PHYSICS 2018

UNITS & DIMENSIONS

2.1. fill in the blanks

a) The volume of a cube of side 1cm is equal to ________________ m3

b) The surface area of a solid cylinder of radius 2.0cm and height 10.0cm is equal to ……….. (mm)2

c) A vehicle moving with a speed of 18kmh-1 cover ___________ m in 1s.

d) The relative density of lead is 11.3. its density is _____________ gan-3 a-------------kgm-3

Ans.
1
a) 1cm = 100 𝑚
Volume of the cube = 1cm3.
1 1 1
But, 1 cm3 = 1cm × 1cm × 1cm = ( )𝑚 ×( )𝑚 ×( )𝑚
100 100 100
1 cm3 =10-6 m3
Hence, the volume of a cube of side 1cm is equal to 10-6 m3

b) The total surface area of a cylinder of radius r and height h is

S = 2r(r + h)
Given that,
r =2cm = 2×1cm = 2× 10mm=20mm
h=10cm=10×10mm = 100mm
h = 10cm = 10×10mm=100mm
 S=2×3. 14×20×(20+100)
=15072=1.5×104 mm2
c) Using the conversion,
5
1km / h = 𝑚/𝑠
18
5
18km/h=18 × = 5𝑚/𝑠
18
Therefore, distance can be obtained using the relation:
Distance = speed × time = 5×1=5m
Hence, the vehicle covers 5 m in 1s.

d) Relative density of a substance is given by the relation

Relative density of a substance is given by the relation
Relative density =
𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
Density of water 1g/cm3

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Density of lead = relative density of lead × Density of water

=11.3×1=11.3g/cm3
1
Again, 1g = 𝑘𝑔 ⇒ 1𝑔 = 103 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3
1000
11.3g/cm3=11.3×103kg/m3

2.2 fill in the blanks by suitable conversion of units:

a) 1kg m2s-2=…..gcm2s-2

b) 1m= …..ly

c) 3.0ms-2 = km h-2

d) G=6.67×10-11 Nm2 (kg)-2=……………(cm)3 s-2 g-1

Ans.

a) 1kg =103g
1m2=104cm2
1kgm2s-2=1kg×1m2×1s-2
=103g×104cm2×1s-2=107gcm2s-2

b) Light year is the total distance travelled by light in one year.

1 ly= Speed of light × one year
=(3×108m/s)×(365×24×60×60s)=9.46×1015m
1
 1m = 9.46×1015 = 1.057 × 10−16 𝑙𝑦

c) lm =10-3km
1
again, 1s= ℎ
3600
s-1 -1
1 =3600h
1s-2=(3600)2h-2
 3ms-2=(3×10-3 km)×((3600)2h-2)=3.88×10-4 kmh-2

d) 1N=1 kg ms-2
1kg-1=10-3g-1
1m3=106cm3
 6.67×10-11Nm2kg-2×=6067×10-11×(1kgms-2)(1m2)(1kg-2)
= 6.6×10-11(1kg-1×1m3×1s-2)
=6.67×10-11(1kg-1×1m3×1s-2)
=6.67×10-11×(10-3g-1)×(106cm3)×(1s-2)=6.67×10-8cm3s-2g-1

2.3. A calorie is a unit of heat or energy and it equals about 4.2 J where 1J=1kg m2s-2.Suppose we employ a system
of units in which the unit of mass equals α kg, the unit of length equals β m, the unit of time is γ s. show that a
calorie has a magnitude 4.2α-1β-2γ2 in terms of the new units.

Ans. given that,

1 calories= 4.2(1kg)(1m2)(1s-2)

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(𝛼𝑘𝑔)(𝛽𝑚)2 (𝛾𝑠)−2
=4.2 𝛼𝛽2 𝛾 −2

= 4.2α-1β-2γ2 (αkg) (βm)2(γs)-2

=4.2α-1β-2γ2 new units

Hence answer is 4.2α-1β-2γ2

2.4 Explain this statement clearly:

“To call a dimensional quantity ‘large’ or ‘small’ is meaningless without specifying a standard for comparison”. In
view of this, reframe the following statements wherever necessary:

a) Atoms are very small objects

b) A jet plane moves with great speed
c) The mass of Jupiter is very large
d) The air inside this room contains a large number of molecules
e) A proton is much more massive than an electron
f) The speed of sound is much smaller than the speed of light.

Ans. the given statement is true because a dimensionless quantity may be large or small in comparison to some
standard reference. For example, the coefficient of friction is dimensionless. The coefficient of sliding friction is
greater than the coefficient of rolling friction, but less than static friction

a) An atom is a very small object in comparison to a soccer ball

b) A jet plane move with a speed greater than that of a bicycle.
c) Mass of Jupiter is very large as compared to the mass of a cricket ball.
d) The air inside this room contains a large number of molecules as compared to that present in a geometry
box.
e) A proton is more massive than an electron
f) Speed of sound is less than the speed of light.

2.5 A new unit of length is chosen such that the speed of light in vacuum in unity. What is the distance between
the Sun and the Earth in terms of the new unit if light takes 8 min and 20s to cover this distance?
Ans. Distance between the Sun and the Earth
= speed of light × Time taken by light to cover the distance
Given that the new unit, speed of light = 1 unit
Time taken , t = 8 min 20 s = 500 s
 Distance between the Sun and the Earth = 1× 500=500 units.

2.6 Which of the following is the most precise device for measuring length:
a) A vernier calipers with 20 divisions on the sliding scale
b) A screw gauge of pitch 1 mm and 100 divisions on the circular scale
c) An optical instrument that can measure length to within a wavelength of light?
Ans. A device with minimum count is the most suitable (or precise) to measure length
a) Least count of vernier calipers
=1 standard division (SD) – 1 vernier division (VD)
9 1
= = 0.01 𝑐𝑚
10 10

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𝑃𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ
b) Least count of screw gauge = 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
1
= = 0.001 𝑐𝑚
1000
c) Least count of an optical device = wave length of light  10-6 cm
Hence, it can be inferred that an optical instrument is the most suitable device to measure length

2.7 A student measures the thickness of a human hair by looking at it through a microscope of magnification
100. He makes 20 observations and fin that the average width of the hair in the field of view of the
microscope is 3.5mm. what is the estimate on the thickness of hair?
Ans. Magnification of the microscope = (100)
average width of the hair in the field of view of the microscope = 3.5mm
𝐼(𝑠𝑖𝑧𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒)
magnificent of the microscope = 0 (𝑠𝑖𝑧𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡)

3.5
0 = size of the object =Actual thickness of the hair is 100=0.035 mm

2.8. Answer the following

a) You are given a thread and a metre scale. How will you estimate the diameter of the thread?
b) A screw gauge has a pitch of 1.0mm and 200 division on the circular scale. Do you think it is possible to increase
the accuracy of the screw guage arbitrarily by increasing the number of divisions on the circular scale?
c) The mean diameter of a thin brass rod is to be measured by vernier calipers. Reliable estimate than a set of 5
measurements only?
Ans. (a) Wrap the thread on a uniform smooth rod in such a way that the coils thus formed are very close to each
other. Measure the length of the thread using a metre scale. The diameter of the thread is given by the relation,
𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑
𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 =
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑠
b) it is not possible to increase the accuracy of a screw guage by increasing the number of divisions of the circular
scale. Increasing the number divisions of the circular scale will increase precision of screw goage, but accuracy
may or may not increase.
c) A set of 100 measurements is more reliable than a set of 5 measurements because random errors involved in
the former are very less as compared to the latter.

2.9 The photograph of a house occupies an area of 1.75cm2 on a 35 mm slide. The slide is projected on to a
screen, and the area of the house on the screen is 1.55m2. What is the linear magnification of the projector –
screen arrangement?
Ans. Area of the house on the slide = 1.75cm2
Area of the image of the house formed on the screen = 1.55 cm 2
=1.55×104cm2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒 1.55
Arial magnification, 𝑚𝑎 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 = 1.75
× 104

Linear magnifications, 𝑚1 = √𝑚𝑎

1.55
=√ × 104 = 94.11
1.75

2.10. State the number of significant figures in the following:

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a) 0.007 m2
b) 2.64×1024kg
c) 0.2370g cm-3
d) 6.320J
e) 6.032 N m-2
f) 0.0006032 m2
Ans. a) Answer:1
The given quantity is 0.007m2
If the number is than one, then all zeros on the right of the decimal point (but left to the decimal are not
significant. Hence, only 7 is a significant figure in this quantity.
b) answer : 3
The given quantity is 2.64× 1024Kg.
Here, the power of 10 is irrelevant for the determination of significant figures. Here, all digits i.e., 2, 6 and 4 are
significant figures
c) Answer: 4
The given quantity is 0.2370g cm-3
For a number with decimals, the tralling zeroes are significant. Hence, beside digit 2, 3 and 7, the digit 0 that
appears after the decimal point is also a significant figure.
d) Answer: 4
The given quantity is 6.320J
For a number with decimals, the trailing zeroes are significant. Hence, all four digits appearing in the given
quantity are significant figures.
e) Answer:4
The given quantity is 0.0006032m2
If the number is less than one, t hen the zeroes on the right of the decimal point (but left to the first non-zero) are
insignificant. Hence, all three zeroes appearing before 6 are not significant figures. All zeroes between two non-
zero digits are always significant. Hence, the remaining four digits are significant figures.

2.11. The length, breadth and thickness of a rectangular sheet of metal are 4.234m, 1.225 m, and 2.01cm
respectively. Give the area and volume of the sheet to correct significant figures.
Ans. Length of sheet, l = 4.234m
Breath of sheet, b= 1.005m
Thickness of sheet, h=2.01cm =0.0201 m,
The given table lists the respective significant figures.

Quantity Number No. of significant Figures

l 4.234 4
b 1.005 4
h 2.01 3
hence, area and volume both must have least significant figures i.e., 3.
Surface area of the sheet = 2(l×b+b×h+h×l)
=2(4.234×1.005+1.005×0.0201+0.0201×4.234)
=2(4.25517+0.2620+0.08510)
=2×4.360
=8.72m2
Volume of the sheet = l×b×h
=4.234×1.005×0.0201
=0.0855m3

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This number has only 3 significant figures i.e., 8.5 and 5

2.12. The mass of a box measured by a grocer’s balance is 2.3 kg. Two gold piece of masses 20.15g and 20.17g are
added to the box. What is (a) the total mass of the box, (b) the difference in the masses of the pieces to correct
significant figures?
Ans. Mass of grocer’s box = 2.3 kg
Mass of gold piece I = 20.15g = 0.02015 kg
Mass of gold piece II = 20.17g = 0.02017 kg
(a) Total mass of the box = 2.3 + 0.02015 + 0.02017=2.34032kg,
In addition, the final result should retain as many decimal places as there are in the number with the least
decimal places. Hence, the total mass of the box is 2.3 kg.
(b) Difference in masses = 20.17-2015=0.02g
In subtraction, the final result should retain as many decimal places as there are in the number with the
least decimal places.

2.13. A physical quantity P is related to four observable a, b, c, and d as follows:

𝑎3 𝑏 2
𝑃=
(√𝑐𝑑)
The percentage errors of measurement in a, b, c, and d are 1% 3%, 4% and 2%, respectively. What is the
percentage error in the quantity p? If the value of P calculated using the above relation turns out ot be 3.763, to
what value should you round off the result?
𝑎3 𝑏2
Ans.𝑃 = (√𝑐𝑑)
∆𝑃 3∆𝑎 2∆𝑏 1 ∆𝑐 ∆𝑑
= + + +
𝑃 𝑎 𝑏 2 𝑐 𝑑
∆𝑃 ∆𝑎 ∆𝑏 1 ∆𝑐 ∆𝑑
( × 100) % = (3 × × 100 + 2 × × 100 + × × 100 + × 100)
𝑃 𝑎 𝑏 2 𝑐 𝑑
1
=3×1+2×3+2×4+2
=3+6+2+2=13%
Percentage error in P=13%
Value of P is given as 3.763
By rounding off the given value to the first decimal place, we get p = 3.8.

2.14. A book with many printing errors contains four different formulas for displacement y of a particle
undergoing a certain periodic motion:
2𝜋𝑡
a) y = a sin ( )
𝑇
b) y = a sin vt
𝑎 𝑡
c) y = ( )sin ( )
𝑇 𝑎
2𝜋𝑡 2𝜋𝑡
d) y = (𝑎√2) (sin 𝑇 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑇 )
(a = maximum displacement of the particle, v = speed of the particle, T=time-period of motion). Rule out the
wrong formulas on dimensional grounds.
Ans. (a) Answer: Correct
2𝜋𝑡
Y=a sin ( 𝑇 )
Dimension of y = M0L1T0
Dimension of a = M0L1T0

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2𝜋𝑡
Dimension of sin 𝑇 =M0L0T0
 Dimension of L.H.S = Dimension of R.H.S
Hence, the given formula is dimensionally correct
b) Answer : Incorrect
y = a sin vt
dimension of y = M0L1T0
dimension of a = M0L1T0
Dimension of vt = M0L1T-1× M0L0T1=M0L1T0
But the argument of the trigonometric function must be dimensionless, which is not so in the given case. Hence,
the given formula is dimensionally incorrect
c) Answer: Incorrect
𝑎 𝑡
𝑦 = ( ) 𝑠𝑖𝑛
𝑇 𝑎
Dimension of y = M0L1T0
𝑎
Dimension of 𝑇=M0L1T-1
𝑡
Dimension of =M0L-1T-1
𝑎
But the arrangement of the trigonometric function must be dimensionless, which is not on in te given case.
Hence, the formula is dimensionally incorrect.
d) Answer: Correct
2𝜋𝑡 2𝜋𝑡
y = (𝑎√2) (sin 𝑇 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑇 )
dimension of y = M0L1T0
dimension of a = M0L1T0
𝑡
dimension of 𝑎=M0L0T0
since the argument of the trigonometric function must be dimensionless (which is true in the given case), the
dimensions of y and a are the same. Hence, the given formula is dimensionally correct.

2.15. A famous relation in physics relates ‘moving mass’ m to the ‘rest mass’ m0 of a particle in terms of its speed
v and the speed of light, c. (This relation first arose as a consequence of special relativity due to Albert Einstein). A
boy recalls the relation almost correctly but forgets where to put the constant c. He writes:
𝑚0
𝑚= 1
(1 − 𝑣 2 )2
Dimension of m= M0L0T0
Dimension of m0=M1L0T0
Dimension of v = M0L1T-1
Dimension of v2=M0L2T-2
Dimension of c = M0L1T-1
The given formula will be dimensionally correct only when the dimension of L.H.S is the same as that of R.H.S. This
1
is the only possible when the factor, (𝑙 − 𝑣 2 )2 is dimension i.e., (i-v2) is dimensionless. This is only possible if v2 is
divided by c2. Hence, the correction relation is
𝑚0
𝑚= 1
𝑣2 2
(𝑙 − 𝑣 2 )

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2.16. The unit of lengthconvenient on the atomic scale is known as an angstrom and is denoted by A0, 1A0 = 10-
10
m. the size of a hydrogen atom is about 0.5 A0 what is the total atomic volume in m3 of a mole of hydrogen
atoms?
Ans. Radius of hydrogen atom, r=0.5 A0=0.5×10-10m
4
Volume of hydrogen atom = 3 𝜋𝑟 3
4 22
= × × (0.5 × 10−10 )3
3 7
=0.524×10-30m3
1 mole of hydrogen contains 6.023×1023 hydrogen atoms
volume of 1 mole of hydrogen atoms = 6.023×1023×0.524×10-30=3.16×10-7m3=3×10-7m3
2.17. One mole of an ideal gas at standard temperature and pressure occupies 22.4 L (molar volume). What is the
ratio of molar volume to the atomic volume of a mole of hydrogen? (Take the size of hydrogen molecule to be
about 1 A0). Why is this ratio so large?
4 4 22
Ans. Volume of the hydrogen atom = 3 𝜋𝑟 3 = 3 × 7 × (10−10 )3 = 4.19 × 10−30 𝑚3
Now, I mole of hydrogen contains 6.023×10-7m3
Volume of 1 mole of hydrogen atoms
Va= 6.023×1023×4.19×10-30=25.2×10-7m3
Molar volume of 1 mole of hydrogen atoms at STP,
Vm=22.4 lit ==22.4×10-3m3 [∵1 lit =10-3 m3]
𝑉 22.4×10−3
 𝑉𝑚 = 25.2×10−7 = 0.89 × 104 104
𝑎
For this reason, the inter-atomic separation in hydrogen gas is much larger that he size of a hydrogen atom.

2.18. Explain this common observation clearly: If you look out of the window of a fast moving train, the nearby
trees, houses etc. seem to move rapidly in a direction opposite to the train’s motion, but the distant objects (hill
tops, the moon, the starts etc.) seem to be stationary. (In fact, since you are aware that you are moving, these
distant objects seem to move with you).
Ans. Near objects make greater angle than distant (far off) objects at the eye of the observer. When you are
moving, the angular change is less for distant objects than nearer objects. So, these distant objects seem to move
along with you, but the nearer objects in opposite direction

2.19. The principle ‘parallax’ in section 2.3.1 is used in the determination of distance of very distant starts. The
baseline AB is the line joining the earth’s two locations six months apart in this orbit around the sun. That is, the
baseline is about the diameter of the earth’s orbit  3×1011 m. however, even the nearest stars are so distant that
with such a long baseline, they show parallax only the order of 1” (second) of arc or so. A parsec is a convenient
unit of length on the astronomical scale. It is the distance of an object that will show a parallax of 1” (second) of
arc from opposite ends of a baseline equal to the distance from the earth to the sun. how much is a parsec in
terms of meters?
Ans. Diameter of earth’s orbit=3×1011m
Radius of earth’s orbit r=1.5×1011m
Let the distance parallax angle be
1” = 4.847×10-6 and
Let the distance of the star be D
Parsec is defined as the distance at which the average radius of the earth’s orbit subtends an angle of 1”.
𝑟
we have 𝜃 𝐷
𝑟 1.5 × 1011
𝐷= = = 0.309 × 1017 ≈ 3.09 × 1016 𝑚
𝜃 4.847 × 10−6

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Hence, 1 parsec  3.09×1016m.

2.20 The nearest star to our solar system is 4.29 light years away. How much is this distance in terms of parsecs?
How much parallax would this star (named Alpha centauri) show when viewed from two locations of the earth six
months apart in its orbit around the sun?
Ans. Distance of the star from the system = 4.29 ly
1 light year is the distance travelled by light in one year
1 light year = Speed of light × 1year
= 3× 108×365×24×60×60=94608×1011m
4.29ly =405868.32×1011m
∵1 par sec=3.08×1016m
405868.32×1011
4.29ly = 3.08×1016 = 1.32 par sec
Using the relation
𝑑
=
𝐷
Where,
Diameter of earth’s orbit, d= 3×1011m
Distance of the star from the earth, D=405868.32×1011m
3×1011
=405868.32×1011 = 7.39 × 10−6 𝑟𝑎𝑑
But 1 sec=4.85×10-6 red
7.39×109−6
7.39×10-6 rad=4.85×10−6 =1.52′

2.21precise measurement of physical quantities are a need of science. For example to ascertain the speed of an
aircraft, one must have an accurate method to find its positions at closely separated instants of time. This was the
actual motivation behind the discovery of radar in world war II. Think of different examples in modern science
where precise measurements of length, time, mass, etc, are needed. Also, where you can, give a quantitative idea
of the precision needed.
Ans. It is indeed very true that precise measurements of physical quantities are essential for the development of
science. For example, ultra-short laser pluses (time interval 10-15s) are used to measure time intervals physical
and chemical processes. X-ray spectroscopy is used to determine the inter –atomic separation or inter-planer
spacing. The development of mass spectrometer makes it possible to measure the mass of atoms precisely.

2.22 Just as precise measurements are necessary in science, it is equally important to be able to make rough
estimates of quantities using rudimentary ideas and common observations. Think of way by which you can
estimate the following (where an estimate is difficult to obtain, try to get an upper bound on the quantity):
a) The total mass of rain – bearing clouds over India during the monsoon
b) the mass of an elephant
c) the wind speed during a storm
d) the number of strands of hair on your head
e) the number of air molecules in your classroom
Ans. (a) During monsoons, a metrologist records about 215cm of rainfall in India i.e., the height of water column,
h=215cm = 2.15m
Area of country, A=3.3×1012m2
Hence, volume of rain water, V=A×h=7.09×1012m2
Density of water, p=1×103 kg m-3

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Hence, mass of rain water, V=A×h=7.09×1012m2

Density of water, p=1×103 kgm-3
Hence, mass of rain water = p×V=7.09×1015kg
Hence, the total mass of rain – bearing clouds over India is approximately 7.09×1015kg
b) Consider a ship of known base area floating in the sea. Measure its depth in sea (say d1)
Volume of water displaced by the ship vb=Ad1
Now, move an elephant on the ship and measure the depth of the ship (d2) in this case
Volume of water displaced by the elephant =Ad 2- ad2
Density of water =D
Mass of elephant = AS(d2-d1)
c) Wind speed during a storm can be measured by an anemometer. As wind blows it rotates. The rotation
made by the anemometer in one second gives the value of wind speed.
d) Area of the head surface carrying hair = A
With the help of a screw guage, the diameter and hence, the radius of a hair can be determined. Let it be
r.
Area of one hair=r2
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝐴
Number of strands of hair = = 2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑛𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝜋𝑟
e) Let the volume of the room be V
One mole of air at NTP occupies 22.4 it i.e., 22.4×10-3 m3 volume.
Number of molecules in one mole = 6.023×1023
Number of molecules in romm of volume V

6.023 × 1023
= × 𝑉 = 134.915 × 1026 𝑉
22.4 × 10−3
=1.35×1028V

2.23. The sun is a hot plasma (ionized matter) with its inner core at a temperature exceeding 10 7k, and its outer
surface at a temperature of about 6000 K. At these high temperatures, no substance remains in a solid or liquid
phase. In what range do you expect the mass density of the sun to be, in the range of densities of solids and
liquids or gasses? Check if your guess is correct from the following data: mass of the sun = 2.0×1030 kg, radium of
the sun = 7.0×108m.
Ans. Mass the sun, M=2.0×1030 kg
Radius of the sun, R=7.0×108m
4
Volume of the sun, V=𝑉 = 3 𝑅 3
4 22
=3 × 7
× (7.0 × 108 )3
88
= × 343 × 1024 = 1437.3 × 1024 𝑚3
21
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 2.0×1030
Density of the sun = = 1.4 × 103 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 1437.3×1024
The density of the sun is in the density range of solids and liquids. This high density is attributed to the intense
gravitational attraction of the inner layers on the outer layer of the sun

2.24 When the planet Jupiter is at a distance of 824.7 million kilometers from the earth, its angular diameter is
measured to be 35.72” of arc. Calculate the diameter of Jupiter.
Ans. Distance of Jupiter from the earth, D= 824.7×106km = 824.7×109m
Angular diameter = 35.72” =35.72×4.874×10-6 rad
Diameter of Jupiter = d

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Using the relation

d= ×D
=824.7×109×35.72×4.872×10-6
=14.520.76×103=1.435×105km

2.25. A man walking briskly in rain with speed v must slant his umbrella forward marketing an angle  with the
vertical. A student derives the following relations between  and v: tan=v and checks that the relation has a
correct limit v→0, →0, as expected. (we are assuming there is no strong wind and that the rain falls vertically
for a stationary man). Do you think this relation can be correct? If not guess the correct relation.
Ans. Incorrect
The relation is tan  =v
Dimension of R.H.S= M0L1T-1
Dimension of L.H.S = M0L0T0
(∵The trigonometric function is considered to be a dimensionalless quantity) Dimension of R.H.S is not equal to
the dimension of L.H.S. Hence, the given relation is not correct dimensionally
To make the given relation correct, the R.H.S should also be the dimensionless. One way to achieve this is by
dividing the R.H.S by the speed of rainfall v’.
𝑣
Tan = 1 . This relation is dimensionally correct.
𝑣

2.26 It is claimed that two cesium clocks, if allowed to run for 100 years, free from any disturbance, may differ by
only about 0.02 s. what does this imply for the accuracy of the standard cesium in measuring a time – interval of
1s?
Ans. Difference in time of caesium clocks =0.02s
Time required for this difference = 100 years
=100×365×24×60×60=3.15×109s
In 3.15×109 s, the caesium clock shows a time difference of 0.02 s.
0.02
In 1s, the clock will show a time difference of 9s
3.15×10
∆𝑇 2×10−2 −12 −11 −12 1 1
Relative error 𝑇= 3.15×109
= 6 × 10 10 𝑡𝑜10 1011
𝑜𝑟 1012
Thus, the accuracy is 1 part in 1011 to 1012

2.27. Estimate the average mass density of a sodium atom assuming its size to be about 2.5 A0. (Use
the known values of Avogadro’s number and the atomic mass of sodium). Compare it with the
density of sodium in its crystalline phase: 970 kg m-3. Are the two densities of the same order of
magnitude? If so, why?
4𝜋
Ans. Volume of a sodium atom = 3 𝑟 3 = 4.19(2.5 × 10−10 𝑚)3 = 6.5 × 10−29 𝑚3
We know that 6.02×1023 atoms of sodium weigh = 23g=2.3×10-2kg
2.3×10−2 𝑘𝑔
Mass of a sodium atom = 6.02×1023
= 3.8 × 10 − 26𝑘𝑔
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 3.8×10−26 𝑘𝑔 102 𝑘𝑔
Density of sodium atom =𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 3 = 5.8 × 𝑚3
= 580𝑘𝑔/𝑚3
6.5×10−29𝑚
The density of the sodium autom and the density of crystalline sodium (970kg/m3)are thus of the
same order – of magnitude. The reason for this is that the sodium atoms in the solid phase are
closely packed.

2.28.The unit length convenient on the nuclear scale is a Fermi: 1 fm=10-15m. Nuclear sizes obey
𝟏
roughly the following empirical relation: r=r0𝑨𝟑 . Where r is the radius of the nucleus, A its mass

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number, and r 0 is a constant equal to about, 1.2 f. show that the rule implies that nuclear mass
density is nearly constant for different nuclei. Estimate the mass density of sodium nucleus.
Compare it with the average mass density of a sodium atom obtained in Example. 2.27.
Ans. Radius of nucleus ‘r’ given by the relation,
1
r=r0𝐴3 ……. (i)
r0 = 1.2fm=1.2×10-15m
4
volume of the nucleus, 𝜋𝑟03 A……(i)
3
4 1 4
= 𝜋 (𝑟0 𝐴3 ) = 𝜋𝑟03 𝐴 … … … . . (𝑖)
3 3
Now, the mass of the nuclei M is equal to its mass number
M = A amu = A×1.66×10-27 kg
Density of nucleus,
𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑢𝑠
𝜌=
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑢𝑠
𝐴×1.66×10−27 3×1.66×10−27
= 4 = 4 kg/m3
𝜋𝑟 3 𝐴 𝜋𝑟 3
3 0 3 0
This relation shows that nuclear mass depends only on constant r0 and it is independent of mass
number (A). Hence, the nuclear mass densities of all nuclei are nearly the same density of sodium
nucleus is given by,
3 × 1.66 × 10−27
𝜌𝑠𝑜𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑚 =
4 × 3.14 × (1.2 × 10−15 )3
4.98 18 17
=21.71 × 10 = 2.29 × 10 kg m -3

On comparing with the atomic density, nuclear density is typically 1015 times atomic density of matter

2.29. A LASER is a source of very intense, monochromatic, and unidirectional beam of light. These
properties of a laser light can be exploited to measure long distances. The distance of the moon
from the earth has been already determined very precisely using a laser as a source of light. A
LASER beamed at the moon takes 2.56 s to return after reflection at the moon’s surface. How
much is the radius of the lunar orbit around the earth ?

Time taken by the laser beam to return to earth after reflection from the moon = 2.56 s

Speed of light (C) = 3 × 108 m/s

1
Time taken by the laser beam to reach moon (t) = ×2.56 = 1.28 s
2
Radius of the lunar orbit = Distance between the earth and the moon = t × C
= 1.28×108 = 3.84×108 m

2.30. A SONAR (sound navigation and ranging ) uses ultrasonic waves to detect and locate objects
under water. In a submarine equipped with a SONAR the time delay between generation of a
probe wave and the reception of its echo after reflection from an enemy submarine is found to
be 77.0 s. What is the distance of the enemy submarine ? (Speed of sound in water = 1450m.s-1 ).

Ans. Let the distance between the ship and the enemy submarine be ‘s’.
Speed of sound in water = 1450 m/s
Time lag between transmission and reception of sonar waves = 77 s

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In this time lag, sound waves travel a distance which is twice the distance between the ship and the submarine
(2S).

1
Time taken for the sound to reach the submarine = 2×77 = 38.5 s
∴ Distance between the ship and the submarine (S) = 1450×38.5 = 55825m = 55.8 km

2.31 The farthest objects in our universe discovered by modern temperature are so distant that light
emitted by them takes billions of years to reach the earth. These objects (known as quasars)

have many puzzling features, which have not yet been satisfactorily explained. What is the
distance in km of a quasar from which light takes 3.0 billion years to reach us ?
Ans. Time taken by quasar light to reach earth = 3 billion years
= 3×109 years
= 3×109 ×365×24×60×60s
Speed of light = 3×108 m/s
Distance between the earth and quasar
= (3×108)×(3×109×365×24×60×60)
= 283824×1020 m 2.8×1022 km

2.32 It is a well known fact that during a total solar eclipse the disk of the moon almost completely covers the
disk of the sun. From this fact and from the information you can gather from examples 2.3 and 2.4, determine
the approximate diameter of the moon.

Ans. The position of the sun, moon, and earth during lunar eclipse is shown in the given figure.

Distance of the moon from the earth = 3.84×108m

Distance of the sun from the earth = 1.496×1011m
Diameter of the sun = 1.39×109m
It can be observed that ∆TRS and ∆TPQ are similar.

𝑅𝑆 𝑃𝑄 𝑃𝑄 (1.39×109 )
𝑅𝑇
= 𝑃𝑇 ⇒ RS = RT (𝑃𝑇 ) = 3.84×108 (1.496×1011 ) = 3568 km

Hence , the diameter of the moon is 3568 km

2.33. A great physicist of this century (P.A.M. Dirac) loved playing with numerical values of fundamental
constants of nature. This led him to an interesting observation. Dirac found that from the basic constants of
atomic physics (c,e, mass of electron, mass of proton) and the gravitational constant g, he could arrive at a
number with the dimension of time. Further, it was a very large number, its magnitude being close to the
present estimate on the age of the universe ( 15 billion year ). From the table of fundamental constants in this

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book, try to see if you too can construct this number (or any other interesting number you can think of). If its
coincidence with the age of the universe were significant, what would this imply for the constancy of
fundamental constants ?

Ans. One relation consists of some fundamental constants that gives the age of the universe by :

𝑒2 1
T = (4𝜋𝜀 )2 × 𝑚 2 3
0 𝑝 𝑚𝑒 𝑐 𝐺
Where,
t = Age of universe
e = Charge of electrons = 1.6×10−19 C
ε0 = Absolute permittivity
mp = Mass of protons = 1.67 ×10-27 kg
me = Mass of electrons = 9.1 ×10-31 kg
c = Speed of light = 3×108 m/s
G = Universal gravitational constant = 6.67×1011Nm2kg-2
1
Also, = 9×109 Nm2 /C2
4𝜋𝜀0

Substituting these values in the equation, we get

4 2
(1.6×10−19 ) ×(9×109 )
t= 8 3 −11
(9.1×10−31 )2 ×1.67×10−27×(3×10 ) ×6.67×10

(1.6)4 ×81
= ×10−76+18+62+27−24+11s
9.1×1.67×27×6.67

(1.6)4 ×81
= 9.1×1.67×27×6.67×365×24×3600× 10−76+18+62+27−24+11 years

= 6×10-9×1018 years
= 6 billion years

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