System of Units:-: Physical Quantity Symbol Dimension Measurement Unit Unit
System of Units:-: Physical Quantity Symbol Dimension Measurement Unit Unit
System of Units:-: Physical Quantity Symbol Dimension Measurement Unit Unit
measurement so that different measurements of same physical quantity can be expressed relative to each
other. That standard is called a unit of that physical quantity.
System of Units:-
(a) C.G.S (Centimeter-Grand-Second) system.
(b) F.P.S. (Foot-Pound-Second) system.
(c) M.K.S. (Meter-Kilogram--Second) system.
(d) M.K.S.A. (Meter-Kilogram-Second-Ampere) unit.
Dimensional Formula:-
Dimensional formula of a physical quantity is the formula which tells us how and which of the
fundamental units have been used for the measurement of that quantity.
How to write dimensions of physical quantities:-
(a) Write the formula for that quantity, with the quantity on L.H.S. of the equation.
(b) Convert all the quantities on R.H.S. into the fundamental quantities mass, length and time.
(c) Substitute M, L and T for mass, length and time respectively.
(d) Collect terms of M,L and T and find their resultant powers (a,b,c) which give the dimensions of
the quantity in mass, length and time respectively.
Characteristics of Dimensions:-
(a) Dimensions of a physical quantity are independent of the system of units.
(b) Quantities having similar dimensions can be added to or subtracted from each other.
(c) Dimensions of a physical quantity can be obtained from its units and vice-versa.
(d) Two different physical quantities may have same dimensions.
(e) Multiplication/division of dimensions of two physical quantities (may be same or different)
results in production of dimensions of a third quantity.
PHYSICAL QUANTITY SYMBOL DIMENSION MEASUREMENT UNIT UNIT
Length s L Meter m
Mass M M Kilogram Kg
Temperature T K Kelvin oK
second
ML2T-2
ML2T-2
cubic meter
square meter
potential
impedance
conductivity
square meter
intensity
potential
Principle of homogeneity:-
It states that “ the dimensional formulae of every term on the two sides of a correct relation must
be same.”
Types of error:-
(a) Constant errors:- An error is said to be constant error if it affects, every time, a measurement in
a similar manner.
(b) Systematic errors:- Errors which come into existence by virtue of a definite rule, are called
systematic errors.
(c) Random error or accidental error:- Error which takes place in a random manner and cannot be
associated with a systematic cause are called random or accidental errors.
(d) Absolute error:-
Relative Error:-
Percentage Error:-