Physical World and Measurement: Day One
Physical World and Measurement: Day One
Physical World and Measurement: Day One
Physical
World and
Measurement
Learning & Revision for the Day
u Physics u Accuracy and Precision u Dimensions of Physical
u Units u Errors in Measurement Quantities
u Significant Figures
Physics
Physics is the study of matter and its motion, as well as space and time using concepts
such as energy, force, mass and charge. It is an experimental science, creating theories
that are tested against observation.
Units
Measurement of any physical quantity involves comparison with a certain basic, widely
accepted reference standard called unit.
Fundamental and Derived Units Amount of
substance
mole
(mol)
The mole is the amount of substance of a
system, which contains as many
Fundamental units are the units which can neither be elementary entities as there are atoms in
derived from one another, nor they can be further resolved 0.012 kg of carbon-12.
into more simpler units. Luminous candela The candela is the luminous intensity in a
These are the units of fundamental quantity. However, (cd) given direction of a source emitting
derived units are the units of measurement of all physical intensity
monochromatic radiation of frequency
quantities which can be obtained from fundamental units. 540 × 1012 Hz and having a radiant
1
intensity of W sr −1 in that direction.
System of Units 683
A complete set of these units, both fundamental and derived Supplementary Units
Supplementary
unit is known as the system of units.
Quantity Name and
The common systems are given below: Definition
Symbol
1. CGS System (Centimetre, Gram, Second) are often used Plane angle radian It is the angle subtended at the
in scientific work. This system measures, Length in (rad) centre by an arc of a circle having
centimetre (cm), Mass in gram (g), Time in second (s). a length equal to the radius of the
2. FPS System (Foot, Pound, Second) It is also called the circle.
British Unit System. This unit measures, Length in foot Solid angle steradian It is the solid angle which is having
(foot), Mass in pound (pound), Time in second (s). (sr) its vertex at the centre of the sphere,
it cuts-off an area of the surface of
3. MKS System In this system also length, mass and time
sphere equal to that of a square with
have been taken as fundamental quantities and
the length of each side equal to the
corresponding fundamental units are metre, kilogram radius of the sphere.
and second.
4. International System (SI) of Units It is an extended NOTE • Angle subtended by a closed curve at an inside points
version of the MKS (Metre, Kilogram, Second) system. It is 2π rad.
has seven base units and two supplementary units. • Solid angle subtended by a closed surface at an inside
Seven base quantities and two supplementary point is 4 π steradian.
quantities, their units along with definitions are
tabulated below.
Basic Units
Significant Figures
Base In the measured value of a physical quantity, the digits about
Name and
Quantity Definintion
Symbol the correction of which we are sure, plus the last digits which
Length metre The metre is the length of path travelled is doubtful, are called the significant figures.
(m) by light in vacuum during a time interval Larger the number of significant figures obtained in a
of 1/299, 792, 458 part of a second. measurement, greater is the accuracy of the measurement.
Mass kilogra It is the mass of the international prototype
m (kg) of the kilogram (a platinum iridium alloy
cylinder) kept at International Bureau of Accuracy and Precision
Weights and Measures, at Sevres (France). The accuracy of a measurement is a measure of how close the
Time second The second is the duration of 9, 192, 631, measured value is to the true value of the quantity. However,
(s) 770 periods of the radiation corresponding precision tells us to what resolution or limit, the quantity is
to the transition between the two hyperfine measured by a measuring instrument.
levels of the ground state of cesium-133
atom. Least Count
Electric Ampere The ampere is that constant current, The least count of a measuring instrument is the least value,
current (A) which if maintained in two straight,
that can be measured using the instrument. It is denoted as
parallel conductors of infinite length
LC.
placed 1 m apart in vacuum would
(i) Least count of vernier callipers
produce a force equal to 2 × 10−7 Nm −1
Value of 1 main scale division
on either conductor. LC =
Total number of vernier scale division
Thermodyn- Kelvin 1
The kelvin is th fraction of the
amic (K) 273.16 (ii) Least count of screw gauge
temperature Value of 1 pitch scale reading
thermodynamic temperature of the triple LC =
point of water. Total number of head scale division
Errors in Measurement Uses of Dimensions
The difference in the true value (mean value) and measured (i) To check the correctness of a given physical equation.
value of a quantity is called error of measurement. Different (ii) Derivation of formula.
types of error are given below:
(i) Absolute error, (iii) Dimensional formula is useful to convert the value of a
a + a2 + a3 + ... an 1 i = n physical quantity from one system to the other. Physical
amean = a0 = 1 = ∑ ai quantity is expressed as a product of numerical value
n n i= 1
and unit. In any system of measurement, this product
∆a1 = mean value − observed value remains constant.
∆a1 = a0 − a1 Let dimensional formula of a given physical quantity be
∆a2 = a0 − a2 [Ma Lb T c ].If in a system having base units [M1L1T1] the
:. :. :. numerical value of given quantity be n1 and numerical
∆an = a0 − an value n2 in another unit system having the base units
(ii) Mean absolute error, [ M2 , L2 , T2 ], then Q = n1u1 = n2u2
[| ∆a1| + | ∆a2| + | ∆a3| + .... + | ∆an|] n1[M 1a L b1 T c1] = n2 [M2b L 2b T 2c ]
∆amean =
n a b c
n M L T
n2 = n1 1 1 1
∑| ∆ai| M2 L2 T2
i= 1
=
n Dimensions of Important Physical Quantities
∆amean
(iii) Relative or fractional error = Physical Quantity SI Unit
Dimensional
amean Formula
(v) Percentage error, Power Watt (W) [ML2 T −3 ]
∆amean Pressure, stress, coefficient of Pascal (Pa) [ML−1 T −2 ]
δ a = Relative error × 100 % = × 100%
amean elasticity (ρ, σ, η) or Nm −2
Frequency, angular frequency Hz or s −1 [T −1 ]
Combination of Errors Angular momentum kg m2 s −1 [ML2 T −1]
(i) If X = A + B, then (∆X ) = ± (∆A + ∆B) Torque Nm [ML2 T −2 ]
∆X ∆A ∆B ∆C Gravitational constant (G) N m2 kg −2 [M −1 L3 T −2 ]
(ii) If X = ABC, then =± + +
X max A B C
Moment of inertia kg m2 [ ML2 ]
∆X ∆A ∆B ∆C
(iii) If X = A B C , then
k l
= ± k
n
+l +n Acceleration, acceleration due ms −2 [LT −2 ]
X A B C to gravity
Force, thrust, tension, weight Newton (N) [MLT −2 ]
Dimensions of Physical Quantities Linear momentum, impulse kg ms −1 or Ns [MLT −1 ]
The dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to Work, energy, KE, PE, thermal Joule (J) [ML2 T −2 ]
which the fundamental (base) quantities are raised, to energy, internal energy, etc.
represent that quantity. Surface area, area of m2 [L2 ]
To make it clear, consider the physical quantity force. cross-section
‘Force = mass × acceleration = mass × length × (time)−2 ’ Electric conductivity Sm −1 [M −1 L−3 T3 A2 ]
Thus, the dimension of force are 1 in mass [M]
1 in length [L] and −2 in time [ T−2 ], that is [MLT−2 ]. Young’s modulus, Pa [ML−1 T −2 ]
Bulk modulus
NOTE • Dimensions of a physical quantity do not depend on its Compressibility m2 N −1 [M −1 LT2 ]
magnitude or the units in which it is measured.
Magnetic Flux Wb [ML2 T −2 A −1 ]
According to this principle, a correct dimensional equation Photon flux density m −2 s −1 [L−2 T −1 ]
must be homogeneous, i.e. dimensions of all the terms in a Luminous energy Lm s [ML2 T −2 ]
physical expression must be same.
Luminance Lux [MT −3 ]
LHS = RHS
Dimensional Dimensional
Physical Quantity SI Unit Physical Quantity SI Unit
Formula Formula
Specific heat capacity Jkg −1 K −1 [L2 T −2 K −1 ] Magnetisation Am −1 [L−1 A]
ANSWERS
SESSION 1 1 (c) 2 (a) 3 (b) 4 (a) 5 (b) 6 (a) 7 (a) 8 (d) 9 (b) 10 (d)
11 (a) 12 (c) 13 (b) 14 (d) 15 (d) 16 (d) 17 (d) 18 (b) 19 (b) 20 (a)
21 (b) 22 (d) 23 (b) 24 (b) 25 (a) 26 (a) 27 (d) 28 (d) 29 (a) 30 (b)
31 (a)
SESSION 2 1 (a) 2 (b) 3 (b) 4 (a) 5 (a) 6 (c) 7 (d) 8 (b) 9 (d) 10 (a)
11 (d) 12 (b) 13 (a) 14 (a) 15 (b)
DAY ONE PHYSICAL WORLD AND MEASUREMENT 07
where, K is a constant called reduction Thus, the diameter of the ball is 0.529 cm. = [ML−1 T −1 ]
factor and φ is the angle of deflection.
Since, deflection has no unit. So, unit of
9 Volume of a sphere, V = 4 πr 3 Hence, Pascal-second has dimensions of
3 coefficient of viscosity.
reduction factor is same as of current, ∆V 3 × ∆r
∴ × 100 = × 100
i.e. ampere. V r 15 Spring constant, surface tension and
∆r surface energy have the same
3 The lumen (lm ) is the SI derived unit of Here × 100 = 2% dimensions, i.e. [ML0 T −2 ]. However,
luminous flux, a meausre of total r
∆V acceleration due to gravity has
quantity of visible light emitted by a ∴ × 100 = 3 × 2% = 6% dimensions [LT −2 ].
source. V
kg -m −1 /s 2
10 Density, ρ = m = m3 16 Pressure gradient = = [ML−2 T −2 ]
4 Young’s modulus, m
v l
stress N m/s
Y = = ∆ρ ∆m ∆l Velocity gradient = = [M 0 L0 T −1 ]
+ 3 × 100
or pascal
strain m2 ⇒ × 100 = ± m
ρ m l
kg -m2 /s 3 -A
[in SI system]
= ± (4 + 3 × 3)% = ± 13% Potential gradient =
dyne m
Y = [in CGS system]
cm2 11 Here, P =
a 3 b2 = [MLT −3 A −1 ]
Hence, Nm −1 is not the unit of Young’s cd kg -m2 /s 2
Energy gradient = = [MLT −2 ]
modulus. ∆P m
∴ × 100
P Hence option (d) is correct.
5 Unit of Young’s modulus Y in SI units is 3∆a 2 ∆b ∆c ∆d
Nm −2 . = + + + × 100 17 Resistance,
dyne a b c d
Here, Y = 18 × 1011 ∆a ∆b R=
Potential difference V
= =
W
cm2 =3 × 100 + 2 × 100 Current I QI
As, 1 dyne = 10−5 N a b
∆c ∆d W
1 cm = 10−2 m + × 100 + × 100
c d QV = Q
10−5
⇒ Y = 18 × 10
11
× Nm −2 =3 × 1 + 2 × 2 + 3 + 4
(10−2 ) 2 So, dimension of R
= 3 + 4 + 3 + 4 = 14%
= 18 × 1010 Nm −2 [Dimension of work] [ML2 T −2 ]
12 Let M ∝ [ F a Lb Tc ] = =
6 All measurements are correct upto two [Dimension of charge] [AT] [A]
places of decimal. However, the Writing dimensions of both sides and [Dimension of current]
absolute error in (a) is 0.01 mm, which using the principle of homogeneity of
is the least of all the four. So, 5.00 mm is dimensions, we have = [ML2 T −3 A −2 ]
most precise. [M1 L0 T 0 ] = K [MLT −2 ] a [L] b [T] c 1
18 We know that, c =
7 Number of significant figures in On comparing the powers both sides µ 0 ε0
23.023 = 5 a = 1, a + b = 0, −2a + c = 0 where, c is speed of light.
Number of significant figures in On solving, we have
Hence, dimensions of ( µ 0 ε0 )−1 /2 is equal
0.0003 = 1 b = − 1, c = 2, a = 1
to that speed of light [LT −1 ].
Number of significant figures in ∴ Units of mass is [FL−1 T2 ].
2.1 × 10−3 = 2 13 As we know that, 19 Dimensional formula of L is [ML2 T −2 A −2 ],
8 Given, least count of screw gauge, arc [ L] C is [M −1 L−2 T 4 A2 ] and that of R is
Angle = = = dimensionless
radius [L] [ML2 T −3 A −2 ]. Thus, dimensional formula
LC = 0.001 cm of L /R is [ T ].
Main scale reading, But unit of angle is radian.
Similarly, dimensional formula of R-C is
MSR = 5mm = 0.5cm 14 Pascal is unit of pressure, hence its [T].
Number of coinciding divisions on the dimensional formula is [ML−1 T −2 ].
∴ L /R and R-C has the dimensions of
circular scale, i.e. Vernier scale reading, ∴Dimensional formula of Pascal-second time.
VSR = 25 is [ML−1 T −1 ].
20 From Einstein’s equation, E = hν Applying principle of homogeneity, we 2 Magnetic moment, M = IA
2 −2
get a= 1, a + 2b = 2 and − a + c = − 2 Thus, dimensions of M = [A][L2 ] = [L2 A]
E [ML T ]
⇒ h= = Solving it, we get q q
ν [T −1 ] 3 Coulomb’s law, F = 1 ⋅ 1 2 2
a = 1, b = 1/2 and c = − 1 4 πε 0 r
Dimensions of Planck’s constant,
∴ E = K [ p1 A1 /2 T −1 ] q1 q2
[h] = [ML T ] 2 −1 ⇒ ε0 =
4 πFr 2
Also, moment of inertia, I = MR2 28 Refractive index, n = A + B2 C2
λ =
⇒ [I] = [ML2 ] Nm2
From principle of homogeneity of
[h] [ML2 T −1 ] dimensions, quantity = C2 m −2 N −1
∴ = = [T −1 ]
[I] [ML2 ] B/λ2 should have the dimensions of n 4 We know that, wavelength λ = h
= dimension of frequency. B = [M 0 L0 T 0 ] mv
⇒
λ2 h
21 Surface tension ∴ = mv .
∴ B = [M L T ] × [L2 ] = [M 0 L2 T 0 ]
0 0 0 λ
Force Surface energy
= =
Length Area 29 (i) Dimensions of pressure = [M1 L−1 T −2 ] Hence, h/λ has dimensions of
momentum.
=
[E] −2 −2
= [Ev T ] ∴If a = 1, b = −1, c = −2, then
[v ⋅ T]2 the physical quantity is pressure. 5 Here, l = (16.2 ± 0.1) cm,
(ii) Dimensions of velocity = [M 0 L1 T −1 ] b = (10.1 ± 0.1) cm
22 We know that, F = Ma
Mv Ft Here, a = 0, b = 1, c = −1 A = l × b = 16.2 × 10.1 = 163. 62
⇒ F = or M = Rounding off to one significant figure,
t v (iii) Dimensions of acceleration
= [M 0 L1 T −2 ] A = 164 cm2
∴ Dimension of M = [Fv −1 T] ∆A ∆l ∆b
Here, a = 0, b = 1, c = −2 = +
23 As we know that, A l b
−1 −3
Dimension of ε0 = [M L T A ] 4 2
0 .1 0 .1
= +
Dimension of E = [MLT −3 A −1 ] 16.2 10.1
(iv) Dimensions of force = [M1 L1 T −2 ]
So, dimension of
Here, a = 1, b = 1, c = −2 1. 01 + 1. 62
1 = = 2. 63 cm2
ε0 E 2 = [M −1 L−3 T 4 A2 ] × [MLT −3 A −1 ]2 16.2 × 10.1
2 30 According to homogeneity principle,
Rounding off to one significant figure,
= [ML−1 T −2 ] [F ] = [6πη a r b v c ]
∆A = 3cm2
or [MLT −2 ] = [ML−1 T −1 ] a [L]b [LT −1 ] c
24 γ is the ratio of C p to C V which has no ∴ A = (164 ± 3)cm2
or [MLT −2 ] = [ M a L− a + b + c T − a − c ]
unit. 6 Tension = Force = [M1 L1 T −2 ]
Equating the coefficients and powers,
∴ Its dimensional formula is [M 0 L0 T 0 ] .
we get Surface tension
25 Given, y = a sin (ωt + kx ) ∴ a = 1, − a + b + c = 1 Force [M 1 L1 T −2 ]
v and − a−c = −2 = =
Here, ω = angular velocity = Length [L]
r After solving a = 1, b = 1, c = 1
= [M1 L0 T −2 ]
[v ] [LT −1 ]
∴ [ω] = = = [T −1 ] 31 Given critical velocity of liquid flowing So, tension and surface tension does not
[r ] [L] through a tube as expressed as have same dimensional formulae.
= [M 0 L0 T −1 ] v c ∝ η xρy r z
Coefficient of viscocity of liquid,
7 The dimensions of E = [ML2 T −2 ]
26 Using the principle of homogeneity of Dimensions of M = [M]
αz η = [ML−1 T −1 ]
dimensions, the quantity is Density of liquid, ρ = [ML−3 ] Dimensions of L = [ML2 T −1 ]
kθ
Radius of a tube r = [L] Dimensions of G = [M −1 L3 T −2 ]
dimensionless.
kθ Critical velocity of liquid ∴ Dimensions of
⇒ α = E2 L2 [ML2 T −2 ] 2 [ML2 T −1 ] 2
v c = [M 0 L1 T −1 ]
z M 5G 2 = [M] 5 [M −1 L3 T −2 ] 2
[ML2 T −2 K −1 ] × [K] ⇒ [M L T −1 ] = [ML−1 T −1 ] x [ML−3 ] y [L] z
0 1
⇒ [ α] = = [MLT −2 ]
[L] [M 0 L1 T −1 ] = [M x + y L− x −3 y + z T − x ] = [ML2 T −2 ]
α Comparing exponents of M, L and T,
Also, p = 8 van der Waals’ equation,
β we get
x + y = 0, − x − 3 y + z = 1, − x = −1 p + a (V − b ) = R T
α [MLT −2 ]
⇒ [ β] = = = [M 0 L2 T 0 ] ⇒ z = −1, x = 1, y = −1 V2
−1 −2
p [ML T ]
a / V 2 should have dimensions of
27 Let energy E ∝ p a A b T c SESSION 2 pressure.
1 We know that, 1 G = 10−4 T ∴ a = pressure × V 2
= K pa A b T c
1 = [ML−1 T −2 ][L3 ]2 =[ML5T −2 ]
where, K is dimensionless constant. ⇒ 1T= G = 104 G b should have dimensions of volume, i.e.
−2 −1 10− 4
⇒ [M L T ] = [MLT
1 2
] a 2 b
[ L] T c
[M 0 L3 T 0 ]
Also, 1 T = 1 Wb/m2
−a + c
=M a a + 2b
L T ⇒ 1 Wb/m2 = 10 4 G
dv 12 If student measures 3.50 cm, it means Using Eqs. (i), (ii) and (iii), we get
9 As, F =−η A 1 /2
dz that there is an uncertainly of order 1 Ge 2
F 0.01cm.
∴ η=− c 2 4 πε0
A
dv For Vernier scale with 1 MSD = 1 mm
dz = [L−2 T2 ][[ML3 T −2 ][M −1 L3 T −2 ]]1 /2
and 9 MSD = 10 VSD
= [L−2 T2 ][L3 T −2 ]
As F = [MLT −2 ], A = [L2 ] LC of Vernier calliper = 1 MSD – 1VSD = [L]
dv = [LT −1 ], dz = [L]
= 1 −
1 9 1
= cm
[MLT −2 ] [L] 10 10 100 15 Given, time period, T = 2π L
∴ η= 2 g
[L ] [LT −1 ]
13 From Ohm’s law, R = V Thus,changes can be expressed as
= [ML−1 T −1 ] I 2 ∆T ∆L ∆g
= =± ±
⇒ ln R = ln V − ln I T L g
10 Maximum possible % error is
∆R ∆V ∆I
∆X ⇒ = + According to the question, we can write
= × 100 R V I ∆L 0.1cm 1
X = =
∆M ∆L ∆T = 3% + 3% = 6% L 20.0cm 200
=a +b +c 90
M L T e2 e2 Again, time period, T = s and
14 As force, F = 2
⇒ = r2 ⋅ F 100
= aα + bβ + cγ 4πε0 r 4πε0 1 ∆T 1
∆T = s ⇒ =
Putting dimensions of r and F, 200 T 90
11 As, f = Cm x k y
we get, ∆g ∆L 2∆T
∴ = +
∴ (Dimension of f ) g L T
e2 3 −2
= C (dimension of m ) x ⇒ = [ML T ] …(i)
∆g ∆L
4πε0 or × 100% = × 100%
× (dimensions of k ) y g L
[T ] = C [M] [MT −2 ] y
−1 x Gm2
…(i) Also, force, F = 2∆T
r2 + × 100%
Applying the principle of homogeneity T
of dimensions, we get [MLT −2 ][L2 ]
⇒ [G ] =
= × 100 % + 2 ×
1 1
[M2 ] × 100%
x + y = 0, − 2 y = − 1 200 90
1 ⇒ [G ] = [M −1 L3 T −2 ] …(ii) = 2.72% = 3%
or y =
2 Thus, accuracy in the determination of g
and 1= 1
= [L−2 T2 ] ...(iii)
1 c 2 [L2 T −2 ]
∴ x=− is approximately 3 %.
2