Units and Dimensions-1

Unit & Dimension
UNIT & DIMENSION

Physical Quantities :
The quantities which can be measured by an instrument and by means of which we can describe the laws of physics are
called physical quantities. Till class X we have studied many physical quantities
eg. length, velocity, acceleration, force, time, pressure, mass, density etc.
Those quantities which can describe the laws of physics & possible to measure are called physical quantities. A physical
quantity is that which can be measured.
Physical quantity is completely specified :
If it has
Numerical value only (ratio); e.g. refractive index, dielectric constant etc.
Magnitude only (scalar); e.g. mass, charge etc.
Magnitude and Direction (vector); e.g. Displacement, torque etc.
Note: (1) There are also some physical quantities which are not completely specified even by magnitude, unit and direction.
These physical quantities are called tensors. Ex. moment of Inertia.
(2) Physical quantity = Numerical value x unit
Physical quantities are of three types
Fundam ental Derived Supplem entary

or Quantities Quantities
Basic quantities
1. Fundamental (Basic) Quantities :
These are the elementary quantities which covers the entire span of physics.
Any other quantities can be derived from these.
All the basic quantities are chosen such that they should be different, that means independent of each other. (i.e.,
distance (d) , time (t) and velocity (v) cannot be chosen as basic quantities (because they are related as V = ). An
International Organization named CGPM:General Conference on weight and Measures, has choosen seven physical
quantities as basic or fundamental.
Length Tim e M ass Tem perature Electrical Lum inous Am ount

(L) (T) (M ) (K) current Intensity of
(A) (Cd) Substance
(m ol)
These are the elementary quantities (in our planet) that’s why chosen as basic quantities.
In fact any set of independent quantities can be chosen as basic quantities by which all other physical quantities can be
derived.
(A ) (V ) ( ) (S ) (R ) (C d) (m ol)
A rea Ve locity D ensity Sp.H eat R esistan ce Lum in ous m ole
i.e., C apacity
Can be chosen as basic quantities (on some other planet, these might also be used as basic quantities)
C2 CLASSES Bhagat Singh Colony

Cont- Opp- Laxmi Narayan Mandir
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JEE/NEET/11th-12th/ Gohana Adda, Rohtak-124001
Unit & Dimension
(L) (A) (V)

But Length Area Velocity
cannot be used as basic quantities as
Area = (Length)2 so they are not independent.
2. Derived Quantities :
Physical quantities which can be expressed in terms of basic quantities (M,L,T....) are called derived quantities.
i.e., Momentum P = mv = (m) = = M 1 L1 T – 1
For example speed = , Density =
Ex.1 Which of the following sets cannot enter into the list of fundamental quantities in any system of units.
(1) Length, mass and velocity (2) Length, time and velocity
(3) Mass, time and velocity (4) Length, time and mass
Sol. The group of fundamental quantities are those quantities which do not depend upon other physical
quantities in the group. But is set (2) we can predict the relation between given quantities as
length = velocity × time. Hence set (2) cannot enter into the list of fundamental quantities.
Hence correct answer is (2)
Here [ M1 L1 T– 1 ] is called dimensional formula of momentum , and we can say that momentum has
1 Dimension in M (mass)
1 Dimension in L (length)
and –1 Dimension in T (time)
The representation of any quantity in terms of basic quantities (M,L,T....) is called dimensional formula and in the
representation, the powers of the basic quantities are called dimensions.
3. Supplementary quantities :
Besides seven fundamental quantities two supplementary quantities are also defined. They are
 Plane angle (The angle between two lines)
 Solid angle

(a) Radian : 1 radian is the angle subtended by an arc of length equal to the radius, of the centre of the circle.
(b) Steradian : It is defined as the solid angle subtended at the centre of a sphere by an area of its surface equal to the
square of radius of the sphere.
Solid angle where A = R 2, then = 1 steradian

Self Practise Problems
1. Which of the following is usually a derived quantity ?

(1) mass (2) velocity (3) length (4) time
2. A dimensionless quantity
(1) never has a unit (2) always has a unit (3) may have a unit (4) does not exist
3. A unitless quantity
(1) never has a non-zero dimension (2) always has a non-zero dimension
(3) may have a non-zero dimension (4) does not exist

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Unit & Dimension
4. choose the wrong statement

(1) all quantities can be expressed dimensionally in terms of the fundamental quantities
(2) a fundamental quantity cannot be represented dimensionally in terms of the rest of fundamental quantities
(3) the dimension of a fundamental quantity, in other fundamental quantities is always zero
(4) the dimension of a derived quantity is never zero in any fundamental quantity
Answer Key : 1. (2) 2. (3) 3. (1) 4. (4)
Finding Dimensions of various physical quantities :

The limit of a derived quantity in terms of necessary basic quantities is called dimensional formula and the raised powers
on the basic quantities are called dimensions.
The basic units are represented as :
Mass  M Distance  L Time  T Temperature  K
Electric Current  A Luminous Intensity  Cd Amount of Substance  mol.
Note :
1. A physical quantity may have a number of units but their dimensions would be same,
e.g. The units of velocity are: cms–1, ms–1, kms–1. But the dimensional formula is M0L 1T1.
2. Dimension does not depend on the unit of quantity.
Height, width, radius, displacement etc. are a kind of length. So we can say that their dimension is [L]
[Height]
[W idth]
[radius] [L]
[displacem ent]
here [Height] can be read as “Dimension of Height”
For rectangle
Area = Length × Width

So, dimension of area is [Area] = [Length] × [Width]
= [L] × [L]
= [L2]
For circle
Area = r2
[Area] = [] [r2] = [1] [L2] = [L2]
Here  is not a kind of length or mass or time so  shouldn’t affect the dimension of area.
Hence its dimension should be 1 (M0L0T0) and we can say that it is dimensionless. From similar logic we can say that all
the numbers are dimensionless.
[200]
[-1]
0 0 0
[3] [M L T ] = 1
Dim ensionless
 1
2
 
For cube
[Volume] = [Length] × [Width] × [Height]
=L×L×L = [L3]
For sphere
Volume = r3
[Volume] = [r3]
= (1) [L3] = [L3]
So dimension of volume will be always [L3] whether it is volume of a cuboid or volume of sphere.

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Unit & Dimension
Dimension of a physical quantity will be same, it doesn’t depend on which formula we are using for that
quantity.
Density =
[Density] = = = [M1L– 3]
Velocity (v) =
[v] = = = [M0L1T–1]
Acceleration (a) =
[a] = =
Momentum (P) = mv
[P] = [M] [v] = [M] [LT–1] = [M1L1T–1]
Force (F) = ma
[F] = [m] [a] = [M] [LT–2]
= [M1L1T–2] (You should remember the dimensions of force because it is used several times)
Work or Energy = force × displacement

[Work] = [force] [displacement] = [M1L1T–2] [L] = [M1L2T–2]
Power =
[Power] = = = [M1L2T– 3]
Pressure =
[Pressure] = = = M1L– 1T – 2
1. Dimensions of angular quantities :

Angle ()
(Angular displacement)  =
[] = = = [M0L0T0] (Dimensionless)
Angular velocity () =
[] = = = [M0L0T–1]
Angular acceleration () =

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Unit & Dimension
[] = = = [M0L0T– 2]
Torque = Force × Arm length
[Torque] = [force] × [arm length]
= [M1L1T–2] × [L] = [M1L2T–2]
2. Dimensions of Physical Constants:
Gravitational Constant:
m1 r m2
Fg Fg
If two bodies of mass m1 and m2 are placed at r distance, both feel gravitational attraction force, whose value is,
Gravitational force Fg =
where G is a constant called Gravitational constant
[Fg] =
[M1L1T– 2] =
[G] = M– 1 L3 T– 2
Specific heat capacity :
To increase the temperature of a body by T, Heat required is Q = ms T
Here s is called specific heat capacity.
[Q] = [m] [s] [T]
Here Q is heat : A kind of energy so [Q] = M1L2T –2
[M1L2T–2] = [M] [s] [K]
[s] = [M0L2T–2K–1]
Gas constant (R) :
For an ideal gas, relation between Pressure (P), Volume (V), Temperature (T) and moles of gas(n) is
PV = nRT where R is a constant, called gas constant.
[P] [V] = [n] [R] [T] ............ (1)
here [P] [V] = [Area × Length]

= [Force] × [length]
= [M1L1T–2] [L1] = M1L2T–2
From equation (1)
[P] [V] = [n] [R] [T]
 [M1L2T–2] = [mol] [R] [K]
 [R] = [M1L2T–2 mol–1 K–1]
Coefficient of viscosity :
If any spherical ball of radius r moves with velocity v in a viscous liquid, then viscous force acting on it is given by
fv
r
r
V
Fv = 6rv
Here  is coefficient of viscosity

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Unit & Dimension
[Fv] = [6] [] [r] [v]
M1L1T – 2 = (1) [] [L] [LT– 1]
[] = M1L– 1T – 1
Planck’s constant :
If light of frequency  is falling , energy of a photon is given by
E = h Here h = Planck’s constant
[E] = [h] []
 = frequency =  [] = =
so M1L2T– 2 = [h] [T –1]
[h] = M1L2T– 1
3. Some special features of dimensions :

Suppose in any formula, (L + ) term is coming (where L is length). As length can be added only with a length, so 
should also be a kind of length.
So [] = [L]
Similarly consider a term (F – ) where F is force. A force can be added/substracted with a force only and give rises to a
third force. So  should be a kind of force and its result (F –) should also be a kind of force.
F–
a third force should be a kind of
and its dim ension force  [  = M 1 L 1 T –2
will also be M 1 L 1 T – 2
Rule No. 1 : One quantity can be added / substracted with a similar quantity only and gives rise to the similar quantity.
Ex.10 = Fv +
Find dimension formula for [] and [] ( here t = time, F = force, v = velocity, x = distance)
Sol. Since dimension of Fv = [Fv] =[M1L1T–2] [L1T–1] = [M1L2T – 3] ,
so should also be M1L2T– 3
= M 1 L2 T – 3
[] = M1L4T – 3
and will also have dimension M1L2T – 3 , so L.H.S. should also have the same dimension M1L2T – 3
so = M1L2T – 3
[] = M1L2T – 1
Ex.11 For n moles of gas, Vander waal’s equation is
(V – b) = nRT
Find the dimensions of a and b, where P is gas pressure, V = volume of gas T = temperature of gas

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Unit & Dimension
Sol.
So = M1L– 1T – 2 So [b] = L3
= M–1 L–1 T – 2  [a] = M1 L5 T–2
Rule No. 2 : Consider a term sin()
Here  is dimensionless and sin is also dimensionless.

 Whatever comes in sin(......) is dimensionless and entire [sin (.......)] is also dimensionless.
sin(- - -)
dim ensionless
 dim ensionless
Similarly :
cos(- - -) tan(- - -)
dim ensionless dim ensionless
(- - -)
e
log e (- - -)
dim ensionless
dim ensionless
12. a, b are two different physical quantities with different dimensions which one of the following is correct.
(1) a + b (2) a – b (3) a/b (4) ea/b
Answer Key : (3)
Ex.12 = sin (t) (here v = velocity, F = force, t = time)

Find the dimension of  and 
Sol.
So [] = = = M 1L – 1 T0

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Ex.13  = loge where F = force , v = velocity

Find the dimensions of  and .
Sol.
=1 =1 [] = L2T – 2
as [] = [] =  [] = M1L – 1 T0
4. USES OF DIMENSIONS :
(i) Conversion of one system of units into another :
(ii) To check the correctness of the formula :
(iii) We can derive a new formula roughly :
(iv) We can express any quantity in terms of the given basic quantities.
(i) Conversion of one system of units into another :

Let n1 and n2 be the numerical values of a given quantity Q in two unit system then.
and (in two systems respectively)

Therefore, By the principle nU = constant
 n2U2 = n1U1
 
(ii) To check the correctness of the formula :
If the dimensions of the L.H.S and R.H.S are same, then we can say that this equation is at least dimensionally correct.
So the equation may be correct.
But if dimensions of L.H.S and R.H.S is not same then the equation is not even dimensionally correct. So it cannot be
correct.
e.g. A formula is given centrifugal force Fe =

(where m = mass , v = velocity , r = radius)
we have to check whether it is correct or not.
Dimension of L.H.S is
[F] = [M1L1T-2]
Dimension of R.H.S is
= = [M1L1T– 2]
So this eqn. is at least dimensionally correct.
thus we can say that this equation may be correct.
Ex.14 Check whether this equation is correct or not

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Unit & Dimension
Pressure Pr = (where Pr = Pressure , F = force ,

v = velocity , t = time , x = distance)
Sol. Dimension of L.H.S = [Pr] = M1L– 1T – 2
Dimension of R.H.S = = = M1L2T – 6

Dimension of L.H.S and R.H.S are not same. So the relation cannot be correct.
Sometimes a question is asked which is beyond our syllabus, then certainly it must be the question of dimensional
analyses.
Ex.15 A Boomerang has mass m, surface Area A, radius of curvature of lower surface r and it is moving with velocity v in air of
density . The resistive force on it should be –
(1) log (2) log
(3) 2v2A log (4) log

Sol. Only 3 is dimensionally correct.
13. The dimensions of impulse are equal to that of

(1) force (2) angular momentum (3) pressure (4) linear momentum
14. The velocity of water waves may depend on their wavelength , the density of water  and the acceleration due to gravity
g. The method of dimensions gives the relation between these quantities as
(1) v2 = K –1 g–1 –1 (2) v2 = K g (3) v2 = K g (4) v2 = k 3 g–1 –1
Answer Key : 13. (4) 14. (2)
(iii) We can derive a new formula roughly :

If a quantity depends on many parameters, we can estimate, to what extent, the quantity depends on the given
parameters !
Ex.16
Tim e p e riod o f a s im p le p e n du lu m c a n d e pe n d on

So we can say that expression of T should be in this form
T = (Some Number) (m)a ()b(g)c
Equating the dimentions of LHS and RHS,
M0L0T1 = (1) [M1]a [L1]b [L1T–2]c
M0L0T1 = Ma Lb+c T– 2c
Comparing the powers of M,L and T, get a = 0 , b + c = 0, – 2c = 1

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Unit & Dimension
so a = 0 , b = ,c=– so T = (some Number) M0 L1/2 g– 1/2
T = (Some Number)
The quantity “Some number” can be found experimentally. Measure the length of a pendulum and oscillate it, find its time
period by stopwatch.
Suppose for  = 1m, we get T = 2 sec. so
2 = (Some Number)
“Some number” = 6.28 2.
Ex.17 Natural frequency (f) of a closed pipe
So we can say that f = (some Number) ()a ()b (P)c
= (1) [L]a [ML–3]b [M1L–1T–2]c

MºLºT–1 = Mb + c La – 3b – c T–2c
comparing powers of M, L, T
0=b+c
0=a–b–c
–1 = –2c
get a = – 1 , b = - 1/2 , c = 1/2
So f = (some number)
(iii) We can express any quantity in terms of the given basic quantities.
Ex.18 If velocity (V), force (F) and time (T) are chosen as fundamental quantities , express (i) mass and (ii) energy in terms of
V,F and T
Sol. Let M = (some Number) (V)a (F)b (T)c
Equating dimensions of both the sides
M1L0T0 = (1) [L1T–1]a [M1L1T - 2]b [T1]c
M1L0T0 = Mb La + b T – a – 2b + c
get a = – 1, b = 1, c = 1
M = (Some Number) (V–1 F1 T1)  [M] = [V–1 F1 T1]
Similarly we can also express energy in terms of V , F , T
Let [E] = [some Number] [V]a [F]b [T]c
 [ML2T–2] = [MºLºTº] [LT–1]a [MLT–2]b [T]c
 [M1L2T–2] = [Mb La + b T–a – 2b + c]
 1 = b; 2 = a + b ; – 2 = –a – 2b + c
get a =1 ; b = 1 ; c = 1
 E = (some Number) V1F1T1 or [E] = [V1][F1][T1].

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15. If force, length and time would have been the fundamental units, what would have been the dimensional formula for
mass ?
(1) F L–1 T2 (2) F L T–2 (3) F L T–1 (4) F
Answer Key : 15. (1)
(iv) To find out unit of a physical quantity :

Suppose we want to find the unit of force. We have studied that the dimension of force is
[Force] = [M1L1T–2]
As unit of M is kilogram (kg) , unit of L is meter (m) and unit of T is second (s) so unit of force can be written as (kg) 1 (m)1
(s)– 2 = kg m/s2 in MKS system. In CGS system, unit of force can be written as (g)1 (cm)1 (s)–2 = g cm/s2.
Limitations of Dimensional Analysis :
From Dimensional analysis we get T = (Some Number)

so the expression of T can be :
T =2 T= sin (.....)
or or
T = 50 T= log (......)
or or
T = 2 T= + (t0)
Dimensional analysis doesn’t give information about the “some Number” :The dimensional constant.
This method is useful only when a physical quantity depends on other quantities by multiplication and power relations.
(i.e., f = xa yb zc)
It fails if a physical quantity depends on sum or difference of two quantities

(i.e.f = x + y – z)
i.e., we cannot get the relation
S = ut + at2 from dimensional analysis.

This method will not work if a quantity depends on another quantity as sine or cosine ,logarithmic or exponential relation.
The method works only if the dependence is by power functions.
We equate the powers of M,L and T hence we get only three equations. So we can have only three variable (only three
dependent quantities)
So dimensional analysis will work only if the quantity depends only on three parameters, not more than that.
Ex.19 Can Pressure (P), density () and velocity (v) be taken as fundamental quantities ?
Sol. P, and v are not independent, they can be related as P = v2 ,so they cannot be taken as fundamental variables.
To check whether the ‘P’ , ‘’ , and ‘V’ are dependent or not, we can also use the following mathematical method :
[P] = [M1L-1T-2]
[] = [M1L-3 T0]
[V] = [M0L1T-1]
Check the determinant of their powers :

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Unit & Dimension
= 1 (3) – (–1)(–1) – 2 (1) = 0,

So these three terms are dependent.
ONLY FOR 12TH CLASS STUDENTS

DIMENSIONS BY SOME STANDARD FORMULAE :
In many cases, dimensions of some standerd expression are asked e.g. find the dimension of (µ00) for this, we can find
dimensions of µ0 and 0, and multiply them, but it will be very lengthy process. Instead of this, we should just search a
formula, where this term (µ00 ) comes.
It comes in c = (where c = speed of light)
 µ0 0 = [µ00] = = = L–2 T2
Ex.20 Find the dimensions of
(i) 0E2 (0 = permitivity in vaccum , E = electric field)
(ii) (B = Magnetic field , µ0 = magnetic permeability)
(iii) (L = Inductance , C = Capacitance)

(iv) RC (R = Resistance , C = Capacitance)
(v) (R = Resistance , L = Inductance)
(vi) (E = Electric field , B = Magnetic field)

(vii) G0 (G = Universal Gravitational constant , 0 = permitivity in vaccum)
(viii) (e = Electrical flux ; m = Magnetic flux)
Sol.(i) Energy density = 0E2

[Energy density] = [0E2]
= = = M1L-1T–2
(ii) = Magnetic energy density
= [Magnetic Energy density]
= = = M1L-1T–2

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(iii) = angular frequency of L – C oscillation
= [] = = T–1
(iv) RC = Time constant of RC circuit = a kind of time
[RC] = [time] = T1
(v) = Time constant of L – R circuit
= [time] = T1
(vi) magnetic force Fm = qvB , electric force Fe = qE
 [Fm] = [Fe]  [qvB] = [qE]
= [v] = LT–1
(vii) Gravitational force Fg = , Electrostatic force Fe =
=  [G0] = = = A2T2M–2
(viii) = = = [v] = LT–1
Dimensions of quantities related to Electromagnetic and Heat (only for XII and XIII students)
(i) Charge (q) :
We know that electrical current i = =
[i]= [A] =  [q] = [ A1 T1 ]
(ii) Permittivity in Vacuum (0) :
Electrostatic force between two charges Fe = =
[Fe] =
M1 L1 T–2 =
[0 ] = M–1 L–3 T4 A2
(iii) Electric Field (E) :  Electrical force per unit charge E =

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[E] = = = M1L1T–3A–1
(iv) Electrical Potential (V) :Electrical potential energy per unit charge V =
[V] = = = M1L2 T–3A–1
(v) Resistance (R) :

From Ohm’s law V = i R
[V] = [i] [R]
[M1L2T–3A–1 ] = [A1] [R]
[R] = M1 L2 T–3A–2
(vi) Capacitance (C) :
C=  [C] = =
–1 –2
[C] = M L T A 4 2
(vii) Magnetic field (B) :

magnetic force on a current carrying wire Fm = i B [Fm] = [i] [] [B]
[M1L1T–2] = [A1] [L1] [B]
[B] = M1LOT–2A–1
(viii) Magnetic permeability in vacuum (µ0) :
Force /length between two wires =
=  [0] = M1L2T–2 A–2

(ix) Inductance (L) :
Magnetic potential energy stored in an inductor U =1/2 L i2
[U] = [1/2] [L] [i]2
[M1 L2 T–2] = (1) [L] (A)2
[L] = M1L2T–2 A–2
(x) Thermal Conductivity : 
Rate of heat flow through a conductor = KA
= [K] [A]
= [K] [L2]
[K] = M1L1T–3 K–1
(xi) Stefan’s Constant (): 

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If a black body has temperature (T), then Rate of radiation energy emitted =  A T4
= [] [A] [T4]
= [] [L2] [K4]

[] = [M1 Lo T–3 K–4]
(xii) Wien’s Constant : 
Wavelength corresponding to max. spectral intensity . m = (where T = temp. of the black body)
[m] =
[L] =
[b] = [L1K1]
Unit :
Measurement of any physical quantity is expressed in terms of an internationally accepted certain basic standard called
unit.
For the measurement of a physical quantity a definite magnitude of quantity is taken as standard and the
name given to this standard is called unit.
PROPERTIES OF UNIT
(a) The unit should be well-defined.
(b) The unit should be of some suitable size.
(c) The unit should be easily reproducible.
(d) The unit should not change with time.
(e) The unit should not change with physical condition like pressure, temperature etc.

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(f) Unit should be of proper size.
SI Units : In 1971 , an international Organization “CGPM” : (General Conference on weight and Measure)
decided the standard units, which are internationally accepted. These units are called SI units (International system of
units)
1. SI Units of Basic Quantities :
S Units
Base Quantity
Name Symbol Definition
The metre is the length of the path traveled by light in

Length metre m vacuum during a time interval of 1/299, 792, 458 of a second
(1983)
The kilogram is equal to the mass of the international

prototype of the kilogram (a platinum-iridium alloy cylinder)
Mass kilogram kg
kept at International Bureau of Weights and Measures, at
Sevres, near Paris, France. (1889)
The second is the duration of 9, 192, 631, 770 periods of the
radiation corresponding to the transition between the two
Time second s
hyperfine levels of the ground state of the cesium-133 atom
(1967)
The ampere is that constant current which, if maintained in

two straight parallel conductors of infinite length, of negligible
Electric Current ampere A circular cross-section, and placed 1 metre apart in vacuum,
would produce between these conductors a force equal to
2 x 10-7 Newton per metre of length. (1948)
Thermodynamic The kelvin, is the fraction 1/273.16 of the thermodynamic

kelvin K
Temperature temperature of the triple point of water. (1967)
The mole is the amount of substance of a system, which

Amount of
mole mol contains as many elementary entities as there are atoms in
Substance
0.012 kilogram of carbon-12. (1971)
The candela is the luminous intensity, in a given direction, of

Luminous a source that emits monochromatic radiation of frequency
candela cd
Intensity 540 x 1012 hertz and that has a radiant intensity in that
direction of 1/683 watt per steradian (1979).
2. Two supplementary units were also defined :

Plane angle – Unit = radian (rad)
Solid angle – Unit = Steradian (sr)
(a) Radian :  1 radian is the angle subtended by arc of length equal to the radius, at the centre of
the circle.
(b) steradian : It is defined as the solid angle subtendid at the centre of the sphere by an arc of its
surface equal to the square of radius of the sphere.
solid angle  =
when A = R2
 = 1 steradian .
3. Other classification :
If a quality involves only length, mass and time (quantities in mechanics), then its unit can be written in MKS, CGS or
FPS system.

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Unit & Dimension
For MKS system : In this system Length, mass and time are expressed in meter, kg and sec. respectively. It comes
under SI system.
For CGS system : In this system ,Length, mass and time are expressed in cm, gram and sec. respectively.
For FPS system : In this system, length, mass and time are measured in foot, pound and sec. respectively.
4. SI units of derived Quantities :
Velocity =
So unit of velocity will be m/s
Acceleration = = =
Momentum = mv
so unit of momentum will be = (kg) (m/s) = kg m/s
Force = ma
Unit will be = (kg) × (m/s2) = kg m/s2 called newton (N)
Work = FS
unit = (N) × (m) = N m called joule (J)
Power =
Unit = J / s called watt (W)
5. Units of some physical Constants :

Unit of “Universal Gravitational Constant” (G)
F=  =
so unit of G =
Unit of specific heat capacity (s) :

Q = ms T
J = (kg) (S) (K)
Unit of s = J / kg K
Unit of 0 :
force per unit length between two long parallel wires is: =
= Unit of 0 =

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Unit & Dimension
6. SI Prefix :
Suppose distance between kota to Jaipur is 3000 m. so
= 3 × 1000 m
d = 3000 m kilo(k) = 3 km (here ‘k’ is the prefix used for 1000 (103))
= 5 × 10 -2 m
Suppose thickness of a wire is 0.05 m d = 0.05 m centi(c)

= 5 cm (here ‘c’ is the prefix used for (10–2))
Similarly, the magnitude of physical quantities vary over a wide range. So in order to express the very large magnitude
as well as very small magnitude more compactly, “CGPM” recommended some standard prefixes for certain power of 10.
Power of Power of
Prefix Symbol Prefix Symbol
10 10
1018 exa E 10 1 deci d

15
10 peta P 10 2 centi c
1012 tera T 10 3 milli m
109 giga G 10 6 micro 
6
10 mega M 10 9 nano n
103 kilo k 10 12 pico p
102 hecto h 10 15 femto f
101 deca da 10 18 atto a
Practical Units of Length

1. Light year = 9.46 × 1015 m 6. Nano meter = 10–9 m
2. Parsec = 3.084 × 10 m16 7. Picometer = 10–12 m
3. Fermi = 10–15 m8. Acto meter = 10–18 m
4. Angstrom (A°) = 10–10 m 9. Astro nomical unit (A.U.) = 1.496 × 1011 m
5. Micron/Micrometer = 10 m–6 10. Otto meter = 10–21 m
Some Important Practical Units

S.No. Quantity Unit
1. Mass Solar mass = 2 × 1030
Dalton = 1.66 × 10–27 kg
Chander Shekhar = 1.4 times of mass of sun
2. Pressure Pascal = 1 N/m2
Bar = 105 N/m2
3. Area barn = 10–28 m2
4. Radio Activity Baquerrel
5. Radiation doze for cancer Rontgen
6. Time Shake = 10 sec –8
Ex.2 Convert all in meters (m) :

(i) 5 m. (ii) 3 km(iii) 20 mm (iv) 73 pm (v) 7.5 nm
Sol. (i) 5 m = 5 × 10 m– 6
(ii) 3 km = 3 × 103 m
(iii) 20 mm = 20 × 10 –3m
(iv) 73 pm = 73 ×10–12 m
(v) 7.5 nm =7.5 × 10 – 9 m

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Unit & Dimension
Ex.3 F = 5 N convert it into CGS system
Sol. F=5 = (5)
= 5 × 10 5 (in CGS system).
This unit ( ) is also called dyne
Ex.4 G = 6.67 × 10 – 11 convert it into CGS system.
Sol. G = 6.67 × 10 – 11
= (6.67×10–11) = 6.67 × 10 – 8
Ex.5  = 2 g/cm3
convert it into MKS system
Sol.
 = 2 g/cm3
= (2)
= 2 × 103 kg/m3
Ex.6 V = 90 km / hour
convert it into m/s
Sol. V = 90 km / hour
= (90)
V = (90)
V = 90 ×
V = 25 m/s
Point to remember : To convert km/hour into m/sec, multiply by .

Ex.7 Convert 7 pm into m
Sol. Let 7 pm = (x) m , Now lets convert both LHS & RHS into meter
7 × (10– 12) m = (x) x 10– 6 m
get x = 7 × 10 –6 So 7 pm = (7×10 – 6)m
5. The unit of energy is

(1) J/s (2) watt-day (3) kilowatt (4) g-cm/s2
6. In the S.I. system, the unit of temperature is

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Unit & Dimension
(1) degree centigrade (2) kelvin (3) degree Celsius (4) degree Fahrenheit
7. In the S.I. system the unit of energy is

(1) erg (2) calorie (3) joule (4) electron volt
8. Unit of pressure in S.I. system is

(1) atmosphere (2) dynes per square cm (3) pascal (4) bar
9. Which of the following is not a unit of time?

(1) microsecond (2) leap year (3) lunar month (4) light year
10. What will be the unit of time in that system in which the unit of length is metre unit of mass ‘kg’ and unit of force ‘kg. wt’ ?
(1) 1/ sec (2) (9.8)2 / sec (3) sec (4) 9.8 sec
11. The M.K.S.A. system was first introduced by

(1) Archimedes (2) Galileo (3) Newton (4) Giorgi
Answer Key :
5. (2) 6. (2) 7. (3) 8. (3) 9. (4) 10. (1) 11. (4)
8. SI Derived units, named after the scientist :

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Unit & Dimension
SI Units
S.N Physical Quantity Symbol of the Expression in terms Expression in terms
Unit name
unit of other units of base units
Frequency
Oscillatio n -1
1. 1 hertz Hz s
(f = ) s
T
Force 2
2. newton N ----- Kg m / s
(F = ma)
Energy, Work, Heat 2 2

3. joule J Nm Kg m / s
(W = Fs)
Pressure, stress
2 2
4. F pascal Pa N/m Kg / m s
(P = )
A
Power,
2 3
5. W watt W J/s Kg m / s
(Power = )
t
Electric charge
6. coulomb C ------ As
(q = it)
Electric Potential
Emf. 3 3
7. U volt V J/C Kg m / s A
(V = )
q
Capacitance 4 -1
A s kg
8. q farad F C/V -2
(C = ) m
v
2 -3
Electrical Resistance kg m s
9. ohm  V/A -2
(V = i R) A
Electrical
Conductance siemens -1 -2 3 2
10. S, A/V kg m s A
1 i (mho)
(C = = )
R V
11. 2 -2 -1
Magnetic field tesla T Wb / m kg s A
2 –2
kg m s
12. Magnetic flux weber Wb V s or J/A -1
A
2 -2
kg m s
13. Inductance henry H Wb / A -2
A
Activity of Di sin tegration -1

14. becquerel Bq s
radioactive material sec ond
9. Some SI units expressed in terms of the special names and also in terms of
base units:

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Unit & Dimension
SI Units
Physical Quantity In terms of special
In terms of base units
names
2 2
Torque (  = Fr) Nm Kg m / s
Dynamic Viscosity
dv Poiseiulle (P  ) or Pa s Kg / m s
(Fv =  A )
dr
Impulse (J = F  t) Ns Kg m / s
Modulus of elasticity
2 2
stress N/m Kg / m s
(Y = )
strain
Surface Tension Constant (T)

2 2
F N/m or J/m Kg / s
(T = )

J/kg K
Specific Heat capacity (s) cal 2 -2 -1
(old unit s ) m s K
(Q = ms  T)
g. º C
Thermal conductivity (K)

-3 -1
dQ dT W/mK m kg s K
( = KA )
dt dr
F -3 -1
Electric field Intensity E = V/m or N/C m kg s A
q
Gas constant (R) (PV = nRT) or

molar Heat Capacity 2 -2 -1 -1
J / K mol m kg s k mol
Q
(C = )
MT
10. Change of Numerical value with the change of unit :

Suppose we have
 = 7 cm =
we can say that if the unit is increased to 100 times (cmm),
the numerical value became times

So we can say
Numerical value 
we can also tell it in a formal way like the following :–
Magnitude of a physical quantity = (Its Numerical value) (unit)

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Unit & Dimension
= (n) (u)
Magnitude of a physical quantity always remains constant, it will not change if we express it in some other unit.
So
numerical value 
Ex.8 If unit of length is doubled, the numerical value of Area will be ................
Sol. As unit of length is doubled, unit of Area will become four times. So the numerical value of Area will became one fourth.
Because numerical value  ,
Ex.9 Force acting on a particle is 5N.If unit of length and time are doubled and unit of mass is halved than the numerical value
of the force in the new unit will be.
Sol. Force = 5
If unit of length and time are doubled and the unit of mass is halved.
Then the unit of force will be = times
Hence the numerical value of the force will be 4 times. (as numerical value  )
Force = 20 units

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Unit & Dimension
PART-I : ONLY ONE OPTION CORRECT TYPE
SECTION (A) : UNITS

1. One watt-hour is equivalent to -
(1) 3.6 × 103 Joule (2) 3.6 × 10–3 Joule (3) 6.3 × 103 Joule (4) 6.3 × 10–3 Joule
2. Which of the following is not equal to watt -

(1) Joule/second (2) Ampere×volt (3) (Ampere)2×ohm (4) Ampere/volt
3. Which of the following is not the unit of length :

(1) micron (2) light year (3) angstrom (4) radian
4. Unit of Stiffen’s constant is :-

(1) Watt –m2 4
–K (2) Watt –m2 –K4 (3) Watt /m2 –K (4) Watt /m2 K4
5 The S.I. unit of gravitaional potenital is

(1) J
(2) J . kg -1 (3) J - kg (4) J - kg -2
6. Length cannot be measured by

(1) Fermi (2) Debye (3) Micron (4) Light year
7. The Value of Plancks Constant is

(1) 6.63 ×10 -34 J-sec (2) 6.63×1034 J/sec (4) 6.63 ×10 -34 kg - M2 (4) 6.63 ×1034 kg / sec
8. Faraday is the unit of

(1) Charge (2) emf (3) Mass (4) Energy
9. Curie is a unit of -
(1) half life (2) radioactivity (3) intensity of -rays (4) energy of -rays
10. Hertz is a unit of-

(1) Force (2) Acceleration (3) Frequency (4) Flux
11. Light year is a unit of-

(1) Time (2) Mass (3) Distance (4) Energy
12. S unit of pressure is-

(1) Pascal (2) Dyne/cm2 (3) cm of Hg (4) Atmosphere
13. Which of the following is not a fundamental unit –

(1) Kelvin (2) Second (3) Candela (4) Kilogram weight
14. If n is number and u is the unit of a physical quantity then which of the following is correct for the measurement of "n"-
(1) n  size of u (2) n  u2 (3) n   (4) n  

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Unit & Dimension
15. In C.G.S. system the magnitude of the force is 100 dynes. In another system where the fundamental physical quantities
are kilogram, meter and minute, the magnitude of the force is-
(1) 0.036 (2) 0.36 (3) 3.6 (4) 36
16. Pick out the right choice S2 = at4. Here S is measured in meters, t in second. Then the unit of ‘a’ is-
(1) ms–2 (2) ms2 (3) m2s4 (4) m2s–4
17. The units of angular momentum are-

(1) kg-m2/s2 (2) joules-s (3) joules/s (4) kg-m s–2
18. 1eV is equal to -

(1) 10 erg (2) 1.6 × 10–12 erg (3) 1.6 × 10–13 erg (4) 1.6 × 10–19 erg
19. The ratio of S.I. units to the C.G.S units of ‘G’ is -

(1) 10–2 (2) 10–3 (3) 102 (4) 103
20. Time taken by light to travel from sun to the earth is approximately -
(1) 8 seconds (2) 8 hours (3) 8 minutes (4) 8 days
21. If the units M and L are increased three times, then the units of energy will be increased by -
(1) 3 times (2) 6 times (3) 27 times (4) 81 times
22. The SI unit of length is the meter. Suppose we adopt a new unit of length which equals to x meters. The area 1m 2
expressed in terms of the new unit has a magnitude -
(1) x (2) x2 (3) (4)

23. Luminous flux is expressed in -
(1) Lux (2) Weber (3) Candela (4) Lumen
24. The ratio of S.I. to C.G.S units for Stefan’s constant is -
(1) (2) (3) 100 (4) 1000
25. If the units of ML are doubled then the unit of kinetic energy will become -
(1) 8 times (2) 16 times (3) 4 times (4) 2 times
26. Which of the following in not the unit of time -

(1) leap year (2) lunar month (3) solar day (4) parallactic second
27. Unit of impulse is :

(1) Newton (2) kg-m (3) kg- m/s (4) Joule
28. Which of the following is not the unit of time-

(1) Micro second (2) Shake (3) Lunar months (4) Parallactic second
29. The unit of permittivity of free space  is :-

(1) Newton metre2/Coulomb2 (2) Coulomb/Newton metre
(3)Coulomb2 /Newton metre2 (4) Coulomb2 / (Newton metre)2
SECTION (B) : DIMENSIONS

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Unit & Dimension
1. The unit of is the same as that of (where T is tension and m is mass/length) -

(1) Frequency (2) Time period (3) Wave-length (4) Wave number
2. Which of the following is not dimensionally correct– (T = tension, m = mass/length, s = distance, h = height)
(1) s = at2 (2) (3) (4)

3. Which of the following set have different dimensions?
(1) Pressure, Young’s modulus, Stress (2) Emf, Potential difference, Electric potential
(3) Heat, Work done, Energy (4) Dipole moment, Electric flux, Electric field
4. The dimensional formula for magnetic flux is :
(1) [ML2T–2A–1] (2) [ML3T–2A–2] (3) [M0L–2T2A–2] (4) [ML2T–1A2]
5. The dimension of Planck constant equals to that of :

(1) Energy (2) Momentum (3) Angular momentum (4) Power
6. The dimensions of universal gravitational constant are :-

(1) ML2T–1 (2) M–2L3T–2 (3) M–2L2T–1 (4) M–1L3T–2
7.
The dimensional formula of angular velocity is
(1) MO O -1
L T (2) MLT -1 (3) MOLOT1 (4) MLOT-1
8. Dimension formula for angular momentum is

(1)
ML2T -2 (2) ML2T - 1 (3) MLT -1 (4) MOL2T -2
9. Which of the following pair does not have similar dimensions

(1) Stress and pressure (2) Angle and strain
(3) Tension and surface tension (4) planck’s constant and angular momentum
10. Pressure gradient has the same dimesion as that of

(1) Velocity gradient (2) Potenital gradient
(3) Energy gradient (4) None of these
11. Dimension of R is
(1) ML2 T-1 (2) ML2T-3 A-2 (3) ML-1 T-2 (4) None of these
12. “Pascal -Second ‘’has dimension of

(1) Force (2) Energy (3) Pressure (4) Coefficient of Viscosity
13. Which of the following is smallest unit

(1) Millimeter (2) Angstrom (3) Fermi (4) Meter
14. Which relation is wrong?

(1) 1 Calore = 4.18 Joules (2) 1Å = 10-10 m
(3) 1MeV = 1.6 ×10-13 Joules (4) 1 Newton =10 -5 Dynes
15. Identify the pair whose dimensions are equal

(1) Torque and work (2) Stress and energy
(3) Force and stress (4) Force and work
16. The physical quantities not having same dimensions are -

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Unit & Dimension
(1) stress and Young’s modulus (2) speed and (0 0)–1/2
(3) torque and work (4) momentum and Planck’s constant
17. Dimensions of 1/(0 0) where symbols have their usual meaning are -
(1) L2T–2 (2) L2T2 (3) L–1T (4) LT–1
18. In a given relation F = at1 + bt2, F and t denote the force and the time respectively, then dimensions of a and b are
respectively as –
(1) M°L°T1, M°L°T–2 (2) M°L1T–2, M°L2T–2 (3) M1L1T–3, M1L1T–4 (4) M1L1T–1, M1L1T–2
19. Two quantities A and B have different dimensions. Which mathematical operation given below is physically meaningful-
(1) A/B (2) A + B (3) A – B (4) None
20. Dimensional formula for volume elasticity is-

(1) M2L–2T–2 (2) M1L–3T–2 (3) M1L2T–2 (4) M1L–1T–2
21. Position of a body with acceleration ‘a’ is given by x = Kamtn, here t is time. Find dimension of m and n:
(1) m = 1, n = 1 (2) m = 1, n = 2 (3) m = 2, n = 1 (4) m = 2, n = 2
22. The dimension of the ratio of angular momentum and linear momentum is -
(1) L° (2) L1 (3) L2 (4) MLT
23. Dimensions of Torque are-

(1) M1L2T–2 (2) M2L2T2 (3) M–1LT–1 (4) M–2L–2T–2
24. Out of the following which pair of quantities do not have same dimensions-
(1) Planck's constant and angular momentum. (2) Work and torque.
(3) Impulse and momentum. (4) Torque and moment of inertia
25. Dimensional formula of angular velocity is-

(1) M0L0T–1 (2) M1L1T–1 (3) M0L+1T–1 (4) M0L0T–2
26. Which of the following is dimensionless -

(1) universal gravitational constant (2) relative permittivity
(3) relative velocity (4) density
27. The physical quantity which has dimensional formula as that of is-
(1) Force (2) Power (3) Pressure (4) Acceleration
28. The dimensions of the Gravitational constant G are-

(1) ML–1T–1 (2) MLT2 (3) M–1L3T–2 (4) M2L–1T2
29. What will be the unit of c in the equation S = a + bt + ct2 if the units of S and t are meter and second respectively -
(1) meter (2) meter-sec–1 (3) meter-sec–2 (4) meter-sec
30. The dimensions of PV are equivalent to those of -

(1) Work (2) force (3) pressure (4) volume
31. The dimensions of mc2 are -

(1) MLT–1 (2) ML2T–1 (3) ML2T–2 (4) ML2T2

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Unit & Dimension
32. In the equation Sn = u + (2n + 1) the dimensions of Sn are -

(1) M0L1T0 (2) M0L1T–1 (3) M1L0T–1 (4) M0L1T–2
33. The dimensions of light year is -

(1) T (2) L (3) LT (4) T–1
34. Which of the following is dimensional constant -

(1) Refractive index (2) Poisson’s ratio (3) Relative density (4) Gravitational constant
35. Which of the following quantities is dimensionless -

(1) strain (2) relative density (3) angle (4) all of these
36. If force F = at + bt2 where t denotes time, the dimensions of a and b shall be -
(1) MLT–3, ML2T4 (2) MLT–3, MLT–4 (3) MLT–1, MLT0 (4) MLT–4, MLT1
37. A and B are two physical quantities having different dimensions. Then which of the following operation is dimensionally
correct -
(1) A + B (2) log (3) (4) eA/B

38. For 10(at + 3) , the dimension of a is -
(1) M0L0T0 (2) M0L0T1 (3) M0L0T–1 (4) none of these
39. If velocity (V), time (T) and force (F) were chosen as fundamental quantities, the dimensions of mass will be-
(1) FTV (2) F–1TV (3) FTV–1 (4) FT–1V
40. If pressure P, velocity V and time T are taken as fundamental physical quantities, the dimensional formula of the force is-
(1) PV2T2 (2) P–1V2T–2 (3) PVT2 (4) P–1VT2
41. A particle of masss m is suspended by a spring if frequency of its oscilation is n = cmxky here c is a constant then the
value of x and y are -
(1) x = ,y= (2) x = – ,y=– (3) x = – ,y= (4) x = ,y=–
42. The velocity of a freely falling body changes as gphq, where g is acceleration due to gravity and h is the height. The value
of p and q are-
(1) (2) (3) (4) 1, 1
43. In the formula V = Ebda, if V ; E and d are the velocity of longitudinal waves, bulk modulus of elasticity and density of the
gaseous medium respectively, then the values of a and b are respectively -
(1) and (2) and (3) and (4) and
44. If force (F), area (A) and density (D) are taken as the fundamental units, the dimensional representation of Youngs
modulus will be -
(1) F–1A–1D–2 (2) FA–2D–2 (3) FA–1D0 (4) FA–1D
45. A spherical body of mass m and radius r is allowed to fall in a medium of coefficient of viscosity . The time in which its
velocity rises to 0.63 times the critical velocity v is known as .  is dimensionally represented by
(1) mr2/6 (2) (3) m/6rv (4) none of the above

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Unit & Dimension
46. The dimensions of the coefficient of viscosity are -

(1) ML–1T–1 (2) MLT (3) M–1L–1T–1 (4) M0L0T0
47. The ratio of the dimension of Planck’s constant and that of the moment of inertia is the dimension of :-
(1) Velocity (2) Angular momentum (3) Time (4) Frequency
48. The dimensions of the coefficient of viscosity are -

(1) ML–1T–1 (2) MLT (3) M–1L–1T–1 (4) M0L0T0
EXERCISE - 1
SECTION (A)
1. (1) 2. (4) 3. (4) 4. (4) 5 (2) 6. (2) 7. (1)
8. (1) 9. (2) 10. (3) 11. (3) 12. (1) 13. (4) 14. (4)
15. (3) 16. (4) 17. (2) 18. (2) 19. (4) 20. (3) 21. (3)
22. (4) 23. (4) 24. (4) 25. (1) 26. (4) 27. (3) 28. (4)
29. (3)
SECTION (B)
1.
(1) 2. (3) 3. (4) 4. (1) 5. (3) 6. (4) 7. (3)
8. (2) 9. (3) 10. (4) 11. (2) 12. (4) 13. (1) 14. (4)
15. (1) 16. (4) 17. (1) 18. (3) 19. (1) 20. (4) 21. (2)
22. (2) 23. (1) 24. (4) 25. (1) 26. (2) 27. (4) 28. (3)
29. (3) 30. (1) 31. (3) 32. (1) 33. (2) 34. (4) 35. (4)
36. (2) 37. (3) 38. (3) 39. (3) 40. (1) 41. (3) 42. (2)
43. (1) 44. (3) 45. (4) 46. (1) 47. (4) 48. (1)

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Unit & Dimension
Self Practice Paper (SPP)
1. The equation of state of some gases can be expressed as

( p+ Va )2
(V–b) = RT Here P is the pressure, V is the volume,
T is the absolute temperature and a,b,R are constants. The dimensions of 'a' are
(1) ML5 T–2 (2) ML–1 T–2 (3) M0L3T0 (4) M0 L6 T0
2. If V denotes the potential difference across the plates of a capacitor of capacitance C, the dimensions of CV2 are
(1) Not expressible in MLT (2) MLT–2

(3) M2LT–1 (4) ML2 T–2
3. In the relation ;
P=
P is pressure, Z is distance, k is Boltzman constant and  is the temperature. The dimensions of  will be:
(1) [M0 L2 T0] (2) [ML2 T] (3) [ML0 T–1] (4) [M0 L2 T–1]
4. The equation ( V - b) consent. The units of a are :

(1) Dyne ×cm5
(2) Dyne ×cm4 (3) Dyne/cm3 (4) Dyne/cm2
5. If the acceleration due to gravity is 10ms–2 and the units of length and time are changed in kilometer and hour
respectively, the numerical value of the acceleration is
(1) 360000 (2)72,000 (3)36,000 (4)129600
6. If the dimensions of length are expressed as Gx Cy hz; where G,c and h are the universal gravitational constant, speed of
light and Planck's constant respectively, then
1 1 3 1 1 3 3 1
(1) x = 2 ,y = 2 (2) x = 2 , z = 2 (3) y = 2 , z = 2 , (4) y,= – 2 ,z = 2 ,
7. A highly rigid cubical block A of small mass M and side L is fixed rigidly onto another cubical block B of the same
dimensions and of low modulus of rigidity  such that the lower face of A completely covers the upper face of B. The
lower face of B is rigidly held on a horizontal surface. A small force F is applied perpendicular to one of the side
faces of A. After the force is withdrawn block A executes small oscillations. The time period of which is given by
√Mη
(1) 2 L √ L
(2) 2 Mη (3) 2√ML
η √M
(4) 2 ηL

8168998984/9053533648
Unit & Dimension
8. The velocity v of a particel at time t is given by v = at + , where a, b and c are constants. The dimensions of a, b and
c are respectively :-
(1) LT–2, L and T (2) L2, L and LT2 (3) LT2, LT and L (4) L, LT and L2
9. A wire has a mass 0.3 ± 0.003 g, radius 0.5 ± 0.005 mm and length 6 + 0.06 cm. The maximum percentage error in the
measurement of its density is
(1) 1 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 4
10. The SI unit of universal gas constant (R) is

(1) Watt K–1 mol –1 (2) Newton K–1 mol–1 (3) Joule K–1 mol–1 (4) Erg K–1 mo l –1
SPP Answers
1. (1) 2. (4) 3. (1) 4. (2) 5. (4) 6. (4) 7. (4)
8. (1) 9. (4) 10. (3)
SPP Solutions
1. Fact
2. Fact
3. = [M0 L0 T0]  [] =
Further, [P] =  [] = =

Dimensions of k are that of energy. Hence,
[] = = [M0L2T0]
Therefore, the correct option is (A).
[ ][ ] [ ][ ]
–1 –2 –1 –2
L1 L1 meter sec
L2 L2 km hr
5. n2 = n1 = 10
[ ][ ]
–1 –2
m sec
103 m 3600 sec
n2 = 10 = 129600
6. Length  Gxcyhz
L= [M–1L3 T–2]x [LT–1]y [ML2T–1]z
By comparing the power of M.L and T in both sides we get–x+z = 0, 3x + y+2z = 1and –2x–y–z = 0
By solving above three equations we get
1 3 1
x = 2 ,y = – 2 ,z = 2
7.
M
√
By substituting the dimensions of mass [M], length [L] and coefficient of rigidity [ML –1T–2] we get T = 2 ηL is the right
formula for time period of oscillations

8168998984/9053533648
Unit & Dimension
8.
dim of t = dim of c
[C] = [T]
dim of at = dim of v
a = [LT–2]
dim f V = dim of
b = T –1 × T = [L]
M M Δρ ΔM Δr Δr
= = +2 +
V πr 2 L
9. ∵ Density,   ρ M r L
0 .003 0. 005 0 . 06
+2× +
= 0 .3 0. 5 6
= 0.01 + 0.02 + 0.01 = 0.04
Δρ
∴ Percentage error = ρ ×100 = 0.04 ×100 = 4 %
10. Fact

8168998984/9053533648

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Unit & Dimension

UNIT & DIMENSION

Physical quantities are of three types

Fundam ental Derived Supplem entary

Length Tim e M ass Tem perature Electrical Lum inous Am ount

C2 CLASSES Bhagat Singh Colony

(L) (A) (V)

i.e., Momentum P = mv = (m) = = M 1 L1 T – 1

For example speed = , Density =

Solid angle where A = R 2, then = 1 steradian

1. Which of the following is usually a derived quantity ?

C2 CLASSES Bhagat Singh Colony

4. choose the wrong statement

Finding Dimensions of various physical quantities :

Area = Length × Width

C2 CLASSES Bhagat Singh Colony

Work or Energy = force × displacement

1. Dimensions of angular quantities :

[] = = = [M0L0T0] (Dimensionless)

Angular velocity () =

Angular acceleration () =

C2 CLASSES Bhagat Singh Colony

here [P] [V] = [Area × Length]

C2 CLASSES Bhagat Singh Colony

3. Some special features of dimensions :

Sol. Since dimension of Fv = [Fv] =[M1L1T–2] [L1T–1] = [M1L2T – 3] ,

so should also be M1L2T– 3

Ex.11 For n moles of gas, Vander waal’s equation is

C2 CLASSES Bhagat Singh Colony

= M–1 L–1 T – 2  [a] = M1 L5 T–2

Rule No. 2 : Consider a term sin()

Here  is dimensionless and sin is also dimensionless.

dim ensionless dim ensionless

Ex.12 = sin (t) (here v = velocity, F = force, t = time)

C2 CLASSES Bhagat Singh Colony

Ex.13  = loge where F = force , v = velocity

as [] = [] =  [] = M1L – 1 T0

(i) Conversion of one system of units into another :

and (in two systems respectively)

e.g. A formula is given centrifugal force Fe =

Ex.14 Check whether this equation is correct or not

C2 CLASSES Bhagat Singh Colony

Pressure Pr = (where Pr = Pressure , F = force ,

Dimension of R.H.S = = = M1L2T – 6

(1) log (2) log

(3) 2v2A log (4) log

13. The dimensions of impulse are equal to that of

Answer Key : 13. (4) 14. (2)

(iii) We can derive a new formula roughly :

C2 CLASSES Bhagat Singh Colony

so a = 0 , b = ,c=– so T = (some Number) M0 L1/2 g– 1/2

Ex.17 Natural frequency (f) of a closed pipe

So we can say that f = (some Number) ()a ()b (P)c

= (1) [L]a [ML–3]b [M1L–1T–2]c

C2 CLASSES Bhagat Singh Colony

(iv) To find out unit of a physical quantity :

Limitations of Dimensional Analysis :

From Dimensional analysis we get T = (Some Number)

It fails if a physical quantity depends on sum or difference of two quantities