UNITS AND MEASUREMENTS

brackets and the units Occurring in

denominator are shifted to numerator by
INTRODUCTION
Dimensions
giving negative power to them.
represent the nature of that quantity and not
A physical quantity is measured by comparing the magnitude. e.g. dimensions of speed or
it with a standard of the same quantity. Units it is measured in
velocity are |L'M°T] though
The dimensions of
of measurement were among the earliest cm/s, m/s, km/s, km/hr etc.
tools invented. Any physical quantity whose quantity can be determined from its
a physical
magnitude can be expressed into two parts definition, formula,or unit.
(a) Numerical part (b) Unit. For example, the length of
In practice, multiples and submultiples
of the metal rod is 5 m, it means that the metal rod units used are shown in the table.
is 5 times longer than a fixed length called metre.
Sr. No. Factor Prefix Symbol

POINTS TO REMEMBER 1 10 centi c

2 10 milli m

10 micro
(1) Systems of Units n
nano
There are four systems of units 10
i) FPS System This is a British system in
-
102 pico
mass and time are taken k
as kilo
which length, 6 10
fundamental quantities. It is not used because M
10*s
mega
of inconvenient multiples and sub-multiples. G
and sub- 8 10* giga
In CGS and MKS system multiples
of 10. The various physical
multiples are related by power Dimensional formulae for
of CGS system is that most of
disadvantage quantities:
the derived units are unnecessarily small. Dimensional
Quantity Dimensional Quantity
(i) CGS System - This is a metric system in formula formula
and time are taken as
which length, mass
L "M'T)
fundamental quantities. Volume L'M°T) Pressure
In this metric system length, Momentum ||L'M'T] Impulse L 'MT'
(i) MKS System -

and time are taken as fundamental1 [L'M'T Torque | L M'T)

mass
Energy
quantities. Tension L'M'T) Wavelength |[L'M'T
MKS system and
(iv) SI System It is a modified
-

Weight
takes care of all physical (L'MT'T
it is comprehensive. It Electric L 'M°T'T] Potential
accepted. It
quantities. It is internationally difference
fundamental (basic) units, Charge
consists of s e v e n
units and many derived Resistance LM'TT) Resistivity L'MT T1
two supplementary L'M'T
units. Advantage of this system
is that it gives
Angle (L'M°T] Power
various forms of a particular are as
unit to different numbers
only one kinds of energies Order of magnitude of
physical quantity. e.g. all
other systems joule, follows:
are expressed in J, but in Order of
Order of Number
calorie, watthour etc. Number magnitude
each fundamental magnitude
To find the dimensions,
unit is represented by
a capital letter.
The
. 5.98 x 10" | 10 0.00282 10
time, electric 10' km
notations used for length, mass, 9.11x 10 1030 6400 km
and luminous intensity 1019
current, temperature and 1.6 x 10
L), M], [T). [), [K]
10
267
a r e respectively

Amount of substance
is a dimensionless 8.85 x 10-12 10 6.63 x 10"| 10
[C).
quantity. in
written square
Dimensions are always
(5)
6

Derived SI units and their symbols: Errors can be estimated.

Order of magnitude is useful in mathematical
Sr. Physical Unit Symbol calculations of small and large magnitudes.
No. Quantity Uncertain digits can be rounded off.
1 Area, A= (1 x b) square metre m Significant figures are useful for different
2 Volume, cubic metre m mathematical calculations and also depends
V= (lx b x h) on the least count of instrument.
3 Density, p= (m/v) | kilogram per kg/m Different methods can be used for measurement
cubic metre of length and distances of different magnitudes
4 Velocity v = (d/t) metre/second m/s
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Acceleration metre/second? m/s
a= (v/t)
1 Mark Each)
6 Momentum, kilogram-metre kg-m/s (1) The solid angle subtended by a
P (mv) second hemisphere at its centre is
7 Force, F = (ma) newton N (a) 4t sr (b) 37t sr
8 Impulse, J =(Ft) newton second Ns (c) 2T sr (d) t sr
(2) The 'odd' physical quantity from the
9 Work, W = (Fs) joule
following is
10 Power P =(W/t) joule/second J/s o W
(a) lunar month (b) millisecond
or watt
(c) light year (d) leap year.
11 Angle radian rad
(3) Which of the following is 'not' a unit of
0 (Arc/radius)
energy?
12 Pressure, newton/(metre)? N/m2 (a) Watthour b) Calorie
P (F/A) (c) Megawatt d) Electron volt
13 Electric Charge coulomb C (4) Out ofthe following, which one of physical
14 Electric Potential volt quantity is 'not' a derived unit?
15 Electric ohm 2 (a) Charge (b) Frequency
(c) Gravitational constant
Resistance (d) Electric current
16 Frequency hertz Hz
(5) Joule/cm is a unit of
17 Magnetic Flux weber Wb
(a) momentum b) force
18 Magnetic tesla T
c) pressure (d) impulse
Induction (6) The order of magnitude of measured
19 Couple or Torque newton -metre Nm quantity (105 +103) is
20 Wave number per metre m (a) 10 b) 103
21 Specific ohm-metre Am (c)10 (d) 10?

Resistance (7) The number of significant figures in

2345000 is
22 Electric newton/eoulomb NIC
(a) 7 b) 6 (c)5 (d) 4
Intensity (8) The type of error involved in removing
23 Pole Strength ampere metre Am the parallax in experiments like light is
24 Magnetic ampere -(metre)" Am2 (a) a random error
Moment (b) an instrumental error
Dimensional analysis is useful (1) to check (c) a personal error
correctness of physical equations (2) to (d) systematic error
establish the relation between different (9) If 2% is the in the measurement of
error
physical quantities (3) to find conversion factor the diameter of a sphere then error in the
between similar units in different measurement of its volume is
systemns.
Dimensions are expressed as [L]. [M), [T] (a) 2% (b) 6% (c) 8% (d) 12%
In the measurement, errors are involved (10) Out of the following pairs, which has the
depending on the types and mistakes are same dimensions?
different from errors. (a) Energy and acceleration
Physics XI

(b) Velocity and momentum (3) What is fundamental quantity ?

(c) Light year and wavelength Ans. The physical quantity which do not depend
d) Torque and force on any other physical quantity for their
(11) Solar constant is called as fundamental
unit area per minute. Its
expressed in energy
per
measurement is

dimensional quantity
formula is (4) Name the seven fundamental quantities.
(a) [L'M'T (b) [L°M'T Ans. The seven fundamental quantities are:
(c)[L°M'T- d) [L MT length, mass, time, temperature, electric
(12) Let pressure P = (r + a)/b where x is the current, luminous intensity and amount of

distance. The dimensions of are substance.

(5) Name the supplementary units.
()L"M*T b) [L'M'T Ans. There are 2 supplementary units i.e. (i) Plane
(c)[L'M'T d) [L'M'T angle and (ii) solid angle ds2.
(13) Dimensions of kinetic energy are same as
dimensions of (x/mass]. Dimensions of '* (6) What is plane angle?
are same as that of Ans. It is the ratio of length of an arc of circle to the
(a) force radius of the circle. Symbolically it is written as
(b) impulse
0 s/r. It is measured in radian (rad).
(c) torque (d) pressure
(14) L'M'T) is the dimensional formula for (7) What is solid angle?
(a) Velocity b) Acceleration Ans. It is the ratio of area of a portion of surface
(c) Force d) Work of a sphere to the square of the sphere.
(15) The error in the measurement of the Symbolically it is written as d dA/r*. It is
sides of a rectangle is 1%. The error in the measured in steradian (sr).
measurement of its area is (8) What do you mean by astronomical unit
(a) 1% b) 1/2% (AU)?
(c) 2% (d) 3 % Ans. It is the mean distance between the centre of
(16) Light year is a unit of the Earth and the centre of the sun.
(a) Time (b) Mass (9) What is light year?
(c) Distance (d) Luminosity Ans. It is a distance travelled by light in a year
(17) Dimensions of kinetic energy are the time.
same as that of (10) How are very small distances measured?
(a) Force b) Acceleration Ans. Small distances are measured by using electron
(c)Work (d) Pressure microscope or tunneling electron microscope.
(18) Which of the following is not a (11) What is parsec (pe)?
fundamental unit?
Ans. It is the distance from where 1 AU subtends
(a) cm (b) kg an angle of 1 second of arc.
(c)centigrade (d) volt
(12) What do you mean by atomic mass unit?
ANSWERS
Ans. The 1/12th mass of an unexcited atom
(1) (C) (2) (c) (8)(c) (4) (d) (5) (c) C2 is called atomic mass unit (amu).
(6) (7) (d) (8)(c) (9) (b) (10) (c) 1 amu 1.6605402 x 10 7 kg.
(11) (b) (12) b) (18) (b) (14) (c) (15) (c) (13) What do you mean by 'mean solar day' ?
(16) (¢) (17) () (18)(d) Ans. It is the average time interval from one
noon to the next noon. A mean solar day
VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS 2 4 hours = 24 x 60 x 60 86400 second
(1 Mark Each) (14) Why is carbon - 12 used for defining

(1) Define unit. atomic mass unit?

Ans. The standard used for the measurement of Ans. Carbon 12 (C1) is used for defining atomic
a physical quantity is called the unit of that mass unit because it is most abundant isotope
quantity. of carbon and it is the most stable one.
(2) Define dimensions ofa Physical Quantity (15) Obtain dimensional formulae for the
Ans. Dimensions of a physical quantity are defined following physical quantities.
as the powers to which the fundamental units
(a) volume (b) momentum (c) energy(d) tension
are raised to obtain the unit of that
quantity.
8

(e)resistance () angle (g) pressure (h) impulse (4) What are the dimensions of the
) power G) wavelength (k) potential difference quantity
0 resistivity (m) torque (n) electric charge. being the length and
g the
Ans. (a) [L'MT) b)[L'M'T'1 c)L'MT)
(d) [L'M'T (e) [L'M'T'Tj () L°M°T] acceleration due to gravity?
()L"MTi ) LM'T1. ) [L'M'Tr
G)LMT (k) [L'M'T'rj) L'M'TT) MT*L'MTI
(m) [L'M'T (n) L'MT'T] Ans. Dimensions i
(16) From the following physical quantities, L'MT
which pairs of quantities have same
dimensions?
=[L'M**ro-t
(a) momentum (b) moment of a force (c) pressure [L'MTI
(d) impulse (e) work (f) potential energy (5) Define absolute error, mean absolute
(g) force/ area (h) power x time.
error, relative error and mean
Ans: (a and d, b and e, c and g, f and h) error.
percentage
Ans. Absolute error The magnitude of the
-

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

difference between mean value and each
(2 Marks Each) individual value is called absolute error.
Mean absolute error The arithmetic-

(1)
How fundamental and derived units mean
of all the absolute errors is called mean
differ from each other?
absolute error.
Ans. Fundamental units can neither be derived
Relative error The ratio of mean absolute
-

from one another nor they can be further

error to its arithmetic mean value
resolved into more units. Derived units can is called
relative error.
be expressed in terms of fundamental units.
If a ratio is taken of similar quantities then Relative error = AA
it has no unit, e.g. refractive index, dielectric A,mean
constant etc. Percentage error - When relative error
is represented
(2) Using dimensional analysis, find value of as
percentage it is called
xin the equation 1N =x dyne. percentage error.
Ans. Let the force having dimensions Percentage error (AA) = relative error x 100
is [L'M'T]
expressed in newton in SI system. Dyne is the AA
unit of force in CGS system. e a n x 100
IN=* dyne *(6) Derive the formula for nean
kinetic energy of
a particle having mass m and velocity v
LMT= r [LMT
m x kg x s] =* (cm x gx s-*]
using dimensional analysis.
Ans. Let K.E. = Kmiv
m

Cm
10 em,10 gs Dimensions of K.E = Dimensions of Km'v

=
10 x 103 105 * = 105
L'MT)= [L'M'TTL'M'T'Y
IN 10 dyne L'MT]=L'MT)|
Equating the power
*(3) Star A is farther than star B. Which star
will have a large parallax angle? y=2
K.E. = Km'v
Ans. 6
K.E. Kmv
Where b =
PQ and D =
PB and D = PA

PQ PQ
K.E.=mv *K=
B,EaR
PQ B A
LA=
But PB< PA

Star B wil have a large parallax angle.

Physics- XI
9

ANSWER IN BRIEF T is the period, I is the

& T 2 Vwhere
(3Marks Each) length and g is acceleration due to gravity.
(1) Statethefundamentalandsupplementary Dimensions of L.H.S. = [L°M°T
quantities in SI system with their units
2Tis a dimensionless quantity which can not
and symbols. be obtained by dimensional analysis but by
Ans. Fundamental quantities in SI system and experiment only.
their units, symbols. Dimensions of R.H.S.
Sr. | Fundamental Unit Symbol
No. [L'M°T]?/[L'MT|?
quantity
Length metre m

2 Mass kilogram kg = [L'M°T)

3 Time second Dimensions of L.H.S. = Dimensions of R.H.S.

Temperature kelvin Thus, the given equation is dimensionally correct.

5 Electric current ampere (4) Using dimensional analysis, establish
the relation between centripetal foorce
6 Luminous
candela cd and mass, velocity, radius.
intensity Ans. Let the centripetal force (F) acting on a body
Amount of a mole mol
in uniform circular motion depend upon the
substance mass(m) of the body, radius (r) of the circular
Supplementary quantities in SI system path and the velocity () with which the body
and their units, symbols. is moving along the path.
F « mvr where ry,2 are to be determined.
Sr. |Fundamental unit symbol
. F=km*v..(1) where k is a constant
No. quantity
Writing the dimensions of both the sides,
Plane angle radian rad L'M'T)= [L'M'TT L'M°T'Y L'M°T*
2 Solid angle steradian sr [ML""T
(2) State the rules which are to be obeyed As per the principle of homogeneity of
while using SI units. dimensional equations,
Ans. When SI units are used, following rules must *=1,-y=-2 y=2, y+2=1 :. z=-1
be obeyed. Substituting the values of x, y and z, in eq (1),
() The unit named after a person should start we get,
with a capital initial letter. e.g. A for ampere, F kmulr F« mulr
N for newton etc. Here k 1 and is dimensionless
i) Full name of a unit is not written with a capital so F= mulr
initial letter, e.g. metre and not Metre, newton (5) What is error in measurements? What
and not Newton ete. is the difference between mistakes and
(ii) Symbols are not written in plural form. e.g. bm errors?
and not 5 ms, 8 kg and not 8 kgs. Ans. Errors in Measurements:
(iv) Punctuation marks or full stops are not written The difference in the true value and the
after the symbols of units, e.g. 6 m and not 6 m. measured value ofa quantity is called error. The
(3) Using dimensional analysis, check uncertainty in the magnitude of the measured

whetherthe physical equation T=27 , quantity is called error. Every measurement

has an error, and based on measured values,
is dimensionally correct or not. calculated quantity also involves error. There
Ans. To check correctness of physical is a difference between mistakes and errors.
equations. Mistakes are the faults which can be avoided
According to the principle of homogeneity of but errors can not be completely eliminated
dimensions, the dimensions of all the terms on but can be minimised. Many factors which
both the sides of an equation must be same. influence the measurement always introduce
A dimensionally correct equation may or may error (may be small).
not be physically correct.
Let us check the correctness of the equation
10
The product is 59.8
magnitude?
(6) What is order of (b) 3.9x 10-2.5x 10' = 3.65 x 10
Ans. Order of magnitude: The subtraction is 3.6 x 10
measure
different physical
In physics we
The (9) What is significant figures?
different magnitudes.
quantities having
magnitude may be very
small or very large or
Ans. Significantfigures
write zeros
difficult to When we measure any physical quantity,
in between. It is very
before or after the digits, e.g. velocity of light the magnitude of that quantity may not be
3 x 10* m/s, mass
of earth =6 x 104 kg, ccurate e.g. length of the rod is measured by
Power
electron = 1.6 x 10-1° C etc. a metre scale as 21.5 cm, the first two digita
charge on
large or very are certain but third digit is uncertain due to
of ten is used to express very
of ten, the order many reasons, i.e. it contains some error. If we
small numbers. From power
number is obtained. Any take the number of observations for accuracy
of magnitude of that
x 108 where A is a and find the average then suppose it comes as
number can be written as A
and Bis the positive 3.64, the digits 3 and 6 are certain or reliable
numberfrom one to nine
or negative power
of ten. This is a more but last digit 4 is uncertain or unreliable
the numbers. Hence, reliable digits and first unreliable
convenient method to express
number is defined is called significant figures. In the above
The order of magnitude of a digit
as the power of
ten nearest to that number. figure, there are three significant figures. They
be done by
Multiplication and division can also depend upon the accuracy of the measuring

the procedure described above. instrument.

State the rules regarding rounding off *(10) Describe what is meant by significant
(7)
the uncertain digits. figures and order of magnitude.
uncertain
Ans. Rules for rounding off the Ans. The number of digits in a measurement about
which we are certain, plus one additional digit,
digits.
less than 5, the the first one about which we are not certain is
) If the digit to be dropped is
4.42 known as significant figures.
preceding digit remains unchanged. e.g.
becomes 4.4, 6.842 6.84etc. The magnitude of any physical quantity can
more than 5,
If the digit to be dropped is be expressed as Ax 10 n where 'A' is a number
(i) such that 0.5 A < 5 and 'n is an integer
the preceding digit is increased by one

e.g. 5.685.7, 8.9288.93. called the order of magnitude.

is 5 followed by zero, the measured values of two quantities
(ii) If the last digit
or
*(11) If the
increased by one if it is odd are A + AA and B + AB, AA and AB being
preceding digit is
e.g. 3.65 > 3.6, What is the
and unchanged if it is even. the mean absolute errors.

3.753.8, 3.750>3.8. maximum possible error in A + B? Show

followed by a non-zero digit,
(iv) If digit 5 is further
the preceding digit is raised by
one. thatifZ
e.g. 12.151>12.2. Ans. Max possible error in A + B is

(8) Explain how subtraction,

addition, (A+AA)+ (B+AB) =+AA +AB
multiplication and division of numbers Maximum Error = AA + AB
can be carried out using significant
Errorin Z=
figures.
Ans. Significant figures in calculations.
Z AZ (A+AA) (B+AB)
(i) Addition and subtraction After writing -
Z+AZ AB + AAB + BAA + AA. AB
all the numbers find that number having least
number of significant figures. Then keep only AB
same number of significant figures in other
Dividing LHS by Z and RHS by
AB
AB AB AB AB
number and add all the numbers.

e.g. (a) 6.28+7.8+3.503 =6.3+7.8+3.5 17.6

Since AA and AB are very small,
neglect AA AB
(b) 82.29-62.7 82.3-62.7 19.6
(ii) Multiplication and division First
multiplication or division is carried out.
The result is rounded off to same number of
=14
significant figures as those containing the
least number of significant figures.
e.g. (a) 15.62 x 3.83 = 59.82
Max erroris=4
 11
Physics-XI

(iv) Measurement very small distances

of
LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS The instruments like Vernier callipers are
4 Marks Each) not useful to measure the size of atoms. To
measure very small sizes of molecules, electron
(1) Explain the methods to be used for microscope is used
measuring lengths and distances of involved in
different magnitudes. (2) Explain the types of errors

the measurement of physical quantities.

OR
Discuss various methods for measuring Ans. There are two types of errors.
due
These errors are
(i) Systematic errors
-

short and long distance.

to fluctuation in atmospheric
conditions like
Ans. The length or the distance is measured in
temperature, humidity etc.
metre in SI system. involved due
Instrumental errors are
(i) Parallax method for determination of (a)
of instruments.
defects
to manufacturing
largedistance: Instrumental errors can be reduced by using
It is not possible to measure accurate instruments and applying zero
more
large distances such as distance correction.
of a star from the earth by metre e Personal introduced due to lack
scale. Parallax is defined as the Fig 1.1
(b) errors are

of care of the person performing experiment,

apparent change in position of an object due to Instrumental
e.g. wrong recording of readings.
a change in the position of the observer. errors are also called constant errors, e.g.
AEarth In the figure E, and E, are eyes calibration of thermometer, zero of vernier
D and 0 is the parallax angle. scale, defective settings of the instruments etc.
s Distance of the object i.e. OP (c) Error due to imperfection in instrumental
can be obtained by using technique while performing the experiment,
E,E/0. if the apparatus is not set properly then this
Fig 1.2 But this method is not useful
for measurement of large distances. Consider
typebf error is involved. In the measurement
of volume of a liquid, the tube has a correct
two positions A and B on the surface of earth marking but if the tube itself is not held exactly
which are separated by distance b. Observers vertical by the student then the observed
at points A and B observe the planet S reading is wrong.
simultaneously. (ii) Random errors These errors are not due
The parallax angle 0 is measured as ZA s B to constant cause. These errors are involved
which is very small as b/D <<1. due to minute changes in the experimental
AB/D conditions, which can not be controlled. The
Considering AB =
b, 0
D =b/0 magnitude of the quantity to be measured is
smaller than the least count of the instrument.
(ii) Measurement of distance to stars Though it is not possible to eliminate random
For earth, sun is the closest stars.
errors but can be minimised by taking number
A light year is the distance travelled by light
of readings and taking a mean value, which 1s
in one year. 1A is the mean distance between
the centre of the earth and the centre of the close to accurate value.
How to estimate absolute error, relative
sun. One parsec corresponds to the distance (3)
at which the mean radius of the earth's orbit error, percentage error in the measured
subtends an angle of 1 second of arc. Parallax values?
method is used between two points 2A apart Ans. The error may be positive or negative. If Ais
the actually measured value and T is the true
around the orbit of the earth.
(ii) Measurement of the size of a star/planet: value of a quantity then |A-T| is
physical
called the absolute error.
Planet observations
Let A, Az An be the n
Figure shows the planet of diameter corresponding to physical quantity A then A
d' which makes an angle a, at a point on
is taken as absolute value.
the earth. If D' is the large distance of
/D the planet from the earth then diameter A=AtA,+.. . TA,
of the planet d = a D

Abeolute error,AA, =1A-A,I,AA,=1A-AI

Mean absolute error
Earth
Fig 1.3
AAAA+AAgt.+AA
n
12

The final result of a measured physical not significant.

quantity, A =A, t AA e.g. 22400-3, 450002,
The ratio of mean (average) absolute error to (iv) The
significant figure
zeros which occur between two
the mean (average) value is called relative digits are considered significant. non-zer
error in the
measurement. e.g. 8.5004, 6.903,
4.006-4, significant
AA figures
Relative error A
Percentage error (AA) = relative error x 100%
()The number of significant figures is counte
from first non-zero digit on the left to the
digit on the right. last
x10
An e.g. 0.0061 2, 0.00601 3, 0.006010»4.
This gives the accuracy of the measurement. 0.0685 3 significant figures.
(4) State the formulae to estimate the (Vi) If the number of digits is greater than
percentage error in different types of the
number of significant figures then it
calculations. is
expressed in terms of power of 10.
Ans. To estimate the percentage error, following e.g. 5.98 x 10 3 significant figures.
formulae are used:
) If error is Ar in the value of '* then percentage SOLVED NUMERICAL PROBLEMS
error in 'x' = x100%

(ii) If error is Ax in the value of 'r then percentage (1) Obtain the dimensions of (a) area (b) speed
A (c) acceleration (d) force (e) work.
error in the '*" is n| x100%.
(a) Dimensions of area
(ii) If error is Ax and Ay in the values of '* and y' Area length x breadth = [L] LI
respectively the percentage error in the value Area [L'M°T)
Thus, the dimensions of area are 2 in length
of 'y is 100%. and zero in mass and time.
(iv) In addition and subtraction, errors are added. (b) Dimensions of speed
Thus, if C=AtB then AC =AA+ AB. Speed displacement time
(v) Errors are added in multiplication and (Speed [L'1/IT'] = [L'M°T)
division. (c) Dimensions of acceleration
Acceleration= velocity/time
C or C=then 4CAA AB
B [Acceleration]= [L'M°T"/T)
(vi) Let x= . I fAA is the absolute error in the L MT
B (d) Force mass x acceleration
measurement of A, AB is the absolute error in
the measurement of B and Ar is the absolute [Force =
[M'] [L'MT) [L'M'T =

error in calculations of'* then relative error in (e) Work =

Force x displacement
x is Work =
[L'M'T') L]= [L'M'T
(2) Write the number of significant figures in
=m A+n 5 each of the following measurements.
(5) State the rules to be obeyed while (1) 6.45 (2) 2.4 x 10 (3) 0.003789
determining significant figures with the (4)1.181 x 10-15 (6) 65.230 (6) 32.000
help of numbers. 10
(7) 0.0003062 (8) 2.32 x 10 (9) 22.347 x
Ans. Rules to be obeyed while determining (10) 0.0003.
Significant Figures: Ans. (1)3, (2) 2, (3) 4, (4) 4.65) 5, (6)5. (7) 4, (8)3, (9)6,
G) All non-zero digits are significant. (10) 1
e.g. 1554-4, 164 3, 282.155, 24.332-5
The length and breadth of a rectangle are
significant figures. (3)
(i) All zeros between two non-zero digits are (4.6 t 0.1) cm and (2.5 t 0.2) cm. Calculate
the area of a rectangle with error limits.
Significant.
breadth =4.6 x 2.5 11.5 cm*
e.g. 1502 4, 128.08 5, 12.004 5, Sol.: Area =
length x
significant figures.
(ii) If the number is without decimal point in
between then zeros occuring to the right are
= (0.02174 +0.08)
 13
Physics XI

% error = 0.0292 x 100% = 2.92%

AA 0.1017 xA =0.1017x 11.5 = 0.94
electron with charge e enters a
*(8) An
Area =
(11.5 + 0.94)cm2
uniform magnetic field B with a velocity
4) The distance covered by a body in time
(4.0 t 0.5) s is (35.0 t 0.3) m. Calculate the v. The velocity is perpendicular to the
speed of the body and percentage error. magnetic field. The force on the charge
e

is given by
Sol: Speed v = 35.0 = 8.75 m/s
4.0 F Bev. Obtain the dimensions of B
0.3 0.5
35.0 4.0o Sol: F= Bev
0.0085 +0.125 = 0.1335 F
B ev
% error = 0.1335 x 100 = 13.35%
(F [L'MT) lel = [T]
(5) In an experiment the readings obtained [v = [LT
are 1.31, 1.29, 1.32, 1.30 and 1.33. Find the
Substituting dimensions ofF, e, v, we get,
mean value, mean absolute error, the
relative error and the percentage error. LM'T]
.31+1.29+1.32 +1.30 +1.33
B ITILT'] [B] =[L'M'T'T|
Sol.: Mean value =

A large ball 2 m in radius is made up of

= 1.31 (9) a rope of square cross section with edge
Absolute error, length 4 mm. Neglecting the air gaps in
AA = | 1.31 1.31| =0.00, the ball, what is the total length of the
AA, =
| 1.31 -

1.29| = 0.02 rope to the nearest order of magnitude?

AA = |1.31 - 1.32| = 0.01, Sol: Let length of rope is L
|1.31 1.30| =0.01 Volume of ball = volume of rope
AA, = -

AA = |1.31 -1.33| =0.02 4

L
Mean absolute error T=
3
Area of cross section x
= (edge length)* x L
0.00+0.02+0.01+0.01 +0.02 = 0.012
AA 5 x3.142 x (2* =(4 x 10)° x L
Relative error =
t
0.012 = 0.009160 L= 2.09 x 10'm 10°m = 10°km
m 1.31 Order of magnitude = 10'm
Percentage error =£0.009160 x 100%
*(10) Nuclear radius R has a dependence on the
= t0.9160% mass number (A) as R =1.3 x 10-1A" m. For
a nucleus of mass number A = 125, obtain the
*(6) The masses of two bodies are measured
to be 15.7 t 0.2 kg and 27.3 t0.3 kg. What order of magnitude of R expressed in metre.
is the total mass of the two and the error Sol.: R = 1.3 x 10-16A.... given

in it? =
1.3 x 10-16 x (125)3
Given: m, + Am, = 15.7 t 0.2 kg 1.3 x 10-16 x 5
m,+Am, = 27.3 + 0.3 kg 6 . 5 x 10-16
Sol.: T'otal mass m = m,tm, Am = Am, +Am, = 0.65 x 10-16

m 15.7+27.3 Am =0.2 +0.3 R 10-16

m =43.0 kg Am = 0.5 kg Order of magnitude = 101 m
i.e. mtAm = 43 t0.5 kg *(11) In a workshop a worker measures the
The distance travelled by an object in time length of a steel plate with a Vernier
(7)
(100 +1) s is (5.2 +0.1)m. What is the speed callipers having a least count 0.01 cm.
and percentage error in it? Four such measurements of the length
yielded the following values: 3.11 cm,
Sol.: Speed (v) = distance(s) 5.2 3.13 cm, 3.14 cm, 3.14 cm. Find the mean
time(t) 100
length, the mean absolute error and the
5.2 x 102 = 0.052 m/s
percentage error in the measured value
A 0 0 5.2
AsAt1,0.1 of the length.
100 5.2 Sol.: Let a, = 3.11 em, a, = 3.13 em, a, = 3.14 em
= 0.01 + 0.0192 0.0292 m/s a, 3.14 cm
 14

Aa, + Aa, + Aa, + Aa, 0.160

0.04 2
a 4 4
3.11+3.13+3.14 +3.14
0.04
Mean length () amenn = 0.0065
Relative error| 6.145
amean3.13 cm

Now, Aa, lmean a, Percentage error|x1000.0065 x 100

=0, = 0.65%
Aa 13.13-3.11| =0.02, Aa,= |13.13-3.13|
0.01, (14) An object is falling freely under the
Aa= 13.13 3.14|
=

Aa= 13.13-3.14| =0.01

gravitational force. Its velocity after
travelling a distance h is v. If v depends
Aa, + Aa, + Aa, + Aa,
upon gravitational acceleration g and
Mean absolute error =-

distance, prove with dimensional analysis

Aa 0.02 +0+0.01+0.01 0.04 = 0.01 cem

that v= kgh where k is a constant.
Ans. Vogh' . ()
A substituting the dimensions of v,g,h we get
Percentage error = X 100
LT« [LT'* |L'}=|L'T']« [L""T
0.01x
13
100 =0.3194%=0.32% equating the power of LHS and RHS

*(12) Find the percentage error in kinetic substituting value of x and y in (1)
energy of a body having mass 60.0 t 0.3 g
a+y=1 -2x=-1
moving with a velocity 25.0t0.1cm/s.
Sol.: Percentage error in KE =? . (1) y =1 -5=
1 given m = 60 +0.3g
KE = E= my? V o gh2 v kgh
2
v= 25 t 0.1cm/s b
*(15) v=at + + v, is a dimensionally valid
+
equation.Obtain the dimensional formula
for a, b and c where v is velocity, t is time
%error in K.E. = |60 (0.3 +2xx1o0% and v, is initial velocity.
25
Ans. By using principle of homogeneity of dimension
= (0.5 + 0.8)% = 1.3%
b
Percentage error = 1.3%. V at v=
t+C
*(13) In Ohm's experiment, the values of the
unknown resistances were found to be a

6.12 , 6.09 2, 6.22 2, 6.15 2. Calculate

the absolute error, relative error and la=[L"T1 Iv=
percentage error in these measurements.
Let a, = 6.12 2, a, = 6.09 2, a, = 6.22 ,
Sol. C
a6.152, L
a,ta ,ta,
b= vt c (LT
Mean value (R) = am
b [v][t]
6.12+6.09+6.22+6.15 =6.145 2 b [L.T'xIT'i Iel=[T
Now, Aa, = |,mean ",
bl [L'
6.145-6.12| =0.025, 16.145-6.09| =0.055, (16) The length, breadth and thickness of a
rectangular sheet of metal are 4.234 m,

16.145 6.22| = 0.075, 16.145 - 6.15| = 0.005 1.005 m, and 2.01 cm respectively. Give
the area and volume of the sheet to
Aa, + Aa,+ Aa, + Aa,
Absolute error (Aa) - correct significant figures.
Sol: Area = l xb = 4.234 x 1.005 =4.255 m
0.025+0.055+0.075 +0.005
4
Volume = lxbxh =4.234x1.005 x2.01 x 10
8.55 x 10 m
 hysics XI

17) If the length of cylinder

is l (4.00 +0.001) =
*(20) Write down the number of significant
cm., radius
(0.0250 +0.001) cm and mass
r =
figures in the following:
m= (6.25 t0.01)
g. Calculate the
error in the percentage 0.003m, 0.1250 g em, 6.4 x 10" m,
determination of density. 1.6 x 101C, 9.1 x 10 3 kg.
1.Density(p) Volume(V) Mass(M) M M
Axl r Sol Number Sig. Fig
I:v=Axl and A =tr] (1) 0.003
Ap (2) 0.1250
P m
-2, 100 (3) 6.4 x 10 2

(4) 1.6x 10-1 2

2x001.0.001 x 100 (5) |9.1 x 10-31 2
P 6.25 0.025 4 *(21) The diameter of a sphere is 2.14 cm.
= (0.0016+2x0.04+0.00025)x 100 Calculate the volume of the sphere to the
correct umber of significant figures.
=
0.08185 x 100 =
8.185% Given: D = 2.14 cm

18) When the planet Jupiter is at a distance D

of 824.7 million kilometre from the
Earth,
R= =
=1.07 em
its angular diameter is measured to be Sol.: Volume of sphere = TR*
35.72" of arc. Calculate the diameter of
the Jupiter. 4
ol.: d= 824.7 x 10 km 824.7 x 10 m
3.142 x
(1.07 = 4x 1.047x 1.225
35.72" D ? 4.188 x 1.225 V = 5.13 cm

FOR SELF PRACTICE

180° = 1°= 180 1'=

180x 60)
* Check the correctness of the following
35.72"= x 35.72 physical equations.
180 x 60 x 60
Ans. (1) v=u+at (2) s=ut +5at
D D=0xd
d (3) v2 =u2+2as (4) E= mc* where m = mass
_3.142 x36.72 824.7 x 10* (5) potential energy = mgh (m = mass)
180 x 60 x 60
D =0.1428 x 10 m 1.428 x
10 km 6)frequencyn=
where T= Surface tension,
(19) If the formula for a physical quantity is
per unit
=

a'b3
m mass length
and
A=72 if the percentage error (7) Rise of liquid h = 2T/rdg (T = tension)
in the measurements of a, b, c and d are
2%, 3%, 3% and 4% respectively. Calculate 8) velocity of sound u =
y
percentage error in X. where u, u are velocities, s is displacement, t is
time, d = density, a and g are accelerations, r
Ans. - is radius, h is the height, L is the length, P is
the pressure.
=
4x 2% +3 x 3% +X 3% +x 4%
(8 +9+1+2) %
=20%