CHAPTER: UNITS AND MEASUREMENTS

WORKSHEET
TOPIC- DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

1. Write the dimensions of following physical quantity---------

Angular momentum, latent heat, moment of inertia, surface tension, Coefficient of elasticity, specific
heat, moment of force, Coefficient of viscosity.
2. An unknown quantity X multiplied by velocity equals power. Recognize X, using method of dimensions.
3. The relation between the energy E and the frequency ν of a photon is expressed by the equation E = h
ν, where h is Planck’s constant. Write down the dimensional formula and unit of h.
4. Name two physical quantities having dimensions of work.
5. Can a quantity have unit but still dimensionless?
6. Using the method of dimension, convert ---------
(a) 1 Newton in to Dyne
(b) 1 Joule in to ergs
(c) 1 atmospheric pressure (= 105 Nm-2) in to dyne cm-2.
(d) 72 km/h in to m/s.
7. Check the dimensional correctness of the following relations-------
(a) Snth = u + (a/2) (2n-1)
(b) E = mc2 where E is energy, m is mass and c is the velocity of light.
(c) λ = (h/mv), where λ is the wavelength and h is the Planck’s constant.
(d) V = (η/ ρr), where ρ is the density and η is coefficient of viscosity, r is the radius.
(e) f = (1/2π) (mgl/I) 1/2 , where f is frequency, I is moment of inertia.
(f) V = (1/ λ) (k/d) 1/2 where v is velocity, λ is wavelength, k is volume elasticity coefficient.
8. If force, velocity and time are taken as fundamental units what would be the dimension of work?
9. Calculate the dimensions of linear momentum and surface tension in terms of velocity (v), density (ρ)
and frequency (ν) as fundamental unit s.
10. The velocity (v) of transverse waves on a stretched string may depend upon (i) length (l) of the string,
(ii) tension (T) in the string and (iii) mass per unit length (m) of the string. Derive the relation for
velocity, using the method of dimensions.
11. Assuming that the mass (m) of the largest stone that can be moved by a flowing river depends on
velocity (v) of the river, gravity (g) and density (ρ) of the liquid. Show that the mass varies as the sixth
power of the velocity of flow.
12. If the dimensions of length are expressed as (Gx cy hz), where G, c and h are universal gravitational
constant, speed of light and Planck’s constant respectively, then what are the values of x, y, and z.
13. Using the method of dimensions, derive an expression for rate of flow (V) of a liquid through a pipe of
radius r under a pressure gradient (P/l). Given that ‘V’ also depends on coefficient of viscosity (η) of the
liquid.
14. The frequency n of an oscillating drop may depend upon the radius r of drop, density ρ and surface
tension S of the liquid. Obtain a formula for the frequency by the method of dimensions.
15. The energy E of a particle oscillating in S.H.M. depends on the mass ‘m’ of the particle, frequency ‘n’
and amplitude ‘a’ of oscillation. Show dimensionally that Eꝏ m n2a2.
16. The velocity v of a particle depends upon time t according to the equation-

Write the dimensions of a, b, c and d.

17. (i) Write the dimension of (a/b) in the given relation------
F = a√x + bt2
Where F is force, x is distance and t is time
(ii) Write the dimension of (axb) in the given relation---
E = (b-x2)/at
Where, E is energy, x is distance and t is time.
18. The number of particles crossing, per unit area perpendicular to x-axis in unit time, N is given by:
N = [-D (n2-n1)/(x2-x1)], where n1 and n2 are the number of particles per unit volume at x1 and x2
respectively. Deduce the dimensional formula for D.
19. By using the method of dimension, check the accuracy of the following formula:
T = (rhρg/2cosθ), where T is the surface tension, h is the height of the liquid in capillary tube, ρ is the
density of the liquid, g is the acceleration due to gravity, θ is the angle of contact and r is the radius of
the capillary tube.
20. A planet moves around the Sun in nearly circular orbit. Its period of revolution ‘T’ depends upon:
(a) Radius ‘r’ of orbit
(b) Mass ‘M’ of the Sun and
(c) The gravitational constant ‘G’.
Show dimensionally that T2 α r3.