DAY ONE

Units and
Measurement
Learning & Revision for the Day

u Physics u Accuracy and Precision u Dimensions of Physical

u Units u Errors in Measurement Quantities
u Significant Figures

Physics
Physics is the study of matter and its motion, as well as space and time using concepts
such as energy, force, mass and charge. It is an experimental science, creating theories
that are tested against observation.

Scope and Excitement

Scope of Physics is very vast, as it deals with a wide variety of disciplines such as
mechanics, heat, light, etc.
It also deals with very large magnitude of astronomical phenomenon as well as very
small magnitude involving electrons, protons, etc.

Nature of Physical Laws

Physics is the study of nature and natural phenomena. All observations and experiments
in physics lead to certain facts. These facts can be explained on the basis of certain laws. PREP
MIRROR
Physics, Technology and Society Your Personal Preparation Indicator

Connection between physics, technology and society can be seen in many examples like u No. of Questions in Exercises (x)—
working of heat engines gave rise to thermodynamics. Wireless communication u No. of Questions Attempted (y)—
technology arose from basic laws of electricity and magnetism. Lately discovery of u No. of Correct Questions (z)—
silicon chip triggered the computer revolution. (Without referring Explanations)

u Accuracy Level (z / y × 100)—

Units u Prep Level (z / x × 100)—
Measurement of any physical quantity involves comparison with a certain basic, widely
accepted reference standard called unit. In order to expect good rank in JEE,
your Accuracy Level should be above
85 & Prep Level should be above 75.
02 40 DAYS ~ JEE MAIN PHYSICS DAY ONE

Basic Units
Fundamental and Derived Units Base
Name and
Quantity Definintion
Fundamental units are the units which can neither be Symbol
derived from one another, nor they can be further resolved Thermodyn Kelvin (K) 1
The kelvin is th fraction of
into more simpler units. -amic 273.16
These are the units of fundamental quantity. However, temperature the thermodynamic temperature of
derived units are the units of measurement of all physical the triple point of water.
quantities which can be obtained from fundamental units. Amount of mole (mol) The mole is the amount of substance
substance of a system, which contains as many
System of Units elementary entities as there are
atoms in 0.012 kg of carbon-12.
A complete set of these units, both fundamental and derived Luminous candela (cd) The candela is the luminous
unit is known as the system of units. The common systems intensity intensity in a given direction of a
are given below: source emitting monochromatic
1. CGS System (Centimetre, Gram, Second) are often used radiation of frequency 540 × 1012 Hz
in scientific work. This system measures, Length in and having a radiant intensity of
centimetre (cm), Mass in gram (g), Time in second (s). 1
W sr −1 in that direction.
2. FPS System (Foot, Pound, Second) It is also called the 683
British Unit System. This unit measures, Length in foot Supplementary Units
(foot), Mass in gram (pound), Time in second (s). Supplementary Name and
Quantity Symbol Definition
3. MKS System In this system also length, mass and time
have been taken as fundamental quantities and Plane angle radian It is angle subtended at the centre by
corresponding fundamental units are metre, kilogram (rad) an arc of a circle having a length
and second. equal to the radius of the circle.
4. International System (SI) of Units It is an extended Solid angle steradian It is the solid angle which is having
version of the MKS (Metre, Kilogram, Second) system. It (sr) its vertex at the centre of the sphere,
has seven base units and two supplementary units. it cuts-off an area of the surface of
Seven base quantities and two supplementary sphere equal to that of a square with
quantities, their units along with definitions are the length of each side equal to the
tabulated below. radius of the sphere.

Basic Units NOTE

Base • Angle subtended by a closed curve at an inside points
Name and is 2π rad.
Quantity Definintion
Symbol • Solid angle subtended by a closed surface at an inside
Length metre (m) The metre is the length of path point is 4 π steradian.
travelled by light in vacuum during
a time interval of 1/299,792,458 part
of a second.
Significant Figures
Mass kilogram (kg) It is the mass of the international In the measured value of a physical quantity, the digits about
prototype of the kilogram (a the correction of which we are sure, plus the last digits which
platinum iridium alloy cylinder) is doubtful, are called the significant figures.
kept at International Bureau of Larger the number of significant figures obtained in a
Weights and Measures, at Sevres measurement, greater is the accuracy of the measurement.
(France).
Time second (s) The second is the duration of Rules for Counting Significant Figures
9,192, 631,770 periods of the ●
All the non-zero digits are significant. In 2.738 the number
radiation corresponding to the
of significant figures is 4.
transition between the two hyperfine
levels of the ground state of cesium-
●
All the zeros between two non-zero digits are significant,
133 atom. no matter where the decimal point is. As examples 209 and
3.002 have 3 and 4 significant figures, respectively.
Electric Ampere (A) The ampere is that constant current,
current which if maintained in two straight, ●
If the measured number is less than 1, the zero (s) on the
parallel conductors of infinite length right of decimal point and to the left of the first non-zero
placed 1 m apart in vacuum would digit are non-significant. In 0.00807, first three underlined
produce a force equal to 2 × 10−7 zeros are non-significant and the number of significant
Nm −1 on either conductor. figures is only 3.
DAY ONE UNITS AND MEASUREMENT 03

●
The terminal or trailing zero (s) in a number without a (i) Least count of vernier callipers
decimal point are not significant. Thus, 12.3 m = 1230 cm Value of 1 main scale division
= 12300 mm has only 3 significant figures. LC =
Total number of vernier scale division
●
The trailing zero(s) in number with a decimal point are
significant. Thus, 3.800 kg has 4 significant figures. (ii) Least count of screw gauge
Value of 1 pitch scale reading
●
A choice of change of units does not change the number LC =
of significant digits or figures in a measurement. Total number of head scale division
●
To remove ambiguities in determining number of
significant figures, a measurement is usually expressed Errors in Measurement
as ‘a × 10b ’, where 1 ≤ a ≤ 10 and b is the order of
magnitude. The difference in the true value (mean value) and measured
value of a quantity is called error of measurement. Different
types of error are given below:
Rules for Arithmetic Operations (i) Absolute error,
with Significant Figures a + a2 + a3 + ... an 1 i = n
amean = a0 = 1 = ∑ ai
n n i= 1
●
In addition or subtraction, the final results should retain as
many decimal places as there are in the number with the ∆a1 = mean value − observed value
least decimal place. As an example sum of 423.5 g, 164.92 g ∆a1 = a0 − a1
and 24.381 g is 612.801 g, but it should be expressed as ∆a2 = a0 − a2
612.8 g only because the least precise measurement (423.5 :. :. :.
g) is correct to only one decimal place. ∆an = a0 − an
●
In multiplication or division, the final result should
(ii) Mean absolute error, n
retain as many significant figures as there are in the
original number with the least significant figures. ∑| ∆ai|
[| ∆a1| + | ∆a2| + | ∆a3| + .... + | ∆an|] i= 1
For example Suppose an expression is performed like ∆amean = =
n n
. × 1243) / (44 . 65) = 676 . 481522
(243 ∆amean
(iii) Relative or fractional error =
Rounding the above result upto three significant figures amean
result would become 676.
(v) Percentage error,
∆amean
δ a = Relative error × 100 % = × 100%
Rules for Rounding off the amean
Uncertain Digits
●
The preceding digit is raised by 1 if the insignificant Combination of Errors
digit to be dropped is more than 5 and is left unchanged (i) If X = A + B, then (∆X ) = ± (∆A + ∆B)
if the latter is less than 5. e.g. 18.764 will be rounded off
to 18.8 and 18.74 to 18.7.  ∆X   ∆A ∆B ∆C 
(ii) If X = ABC, then   =± + +
●
If the insignificant figure is 5 and the preceding digit is
 X  max  A B C 
even, then the insignificant digit is simply dropped.  ∆X   ∆A ∆B ∆C 
(iii) If X = A k B l C n , then   = ± k +l +n
However, if the preceding digit is odd, then it is raised  X   A B C 
by one so as to make it even. e.g. 17.845 will be rounded
off to 17.84 and 17.875 to 17.88.
Dimensions of Physical Quantities
Accuracy and Precision The dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to which
the fundamental (base) quantities are raised, to represent that
The accuracy of a measurement is a measure of how close
quantity.
the measured value is to the true value of the quantity.
However, precision tells us to what resolution or limit, the Consider the physical quantity force.
quantity is measured by a measuring instrument. ‘Force = mass × acceleration = mass × length × (time)−2 ’
Thus, the dimension of force are 1 in mass [M]
Least Count 1 in length [L] and −2 in time [ T−2 ], that is [MLT−2 ].
The least count of a measuring instrument is the least ●
Dimensions of a physical quantity do not depend on its
value, that can be measured using the instrument. It is
magnitude or the units in which it is measured.
denoted as LC.
04 40 DAYS ~ JEE MAIN PHYSICS DAY ONE

Principle of Homogeneity of Physical Quantity SI Unit

Dimensional
Formula
Dimensions and Applications Moment of inertia kg m2 [ ML2 ]
According to this principle, a correct dimensional equation
must be homogeneous, i.e. dimensions of all the terms in a Acceleration, acceleration due ms −2 [LT −2 ]
physical expression must be same. to gravity

LHS (dimension) = RHS (dimension) Force, thrust, tension, weight Newton (N) [MLT −2 ]

Linear momentum, impulse kg ms −1 or Ns [MLT −1 ]

Uses of Dimensions Work, energy, KE, PE, thermal Joule (J) [ML2 T −2 ]
(i) To check the correctness of a given physical equation. energy, internal energy, etc.
(ii) Derivation of formula. Surface area, area of m2 [L2 ]
(iii) Dimensional formula is useful to convert the value of a cross-section
physical quantity from one system to the other. Physical Electric conductivity Sm −1 [M −1 L−3 T3 A2 ]
quantity is expressed as a product of numerical value
and unit. In any system of measurement, this product Young’s modulus, Pa [ML−1 T −2 ]
remains constant. Bulk modulus

Let dimensional formula of a given physical quantity be Compressibility m2 N −1 [M −1 LT2 ]

[Ma Lb T c ].If in a system having base units [M1L1T1] the Magnetic Flux Wb [ML2 T −2 A −1 ]
numerical value of given quantity be n1 and numerical
value n2 in another unit system having the base units Magnetic Flux density (σ ) Wb / m2 [MT −2 A −1 ]
[ M2 , L2 , T2 ], then Intensity of a wave Wm −2 [MT −3 ]
Q = n1u1 = n2u2 Photon flux density m −2 s −1 [L−2 T −1 ]
n1[M 1a L b1 T c1] = n2 [Mb2 L b2 T c2]
Luminous energy Lm s [ML2 T −2 ]
a b c
M  L  T  Luminance Lux [MT −3 ]
n2 = n 1  1   1   1 
 M2   L2   T2 
Specific heat capacity Jkg −1 K −1 [L2 T −2 K −1 ]
Dimensions of Important Physical Quantities
Latent heat of vaporisation Jkg −1 [L2 T −2 ]
Dimensional
Physical Quantity SI Unit Coefficient of Thermal Wm −1 K −1 [MLT −3 K −1 ]
Formula
conductivity
Power Watt (W) [ML2 T −3 ]
Electric voltage JC −1 [ML2 T −3 A −1 ]
Pressure, stress, coefficient of Pascal (Pa) [ML−1 T −2 ]
elasticity (ρ, σ, η) or Nm −2 Magnetisation Am −1 [L−1 A]
Frequency, angular frequency Hz or s −1 [T −1 ] Magnetic induction T [MT −2 A −1 ]
Angular momentum kg m2 s −1 [ML2 T −1] Planck’s constant J-s [ML2 T −1 ]
2 −2
Torque Nm [ML T ] Radioactive decay constant Bq [T −1 ]
2 −2 −1 3 −2
Gravitational constant (G) N m kg [M L T ] Binding energy MeV [ML2 T −2 ]
DAY ONE UNITS AND MEASUREMENT05

DAY PRACTICE SESSION 1

FOUNDATION QUESTIONS EXERCISE

1 In which of the following systems of units, a Weber is the 9 A man runs 100.5 m in 10.3 s. Find his average speed up
unit of magnetic flux? to appropriate significant figures.
(a) CGS (b) MKS (c) SI (d) FPS (a) 9.71 ms −1 (b) 9.708 ms −1
(c) 9.7087 ms −1 (d) 9.70874 ms −1
2 In an experiment, the angles are required to be
measured using an instrument. 29 divisions of the main 10 If the length of rod A is 3. 25 ± 0.01 cm and that of B is
scale exactly coincide with the 30 divisions of the vernier . ± 0.01 cm, then the rod B is longer than rod A by
419
scale. If the smallest division of the main scale is (a) (0.94 ± 0.00) cm (b) (0.94 ± 0.01) cm
half-a-degree (0.5°), then the least count of the (c) (0.94 ± 0.02) cm (d) (0.094 ± 0.005) cm
instrument is j AIEEE 2009
11 You measure two quantities as A = 1. 0 m ± 0.2 m,
(a) one minute (b) half minute B = 2.0 m ± 0.2 m. We should report correct value for
(c) one degree (d) half degree AB as
3 A student measured the length of a rod and wrote it as (a) 1.4 m ± 0.4 m (b) 1.41m ± 0.15 m
3.50 cm.Which instrument did he use to measure it? (c) 1.4 m ± 0.3 m (d) 1.4 m ± 0.2 m
(a)A meter scale j JEE Main 2014
12 A student measured the length of the pendulum 1.21 m
(b) A vernier calliper where the 10 divisions in vernier scale using a metre scale and time for 25 vibrations as 2 min
matches with 9 divisions in main scale and main scale 20 sec using his wrist watch, absolute error in g is
has 10 divisions in 1 cm (a) 0.11 ms − 2 (b) 0.88 ms − 2
(c) A screw gauge having 100 divisions in the circular scale (c) 0.44 ms − 2 (d) 0. 22 ms − 2
and pitch as 1 mm
13 The absolute error in density of a sphere of radius
(d) A screw gauge having 50 divisions in the circular scale
10.01 cm and mass 4.692 kg is
and pitch as 1 mm
(a) 3.59 kgm − 3 (b) 4.692 kgm − 3
4 N division on main scale of a vernier callipers coincide (c) 0 (d) 1.12 kgm − 3
with (N + 1) division of the vernier scale if each division on
14 A sphere has a mass of 12.2 kg ± 0.1 kg and radius
main scale is of “a” units, least count of instrument is
10 cm ± 0.1 cm, the maximum % error in density is
N+ 1 a N −1 a
(a) (b) (c) (d) (a) 10% (b) 2.4% (c) 3.83% (d) 4.2%
a N+ 1 a N −1
15 If error in measurement of radius of sphere is 1%, what
5 One 8 centimetre on the main scale of a vernier calliper is
will be the error in measurement of volume?
divided into 10 equal parts. If 10 of the divisions of the
1
vernier coincide with small divisions on the main scale, (a) 1% (b) % (c) 3% (d) 10%
3
the least count of the callipers is
16 What is the percentage error in the measurement of the
(a) 0.005 cm (b) 0.02 cm
(c) 0.01 cm (d) 0.05 cm time period T of a pendulum, if the maximum errors in the
measurements of l and g are 2% and 4%, respectively?
6 The respective number of significant figures for the
(a) 6% (b) 4% (c) 3% (d) 5%
numbers 23.023, 0.0003 and 2.1 × 10−3 are
(a) 5, 1, 2 (b) 5, 1, 5 (c) 5, 5, 2 (d) 4, 4, 2
17 The density of a material in the shape of a cube is
determined by measuring three sides of the cube and its
7 A bee of mass 0.000087 kg sits on a flower of mass mass. If the relative errors in measuring the mass and
0.0123 kg. What is the total mass supported by the stem
length are respectively 1.5% and 1% , the maximum error
of the flower up to appropriate significant figures?
in determining the density is j
JEE Main 2018
(a) 0.012387 kg (b) 0.01239 kg
(a) 2.5% (b) 3.5%
(c) 0.0124 kg (d) 0.012 kg
(c) 4.5% (d) 6%
8 The radius of a uniform wire is r = 0.021 cm. The value of π
18 Which one of the following represents the correct
is given to be 3.142. What is the area of cross-section of
dimensions of the coefficient of viscosity?
the wire up to appropriate significant figures?
(a) [ML−1T−2 ] (b) [MLT−1 ]
(a) 0.0014 cm2 (b) 0.00139 cm2
−1 −1
(c) 0.001386 cm2 (d) 0.0013856 cm2 (c) [ML T ] (d) [ML−2 T−2 ]
06 40 DAYS ~ JEE MAIN PHYSICS DAY ONE

19 Which of the following sets share different dimensions? a a − t2

29 The dimensions of in the equation p = where, p
(a) Pressure, Young’s modulus, stress b bx
(b) Emf, potential difference, electric potential is pressure, x is distance and t is time, are
(c) Heat, work done, energy (a) [M2LT−3 ] (b) [MT−2 ] (c) [ML3 T−2 ] (d) [LT−3 ]
(d) Dipole moment, electric flux, electric field
30 The velocity of a particle is given as v = a + b t + c t 2. If
20 Out of the following pairs, which one does not have the velocity is measured in ms −1, then units of a and c are
identical dimensions?
(a) ms −1 and ms−3 (b) ms−2 and ms
(a) Angular momentum and Planck’s constant (c) m2 s and ms2
–1
(d) ms and ms−1
(b) Impulse and momentum
(c) Moment of inertia and moment of a force 31 In the following dimensionally consistent equation, we
(d) Work and torque X
have, F = + Y , where F = force.
Linear density
e2
21 The dimensions of , where e, ε 0, h and c are the
4πε 0hc The dimensional formula for X and Y are
electronic charge, electric permittivity, Planck’s constant (a) [M2L0 T−2 ]; [MLT−2 ] (b) [M2L−2 T−2 ]; [MLT−2 ]
−2 2 −2
and velocity of light in vacuum respectively, are (c) [MLT ]; [ML T ] (d) [M0L0 T0 ]; [ML0 T0 ]
(a) [M0L0 T0 ] (b) [ML0 T0 ] (c) [M0LT0 ] (d) [M0L0 T] 32 The dimensions of self-inductance are
22 In the relation X = 3YZ , X and Z represent the
2
(a) [ML−2 T−2 A −2 ] (b) [ML2 T−2 A −2 ]
dimensions of capacitance and magnetic induction (c) [ML2 T−2 A −1 ] (d) [ML−2 T−2 A −1 ]
respectively, dimensions ofY are 33 Match List I with List II and select the correct answer
(a) [MT −1Q−1] (b) [M−3 T 4L−2Q4 ] using the codes given below the lists. j 2013 Main
(c) [M−3 T −1L−1Q4 ] (d) [ML2 T −2 A −2 ]
23 The dimensions of magnetic field in M,L,T and C Column I Column II
(coulomb) is given as A. Boltzmann constant p. [ML2T −1 ]
−1 −1 2 −2 −1 −1 −2 −1
(a) [MLT C ] (b) [MT C ] (c) [MT C ] (d) [MT C ]
B. Coefficient of viscosity q. [ML−1T −1 ]
1
24 Dimensions of , where symbols have their usual
µ 0ε 0 C. Planck constant r. [MLT −3K −1 ]
meaning, are
D. Thermal conductivity s. [ML2T −2K −1 ]
(a) [L−1T] (b) [L2 T2 ] (c) [L2 T−2 ] (d) [LT−1 ]
25 If the acceleration due to gravity is 10 ms –2 and units of Codes
length and time are changed to kilometre and hours A B C D A B C D
respectively, the numerical value of acceleration is (a) p q r s (b) s q p r
(a) 360000 (b) 72000 (c) 36000 (d) 129600 (c) s r p q (d) r s q p
26 If E = energy, G = gravitational constant, I = impulse and
GIM 2 Direction (Q. Nos. 34-37) Each of these questions contains
M = mass, then dimensions of are same as that of two statements : Statement I (Assertion) and Statement II
E2
(Reason). Each of these questions also has four alternative
(a) time (b) mass (c) length (d) force
choices, only one of which is the correct answer. You have to
27 Let [ ε 0 ] denotes the dimensional formula of the select one of the codes (a), (b), (c), (d) given below
permittivity of vacuum. If M = mass, L = length, T = time (a) Statement I is true, Statement II is true; Statement II is
and A = electric current, then j
JEE Main 2013 the correct explanation for Statement I
(a) [ε0 ] = [ M −1 L−3 T 2 A] (b) [ε0 ] = [ M −1 L−3 T 4 A 2 ] (b) Statement I is true, Statement II is true; Statement II is
(c) [ε0 ] = [ M −2 L2 T −1 A −2 ] (d) [ε0 ] = [ M −1 L2 T −1 A 2 ] not the correct explanation for Statement I
28 With the usual notations, the following equation (c) Statement I is true; Statement II is false
1 (d) Statement I is false; Statement II is true
s = u + a ( 2 t − 1) is
2 34 Statement I The order of accuracy of measurement
(a) only numerically correct depends on the least count of the measuring instrument.
(b) only dimensionally correct Statement II The smaller the least count, the greater is
(c) Both numerically and dimensionally correct the number of significant figures in the measured
(d) Neither numerically nor dimensionally correct
value.
DAY ONE UNITS AND MEASUREMENT 07

35 Statement I The dimensional method cannot be used to Statement II The same mass when expressed in
obtain the dependence of the work done by a force F on grams as 13200 g has five significant figures.
the angle θ between force F and displacement x.
37 Statement I Method of dimensions cannot be used for
Statement II Angle can be measured in radians but it
has no dimensions. deriving formula containing trigonometrical ratios.

36 Statement I The mass of an object is 13.2 kg in the Statement II This is because trigonometrical ratios
measurement there are 3 significant figures. have no dimensions.

DAY PRACTICE SESSION 2

PROGRESSIVE QUESTIONS EXERCISE

1 The dimensions of angular momentum, latent heat and 7 The length and breadth of a rectangular sheet are 16.2
capacitance are, respectively. j JEE Main (Online) 2013 cm and 10 .1 cm , respectively. The area of the sheet in
(a) [ML2 T1A 2 ], [L2 T−2 ], [M−1L−2 T2 ] appropriate significant figures and error is
(b) [ML2 T−2 ], [L2 T2 ], [M−1 L−2 T4 A 2 ] (a) 164 ± 3 cm2 (b) 163.62 ± 2.6 cm2
(c) [ML2 T−1 ], [L2 T−2 ], [ML2 TA 2 ] (c) 163.6 ± 2.6 cm2 (d) 163.62 ± 3 cm2
(d) [ML2 T−1 ], [L2 T−2 ], [M−1L−2 T4 A 2 ] 8 Resistance of a given wire is obtained by measuring the
2 The speed (v ) of ripples on the surface of water depends current flowing in it and the voltage difference applied
on surface tension ( σ ), density (ρ) and wavelength (λ ). across it. If the percentage errors in the measurement of
The square of speed (v ) is proportional to the current and the voltage difference are 3% each, then
σ ρ λ error in the value of resistance of the wire is
(a) (b) (c) (d) ρλσ
ρλ σλ σρ (a) 6% (b) zero (c) 1% (d) 3%

3 Dimensions of resistance in an electrical circuit, in terms 9 A screw gauge gives the following reading when used to
of dimensions of mass M, length L, time T and current I, measure the diameter of a wire.
would be Main scale reading : 0 mm
Circular scale reading : 52 divisions
(a) [ML2 T−3I−1 ] (b) [ML2 T−2 ]
Given that 1 mm on main scale corresponds to
(c) [ML2 T−1I−1 ] (d) [ML2 T−3I−2 ]
100 divisions of the circular scale.
αz
−
α kθ The diameter of wire from the above data is
4 In the relation p = e , p is pressure, z is distance, k
β (a) 0.052 cm (b) 0.026 cm
is Boltzmann constant and θ is the temperature. The (c) 0.005 cm (d) 0.52 cm
dimensional formula of β will be 10 A screw gauge with a pitch of 0.5 mm and a circular
0 2
(a) [M L T ] 0
(b) [M L T] 2 scale with 50 divisions is used to measure the thickness
(c) [ML0 T –1 ] (d) [M0L2 T−1 ] of a thin sheet of aluminium. Before starting the
measurement, it is found that when the two jaws of the
5 The dimensions of σb 4( σ = Stefan’s constant and screw gauge are brought in contact, the 45th division
b = Wien’s constant) are coincides with the main scale line and that the zero of the
(a) [M0L0 T0 ] (b) [ML4 T−3 ] (c) [ML−2 T] (d) [ML6 T−3 ] main scale is barely visible. What is the thickness of the
sheet, if the main scale reading is 0.5 mm and the 25th
6 If Planck’s constant (h) and speed of light in vacuum (c) division coincides with the main scale line?
are taken as two fundamental quantities, which one of the (a) 0.75 mm (b) 0.80 mm
following can, in addition,be taken to express length, (c) 0.70 mm (d) 0.50 mm
mass and time in terms of the three chosen fundamental
11 The following observations were taken for determining
quantities?
surface tensionT of water by capillary method. Diameter
(i) Mass of electron (m e ) of capillary, d = 1.25 × 10−2 m rise of water,
(ii) Universal gravitational constant (G) h = 1.45 × 10−2m. Using g = 9.80 m/s 2 and the simplified
(iii) Charge of electron ( e) dhg
relation T = × 103N/m, the possible error in surface
(iv) Mass of proton (m p ) 4
(a) (i),(ii) and (iii) (b) (i) and (iii) tension is closest to j
JEE Main 2017 (Offline)
(c) (i), (ii) and (iv) (d) (i) only (a) 1.5% (b) 2.4% (c) 10% (d) 0.15%
08 40 DAYS ~ JEE MAIN PHYSICS DAY ONE

12 A student measures the time period of 100 oscillations of Direction (Q. Nos. 15-16) Each of these questions contains
a simple pendulum four times. The data set is 90s, 91s, two statements : Statement I (Assertion) and Statement II
92s and 95s. If the minimum division in the measuring (Reason). Each of these questions also has four alternative
clock is 1s, then the reported mean time should be choices, only one of which is the correct answer. You have to
j JEE Main 2016 (Offline) select one of the codes (a), (b), (c), (d) given below
(a) Statement I is true, Statement II is true; Statement II is
(a) (92 ± 2) s (b) (92 ± 5 ) s (c) (92 ± 18
. ) s (d) (92 ± 3) s
the correct explanation for Statement I
13 The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is (b) Statement I is true, Statement II is true; Statement II is
T = 2π L / g . Measured value of L is 20.0 cm known to not the correct explanation for Statement I
(c) Statement I is true; Statement II is false
1mm accuracy and time for 100 oscillations of the
(d) Statement I is false; Statement II is true
pendulum is found to be 90 s using a wrist watch of
resolution.The accuracy in the determination of g is 15 Statement I The value of velocity of light is 3 × 108 ms −1
j JEE Main 2015 and acceleration due to gravity is
(a) 2% (b) 3% (c) 1% (d) 5% 10 ms −2 and the mass of proton is 1.67 × 10−27 kg.
14 The current voltage relation of diode is given by Statement II The value of time in such a system is
I = (e − 1) mA, where the applied voltage V is in volt
1000V /T 3 × 107 s.
and the temperature T is in kelvin. If a student makes an 16 Statement I The distance covered by a body is given by
error measuring ± 0.01V while measuring the current of 1a
s =u + , where the symbols have usual meaning.
5 mA at 300K, what will be the error in the value of 2 t
current in mA? j JEE Main 2013
Statement II We can add, substract or equate
(a) 0.2 mA (b) 0.02 mA (c) 0.5 mA (d) 0.05 mA quantities which have same dimensions.

ANSWERS
SESSION 1 1 (c) 2 (a) 3 (b) 4 (b) 5 (b) 6 (a) 7 (d) 8 (a) 9 (a) 10 (c)
11 (d) 12 (d) 13 (a) 14 (c) 15 (c) 16 (c) 17 (c) 18 (c) 19 (d) 20 (c)
21 (a) 22 (b) 23 (c) 24 (c) 25 (d) 26 (a) 27 (b) 28 (d) 29 (b) 30 (a)
31 (a) 32 (b) 33 (b) 34 (b) 35 (a) 36 (c) 37 (a)

SESSION 2 1 (d) 2 (a) 3 (d) 4 (a) 5 (b) 6 (a) 7 (a) 8 (a) 9 (a) 10 (b)
11 (a) 12 (a) 13 (b) 14 (a) 15 (b) 16 (d)
DAY ONE UNITS AND MEASUREMENT 9

Hints and Explanations

SESSION 1 9 Average speed = 100.5 m 14 ∴ Density, ρ = M = M
,
10.3 s 4 3 V
1 A weber is the unit of magnetic flux in πr
SI system. = 975728
. ms −1 3
dρ  ∆M 3∆r 
× 100 =  +  × 100
2 Least count The distance has four significant figures ρ  M r 
Value of main scale division but the time has only three. Hence, the
= 
= 01
. . 
01
result must be rounded off to three + 3×  × 100
Number of divisions on  12.2 10 
vernier scale significant figure
= 3 . 83 %
to 9.71 ms −1 .
1 1 1° 1°
=
30
MSD =
30
×
2
=
60
= 1 min
10 As, A = 3.25 ± 0.01 cm 15 As, V = 4 πr 3
3
3 If student measures 3.50cm, it means and B = 4.19 ± 0.01 cm ∆V ∆r
Hence, × 100 = 3 × 100
that there is an uncertainly of
1
cm. ∴ Y =B − A V r
100 = 4.19 − 3.25 = 0.94 cm = 3 × 1% = 3%

For vernier scale with 1 MSD = 1 mm and ∆Y = ∆B + ∆A 16 Since, the time period,
and 9 MSD = 10 VSD = 0.01 cm + 0.01 cm = 0.02 cm 1 l
T =
LC of vernier calliper = 1 MSD – 1VSD 2π g
∴ Y = (0.94 ± 0.02) cm
=  1 −
1 9 1 Thus, for calculating the error, we get
 = cm 11 Here, A = 1.0 m ± 0.2 m,
10  10  100 ∆T  1 ∆l 1 ∆g 
B = 2.0 m ± 0.2 m =±  + 
4 (N + 1) VSD = N MSD T  2 l 2 g 
x = AB = (1. 0)(2. 0) = 1.414 m
= ±  × 2% + × 4%  = ± 3%
N 1 1
∴ 1 VSD = MSD Rounding off to two significant digits,  2 2 
N +1 x = AB = 1.4 m
Least count
∆x 1  ∆ A ∆ B  17 Q Density, ρ = Mass = M3 or ρ = M3
= (1 MSD − 1VSD) (value of MSD) Now, =  +
B 
Volume L L
x 2 A
 N  ∆ρ ∆M 3∆L
a ⇒ Error in density = +
= 
= 1 −  × a= 1 0.2 0.2  0.6
N + 1 N +1 + = ρ M L
 2  1.0 2 . 0  2 × 2.0
So, maximum % error in measurement
0.6 x
5 1 MSD = 1 cm = 0.1 cm, ∆x= = 0 .15 × 1.414 of ρ is
10 2 × 2.0 ∆ρ ∆M 3∆L
= 0.2121 × 100 = × 100 + × 100
10 VSD = 8 MSD ρ M L
Hence, we get Rounding off to one significant digit,
or % error in density = 1.5 + 3 × 1
8 8 ∆ x = 0.2 m
1 VSD = MSD = × (0.1) = 0.08 cm % error = 4.5%
10 10
Hence, AB = x ± ∆x = (1. 4 ± 0. 2) m F
Thus, the least count = 1 MSD – 18 By Newton’s formula η =
1VSD A ( ∆V / ∆Z )
12 As, T = 2π l or g = 4 π2 l
2

= 01. − 0.08 = 0.02 cm g T ∴ Dimensions of η

Dimensions of force
6 Number of significant figures in  ∆g ∆L 2∆T  =
23.023 = 5 ⇒  = +  (Dimensions of area × Dimensions
 g L T 
Number of significant figures in of velocity gradient)
0.0003 = 1 So, absolute error in g is
[MLT −2 ]
∆L 2∆T  = 2 = [ML−1 T −1 ]
Number of significant figures in ∆g =  +  g [L ][T −1 ]
2.1 × 10−3 = 2  L T 
0.01 2 × 1  19 Dipole moment = charge × distance
7 The mass of the bee has 2 significant =  +  × 9.8
 1.21 140  Electric flux = electric field × area
figures in kg, whereas the mass of the
−2
flower has three significant figures. = (0.0227 × 9.8) = 0.22 ms 20 I = mr 2
Hence, the sum (0.012387) must be ∴ [I ] = [ML2 ]
M 4.692 × 3
rounded off to the third decimal place. 13 ∴ ρ = =
4 3 4 × 3.14 × (10.01) × 10 3 −6 τ moment of force = r × F
Therefore, the correct significant figure πr
is 0.012. 3 ∴ [τ] = [L][MLT −2 ] = [ML2 T −2 ]
ρ = 1.12 × 103 kg - m −3
8 A = πr 2 = 3.142 × (0.021) 2  2 
∆ρ ∆M
= +
3∆r 21  e 
= 0.00138562 cm .
2
ρ M r  4πε0hc 
Now, there are only two significant
0.001 3 × 0.01  [AT]2
∴ ∆ρ =  +  × 1.12 × 10
3 =
figures in 0.021 cm. Hence, the result
 4.692 10.01  [M L T A ] ⋅ [ML2 T −1 ] ⋅ [LT −1 ]
−1 −3 4 2

must be rounded off to two significant

= 3.59 kgm −3 = [M 0L0T 0]
figures as A = 0.0014 cm2 .
10 40 DAYS ~ JEE MAIN PHYSICS DAY ONE

22 X = [C ] = [M −1 L−2 T2Q 2 ],  X  37 It is true that trigonometrical ratios do

31 [F ] =   + [Y ].
−1 −1 not have dimensions. Therefore, method
Z = [B ] = [MT Q ]  Linear density 
−1 2 −2 2 of finding dimensions cannot be utilized
X [M T L Q ] So, the dimensions of Y are the same as
Y = = = [M −3 T 4 L−2Q 4 ] for deriving formula involving
Z2 [MT −1Q −1 ]2 that of F, i.e. [Y ] = [F ] = [MLT −2 ]
trigonometrical ratio.
Now, [MLT −2 ] = 
X 
23 From the relation F = qvB  ML− 1 
SESSION 2
⇒ [MLT −2 ] = [C][LT −1 ][B ] ⇒ X = [M 2 L0T − 2 ]
⇒ [B ] = [MC −1 T −1 ] 1 Angular momentum = r × P = [LM LT −1 ]
32 The self-inductance L of a coil in which = [ML2 T −1 ]
24 As we know that, formula of velocity is dI Q
1 1 the current varies at a rate and is Latent heat, L = = [L2 T −2 ]
v = ⇒ v2 = = [LT −1 ]2 ∴ dt M
µ 0ε0 µ 0ε0 dI q ( AT )2
given by e = − L , where e is the Capacitance, C = =
1 dt
= [L2 T −2 ] V W
µ 0ε0 electromotive force (emf) induced in the  W
coil.  as, V = 
   T1 
−2  q 
25 n2 = n1  L1  T 
Now, the dimensions of emf are the same −1 −2 +2
= [A T M L T ]
2 2
 L2   2 as that of the potential difference,
−2 i.e. [ML2 T −3 I −1 ] = [M −1 L−2 T 4 A2 ]
= 10 
metre   sec 
 km   h  −e 2 Let v ∝ σ aρb λc . Equating dimensions on
Now, L = .
−2 dI / dt both sides
n2 = 10  3  
m sec 
 10 m   3600sec  Hence, the dimensions of L are [M 0 L1 T −1 ] = k [MT −2 ] a [ML−3 ] b [L] c
= 129600 [ L] =
dimensions of e [M 0LT −1 ] = k [M] a +b [L] −3b +c [T] − 2 a
dimensions of I / dimensions of t Equating the powers of M, L, T on both
 2 −1 3 −2 −1 [ML2 T −3 I −1 ]
26  GIM2  = [M L T ] × 2[MLT ] × [M]2 = sides, we get
 E 
−2 2
[ML T ] [I / T] a + b = 0 and −3b + c = 1; − 2a = − 1
= [ML2 T −2 I −2 ] 1 1 1
= [M 0L0T] Solving, we get a = , b = − , c = −
2
2 2 2
GIM 33 (A) U = 1 kT σ
So, dimensions of are same as that ∴ v ∝ σ 1 /2ρ−1 /2 λ−1 /2 ∴ v2 ∝
E2 2 ρλ
of time. ⇒ [ML2 T −2 ] = [k ] K Potential difference
3 Resistance, R =
27 Electrostatic force between two charges, ⇒ [K] = [ML2 T −2 K −1 ] Current
V W
F =
1 q1 q2 dv = =
(B) F = ηA I qI
4 πε0 R2 dx
(Q Potential difference is equal to work
⇒
q q
ε0 = 1 2 2 [MLT −2 ]
⇒ [η] = = [ML−1 T −1 ] done per unit charge)
4 πFR 2
[L LT L ] −1 −1
So, dimensions of R
Substituting the units. [Dimensions of work]
(C) E = hν ⇒ [ML2 T2 ] = [h] [T −1 ] =
C2 [AT ]2 [Dimensions of charge]
Hence, ε0 = = ⇒ [h] = [ML2 T −1 ]
N-m 2
[MLT −2 ] [L2 ] [Dimensions of current]
= [M −1 L−3 T 4 A2 ] dQ k A∆θ [ML2 T −2 ]
(D) = = = [ML2 T −3 I −2 ]
dt l [IT] [I]
28 s = distance travelled, u = velocity. [ML2 T −3 L]
So, dimensionally it is not a correct ⇒ [k] = = [MLT −3 K −1 ] αz
[L2 K] 4 In the given equation, should be
equation. kθ
dimensionless
a − t2 34 The least count of a measuring device is
kθ
29 p = the least distance (resolution/accuracy), ∴ [α] =  
bx
that can be measured using the device.  z 
⇒ pbx = a − t 2
Greater is the number of significant [ML2 T −2 K −1 × K]
⇒ [α] = = [MLT – 2 ]
⇒ [ pbx] = [a] = [T2 ] figures obtained in a measurement, [L]
[T2 ] [T2 ] greater is its precision and for this the α 
or [b] = = least count of the measuring instrument and [ p] =  
−1 −2
[ p][ x] [ML T ][L] β 
should be smaller.
= [M −1 T 4 ]  α  [MLT −2 ]
35 Work done is W = Fx cos θ. Since, θ is ⇒ [ β] =   = –1 –2
= [M 0L2 T 0]
[T2 ]  
p [ML T ]
∴  =
a
= [MT −2 ] dimensionless, the dependence of W
 b  [M −1 T 4 ]
on θ cannot be determined by the 5 λ mT = b or b 4 = λ4mT 4
−1 dimensional method.
30 Unit of a = unit of v = m/s = ms energy
and = σT 4
and unit of c = unit of
v 36 The degree of accuracy (and hence the area × time
t2 number of significant figures) of a energy
m /s or σ =
= = m / s 3 = ms −3 measurement cannot be increased by (area × time) T 4
s2 changing the unit.
DAY ONE UNITS AND MEASUREMENT 11

∴ LC = 0.01 ∆g ∆L 2∆T ∆g
σb 4 = 
energy  4
 λm ∴ = + or × 100%
 area × time  Negative zero error = −5 × LC = −0.005 mm g L T g
[ML2 T −2 ] Measured value = main scale reading ∆L   2∆T  × 100%
or [σb 4 ] = [L4 ] = [ML4 T −3 ]. =   × 100% +  
+ screw guage reading − zero error  L   T 
[L2 ][T]
= 0.5 mm + {25 × 0.01 − (−0.05)} mm
=  × 100 % + 2 ×
1 1
6 h = [ML2 T −1 ]; c = [LT −1 ], me = [M ], = 0.80 mm × 100%
 200  90
G = [ M −1 L3 T −2 ], e = AT; m p = M , 11 By given formula, we have surface = 2.72% = 3%
1 2
hc [M L T ] [LT ] −1 −1 tension,
Thus, accuracy in the determination of g
= = [ M 2] dhg N Q r = d 
G [M −1 L3 T −2 ] T = × 103   is approx 3 %.
4 m  2
⇒ M =
hc ∆T ∆d ∆h 14 Given, I = (e 1000V / T − 1) mA
⇒ = + [given, g is constant]
G T d h dV = ± 0.01V, T = 300 K, I = 5mA,
h [ML2 T −1 ] So, percentage error is I = e 1000V / T − 1, I + 1 = e 1000V / T
= = [ML]
c [LT −1 ] ∆T
= × 100 Taking log on both sides, we get
h h G Gh T
⇒ L = = = 3 /2 ∆d ∆h  1000V
=  + log (I + 1) =
cM c hc c  × 100 T
 d h 
From c = [ LT −1 ], d (I + 1) 1000
 0.01 × 10−2 0.01 × 10−2  ⇒ = dV
L Gh Gh = +  × 100 I +1 T
T = = 3 /2 = 5/2  1.25 × 10
−2
1.45 × 10−2 
c c c c dI 1000
= dV
= 1.5% I +1 T
Hence, out of (i), (ii) and (iii) any one ∆T
can be taken to express L, M, T in terms ∴ × 100 = 1.5% 1000
of three chosen fundamental quantities.
T ⇒ dI = × (I +1) dV
T
7 Here, l = (16.2 ± 0.1 ) cm ; 12 Arithmetic mean time of a oscillating
Σ xi dI =
1000
× (5 + 1) × 0.01
b = (10.1 ± 0.1) cm simple pendulum =
N 300
A = l × b = 16.2 × 10.1 = 163.62 90 + 91 + 92 + 95
= = 92 s = 0.2 mA
Rounding off to three significant digits, 4
A = 164 cm2 Mean error is
So, error in the value of current is
∆ A  ∆ l ∆b  0 .1 0 .1 Σ | x − xi | 2 + 1 + 3 + 0
0.2 mA.
= +  = + = = = 1.5
A  l b  16.2 10.1 N 4 15 [ c ] = [LT −1 ] = 3 × 108 ms −1
1.01 +1.62
= = 2.63 cm2 Given, minimum division in the and [g ] = [LT −2 ] = 10 ms −2
16.2 × 10.1 measuring clock, is 1 s. Thus, the
c [LT −1 ]
Rounding off to one significant figure, reported mean time of a oscillating So, = =T
∆ A = 3cm2 simple pendulum = (92 ± 2) s. g [LT −2 ]
∴ A = (164 ± 3) cm2 3 × 108
13 Given, time period, T = 2π L ∴ T= = 3 × 107 s
g 10
8 From Ohm’s law, R = V
I Thus,changes can be expressed as 16 The physical quantities can be equated,
⇒ ln R = ln V − ln I 2T ∆L ∆g added or subtracted only when they
∆R ∆V ∆I = =± ±
⇒ = + = 3% + 3% = 6% T L g have same dimensions. The distance
R V I 1a
According to the question, we can write covered by a body is s = u +
9 Diameter of wire, d = MSR + CSR × LC ∆L 0.1cm 1 2t
= = [LT −2 ]
1 −1
= 0 + 52 × = 0.52 mm = 0.052 cm L 20.0cm 200 [L] = [LT ] +
100 90 [T]
Again time period T = s
pitch 100 [L] = [LT −1 ] + [LT −3 ]
10 Least count = 1 ∆T 1
(number of division on and ∆T = s ⇒ = As every term of equation is not is not
circular scale) 200 T 90 having same dimensions, so it is a
L wrong expression for distance.
=
0.5
mm Now, T = 2π
50 g