PHYSICS:Chapter Two: Units & Dimensions

When the metric
PHYSICS:Chapter Two
system was proposed
in 1792, the ho ur
wa s re defin e d to UNITS &
provide a 10-hour
day. The idea did DIMENSIONS
not catch on. The
maker of this 10-
hour watch w isely
pro vi de d a small
d ial t h at kept
co n v e nt i o n al 12-
hour time. Do the
two dials indicate
the same time?
Class XI
MATHS & SCIENCE PHYSICS PHYSICS NOTES
AT HOME AT HOME SHANKAR R
for STD IX & X for STD XI & XII +91-9821248228
Preface
I have prepared these notes strictly based on the NCERT
textbook. Most of the students find NCERT not so reader
friendly. NCERT cover many definitions and concepts under a
single heading. As you will see in the following pages, in this
note, I have arranged the definitions and concepts under
separate heading so that students can easily follow the
theory. This method has been adopted throughout the
chapters of physics chemistry and biology. No extra content is
added to this notes. Topics outside NCERT as taught in some
school will be taught separately.
The key feature of the notes are listed below.

Strictly based on NCERT.
Definitions as per NCERT
Activities from NCERT are added with observations and
conclusions.
End chapter questions.
NCERT exemplar questions.
Space left for additional questions which will be done in
class. (only in hard copy of the note)
Space for topics outside NCERT. (only in hardcopy of the
note)
Hint for solving physics problems
I believe that the best way of learning how to solve physics

problems is by practice and from example. However, there are a
few basic hints, all of which are just common sense and therefore
fairly obvious.
Try to understand the physics of the problem before launching
into a mathematical analysis. It will sometimes be possible to
obtain a rough preliminary numerical answer, perhaps using
simplifying assumptions.
Lay your work out neatly on the page, without being
obsessive about it, and explain what your are doing and why
you are doing it.
Draw a diagram if it helps (it nearly always does.)
Try to keep expressions algebraic rather than numerical. This
may mean that you have to invent symbols for quantities that
are specified numerically. But it has advantage that the
dimensions of your answer can be checked at the end of the
calculation. it is also much less likely that you will make
mistakes if you are manipulating a few symbols rather that
strings of digits. Finally, if you can express your answer
algebraically you may be able to check that the variables
affect the answer in the way you expect.
Check the dimensions of your answer if this is possible and
appropriate.
Check the magnitude of your answer against common sense
or other knowledge , if possible.
If your numerical answer to a problem does not agree with a
value which you are reasonably sure is correct, and all other
attempts at identifying the error have failed, look at the ration
of your answer to “correct” one. You may find that your
answer is wrong by a simple factor such as 2, pi, ln2 etc. If so
go back to your working and try to find where you introduced
the error, but remember that the error could be in the
“correct” answer, and not in your solution. (some teacher may
dislike this suggestion, but i have found it useful as a last
resort!)
- W G Rees, Cambridge University

2 - UNITS AND DIMENSIONS. 1
INTRODUCTION
Unit.
Measurement of any physical quantity involves comparison with a certain
basic, arbitrarily chosen, internationally accepted reference standard called
unit.
The result of a measurement of a physical quantity is expressed by a number
(or numerical measure) accompanied by a unit.
Fundamental or Base units.
the number of physical quantities appears to be very large, we need only a
limited number of units for expressing all the physical quantities, since they
are inter- related with one another. The units for the fundamental or base
quantities are called fundamental or base units.
Derived units.
The units of all other physical quantities can be expressed as combinations of
the base units. Such units obtained for the derived quantities are called
derived units.
System of units.
A complete set of these units, both the base units and derived units, is known
as the system of units.
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THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS
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Three system of units, that were in use extensively till recently are
1. the CGS.
2. the FPS (or British) system.
3. the MKS system.
The base units for length, mass and time in these systems were as follows
1. In CGS system they were centimetre, gram and second respectively.
2. In FPS system they were foot, pound and second respectively.
3. In MKS system they were metre, kilogram and second respectively.  
SI Unit
The system of units which is at present internationally accepted for
measurement is the Système Internationale d’ Unites (French for International
System of Units),
Abbreviated as SI.
Because SI units used decimal system, conversions within the system are quite
simple and convenient. We shall follow the SI units in this book.
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All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express
written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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In SI, there are

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1. Seven base units as given in Table
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2. A Unit for plane angle
3. A Unit for Solid angle
A Unit for plane angle
Plane angle dθ is the ratio of length of arc ds to the radius r
The unit for plane angle is radian with the symbol rad

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Some units retained for general use (Though outside SI)

Note:
When mole is used, the elementary entities must be specified. These entities
may be atoms, molecules, ions, electrons, other particles or specified groups
of such particles.
MEASUREMENT OF LENGTH
a metre scale is used for lengths from 10–3 m to 102 m.
A vernier callipers is used for lengths to an accuracy of 10–4 m.
A screw gauge and a spherometer can be used to measure lengths as less as to 10–5 m.
To measure lengths beyond these ranges, we make use of some special indirect methods.
Measurement of Large Distances

parallax method.
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Large distances such as the distance of a planet or a star from the earth cannot be
measured directly with a metre scale.
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method in such cases is the parallax method.
When you hold a pencil in front of you against some specific point on the background (a
wall) and look at the pencil first through your left eye A (closing the right eye) and then
look at the pencil through your right eye B (closing the left eye), you would notice that
the position of the pencil seems to change with respect to the point on the wall.
This is called parallax.
The distance between the two points of observation is called the basis.
Methodology
To measure the distance D of a far away planet S by the parallax method, we observe it
from two different positions A and B on the Earth called observatories, separated by
distance AB = b at the same time as shown in Figure.
We measure the angle between the two directions along which the planet is viewed at
these two points.

The ∠ASB in Figure represented by symbol θ is called the parallax angle or parallactic
angle.
As the planet is very far away, b/D<<1and

therefore, θ is very small.
Then we approximately take AB as an arc of

length b of a circle with centre at S and the
distance D as the radius AS=BS so that
AB=b=Dθ where θ is in radians.
To determine the size or angular diameter of planet
Having determined D, we can employ a similar

method to determine the size or angular
diameter of the planet.
If d is the diameter of the planet and α the

angular size of the planet we have
α = d/D
α - the angle subtended by d at the earth

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The angle α can be measured from the same location on the earth.
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It is the angle between the two directions when two diametrically opposite points of the
planet are viewed through the telescope.
Since D is known, the diameter d of the planet can be determined using α = d/D.
Lets see few examples to understand it better.

Sample problem
Calculate the angle of (a) 10 (degree) (b) 1′ (minute of arc or arc min) and (c)
1′′ (second of arc or arc second) in radians. Use 3600=2π rad, 10=60′ and 1′
=60′′
Answer (a) We have 3600 = 2π rad 
10 = (π /180) rad = 1.745×10–2 rad
(b) 10 = 60′ = 1.745×10–2 rad 
1′ = 2.908×10–4 rad ; 2.91×10–4 rad
(c) 1′ = 60′′ = 2.908×10–4 rad 
1′′ = 4.847×10–4 rad ; 4.85×10–6 rad
Sample problem
A man wishes to estimate the distance of a nearby tower from him. He stands
at a point A in front of the tower C and spots a very distant object O in line
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with AC. He then walks perpendicular to AC up to B, a distance of 100 m, and
looks at O and C again. Since O is very distant, the direction BO is practically
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the same as AO; but he finds the line of sight of C shifted from the original
line of sight by an angle θ = 400 (θ is known as ‘parallax’) estimate the
distance of the tower C from his original position A.
AnswerWe have, parallax angle θ = 400
FromFigure,
AB=ACtanθ 
AC = AB/tanθ = 100 m/tan 400 = 100 m/0.8391 = 119 m

Sample problem
The moon is observed from two diametrically opposite points A and B on
Earth. The angle θ subtended at the moon by the two directions of
observation is 1o 54′ . Given the diameter of the Earth to be about 1.276 × 107
m, compute the distance of the moon from the Earth.
Answer We have θ =1°54′ =114′ 
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Sample problem
The Sun’s angular diameter is measured
to be 1920′ ′.The distance D of the Sun
from the Earth is 1.496 × 1011 m. What is
the diameter of the Sun ?
Answer

Estimation of Very Small Distances: Size of a Molecule

To measure a very small size like that of a molecule (10–8 m to 10–10 m), we
have to adopt special methods.
Limitation of instruments
We cannot use a screw gauge or similar instruments.
Even a microscope has certain limitations. An optical microscope uses visible
light to ‘look’ at the system under investigation. As light has wave like
features, the resolution to which an optical microscope can be used is the
wavelength of light.
For visible light the range of wavelengths is from about 4000 Å to 7000 Å (1
angstrom = 1 Å = 10-10 m). Hence an optical microscope cannot resolve
particles with sizes smaller than this.
Instead of visible light, we can use an electron beam. Electron beams can be
focussed by properly designed electric and magnetic fields.
The resolution of such an electron microscope is limited finally by the fact

that electrons can also behave as waves !
The wavelength of an electron can be as small as a fraction of an angstrom.

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Such electron microscopes with a resolution of 0.6 Å have been built. They can
almost resolve atoms and molecules in a material.
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In recent times, tunnelling microscopy has been developed in which again the
limit of resolution is better than an angstrom. It is possible to estimate the
sizes of molecules
A simple method for estimating the molecular size of oleic
acid
Oleic acid is a soapy liquid with large molecular size of the order of 10–9 m. The
idea is to first form mono-molecular layer of oleic acid on water surface.

Steps
1. Dissolve 1 cm3 of oleic acid in alcohol to make a solution of 20
cm3.
2. Then take 1 cm3 of this solution and dilute it to 20 cm3, using
alcohol.
So, the concentration of the solution is equal to of oleic acid/
cm3 of solution.
3. lightly sprinkle some lycopodium powder on the surface of water
in a large trough and we put one drop of this solution in the water.
The oleic acid drop spreads into a thin, large and roughly circular film of
molecular thickness on water surface.
4. Then, we quickly measure the diameter of the thin film to get its
area A
Suppose we have dropped n drops in the water.
5. Initially, we determine the approximate volume of each drop (V
cm3).
Volume of n drops of solution = nV cm3
Amount of oleic acid in this solution
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This solution of oleic acid spreads very fast on the surface of water and forms
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a very thin layer of thickness t.
If this spreads to form a film of area A cm2, then the thickness of the film
If we assume that the film has mono-molecular thickness, then this becomes
the size or diameter of a molecule of oleic acid.

Sample
Type to enter text Problem
If the size of a nucleus (in the range of 10–15 to 10–14 m) is scaled up to the
tip of a sharp pin, what roughly is the size of an atom ? Assume tip of the pin
to be in the range 10–5m to 10–4m.
Answer
The size of a nucleus is in the range of 10–15 m and 10–14 m. The tip of a sharp
pin is taken to be in the range of 10–5 m and 10–4 m. Thus we are scaling up
by a factor of 1010. An atom roughly of size 10–10 m will be scaled up to a size
of 1 m. Thus a nucleus in an atom is as small in size as the tip of a sharp pin
placed at the centre of a sphere of radius about a metre long.
Range of Lengths
The sizes of the objects we come across in the universe vary over a very wide
range.
These may vary from the size of the order of 10–14 m of the tiny nucleus of an
atom to the size of the order of 1026 m of the extent of the observable
universe.
Fermi
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1fermi =1f=10–15 m 1angstrom =1Å=10–10 m
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1 astronomical unit
(average distance of the Sun from the Earth)
1 astronomical unit = 1 AU = 1.496 × 1011 m
Light Year.
Distance that light travels with velocity of 3× 108 ms–1 in 1year
1 light year = 1 ly= 9.46 × 1015 m
Parsec
Parsec is the distance at which average radius of earth’s orbit subtends an
angle of 1 arc.
1 parsec = 3.08 × 1016 m

MEASUREMENT OF MASS
Mass is a basic property of matter. It does not depend on the temperature,
pressure or location of the object in space. The SI unit of mass is kilogram
(kg).
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Unified atomic mass unit (u)
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While dealing with atoms and molecules, the kilogram is an inconvenient unit.
In this case, there is an important standard unit of mass, called the unified
atomic mass unit (u), which has been established for expressing the mass of
atoms as
1 unified atomic mass unit = 1u = (1/12) of the mass of an atom of
carbon-12 isotope (12 C) including the mass of electrons
Note:
1. Mass of commonly available objects can be determined by a common
balance like the one used in a grocery shop.
2. Large masses in the universe like planets, stars, etc., based on Newton’s law
of gravitation can be measured by using gravitational method.
3. For measurement of small masses of atomic/sub- atomic particles etc., we
make use of mass spectrograph in which radius of the trajectory is
proportional to the mass of a charged particle moving in uniform electric and
magnetic field.

Range of Masses
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MEASUREMENT OF TIME
Atomic standard of time
Is based on the periodic vibrations produced in a cesium atom. This is the
basis of the cesium clock, sometimes called atomic clock, used in the
national standards.
In the cesium atomic clock, the second is taken as the time needed for
9,192,631,770 vibrations of the radiation corresponding to the transition
between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of cesium-133 atom.
The vibrations of the cesium atom regulate the rate of this cesium atomic clock
just as the vibrations of a balance wheel regulate an ordinary wristwatch or the
vibrations of a sma
The cesium atomic clocks are very accurate.
The efficient cesium atomic clocks are so accurate that they impart the
uncertainty in time realisation as ± 1 × 10–13, i.e. 1 part in 1013.

This implies that the uncertainty gained over time by such a device is less than
1 part in 1013; they lose or gain no more than 3 µs in one year.
In view of the tremendous accuracy in time measurement, the SI unit of length
has been expressed in terms the path length light travels in certain interval of
time (1/299, 792, 458 of a second)
The time interval of events that we come across in the universe vary over a
very wide range.
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QUESTIONS ON UNITS AND MEASUREMENT

1. Fill in the blanks 
(a) The volume of a cube of side 1 cm is equal to .....m3 
(b) The surface area of a solid cylinder of radius 2.0 cm and height 10.0 cm
is equal to ...(mm)2 
(c) A vehicle moving with a speed of 18 km h–1 covers....m in 1 s 
(d) The relative density of lead is 11.3. Its density is ....g cm–3 or ....kg m–3.
2. Fill in the blanks by suitable conversion of units (a)1kgm2 s–2 =....gcm2s–2  
(b)1m =..... ly 
(c) 3.0 m s–2 = .... km h–2 
(d) G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 (kg)–2 = .... (cm)3 s–2 g–1.
3. A calorie is a unit of heat or energy and it equals about 4.2 J where 1J = 1
kg m2 s–2. Suppose we employ a system of units in which the unit of mass
equals α kg, the unit of length equals β m, the unit of time is γ s. Show that a
calorie has a magnitude 4.2 α–1 β–2 γ 2 in terms of the new units.
4. Explain this statement clearly : 
“To call a dimensional quantity ‘large’ or ‘small’ is meaningless without
specifying a standard for comparison”. In view of this, reframe the following
statements wherever necessary : 
(a) atoms are very small objects 
(b) a jet plane moves with great speed 
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(c) the mass of Jupiter is very large 
(d) the air inside this room contains a large number of molecules 
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(e) a proton is much more massive than an electron 
(f) the speed of sound is much smaller than the speed of light.
5. A new unit of length is chosen such that the speed of light in vacuum is
unity. What is the distance between the Sun and the Earth in terms of the
new unit if light takes 8 min and 20 s to cover this distance ?
6. When the planet Jupiter is at a distance of 824.7 million kilometers from
the Earth, its angular diameter is measured to be 35.72” of arc. Calculate
the diameter of Jupiter.
7. The Sun is a hot plasma (ionized matter) with its inner core at a
temperature exceeding 107 K, and its outer surface at a temperature of
about 6000 K. At these high temperatures, no substance remains in a solid
or liquid phase. In what range do you expect the mass density of the Sun to
be, in the range of densities of solids and liquids or gases ? Check if your
guess is correct from the following data : mass of the Sun=2.0×1030
kg,radius of the Sun=7.0× 108 m.
8. Just as precise measurements are necessary in science, it is equally
important to be able to make rough estimates of quantities using
rudimentary ideas and common observations. Think of ways by which you
can estimate the following (where an estimate is difficult to obtain, try to

get an upper bound on the quantity) :  

(a) the total mass of rain-bearing clouds over India during the Monsoon (b)
the mass of an elephant 
(c) the wind speed during a storm 
(d) the number of strands of hair on your head  
(e) the number of air molecules in your classroom.
9. The nearest star to our solar system is 4.29 light years away. How much is
this distance in terms of parsecs? How much parallax would this star
(named Alpha Centauri) show when viewed from two locations of the Earth
six months apart in its orbit around the Sun ?  
10.The principle of ‘parallax’ is used in the determination of distances of very

distant stars. The baseline AB is the line joining the Earth’s two locations six
months apart in its orbit around the Sun. That is, the baseline is about the
diameter of the Earth’s orbit ≈ 3 × 1011m. However, even the nearest stars
are so distant that with such a long baseline, they show parallax only of the
order of 1” (second) of arc or so. A parsec is a convenient unit of length on
the astronomical scale. It is the distance of an object that will show a
parallax of 1” (second) of arc from opposite ends of a baseline equal to the
distance from the Earth to the Sun. How much is a parsec in terms of
metres ?
11.One mole of an ideal gas at standard temperature and pressure occupies
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22.4 L (molar volume). What is the ratio of molar volume to the atomic
volume of a mole of hydrogen ? (Take the size of hydrogen molecule to be
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about 1 Å). Why is this ratio so large ?
12. The unit of length convenient on the atomic scale is known as an angstrom
and is denoted by Å: 1 Å = 10–10 m. The size of a hydrogen atom is about
0.5 Å. What is the total atomic volume in m3 of a mole of hydrogen atoms ? 

ACCURACY, PRECISION OF INSTRUMENTS AND ERRORS

IN MEASUREMENT.
Measurement is the foundation of all experimental science and technology.
The result of every measurement by any measuring instrument contains some
uncertainty.
Every calculated quantity which is based on measured values, also has an
error.
We shall distinguish between two terms: accuracy and precision.
The accuracy of a measurement is Precision tells us to what

a measure of how close the resolution or limit the quantity is
measured value is to the true value measured.
of the quantity.
The accuracy in measurement may depend on several factors, including the

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limit or the resolution of the measuring instrument.
For example
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suppose the true value of a certain length is near 3.678 cm.
In one experiment, using a measuring instrument of resolution 0.1 cm, the
measured value is found to be 3.5 cm, while in another experiment using a
measuring device of greater resolution, say 0.01 cm, the length is determined
to be 3.38 cm.
The first measurement has more accuracy but less precision, while the second
measurement is less accurate but more precise.
(because it is closer to the true value)(its resolution is only 0.1 cm)
Thus every measurement is approximate due to errors in measurement.
ERRORS IN MEASUREMENT.
the errors in measurement can be broadly classified as
I. Systematic errors.
II. Random errors.
III. Least count error

I. Systematic errors.
The systematic errors are those errors that tend to be in one direction, either
positive or negative.
Some of the sources of systematic errors are :
1. Instrumental errors
2. Imperfection in experimental technique or procedure
3. Personal errors
1. Instrumental errors
Errors due to imperfect design or calibration of the measuring instrument, zero
error in the instrument, etc.
For example,
the temperature graduations of a thermometer may be inadequately calibrated
(it may read 104 °C at the boiling point of water at STP whereas it should read
100 °C); in a vernier callipers the zero mark of vernier scale may not coincide
with the zero mark of the main scale, or simply an ordinary metre scale may
be worn off at one end.
2. Imperfection in experimental technique or procedure
To determine the temperature of a human body, a thermometer placed under
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the armpit will always give a temperature lower than the actual value of the
body temperature.
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Other external conditions such as changes in temperature, humidity, wind
velocity, etc. during the experiment may systematically affect the
measurement.
3. Personal errors
arise due to an individual’s bias, lack of proper setting of the apparatus or
individual’s carelessness in taking observations without observing proper
precautions, etc. For example, if you, by habit, always hold your head a bit too
far to the right while reading the position of a needle on the scale, you will
introduce an error due to parallax.
Systematic errors can be minimised by improving experimental

techniques, selecting better instruments and removing personal bias
as far as possible.
II. Random errors.

The random errors are those errors, which occur irregularly and hence are
random with respect to sign and size.

These can arise due to random and unpredictable fluctuations in experimental

conditions (e.g. unpredictable fluctuations in temperature, voltage supply,
mechanical vibrations of experimental set-ups, etc), personal (unbiased) errors
by the observer taking readings, etc.
For example,
when the same person repeats the same observation, it is very likely that he
may get different readings every time.
III.Least count error

The smallest value that can be measured by the measuring instrument is called
its least count. All the readings or measured values are good only up to this
value.
The least count error is the error associated with the resolution of the
instrument.
For example,
A vernier callipers has the least count as 0.01cm;
A spherometer may have a least count of 0.001 cm.
Least count error belongs to the category of random errors but within a limited
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size; it occurs with both systematic and random errors.
If we use a metre scale for measurement of length, it may have graduations at
1 mm division scale spacing or interval.
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Using instruments of higher precision, improving experimental techniques, etc.,
we can reduce the least count error.
NOTE:Repeating the observations several times and taking the arithmetic

mean of all the observations, the mean value would be very close to the
true value of the measured quantity.
Absolute Error, Relative Error and Percentage Error
Absolute Error
The magnitude of the difference between the true value of the quantity and the
individual measurement value is called the absolute error of the measurement.
This is denoted by | Δa | .
In absence of any other method of knowing true value, we considered
arithmetic mean as the true value.
Then the errors in the individual measurement values are

Note:
1. The Δa calculated above may be positive in certain cases and negative in
some other cases.
2. Absolute error |Δa| will always be positive.
To find arithmetic mean

Suppose the values obtained in several measurements are a1, a2, a3...., an.
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The arithmetic mean of these values is taken as the best possible value.
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The arithmetic mean of these values of measurement is taken as :
This is because, it is reasonable to suppose that individual measurements are

as likely to overestimate as to underestimate the true value of the quantity.
mean absolute error

The arithmetic mean of all the absolute errors is taken as the final or mean
absolute error of the value of the physical quantity a.

It is represented by Δamean.
If we do a single measurement,
the value we get may be in the range amean ± Δamean
i.e.
a = amean ± Δamean
Or
This implies that any measurement of the physical quantity a is likely to lie
between
(amean+ Δamean ) and (amean− Δamean ).
Relative error
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error (δ ). a
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Instead of the absolute error, we often use the relative error or the percentage
The relative error is the ratio of the mean absolute error Δamean to the mean
value amean of the quantity measured.
Relative error = Δamean/amean
Percentage error (δa)

When the relative error is expressed in percent, it is called the percentage
error (δa).
Percentage error 
δa = (Δamean /amean ) × 100%

Sample problem
Two clocks are being tested against a standard clock located in a national
laboratory. At 12:00:00 noon by the standard clock, the readings of the two
clocks are :
Clock 1 Clock 2
Monday 12:00:05 10:15:06
Tuesday 12:01:15 10:14:59
Wednesday 11:59:08 10:15:18
Thursday. 12:01:50 10:15:07
Friday 11:59:15 10:14:53
Saturday 12:01:30 10:15:24
Sunday 12:01:19. 10:15:11
Answer
If you are doing an experiment that requires precision time interval
measurements, which of the two clocks will you prefer ?
The range of variation over the seven days of observations is
162 s for clock 1, and
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Sample problem
We measure the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum. In successive
measurements, the readings turn out to be 2.63 s, 2.56 s, 2.42 s, 2.71s
and 2.80 s. Calculate the absolute errors, relative error or percentage
error.
The mean period of oscillation of the
pendulum
As the periods are measured to a resolution of 0.01 s, all times are to the
second decimal; it is proper to put this mean period also to the second
decimal.
= 2.624 s = 2.62 s
The errors in the measurements are
2.63s – 2.62s = 0.01s
2.56s – 2.62s = – 0.06s

2.42s – 2.62s = – 0.20s
2.71s – 2.62s = 0.09s
2.80s – 2.62s = 0.18s
Note that the errors have the same units as the quantity to be measured.
The arithmetic mean of all the absolute errors (for arithmetic mean, we take
only the magnitudes) is
ΔΤmean = [(0.01+ 0.06+0.20+0.09+0.18)s]/5 = 0.54 s/5 = 0.11 s
That means, the period of oscillation of the simple pendulum is (2.62 ± 0.11)
s i.e. it lies between (2.62 + 0.11) s and (2.62 – 0.11) s or between 2.73 s
and 2.51 s. As the arithmetic mean of all the absolute errors is 0.11 s, there
is already an error in the tenth of a second. Hence there is no point in giving
the period to a hundredth. A more correct way will be to write
Note that the last numeral 6 is unreliable, since it may be anything between 5
and 7. We indicate this by saying that the measurement has two significant
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figures. In this case, the two significant figures are 2, which is reliable and 6,
which has an error associated with it.
Shankar R +91-9821248228
T = 2.6 ± 0.1 s
the relative error or the percentage error is
COMBINATION OF ERRORS
If we do an experiment involving several measurements, we must know how
the errors in all the measurements combine.
For example,
Density is the ratio of the mass to the volume of the substance.
If we have errors in the measurement of mass and of the sizes or dimensions,
we must know what the error will be in the density of the substance.
To make such estimates, we should learn how errors combine in various
mathematical operations.

ERROR OF A SUM OR A DIFFERENCE
When two quantities are added or subtracted, the absolute error in the final
result is the sum of the absolute errors in the individual quantities.
Suppose two physical quantities A and B have measured values A ± ΔA, B ± ΔB

respectively where ΔA and ΔB are their absolute errors. We wish to find the
error ΔZ in the sum
Z = A + B. 
We have by addition, Z ± ΔZ
= (A ± ΔA) + (B ± ΔB). The maximum possible error in Z
ΔZ = ΔA + ΔB 
For the difference Z = A – B, we have
Z±ΔZ= (A±ΔA)–(B±ΔB) = (A – B) ± ΔA ± ΔB
or, ±ΔZ= ±ΔA±ΔB 
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The maximum value of the error ΔZ is again ΔA + ΔB.
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Sample problem
The temperatures of two bodies measured by a thermometer are 
t1 =200C±0.50C and t2 =500C±0.50C. Calculate the temperature difference
and the error their in.
Answer t′ = t2–t1 = (50 0C±0.5 0C)– (200C±0.5 0C)
t′ =300C±10C 
ERROR OF A PRODUCT OR A QUOTIENT
When two quantities are multiplied or divided, the relative error in the result
is the sum of the relative errors in the multipliers.
Suppose Z = AB and the measured values of A and B are A ± ΔA and B ± ΔB.

Then ,
Z±ΔZ=(A±ΔA) (B±ΔB) 
= AB ± B ΔA ± A ΔB ± ΔA ΔB.
Dividing LHS by Z and RHS by AB we have,
1±(ΔZ/Z) = 1 ± (ΔA/A) ± (ΔB/B) ± (ΔA/A)(ΔB/B).
Since ΔA and ΔB are small, we shall ignore their product.
Hence the maximum relative error ΔZ/ Z = (ΔA/A) + (ΔB/B).
You can easily verify that this is true for division also.
Sample problem
The resistance R = V/I where V = (100 ± 5)V and I = (10 ± 0.2)A. Find the
percentage error in R.
Answer:The percentage error in V is 5% and in I it is 2%. The total error in R would
Sample problem
Two resistors of resistances R1 =100±3o hm and R2 =200±4 ohm are
connected
(a) in series, Copyright © 2019
(b) in parallel.
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Find the equivalent resistance of the
(a) series combination,
(b) parallel combination.
Use for (a) the relation R = R1 + R2, and for (b)
  1 1 1 ΔR˙ ΔR1 ΔR2

= + and = +
R˙ R1 R2 R˙2 R12 R 2 2
Answer:
(a) The equivalent resistance of series combination

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Here, ΔR is expressed as 1.8 instead of 2 to keep in conformity with the rules
of significant figures
ERROR IN CASE OF A MEASURED QUANTITY RAISED TO A

POWER
The relative error in a physical quantity raised to the power k is the k times
the relative error in the individual quantity.
Suppose Z = A2,
Then, 
ΔZ/Z = (ΔA/A) + (ΔA/A) = 2 (ΔA/A).
Hence, the relative error in A2 is two times the error in A.

In general, if Z = Ap Bq/Cr Then, ΔZ/Z = p (ΔA/A) + q (ΔB/B) + r (ΔC/C)
Sample problem
Find the relative error in Z, if Z = A4B1/3/CD3/2.
Answer The relative error in Z is ΔZ/Z = 4(ΔA/A) +(1/3) (ΔB/B) + (ΔC/C)
+ (3/2) (ΔD/D).
Sample problem
The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is T = 2π L/g.
Measured value of L is 20.0 cm known to 1 mm accuracy and time for 100
oscillations of the pendulum is found to be 90 s using a wrist watch of 1 s
resolution. What is the accuracy in the determination of g ?
Answer:
g = 4π2L/T2
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Shankar R +91-9821248228
Thus, the percentage error in g is 

100 (Δg/g) = 100(ΔL/L) + 2 × 100 (ΔT/T )
= 3%

SIGNIFICANT FIGURES
Every measurement involves errors.
Thus, the result of measurement should be reported in a way that indicates the
precision of measurement.
Normally, the reported result of measurement is a number that includes all
digits in the number that are known reliably plus the first digit that is
uncertain.
The reliable digits plus the first uncertain digit are known as significant digits
or significant figures.
For example
If we say the period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is 1.62 s, the digits 1
and 6 are reliable and certain, while the digit 2 is uncertain.
Thus, the measured value has three significant figures.
Another example,
The length of an object reported after measurement to be 287.5 cm has four
significant figures,
the digits 2, 8, 7 are certain
while the digit 5 is uncertain.
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Clearly, reporting the result of measurement that includes more digits than
the significant digits is superfluous and also misleading since it would give a
wrong idea about the precision of measurement.
RULES FOR DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT

FIGURES
1. All the non-zero digits are significant.
2. All the zeros between two non-zero digits are significant, no matter where
the decimal point is, if at all.
3. If the number is less than 1, the zero(s)  
on the right of decimal point but to the left of the first non-zero digit are
not significant.
4. The terminal or trailing zero(s) in a number without a decimal point are not
significant
5. The trailing zero(s) in a number with a decimal point are significant. 
[The numbers 3.500 or 0.06900 have four significant figures each.]

6. For a number greater than 1, without any decimal, the trailing zero(s) are
not significant. 
For a number with a decimal, the trailing zero(s) are significant.
For example,
The length 2.308 cm has four significant figures.
But in different units, the same value can be written as 0.02308 m or 23.08
mm or 23080 µm.
All these numbers have the same number of significant figures (digits 2, 3, 0,
8), namely four.
This shows that the location of decimal point is of no consequence in

determining the number of significant figures
Another example,
Suppose a length is reported to be 4.700 m.
It is evident that the zeroes here are meant to convey the precision of
measurement and are, therefore, significant.
If these were not, it would be superfluous to write them explicitly, the reported
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measurement would have been simply 4.7 m.
Now suppose we change units, then
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4.700 m = 470.0 cm = 4700 mm = 0.004700 km
Since the last number has trailing zero(s) in a number with no decimal, we
would conclude erroneously from observation (1) above that the number has
two significant figures, while in fact, it has four significant figures and a mere
change of units cannot change the number of significant figures.
To remove such ambiguities in determining the number of significant figures,

the best way is to report every measurement in scientific notation (in the
power of 10).
NOTE:
I. The digit 0 conventionally put on the left of a decimal for a number less
than 1 (like 0.1250) is never significant.
II. The multiplying or dividing factors which are neither rounded numbers nor
numbers representing measured values are exact and have infinite
number of significant digits.

For Example,
r=d/s or s=2πr, the factor 2 is an exact number and it can be written as 2.0,
2.00 or 2.0000 as required. Similarly, T=t/n, n is an exact number.
RULES FOR ARITHMETIC OPERATIONS WITH SIGNIFICANT

FIGURES
The result of a calculation involving approximate measured values of quantities
(i.e. values with limited number of significant figures) must reflect the
uncertainties in the original measured values.
It cannot be more accurate than the original measured values themselves on
which the result is based.
the final result should not have more significant figures than the original data
from which it was obtained.
For example
if mass of an object is measured to be, say, 4.237 g (four significant figures)
and its volume is measured to be 2.51 cm3, then its density, by mere
arithmetic division, is 1.68804780876 g/cm3 upto 11 decimal places.
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It would be clearly absurd and irrelevant to record the calculated value
of density to such a precision when the measurements on which the
Shankar R +91-9821248228
value is based, have much less precision.
The following rules for arithmetic operations with significant figures ensure that
the final result of a calculation is shown with the precision that is consistent
with the precision of the input measured values :
Rule 1
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.
For example
in the example above, density should be reported to three significant figures.

Another example
if the speed of light is given as 3.00 × 108 m s-1 (three significant figures) and
one year (1y = 365.25 d) has 3.1557 × 107 s (five significant figures), the light
year is 9.47 × 1015 m (three significant figures).
Rule 2
In addition or subtraction, the final result should retain as many decimal places
as are there in the number with the least decimal places.
For example,
Note:
Note that we should not use the rule (1) applicable for multiplication and
division and write 664 g as the result in the example of addition and 3.00 ×
10–3 m in the example of subtraction.
They do not convey the precision of measurement properly.
For addition and subtraction, the rule is in terms of decimal places.
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the sum of the numbers 436.32 g, 227.2 g and 0.301 g by mere arithmetic
Shankar R +91-9821248228
addition, is 663.821 g. But the least precise measurement (227.2 g) is correct
to only one decimal place.
The final result should, therefore, be rounded off to 663.8 g.
ROUNDING OFF THE UNCERTAIN DIGITS

The result of computation with approximate numbers, which contain more than
one uncertain digit, should be rounded off.
The rule by convention is that,
the preceding digit is raised by 1 if the insignificant digit to be dropped (the
underlined digit in this case) is more than 5, and is left unchanged if the latter
is less than 5.
what if the number is 2.745 in which the insignificant digit is 5.
if the preceding digit is even, the insignificant digit is simply dropped and, if it
is odd, the preceding digit is raised by 1
For example,
The number 2.745 rounded off to three significant figures becomes 2.74.

On the other hand, the number 2.735 rounded off to three significant figures
becomes 2.74 since the preceding digit is odd.
Important Note:
1. In any involved or complex multi-step calculation, you should retain, in
intermediate steps, one digit more than the significant digits and round off
to proper significant figures at the end of the calculation.
2. A number known to be within many significant figures, such
as in 2.99792458 × 108 m/s for the speed of light in
vacuum, is rounded off to an approximate value 3 × 108 m/s
, which is often employed in computations.
3. Remember that exact numbers that appear in formulae like
have a large (infinite) number of significant figures.
4. The value of π = 3.1415926.... is known to a large number of significant
figures. You may take the value as 3.142 or 3.14 for π, with limited
number of significant figures as required in specific cases.
Sample Problem Copyright © 2019

5.74 g of a substance occupies 1.2 cm3. Express its density by keeping the
Shankar R +91-9821248228
significant figures in view.
Answer
There are 3 significant figures in the measured mass whereas there are only 2
significant figures in the measured volume. Hence the density should be
expressed to only 2 significant figures.

Sample Problem
Each side of a cube is measured to be 7.203 m. What are the total surface
area and the volume of the cube to appropriate significant figures?
Answer
The number of significant figures in the measured length is 4. The calculated
area and the volume should therefore be rounded off to 4 significant figures.
Surface area of the cube

= 6(7.203)2 m2 
= 311.299254 m2
= 311.3 m2
Volume of the cube
= (7.203)3 m3
= 373.714754 m3 
= 373.7 m3
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RULES FOR DETERMINING THE UNCERTAINTY IN THE
RESULTS OF ARITHMETIC CALCULATIONS
Shankar R +91-9821248228
The rules for determining the uncertainty or error in the number/measured
quantity in arithmetic operations can be understood from the following
examples.
1st Example
If the length and breadth of a thin rectangular sheet are measured, using a
metre scale as 16.2 cm and, 10.1 cm respectively, there are three significant
figures in each measurement. It means that the length l may be written as
l=16.2±0.1 cm 
= 16.2 cm ± 0.6 %.
Similarly, the breadth b may be written as b=10.1 ±0.1cm
= 10.1 cm ± 1 %
Then, the error of the product of two (or more) experimental values, using the
combination of errors rule, will be
l b = 163.62 cm2 + 1.6% = 163.62 + 2.6 cm2
This leads us to quote the final result as l b = 164 + 3 cm2

Here 3 cm2 is the uncertainty or error in the estimation of area of rectangular

sheet.
2nd Example
If a set of experimental data is specified to n significant figures, a
result obtained by combining the data will also be valid to n significant
figures.
However, if data are subtracted, the number of significant figures can be
reduced.
12.9 g – 7.06 g, both specified to three significant figures, cannot properly be
evaluated as 5.84 g but only as 5.8 g, as uncertainties in subtraction or
addition combine in a different fashion (smallest number of decimal places
rather than the number of significant figures in any of the number added or
subtracted).
3rd Example
The relative error of a value of number specified to significant figures
depends not only on n but also on the number itself.
The accuracy in measurement of mass 1.02 g is ± 0.01 g whereas another
measurement 9.89 g is also accurate to ± 0.01 g.
The relative error in 1.02 g is
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= (± 0.01/1.02) × 100 %
= ± 1% 
Shankar R +91-9821248228
Similarly, the relative error in 9.89 g is
= (± 0.01/9.89) × 100 %
= ± 0.1 % 
Finally, remember that intermediate results in a multi-step computation
should be calculated to one more significant figure in every
measurement than the number of digits in the least precise
measurement. These should be justified by the data and then the arithmetic
operations may be carried out; otherwise rounding errors can build up. For
example, the reciprocal of 9.58, calculated (after rounding off) to the same
number of significant figures (three) is 0.104, but the reciprocal of 0.104
calculated to three significant figures is 9.62. However, if we had written
1/9.58 = 0.1044 and then taken the reciprocal to three significant figures, we
would have retrieved the original value of 9.58.

QUESTIONS OF ACCURACY, SIGNIFICANT FIGURES AND

ERRORS
1. Which of the following is the most precise device for measuring length : 
(a) a vernier callipers with 20 divisions on the sliding scale 
(b) a screw gauge of pitch 1 mm and 100 divisions on the circular scale 
(c) an optical instrument that can measure length to within a wavelength of
light ?
2. A student measures the thickness of a human hair by looking at it through
a microscope of magnification 100. He makes 20 observations and finds
that the average width of the hair in the field of view of the microscope is
3.5 mm. What is the estimate on the thickness of hair ?
3. Answer the following : 
(a)You are given a thread and a metre scale. How will you estimate the
diameter of  
the thread ? 
(b)A screw gauge has a pitch of 1.0 mm and 200 divisions on the circular
scale. Do you think it is possible to increase the accuracy of the screw
gauge arbitrarily by increasing the number of divisions on the circular
scale ?  
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(c) The mean diameter of a thin brass rod is to be measured by vernier
callipers. Why is a set of 100 measurements of the diameter expected to
yield a more reliable estimate than a set of 5 measurements only ?
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4. The photograph of a house occupies an area of 1.75 cm2 on a 35 mm slide.
The slide is projected on to a screen, and the area of the house on the
screen is 1.55 m2. What is the linear magnification of the projector-screen
arrangement.
5. State the number of significant figures in the following :
(a) 0.007 m2
(b) 2.64 × 1024 kg
(c) 0.2370 g cm–3
(d) 6.320 J 
(e) 6.032 N m–2 
(f) 0.0006032 m2
6. The length, breadth and thickness of a rectangular sheet of metal are 4.234
m, 1.005 m, and 2.01 cm respectively. Give the area and volume of the
sheet to correct significant figures.
7. The mass of a box measured by a grocer’s balance is 2.300 kg. Two gold
pieces of masses 20.15 g and 20.17 g are added to the box. What is (a) the

total mass of the box, (b) the difference in the masses of the pieces to
correct significant figures ?
8. Precise measurements of physical quantities are a need of science. For
example, to ascertain the speed of an aircraft, one must have an accurate
method to find its positions at closely separated instants of time. This was
the actual motivation behind the discovery of radar in World War II. Think
of different examples in modern science where precise measurements of
length, time, mass etc. are needed. Also, wherever you can, give a
quantitative idea of the precision needed.
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Shankar R +91-9821248228

2 - UNITS & DIMENSIONS 1
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
The nature of a physical quantity is described by its dimensions.
All the physical quantities represented by derived units can be expressed in
terms of some combination of seven fundamental or base quantities.
We shall call these base quantities as the seven dimensions of the physical
world which are denoted with square brackets [ ].
1. Length has the dimension [L],
2. mass [M],
3. time [T],
4. electric current [A],
5. thermodynamic temperature [K],
6. luminous intensity [cd],
7. and amount of substance [mol].
The dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers (or exponents) to which
the base quantities are raised to represent that quantity.
Note: using the square brackets [ ] round a quantity means that we are
dealing with ‘the dimensions of’ the quantity.
In mechanics, all the physical quantities can be written in terms of the
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dimensions [L], [M] and [T].
For example, Shankar R +91-9821248228

The volume occupied by an object is expressed as the product of length,
breadth and height, or three lengths. Hence the dimensions of volume are
[L] × [L] × [L] =" [L]3 = [L3 ].
As the volume is independent of mass and time, it is said to possess zero
dimension in mass [M°], zero dimension in time [T°] and three dimensions in
length.
Another Example
force, as the product of mass and acceleration, can be expressed as 
Force = mass × acceleration
= mass × (length)/(time)2
The dimensions of force are [M] [L]/[T]2 = [M L T–2]. Thus, the force has one
dimension in mass, one dimension in length, and –2 dimensions in time. The
dimensions in all other base quantities are zero.

Note:
1. In this type of representation, the magnitudes are not considered. It is the
quality of the type of the physical quantity that enters.
2. A change in velocity, initial velocity, average velocity, final velocity, and
speed are all equivalent in this context. Since all these quantities can be
expressed as length/time, their dimensions are [L]/[T] or [L T–1].
DIMENSIONAL FORMULAE AND

DIMENSIONAL EQUATIONS
DIMENSIONAL FORMULA
The expression which shows how and which of the base quantities
represent the dimensions of a physical quantity is called the dimensional
formula of the given physical quantity.
Dimensional Formula of
volume is [M° L3 T°]
speed or velocity is [M° L T-1]
acceleration is [M° L T–2]
mass density is [M L–3 T°]
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DIMENSIONAL EQUATION
An equation obtained by equating a physical quantity with its dimensional
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formula is called the dimensional equation of the physical quantity.
The dimensional equations are the equations, which represent the
dimensions of a physical quantity in terms of the base quantities.
The dimensional equations of volume[V], speed[v],force[F]and mass
density [ρ] may be expressed as
[V] = [M0 L3 T0]
[v] = [M0 L T–1]
[F] = [M L T–2]
[ρ] = [M L–3 T0]
The dimensional equation can be obtained from the equation

representing the relations between the physical quantities.

SOLVED EXAMPLES: DERIVATION OF

DIMENSIONAL FORMULA
1. Name the physical quantities whose dimensional formula are as
follows:
−2
! ML T
2
! ML2T −3
−2
! MT
! ML−1T −1
−1 −2
! ML T
Sol:
(i)
ML2T −2 = MLT −2 • L
"
= Force × dis tan ce = work
(ii)
ML2T −2 work
" ML2T −3 = = = power
T time
(iii)
" MT −2 = Copyright © 2019

MLT −2 Force
L
=
Length
= Surface tension or force cons tant
(iv)
Shankar
MLT
RForce
+91-9821248228
−2
" ML−1T −1 = = = Coefficient of vis cosity
L2T −1 Area × Velcoity gradient
(v)
MLT −2 Force
" ML−1T −2 = = = pressure or stress
L2 Area
2. Deduce the dimensional formula for the following physical

quantities:
Gravitational constant
Power
Coefficient of viscosity
Planck’s Constant
Young’s Modulus
Surface tension

Sol:
(i)
" According to newtons law of gravitation,
mm
F = G 12 2
r
[F][r 2 ] MLT −2 × L2
∴[G] = = = [M −1 L3T −2 ]
[m1 ][m2 ] M ×M
(ii)
work Force × Dis tan ce MLT −2 × L
Power = = = = [ML2T −3 ]
time time T
(iii)
Young' s modulus,
Longitudinal stress F / A F l MLT −2 × L
Y= = = . = = [ML−1T −2 ]
Longitudinal Strain Δl / l A Δl L ×L
2
(iv)
Coefficient of vis cosity
Force Force Dis tan ce
η= = ×
Area × Velocity gradient Area Velocity
" MLT −2 × L
[η ] = 2 = [ML−1T −1 ]
(v)
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L × LT
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Surface tension
force
σ=
Length
MLT −2
[σ ] = = [MT −2 ]
L
(iv)
Plank ' s cons tant
Energy
h=
Frequency
ML2T −2
[h] = −1
= [ML2T −1 ]
T

3. Taking Velocity, time and force as the fundamental quantities, find

the dimensions of mass.
Sol:
Force = mass × acceleration
velocity
Force = Mass ×
time
"
Force × time
Mass =
velocity
[Mass] = [FTV −1 ]
4. if density, acceleration due to gravity g and frequency v are the

basic quantities, find the dimensions of force.
Sol:
We have
ρ = ML−3 ,
g = LT −2
v = T −1
Solving M , L and T in terms of ρ, g and ν , we get
" M = ρ g 3ν −6
L = gν −2
T = v −1
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wkt,
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−2
+91-9821248228
[Force] = MLT = ρ g v × gv × v = [ ρ g v ]
3 −6 −2 2 4 −6
5. if the velocity of light c, acceleration due to gravity g and

atmospheric pressure p are fundamental quantities, find the
dimension of length.
Sol:
we have,
c = LT −1
g = LT −2
" ρ = ML−1T −2
from i,
L = cT

from ii
L
T2 =
g
L2 = c 2T 2
!L2
= c2 ×
L
g
⎡ c2 ⎤
[ ] ⎢g⎥
L =
⎣ ⎦
Alternate method
L2T −2 (LT −1 )2 ⎡ c 2 ⎤
[length] = L = = =⎢ ⎥
LT −2 LT −2 ⎣g⎦
6. The number of particles crossing a unit area perpendicular to X-

axis in unit time is given by
n −n
! n = −D 2 1
x2 − x1
Where n1 and n2 are number of particles per unit volume for the
values of x meant to be x1 and x2. Find the dimension of D
Sol:
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n −n
As n = −D 2 1
x2 − x1
D=
Shankar R +91-9821248228
n(x2 − x1 )
(n2 − n1 )
Now, n = number of particles per unit area per sec ond,
[n] = L−2T −1
" n2 − n1 = number of particles per unit volume.
[n2 − n1 ] = L−3
x2 − x1 = Position
[x2 − x1 ] = L
Hence
L−2T −1 × L
[D] = = [L2T −1 ]
L−3

Questions on Derivation of Dimensional

Formulae
1. Deduce dimensional formulae for
(i) angle
(ii) angular velocity
(iii)angular acceleration
(iv)torque
(v) angular momentum and
(vi) moment of inertia'
2. Obtain dimensions of
(i) impulse
(ii) Power
(iii) surface energy
(iv)coefficient of viscosity
(v) bulk modulus
(vi)force constant.
3. By the use of dimensions, show that energy per unit volume is equal to the
Pressure.
4.
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Show that angular momentum has the same physical units as the Planck's
constant h which is given by the relation E=hv.
5. If force (F), length (L) and time (T) are chosen as the fundamental
Shankar R +91-9821248228
quantities, then what would be the dimensional formula for density ?
6. Calculate the dimensions of force and impulse taking velocity, density and
frequency as basic quantities
7. Find the dimensions of linear momentum and surface tension in terms of
velocity o, dens tty p and frequency v as fundamental quantities.
8. In the expression" P = El 2 m −5G −2 , E, m, l and G denote energy, mass, angular
momentum and gravitational constant, respectively. Show that p is a
dimensionless quantity
9. Deduce the dimensional formulae of the following physical quantities:
1. Heat 2. Specific heat 3. Latent heat. 4. Universal Gas constant.
5. Blotzman Constant
6. Coefficient of thermal conductivity. 7. Mechanical Equivalent of heat.
10. Find the dimensional formulae of
Charge
Potential
Resistance. Capacitance

DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS AND ITS

APPLICATIONS
A thorough understanding of dimensional analysis helps us in deducing
certain relations among different physical quantities and checking the
derivation, accuracy and dimensional consistency or homogeneity of
various mathematical expressions.
Only those physical quantities can be added or subtracted which have the
same dimensions.
When magnitudes of two or more physical quantities are multiplied, their
units should be treated in the same manner as ordinary algebraic symbols.
We can cancel identical units in the numerator and denominator.
Physical quantities represented by symbols on both sides of a
mathematical equation must have the same dimensions.
Application of Dimensional Analysis

1. To Check the Dimensional Consistency of Equations.
2. To Deduce Relation among the Physical Quantities.
3. To convert a physical quantity from one system of units to another.
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I. Checking the Dimensional Consistency of Equations the
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principle R +91-9821248228
of homogeneity of dimensions.
Principle of homogeneity of dimensions.
The magnitudes of physical quantities may be added together or
subtracted from one another only if they have the same dimensions. this
is called the principle of homogeneity of dimensions.
Velocity cannot be added to force, or an electric current cannot be
subtracted from the thermodynamic temperature.
The principle of homogeneity of dimensions in an equation is
extremely useful in checking the correctness of an equation.
For example,
If we derive an expression for the length (or distance) of an object,
regardless of the symbols appearing in the original mathematical relation,
when all the individual dimensions are simplified, the remaining dimension
must be that of length.
If we derive an equation of speed, the dimensions on both the sides of
equation, when simplified, must be of length/ time, or [L T–1].

Note:
Dimensions are customarily used as a preliminary test of the consistency of
an equation, when there is some doubt about the correctness of the
equation.
The dimensional consistency does not guarantee correct equations. It is
uncertain to the extent of dimensionless quantities or functions.
1. The arguments of special functions, such as the trigonometric,
logarithmic and exponential functions must be dimensionless.
2. A pure number, ratio of similar physical quantities, such as angle as
the ratio (length/length), refractive index as the ratio (speed of light in
vacuum/speed of light in medium) etc., has no dimensions.
SOLVED EXAMPLES: CHECKING

DIMENSIONAL CONSISTENCY
1. The distance x travelled by a body in time t which starts from the
position x0 with initial velocity v0 and has uniform acceleration a, is
1
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given by! x = x0 + v0t + at 2 . Check the dimensional consistency of the
2
equation.
Sol: Shankar R +91-9821248228
The dimensions of the various terms are:
[x] = [L]
[x0 ] = [L]
" " [v0t] = [LT −1 ][T ] = [L]
1
[ at 2 ] = [LT −2 ][T 2 ] = [L]
2
Since the dimensions of all the terms are same hence the given equation is
dimensionally correct.
2. Check whether the following equation is dimensionally correct.
1 2
! mv = mgh
2
Sol:
1
[ mv 2 ] = [M ][LT −1 ]2 = [ML2T −2 ]
2
" [mgh] = [M ][LT −2 ][L] = [ML2T −2 ]
∴ Dimensions of LHS = Dimensions of RHS
Hence the given equation is dimensionally correct.

1 2 1 2
3. Check the correctness of the equation ! FS = mv − mu where F is the
2 2
force acting on a body of mass m and S is the distance moved by the
body when its velocity changes from u to v.
Sol:
[FS] = [MLT −2 ][L] = [ML2T −2 ]
1
" [ mv 2 ] = [M ][LT −2 ]2 = ML2T −2
2
1
[ mu 2 ] = [M ][LT −1 ]2 = ML2T −2
2
Since the dimensions of all the terms in the given equation are same, hence the
given equation is dimensionally correct.
4. Check the correctness of the relation ! τ = Iα , where ! τ is the torque acting

on a body, I is the moment of inertia and ! α is angular acceleration.
Sol:
τ = Iα
As torque, τ = Force × dis tan ce
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[τ ] = [MLT −2 ][L] = [ML2T −2 ]
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Moment of inertia, R +91-9821248228
I = Mass × dis tan ce2
Given"
[I ] = ML2
Angular Acceleration,
Angle
α=
(Time)2
1
[α ] = 2 = T −2
T
[Iα ] = ML2T −2
Dimensions of LHS = Dimensions of RHS

Hence the given equation is dimensionally correct.

5. Check the dimensional consistency of the following equations:

h
de-Brogile Equation, ! λ =
mv
2GM
Escape velocity, ! v =
R
Sol
h
Given ! λ =
mv
As wavelength is a measure of distance,
[λ ] = L
h Planck ' s cons tant [ML2T −1 ]
" Also, [ ]= = = [L]
mv Mass × Velocity [M ][LT −1 ]

Hence the equation is dimensionally correct
2GM
2. Given "
v=
R
[v] = [LT −1 ]
1
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−1 2 −2
⎡ 2GM ⎤ ⎡M L T × M ⎤
2 2 1
⎢⎣ R Shankar R⎥⎦ = [L+91-9821248228 −2 2 −1

" ⎥⎦ = ⎢ T ] = LT 2
⎣ L

Hence the equation is dimensionally correct
6. Check by the method of dimensions whether the following equations are
correct:
(i). ! E = mc 2
l
(ii) ! T = 2π
g
P
(iii)! v = , where v is velocity of sound , P is pressure, ρ is density of medium
ρ
(iv)
1 T
!v = Where v = frequency of vibration, T = tension on string, m = mass per unit length
2l m
Sol:

(i)
[LHS] = [E] = Energy = ML2T −2
"
[RHS] = [mc 2 ] = M[LT −1 ]2 = ML2T −2
Hence the relation is correct
(ii)
1
[l] ⎡ L ⎤ 2
[RHS] = = =T
" [g] ⎢⎣ LT −2 ⎥⎦
[LHS] = [T ] = T
(iii)
1
[P] ⎡ ML−1T −2 ⎤ 2
"
[RHS] = =⎢ ⎥ = LT −1
[ ρ ] ⎣ ML ⎦
−3
[LHS] = [v] = LT −1
(iv)
1
−2
1 [T ] 1 ⎡ MLT ⎤ 1 2
"
[RHS] = = ⎢ −1 ⎥
= × LT −1 = T −1
[l] [m] L ⎣ ML ⎦ L
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[LHS] = [v] = T −1
7. Shankar R +91-9821248228
By the method of dimension, test the accuracy of the equation ! δ =
mgl 3
4bd 3Y
where ! δ is the depression produced in the middle of bar of length l,
breadth b and depth d, when it is loaded in middle with mass m. Y is the
young modulus of material of the bar.
Sol:
[LHS] = [δ ] = depression = L
⎡ mgl 3 ⎤ mass × acceleration × length 3
[RHS] = ⎢ 3 ⎥
=
⎣ 4bd Y ⎦ 4 × breadth × depth × Young' s modulus
3
" [Young' s Modulus] = [ML−1T −2 ] = L

M × LT −2 × L3
⇒ =L
L × L3 × ML−1T −2

Find the dimensions of the equation ! F = a x + bt , Where F is the force, x

2
8.
is the distance.
Sol:
" [a x ] = [F]
[bt 2 ] = [F]
[F] MLT −2
" [b] = 2
= 2
= MLT −4
[t ] T
1
−2
⎡ a ⎤ ML2 T
1
−
⎢⎣ b ⎥⎦ = 1 = L 2 2
T
−2
ML2 T
b − x2
9. Find the dimension of a x b in the relation: ! P = , Where P is the
at
power, x is the distance and t is time.
Sol:
L2
[b] = [x 2 ] = L2 ∴P =
[at]
L2 L2
" [a] =
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= 2 −3
[P][t] [ML T ][T ]
= M −1T 2
Hence,
Shankar
[a × b] =M LT R +91-9821248228
−1 2 2
⎛ a⎞
10. The van der waal’s equation for a gas is ! ⎜ P +
⎝ ⎟ (V − b ) = RT .Determine
V2 ⎠
the dimensions of a and b. Hence write the SI units of a and b.
Sol:
Since dimensionally similar quantities can be added or subtracted, therefore.
⎡ a ⎤
[P] = ⎢ 2 ⎥
⎣V ⎦
−1 −2 5 −2
" [a] = ⎡⎣ PV ⎤⎦ = [ML T ][L ] = ML T
2 3 2
Also, [b] = [V ] = L3
The SI unit of a is kgm 5 s −2 and that of b is m 3

11. When white light travels through the glass, the refractive index of glass
B
is found to vary with wavelength as ! µ = A + . Using the principle of
λ2
homogeneity of dimensions find the SI units in which the constants A
and B must be expressed.
Sol.
Velocity light in air
µ=
Velocity of light in glass
= a dim ensionless number
Here "
⇒ [A] = [ µ ] = a dim ensionless number
⎡B⎤
As, ⎢ 2 ⎥ = [ µ ]
⎣λ ⎦
[B] = [ µ ][ λ 2 ] = 1.L2 = L2
hence A, being dimensionless, has no units and SI unit of B is m2
12. In the equation :! y = asin(ω t − kx), t and x stand for the and distance
respectively. Obtain the dimensional formula for ! ω and k.
Sol:
Copyright
An angle is dimensionless quantity
1 1
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[ω t] = 1 or [ω ] = = =T −1
" Shankar [t] T

1 1
R +91-9821248228
[kx] = 1 or [k] = = = L−1
[x] L
13. Rule out or accept the following formulae for kinetic energy on the basis
of arguments:
3
(i)! mv 2
16
1 2
(ii)! mv + ma
2
Sol:
1 2
K.E = mv
2
Dim of KE = [ML2T −2 ]
" (i) Dim of 3 mv 2 = [ML2T −2 ]
16
This formula is dim ensionally acceptable for KE
⎡1 ⎤
(ii) ⎢ mv 2 ⎥ + [ma] = [ML2T −2 ] + [MLT −2 ]
⎣2 ⎦
This formula cannot be dim ensionally accepted as it is dim ensionally in hom ogenous.

Questions on Checking dimensional

consistency
1. Test he dimensional consistency of the following equations:
v = u + at
1
" s = ut + at 2
2
v − u = 2as
2 2
2. The viscous force ‘F’ acting on a small sphere of radius ‘r’ moving with
velocity v through a liquid is given by " F = 6πηrv . Calculate the dimensions
of " η , the coefficient of viscosity.
3. The distance covered by a particle in tike t is given by " x = a + bt + ct 2 + dt 3 ;
find the dimensions of a, b, c and d.
4. The critical velocity of the flow of a liquid through a pipe of radius r is
Kη
given by " vc = , where " ρ is the density and " η is the coefficient of viscosity
rρ
of the liquid. Check if the relation is dimensionally correct.
5. The rate of flow (V) of a liquid flowing through a pipe of radius r and a
π Pr 4
pressure gradient (p/l) is give by Poiseuille’s equation: " V = . Check the
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dimensional consistency of this equation.
6. Shankar R +91-9821248228
Test if the following equation is dimensionally correct.
2S cosθ
"h = where, h = height, S = surface tension, " ρ =density, r = radius,
rρg
and g = acceleration due to gravity.
π p(a 2 − x 2 )
7. Find the dimensions of the quantity v in the equation " v = , where
2ηl
a is the radius and l is the length of the tube in which the fluid of
coefficient of viscosity " η is flowing, x is the distance from the axis of the
tube and p is the pressure difference.
ml 3
8. Find the dimensions of the quantity q from the expression : " T = 2π ,
3Yq
where T is the time period of a bar of length l, mass m and young’s

modulus Y.

9. An artificial satellite of mass m is revolving in a circular orbit around a

planet of M and radius R, if the radius of the orbit of the satellite be r,
justify by the method of dimensions that the time period of the satellite is
2π r3
given by " T =
R g
b2 − x 2
10. Find the dimensions of (axb) in the equation " E = where E is energy, x
at
is distance and t is time.
a − t2
11. Find the dimensions of (a/b) in the equation: " P = where P is the
bx
pressure, x is the distance and t is the time.
12. Time period of an oscillating drop of radius r, density " ρ and surface tension
ρr 3
S is : " T = K . Check the correctness of the relation.
S
13. Out of formula
2π t
y = asin
" T
y = asin vt
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for displacement y of particle undergoing a certain periodic motion, rule
out the wrong formula on dimensional grounds. (Where a = maximum
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displacement of the particle, v = speed of the particle, T = time period of
motion)

II. Deducing Relation among the Physical Quantities
The method of dimensions can sometimes be used to deduce relation among

the physical quantities.
For this we should know the dependence of the physical quantity on other
quantities (upto three physical quantities or linearly independent variables)
and consider it as a product type of the dependence.
SOLVED EXAMPLES: Deriving relationship

between physical quantities
1. Consider a simple pendulum, having a bob attached to a string,
that oscillates under the action of the force of gravity. Suppose
that the period of oscillation of the simple pendulum depends on
(i) mass m of the bob
(ii) Length l of the pendulum
(iii) Acceleration due to gravity g at the place.
Derive the expression for its time period using method of
dimensions.
Sol:
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Let us assume that
Tαml g
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a b c
T = km l g
a b c
Where, k is a dim ensionless cons tant

The dim ensions of var ious quantities are
[T ] = T ,
[m] = M
[g] = LT −2
" Substituting these dim ensions in eqn (i), we get
T = [M ]a [L]b [LT −2 ]c
M 0 L0T 1 = M a Lb+cT −2c
Equating the exp onents of M , L and T on both sides, we get
a = 0, b + c = 0, − 2c = 1
1 1
on solving, a = 0, b = , c = −
2 2
1 1
− l l
∴T = Km 0l 2 g 2 = k From exp eriment, k = 2π ∴T = 2π
g g

2. The velocity ‘v’ of water waves depends on the wavelength, ‘! λ ’

density of water ‘! ρ ’ and the acceleration due to gravity ‘g’. Deduce
by the method of dimensions the relationship between these
quantities.
Sol:
Let
v = K λ a ρ b gc
Where K = a dim ensional cons tant
Dimensions of the var ious quantities are
[v] = LT −1 ,
[λ ] = L
[ ρ ] = ML−3
[g] = LT −2
" Substituting these dim ensions in equation (i), we get
[LT −1 ] = [L]a [ML−3 ]b [LT −2 ]c
M 0 L1T −1 = M b La−3b+cT −2c
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equatin the powers of M , L and T on both sides,
b = 0, a − 3b + c = 1, − 2c = −1
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1
on solving, a = , b = 0, c =
2
1
2
1 1
∴ v = Kλ 2 ρ0g 2 = K λg
3. Assuming that the mass M of the largest stone that can be moved
by a flowing river depends upon velocity ‘v’ the velocity, ‘! ρ ’ the
density of water and on ‘g’, the acceleration due to gravity. Show
that M varies with the sixth power of the velocity of flow.
Sol:
M = Kv a ρ b g c
where K = a dim ensional cons tant
Dimensions of the var ious quantities are
"
[M ] = M
[v] = LT −1
[ ρ ] = ML−3
[g] = LT −2

Substituting these dim ensions in equation(i), we get

[M ] = [LT −1 ]a [ML−3 ]b [LT −2 ]c
M 1 L0T 0 = M b La−3b+cT − a−2c
" Equating the powers of M , L and T , we get
b = 1, a − 3b + c = 0, − a − 2c = 0
on solving, a = 6, b = 1, c = −3
M = Kv 6 ρ 1g −3 , Hence M α v6
4. The velocity of sound waves ‘v’ through a medium may be a

assumed to depend on:
(i) the density of the medium ‘d’ and
(ii) the modulus of elasticity ‘E’
Deduce by the method of dimensions the formula for the velocity
of sound. Take dimensional constant K=1.
Sol:
Let the velocity of sound wave be given by
v = Kd a E b
where, K = a dim ensional quantity
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Dimensions of var ious quantities are
−1
[v] = LT
[d] = Shankar
ML −3
R +91-9821248228
Stress force MLT −2
[E] = = = 2 = ML−1T −2
Strain area × strain L ×1
! Substituting these dim ensions in equation
[LT −1 ] = [ML−3 ]a [ML−1T −2 ]b
M 0 L1T −1 = M a+b L−3a−bT −2b
Equating dim ensions of M , L and T , we get
a + b = 0, − 3a − b = 1, − 2b = −1
On solving,
1 1
a=− , b=
2 2
1 1
− E
∴v = Kd 2 E 2 or v = ∵K = 1
d

5. The frequency V of vibration of a stretched string depends upon :

(i) its length l, (ii) its mass per unit length'm' and
(iii) the tension T in the string.
Obtain dimensionally an expression for frequency v.
Sol:
Let the frequency of vibration of the string be given by
v = K l a m bT c
where K = a dimensionless constant.
Dimensions of the various quantities are
[v] = T −1 , [l] = L, [T ] = force = MLT −2
mass M
[m] = = = ML−1
length L
substituting these dim ensions in equation (i), we get
[T −1 ] = [L]a [ML−1 ]b [MLT −2 ]c
M 0 L0T −1 = M b+c La+b+cT −2c
" Equating dim ensions.
b+c= 0 a − b + c = 0, − 2c = −1
on solving
1 1
a = −1, b = − , c =
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−1
2
−
1 1
2
∴v = Kl m T 2 2
KShankar
T R +91-9821248228
v=
l m
6. A planet moves around the sun in nearly circular orbit. Its period
of revolution T depends upon :
(i) radius ‘r’ of orbit (ii) mass 'M' of the sun and (iii) the
gravitational constant G.
Show dimensionally that T2 is proportional to r3.
Taking the proportionality constant as 2! π ,
write the expression for T.
Sol:
Let T = K ra Mb Gc
where K = a dimensionless constant.
Dimensions of the various quantities are 
[T] = T, [r] = L, [M]= M

Fr 2 MLT −2 × L2
[G] = = = M −1 L3T −2
m1m2 M ×M
Substituting these dim ensions in equations (i), we get
[T ] = [L]a [M ]b [M −1 L3T −2c ]c
M 0 L0T 1 = M b−c La+3cT −2c
equating dim esions,
" b − c = 0, a + 3c = 0, − 2c = 1
on solving,
3 1 1
a= , b=− , c=−
2 2 2
3 1 1
− −
∴ T = Kr M G 2 2 2
K 2r 3
T2 = ⇒ T 2α r 3
MG
r3
As K = 2π
GM
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Shankar R +91-9821248228

QUESTIONS ON DERIVING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN

PHYSICAL QUANTITIES
1. Reynold number NR (a dimensionless quantity) determines the condition of
laminar flow of a viscous liquid through a pipe. NR is a function of the
density of the liquid '" ρ ', its average speed 'v' and coefficient of viscosity
' η '. Given that NR is also directly proportional to 'D' (the diameter of the
ρ vD
pipe), show from dimensional considerations.that " N Rα
η
2. Derive by the method of dimensions, an expression for the volume of a
liquid flowing out per second through a narrow pipe. Assume that the rate
of flow of liquid depends on
(i) the coefficient of viscosity " η of the liquid (ii) the radius ‘r’ of the pipe
and (iii) the pressure gradient (p/l) along the pipe
3. The period of vibration of a tuning fork depends on the length I of its
prong, density d and Young's modulus Y of its material. Deduce an
expression for the period of vibration on the basis of dimensions.
4. The escape velocity v of a body depends upon (i) the acceleration due to
gravity of the planet and (ii) the radius of the planet R. Establish
5.
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dimensionally the relationship between v, g and R.
A large fluid star oscillates in shape under the influence of its own
Shankar R +91-9821248228
gravitational field. Using dimensional analysis, find the expression for
period of oscillation (T) in terms of radius of star (R), mean density of fluid
(p) anduniversal gravitational constant G.
6. The wavelength" λ associated with a moving electron depends on its mass
h
m, its velocity v and Planck’s constant h. Prove dimensionally that " λ α
mv
7. Obtain an expression for the centripetal force F acting on a particle of
mass m moving with velocity v in a circle of radius r. Take dimensionless
constant K = 1
8. The orbital velocity v of a satellite may depend on its mass m, the distance
r from the centre of the earth and acceleration due to gravity g. Obtain an
expression for its orbital velocity.
9. A small spherical ball of radius r falls with velocity v through a liquid
having coefficient of viscosity " η . Find the viscous drag F on the ball
assuming it depends on " η , r and v. Take K = 6" π

10. The velocity of a freely falling body is a function of the distance fallen
through (h) and acceleration due to gravity g. Show by the method of
dimensions that " v = K gh
11. Using the method of dimensions, derive an expression for the energy of a
body executing SHM ; assuming this energy depends upon its mass m,
frequency v and amplitude of vibration r.
12. A body of mass m hung at one end of the spring executes SHM. Prove that
2π m
the relation " T = is incorrect, where k is the force constant of the
k
spring. Also derive the correct relation.
13. Assuming that the critical velocity " vc of a viscous liquid flowing through a
capillary tube depends only upon the radius r of the tube, density " ρ and
the coefficient of viscosity q of the liquid, find the expression for critical
velocity.
14. By the method of dimensions, obtain an expression for the surface tension
S of a liquid rising in a capillary tube. Assume that the surface tension
depends upon (i) mass m of the liquid (ii) pressure p of the liquid and (iii)
radius r of the capillary tube. Take K= 1/2
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15. The depth x to which a bullet penetrates a human body depends upon (i)
coefficient of elasticity " η and (ii) kinetic energy " Ek . By the method of
Shankar Rx α ⎡+91-9821248228
E ⎤
dimensions, show that "
1
3
⎢η ⎥ .
k
⎣ ⎦
16. A U-tube of uniform cross-section contains mercury upto a height h in
either limb. The mercury in one limb is depressed a little and then
released. Obtain an expression for the time period of oscillation assuming
that T depends on h, p and g.
17. The critical angular velocity " ω c of a cylinder inside another cylinder
containing a liquid at which its turbulence occurs depends on viscosity " η ,
density " ρ and the distance d between the walls of the cylinder. Find an
expression for " ω c
18. A body of mass m is moving in a circle of radius r with angular velocity " ω .
Find expression for centripetal force acting on it by the method of
dimensions.
19. Consider a simple pendulum. The period of oscillation of the simple
pendulum depends on its length T and acceleration due to gravity 'g'.
Derive the expression for its period of oscillation by the method of dimensions.

III. Conversion of one system of unit of units to another.

To convert a physical quantity from one system of units to another. It is
based on the fact that magnitude of physical quantity remains the same
whatever may be the system of units.
Methodology:
Let u1 and u2 are the units of measurement of a physical quantity Q and
n1 and n2 are the corresponding numerical values, then
Q=n1u1=n2u2
Let M1, L1 and T1 be the sizes of fundamental units of mass, length and
time in one system and M2, L2, T2 be corresponding units in another
system.
Let the dimensional formula of quantity Q be MaLbTc, then
u1 = M 1a Lb1T1c
u2 = M 2a Lb2T2c
∴ n1[M 1a Lb1T1c ] = n2 [M 2a Lb2T2c ]
" or
a b c
⎡ M ⎤ ⎡ L ⎤ ⎡T ⎤
n2 = n1 ⎢ 1 ⎥ ⎢ 1 ⎥ ⎢ 1 ⎥
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⎣ M 2 ⎦ ⎣ L2 ⎦ ⎣ T2 ⎦
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This equation can be used to find the numerical value in the second
system or new system if units.
Solved Examples: UNIT CONVERSION

1. The value of G in CGS system is 6.67 x 10-8 dyne cm2 g-2.
Calculate the value in SI units.
Sol:
m1m2
F=G
r2
Fr 2
∴G =
m1m2
MLT −2 × L2
"∴[G] = = M −1 L3T −2
M ×M
∴a = −1, b = 3, c = −2

CGS UNITS SI UNITS
n1=6.67x10-8 n2=
M1=1g M2=1kg=1000g
L1=1cm L2=1m=100cm
T1=1s T2=1s
a b c
⎡ M ⎤ ⎡ L ⎤ ⎡T ⎤
∴n2 = n1 ⎢ 1 ⎥ ⎢ 1 ⎥ ⎢ 1 ⎥
" ⎣ M 2 ⎦ ⎣ L2 ⎦ ⎣ T2 ⎦
−1 3 −2
−8 ⎡ 1 ⎤ ⎡ 1 ⎤ ⎡ 1 ⎤
⇒ n2 = 6.67 × 10 ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥ ⎢ ⎥ = 6.67 × 10 −11
⎣ 1000 ⎦ ⎣ 100 ⎦ ⎣ ⎦ 1
Hence in SI units,
"
G = 6.67 × 10 −11 Nm 2 kg −2
2. Find the value of 60 J per min on a system that has 100g, 100cm
and 1 min as the base units.
Sol:
Joule joule
P = 60 = 60 = 1watt
min Copyright © 2019
60s
Which is the SI unit of power.
"
Now
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Energy
[ power] = = ML2T −3
time
∴a = 1, b = 2, c = −3
CGS UNITS SI UNITS
n1=1 n2= ?
M1=1kg=1000g M2=100g
L1=1m=100cm L2=100cm
T1=1s T2=1min=60s

a b c
⎡ M ⎤ ⎡ L ⎤ ⎡T ⎤
n2 = n1 ⎢ 1 ⎥ ⎢ 1 ⎥ ⎢ 1 ⎥
⎣ M 2 ⎦ ⎣ L2 ⎦ ⎣ T2 ⎦
1 2 −3
" n2 = 1 ⎡
1000 ⎤ ⎡ 100 ⎤ ⎡ 1 ⎤
⎢⎣ 100 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 100 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 60 ⎥⎦
n2 = 2.16 × 10 6
∴60J min −1 = 2.16 × 10 6 new units of power
3. In CGS system, the value of stefan’s constant is σ =5.67x10-5 erg

s-1 cm-2 k-4. Find its value in SI units. Given 1 J=107 erg
Sol:
In CGS system, σ = 5.67 × 10 −5 erg s −1cm −2 K −4 .
The SI unit of work is joule. we have 1 erg = 10 −7 J and 1 cm = 10 −2 m
∴The value of stefans cons tant in SI units is
"
σ = 5.67 × 10 −5 × 10 −7 J s −1 × [10 −2 m]−2 × K −4
σ = 5.67 × 10 −5 × 10 −7 × 10 4 Js −1m −2 K −4 .
σ = 5.67 × 10 −8 Js −1m −2 K −4 .
4. If the units of force is 1kN, unit of length 1 km and units of time is

100s, what will be the unit of mass?
Sol: Copyright © 2019
−2
MLT × T 2 2
M = Shankar R +91-9821248228
FT
=
L L
1000N × 10 4 s 2 4 Ns
2
"M = = 10
1000m m
−2 −2
kgms × s
M = 10 4 = 10 4 kg
m

QUESTIONS ON UNIT CONVERSION

1. Convert one dyne into newton.
2. If the value of universal gravitation constant in SI is 6.6 x 10-11 Nm2kg-2,
then find its value in CGS system.
3. The density of mercury is 13.6 gcm-3 in CGS.Find its value in SI units.
4. The surface tension of water is 72 dyne cm-1. Express it in SI units.
5. An electric bulb has a power of 500W. Express it in CGS units.
6. If the value of atmospheric pressure is 106 dyne cm-2, find its value in SI
units.
7. In SI units, the value of Stefan’s constant is σ =5.67x10-8 Js-1m-2K-4. Find
its value in CGS system.
8. Find the value of 100 J on a system which has 20cm, 250g and half minute
as fundamental units of length, mass and time.
9. If the units of force, energy and velocity are 20N, 200J and 5ms-1, find the
units of length, mass and time.
10. When 1m, 1kg and 1 min are taken as the fundamental units, the
magnitude of the force is 36 units. What will be the value of this force in
CGS system.?
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PHYSICS:Chapter Two: Units & Dimensions

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PHYSICS:Chapter Two: Units & Dimensions

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When the metric

The key feature of the notes are listed below.

I believe that the best way of learning how to solve physics

- W G Rees, Cambridge University

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In SI, there are

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A vernier callipers is used for lengths to an accuracy of 10–4 m.

Measurement of Large Distances

This is called parallax.

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As the planet is very far away, b/D<<1and

Then we approximately take AB as an arc of

To determine the size or angular diameter of planet

Having determined D, we can employ a similar

If d is the diameter of the planet and α the

α - the angle subtended by d at the earth

Lets see few examples to understand it better.

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Copyright © 2019 by Shankar R - +91-9821248228

Answer We have θ =1°54′ =114′

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Estimation of Very Small Distances: Size of a Molecule

The resolution of such an electron microscope is limited finally by the fact

The wavelength of an electron can be as small as a fraction of an angstrom.

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Copyright © 2019 by Shankar R - +91-9821248228

Copyright © 2019 by Shankar R - +91-9821248228

Copyright © 2019 by Shankar R - +91-9821248228

Copyright © 2019 by Shankar R - +91-9821248228

Copyright © 2019 by Shankar R - +91-9821248228

QUESTIONS ON UNITS AND MEASUREMENT

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get an upper bound on the quantity) :

10.The principle of ‘parallax’ is used in the determination of distances of very

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ACCURACY, PRECISION OF INSTRUMENTS AND ERRORS

The accuracy of a measurement is Precision tells us to what

The accuracy in measurement may depend on several factors, including the

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Systematic errors can be minimised by improving experimental

II. Random errors.

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These can arise due to random and unpredictable fluctuations in experimental

III.Least count error

NOTE:Repeating the observations several times and taking the arithmetic

Absolute Error, Relative Error and Percentage Error

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To find arithmetic mean

This is because, it is reasonable to suppose that individual measurements are

mean absolute error

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Relative error = Δamean/amean

Percentage error (δa)

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2.56s – 2.62s = – 0.06s

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ERROR OF A SUM OR A DIFFERENCE

Suppose two physical quantities A and B have measured values A ± ΔA, B ± ΔB

ERROR OF A PRODUCT OR A QUOTIENT

Suppose Z = AB and the measured values of A and B are A ± ΔA and B ± ΔB.

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Answer We have θ =1°54′ =114′ 

get an upper bound on the quantity) :  

  1 1 1 ΔR˙ ΔR1 ΔR2

Thus, the percentage error in g is 