Units and Dimensions: Physical Quantities
Units and Dimensions: Physical Quantities
Units and Dimensions: Physical Quantities
PHYSICAL QUANTITIES
All quantities that can be measured are called physical quantities. eg. time, length, mass, force, work
done, etc. In physics we study about physical quantities and their inter relationships.
MEASUREMENT
Measurement is the comparison of a quantity with a standard of the same physical quantity.
UNITS
All physical quantities are measured w.r.t. standard magnitude of the same physical quantity and these
standards are called UNITS. eg. second, meter, kilogram, etc.
Mass kg (kilogram) g M
Length m (meter) cm L
Time s (second) s T
Temperature K (kelvin) °C
Current A (ampere) A I or A
Luminous intensity cd (candela) — cd
Amount of substance mol — mol
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
2 ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION
DIMENSION
The power (exponent) of base quantity that enters into the expression of a physical quantity, is called the
dimension of the quantity in that base.
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION 3
DIMENSIONAL EQUATION
Whenever the dimension of a physical quantity is equated with its dimensional formula, we get a dimen-
sional equation.
PRINCIPLE OF HOMOGENEITY
According to this principle, we can multiplyphysical quantities with same or different dimensional formu-
lae at our convenience, however no such rule applies to addition and substraction, where only like
physical quantites can only be added or substracted. e.g. If P + Q P & Q both represent same
physical quantity.
Illustration :
1
Calculate the dimensional formula of energy from the equation E = mv2.
2
Sol. Dimensionally, E = mass × (velocity)2.
1
Since is a number and has no dimension.
2
2
L
or, [E] = M × = ML2T–2.
T
Illustration :
Kinetic energy of a particle moving along elliptical trajectory is given by K = s2 where s is the
distance travelled by the particle. Determine dimensions of .
Sol. K = s2
(M L2 T 2 )
[] =
(L2 )
[] = M1 L0 T–2
[] = (M T –2)
Illustration :
v0
The position of a particle at time t, is given by the equation, x(t) = (1 – e–t), where v0 is a
constant and > 0. The dimensions of v0 & are respectively.
(A) M0 L1 T0 & T–1 (B) M0 L1 T–1 & T
(C*) M L T & T
0 1 –1 –1
(D) M1 L1 T–1 & LT–2
Sol. [V0] = [x] [] & [] [t]= M0L0T0
=MLT0 1 –1 [] = M0L0T–1
Illustration :
The distance covered by a particle in time t is going by x = a + bt + ct2 + dt3 ; find the dimensions
of a, b, c and d.
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
4 ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION
Sol. The equation contains five terms. All of them should have the same dimensions. Since [x] =
length, each of the remaining four must have the dimension of length.
Thus, [a] = length = L
[bt] = L, or [b] = LT–1
2
[ct ] = L, or [c] = LT–2
Illustration
Young's modulus of steel is 19 × 1010 N/m2. Express it in dyne/cm2. Here dyne isthe CGS unit of
force.
Sol. The unit of Young's modulus is N/m2.
Force
This suggest that it has dimensions of .
(dis tan ce) 2
[F] MLT 2
Thus, [Y] = 2 = 2 = ML–1T–2.
L L
N/m2 is in SI units,
So, 1 N/m2 = (1 kg)(1m)–1 (1s)–2
and 1 dyne/cm2 = (1g)(1cm)–1 (1s)–2
1 N / m2 1 kg 1 m 1 1s –2 1
so,
2 =
= 1000 × × 1 = 10
1dyne / cm 1g 1cm 1s 100
Illustration :
The dimensional formula for viscosity of fluids is,
=M1L–1T–1
Find how many poise (CGS unit of viscosity) is equal to 1 poiseuille (SI unit of viscosity).
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION 5
1 2 2
1 kg 1 m 1 s
= 4 .2 m s 4.2 1 2 2
kg
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
6 ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION
Here dimensions of every term in the given physical relation are the same, hence the given physi-
cal relation is dimensionally correct.
Illustration :
Let us check the dimensional correctness of the relation
1
x = ut + at2
2
Here ‘u’ represents the initial velocity, ‘a’ the uniform acceleration, 'x' the displacement and ‘t’
the time.
Sol. [x] = L
length
[ut] = velocity × time = × time = L
time
1 2
2 at = [at ] = accelecration × (time)
2 2
1
is a number hence dimentionless)
2
velocity length/tim e
= ×(time)2 = × (time)2 = L
time time
Thus, the equation is correct as far as the dimensions are concerned.
Illustration :
Let us find an expression for the time period t of a simple pendulum. The time period t may
depend upon (i) mass m of the bob of the pendulum, (ii) length of pendulum, (iii) acceleration
due to gravity g at the place where the pendulum is suspended.
Sol. Let (i) t m a (ii) t b (iii) t g c
Combining all the three factors, we get
t m a bg c or t Km a b g c
where K is a dimensionless constant of proportionality.
Writing down the dimensions on either side of equation (i), we get
[T] = [Ma][Lb][LT–2] c = [MaLb+cT–2c]
Comparing dimensions, a = 0, b + c = 0 , – 2c = 1
a = 0, c = – 1/2, b = 1/2
1/ 2
From equation (i) t = Km g 0 1/2 –1/2
or t K K
g g
Illustration :
When a solid sphere moves through a liquid, the liquid opposes the motion with a force F. The
magnitude of F depends on the coefficient of viscosity of the liquid, the radius r of the sphere
and the speed v of the sphere. Assuming that F is proportional to different powers of these quantities,
guess a formula for F using the method of dimensions.
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION 7
Sol. Suppose the formula is F = k a rb vc
c
L
Then, MLT–2 = [ML–1 T–1] a Lb
T
= Ma L–a + b + c T–a – c
Equating the exponents of M, L and T from both sides,
a=1
–a + b + c = 1
–a – c = –2
Solving these, a = 1, b = 1 and c = 1
Thus, the formula for F is F = krv.
Illustration :
If P is the pressure of a gas and is its density, then find the dimension of velocity in terms of P
and .
(A) P1/2–1/2 (B) P1/21/2 (C) P–1/21/2 (D) P–1/2–1/2
[Sol. v P a b
v = kPa b
[LT–1] = [ML–1T–2] a [ML–3] b (Comparing dimensions)
1 1
a= , b=– [V] = [P1/2–1/2]
2 2
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
8 ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION
12 tera T
9 giga G
6 mega M
3 kilo k
2 hecto h
1 deka da
–1 deci d
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION 9
–2 centi c
–3 milli m
–6 micro µ
–9 nano n
–12 pico p
–15 femto f
x is an integer
Theta
α Alpha
Psi
Beta
Roh
Gamma
Nu
Delta
Eta
Delta
Sigma
Mu
Tau
Lambda
Kappa
, Omega
chi
Pi
Approximately
, Phi equal to
epsilon
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
10 ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION
Solved Examples
Q.1 Find the dimensional formulae of follwoing quantities :
(a) The surface tension S,
(b) The thermal conductivity k and
(c) The coefficient of vescosity .
Some equation involving these quntities are
grh A ( 2 – 1 )t v2 – v1
S= Q= k and F = – A x – x ;
2 d 2 1
where the symbols have their usual meanings. ( - density, g - acceleration due to gravity, r - radius, h -
height, A- area, 1& 2 - temperatures, t - time, d - thickness, v1 & v2 - velocities, x1 & x2 - positions.)
grh
Sol. (a) S =
2
M L 2
or [S] = [] [g]L2 = · ·L = MT–2.
L2 T 2
A( 2 – 1 )t
(b) Q = k
d
Qd
or k = A( – )t .
2 1
Here, Q is the heat energy having dimension ML2T–2, 2– 1 is temperature,Ais area, d is thickness and
t is time. Thus,
ML2T –2
[k] = 2 T–3 K–1 .
= MLT
L KT
v2 – v1
(d) F = –h A x – x
2 1
L/T L2
or MLT–2 = []L2 = []
L T
or, [] = ML–1T–1.
Q.2 Suppose A = BnCm, whereAhas dimensions LT, B has dimensions L2T–1, and C has dimensions LT2.
Then the exponents n and m have the values:
(A) 2/3; 1/3 (B) 2; 3 (C) 4/5; -1/5 (D*) 1/5; 3/5
(E) 1/2; 1/2
Sol. LT = [L2T–1]n [LT2]m
LT = L2n+mT2m–n
2n + m = 1 ....(i)
–n + 2m = 1 ....(ii)
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
38 ACC- PH-VECTOR
Solved Example
Q.1 Given that A B C 0 , but of three two are equal in magnitude and the magnitude of third vector is
2 times that of either of the vectors two having equal magnitude. Then the angles between vectors are
given by -
(A) 30°, 60°, 90° (B) 45°, 45°, 90° (C) 45°, 60°, 90° (D) 90°, 135°, 135°
Sol. (D) From polygon law, there vectors having summation zero, should from a closed polygon (triangle).
Since the two vectors are having same magnitude and the third vector is 2 times that of either of two
having equal magnitude. i.e. the triangle should be right angled triangle.
C
B
A
5
0 x
Q.3 A car travels 6 km towards north at an angle of 45° to the east then travels distnace of 4 km towards
north at an angle of 135° to the east. How far is its final position due east and due north? How far is the
point from the strating point ? What angle does the straight line joining its initial and final position makes
with the east ? What is the total distnace travelled by the car ?
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
ACC- PH-VECTOR 39
1
= 2× = 2 km
2
N
4 sin 45°( j ) + (6 sin 45°) j
4 km 6 km
45°
W E (X)
4 cos 45°(– i ) 6 cos 45° i
(Y)
S
Bv
v A (x) E
W v
C
(y)
(S)
Sol. Change in velocityin half revolution
v = vC – vA
= v (– j ) – v ( j )
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
62 ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
64 ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION
Q.1 Taking force, length and time to be the fundamental quantities find the dimensions of
(I) Density (II) Pressure (III) Momentum and (IV) Energy
[1010112351]
Q.2 The frequency of vibration of a string depends on the length L between the nodes, the tension F in
the string and its mass per unit length m. Guess the expression for its frequency from dimensional
analysis.
[1010111605]
Q.3 The intensity of X-rays decreases exponentially according to the law I I0 e x , where I0 is the initial
intensity of X-rays and I is the intensity after it penetrates a distance x through lead. If be the absorption
coefficient, then find the dimensional formula for .
[1010110571]
Q.4 Find the dimensions of Planck's constant h from the equation E = h where E is the energy and is the
frequency.
[1010110859]
Q.5 If the velocity of light (c), gravitational constant (G) and the Planck’s constant (h) are selected as the
fundamental units, find the dimensional formulae for mass, length and time in this new system of units.
[1010110105]
Q.6 The distance moved by a particle in time from centre of ring under the influence of its gravityis given by
x = asint where a and are constants. If is found to depend on the radius of the ring (r), its mass (m)
and universal gravitation constant (G), find using dimensional analysis an expression for in terms of r, m
and G.
[1010111222]
Q.7 Find the dimensions of
(a) the specific heat capacity c,
(b) the coefficient of linear expansion and
(c) the gas constant R.
Some of the equations involving these quantities are Q = mc (T2 –T1) lt = l0 [1 + (T2 – T1)] and
PV = nRT.(Where Q = heat enegry, m= mass , T1 & T2 = temperatures, lt = length at temperature t ºC,
l0 = length at temperature 0 ºC, P = pressure, v = volume, n = mole )
[1010111672]
Q.9 A particle is in a uni-directional potential field where the potential energy(U) of a particle depends on the
x-coordinate given by Ux = k(1 – cosax) and k and a are constants. Find the physical dimensions of a
and k.
[1010113021]
Q.10 Consider a planet of mass (m), revolving round the sun. The time period (T) of revolution of the planet
depends upon the radius of the orbit (r), mass of the sun (M) and the gravitational constant (G). Using
dimensional analysis, verify Kepler’s third law of planetary motion.
[1010112624]
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
66 ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION
EXERCISE-3
SECTION-A
(IIT JEE Previous Year's Questions)
PASSAGE (1 to 5)
The van-der Waals equation is
a
P 2 (V b) RT,
V
where P is pressure, V is molar volume and T is the temperature of the given sample of gas. R is called
molar gas constant, a and b are called van-der Wall constants.
[1010110877]
Q.1 The dimensional formula for b is same as that for
(A) P (B) V (C) PV2 (D) RT
Q.3 Which of the following does not possess the same dimensional formula as that for RT
(A) PV (B) Pb (C) a/V2 (D) ab/V2
Q.6 Match the physical quantities in columnAwith their dimensional formulae expressed in column B.
[1010110434]
ColumnA Column B
(1)Angular Momentum (a) ML2T-2
(2) Latent Heat (b) ML2T-2A-2
(3) Torque (c) ML2T-1
(4) Capacitance (d) ML3T-3A-2
(5) Inductance (e) M-1L-2T4A2
(6) Resistivity (f) ML2T-2A-1
(7) Magnetic Flux (g) ML-1T-2
(8) Magnetic Energy Density (h) L2T-2
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
68 ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION
EXERCISE-1
Q.1 B Q.2 C Q.3 A Q.4 D Q.5 B
Q.6 C Q.7 B Q.8 B Q.9 B Q.10 A
Q.11 D Q.12 C Q.13 B Q.14 D Q.15 B
Q.16 C Q.17 B Q.18 B Q.19 C Q.20 B
EXERCISE-2
k F
Q.1 (I) FL–4T2 (II) FL–2 (III) FT (IV) FL Q.2 Q.3 L–1
L m
1
1 1 3 1 1 5 1 1 GM
Q.4 M L2 T–1 Q.5 M c2 G 2
h2 , L c 2
G2 h 2 , T c 2
G2 h2 Q.6
r3
kr 3
Q.7 (a) L T K (b) K (c) ML T K (mol)
2 –2 –1 –1 2 –2 –1 –1
Q.9 L ,ML T
–1 2 –2
Q.10 T=
2
GM
r 3
Q.11 Equation is dimensionallycorrect Q.13 F µ v2 Q.14 T=k
S
EXERCISE-3
SECTION-A
Q.1 B Q.2 C Q.3 C Q.4 D Q5 A
Q.6 [1 (c), 2 (h), 3 (a), 4 (e), 5 (b), 6 (d), 7 (f ), 8 (g)]
Q.7 (A) P, Q ; (B) R, S ; (C) R, S ; (D) R, S ]
SECTION-B
Q.1 B
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05
80 ACC- PH-UNIT DIMENSION
l mvr
3 p = = [r] = L
mv
M
4 [x] = [force × density] = MLT–2
L3
[x] = M2L–2T–2
6 [a] = T–1
b
7 t [ v]
[b] = LT–1 . T = L
ax c MLT2 MLT2
9 bt 2 = 2 T–2
= MLT
MLT
11 Flux = EA
so [] [E]
& p qd
so [p] [E]
12 (13) I = Mr2
[I] = ML2 moment of inertia
[] = [r . F] = [L . MLT–2] = ML2T–2
[] moment of force
13 f = Cmx . ky
[ f ] = [mx] [ky]
T–1 = Mx My T–2y
x+y=0
1 1
y= x=
2 2
BANSAL CLASSES Private Ltd. ‘Gaurav Tower’, A-10, Road No.-1, I.P.I.A., Kota-05