EXERCISE # (S)

1. How many significant figures are given in the following quantities ?

(A) 343 g (B) 2.20 (C) 1.103 N (D) 0.4142 s
–3
(E) 0.0145 m (F) 1.0080 V (G) 9.1 × 10 km 4
(H) 1.124 × 10 V
Ans. (A) 3, (B) 3, (C) 4, (D) 4, (E) 3, (F) 5, (G) 2, (H) 4
2. Perform the following operations:
(A) 703 + 7 + 0.66 (B) 2.21 × 0.3 (C) 12.4 × 84 (D) 14.28/0.714
Ans. (A) 711, (B) 0.7, (C) 1.0 × 103, (D) 20.0
7 03
Sol. (A) 7
0.66
7 03
7
 1
7 11
(B) 2.21 × 0.3 = 0.663 = 0.7 (1 S.F.)
(C) 12.4 × 84 = 1041.6 = 1.0 × 103 (2 S.F.)
(D) 14.28/0.714 = 20 = 20.0 (3 S.F.)
3. Solve with due regard to significant digits
2.91 0.3842
(i) 6.5  6.32 (ii)
0.080
Ans. (i) 0.4, (ii) 14
Sol. (i) = 6.5  6.32  0.2
= 0.447 = 0.4
(ii) = 13.97 = 14 (2 S.F.)
4. The main scale of a vernier calipers reads in millimeter and its vernier is divided into 10
divisions which coincide with 9 divisions of the main scale. When the two jaws of the
instrument touch each other the seventh division of the vernier scale coincide with a scale
division and the zero of the vernier lies to the right of the zero of main scale. Furthermore,
when a cylinder is tightly placed along its length between the two jaws, the zero of the vernier
scale lies slightly to the left of 3.2 cm; and the fourth vernier division coincides with a scale
division. Calculate the measured length of the cylinder.
Ans. 3.07 cm
Sol. zero error (e) = 7 × L.C. = 7 × 0.1
= 0.7 mm
Reading = Main scale reading + vernier scale Reading × L.C.
= 31 + 4 × 0.1 = 31.4 mm
Final measurement = Reading – e
= 31.4 –0.7 = 30.7 mm
= 3.07 cm
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 1
5. The VC shown in the diagram has zero error in it (as you can see). It is given that 9 msd = 10
vsd.
(i) What is the magnitude of the zero error? (1msd = 1 mm)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11121314

(ii) The observed reading of the length of a rod measured by this VC comes out to be 5.4 mm. If
the vernier had been error free then reading of main scale would be ___ and the coinciding
division of vernier scale would be _____.
Ans. (i) x = –0.7 msd, (ii) 6, 1
Sol. (i) Zero error = M.S. Reading – V.S. Reading
= 2mm – 3 × (0.9)
= – 0.7mm
(ii) Actual value = Observed Reading – zero error
= 5.4 mm – (–0.7)
= 6.1 mm
= MS Reading + V. S. Reading × L.C.

6. Consider a home made vernier scale as shown in the figure.

P

Q
In this diagram, we are interested in measuring the length of the line PQ. If both the inclines are
identical and their angles are equal to  then what is the least count of the instrument.
1  cos  
Ans. L.C.  l 
 cos  
Sol.
l/cos


l
Least count (L.C.) = MSD – VSD
l
= l
cos 

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 2
7. The pitch of a screw gauge is 0.5 mm and there are 50 divisions on the circular scale. In
measuring the thickness of a metal plate, there are five divisions on the pitch scale (or main
scale) and thirty fourth division coincides with the reference line. Calculate the thickness of the
metal plate.
Ans. 2.84 mm
0.5
Sol. L. C. =  0.01 mm
50
MSD = pitch = 0.5 mm
Measurement = M.S. Reading + Circular scale Reading × L.C.
= 0.5 × 5 + 34 ×0.01 = 2.84 mm

8. The pitch of a screw gauge is 1 mm and there are 50 divisions on its cap. When nothing is put
in between the studs, 44th division of the circular scale coincides with the reference line zero of
the main scale is not visible. When a glass plate is placed between the studs, the main scale
reads three divisions and the circular scale reads 26 divisions. Calculate the thickness of the
plate.
Ans. Rt = 3.64 mm
1 mm
Sol. L.C. =  0.02 mm
50
Zero error (e) = –(50 –44) × 0.02 = –0.12 mm
Final measurement = Observed Reading – zero error
= 3 + 26 × 0.02 – (–0.12)
= 3 + 0.52 + 0.12
= 3.64 mm

9. In a given optical bench, a needle of length 10 cm is used to estimate bench error. The object
needle, image needle & lens holder have their reading as shown.
x0 = 1.1 cm xI = 21.0 cm xL = 10.9 cm
Estimate the bench errors which are present in image needle holder and object needle holder.
Also find the focal length of the convex lens when.
x0 = 0.6 cm xI = 22.5 cm xL = 11.4 cm
Ans. eobj = 0.2 cm, eimg = 0.1 cm, f = 5.5 ± 0.05 cm
Sol. uobs = – (XL–X0) = – (10.9 –1.1)
= –9.8 cm
uactual = – 10cm (= Length of needle)

We know that, Index Error = observed distance – Actual distance

Error in object needle :
eobj = Uobs – Uactual = – 9.8 + 10 = 0.2cm

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 3
 vobs = XI – XL = 21.0 – 10.9 = 10.1cm
vactual = 10 cm
Error in image needle
eimg = vobs –vactual = 10.1 – 10 = 0.1cm
In second experiment :
Uobs = – (11.4 – 0.6) = –10.8 cm
Uact = Uobs – eobj =– 10.8 –0.2 = –11cm
vobs = 22.5 – 11.4 = 11.1
vact = vobs – eimg = 11.1 – 0.1 = 11cm
1 1 1 1 1 2
     
f v u 11 11 11
 f = 5.5cm
f v u
 
f 2 v2 u 2

f = f2  2  2   0.05cm
0.1 0.1

 11 11 
Hence f = 5.5 ± 0.05cm

10. Make the appropriate connections in the meter bridge set up shown. Resistance box is
connected between ___. Unknown resistance is connected between___. Battery is connected
between ______.
A B C D

E F
Ans. CD, AB, EF

11. A body travels uniformly a distance of (13.8 ± 0.2)m in time (4.0 ± 0.3) sec. Calculate its
velocity.
Ans. v = (3.4 ± 0.3) m/s
d 13.8
Sol. v=  = 3.45 = 3.4
t 4.0
V d t
 
V d t
 0.2 0.3 
 V = 3.4    = 0.3
 13.8 4.0 
 V = 3.4 ± 0.3

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 4
12. Consider S = x cos () for x = (2.0 ± 0.2) cm,  = 53 ± 2 °. Find S.
Ans. S = (1.2 ± 0.18) cm
Sol. S= x cos
3
S = 2.0 cos 53° = 2 × = 1.2
5
S = cosx – x sin  
= cos  x + x sin  (For maximum error, replaced '–' sign with '+')
3 4   
= × 0.2 + 2 × ×  2 = 0.1758 = 0.18
5 5  180 
Hence S = 1.2 ± 0.18

13. Two resistance R1 and R2 are connected in (i) series and (ii) parallel. What is the equivalent
resistance with limit of possible percentage error in each case of R1 = 5.0 ± 0.2  and R2 = 10.0
± 0.1 .
Ans. R8 = 15.0  ± 2%, Rp = 3.3  ± 3%
Sol. In series
Req = R1 + R2 = 5.0 + 10.0 = 15.0 
  Req = R1 + R2 = 0.2 + 0.1 = 0.3
Hence Req = 15.0 ± 0.3 
= 15.0  ± 2%
In Parallel :
1 1 1
 
R eq R1 R 2
10  5 10
 Req =    3.3 
10  5 3
R eq R1 R 2
–   2
R eq R12 R2
R eq  0.2 0.1 
  3.3  2  2  = 3.3 (0.008 + 0.001) = 0.0297 = 0.03
R eq 5 1 
= 3%
So, Req = 3.3  + 3%
14. 5.74 gm of a substance occupies a volume of 1.2 cm3. Calculate its density with due regard for
significant figures.
Ans. 4.8 g/cm3
mass 5.74
Sol.  =  = 4.7833 g/cm3
volume 1.2
= 4.8 g/cm3
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 5
15. The time period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is given by T = 2  l / g . The length of
the pendulum is measured as l = 10 ± 0.1cm and the time period as T = 0.5 ± 0.02 s. Determine
percentage error in the value of g.
Ans. 9%
4  2l
Sol. g= 2
T
g l 2T 0.1 0.02
    2  0.09
g l T 10 0.5
g
 % error = 100 = 9%
g

16. A physical quantity P is related to four observables A, B, C and D as P = 42A3B2 /( C D)

The percentage error of the measurement in A, B, C and D are 1%, 3% and 2%, 4%
respectively. Determine the percentage error & absolute error in the quantity P. Value of P is
calculated 3.763.
Ans. 14%, 0.53
4 2 A 3 B2
Sol. =
CD
P 3A 2B 1 C D
    
P A B 2 C D
P 1
 100 = 3× 1% + 2 × 3% +  2%  4%  14%
P 2
P = 0.14 P = 0.14 × 3.763 = 0.52682 = 0.53

17. A glass prism of angle A = 60° gives minimum angle of deviation  = 30° with the max. error
of 10 when a beam of parallel light passed through the prism during an experiment. Find the
permissible percentage error in the measurement of refractive index  of the material of the
prism.
Ans. 5/18%
 
 3  m 
sin  
 A  m 
sin    2 
Sol. µ=  2   
A 
sin   sin  
2 6
   
= 2sin   m  = 2 sin   2
6 2  4

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 6
  
dµ = 2 × cos   m  dm
1

2 6 2 
   
 dµ = cos     
 4   180  180 2
dµ  100 5
 100    %
µ 180 2 2 18

18. In a vernier calipers the main scale and the vernier scale are made up of different materials.
When the room temperature increases by T°C, it is found the reading of the instrument
remains the same. Earlier it was observed that the front edge of the wooden rod placed for
measurement crossed the Nth main scale division and (N + 2) msd coincided with the 2nd vsd.
Initially, 10 vsd coincided with 9 msd. If coefficient of linear expansion of the main scale is 1
and that of the vernier scale is 2 then what is the value of 1/2? (Ignore the expansion of the
rod on heating)
(A) 1.8 / (N) (B) 1.8 /(N+2) (C) 1.8 / (N–2) (D) None
Ans. B
Sol. Initially, (N + 2) MSD = L0 + 2VSD
(Where L0 is length of Rod)
 L0 = (N + 2) MSD – 2VSD
Finally, Reading remains same
 (N + 2) MSD (1 + 1T ) = L0 + 2VSD (1 + 2 T)
 (N + 2) MSD (1 + 1T ) = (N + 2) MSD –2VSD + 2VSD (1 + 2T)
 (N + 2) 1T MSD = 2VSD2T
9
 (N + 2)1 MSD = 2  MSD 2
10
1 9 1.8
  
 2 5(N 2) N  2

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 7
 EXERCISE # (O)
1. A vernier callipers having 1 main scale division = 0.1 cm is designed to have a least count of
0.02 cm. If n be the number of divisions on vernier scale and m be the length of vernier scale,
then
(A) n=10, m=0.5 cm (B) n=9, m=0.4 cm
(C) n=10, m=0.8 cm (D) n=10 , m=0.2 cm
Ans. C
Sol. L.C. = 1 MSD – 1 VSD
m
 0.02 cm = 0.1 cm –
n
m
 = 0.08 cm  (C)
n

2. In a Vernier Calipers (VC), N divisions of the main scale coincide with N + m divisions of the
vernier scale. What is the value of m for which the instrument has minimum least count?
(A) 1 (B) N (C) Infinity (D) N/2
Ans. A
Sol. N MSD = (N +m) VSD
N
 1 VSD = MSD
Nm

L.C. = 1 MSD – 1 VSD = MSD 1 

N 

 Nm
 
 m   1 
=  MSD =  N  MSD
 Nm  1
m 
For minimum L.C., m should be minimum
So m=1

3. In the Searle’s experiment, after every step of loading , why should we wait for two minutes
before taking the readings? ( More than one correct.)
(A) So that the wire can have its desired change in length.
(B) So that the wire can attain room temperature.
(C) So that vertical oscillations can get subsided.
(D) So that the wire has no change in its radius.
Ans. A,B,C

4. In a meter bridge set up, which of the following should be the properties of the one meter long
wire?
(A) High resistivity and low temperature coefficient
(B) Low resistivity and low temperature coefficient
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 8
 (C) Low resistivity and high temperature coefficient
(D) High resistivity and high temperature coefficient
Ans. A

5. Consider the MB shown in the diagram, let the resistance X have temperature coefficient 1
and the resistance from the RB have the temperature coefficient 2. Let the reading of the
meter scale be 10cm from the LHS. If the temperature of the two resistances increase by small
temperature T then what is the shift in the position (in cm) of the null point? Neglect all the
other changes in the bridge due to temperature rise.
A X B C 9 D
G

E O F
10cm
(A) 9( – 2) T (B) 9 ( – 2) T
1 1
(C) ( + 2) T (D) ( – 2) T
9 9
Ans. A
x y x 9
Sol.     x = 1
l 100  l 10 90
100 y
 1 
l x
100 9(1   2  T)
 1 =
l  l 1(1  1 T)
100
 = 9[1+(2–1)T] + 1
l  l
10  l 1
 
100 10  9( 2  1 ) T
l 1 1
  
100 10  9( 2  1 ) T 10
l 10  [10  9( 2  1 ) T]
 
100 10[10  9( 2  1 ) T]
l 9( 2  1 ) T
 
100 100
 l = 9(1 – 2) T

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 9
6. For a post office Box, the graph of galvanometer deflection versus R (resistance pulled out of
RB) for the ratio 100 : 1 is given as shown. A careless student pulls out two non consecutive
values R marked in the graph. Find the value of unknown resistance.
De? ection (in division)

326
R
320
–3
(A) 3.2 ohm (B) 3.24 ohm (C) 3.206 ohm (D) 3.26 ohm
Ans. B

7. Identify which of the following diagrams represent the internal construction of the coils wound
in a resistance box or PO box?

P P P
P

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Ans. D
Sol. In (D) option windings are such that, they will not have inductance.
Whereas, rest all other options have inductance, which will cause problem, when connected in
the circuit

8. In the laboratory method for measuring the latent heat of steam, the steam is passed through the
device shown below. The function of the device is
Insulated walls
Steam to calorimeter

Steam from boiler

(A) to prevent condensed steam from reaching the calorimeter

(B) to reduce the pressure of the steam
(C) to ensure that the pressure o the steam is equal to the atmospheric pressure.
(D) to control the rate of flow of steam
Ans. (A)

9. In a meter bridge experiment, we try to obtain the null point at the middle. This
(A) reduces systematic error as well as random error.
(B) reduces systematic error but not the random error.

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 10
 (C) reduces random error but not the systematic error
(D) reduces neither systematic error nor the random error
Ans. A

10. An approximate value of number of seconds in an year is  × 107. Determine the % error in this
value
(A) 0.5% (B) 8% (C) 4% (D) 15%
Ans. A
Sol. 1 year = 365 × 24 × 3600 sec
= 3.15 × 107
3.15  3.14 
% error =   × 100 = 0.3%
 3.15 

11. In a Searle's experiment for determination of Young's Modulus, when a load of 50 kg is added
to a 3 meter long wire micrometer screw having pitch 1 mm needs to be given a quarter turn in
order to restore the horizontal position of spirit level. Young's modulus of the wire if its cross
sectional area is 10–5 m2 is
(A) 6 × 1011N/m2 (B) 1.5 × 1011 N/m2 (C) 3 × 1011 N/m2 (D) None
Ans. A
1mm
Sol. l = (quater turn)
4
l W
Y 
l A
0.25mm 500
 Y×  5
3m 10
 Y = 6 × 10 N/m2
11

12. On the basis of detail given about two measuring instruments, select the correct statement.
(i) Vernier callipers having main scale division = 0.05 cm and Vernier scale division =
2.45
cm.
50
(ii) Screw gaugae having pitch 0.5 mm and its circular scale division measures 0.01 mm.
(A) Both the instruments have same least count.
(B) Least count of screw gauge is lesser than that of vernier callipers.
(C) Both the instruments have same least count but screw gauge is more precise.
(D) Both the instruments have different least count and screw gauge is more precise.
Ans. A
2.45
Sol. (i) L.C. = MSD –VSD = 0.05 – = 0.001 cm
50
(ii) L.C. = 0.01 mm = 0.001 cm

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 11
13. A student obtained following observations in an experiment of meter bridge to find unknown
resistance of given wire :
 100  
S.No. R  100 -  S   R
  
1 2 43 57 2.65
2 3 52 48 2.77
3 4 58 42 2.89
4 5 69 31 2.25

The most accurate value of unknown resistance will be

(A) 2.65  (B) 2.77  (C) 2.89  (D) 2.25 
Ans. B
Sol. In option 2, null point is chosen most close to the middle of the wire, hence most accurate
reading is obtained

14. In which of the following instruments used in the lab there exists an error of random category
known as back lash error
(i) Screw gauge (ii) Spherometer
(iii) Searle’s apparatus (iv) Vernier callipers
(A) (i) & (ii) only (B) (i), (ii) & (iii) only
(C) (i) only (D) all four
Ans. (B)

15. In Searle’s apparatus, when experimental wire is loaded and unloaded, the air bubble in spirit
level gets shifted.
(A) towards reference wire while loading & towards experimental wire while unloading
(B) towards experimental wire while loading & towards reference wire while unloading
(C) towards experimental wire, both the times, during loading & unloading
(D) towards reference wire, both the times during loading & unloading
Ans. A
16. A student performing experiment using optical bench observes that when concave mirror is at
zero, and tip of object needle is at 10 cm from the pole of the mirror, the fixture of object
needle mark reads x cm, and it’s image appears to cover the whole aperture of the mirror. Now,
when the object needle is moved to y cm, it’s inverted image coincides with it and parallax is
removed, then the bench correction (index correction) can be expressed as (Given bench error
is positive for object needle)
(i) x – 10 (ii) y–20 (iii) x + 10 (iv) y + 20
Choose the CORRECT option.
(A) (i) and (ii) (B) (ii) and (iii) (C) (i) and (iv) (D) (iii) and (iv)
Ans. A
Sol. uobs = X0 –XL = x – 0 = x
e = uobs – uact = x – 10
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 12
 As the image appears to cover the whole aperture i.e. image is at infinity.
So f = –10 cm
When the object needle is moved to y, its image coincides with it, hence y = 2f = 20 cm
So e = vobs – vact
 e = y – 20

17. A student is experimenting with resonance tube apparatus in Physics lab to find the speed of
sound at room temperature. He got resonating lengths of air column as 17 cm and 51 cm, using
tuning fork of frequency 512 Hz. Find speed of sound at room temperature and specify,
whether the side water reservoir was moved upward or downward to obtain the second
resonance (51 cm)?
(A) 348 m/s, downwards (B) 348 m/s, upwards
(C) 332 m/s, downwards (D) 332 m/s, upwards
Ans. A
512 =  n  
1 v
Sol.
 2  2(17  e)

 17 + e =  n  
1 v
....(1)
 2  2  512

51 + e =  n  1  
1 v
....(2)
 2  2  512
Equation (1) – (2)
v
 34 cm =
2  512
 v = 348 m/s
For increasing the length of air column, the water level has to be lowered, hence reservoir has
to be moved downward.

18. Accuracy and precision are ____(i)_____ and these are respectively linked with _____(ii)_ &
____(iii)_____. Fill the blanks above in correct order.
(A) (i) same, (ii) systematic error, (iii) random error
(B) (i) different, (ii) systematic error (iii) random error
(C) (i) same, (ii) random error, (iii) systematic error
(D) (i) different, (ii) random error, (iii) systematic error
Ans. B
19. The vernier of a circular scale is divided in to 30 divisions, which coincides with 29 main scale
divisions. If each main scale division is (1/2)°, the least count of the instrument is
(A) 0.1' (B) 1' (C) 10' (D) 30'
Ans. B
Sol. 30 VSD = 29 MSD

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 13
 

= 29 ×  
1
2
º º º

L.C. = 1 MSD – 1VSD =         = 1'

1 29 1
 2   60   60 

20. When the gap is closed without placing any object in the screw gauge whose least count is
0.005 mm, the 5th division on its circular scale coincides with the reference line on main scale,
and when a small sphere is placed reading on main scale advances by 4 divisions, whereas
circular scale reading shows five times to the corresponding reading when no object was
placed. There are 200 divisions on the circular scale. The radius of the sphere is
(A) 4.10 mm (B) 4.05 mm (C) 2.10 mm (D) 2.05 mm
Ans. D
Sol. Zero error(e) = 5 × L.C. = 5 × 0.005 = 0.025 mm
pitch = 200 × 0.005 = 1 mm
final value (diameter) = 4 × 1 mm + 25 × 0.005 – e
= 4.1 mm
So radius = 2.05 mm

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 14
 EXERCISE # (JM)
1. A copper wire is stretched to make it 0.5% longer. The percentage change in its electrical
resistance if its volume remains unchanged is: [JEE Main-2019]
(1) 2.5% (2) 0.5% (3) 1.0% (4) 2.0%
Ans. (3)

Sol. R and volume (V) = A
A
 2
R
V
R 2
  =1%
R 

2. The pitch and the number of divisions, on the circular scale, for a given screw gauge are 0.5
mm and 100 respectively. When the screw gauge is fully tightened without any object, the zero
of its circular scale lies 3 divisions below the mean line.
The readings of the main scale and the circular scale, for a thin sheet, are 5.5 mm and
48 respectively, the thickness of this sheet is : [JEE Main-2019]
(1) 5.725 mm (2) 5.755 m (3) 5.740 m (4) 5.950 mm
Ans. (1), Correct ans is 5.725, Whereas JEE ans 5.755 is wrong
pitch
Sol. Least Count =
C.S.D.
0.5
= mm
100
= 0.005 mm
Zero error = + 3 × L.C. (Zero error is positive, as zero of Circular scale lies below mean line)
= 0.015 mm
Observed Reading = 5.5 + 48 × L.C. = 5.74 mm
Actual Reading = Observed – zero error
= 5.74 – 0.015 = 5.725 mm

3. The diameter and height of a cylinder are measured by a meter scale to be 12.6 ± 0.1 cm and
34.2 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. What will be the value of its volume in appropriate significant
figures? [JEE Main-2019]
3 3
(1) 4264 ± 81 cm (2) 4264.4 ± 81.0 cm
3
(3) 4260 ± 80 cm (4) 4300 ± 80 cm3
Ans. (3)
Sol. D = 12.6  0.1
H = 34.2  0.1

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 15
 2

V = r h =  
12.6 
  34.2 = 4262.22
2

 2 
V = 4260 cm3 ( Corrected to most accurate significant figure )
V x
 2
V x
  0.01   0.1  
V =  2      4262.22
  12.6   34.2  

4. The least count of the main scale of a screw gauge is 1 mm. The minimum number of divisions
on its circular scale required to measure 5m diameter of wire is : [JEE Main-2019]
(1) 50 (2) 100 (3) 200 (4) 500
Ans. (3)
M.SR(Meter scale reading)
Sol. L. C. =
N(No of division an circular scale)
1mm
N=  200
5m

5. In a simple pendulum experiment for determination of acceleration due to gravity (g), time
taken for 20 oscillations is measured by using a watch of 1 second least count. The mean value
of time taken comes out to be 30 s. The length of pendulum is measured by using a meter scale
of least count 1 mm and the value obtained is 55.0 cm. The percentage error in the
determination of g is close to : [JEE Main-2019]
(1) 3.5% (2) 0.7% (3) 0.2% (4) 6.8%
Ans. (4)
30sec 1
Sol. T T  sec
20 20
L = 55 cm L = 1 mm = 0.1 cm
4 2 L
g
T
Percentage error in g is
g  L 2T 
100%    100%
g  L T 
  1 
 0.1 2  20  
    100%  6.8% 
 55 30 
 20 


NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 16
6. In the density measurement of a cube, the mass and edge length are measured as (10.00  0.10)
kg and (0.10  0.01) m, respectively. The error in the measurement of density is:
[JEE Main-2019]
(1) 0.07 kg/m3 (2) 0.31 kg/m3 (3) 0.01 kg/m3 (4) 0.10 kg/m3
Ans. (2)
mass m
Sol. density () = 
volume v
m d dm dv
=  ln  =lnm –lnv   
v  m dv
In Error
Also
d dm dv = m
  v
 m dv 10
=
(0.1)3
= 10 kg/m3
4

d dm 3da
 
 m a
d 0.1 3(0.01)
 
 10 0.1
d = 0.10 kg/m3

7. The area of a square is 5.29 cm2. The area of 7 such squares taking into account the significant
figures is : [JEE Main-2019]
(1) 37.0 cm2 (1) 37 cm2 (3) 37.03 cm2 (4) 37.030 cm2
Ans. (3)
Sol. Total Area = A1 + A2 + ...... A7
= A + A + ......... 7 times
= 37.03 m2.
Addition of 7 terms all having 2 terms beyond decimal, so final answer must have 2 terms
beyond decimal (as per rules of significant digits.)

8. If the screw on a screw- gauge is given six rotations, it moves by 3 mm on the main scale. If
there are 50 divisions on the circular scale the least count of the screw gauge is
[JEE Main-2020]
(1) 0.01 cm (2) 0.02 mm (3) 0.001 cm (4) 0.001 mm
Ans. (3)
Sol. Given on six rotation, reading of main scale changes by 3m.
1
 1 rotation corresponds to mm
2
Also no. of division on circular scale = 50.
0.5
mm = 0.001 cm.
50

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 17
9. The least count of the main scale of a vernire callipers is 1 mm. Its vernire scale is divided into
10 divisions and coincide with 9 divisions of the main scale. When jaws are touching each
other, the 7th division of vernire scale coincides with a division of main scale and the zero of
vernier scale is lying right side of the zero of main scale. When this vernier is used to measure
length of a cylinder the zero of the vernier scale J between 3.1 cm and 3.2 cm and 4th VSD
coincides with a main scale division. The length of the cylinder is : (VSD is vernier scale
division) [JEE Main-2020]
(1) 2.99 cm (2) 3.2 cm (3) 3.21 cm (4) 3.07 cm
Ans. (4)
Sol. Least count = 1 mm or 0.01 cm
Zero error = 0 + 0.01 × 7 = 0.07 cm
Reading = 3.1 + (0.01 × 4) – 0.07
= 3.1 + 0.04 – 0.07
= 3.1 – 0.03
= 3.07 cm

10. Using screw gauge of pitch 0.1 cm and 50 divisions on its circular scale, the thickness of an
object is measured. It should correctly be recorded as : [JEE Main-2020]
(1) 2.123 (2) 2.121 (3) 2.124 cm (4) 2.125 cm
Ans. (3)
pitch 0.1cm
Sol. LC =  = 0.002 cm
CSD 50
So any measurement will be integral multiple of LC.
So ans. will be 2.124 cm

11. A screw gauge has 50 divisions on its circular scale. The circular scale is 4 units ahead of the
pitch scale marking, prior to use. Upon one complete rotation of the circular scale, a
displacement of 0.5 mm is noticed on the pitch scale. The nature of zero error involved, and the
least count of the screw gauge, are respectively : [JEE Main-2020]
(1) Negative, 2 μm (2) Positive, 10 μm (3) Positive, 0.1 μm (4) Positive, 0.1 mm
Ans. (2)
Sol. Least count of screw gauge
Pitch
=
no. of division on circular s cale
0.5
= mm = 1 × 10–5 m
50
= 10 μm
Zero error in positive

12. The density of a solid metal sphere is determined by measuring its mass and its diameter. The
maximum error in the density of the sphere is 
X 
 % . If the relative errors in measuring the
 100 
mass and the diameter are 6.0% and 1.5% respectively, the value of x is. [JEE Main-2020]
Ans. (1050.00)
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 18
 M M
Sol.  
V 4  D 2
 
3 2
6
  = M D–3

taking log
6
n  n    nM  3mD

Differentiates
d dM d(D)
 0 3
 M D
for maximum error
d dM 3dD
100 ×  × 100 + × 100
 M D
= 6 + 3 × 1.5 = 10.5 %
1050
= % so x = 1050.00
100

13. A student measuring the diameter of a pencil of circular cross-section with the help of a vernier
scale records the following four readings 5.50 mm, 5.55 mm, 5.45 mm; 5.65 mm. The average
of these four readings is 5.5375 mm and the standard deviation of the data is 0.07395 mm. The
average diameter of the pencil should therefore be recorded as : [JEE Main-2020]
(1) (5.5375 ± 0.0739) mm (2) (5.538 ± 0.074) mm
(3) (5.54 ± 0.07) mm (4) (5.5375 ± 0.0740) mm
Ans. (3)
Sol. Use significant figures. Answer must be upto three significant figures.
14. The least count of the main scale of a vernire callipers is 1 mm. Its vernire scale is divided into
10 divisions and coincide with 9 divisions of the main scale. When jaws are touching each
other, the 7th division of vernire scale coincides with a division of main scale and the zero of
vernier scale is lying right side of the zero of main scale. When this vernier is used to measure
length of a cylinder the zero of the vernier scale J between 3.1 cm and 3.2 cm and 4th VSD
coincides with a main scale division. The length of the cylinder is : (VSD is vernier scale
division) [JEE Main-2020]
(1) 2.99 cm (2) 3.2 cm (3) 3.21 cm (4) 3.07 cm
Ans. (4)
Sol. Least count = 1 mm or 0.01 cm
Zero error = 0 + 0.01 × 7 = 0.07 cm
Reading = 3.1 + (0.01 × 4) – 0.07
= 3.1 + 0.04 – 0.07
= 3.1 – 0.03
= 3.07 cm

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 19
15. Using screw gauge of pitch 0.1 cm and 50 divisions on its circular scale, the thickness of an
object is measured. It should correctly be recorded as : [JEE Main-2020]
(1) 2.123 (2) 2.121 (3) 2.124 cm (4) 2.125 cm
Ans. (3)
pitch 0.1cm
Sol. LC =  = 0.002 cm
CSD 50
So any measurement will be integral multiple of LC.
So ans. will be 2.124 cm

16. A screw gauge has 50 divisions on its circular scale. The circular scale is 4 units ahead of the
pitch scale marking, prior to use. Upon one complete rotation of the circular scale, a
displacement of 0.5 mm is noticed on the pitch scale. The nature of zero error involved, and the
least count of the screw gauge, are respectively : [JEE Main-2020]
(1) Negative, 2 μm (2) Positive, 10 μm (3) Positive, 0.1 μm (4) Positive, 0.1 mm
Ans. (2)
Sol. Least count of screw gauge
Pitch
=
no. of division on circular s cale
0.5
= mm = 1 × 10–5 m
50
= 10 μm
Zero error in positive

17. The density of a solid metal sphere is determined by measuring its mass and its diameter. The
maximum error in the density of the sphere is 
X 
 % . If the relative errors in measuring the
 100 
mass and the diameter are 6.0% and 1.5% respectively, the value of x is. [JEE Main-2020]
Ans. (1050.00)
M M
Sol.  
V 4  D 2
 
3 2
6
  = M D–3

taking log
6
n  n    nM  3mD

Differentiates
d dM d(D)
 0 3
 M D
for maximum error
d dM 3dD
100 ×  × 100 + × 100
 M D
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 20
 = 6 + 3 × 1.5 = 10.5 %
1050
= % so x = 1050.00
100

18. A student measuring the diameter of a pencil of circular cross-section with the help of a vernier
scale records the following four readings 5.50 mm, 5.55 mm, 5.45 mm; 5.65 mm. The average
of these four readings is 5.5375 mm and the standard deviation of the data is 0.07395 mm. The
average diameter of the pencil should therefore be recorded as : [JEE Main-2020]
(1) (5.5375 ± 0.0739) mm (2) (5.538 ± 0.074) mm
(3) (5.54 ± 0.07) mm (4) (5.5375 ± 0.0740) mm
Ans. (3)
Sol. Use significant figures. Answer must be upto three significant figures.

L
19. The period of oscillation of a simple pendulum is T  2 . Measured value of 'L' is 1.0 m
g
from meter scale having a minimum division of 1 mm and time of one complete oscillation is
1.95 s measured from stopwatch of 0.01 s resolution. The percentage error in the determination
of 'g' will be : [JEE Main-2021]
(1) 1.13% (2) 1.03% (3) 1.33% (4) 1.30%
Ans. (1)

Sol. T  2
g
4 2 
g=
T2
g  2T
 
g  T
g 1103 0.01
  2
g 1 1.95
g
= 0.0113 or 1.13%
g
option (1) is correct.

20. The pitch of the screw gauge is 1mm and there are 100 divisions on the circular scale. When
nothing is put in between the jaws, the zero of the circular scale lies 8 divisions below the
reference line. When a wire is placed between the jaws, the first linear scale division is clearly
visible while 72nd division on circular scale coincides with the reference line. The radius of the
wire is [JEE Main-2021]
(1) 1.64 mm (2) 0.82 mm (3) 1.80 mm (4) 0.90 mm
Ans. (2)

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 21
 1mm
Sol. Least count =  0.01mm
100
zero error = + 8 × LC = + 0.08 mm
True reading (Diameter)
= (1 mm + 72 × LC) – (Zero error)
= (1 mm + 72× 0.01mm) – 0.08 mm
= 1.72 mm – 0.08 mm
= 1.64 mm
1.64
therefore, radius =  0.82 mm.
2

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 22
 EXERCISE # (JA)
1. The edge of a cube is a = 1.2 × 10–2 m. Then its volume will be recorded as :
[JEE 2003]
(A) 1.7 × 10–6 m3 (B) 1.70 × 10–6 m3
–7
(C) 1.70 × 10 m 3
(D) 1.78 × 10–6 m3
Ans. A
Sol. Since the significant figure in the edge of the cube is 2.
The expression for volume should be having the same significant figure.

2. In a vernier callipers, n divisions of its main scale match with (n + 1) divisions on its vernier
scale. Each division of the main scale is a units. Using the vernier principle, calculate its least
count. [JEE 2003]
a
Ans.
n 1
Sol. Least count of vernier callipers = value of one division of main scale – value of one
division of vernier scale
Now N × a = (N + l)a' {a' = value of one division of vernier scale)
N
a  a
N 1
a
 Least count = a  a  
N 1

3. A wire has a mass 0.3 ± 0.003 g, radius 0.5 ± 0.005 mm and length 6 ± 0.06 cm. The maximum
percentage error in the measurement of its density is [JEE 2004]
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
Ans. D
m
Sol. (A) 
l r 2
 m 2r l 0.003 2  0.005 0.06 4
        4%
 m r l 0.3 0.5 6 100

4. In a Searle's experiment, the diameter of the wire as measured by a screw gauge of least count
0.001 cm is 0.050 cm. The length, measured by a scale of least count 0.1 cm, is 110.0 cm.
When a weight of 50 N is suspended from the wire, the extension is measured to be 0.125 cm
by a micrometer of least count 0.001 cm. Find the maximum error in the measurement of
Young's modulus of the material of the wire from these data. [JEE 2004]
Y
Ans. = 0.0489
Y
4F / D2 4FL
Sol. Y 
(L) / L D2 (L)
Maximum possible relative error

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 23
 Y L 2D (L)
  
Y L D L
 0.1 2  0.001 0.001 
   
 110 0.050 0.125 
Y 1 4
Percentage error 100    4  = 0.8  4  0.09  4.89%
Y 11 5

5. The pitch of a screw gauge is 1 mm and there are 100 divisions on the circular scale. While
measuring the diameter of a wire, the linear scale reads 1 mm and 47th division on the circular
scale coincides with the reference line. The length of the wire is 5.6 cm. Find the curved
surface area (in cm2) of the wire in appropriate number of significant figures. [JEE 2004]
Ans. 2.6 cm (in two significant figures)
2

1mm
Sol. Least count =  0.01 mm
100
Diameter = M.S. + No. of division coinciding with main scale × Least count
= 1 mm + 47 × 0.01 mm
= 1.47 mm
= 0.147 cm
22
Curved surface area = dl   0.147  5.6  2.6 cm2
7
6. Draw the circuit for experimental verification of Ohm's law using a source of variable D.C.
voltage, a main resistance of 100 , two galvanometers and two resistances of values 106 
and 10–3  respectively. Clearly show the positions of the voltmeter and the ammeter.
[JEE 2004]
6 Voltmeter
10 
G1

Ammeter
Ans. 100
–3
G2 10 

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 24
 Voltmeter
R = 106
G

100 

Sol.
G
R = 10–3
Ammeter

7. In a resonance column method, resonance occurs at two successive level of l1=30.7 cm and
l2 = 63.2 cm using a tuning fork of f = 512 Hz. What is the maximum error in measuring speed
of sound using relations v = f  &  = 2(l2 – l1) [JEE 2005]
(A) 256 cm/sec (B) 92 cm/sec (C) 128 cm/sec (D) 204.8 cm/sec
Ans. D
v 3v
Sol. l1  e  and l2  e 
4f 4f
2v
l2  l1 
4f
(l2  l1 ) v

(l2  l1 ) v
v = 2f(l2 – l1) = 2f(l1 + l2) (For maximum error)
= 2 × 512 × 0.2 = 204.8 cm/s.
8. The side of a cube is measured by vernier callipers (10 divisions of a vernier scale coincide
with 9 divisions of main scale, where 1 division of main scale is 1 mm). The main scale reads
10 mm and first division of vernier scale coincides with the main scale. Mass of the cube is
2.736 g. Find the density of the cube in appropriate significant figures. [JEE 2005]
Ans. 2.66 g/cm3
Least count of vernier callipers = 1   mm  0.1 mm
9
Sol.
 10 
Side of the cube = 10 mm + 1 × 0.1 mm = 10.1 mm = 1.01 cm
2.736
Density =  2.66 g / cm3
(1.01)3

9. Graph of position of image vs position of point object from a convex lens is shown. Then, focal
length of the lens is [JEE 2006]

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 25
 31
v cm
30

20

10

u cm
–31 –30 –20 –10 0 (–9, +9)
(A) 0.50 ± 0.05 cm (B) 0.50 ± 0.10 cm
(C) 5.00 ± 0.05 cm (D) 5.00 ± 0.10 cm
Ans. C
1 1 1
Sol.   f = 5 cm
f v u
uv
f
uv
f u v | u |  | v |
  
f u v |u||v|
f = 0.15 (for f = 5 cm)
The most appropriate answer is 5.00 ± 0.10 cm.

10. The circular divisions of shown screw gauge are 50. It moves 0.5 mm on main scale in one
rotation. The diameter of the ball is [JEE 2006]
10 30
0 5 0 25
0 20

(A) 2.25 mm (B) 2.20 mm (C) 1.20 mm (D) 1.25 mm

Ans. C
0.5
Sol. Zero error = 5   0.05 mm
50
0.5
Actual measurement = 2  0.5mm  25   0.05 mm
50
= 1 mm + 0.25 mm – 0.05 mm = 1.20 mm

 42l 
11. A student performs an experiment for determination of g   2  , l  1m and he commits an
 T 
error of l. For the experiment takes the time of n oscillations with the stop watch of least

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 26
 count T and he commits a human error of 0.1sec. For which of the following data, the
measurement of g will be most accurate? [JEE 2006]
 l   T Amplitude of oscillation
(A) 5 mm 0.2 sec 10 5 mm
(B) 5 mm 0.2 sec 20 5 mm
(C) 5 mm 0.1 sec 20 1 mm
(D) 1 mm 0.1 sec 50 1 mm
Ans. D

12. In an experiment to determine the focal length (f) of a concave mirror by the u-v method, a
student places the object pin A on the principal axis at a distance x from the pole P. The student
looks at the pin and its inverted image from a distance keeping his/her eye in line with PA.
When the student shifts his/her eye towards left, the image appears to the right of the object
pin. Then, [JEE 2007]
(A) x < f (B) f < x < 2f (C) x = 2f (D) x > 2f
Ans. B
Sol. Due to parallax

13. Some physical quantities are given in Column I and some possible SI units in which these
quantities may be expressed are given in Column II. Match the physical quantities in Column
I with the units in Column II and indicate your answer by darkening appropriate bubbles in
the 4 × 4 matrix given in the ORS. [JEE 2007]
Column I Column II
(A) GMeMs (P) (volt) (coulomb) (metre)
G—universal gravitational constant,
Me—mass of the earth,
Ms—mass of the Sun
3RT
(B) (Q) (kilogram) (metre)3 (second)–2
M
R—universal gas constant,
T—absolute temperature,
M—molar mass
F2
(C) 2 2
(R) (metre)2 (second)–2
qB
F—force,
q—charge,
B—magnetic field
GM e
(D) (S) (farad) (volt)2 (kilogram)–1
Re
G—universal gravitational constant,
Me—mass of the earth,
Re—radius of the earth
Ans. (A) P, Q; (B) R, S; (C) R, S; (D) R, S

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 27
14. A student performs an experiment of determine the Young’s modulus of a wire, exactly 2m
along by Searle’s method. In a particular reading, the student measures the extension in the
length of the wire to be 0.8 mm with an uncertainty of ± 0.05 mm at a load of exactly 1.0 kg.
The student also measures the diameter of the wire to be 0.4 mm with an uncertainty of ± 0.01
mm. Take g = 9.8 m/s2 (exact). The Young’s modulus obtained from the reading is [JEE 2007]
(A) (2.0 ± 0.3) × 1011 N/m2 (B) (2.0 ± 0.2) × 1011 N/m2
(C) (2.0 ± 0.1) × 10 N/m
11 2
(D) (2.0 ± 0.05) × 1011 N/m2
Ans. (A, B)
4Fl
Sol. Y 2
d l
Y 2D (L)
   0.1125
Y D L
Y = 2 × 1011 × 0.11 25

15. Students I, II and III perform an experiment for measuring the acceleration due to gravity (g)
using pendulum. They use different lengths of the pendulum and/or record time for different
number of oscillations. The observations are shown in the table. [JEE 2008]
Least count for length = 0.1 cm Least count for time = 0.1 s
Student Length of the Number of Total time for (n) Time
Pendulum (cm) oscillations (n) oscillations (s) period (S)
I 64.0 8 128.0 16.0
II 64.0 4 64.0 16.0
III 20.0 4 36.0 9.0

 g 
If EI, EII and EIII are the percentage error in g.i.e.  100  , for students I, II and III,
 g 
respectively,
(A) EI = 0 (B) EI is minimum (C) EI = EII (D) EII is maximum
Ans. B
 l 
Sol. g  4 2  2 
T 
g l T
 2
g l T
l t
 E   2 , greater the value of t, lesser the error.
l t
Hence, fractional error in the Ist observation is minimum.

16. A student uses a simple pendulum of exactly 1m length to determine g, the acceleration due to
gravity. He uses a stopwatch with the least count of 1 sec for this and records 40 seconds for 20
oscillations. For this observation, which of the following statement(s) is (are) true?
(A) Error T in measuring T, the time period is 0.05 seconds [JEE 2010]
(B) Error T in measuring T, the time period is 1 second

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 28
 (C) Percentage error in the determination of g is 5%
(D) Percentage error in the determination of g is 2.5%
Ans. (AC)
T t 1
Sol.  
T t 40
T = 0.05 sec
42 Ln 2
g
t2
g 2t

g t
2t
% error = 100  5%
t

17. To verify Ohm’s law, a student is provided with a test resistor RT, a high resistance R1, a small
resistance R2, two identical galvanometers G1 and G2, and a variable voltage source V. The
correct circuit to carry out the experiment is :– [JEE 2010]
G1 G1
R2 R1

G2 G2
RT R1 RT R2
(A) (B)

V V
R1 R2
G1 G1

G2 G2
RT RT
(C) (D)
R2 R1

V V
Ans. (C)
Sol. G1 is acting as voltmeter and G2 is acting as ammeter.

18. A Vernier callipers has 1 mm marks on the main scale. It has 20 equal divisions on the Vernier
scale which match with 16 main scale divisions. For this Vernier calipers, the least count is
[JEE 2010]
(A) 0.02 mm (B) 0.05 mm (C) 0.1 mm (D) 0.2 mm
Ans. D
Sol. L.C. = 1 M.S.D. – 1 V.S.D.
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 29
 = 1   M.S.D
16
 20 
= 1   (1 mm)  0.2 mm
4
 5

19. A meter bridge is set-up as shown, to determine an unknown resistance ‘X’ using a standard
10 ohm resistor. The galvanometer shows null point when tapping-key is at 52 cm mark. The
end-corrections are 1 cm and 2 cm respectively for the ends A and B. The determined value of
‘X’ is [JEE 2011]

X 10

A B

(A) 10.2 ohm (B) 10.6 ohm (C) 10.8 ohm (D) 11.1 ohm
Ans. B
Sol. X(48 + 2) = (10) (52 + 1)
530
X=  10.6 
50

20. The density of a solid ball is to be determined in an experiment. The diameter of the ball is
measured with a screw gauge, whose pitch is 0.5 mm and there are 50 divisions on the circular
scale. The reading on the main scale is 2.5 mm and that on the circular scale is 20 divisions. If
the measured mass of the ball has a relative error of 2%, the relative percentage error in the
density is
[JEE 2011]
(A) 0.9% (B) 2.4% (C) 3.1% (D) 4.2%
Ans. (C)
0.5
Sol. Diameter = 2.5   20 = 2.70 mm
50
% error = 
dm dr  0.01
 3  100 = 2  3  100 = 3.1%
 m r  2.70
In the determination of Young's modulus  Y 
4MLg 
21.   by using Searle's method, a wire of
 d 2 
length L = 2m and diameter d = 0.5 mm is used. For a load M = 2.5 kg, an extension l = 0.25
mm in the length of the wire is observed. Quantities d and l are measured using a screw gauge
and a micrometer, respectively. They have the same pitch of 0.5 mm. The number of divisions
on their circular scale is 100. The contributions to the maximum probable error of the Y
measurement

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 30
 (A) due to the errors in the measurements of d and l are the same.
(B) due to the error in the measurement of d is twice that due to the error in the
measurement of l.
(C) due to the error in the measurement of l is twice that due to the error in the measurement of
d.
(D) due to the error in the measurement of d is four times that due to the error in the
measurement of l. [JEE 2012]
Ans. A
0.5
Sol. d  l  mm
100
4MLg
y
ld 2
 y  l d
   2
 y max l d
l 0.5 /100 mm
error due to l measurement 
l 0.25 mm
0.5
2
d 100  0.5 /100
error due to d measurement 2 
d 0.5 mm 0.25
So, error in y due to l measurement = error in y due to d measurement.

22. The diameter of a cylinder is measured using a Vernier callipers with no zero error. It is found
that the zero of the Vernier scale lies between 5.10 cm and 5.15 cm of the main scale. The
Vernier scale has 50 divisions equivalent to 2.45 cm. The 24th division of the Vernier scale
excatly coincides with one of the main scale divisions. The diameter of the cylinder is :-
[JEE 2013]
(A) 5.112 cm (B) 5.124 cm (C) 5.136 cm (D) 5.148 cm
Ans. B
Sol. Main scale division (s) = 0.05 cm
49
Vernier scale division (v) =  0.049
100
Least count = 0.05 – 0.049 = 0.001 cm
Diameter : 5.10 + 24 × 0.001 = 5.124 cm

23. Using the expression 2d sin  = , one calculates the values of d by measuring the
corresponding angles  in the range 0 to 90º. The wavelength  is exactly known and the error
in  is constant for all values of . As  increases from 0º [JEE 2013]
(A) the absolute error in d remains constant (B) the absolute error in d increases
(C) the fractional error in d remains constant (D) the fractional error in d decreases
Ans. D

Sol. d
2sin 
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 31
 
l n d  l n    l n sin 
2
 d 
    cot 
 d max
Also  d max  d cot 
  cos 
cot  = 
2sin  2 sin 2 
cos 
As  increase cot decreases and also decreases.
sin 2 

24. During Searle’s experiment, zero of the Vernier scale lies between 3.20 × 10–2 m and 3.25 × 10–
2
m of the main scale. The 20th division of the Vernier scale exactly coincides with one of the
main scale divisions. When an additional load of 2 kg is applied to the wire, the zero of the
Vernier scale still lies between 3.20 × 10–2m and 3.25 × 10–2m of the main scale but now the
45th division of Vernier scale coincides with one of the main scale divisions. The length of the
thin metallic wire is 2 m and its crosssectional area is 8 × 10–7m2. The least count of the Vernier
scale is 1.0 × 10–5m. The maximum percentage error in the Youngs modulus of the wire is
[JEE Advanced-2014(Paper-1)]
Ans. 4
Sol. Observation –1
Let weight used in W1, extension l1.
W /A yAl1
y 1  W1  l1 = 3.2 × 10–2 + 20 × 10–5
l1 / L L

Observation –2
Let weight used in W2, extension l2.
W /A yAl2
y 2  W2  l2 = 3.2 × 10–2 + 45 × 10–5
l2 / L L
yA (W2  W1 ) / L
W2  W1  (l2  l1 )  y 
L yA(l2  l1 )
 y  l2  l1 2 105
   
 y max l2  l1 25 105
 y  2
  100%  100%  8% 
 y max 25

25. During an experiment with a metre bridge, the galvanometer shows a null point when the
jockey is pressed at 40.0 cm using a standard resistance of 90, as shown in the figure. The
least count of the scale used in the metre bridge is 1 mm. The unknown resistance is

[JEE Adv.-2014(Paper-2)]

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 32
 R 90

A B

40.0cm

(A) 60 ± 0.15 (B) 135 ± 0.56 (C) 60 ± 0.25 (D) 135 ± 0.23
Ans. C
Sol. For balanced meter bridge
X l

R (100  l )
X 90
 X = 
40 60
l
XR
(100  l )
X l l 0.1 0.1
   
X l 100  l 40 60
X = 0.25
So, X = (60 ± 0.25) 

26. Consider a Vernier callipers in which each 1 cm on the main scale is divided into 8 equal
divisions and a screw gauge with 100 divisions on its circular scale. In the Vernier callipers, 5
divisions of the Vernier scale coincide with 4 divisions on the main scale and in the screw
gauge, one complete rotation of the circular scale moves it by two divisions on the linear scale.
Then: [JEE Advanced-2015(Paper-1)]
(A) If the pitch of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the Vernier callipers, the least
count of the screw gauge is 0.01 mm.
(B) If the pitch of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the Vernier callipers, the least
count of the screw gauge is 0.005 mm.
(C) If the least count of the linear scale of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the
Vernier callipers, the least count of the screw gauge is 0.01 mm.
(D) If the least count of the linear scale of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the
Vernier callipers, the least count of the screw gauge is 0.005 mm.
Ans. BC
Sol. For vernier callipers,
1
1 main scale division = cm
8
1
1 vernier scale division = cm
10
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 33
 1
So least count = cm
40
For screw gauge,
pitch (p) = 2 main scale division
p
So, least count =
100

27. The energy of a system as a function of time t is given as E(t) = A 2exp(–t), where 
 = 0.2s–1. The measurement of A has an error of 1.25 %. If the error in the measurement of
time is 1.50 %, the percentage error in the value of E(t) at t = 5 s is
[JEE Advanced-2015(Paper-2)]
Ans. 4
Sol. E(t) = A2 e–t
 dE = –A2 e–t dt + 2AdAe–t
Putting the values for maximum error,
dE 4
 
E 100
% error 4

28. In an experiment to determine the acceleration due to gravity g, the formula used for the time
7(R  r)
period of a 2 . The values of R and r are measured to be (60 ± 1) mm and (10 ± 1)
5g
mm, respectively. In five successive measurements, the time period is found to be 0.52 s, 0.56
s, 0.57 s, 0.54 s and 0.59 s. The least count of the watch used for the measurement of time
period is 0.01 s. Which of the following statement(s) is(are) true? [IIT - JEE 2016]
(A) The error in the measurement of r is 10%
(B) The error in the measurement of T is 3.57%
(C) The error in the measurement of T is 2%
(D) The error in the determined value of g is 11%
Ans. ABD
Sol Error in T
0.52  0.56  0.57  0.54  0.59
Tmean =  0.556  0.56 s
5
Tmean = 0.02
0.02
Error in T is given by 100  3.57%
0.56
1
Error in r  100  10%
10
Error in g
7(R  r)
 T  2
5g

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 34
 7 R r 
T 2  4 2  
5 g 
282  R  r 
g  
5  T2 
g  R  r  T 2
 2   2  0.0357
g  R r  T 50
g
 10  11%
g

29. There are two Vernier calipers both of which have 1 cm divided into 10 equal divisions on the
main scale. The Vernier scale of one of the calipers (C1) has 10 equal divisions that correspond
to 9 main scale divisions. The Vernier scale of the other caliper (C2) has 10 equal divisions that
correspond to 11 main scale divisions. The readings of the two calipers are shown in the figure.
The measured values (in cm) by calipers C1 and C2 respectively, are [IIT - JEE 2016]
2 2 4
C1

0 5 10
2 2 4
C2

0 5 10
(A) 2.85 and 2.82 (B) 2.87 and 2.83
(C) 2.87 and 2.86 (D) 2.87 and 2.87
Ans. (B)
Sol. In first; main scale reading = 2.8 cm.
1
Vernier scale reading = 7   0.07 cm
10
So reading = 2.87 cm;
In second; main scale reading = 2.8 cm
0.1 0.7
Vernier scale reading = 7    0.07 cm
10 10
So, reading = (2.80 + 0.10 – 0.07) cm = 2.83 cm

30. A person measures the depth of a well by measuring the time interval between dropping a stone
and receiving the sound of impact with the bottom of the well. The error in his measurement of
time is T = 0.01 seconds and he measures the depth of the well to be L = 20 meters. Take the
acceleration due to gravity g = 10 ms–2 and the velocity of sound is 300 ms–1. Then the
fractional error in the measurement, L / L, is closet to [IIT - JEE 2017]
(A) 0.2% (B) 1% (C) 3% (D) 5%
Ans. (B)

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 35
 2L L
Sol. t 
g C
dt L 1 1
  
dL g 2 L C
dt
dL =
1 1

2gL C
 
 

dL
100   dt  1 100 = 15  1%
L  1  1 L 16
 2gL C 
 

31. A steel wire of diameter 0.5 mm and Young’s modulus 2 × 1011 N m–2 carries a load of mass M.
The length of the wire with the load is 1.0 m A vernier scale with 10 divisions is attached to the
end of this wire. Next to the steel wire is a reference wire to which a main scale, of least count
1.0 mm, is attached. The 10 divisions of the vernier scale correspond to 9 divisions of the main
scale. Initially, the zero of vernier scale coincides with the zero of main scale. If the load on the
steel wire is increased by 1.2 k.g, the vernier scale division which coincides with a main scale
division is __________. Take g = 10 m s–2 and  = 3. 2. [JEE ADVANCED-2018]
Ans. (3.00)
Fl
Sol. l 
AY
4Fl 4 12 1
 2   0.3 mm
d Y  25 108  2 1011
10 VSD = 9MSD
9
1 VSD = MSD
10
Least count, L.C. = 1 MSD – 1 VSD
= 1   MSD
9
 10 
1
= MSD = 0.1 mm
10
3rd vernier scale division coincides with a main scale division.

PARAGRAPH “A”
If the measurement errors in all the independent quantities are known, then it is possible to
determine the error in any dependent quantity. This is done by the use of series expansion and
truncating the expansion at the first power of the error. For example, consider the relation
z = x/y. If the errors in x, y and z are x,y and z, respectively, then[JEE ADVANCED-2018]
z  x x  x   y  –1
. z  z   1   1  
y  y y  x  y 

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 36
 –1

 y 
The series expansion for 1   , to first power in y/y, is (y / y) . The relative errors in
 y 
independent variables are always added. So the error in z will be
 x y 
z  z   .
 x y 
The above derivation makes the assumption that x/x << 1, y/y << 1. Therefore, the higher
powers of these quantities are neglected.
(There are two questions based on PARAGRAPH “A”, the question given below is one of
them)
(1 – a)
Q.32 Consider the ratio r = to be determined by measuring a dimensionless quantity a. If the
(1  a)
error in the measurement of a is a (a/a << 1), then what is the error r in determining r?
a 2a 2a 2aa
(A) (B) (C) (D)
(1  a) 2
(1  a) 2
(1 – a )
2
(1 – a 2 )
Ans. B
1  (a  a)
Sol. r  r 
1  (a  a)
1  (a   a) 1  a 1  (a  a) (1  a)  [1  (a  a)][1  a]
r   
1  (a   a) 1  a (1  a  a) (1  a)
2a
| r | 
(1  a)2
Alternate :
1  a  a a 
r  
1  a 1  a 1  a 

2a
r 
(1  a) 2

Q.33 The smallest division on the main scale of a Vernier calipers is 0.1 cm. Then division of the
Vernier scale correspond to nine division of the main scale. The figure below on the left shows
the reading of this calipers with no gap between its two jaws. The figure on the right show the
reading with a solid sphere held between the jaws. The correct diameter of the sphere is
[JEE ADVANCED-2020]

(A) 3.07 cm (B) 3.11 cm (C) 3.15 cm (D) 3.17 cm

Ans. (C)
Sol. Given 10 VSD = 9 MSD Here MSD  Main Scale division
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 37
 3
1 VSD = MSD VSD  Vernier Scale division
10
Least count = 1 MSD –1 VSD
= 1   MSD
9
 10 
= 0.1 MSD
= 0.1 x 0.1 cm
= 0.01 cm
As '0' of V.S. lie before '0' of M.S.
Zero error = –[10 – 6] L.C.
= –4 x 0.01 cm
= –0.04 cm
Reading = 3.1 cm + 1 x LC
= 3.4 cm + 1 x 0.01 cm
= 3.11 cm
The diameter = Reading – Zero error
= 3.11 – (–0.04)cm = 3.15 cm

Q.34 Twp capacitors with capacitance values C1 = 2000  10 pF and C2 = 3000  15 pF are
connected in series. The voltage applied across this combination is V = 5.00  0.02 V. The
percentage error in the calculation of the energy stored in this combination of capacitors is __.
[JEE ADVANCED-2021]

Sol. 1.30
1
ET = Ceq v 2
2
Assuming (Ceq = C)
1 1 1
 
C C1 C2
1 1 1
 
C 2000 3000
1 3 2 5
 
C 6000 6000
6000
C=  1200 pF
5
dE dC 2dV
 
E C V

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 38