 0.1 cm
Least count for time = 0.1 s
Student Length of the Number of Total time for (n) Time period
pendulum (cm) Oscillations (n) oscillations (s) (s)
I 64.0 8 128.0 16.0
II 64.0 4 64.0 16.0
III 20.0 4 36.0 9.0

(A) EI  0 (B) E I is minimum (C) EI  EII (D) EII is maximum

3. A student uses a simple pendulum of exactly 1m length to determine g, the acceleration due to
gravity. He uses a stop watch with the least count of 1 sec for this and records 40 seconds for 20
oscillations. For this observation, which of the following statement(s) is (are) true? [2010]
(A) Error T in measuring T, the time period, is 0.05 seconds
(B) Error T in measuring T, the time period, is 1 second
(C) Percentage error in the determination of g is 5%
(D) Percentage error in the determination of g is 2.5%

4. A Vernier calipers has 1 mm marks on the main scale. It has 20 equal divisions on the Vernier
scale which match with 16 main scale divisions. For this Vernier calipers, the least count is[2010]
(A) 0.02 mm (B) 0.05 mm (C) 0.1 mm (D) 0.2 mm

5. The density of a solid ball is to be determined in an experiment. The diameter of the ball is
measured with a screw gauge, whose pitch is 0.5 mm and there are 50 divisions on the circular
scale. The reading on the main scale is 2.5 mm and that on the circular scale is 20 divisions. If
the measured mass of the ball has a relative error of 2 %, the relative percentage error in the
density is [2011]
(A) 0.9 % (B) 2.4 % (C) 3.1 % (D) 4.2 %

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 4MLg 
6. In the determination of Young’s modulus  Y   by using Searle’s method, a wire of length
  d 2 
L = 2m and diameter d = 0.5 mm is used. For a load M = 2.5 kg, an extension   0.25 mm in the
length of the wire is observed. Quantities d and  are measured using a screw gauge and a
micrometer, respectively. They have the same pitch of 0.5 mm. The number of divisions on their
circular scale is 100. The contributions to the maximum probable error of the Y measurement
[2012]
(A) due to the errors in the measurements of d and  are the same.
(B) due to the error in the measurement of d is twice that due to the error in the measurement
of  .
(C) due to the error in the measurement of  is twice that due to the error in the measurement
of d.
(D) due to the error in the measurement of d is four times that due to the error in the
measurement of  .

7. The diameter of a cylinder is measured using a Vernier callipers with no zero error. It is found that
the zero of the Vernier scale lies between 5.10 cm and 5.15 cm of the main scale. The Vernier
scale has 50 divisions equivalent to 2.45 cm. The 24th division of the Vernier scale exactly
coincides with one of the main scale divisions. The diameter of the cylinder is [2013]
(A) 5.112 cm (B) 5.124 cm (C) 5.136 cm (D) 5.148 cm

8. During Searle’s experiment, zero of the Vernier scale lies between 3.20  102 m and
3.25  102 m of the main scale. The 20th division of the Vernier scale exactly coincides with one
of the main scale divisions. When an additional load of 2 kg is applied to the wire, the zero of the
Vernier scale still lies between 3.20  102 m and 3.25  102 m of the main scale but now the 45th
division of Vernier scale coincides with one of the main scale divisions. The length of the thin
metallic wire is 2 m and its cross-sectional area is 8  107 m 2 . The least count of the Vernier
scale is 1.0  105 m. The maximum percentage error in the Young’s modulus of the wire is
[2014]
9. Consider a Vernier callipers in which each 1 cm on the main scale is divided into 8 equal divisions
and a screw gauge with 100 divisions on its circular scale. In the Vernier callipers, 5 divisions of
the Vernier scale coincide with 4 divisions on the main scale and in the screw gauge, one
complete rotation of the circular scale moves it by two divisions on the linear scale. Then: [2015]
(A) If the pitch of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the Vernier callipers, the least
count of the screw gauge is 0.01 mm.
(B) If the pitch of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the Vernier callipers, the least
count of the screw gauge is 0.005 mm.
(C) If the least count of the linear scale of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the
Vernier callipers, the least count of the screw gauge is 0.01 mm.
(D) If the least count of the linear scale of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the
Vernier callipers, the least count of the screw gauge is 0.005 mm.

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10. The energy of a system as a function of time t is given as E  t   A 2 exp   t  , where   0.2 s 1.
The measurement of A has an error of 1.25 %. If the error in the measurement of time is 1.50 %,
the percentage error in the value of E(t) at t = 5 s is [2015]

11. A length-scale    depends on the permittivity    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(s) for 
is(are) dimensionally correct? [2016]
 nq 2   k T   q2   q2 
(A)    (B)    B2  (C)    2/3  (D)    1/3 
  kBT   nq    n k BT    n kBT 

12. There are two Vernier calipers both of which have 1 cm divided into 10 equal divisions on the
main scale. The Vernier scale of one of the calipers C1  has 10 equal divisions that correspond

to 9 main scale divisions. The Vernier scale of the other caliper C2  has 10 equal divisions that
correspond to 11 main scale divisions. The readings of the two calipers are shown in the figure.
The measured values (in cm) by calipers C1 and C2 respectively, are [2016]

(A) 2.87 and 2.86 (B) 2.87 and 2.87 (C) 2.87 and 2.83 (D) 2.85 and 2.82

13. In an experiment to determine the acceleration due to gravity g, the formula used for the time
7 R  r 
period of a periodic motion is T  2 . The values of R and r are measured to be
5g

 60  1 mm and 10  1 mm, respectively. In five successive measurements, the time period is
found to be 0.52 s, 0.56 s, 0.57 s, 0.54 s and 0.59 s. The least count of the watch used for the
measurement of time period is 0.01 s. Which of the following statement(s) is(are) true? [2016]
(A) The error in the measurement of r is 10%
(B) The error in the measurement of T is 3.57%
(C) The error in the measurement of T is 2%
(D) The error in the determined value of g is 11%

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 UNITS, DIMENSIONS, ERRORS & MEASUREMENT AND BASIC MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS IN
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14. A person measures the depth of a well by measuring the time interval between dropping a stone
and receiving the sound of impact with the bottom of the well. The error in his measurement of
time is T  0.01 seconds and he measures the depth of the well to be ‫ = ܮ‬20 meters. Take the
acceleration due to gravity g  10 ms 2 and the velocity of sound is 300 ms 1 . Then the fractional
error in the measurement,  L / L, is closest to [2017]
(A) 0.2% (B) 1% (C) 3% (D) 5%
   
15. Three vectors P ,Q and R are shown in the figure. Let ܵ be any point on the vector R . The
   
distance between the points P and S is b R . The general relation among vectors P ,Q and S .

[2017]

           
(A) S  1  b  P  bQ (B) S   b  1 P  bQ  
(C) S  1  b2 P  bQ (D) S  1  b  P  b 2Q
   
16.  
Two vectors A and B are defined as A  aiˆ B  a cos  iˆ  sin  t jˆ , where a is a constant and

    
 rad s 1 . If A  B  3 A  B at time t   for the time, the value of  , in second, is
6
________. [2018]

In electromagnetic theory, the electric and magnetic phenomena are related to each other.
Therefore, the dimensions of electric and magnetic quantities must also be related to each other.
In the question below, [E] and [B] stand for dimensions of electric and magnetic fields
respectively, while 0  and  0  stand for dimensions of the permittivity and permeability of free
space respectively. [L] and [T] are dimensions of length and time respectively. All the quantities
are given in SI units.
(There are two questions based on PARAGRAPH ‘‘X’’, the question given below is one of them)
17. The relation between [E] and [B] is [2018]
(B) E   B L  T  (C) E   B L T  (D) E   B L  T 
1 1 1 1
(A) [E] = [B] [L] [T]
Paragraph - X
In electromagnetic theory, the electric and magnetic phenomena are related to each other.
Therefore, the dimensions of electric and magnetic quantities must also be related to each other.
In the question below, [E] and [B] stand for dimensions of electric and magnetic fields
respectively, while 0  and  0  stand for dimensions of the permittivity and permeability of free
space respectively. [L] and [T] are dimensions of length and time respectively. All the quantities
are given in SI units.

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(There are two questions based on PARAGRAPH ‘‘X’’, the question given below is one of them)
18. The relation between 0  and  0  is [2018]

(A)  0   0 L  T  (B)  0   0 L  T 2

2 2 2

(C)  0   0  L2 T 2 (D)  0   0  L2 T 2

1 1

Paragraph - A
If the measurement errors in all the independent quantities are known, then it is possible to
determine the error in any dependent quantity. This is done by the use of series expansion and
truncating the expansion at the first power of the error. For example, consider the relation z = x/y.
If the errors in x, y and z are x, y and z , respectively, then
1
x  x x  x   y 
z  z   1   1  
y  y y  x  y 
1
 y 
The series expansion for  1   ,to first power in y / y , is 1   y / y  . The relative errors in
 y 
independent variables are always added. So the error in z will be
 x y 
z  z   
 x y 
The above derivation makes the assumption that x / x  1, y / y  1. Therefore, the higher
powers of these quantities are neglected.
(There are two questions based on PARAGRAPH ‘‘A’’, the question given below is one of them)

19. Consider the ratio r 

1  a  to be determined by measuring a dimensionless quantity a. If the
1  a 
errors in the measurement of a is a  a / a  1 ,then what is the error r in determining r?
[2018]
a 2 a 2a 2a  a
(A) (B) (C) (D)
1  a  1  a  1  a  1  a 
2 2 2 2

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ANSWER KEYS
(UNITS, DIMENSIONS, ERRORS & MEASUREMENT)
EXERCISE # 02 OBJECTIVE EXERCISE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
D A C A B C C A B C
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
A B B D D C B C

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!

 UNITS, DIMENSIONS, ERRORS & MEASUREMENT AND BASIC MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS IN
40
PHYSICS AND KINEMATICS

EXERCISE # 03 SUBJECTIVE EXERCISE

m
1. L1, ML2T 2 2. ML7T 2 3. T a
k
GM Gm
4. v0  k 5. ML5T 2K 1/2 6.  K
R r3
7. M   h1/2 .c1/2 .G1/2  ;L  h1/2 .c 3/2 .G1/2  ;T   h1/2 .c 5/2 .G1/2 
1  cos  
8. L.C.  1 .
 cos  
9. 4 msd + 0.1 msd + 0.12 msd = 4.22 msd ; 4 msd + 0.1 msd + 1.12 msd = 5.22 msd & so on
10. (i) 0.4 ; (ii) 14 11. v   3.5  0.31 m / s 12. 3.07 cm
13. 4.8 g / cm3 14. 5% 15. 14%, 0.53, 3.76 16. 5.045 cm
EXERCISE # 04 JEE (MAIN) CORNER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A A C B C D D A A C
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
D A D B C A C C D B
21 22 23 24
B C D C
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EXERCISE # 05 JEE (ADVANCED) CORNER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
B B AC D C A B 4 BC 4
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
BD C ABD B A 2.00 C D B

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