Dimensions and Error Analysis in Measurement ■ 1.

15

11. A book with many printing errors contains four differ- 12. Explain this common observation clearly: If you look
ent formulae for the displacement y of a particle under- out of the window of a fast moving train, the nearby
going a certain periodic motion: trees, houses, etc., seem to move rapidly in a direc-
(a) y = a sin 2π t/T tion opposite to the train’s motion, but the distant
(b) y = a sin vt objects (hilltops, the Moon, the stars, etc.,) seem to
(c) y = (a/T) sin t/a be stationary. (In fact, since you are aware that you
(d) y = ( a / 2 ) (sin 2π t/T + cos 2π t/T) are moving, these distant objects seem to move with
(a = maximum displacement of the particle, v = speed you).
of the particle, T = time period of motion). Rule out the Solution: There is a relative motion between the
wrong formulae on dimensional grounds. observer in the train and outside objects which are
Solution: Dimension of LHS, i.e., displacement is L. stationary. But in case of objects like nearby trees,
Dimension of a = L. houses, etc., the angle subtended by them at the eye
Dimensions of RHS in different equations are as is large and hence changes rapidly with time. On the
follows: other hand, for far objects like hill-top, etc., since the
2π t angle subtended by them is small, the change of angle
T  
(a) L sin = L  as angle is dimensionless  with time is also small. Hence far-off objects appear
T  T  to be stationary.
Dimensions of LHS = Dimension of RHS
13. When the planet Jupiter is at a distance of 824.7 mil-
Hence, the equation is correct.
lion kilometres from the Earth, its angular diameter is
(b) L sin (LT–1 × T) = L sin L
measured to be 35.72″ of arc. Calculate the diameter of
The arguement of a trigonometrical function must
Jupiter.
always be dimensionless.
Hence, the equation is correct. Solution: Given, D = 824.7 million km = 824.7 × 106 km
(c) (L/T) sin (T/L) = LT–1 sin (L–1T) a = 35.72″ = 35.72 × 4.85 × 10–6 rad
Here the arguements of sin is not dimensionless. d=?
Hence, the equation is not correct. Using relationship d = Da, we have
Diameter of Jupiter,
 T T
d = 824.7 × 106 × 35.72 × 4.85 × 10–6 km
(d) L  sin + cos  = L
 T T = 142872.6774 km ≈ 142880 km
i.e., Dimensions of RHS = Dimensions of LHS.

PRACTICE EXERCISES (MCQS)

1. Which of the following is a derived unit? 5. Wave number has the dimensions of
(a) Unit of mass (b) Unit of length (a) Length
(c) Unit of time (d) Unit of volume (b) Length–1
2. Select the pair whose dimensions are same: (c) A dimensionless physical quantity
(a) Pressure and stress (d) None of these
(b) Pressure and force 6. Ampere-hour is a unit of
(c) Stress and strain (a) quantity of electricity
(d) Power and force (b) strength of electric current
3. Which of the following is dimensionally correct? (c) power
(a) Pressure = Force per unit volume (d) energy
(b) Pressure = Momentum per unit volume per unit time 7. Which of the following does not represent the unit of
(c) Pressure = Energy per unit volume pressure?
(d) Pressure = Energy per unit volume per unit time (a) Millibar
4. Which of the following is a derived quantity? (b) mm of mercury column
(a) Temperature (b) Ampere (c) Water column in meter
(c) Candela (d) Lumen (d) Newton/m2
1.16 ■ Chapter 1

8. Dimensional analysis cannot be used for 19. Parallactic second is the unit of
(a) deriving relations (a) time (b) velocity
(b) deriving with fourth unknown variable (c) distance (d) angle
(c) converting system of units 20. The unit of nuclear dose given to a patient is
(d) checking correctness of relations (a) fermi (b) curic
9. Identify the pair whose dimensions are equal (c) rutherford (d) roentgen
(a) Torque and work (b) Stress and energy 21. Water equivalent of a body is expressed in
(c) Force and stress (d) Force and work (a) calorie (b) gram
(c) degree kelvin (d) erg
10. Which of the following sets of quantities have same
22. The ‘rad’ is the correct unit used to report the measure-
dimensional formula?
ment of
(a) Frequency, angular frequency and angular momentum
(a) the ability of a beam of gamma ray photons to pro-
(b) Acceleration, momentum and retardation
duce ions in a target
(c) Thermal capacity, specific heat and entropy
(b) the energy delivered by radiation to a target
(d) Work, energy and torque
(c) the biological effect of radiation
11. Which of the following quantities has not been (d) the rate of decay of a radioactive source
expressed in proper unit? 23. SI unit of Bohr magneton is
(a) Torque : Newton metre (a) ampere (b) amp-m
(b) Stress : Newton metre–2 (c) amp-m2 (d) kg m2s–1
(c) Modulus of elasticity : Newton metre–2 24. Select the pair whose dimensions are same
(d) Power : Newton metre second–1 (a) Pressure and stress
(e) Surface tension : Newton metre–2 (b) Stress and strain
12. Which of the following quantities measured from dif- (c) Pressure and force
ferent inertial reference frames are same? (d) Power and force
(a) Force (b) Velocity 25. The force F is given by Stoke’s equation:
(c) Displacement (d) Kinetic energy F = 6πηrv
13. If the units of mass, length and time are doubled, unit of Then the dimension of viscosity coefficient η are:
angular momentum will be (a) [ML–1T –1] (b) [MLT –1]
(a) doubled (c) [M L T ]
–1 –1 –1
(d) [ML2T –1]
(b) tripled 26. The force F is given in terms of time t and displacement
(c) quadrupled x by the equation:
(d) 8 times of the original value F = a cos αx + b sin βt
14. The dimensions of specific resistance in terms of charge where a and b are the amplitudes. The dimensions of
Q is β/α are:
(a) [ML2T –2Q 2] (b) [MLT –2Q] (a) [M 0L0T 0] (b) [M 0L0T–1]
(c) [ML T Q ]
2 –1 –2
(d) [ML3T –1Q –2] (c) [M L T ]
0 –1 0
(d) [M 0L1T –1]
15. The dimensions of specific gravity is 27. μ0 and ε0 denote the magnetic permeability and electri-
(a) [M 1L–3T 0] (b) [M0L1T –2] cal permittivity of free space, then the dimensions of
(c) [M L T ]
0 0 –1
(d) [M0L0T 0] 1
are similar to
16. The dimensions of the ratio of angular momentum to µ0 ε 0
linear momentum (a) distance (b) velocity
(a) [M 1L–3T 0] (b) [M 0L1T –2] (c) acceleration (d) None of these
(c) [M L T ]
0 0 –1
(d) [M 0L1T 0]
28. If e, ε0, h and c respectively represent electronic charge,
17. The unit of surface tension in SI system is permittivity of free space, Planck’s constant and the
(a) Dyne/cm2 (b) Newton/m
e2
(c) Dyne/cm (d) Newton/m2 speed of light, then has the dimensions of
18. One poise is equal to ε 0 hc
(a) 0.01 N-s/m2 (b) 0.1 N-s/m2 (a) pressure (b) angle
(c) 10 N-s/m 2
(d) 1 N-s/m2 (c) current (d) angular momentum
 Dimensions and Error Analysis in Measurement ■ 1.17

29. The unit of absolute permitivity is (a) [M 0L–1T –1] (b) [M0LT –1]
(a) Fm (farad-metre) (b) Fm–1 (farad/metre) (c) [M L T ]
0 –1 0
(d) [M 0LT]
(c) Fm (farad/metre )
–2 2
(d) F (farad) 38. If E, M, L and G denotes energy, mass, angular momen-
30. Universal time is based on tum and universal gravitational constant, respectively,
(a) rotation of earth on its axis then EL2/M 5G 2 represents the unit of
(b) Earth’s orbital motion around the sun (a) length (b) mass
(c) vibrations of cesium atom (c) time (d) angle
(d) oscillations of quartz crystal 39. If the energy (E), velocity (v) and force (F) be taken as
31. The velocity v (in cms–1) of a particle is given in terms the fundamental quantity, then the dimensions of mass
b will be
of time t (in seconds) by the relation, v = at + ; the
t +c (a) Fv–2 (b) Fv–1
dimensions of a, b and c are (c) Ev –2
(d) Ev2
(a) a = L2, b = T, c = LT2
40. Position of a body with acceleration a is given by
(b) a = TL2, b = LT, c = L
x = Ka mt n, here t is time. Find dimensions of m and n.
(c) a = LT–2, b = L, c = T
(a) m = 1, n = 1 (b) m = 1, n = 2
(d) a = L, b = LT, c = T2
(c) m = 2, n = 1 (d) m = 2, n = 2
32. If x = at + bt2, where x is the distance travelled by the
41. If the dimensions of length are expressed as G x c y h z,
body in kilometre while t is the time in second, then the
where G, c and h are the universal gravitational con-
unit of b are
stant, speed of light and the Planck’s constant, respec-
(a) km/s (b) km-s
tively, then
(c) km/s2 (d) km-s2
1 1 1 1
33. If the velocity of light (c), gravitational constant (G) (a) x = , y = (b) x = , z = −
and Planck’s constant (h) are chosen as fundamental 2 2 2 2
units, then which of the following represents the dimen- 1 3 3 1
(c) y = , z = (d) y = − , z =
sions of the mass? 2 2 2 2
(a) [c1/2 G1/2 h1/2] (b) [c1/2 G–1/2 h–1/2] 42. To determine Young’s modulus of a wire, the formula
(c) [c G h ]
1/2 –3/2 1/2
(d) [c–1/2 G1/2 h1/2] F L
is Y = ⋅ , where F/A is the stress and L/∆L is the
∆V A ∆L
34. The quantity X is given by ε 0 L where ε0 is the per-
∆t strain. The conversion factor to change Y from CGS to
mittivity of free space, L is a length, ΔV is a potential MKS system is
difference and Δt is a time interval. The dimensional (a) 1 (b) 10
formula for X is same as that of (c) 0.1 (d) 0.01
(a) resistance (b) charge 43. If E = energy, G = gravitational constant, I = impulse
(c) voltage (d) current and M = mass, the dimensions of GIM2/E2 are same as
35. In the plane progressive wave propagating with velocity that of
v, the displacement of a wave particle at a position x in (a) time (b) mass
time t is represented by the equation: (c) length (d) force
y = a sin k(vt – x) 44. Frequency is the function of density (ρ), length (a) and
surface tension (T ). Then its value is
where, a is the amplitude. The dimension of k will be
(a) [LT –1] (b) [LT 0] (a) k ρ 1/ 2 a3/ 2 / T (b) k ρ 3/ 2 a3/ 2 / T
(c) [L T ]
–1 –1
(d) [L–1T 0] (c) kρ1/2a3/2/T 3/4 (d) None of these
 a  45. The velocity of a freely falling body changes as g phq
36. In the gas equation  P + 2  (V − b) = RT, the dimen- where g is the acceleration due to gravity and h is the
 V 
sions of constant a is height. The values of p and q are
(a) [L3] (b) [ML3T–2] 1 1 1
(a) , (b) 1,
(c) [ML T ]
5 –2
(d) [ML2T 0] 2 2 2
37. In the relation y = a cos(ωt – kx), the dimensional for- 1
(c) , 1 (d) 1, 1
mula for k is 2
1.18 ■ Chapter 1

46. A small steel ball of radius r is allowed to fall under 54. In a vernier callipers, one main scale division is x cm
gravity through a column of a viscous liquid of coeffi- and n division of the vernier scale coincide with (n –1)
cient of viscosity η. After some time the velocity of the divisions of the main scale. The least count (in cm) of
ball attains a constant value known as terminal velocity the callipers is
vT . The terminal velocity depends on (i) the mass of the  n −1  nx
ball m, (ii) η, (iii) r and (iv) acceleration due to grav- (a)  x (b)
 n  ( n −1)
ity g.Which of the following relations is dimensionally
correct? x x
(c) (d)
mg ηr n ( x −1)
(a) vT ∝ (b) vT ∝
ηr mg 55. A spherometer has a least count of 0.005 mm and its
mgr head scale is divided into 200 equal divisions. The dis-
(c) vT ∝ ηrmg (d) vT ∝ tance between the consecutive threads on the spherom-
η
eter screw is
47. In a system of units if force (F), acceleration (A) and (a) 1 mm (b) 0.1 mm
time (T) and taken as fundamental units then the dimen- (c) 0.05 mm (d) 0.005 mm
sional formula of energy is 56. A spherical body of mass m and radius r is allowed
(a) FA2T (b) FAT2 to fall in a medium of viscosity η. The time in
(c) F AT
2
(d) FAT which the velocity of the body increases from zero
48. The number of significant figure in 6.25 × 105 is to 0.63  times the terminal velocity (v) is called
(a) 11 (b) 6 time  constant (τ). Dimensionally τ can be repre-
(c) 4 (d) 3 sented by
49. The current flowing through a resistor 10.932 ohm is mr 2 6π mr η
(a) (b)
4.25 amp. The potential difference is 46.461 volt. The 6πη g2
potential in significant figures is
(a) 46.461 V (b) 46.46 V m
(c) (d) None of these
(c) 46.4 V (d) 46.0 V 6πη rv
50. Accuracy in the measurement of a physical quantity can 57. While finding specific heat capacity using calorimeter,
be increased by using error might occur due to
(a) less trials (b) more trials (a) absence of heat loss reducing covers
(c) significant digits (d) order of magnitude (b) absence of water equivalent
51. In a slide calliper, n divisions of vernier scale coincides (c) both (a) and (b)
with (n – 1) divisions of main scale. The least count of (d) Neither (a) nor (b)
the instrument is 58. The values of measurement of a physical quantity in 5
1 1 trials were found to be 1.22, 1.23, 1.23, 1.24 and 1.25.
(a) MSD (b) MSD
n n −1 Then pick up the incorrect answer:
n n −1 (a) average absolute error is 0.01
(c) MSD (d) MSD
n −1 n (b) relative error is 0.01
52. In a vernier callipers ten smallest divisions of the ver- (c) percentage error is 1%
nier scale are equal to nine smallest divisions of the (d) percentage error is 0.1%
main scale. If the smallest division of the main scale is
59. Choose the incorrect statement out of the following:
half millimeter then vernier constant is
(a) Every measuremnt by any measuring instrument
(a) 0.005 mm (b) 0.05 mm
has some error.
(c) 0.5 mm (d) 0.1 mm
(b) Every calculated physical quantity that is based on
53. A vernier calliper is used to measure the length of a cylinder.
measured values has some error.
10 divisions of vernier scale coincides with 9 divisions of
(c) A measurement can have more accuracy but less
the main scale. The best suited length measured is
precision and vice versa.
(a) 9.01 mm (b) 9.01 cm
(c) 9.628 cm (d) 9.99 cm (d) The percentage error is different from relative error.
 Dimensions and Error Analysis in Measurement ■ 1.19

60. The length of a simple pendulum executing simple (a) 3% (b) 3/4%
harmonic motion is increased by 21%. The percentage (c) 6% (d) 4%
increase in the time period of pendulum of increased
67. The random error in the arithmetic mean of 100 obser-
length is
vations is x, then random error in the arithmetic mean
(a) 11% (b) 21% of 400 observations would be
(c) 42% (d) 10.5%
1 1
61. The length of a given cylindrical wire is increased by (a) x (b) x
4 2
100%. Due to consequent decrease in diameter the (c) 4x (d) 2x
change in the resistance of the wire will be
(a) 200% (b) 100% 68. If the error in the measurement of momentum of a parti-
(c) 50% (d) 300% cle is 100% then the error in the measurement of kinetic
energy would be
62. If physical quantity x is represented by x = [M aLbT –c] (a) 400% (b) 300%
and the maximum percentage errors in M, L and T are (c) 200% (d) 100%
α%, β% and γ %, respectively then the total maximum
error in x is 69. The measured mass and volume of a body are 22.42 g
(a) (αa + βb – γc) × 100% and 4.7 cm3, respectively. The maximum possible error
in density is approximately
(b) (αa + βb + γc) × 100%
(a) 2% (b) 0.2%
(c) (αa – βb – γc) × 100%
αa + βb (c) 1% (d) 10%
(d) ×100%
γc V
70. The resistance R = where V = 100 ± 5 volts and
63. While measuring acceleration due to gravity by a sim- i
ple pendulum, a student makes a positive error of 2% in i = 10 ± 0.2 amperes. What is the total error in R?
length of the pendulum and a positive error of 1% in the (a) 5% (b) 7%
value of time period. The actual percentage error in the 5
(c) 5.2% (d) %
measurement of the value of g will be 2
(a) 3% (b) 4% 71. The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum in
(c) 5% (d) 0% the  experiment is recorded as 2.63 s, 2.56 s, 2.42 s,
64. The percentage errors in the measurement of mass and 2.71 s and 2.80 s respectively. The average absolute
speed are 2% and 3%, respectively. How much will be error is
the maximum error in kinetic energy? (a) 0.1 s (b) 0.11 s
(a) 1% (b) 5% (c) 0.01 s (d) 1.0 s
(c) 8% (d) 12% 72. If separation between screen and point source is
65. A physical parameter a can be determined by mea- increased by 2% what would be the effect on the
suring the parameters b, c, d and e using the relation intensity?
a = bαcβ/d γe δ. If the maximum errors in the measure- (a) Increases by 4% (b) Increases by 2%
ment of b, c, d and e are b1%, c1%, d1% and e1%, then (c) Decreases by 2% (d) Decreases by 4%
the maximum error in the value of a determined by the
experiment is 73. The heat generated in a circuit is dependent upon the
resistance, current and time for which the current
(a) (b1 + c1 + d1 + e1)%
is flown. If the errors in measuring the above are 1%,
(b) (b1 + c1 – d1 – e1)%
2% and 1%, respectively, then the maximum error in
(c) (αb1 + βc1 – γd1 – δe1)% measuring heat is
(d) (αb1 + βc1 + γd1 + δe1)% (a) 8% (b) 6%
66. Heat is evolved in a resistance on passing current up to (c) 18% (d) 12%
definite time. Measurements for current time and resis-
tance suffer practical errors of magnitudes 1%, 2% and A2 B
74. In the measurement of physical quantity X = ,
2%, respectively. The maximum percentage error in the C 1/ 3 D
heat evolved will be the percentage error introduced in the measurements
1.20 ■ Chapter 1

of the quantities A, B, C and D are 2%, 2%, 4% and 75. The velocity of water waves v may depend upon
5%, respectively. Then the minimum amount of per- their wave length λ, the density of water ρ and
centage error in the measurement of X is contributed the acceleration due to gravity g. The method of
by dimensions gives the relation between these quanti-
(a) A (b) B ties as
(c) C (d) D (a) v2 ∝ λg–1ρ–1 (b) v2 ∝ gλρ
(c) v ∝ gλ
2
(d) v2 ∝ g–1λ–3

ANSWER KEYS

1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (b) 9. (a) 10. (d)
11. (e) 12. (d) 13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (d) 16. (d) 17. (b) 18. (b) 19. (c) 20. (d)
21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (c) 24. (a) 25. (a) 26. (d) 27. (b) 28. (b) 29. (b) 30. (c)
31. (c) 32. (c) 33. (c) 34. (d) 35. (d) 36. (c) 37. (c) 38. (d) 39. (c) 40. (b)
41. (d) 42. (c) 43. (a) 44. (a) 45. (a) 46. (a) 47. (b) 48. (d) 49. (d) 50. (b)
51. (a) 52. (b) 53. (b) 54. (c) 55. (a) 56. (d) 57. (c) 58. (c) 59. (d) 60. (d)
61. (d) 62. (b) 63. (d) 64. (c) 65. (d) 66. (c) 67. (a) 68. (b) 69. (a) 70. (b)
71. (b) 72. (d) 73. (b) 74. (c) 75. (c)

HINTS AND EXPLANATIONS FOR SELECTED QUESTIONS

2. Both the pressure and stress are measured in the units of 8. Fourth variable in the relations cannot be derived with
N/m2, hence they have same dimensions. the help of dimensional analysis.
Hence, the correct answer is option (a). Hence, the correct answer is option (b).
Force Force × displacement 9. The dimension of torque are [ML2T –2] which is also the
3. Pressure = =
Area Area × displacement dimensions of work.
Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
Energy
=
Volume 10. Work = Force × Displacement
Hence, the correct answer is option (c). = [MLT –2] [L] = [ML2T –2]
5. Wave number is the reciprocal of wavelength. Hence Energy = Work
dimension is (Length)–1. Torque = moment of force
Hence, the correct answer is option (b). = r⊥F = [L] [MLT –2]
6. Charge = Current × Time.  = [ML2T –2]
Hence, the correct answer is option (a). Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
7. Water column in metre can never be used as the unit 11. Surface tension is defined as the force per unit length
pressure. and hence its unit is newton metre–1 or Nm–1.
Hence, the correct answer is option (c). Hence, the correct answer is option (e).
 Dimensions and Error Analysis in Measurement ■ 1.25

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

1. Which pair do not have equal dimensions? 10. The volume of a cube in m3 is equal to the surface area
(a) Energy and torque of the cube in m2. The volume of the cube is
(b) Force and impulse (a) 64 m3 (b) 216 m3
(c) Angular momentum and planck constant (c) 512 m3 (d) 196 m3
(d) Elastic modulus and pressure [AFMC 2005]
[AIPMT 2000]
11. Pascal-second has the dimensions of
2. A force F is given by F = at + bt2, where t is the time. (a) force
What are dimensions of a and b? (b) energy
(a) [MLT –4] and [MLT 2] (c) pressure
(b) [MLT –2] and [MLT 0] (d) coefficient of viscosity
(c) [MLT –3] and [MLT –4] [AFMC 2005]
(d) [ML2T –3] and [ML3T –4]
12. Consider the following equation of Bernoulli’s theorem
[AFMC 2000]
1
3. The number of significant figures in 3400 is P = ρ v 2 + ρ gh = K (constant)
2
(a) 7 (b) 6 The dimensions of K/P are same as that of which of the
(c) 12 (d) 2 following?
[AFMC 2000] (a) Thrust
4. The dimensions of Planck constant equals to that of (b) Pressure
(a) energy (c) Angle
(b) momentum (d) Coefficient of viscosity
(c) angular momentum [AFMC 2005]
(d) power
[AIPMT 2001] 13. If error in measurement of radius of sphere is 1%, what
will be the error in measurement of volume?
5. The dimensions of Planck’s constant are (a) 1% (b) 1/3%
(a) [ML–3T –2] (b) [ML–2T –1] (c) 3% (d) 10%
(c) [ML T ]
2 –3
(d) [ML2T –1] [AFMC 2005]
[AFMC 2002]
14. The velocity v of a particle at time t is given by
6. The idea of calculus was given by b
(a) Newton (b) Einstein v = at + , where a, b and c are constants. The
t +c
(c) Marconi (d) Planck dimensions of a, b and c are
[AFMC 2003] (a) [L], [LT ] and [LT –2]
7. The unit of permittivity of free space, ε0, is (b) [LT –2], [L] and [T ]
(a) coulomb/newton-metre (c) [L2], [T ] and [LT –2]
(b) newton-metre2/coulomb2 (d) [LT –2], [LT ] and [L]
(c) coulomb2/newton-metre2 [AIPMT 2006]
(d) coulomb2/(newton-metre)2
[AIPMT 2004]  2π 
15. Given that y = A sin  (ct − x )  ,
8. The dimensions of universal gravitational constant are  λ 
(a) [M –1L32T –2] (b) [ML2T –1] where y and x are measured in metres. Which of the fol-
(c) [M L T ]
–2 3 –2
(d) [M –2L2T –1] lowing statements is ture?
[AIPMT 2004] (a) The unit of λ is same as that of x and A.
9. Pressure gradient has the same dimensions as that of (b) The unit of λ is same as that of x but not of A.
(a) velocity gradient (b) potential gradient (c) The unit of c is same as that of 2π/λ.
(c) energy gradient (d) None of these (d) The unit of (ct – x) is same as that of 2π/λ.
[AFMC 2004] [AFMC 2006]
1.26 ■ Chapter 1

16. Dimensions of resistance in an electrical circuit, in (a) [ML2T –2] (b) [ML2T –1I –1]
terms of dimension of mass M, of length L, of time T (c) [ML2T –3I –2] (d) [ML2T –3I –1]
and of current I, would be [AIPMT 2007]

ANSWER KEYS

1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (b)
11. (d) 12. (c) 13. (c) 14. (b) 15. (a) 16. (c)

HINTS AND EXPLANATIONS FOR SELECTED QUESTIONS

1. Dimensions of force = [MLT –2] b

Dimensions of impulse = [MLT –1]. 14. ν = at +
t +c
Hence, the correct answer is option (b). As c is added to t, ∴ c = [T ]
Energy
4. Dimensions of Planck constant h = −1
[ LT ]
Frequency at = [LT –1] or, a= [ LT −2 ]
[T ]
[ ML2T −2 ]
= = [ ML2T −1 ] [b ]
[T −1 ] = [ LT −1 ] ∴ [b] = [L].
Dimensions of angular momentum L [T ]
= Momentum of inertia I × Angular velocity ω Hence, the correct answer is option (b).
= [ML2] [T –1] = [ML2T –1] 16. According to Ohm’s law,
Hence, the correct answer is option (c). V
V = RI or R =
7. Force between two charges I
1 q2 1 q2 W [ ML2T −2 ]
F= ⇒ ε0 = = C2 / N-m 2 Dimensions of V = =
4πε 0 r 2
4π Fr 2 q [ IT ]
Hence, the correct answer is option (c).
[ ML2T −2 / IT ]
8. Gravitational constant G ∴ R= = [ ML2T −3 I −2 ]
[I ]
force × (distance) 2 Hence, the correct answer is option (c).
=
mass × mass
[ MLT −2 ][ L2 ]
∴ Dimensions of G = = [ M −1 L3T −2 ]
[ M ][ M ]
Hence, the correct answer is option (a).

QUESTIONS FROM NCERT EXEMPLAR

1. The number of significant figures in 0.06900 is 3. The mass and volume of a body are 4.237 g and 2.5 cm3,
(a) 5 (b) 4 respectively. The density of the material of the body in
(c) 2 (d) 3 correct significant figures is
2. The sum of the numbers 436.32, 227.2 and 0.301 in (a) 1.6048 g/cm3
appropriate significant figures is (b) 1.69 g/cm3
(a) 663.821 (b) 664 (c) 1.7 g/cm3
(c) 663.8 (d) 663.82 (d) 1.695 g/cm3
 Dimensions and Error Analysis in Measurement ■ 1.27

4. The numbers 2.745 and 2.735 on rounding off to 3 sig- 8. You measure two quantities as A = 1.0 m ± 0.2 m,
nificant figures will give B = 2.0 m ± 0.2 m. We should report correct value for as
(a) 2.75 and 2.74 (b) 2.74 and 2.73 (a) 1.4 m ± 0.4 m
(c) 2.75 and 2.73 (d) 2.74 and 2.74 (b) 1.41 m ± 0.15 m
(c) 1.4 m ± 0.3 m
5. The length and breadth of a rectangular sheet are 16.2 (d) 1.4 m ± 0.2 m
cm and 10.1 cm, respectively. The area of the sheet in
9. Which of the following measurements is most precise?
appropriate significant figures and error is
(a) 5.00 mm (b) 5.00 cm
(a) (164 ± 3) cm2 (b) (163.62 ± 2.6) cm2
(c) 5.00 m (d) 5.00 km
(c) (163.6 ± 2.6) cm 2
(d) (163.62 ± 3) cm2
10. The mean length of an object is 5 cm. Which of the fol-
6. Which of the following pairs of physical quantities does lowing measurements is most accurate?
not have same dimensional formula?
(a) 4.9 cm (b) 4.805 cm
(a) Work and torque.
(c) 5.25 cm (d) 5.4 cm
(b) Angular momentum and Planck’s constant.
(c) Tension and surface tension. 11. Young’s modulus of steel is 1.9 × 1011 N/m2. When
(d) Impulse and linear momentum. expressed in CGS units of dynes/cm2, it will be equal to
(1 N = 105 dyne, 1 m2 = 104 cm2)
7. Measure of two quantities along with the precision of (a) 1.9 × 1010 (b) 1.9 × 1011
respective measuring instrument is (c) 1.9 × 1012
(d) 1.9 × 1013
A = 2.5 m/s ± 0.5 m/s
B = 0.10 s ± 0.01 s 12. If momentum (P), area (A) and time (T) are taken to
be fundamental quantities, then energy has the dimen-
The value of A B will be
sional formula
(a) (0.25 ± 0.08) m (a) (P1 A–1 T 1)
(b) (0.25 ± 0.5) m (b) (P2 A1 T 1)
(c) (0.25 ± 0.05) m (c) (P1 A–1/2 T 1)
(d) (0.25 ± 0.135) m (d) (P1 A1/2 T –1)

ANSWER KEYS

1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (d) 9. (a) 10. (a)
11. (c) 12. (d)

HINTS AND EXPLANATIONS FOR SELECTED QUESTIONS

1. In decimals zeroes on left of decimal and before first 4. 2.745 on rounding off = 2.74
non-digit are not significant so number of significant 2.735 on rounding off = 2.74.
figures are four (6900).
Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
Hence, the correct answer is option (b).
2. On calculating sum of digits arithmetically we 5. A = l × b
obtain 663.821, since the number with least decimal
16.2 × 10.1 = 163.62 cm2
place is 227.2, so rounding off to one decimal place
therefore 664. Rounding off to three significant digits, area A = 164 cm2
Hence, the correct answer is option (b). ΔA = A × (2.63/163.62) = 3 cm2
3. Density is 4.237/2.5 = 1.6948, rounding off the number, Therefore Area A = A ± ΔA = (164 ± 3) cm2.
we get 1.7.
Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
Hence, the correct answer is option (c).
 Dimensions and Error Analysis in Measurement ■ 1.29

AIIMS-ESSENTIALS

ASSERTION AND REASON

In the following questions, a statement of assertion is fol- 9. Assertion: The force acting on a body can be divided
lowed by a statement of reason. You are required to choose by the time, for which it acts; although force and time
the correct one out of the given five responses and mark it as have different dimensions.
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the Reason: Any vector quantity can be divided by a scalar
correct explanation of the assertion. irrespective of their dimensions.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not
10. Assertion: Force on a body and the velocity, with which
correct explanation of the assertion.
it is moving, cannot be added.
(c) If assertion is true, but reason is false.
(d) If both assertion and reason are false. Reason: It is because, the dimensions of force and
(e) If reason is true but assertion is false. velocity are different.
1. Assertion: The measure of a physical quantity is inde- 11. Assertion: The physical quantities different in nature
pendent of the system of units. but having the same dimensions must possess the same
Reason: The smaller is unit, bigger is the measure of units.
the physical quantity and vice-versa. Reason: If the dimensions of two physical quantities
2. Assertion: The unit of force is written as newton and are same, their units must also be same.
not as Newton. 12. Assertion: Density (ratio of mass to volume) is differ-
Reason: The unit named to commemorate a scientist is ent from linear mass density.
not written with capital initial letter.
Reason: Linear mass density is mass per unit length
3. Assertion: It is wrong to write newton metre (the unit and is different from density, which usually means vol-
of moment of force) as Nm. ume density.
Reason: No full stop is put between the symbols for
units. 13. Assertion: Frequency has the dimensions of velocity
gradient.
4. Assertion: The unit of moment of force Nm, i.e.,
newton metre cannot be written as mN. Reason: The dimensional formula of both frequency
Reason: Since ‘m’ is symbol for both metre and milli, and velocity gradient is [M 0L0T –1].
the symbol for metre, i.e., m should never be written 14. Assertion: A given physical relation may not be cor-
before the symbol of another unit. rect, even when the dimensions of each and every term
5. Assertion: Nm and mN are the units of different physi- on its either side are the same.
cal quantities. Reason: Physical quantities, entirely different in nature,
Reason: Nm (newton metre) is the unit of moment of may possess the same dimensional formula.
force, while mN (millinewton) is the unit of force.
15. Assertion: Two students measure the length of a stick
6. Assertion: nm and mN are the units of different physi- as 1.3 m and 1.30 m. Both the measurements are equally
cal quantities. accurate.
Reason: nm (nano metre) is the unit of length, while
Reason: The zero at the end of a number is always
mN (millinewton) is the unit of force.
meaningless.
7. Assertion: The parallax method cannot be used to find
16. Assertion: The number of significant figures in 0.001
the distance of very distant star.
is 1.
Reason: The parallax angle of the star becomes too
Reason: All zeros to the right of a decimal point and to
small to be measured accurately.
the left of a non-zero digit are never significant.
8. Assertion: Mass of a body and the velocity, with which
17. Assertion: The number of significant figures in 0.100
it is moving, cannot be multiplied.
is 1.
Reason: It is because, mass is a scalar and velocity is
a vector quantity. In addition to this, the dimensions of Reason: The zeros at the end of a number are always
mass and velocity are different. meaningless.
 Dimensions and Error Analysis in Measurement ■ 1.31

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

SECTION - I (ASSERTION-REASON TYPE) 5. Electron-volt (eV) is unit of

(a) energy (b) charge
In the following questions, a statement of assertion is fol- (c) current (d) potential
lowed by a statement of reason. You are required to choose [1997]
the correct one out of the given five responses and mark it as 6. The dimension of Plank’s constant is
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the (a) [ML2T –1] (b) [ML3T –1]
correct explanation of the assertion. (c) [ML T ]
–2 –1
(d) [M 0L–1T –3]
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not
7. The dimensions of angular velocity, is
correct explanation of the assertion.
(a) [M 0L0T –1] (b) [M 2L0T –1]
(c) If assertion is true, but reason is false.
(c) [MLT ]–2
(d) [ML2T –2]
(d) If both assertion and reason are false.
[1998]
(e) If reason is true but assertion is false.
8. How many significant figures are there in 30.00?
1. Assertion: SI units are logical and coherent. (a) 2 (b) 4
Reason: SI system of units is a rationalised system. (c) 3 (d) 1
[AIIMS, 2002] [1999]
1 T 9. Dimensions [ML–1T –1] are related to
2. Assertion: In the relation f = , where symbols
2l µ (a) torque (b) work
have standard meaning, m represent linear mass density. (c) energy (d) coefficient of viscosity
Reason: The frequency has the dimensions of inverse [1999]
of time. 10. What is the dimensional formula of gravitational con-
[2008] stant G?
3. Assertion: The dimensional formula for product of (a) [M –1L3T –2] (b) [M –2L3T –2]
resistance and conductance is same as for dielectric (c) [M L T ]
–1 2 –2
(d) [M –1L3T –1]
constant. [2000]
Reason: Both have dimensions of time constant. 11. A body of mass 20.00 g has volume 5.0 cm3. The
[2009] maximum possible error in the measurement of mass
and volume respectively are 0.01 and 0.1 cm3. The per-
SECTION - II (MULTIPLE CHOICE centage error in the density will be nearest to
QUESTIONS TYPE) (a) 1% (b) 2%
(c) 11% (d) 25%
1. The dimension of the modulus of rigidity, is [2000]
(a) [ML –2T –2] (b) [MLT–2] 12. Speed in kilometre per hour in SI unit is represented by
(c) [ML T ]
–1 –1
(d) [ML–1T –2] (a) KMPH (b) Kmhr–1
[AIIMS, 1994] (c) Kmh –1
(d) kilometre/hour
2. One nanometre is equal to [2001]
(a) 10–7 cm (b) 109 cm 13. Dimension of resistivity is
(c) 10 cm
–9
(d) 10–6 cm (a) [ML2T –2I –1] (b) [ML3T –3I –2]
[1994] (c) [ML T I ]
3 –2 –1
(d) [ML2T –2I –2]
3. What is the dimensional formula for the gravitational [2001]
constant?
14. SI unit of velocity is
(a) [M –1L3T –2] (b) [M –1L3T –1]
(a) m/s (b) m sec–1
(c) [M L T ]
–2 3 –2
(d) [M –2L–1T –3]
(c) mhr–1 (d) m/hr
[1995]
[2001]
4. Light year is the unit of
(a) velocity (b) time 15. The heat produced in a long wire is charactrised by
(c) intensity of light (d) distance resistance, current and time through which the current
[1996] passes. If the errors in measuring these quatities are
1.32 ■ Chapter 1
1
respectively 1%, 2% and 1%, then total error in calcu- (a) LC (b)
lating the energy produced is LC
(a) 4% (b) 6% 1 R
(c) (d)
(c) 4/3% (d) 8% RC L [2008]
[2001] 26. Lumen is the unit of
16. What is the dimensional formula for the gravitational (a) luminous flux (b) luminosity
constant? (c) illumination (d) quantity of light
(a) [M –1L3T –2] (b) [M –1L3T –1] [2008]
(c) [M L T ]
–2 3 –2
(d) [M –2L–1T 3] 27. Which of the following is matched wrongly?
[2001] (a) Oil drop experiment → Millikan
17. Length cannot be measure by (b) Dual nature of light → de Brogile
(a) fermi (b) micron (c) Uncertainty principle → Heisenberg
(c) debye (d) light year (d) None of these
[2002] [2008]
18. The dimension of torque is 28. The dimensions of specific resistance is
(a) [MT –2] (b) [ML–1T –1] (a) [ML2T –2A–1] (b) [ML3T –3A–2]
(c) [ML T ]
3 –2
(d) [ML3T –3] (c) [ML T A ]
3 –2 –1
(d) [ML2T –2A–2]
[2002] [2009]
29. The dimensional formula of Planck’s constant is
19. Using mass (M), length (L), time (T) and current (A) as
(a) [ML2T –1] (b) [ML2T –2]
fundamental quantities, the dimension of permeability is
(c) [ML T ]
0 –2
(d) [MLT 2]
(a) [M –1LT –2A] (b) [M–L2T –2A–1]
[2009]
(c) [MLT A ]
–2 –2
(d) [M–LT –1A–1]
30. If the energy, E = Gp hq cr, where G is the universal gravita-
[2003]
tional constant, h is the Planck’s constant and c is the veloc-
20. Using mass (M), length (L), time (T) and current (A) as ity of light, then the values of p, q and r are, respectively
fundamental quantities, the dimension of permittivity is (a) –1/2, 1/2 and 5/2 (b) 1/2, –1/2 and –5/2
(a) [ML–2T 2A] (b) [M –1L–3T 4A2] (c) –1/2, 1/2 and 3/2 (d) 1/2, –1/2 and –3/2
(c) [MLT A]
–2
(d) [ML2T –1A2] [2010]
[2004] 31. Which of the following pairs does not have same
21. “Parsec” is the unit of dimensions?
(a) time (b) distance (a) Impulse and momentum
(c) frequency (d) angular acceleration (b) Moment of inertia and moment of force
[2005] (c) Angular momentum and Planck’s constant
(d) Work and torque
22. Dimension of electrical resistance is
[2010]
(a) [ML2T –3A–1] (b) [ML2T –3A–2]
32. What is the dimensions of magnetic field B in terms of
(c) [ML T A ]
3 –3 –2
(d) [ML–1L3T 3A2]
C (= coulomb), M, L, T ?
[2005]
(a) [M 1L1T –2C] (b) [M 1L0T –1C–1]
23. The magnetic moment has dimensions of (c) [M L T C]
1 0 –2
(d) [M 1L0T –1C]
(a) [LA] (b) [L2A] [2011]
(c) [LT A]
–1
(d) [L2T –2A] 33. Dimensional formula of ΔQ, heat supplied to the sys-
[2006] tem is given by
24. Which of the following physical quantities do not have (a) [M 1L2T –2] (b) [M 1L1T –2]
same dimensions? (c) [M L T ]
1 2 –1
(d) [ML1T –1]
(a) Pressure and stress [2012]
(b) Tension and surface tension 34. Dimensional formula of angular momentum is
(c) Strain and angle (a) [ML2T –1] (b) [M 2L2T –2]
(d) Energy and work (c) [ML T ]
2 –3
(d) [MLT –1]
[2007] [2013]
35. The pressure on a square plate is measaured by measur-
25. In an electrical circuit containing L, C and R which of the
ing the force on the plate and the length of the sides of
following does not denote the dimensions of frequency?
 Dimensions and Error Analysis in Measurement ■ 1.33

F 36. In terms of basic units of mass (M), length (L), time (T )

the plate by using the formula p = . If the maximum
and charge (Q), the dimensions of magnetic permeabil-
l2
errors in the measurement of force and length are 4% ity of vacuum (μ0) would be
and 2% respectively, then the maximum error in the (a) [MLQ –2] (b) [LT –1Q –1]
measurement of pressure is (c) [ML T Q ]
2 –1 –2
(d) [LTQ –1]
(a) 1% (b) 2% [2015]
(c) 8% (d) 10%
[2014]

ANSWER KEYS

Section - I (Assertion-Reason Type)

1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (c)

Section - II (Multiple Choice Questions Type)

1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (b) 9. (d) 10. (a)
11. (b) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (b) 15. (b) 16. (a) 17. (a) 18. (a) 19. (c) 20. (b)
21. (b) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (b) 25. (d) 26. (a) 27. (d) 28. (b) 29. (a) 30. (a)
31. (b) 32. (b) 33. (a) 34. (a) 35. (c) 36. (a)

HINTS AND EXPLANATIONS FOR SELECTED QUESTIONS

Section - I (Assertion-Reason Type) Section - II (Multiple Choice Questions

Type)
1. A coherent system means a system based on a cer-
tain set of basic units from which all derived units are 1. The modulus of rigidity
obtained by multiplication or division without intro-
ducing numerical factors. In SI system of units, heat Shearing stress F / A [ MLT −2 ]
η= = = = [ ML−1T −2 ]
energy, electric energy and machanical energy are Shearing strain φ [ L2 ]
measured in joule (J). But in CGS system, they have Hence, the correct answer is option (d).
different units.
Hence, the correct answer is option (b). (Force)(Distance) 2
3. Gravitational constant (G ) =
(Mass)2
1 T 2 T
2. From f = ,f = 2
2l µ 4l µ [ MLT −2 ][ L2 ]
= [M −1 L3T −2 ]
T [ MLT −2 ] M Mass [ M ]2
or µ= = = = Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
4l f
2 2
[L2T −2 ] L Length
= Linear mass density. 6. Planck’s constant (h)
Hence, the correct answer is option (b). Energy in each photon [ E ] [ ML2T −2 ]
3. Both the quatities are dimensionless. = = =
Frequency of radiation [ν ] [T −1 ]
Resistance × conductance = R × 1/R = (M 0 L0T 0)
= 1 and dielectric constant k is dimensionless. = [ML2T –1].
Hence, the correct answer is option (c). Hence, the correct answer is option (a).