UNIT, DIMENSION & ERROR

JEE/BITSAT Syllabus
1. Physical Quantities
2. Units
3. Dimensions
4. Order of Magnitudes
5. Fractional And Percentage Errors

Total No. of questions in Unit, Dimension & Error are:

Solved Examples ............................................06

Level # 1 ........................................................42
Level # 2 ........................................................28
Level # 3 ........................................................12
Level # 4 ........................................................20

Total No. of questions . 108

***
1. Students are advised to solve the questions of exercises (Levels # 1, 2, 3, 4) in the
same sequence or as directed by the faculty members.
2. Level #3 is not for foundation course students, it will be discussed in fresher and
target courses.

UNIT, DIMENSION & ERROR 5

 Index : Preparing your own list of Important/Difficult Questions

Instruction to fill

(A) Write down the Question Number you are unable to solve in column A below, by Pen.
(B) After discussing the Questions written in column A with faculties, strike off them in the
manner so that you can see at the time of Revision also, to solve these questions again.
(C) Write down the Question Number you feel are important or good in the column B.

COLUMN :A COLUMN :B
EX◘ERCISE
NO. Questions I am unable
Good/Important questions
to solve in first attempt

Level # 1

Level # 2

Level # 3

Level # 4

Advantages

1. It is advised to the students that they should prepare a question bank for the revision as
it is very difficult to solve all the questions at the time of revision.

2. Using above index you can prepare and maintain the questions for your revision

UNIT, DIMENSION & ERROR 6

 KEY CONCEPT
1. PHYSICAL QUANTITIES (a) Fundamental Units
The quantities by means of which we describe the (b) Derived Units
laws of physics are called physical quantities. A
physical quantity is completely specified if it has (a) Fundamental Units : The units which are
(a) Magnitude only independent and which are not be derived from
Ratio other units, are defined as fundamental units.
Refractive index, dielectric constant e.g. The unit of mass, length, and time.

(b) Magnitude and unit There are seven fundamental units.

Scalar (i) Unit of mass
Mass, charge (ii) Unit of length
(c) Magnitude, unit and direction (iii) Unit of time
Vector (iv) Unit of temperature
Displacement, torque. (v) Unit of electric current
Physical quantity = Magnitude × unit (vi) Unit of luminous intensity
1.1 Quantities : These are of two types – (vii)Unit of amount of substance

(a) Fundamental quantities (b) Standard Units : The fixed and definite real
value of any physical quantity is defined as
(b) Derived quantities
standard unit.
(a) Fundamental quantities :
The quantities which do not depend upon other
physical quantities are called fundamental quantities 2.2 Properties of Units :
and all other quantities may be expressed in terms of The unit of a physical quantity is inversely
the fundamental quantity.
There are of seven fundamental quantities in SI proportional to its numerical value i.e., u  where
system-
(i) Mass u and n are the units of physical quantity and its
(ii) Length numerical value respectively. Relation between unit
(iii) Time and its numerical value n1 u1 = n2 u2
(iv) Temperature
(v) Electric current 2.3 Selection Criteria Of Units :
(vi) Luminous intensity (i) Selected unit must be universal, of proper size
(vii)Amount of substance and magnitude
These quantities are also called base quantities.
(ii) Unit must be not affected by temperature,
(b) Derived quantities : pressure and time.
The quantities which are derived with the help of
(iii) Easily definable and reproducible.
fundamental quantities is called derived quantities as
2.4 System Of Units Used :
Speed =
These are of Four types –
Here we know that length and time are the (i) C.G.S – (Centimeter – Gram – Second)
fundamental quantities.
system.
2. UNITS (ii) M.K.S. – (Metre – Kilogram – Second)
2.1 That fixed and definite quantity which we take as system
our standard of reference and by which we (iii) F.P.S. – (Foot – Pound – Second) system
measure other quantities of same kind, is defined
unit. There are of two types. (iv) S.I. – (System – international) system
UNIT, DIMENSION & ERROR 7
 Following table will show the difference between all that it is balanced formula. Only appearance is
the systems. unbalanced as :

Sn = u + (2n – 1)

(h) The dimensions of two physical quantities may

be same but the quantities need not be similar.
(i) Remember the following dimensional formula-
Work = [M1L2T–2]
Energy = [M1L2T–2]
3.2. Uses of Dimension : The uses of dimension are as
2.5 Supplementary Unit : given below.
(a) Radian :  1 radian is the angle subtended by 3.2.1 Homogeneity of dimensions in equation.
arc of length equal to the radius, at the centre of 3.2.2 Conversion of units
the circle.
3.2.3 Deducing relation among the physical
(b) Steradian : It is defined as the solid angle quantities.
subtended at the centre of the sphere by an arc
of its surface equal to the square of radius of the 3.2.1 Homogeneity of Dimensions in Equation :
sphere. The dimensions of all the terms in an equation must
be identical. This simple principle is called the
Solid angle =
principle of homogeneity of dimensions. This is the
very useful method whether an equation may be
when A = R2
correct or not. If the dimensions of all the terms are
= 1 steradian not same the equation must be wrong. Let us check
3. DIMENSIONS the equation.
3.1. Dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to
x = ut + at2
which the fundamental units of mass, length, time
etc. must be raised in order to represent that physical
quantity. [x] = L
[ut] = velocity × time
Dimensional formula = [Ma Lb Tc Qd] where a, b, c,
d are the dimensions of M, L, T, Q respectively.
= × time = L
Some Points About Dimensions :
(a) The dimensions of a physical quantity do not
depend upon system of units to represent that = [at2]
physical quantity.
(b) Pure numbers and pure ratio do not have any = acceleration × (time)2
dimensions. i.e. these are dimension less, e.g.
refractive index, relative density, relative = × (time)2
permeability, cos , , strain etc.
(c) Similar dimension can be added or subtracted
but it does not change the dimensions. = × time2 = L
(d) For a physical equation to be correct
Thus the equation is correct as far as the dimensions
dimensionally the dimension of all terms on two
sides of the equation must be same. This is are concerned. The equation x = ut + at 2 is also
known as the principle of homogeneity of dimensionally correct although this is an incorrect
dimensions. equation. So a dimensionally correct equation need
(e) Logarithmic functions as log x, ex is the not be physically correct but a dimensionally wrong
dimension less quantity. equation must be wrong.
(f) Powers are dimension less. 3.2.2 Conversion of Units :
(g) If we put the value of any physical quantity in When we choose to work with a different set of
any formula it seems unbalanced but reality is
units for the base quantities, the units of all the

UNIT, DIMENSION & ERROR 8

 derived quantities must be changed. II. Approach
Dimensions can be useful in finding the From the relation between G and g we have
conversion factor for the unit of a derived
physical quantity from one system to other. g =
3.2.3 Deducing Relation among the physical
quantities : Some times dimensions can be
 G=
used to deduce a relation between the physical
quantities. If one knows the quantities on which
Substituting the dimensions of all physical
a particular physical quantity depends and if one
is given that this dependence is of product type. quantities [G] =
Method of dimension may be helpful to derive
the relation.
so its SI units is or
3.3. Limitations of the dimensional method :
(a) First of all we have to know the quantities on [b] Plank constant h :
which a particular physical quantity depends. I. Approach
(b) Method works only if the dependence is of the According to constant h :
E = h
product type (Not applicable for x = ut + at2)
 h=
(c) Numerical constants having no dimensions can
not be deduce by the method of dimensions. Substituting the dimensions of known physical
quantities :
(d) Method works only if there are as many
equations available as there are unknowns. [h] = = M1L2T–1

II. Approach
3.4. Application of dimensional analysis :
De Broglie
3.4.1 IN MECHANICS :
(1) Write the definition or formula for the physical =
quantity.
h = mv
(2) Replace M, L and T by the fundamental units of
Substituting the dimensions of known physical
the required system to get the unit of physical
quantities :
quantity
[h] = [L] [M] [LT –1]
[a] Gravitational constant G :
I. Approach [h] = [ML2 T –1]

From Newton's law of gravitation we have [h] = [ML2 T –1]

III. Approach
F=G
Bohr's II Postulate

mvr =
 G=

h= × mvr
[G] =
Substituting the dimensions of known physical
quantities :
so its SI units is or
[h] = [mvr]
UNIT, DIMENSION & ERROR 9
 as 2 and n are dimensionless. [c] Coefficient of Linear Expansion a :
So SI unit of plank's constant is It is defined as =
kg m2/s. Which can also be written as
(kg m2/s2) × s. But as kg m2/s2 is Joule so unit i.e. [] =
of h is Joule × sec. i.e. J-s
[c] Coefficient of Viscosity  i.e. [] = [–1]
I. Approach so its unit is (C°)–1 or K–1
According to Newton's law [d] Specific Heat C
As = mC 
 =
So C=

Substituting the dimensional formulae of all

other known physical quantities. i.e. [C] =

[] = [C] = [L2 T–2 –1]

So its S unit be J/kg-K while practical unit
II. Approach cal/gm-C°
Stoke's law F = 6 rv [e] Latent Heat L
By definition
 = Q = ML
Substituting the dimensional formulae of all i.e. [L] = [ML2 T–2] / [M]
other known physical quantities.  [L] = [L2 T–2]
So its S unit be J/kg while practical unit
[] = , [] = [ML–1 T–1] cal/gm
[f] Coefficient of Thermal conductivity K
III. Approach According to law of thermal conductivity
Poiseuille's formula
= KA

or [K] =

 =  [K] = [MLT–3 –1]

Its SI unit is W/mK while practical unit
Substituting the dimensional formulae of all is cal/s – cm-C°.
other known physical quantities. [g] Mechanical Equivalent of Heat J :
According to I law of thermodynamics
[] =
W = JH

So SI or MKS unit of coefficient of viscosity is  J =

kg/m-s or (g/cm-s called poise in C.G.S. system)
3.4.2 IN HEAT :  [J] =
[a] Temperature : In heat it is assumed to be a
fundamental quantity with dimensions [] and i.e. [J] = [M0 L0 T0]
unit Kelvin [K]. [How ever, K = C°].
i.e. J has no dimensions. Its practical unit is
[b] Heat : It is energy so it dimensions are J/cal and has value 4.18J/cal.
[ML2T–2] and SI Units Joule (J). Practical unit [h] Boltzmann constant K : According to kinetic
of heat is calorie (cal.) and theory of gases, energy of a gas molecule is
1 calorie = 4.18 joule given by

UNIT, DIMENSION & ERROR 10

 So [Q] = [I] [t]
E = KT  [Q] = [At]
The SI unit of charge is A × s and is called
coulomb (C).
i.e. [K] =
Note :
(i) In MKSQ system charge is assumed to be
i.e. [K] = [ML2T–2 –1]
fundamental quantity with dimension [Q] and
So its SI unit is and value 1.38 × 10–23 . unit coulomb. So in this system current will be
derived with dimension [QT–1] and units
coulomb / s which is ampere.
[i] Gas constant R: (ii) In CGS system there are two units of charge
According to gas equation for perfect gas namely esu of charge frankline (Fr) and emu of
PV = RT charge. It is found that
1 coulomb = 3 × 109 esu of charge
i.e. [R] =
= emu of charge.

i.e. [R] = [ML2 T–2 –1 –1] (c) Electric potential V :

So its SI unit is J/mol-K. While practical unit is
It is defined as V=
cal/mol-K. It is a universal constant with value
8.31 J/mol-K or 2 cal/mol-K.
So [V] =
[ j ] Vander Waal’s constants a and b :
Vander Waal's equation i.e. [V] = [ML2 T–3 A–1]
So SI unit of potential is J/C and is
(V – b) = RT .(1) called volt (V)
(d) Electric intensity E :
It is defined as
Vander waal’s equation for  mol is –
E =
[V – b' ] = RT .... (2)
so [E] =
compare eqn (1) and (2)
 [E] = [MLT–3 A–1]
2 a' = a
So SI unit of electric intensity is
and b' = b

[a'] = 

and [b'] =
(e) Capacitance C
 [a'] = [mL5 T–2 –2] It is defined as
q = CV
and [b'] = [L3 –1]
i.e. C= = [as V = ]
Unit of a' and b' are and

respectively.  [C] = = [M–1 L–2

3.4.3 IN ELECTRICITY : T4 A2]

(a) Current I : While dealing electricity we and its unit coulomb / volt is called farad.
assume current to be a fundamental quantity and Note : as W = qV joule / coulomb is volt  V
represent it by [A] with unit ampere (A) q = CV coulomb / volt is farad  F
(b) Charge Q (f) Permittivity of free space 0 :
According to coulomb's law
As I=

UNIT, DIMENSION & ERROR 11

 F = and its unit  ohm × s is called

 [0] Henry (H).

(k) Magnetic flux :
= According to faraday's law of electro-magnetic
induction
 [0] = [M–1 L–3 T4 A2]
E.M.F. =
and its unit is [as N – m = J]

So [] = [EMF] [T]= [T]


 [] = [ML2 T–2 / AT] [T]
 = [ML2 T–2 A–1]
and its unit will be volt × s known as
(g) Dielectric constant K or Relative permittivity Weber (Wb.)
r: As K  r = (/0) so it has no units and (l) Magnetic Induction B :
dimensions. As force on a current element in a magnetic
(h) Resistance R: field is given by F = Bi sin 
According to ohm's law V = IR
 [B] = = [MT–2
R= = [as V = ]
A–1]
and unit
[R] = = [ML2 T–3 A–2]
   
and its unit volt / ampere is called ohm ().
and is called tesla (T).
(i) Resistivity or specific Resistance  :
Note : As  = BA cos 
As R=
so [B] = =

or  =
[MT–2 A–1] and unit

[] =  [RL]  [ML3 T–3 A–2]

(m) Magnetic Intensity H :
and its unit is ohm-m or ohm-cm. For Biot-savart law :

(j) Coefficient of self induction L : dB =

According to definition of
 B = 0 H
L EMF =
 [H] = = [AL–1] and unit
or [L] =
A/m.
4. ORDER OF MAGNITUDES
i.e. [L] =
(a) Normally decimal is used after first digit using
= [ML2 T–2 A–2] powers of ten,
Example : 3750 m will be written as 3.750 × 103m
UNIT, DIMENSION & ERROR 12
 (b) The order of a physical quantity is expressed in 5.2 PROPAGATION OF ERROR (ADDITION AND
power of 10 and is taken to be 1 if  (10)1/2 = 3.16 SUBTRACTION) :
and 10 if > 3.16 Let error in x is ± x, and error in y is ± y, then the
Example : speed of light = 3 × 108, order = 108 error in x + y or x – y is ± (x + y). The errors add.
Mass of electron = 9.1 × 10–31, order = 10–30 5.3 MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION :
(c) Significant digits : In a multiplication or Let errors in x, y, z are respectively ± x, ± y and
division of two or more quantities, the number ± z. Then error in a quantity f (defined as)
of significant digits in the answer is equal to
the number of significant digits in the quantity f= is obtained from the relation
which has the minimum number of significant
digit. =|a| +|b| +|c| .
Example : 12.0/7.0 will have two significant digits
only. The fraction errors (with proper multiples of
exponents) add. The error in f is ± f.
(d) The insignificant digits are dropped from the
result if they appear after the decimal point.
They are replaced by zeroes if they appear to Important Points :
the left of two decimal point. The least (a) When two quantities are added or subtracted the
significant digit is rounded according to the absolute error in the find is the sum of the absolute
rules given below. error in the quantities.
(b) When two quantities any multiplied or divided, the
Rounding off : If the digit next to one rounded fractional error in the result is the sum of the
as more then 5, the digit to be rounded is fractional error in the quantities to be multiplied or
increased by 1 ; if two digit next to the one to be divided.
rounded is less than 5, the digit to be rounded is (c) If the same quantity x is multiplied together n times
left unchanged, if the digit next to one rounded
(i.e. xn), then the fractional error in xn is n times the
is 5, then the digit to be rounded is increased by
fractional error in x,
1 if it is odd and is left unchanged if it is even.
(e) For addition and subtraction write the numbers
one below the other with all the decimal points i.e. ± n
in one line now locate the first column from left
that has doubtful digits. All digits right to this
column are dropped from all the numbers and
rounding is done to this column. The addition
and subtraction is now performed to get the
answer.
(f) Number of 'Significant figure' in the magnitude
of a physical quantity can neither be increased
nor decreased.
Example : If we have 3.10 kg than it can not be
written as 3.1 kg or 3.100 kg.

5. FRACTIONAL AND PERCENTAGE ERRORS

5.1 If x is the error in measurement x, then
Fractional error =

Percentage error = × 100

Percentage error in experimental measurement
=

UNIT, DIMENSION & ERROR 13