UNITS, MEASUREMENTS & DIMENSIONAL

ANALYSIS
Comprehensive Revision Notes, Multiple Choice Questions, and Short Answer Questions

1. Comprehensive Revision Notes

1.1 Physical Quantities, Units, and Systems

• Physical Quantity: Any quantity that can be measured and in terms of which laws of physics are expressed. It
consists of a numerical measure and a unit: Q = nu.

• Fundamental Quantities & Units: Arriving from an internationally accepted reference standard, these
quantities are independent and cannot be resolved into simpler ones. In the SI system, there are seven base
quantities: Length (m), Mass (kg), Time (s), Electric Current (A), Thermodynamic Temperature (K), Amount of
Substance (mol), and Luminous Intensity (cd).

• Supplementary Units: There are two supplementary dimensionless quantities in SI:

• Plane Angle (dθ): Ratio of arc length ds to radius r. Unit: radian (rad). Equation: dθ = ds / r.
• Solid Angle (dΩ): Ratio of intercepted area dA to the square of radius r2. Unit: steradian (sr). Equation: dΩ =
dA / r2.

• Derived Units: Units of all other physical quantities that are expressed as combinations of the fundamental base
units (e.g., Velocity: m s-1, Force: kg m s-2 or Newton).

• Historical Systems: Before SI, three systems were widely used: CGS (centimetre, gram, second), FPS (foot,
pound, second), and MKS (metre, kilogram, second).

1.2 Significant Figures and Approximation Rules

• Definition: The total number of reliable digits plus the first uncertain digit in a measured value.

• Core Rules:
1. All non-zero digits are significant (e.g., 234.5 has 4).
2. Zeros between non-zero digits are significant (e.g., 100.02 has 5).
3. For numbers less than 1, leading zeros to the left of the first non-zero digit are non-significant (e.g., 0.0023
has 2).
4. Trailing zeros in a number without a decimal point are not significant (e.g., 123000 has 3), but they are
significant if written with a decimal point (e.g., 3.500 has 4).

• Arithmetic Operations:
• Multiplication/Division: The final result must have the same number of significant figures as the term with the
least significant figures.
• Addition/Subtraction: The final result must retain the same number of decimal places as the term with the
least decimal places.

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 • Rounding Off Convention: If the dropped digit is 5, look at the preceding digit: if it is even, drop it unchanged
(e.g., 2.745 → 2.74); if it is odd, raise it by 1 (e.g., 2.735 → 2.74).

1.3 Dimensional Analysis and Applications

• Dimensions: The powers or exponents to which base quantities are raised to represent a physical quantity.
Denoted as [Ma Lb Tc Ad Ke molf cdg].

• Principle of Homogeneity: Only physical quantities with identical dimensions can be added, subtracted, or
compared. Therefore, the dimensions of every term on both sides of a physically correct equation must be the
same.

• Key Applications:
1. Checking the dimensional consistency/correctness of an equation.
2. Deducing functional relationships among interdependent physical quantities.
3. Converting units from one system to another using n1[u1] = n2[u2].

• Limitations: Dimensional analysis cannot determine dimensionless constants (like 2π or numerical

coefficients), cannot derive relations containing exponential, logarithmic, or trigonometric terms, and fails when
a quantity depends on more than three independent base parameters.

2. Multiple Choice Questions (20 MCQs)

Q1. Which of the following pairs has the same dimensions?
a. Work and Power
b. Torque and Work
c. Impulse and Momentum change
d. Both (b) and (c)
Answer: d) Both (b) and (c). Both torque and work have dimensions [M L2 T-2]; impulse and momentum have dimensions [M
L T-1].

Q2. The dimensional formula for Planck's constant (h) is identical to that of:
a. Linear momentum
b. Angular momentum
c. Energy
d. Power
Answer: b) Angular momentum. Both possess the dimensional formula [M L2 T-1].

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Q3. If force (F), velocity (V), and time (T) are taken as fundamental units, the dimensions of mass are:
a. [F V-1 T]
b. [F V T-1]
c. [F V-2 T]
d. [F V-1 T-1]

Answer: a) [F V-1 T]. Since F = ma = m(V/T), rearranging gives m = F T V-1.

Q4. A dimensionally correct equation:

a. Must be physically correct
b. May be physically correct
c. Must be physically incorrect
d. Can never contain a dimensionless constant
Answer: b) May be physically correct. Passing a dimensional test does not guarantee numerical/physical correctness due to
unmeasurable constants.

Q5. The number of significant figures in 0.0006032 m2 is:

a. 7
b. 8
c. 4
d. 5
Answer: c) 4. The initial leading zeros are placeholders and non-significant; only 6, 0, 3, 2 are significant.

Q6. According to the principle of homogeneity, which of the following variables can be added to velocity?
a. Force / Mass
b. Acceleration × Time
c. Work / Distance
d. Momentum / Mass
Answer: b) Acceleration × Time. [L T-2][T] = [L T-1], matching velocity.

Q7. The dimensions of universal gravitational constant (G) are:

a. [M-1 L3 T-2]
b. [M L3 T-2]
c. [M-1 L2 T-2]
d. [M-2 L3 T-1]

Answer: a) [M-1 L3 T-2]. Found from G = F r2 / m1m2.

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Q8. Which of the following is a dimensionless quantity but possesses a distinct unit?
a. Refractive index
b. Relative density
c. Plane angle
d. Strain
Answer: c) Plane angle. It is dimensionless ([L]/[L]) but has the unit radian (rad).

Q9. In the relation x = at + bt2, where x is distance in meters and t is time in seconds, the unit of b is:
a. m s-1
b. m s
c. m s-2
d. m2 s-2

Answer: c) m s-2. By homogeneity, [bt2] = [x] ⇒ [b] = [L]/[T2].

Q10. What is the dimensional formula for coefficient of viscosity (η) from formula F = 6πηrv?
a. [M L-1 T-1]
b. [M L T-1]
c. [M L-2 T-1]
d. [M-1 L-1 T-1]

Answer: a) [M L-1 T-1]. [\eta] = [F] / ([r][v]) = [M L T-2] / ([L][L T-1]) = [M L-1 T-1].

Q11. Round off 2.745 and 2.735 to three significant figures respectively:
a. 2.75 and 2.74
b. 2.74 and 2.74
c. 2.74 and 2.73
d. 2.75 and 2.73
Answer: b) 2.74 and 2.74. Even digits remain unchanged (4 remains 4), odd digits are rounded up (3 becomes 4).

Q12. The dimensional expression for the surface tension of a liquid is:
a. [M L T-2]
b. [M L0 T-2]
c. [M L2 T-2]
d. [M0 L T-2]

Answer: b) [M L0 T-2]. Surface Tension is Force per unit length: [M L T-2] / [L] = [M T-2].

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Q13. The expression [M L2 T-3] represents which physical quantity?
a. Work
b. Energy
c. Power
d. Pressure
Answer: c) Power. Power is Energy divided by Time: [M L2 T-2] / [T] = [M L2 T-3].

Q14. The dynamic ratio of an element is expressed as strain. The dimensions of strain are:
a. [M0 L0 T0]
b. [M L T-1]
c. [M0 L T0]
d. [M L-1 T-1]

Answer: a) [M0 L0 T0]. Strain is change in length divided by original length, rendering it fully dimensionless.

Q15. If the exponent of a physical function takes the form e-kt, where t represents time, the dimensions of k
must be:
a. [T]
b. [T-1]
c. [M T-1]
d. Dimensionless
Answer: b) [T-1]. Arguments of exponential functions must be dimensionless, so [kt] = 1 ⇒ [k] = [T-1].

Q16. Add the following masses to appropriate significant figures: 436.32 g + 227.2 g + 0.301 g.
a. 663.821 g
b. 663.82 g
c. 663.8 g
d. 664 g
Answer: c) 663.8 g. The least precise term has one decimal place (227.2 g), so the answer must contain exactly one decimal
place.

Q17. The dimension of the ratio of linear momentum to angular momentum is:
a. [L-1]
b. [T-1]
c. [L]
d. [M L T-1]

Answer: a) [L-1]. [p]/[L] = [M L T-1] / [M L2 T-1] = [L-1].

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Q18. The dimensional formula for pressure head is:
a. [M0 L T0]
b. [M L-1 T-2]
c. [M0 L2 T0]
d. [M L2 T-2]

Answer: a) [M0 L T0]. Pressure head represents height of a liquid column, which has dimensions of length.

Q19. Which of the following functions of variable θ is forbidden to appear in a valid physical equation if θ
has dimensions of length?
a. sin(θ)
b. cos(θ/x) where [x] = [L]
c. tan(θ • k) where [k] = [L-1]
d. None of the above
Answer: a) sin(θ). The argument of a trigonometric function must be entirely dimensionless. If θ is length, sin(θ) is
dimensionally invalid.

Q20. When a primary value is divided by a non-measured exact structural constant (like 2 in r = d/2), the
constant has:
a. 1 significant figure
b. 2 significant figures
c. Zero significant figures
d. Infinite significant figures
Answer: d) Infinite significant figures. Mathematical factors or definitions are exact and can be written as 2.00000... as
required.

3. 2-Mark Short Answer Questions (10 Questions)

Q1. State the Principle of Homogeneity of dimensions. Give one example.

Model Answer: The Principle of Homogeneity states that physical quantities can only be added, subtracted, or
equated if they possess the exact same dimensions. Consequently, the dimensions of each individual term on both
sides of a valid physical equation must be identical.
Example: In v = u + at, the dimensions of [v] = [L T-1], [u] = [L T-1], and [at] = [L T-2][T] = [L T-1]. All terms
match.

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Q2. Differentiate between a dimensionally correct and physically correct equation.

Model Answer: A dimensionally correct equation satisfies the principle of homogeneity (both sides share identical
dimensions). However, it may not be physically correct due to missing or incorrect dimensionless constants. For
example, K = mv2 is dimensionally correct but physically wrong, as the correct physical formula contains a constant
fraction: K = ½mv2.

Q3. Derive the dimensional formula for the Universal Gravitational Constant (G).

Model Answer: According to Newton's law of gravitation, F = G m1 m2 / r2. Rearranging for G:

[G] = [F][r2] / [m1][m2]

Substituting the known dimensional formulas:

[G] = [M L T-2] [L2] / [M] [M] = [M-1 L3 T-2]

Q4. What are the major limitations of dimensional analysis? (State any two)

Model Answer: 1. It cannot determine or provide values for dimensionless constants or numerical multipliers (e.g.,
2π or numbers) present in formulas.
2. It fails to derive or analyze expressions involving transcendental functions like trigonometric (sin θ), exponential
(ex), or logarithmic variables.

Q5. Find the dimensions of a/b in the relation P = (a - x2) / (bt), where P is pressure, x is distance, and t is
time.

Model Answer: By the rule of subtraction, [a] = [x2] = [L2].

The equation then becomes: [P] = [L2] / ([b][T]). Since pressure [P] = [M L-1 T-2]:

[b] = [L2] / ([M L-1 T-2] [T]) = [M-1 L3 T]

Therefore, the dimensions of [a/b] are:

[a/b] = [L2] / [M-1 L3 T] = [M L-1 T-1]

Q6. Can a physical quantity have units but no dimensions? Justify with an example.

Model Answer: Yes, a physical quantity can possess a unit while being completely dimensionless. For example, a
plane angle is defined as the ratio of arc length to radius ([L]/[L]), making it dimensionless, yet it is assigned the
international standard SI unit radian (rad).

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Q7. Distinguish between fundamental units and derived units.

Model Answer: Fundamental units are mutually independent units assigned to the seven base quantities (e.g.,
kilogram, metre, second) that cannot be broken down further or converted into one another. Derived units are
complex units formed by combining base fundamental units via mathematical multiplication or division (e.g., unit
of speed: m s-1, density: kg m-3).

Q8. Check the dimensional accuracy of the kinetic energy equation: K = (3/16)mv2.

Model Answer:
LHS: Kinetic Energy [K] = [M L2 T-2].
RHS: [(3/16)mv2]. The fraction 3/16 is a dimensionless numerical constant.
Dimensions of [m][v]2 = [M] [L T-1]2 = [M L2 T-2].
Since LHS dimensions match RHS dimensions, the equation is dimensionally accurate (though physically
incorrect).

Q9. Explain why the numerical ratio of a mole's total gas volume to its basic atomic volume is extremely
large.

Model Answer: An ideal gas at STP occupies a large molar volume (22.4 L) because the actual constituent
molecules are spaced very far apart. The intermolecular distances are vastly larger than the microscopic dimensions
of individual atoms. Consequently, the actual volume of the matter particles is tiny, while the empty space
separating them makes up the bulk of the macroscopic gas volume.

Q10. Why is it structurally important to retain an extra digit during multi-step intermediate calculations
before final rounding off?

Model Answer: In complex multi-step calculations, it is critical to retain at least one extra significant digit in
intermediate steps to prevent the compounding of mathematical rounding errors. If values are aggressively
rounded at every step, the final answer can accumulate significant arithmetic drift away from the true, highly precise
value.

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