04

Units and
Dimensions
Chapter Contents
4.1 Units
4.2 Fundamental and Derived Units
4.3 Dimensions
4.4 Uses of Dimensions
4.1 Units
To measure a physical quantity we need some standard unit of that quantity. The measurement of the
quantity is mentioned in two parts, the first part gives how many times of the standard unit and the
second part gives the name of the unit. Thus, suppose I say that length of this wire is 5 metre. The
numeric part 5 says that it is 5 times of the unit of length and the second part metre says that unit
chosen here is metre.

4.2 Fundamental and Derived Units

There are a large number of physical quantities and every quantity needs a unit.
However, not all the quantities are independent. For example, if a unit of length is defined, a unit of
volume is automatically obtained. Thus, we can define a set of fundamental quantities and all other
quantities may be expressed in terms of the fundamental quantities. Fundamental quantities are only
seven in numbers. Unit of all other quantities can be expressed in terms of the units of these seven
quantities by multiplication or division.
Many different choices can be made for the fundamental quantities. For example, if we take length
and time as the fundamental quantities then speed is a derived quantity and if we take speed and time
as fundamental quantities then length is a derived quantity.
Several system of units are in use over the world. The units defined for the fundamental quantities are
called fundamental units and those obtained for derived quantities are called the derived units.

SI Units
In 1971, General Conference on Weight and Measures held its meeting and decided a system of units
which is known as the International System of Units. It is abbreviated as SI from the French name Le
System International d’ Unites. This system is widely used throughout the world. Table below gives
the seven fundamental quantities and their SI units.
Table 4.1 Fundamental quantities and their SI units.
[Link]. Quantity SI Unit Symbol

1. Length metre m
2. Mass kilogram kg
3. Time second s
4. Electric current ampere A
5. Thermodynamic temperature kelvin K
6. Amount of substance mole mol
7. Luminous intensity candela cd

Two supplementary units namely plane angle and solid angle are also defined. Their units are radian
(rad) and steradian (st) respectively.
(i) CGS System In this system, the units of length, mass and time are centimetre (cm), gram (g) and
second (s) respectively. The unit of force is dyne and that of work or energy is erg.
(ii) FPS System In this system, the units of length, mass and time are foot, pound and second. The
unit of force in this system is poundal.
 Chapter 4 Units and Dimensions — 81

Definitions of Some Important SI Units

(i) Metre : 1 m = 1,650,763.73 wavelengths in vacuum, of radiation corresponding to orange-red
light of krypton-86.
(ii) Second : 1 s = 9192
, ,631, 770 time periods of a particular
radiation from Cesium-133 atom. SI Prefixes
(iii) Kilogram : 1 kg = mass of 1 litre volume of water at 4°C. The most commonly used prefixes
(iv) Ampere : It is the current which when flows through two are given below in tabular form.
infinitely long straight conductors of negligible Power of 10 Prefix Symbol
cross-section placed at a distance of one metre in vacuum
6 mega M
produces a force of 2 × 10 −7 N/m between them.
3 kilo k
(v) Kelvin : 1 K = 1/ 273.16 part of the thermodynamic
−2 centi c
temperature of triple point of water.
−3 milli m
(vi) Mole : It is the amount of substance of a system which
contains as many elementary particles (atoms, −6 micro µ
molecules, ions etc.) as there are atoms in 12 g of −9 nano n
carbon-12.
(vii) Candela : It is luminous intensity in a perpendicular
 1  2
direction of a surface of   m of a black body at the temperature of freezing platinum
 600000 
under a pressure of 1.013 × 10 5 N/m 2 .
(viii) Radian : It is the plane angle between two radii of a circle which cut-off on the circumference, an
arc equal in length to the radius.
(ix) Steradian : The steradian is the solid angle which having its vertex at the centre of the sphere,
cut-off an area of the surface of sphere equal to that of a square with sides of length equal to the
radius of the sphere.

4.3 Dimensions
Dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to which the fundamental quantities must be raised
to represent the given physical quantity.
mass mass
For example, density = = or density = (mass) (length) –3 …(i)
volume (length) 3
Thus, the dimensions of density are 1 in mass and − 3 in length. The dimensions of all other
fundamental quantities are [Link] convenience, the fundamental quantities are represented by one
letter symbols. Generally mass is denoted by M, length by L, time by T and electric current by A.
The thermodynamic temperature, the amount of substance and the luminous intensity are denoted by
the symbols of their units K, mol and cd respectively. The physical quantity that is expressed in terms
of the base quantities is enclosed in square brackets.
Thus, Eq. (i) can be written as
[density] = [ML–3 ]
82 — Mechanics - I

Such an expression for a physical quantity in terms of the fundamental quantities is called the
dimensional formula. Here, it is worthnoting that constants such as 5, π or trigonometrical functions
such as sin θ, cos θ, etc., have no units and dimensions.
[sin θ ] = [cos θ ] = [tan θ ] = [log x ] = [ e x ] = [M 0 L0T 0 ]
Table 4.2 Dimensional formulae and SI units of some physical quantities frequently used in physics
[Link]. Physical Quantity SI Units Dimensional Formula
1. Velocity = displacement/time m/s [M 0LT−1 ]
2. Acceleration = velocity/time m/s 2 [M 0LT−2 ]
3. Force = mass × acceleration kg-m/s 2 = newton or N [MLT−2 ]
4. Work = force × displacement kg-m 2 /s 2 = N-m = joule or J [ML2 T−2 ]
5. Energy J [ML2 T−2 ]
6. Torque = force × perpendicular distance N-m [ML2 T−2 ]
7. Power = work/time J/s or watt [ML2 T−3 ]
8. Momentum = mass × velocity kg-m/s [MLT−1 ]
9. Impulse = force × time N-s [MLT−1 ]
10. Angle = arc/radius radian or rad [M 0L0 T 0 ]
11. ∆L ∆V no units [M 0L0 T 0 ]
Strain = or
L V
12. Stress = force/area N/m 2 [ML−1T −2 ]
13. Pressure = force/area N/m 2 [ML−1T −2 ]
14. Modulus of elasticity = stress/strain N/m 2 [ML−1T −2 ]
15. Frequency = 1/time period per sec or hertz (Hz) [M 0 L0 T −1]
16. Angular velocity = angle/time rad/s [M 0 L0 T −1]
17. Moment of inertia = (mass) × (distance) 2 kg-m 2 [ML2 T 0 ]
18. Surface tension = force/length N/m [ML0 T −2 ]
19. Gravitational constant N-m 2 /kg 2 [M −1L3 T −2 ]
force × (distance)2
=
(mass)2
20. Angular momentum kg-m 2 /s [ML2 T −1]
21. Coefficient of viscosity N-s/m 2 [ML−1T −1]
22. Planck’s constant J-s [ML2 T −1]
23. Specific heat (s) J/kg-K [L 2 T−2 θ −1]
24. Coefficient of thermal conductivity (K) watt/m-K [MLT −3 θ−1 ]
25. Gas constant (R) J/mol-K [ML2 T −2 θ−1 mol −1 ]
26. Boltzmann constant (k) J/K [ML2 T −2 θ−1 ]
 Chapter 4 Units and Dimensions — 83

[Link]. Physical Quantity SI Units Dimensional Formula

27. Wein’s constant (b) m-K [ L θ]
28. Stefan’s constant (σ) watt/m 2 -K 4 [M T−3 θ −4 ]
29. Electric charge C [AT]
30. Electric intensity N/C [MLT −3 A −1 ]
31. Electric potential volt [ML2 T −3 A −1 ]
32. Capacitance farad [M −1L−2 T 4 A 2 ]
33. Permittivity of free space C 2 N −1m −2 [M −1L−3 T 4 A 2 ]
34. Electric dipole moment C-m [LTA]
35. Resistance ohm [ML2 T −3 A −2 ]
36. Magnetic field tesla (T) or weber/m 2 (Wb/m 2 ) [M T −2 A −1 ]
37. Coefficient of self induction henry [ML2 T−2 A −2 ]

V Example 4.1 Find the dimensional formula of the following quantities :

(a) Density (b) Velocity (c) Acceleration
(d) Momentum (e) Force (f) Work or energy
(g) Power (h) Pressure
mass
Solution (a) Density =
volume
[ mass ] [ M]
[ Density ] = = −3 = [ M L−3 ]
[ volume] [L ]
displacement
(b) Velocity [ v ] =
time
[displacement ] [L]
[v ] = = = [ M 0 LT −1 ]
[ time] [T]
dv 
(c) Acceleration [a] =  
 dt 
dv → kind of velocity [LT −1 ]
[a ] = = = [ LT −2 ]
dt → kind of time [T]
(d) Momentum [ P] = [ mv ]
[ P] = [ M] [ v ] = [ M] [ LT −1 ] = [ M LT −1 ]
(e) Force [ F] = [ ma ]
[ F] = [ m] [a ] = [ M] [ LT −2 ] = [ MLT −2 ]
(f) Work or Energy = force × displacement
[ Work] = [ force] [displacement ]
= [ M L T −2 ] [ L] = [ M L2 T −2 ]
84 — Mechanics - I

Work
(g) Power =
Time
[ Work] [ M L2 T −2 ]
[ Power ] = = = [ M L2 T −3 ]
[ Time] [ T]
Force
(h) Pressure =
Area
[ Force] [ M L T −2 ]
[ Pressure] = =
[ Area ] L2
= [ M L−1 T −2 ]

V Example 4.2 Find the dimensional formula of the following quantities :

(a) Surface tension, T
(b) Universal constant of gravitation, G
(c) Impulse, J
(d) Torque τ
The equations involving these equations are :
Gm1 m 2
T = F / l, F = , J = F × t and τ = F × l
r2
F
Solution (a) T =
l
[ F] [ MLT −2 ]
⇒ [ T] = = = [ MT −2 ] Ans.
[l] [ L]
Gm1 m2 Fr 2
(b) F = ⇒ G=
r2 m1 m2
[ F][ r ] 2 [ MLT −2 ][ L2 ]
or [G ] = =
[ m] 2 [M 2 ]
= [ M −1 L3 T −2 ] Ans.
(c) J = F × t
∴ [ J] = [ F] [ t ]
= [ MLT −2 ] [ T]
= [ MLT −1 ] Ans.
(d) τ = F × l
∴ [ τ] = [ F] [ l]
= [ MLT −2 ] [ L]
= [ ML2 T −2 ] Ans.
 Chapter 4 Units and Dimensions — 85

4.4 Uses of Dimensions

Theory of dimensions have following main uses:
1. Conversion of units This is based on the fact that the product of the numerical value ( n) and its
corresponding unit ( u) is a constant, i.e.
n [ u] = constant
or n1 [ u1 ] = n2 [ u2 ]
Suppose the dimensions of a physical quantity are a in mass, b in length and c in time. If the
fundamental units in one system are M 1 , L1 and T1 and in the other system are M 2 , L2 and T2
respectively. Then, we can write
n1 [ M 1a Lb1 T1c ] = n2 [ M a2 Lb2 T2c ] …(i)
Here, n1 and n2 are the numerical values in two systems of units respectively. Using Eq. (i), we can
convert the numerical value of a physical quantity from one system of units into the other system.

V Example 4.3 The value of gravitation constant is G = 6.67 × 10 −11 N-m 2 /kg 2
in SI units. Convert it into CGS system of units.
Solution The dimensional formula of G is [M –1 L3 T –2 ] .
Using Eq. (i), i.e.
n1 [M1–1 L31 T1–2 ] = n 2 [M –1 3 –2
2 L 2 T2 ]
–1 3 –2
M   L1   T1 
n 2 = n1  1     
M2   L 2   T2 
Here, n1 = 6.67 × 10−11
M 1 = 1 kg, M 2 = 1g = 10–3 kg, L1 = 1 m , L2 = 1cm = 10–2 m, T1 = T2 = 1s
Substituting in the above equation, we get
–1 3
 1 kg   1 m  1s 
–2
−11
n 2 = 6.67 × 10  –3   –2   
10 kg  10 m 1s 
or n 2 = 6.67 × 10–2
Thus, value of G in CGS system of units is 6.67 × 10−2 dyne cm 2 /g 2 .
2. To check the dimensional correctness of a given physical equation
Every physical equation should be
dimensionally balanced. This is called the ‘Principle of Homogeneity’. The dimensions of each
term on both sides of an equation must be the same. On this basis, we can judge whether a given
equation is correct or not. But a dimensionally correct equation may or may not be physically
correct.

V Example 4.4 Show that the expression of the time period T of a simple
l
pendulum of length l given by T = 2π is dimensionally correct.
g
86 — Mechanics - I

l
Solution T = 2π
g
[L]
Dimensionally [ T] = = [T]
[ LT −2 ]
As in the above equation, the dimensions of both sides are same. The given formula is
dimensionally correct.
Principle of Homogeneity of Dimensions
This principle states that the dimensions of all the terms in a physical expression should be same. For
1 1
example, in the physical expression s = ut + at 2 , the dimensions of s, ut and at 2 all are same.
2 2
Note The physical quantities separated by the symbols + , −, =, >, < etc., have the same dimensions.

V Example 4.5 The velocity v of a particle depends upon the time t according to
c
the equation v = a + bt + ⋅ Write the dimensions of a , b, c and d.
d+t
Solution From principle of homogeneity,
[ a] = [ v] or [ a] = [LT –1 ]
[ v] [LT –1 ]
[ bt ] = [ v] or [ b] = =
[t ] [ T]
or [ b] = [LT –2 ]
Similarly, [ d ] = [ t ] = [ T]
[ c]
Further, = [ v] or [ c] = [ v] [ d + t ]
[d + t ]
or [ c] = [LT –1 ] [T] or [ c] = [L]
3. To establish the relation among various physical quantities If we know the factors on which a given
physical quantity may depend, we can find a formula relating the quantity with those factors. Let
us take an example.

V Example 4.6 The frequency ( f ) of a stretched string depends upon the tension
F (dimensions of force), length l of the string and the mass per unit length µ of
string. Derive the formula for frequency.
Solution Suppose, that the frequency f depends on the tension raised to the power a, length
raised to the power b and mass per unit length raised to the power c. Then,
f ∝[ F ] a [ l] b [µ ] c
or f = k [ F ] a [ l] b [µ ] c …(i)
Here, k is a dimensionless constant. Thus,
[ f ] = [ F ] a [ l] b [µ ] c
 Chapter 4 Units and Dimensions — 87

or [M 0 L0 T –1 ] = [MLT –2 ] a [L] b [ML–1 ] c

or [M 0 L0 T –1 ] = [ M a + c La + b − c T −2a ]
For dimensional balance, the dimensions on both sides should be same.
Thus, a+c=0 …(ii)
a+b−c=0 …(iii)
and − 2a = − 1 …(iv)
Solving these three equations, we get
1 1
a= , c=− and b= −1
2 2
Substituting these values in Eq. (i), we get
f = k ( F )1/ 2 ( l ) −1 (µ ) − 1/ 2
k F
or f=
l µ
1
Experimentally, the value of k is found to be ⋅
2
Hence,
1 F
f=
2l µ

Limitations of Dimensional Analysis

The method of dimensions has the following limitations :
(i) By this method, the value of dimensionless constant cannot be calculated.
(ii) By this method, the equation containing trigonometrical, exponential and logarithmic terms
cannot be analysed.
(iii) This method is useful when a physical quantity depends on other quantities by multiplication
and power relations. It cannot be used if a physical quantity depends on sum or difference of two
1
quantities. For example we, cannot get the relation, s = ut + at 2 from dimensional analysis.
2
88 — Mechanics - I

Final Touch Points

1. There are some physical quantities which have the same dimensions. They are given in tabular form
as below :
[Link]. Physical quantities or combination of physical quantities Dimensions
1. Angle, strain, sin θ, π, e x [M0 L0 T0 ]

2. Work, Energy, Torque, Rhc [ML2 T−2 ]

3. Time,
L
, CR, LC [M0 L0 T ]
R
4. Frequency, ω,
R 1
, ,
1
, velocity gradient, Decay constant. Activity of a radioactive [M0 L0 T−1 ]
L CR LC
substance
5. Pressure, stress, modulus of elasticity, energy density (energy per unit volume), [ML−1T−2 ]
B2
ε0 E 2 ,
µ0

6. Angular impulse, angular momentum, Planck's constant [ML2 T−1 ]

7. Linear momentum, linear impulse [MLT−1 ]

8. Wavelength, radius of gyration, Light year [M0 LT0 ]

9. 1 GM E [M0 LT−1 ]
Velocity, , ,
ε0µ 0 R B

2. Astronomical unit 1 AU = mean distance of earth from sun ≈1.5 × 1011 m

Light year 1 ly = distance travelled by light in vacuum in 1 year
= 9.46 × 1015 m
Parsec 1 Parsec = 3.07 × 1016 m = 3.26 light year
X-ray unit 1 U = 10−3 m
1 shake = 10−8 s
1 Bar = 105 N/m 2 = 105 Pa
1 torr = 1 mm of Hg = 133.3 Pa
1 barn = 10−28 m 2
1 horse power = 746 W
1 pound = 453.6 g = 0.4536 kg
Solved Examples
V Example 1 Find the dimensional formulae of
(a) coefficient of viscosity η (b) charge q
(c) potential V (d) capacitance C and
(e) resistance R
Some of the equations containing these quantities are
 ∆v 
F = − ηA   , q = It, U = VIt, q = CV and V = IR
 ∆l 
where, A denotes the area, v the velocity, l is the length, I the electric current, t the time
and U the energy.
F ∆l [F ][l] [ MLT–2 ][ L ]
Solution (a) η = − ⇒ ∴ [η] = = = [ ML–1T–1 ]
A ∆v [ A ][v] [L2][LT−1 ]
(b) q = It ⇒ ∴ [q] = [I ] [t ] = [AT]
(c) U = VIt
U [U ] [ ML2T–2 ]
∴ V = or [V ] = = = [ ML2T–3 A –1 ]
It [I ] [t ] [ A ][ T ]
(d) q = CV
q [q] [ AT ]
∴ C= or [C ] = = = [ M –1L–2T4A 2 ]
V [V ] [ML2T –3 A–1 ]
(e) V = IR
V [V ] [ ML2T−3 A −1 ]
∴ R= or [R] = = = [ ML2T−3 A −2 ]
I [I ] [A ]

b − x2
V Example 2 Write the dimensions of a and b in the relation, P = , where P
at
is power, x is distance and t is time.
Solution The given equation can be written as, Pat = b − x2
Now, [Pat ] = [b] = [x2] or [b] = [x2] = [ M 0L2T0 ]
[x2] [ L2 ]
and [a ] = = = [ M −1L0T2 ]
[Pt ] [ ML2T−3 ] [ T ]

V Example 3 The centripetal force F acting on a particle moving uniformly in a

circle may depend upon mass (m) , velocity (v) and radius (r) of the circle. Derive
the formula for F using the method of dimensions.
Solution Let F = k (m)x (v)y (r )z …(i)
Here, k is a dimensionless constant of proportionality. Writing the dimensions of RHS and LHS
in Eq. (i), we have
[ MLT–2 ] = [ M ] x [ LT–1 ] y [ L ] z = [M x Ly + z T− y ]
90 — Mechanics - I

Equating the powers of M, L and T of both sides, we have,

x = 1, y = 2 and y + z = 1 or z =1 − y= −1
Putting the values in Eq. (i), we get
mv2
F = kmv2r −1 = k
r
mv2
or F = (where, k = 1)
r

V Example 4 If velocity, time and force were chosen as basic quantities, find the
dimensions of mass and energy.
Solution (i) We know that,
Force = mass × acceleration
velocity
= mass ×
time
force × time
⇒ mass =
velocity
[force] × [time]
or [mass ] =
[velocity ]
[F] [T]
=
[v]
∴ [mass ] = [F T v−1 ] Ans.
(ii) Dimensions of energy are same as the dimensions of kinetic energy
1 
∴ [Energy ] =  mv2 = [m] [v]2
2 
= [FTv−1 ] [v]2
= [FTv] Ans.

V Example 5 Force acting on a particle is 5 N . If units of length and time are

doubled and unit of mass is halved then find the numerical value of force in the
new system of units.
5 kg-m
Solution Force = 5 N =
s2
If units of length and time are doubled and unit of mass is halved, then value of force in new
system of units will be
1 × 2 5
5 2 2  = Ans.
 (2)  4

V Example 6 Can pressure ( p), density (ρ) and velocity (v) be taken as fundamental
quantities?
Solution No, they cannot be taken as fundamental quantities, as they are related to each
other by the relation,
p = ρv2
Exercises
Assertion and Reason
Directions Choose the correct option.
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are true and the Reason is correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
(d) If Assertion is false but the Reason is true.
(e) If both Assertion and Reason are wrong.
1. Assertion Velocity, volume and acceleration can be taken as fundamental quantities because
Reason All the three are independent from each other.
2. Assertion If two physical quantities have same dimensions, then they can be certainly added
or subtracted because
Reason If the dimensions of both the quantities are same then both the physical quantities
should be similar.

Objective Questions
Single Correct Option
1. The dimensional formula for Planck’s constant and angular momentum are
(a) [ ML2T−2] and [ MLT−1 ] (b) [ ML2T−1 ] and [ ML2T−1 ]
(c) [ ML3 T1 ] and [ ML2T−2] (d) [ MLT−1 ] and [ MLT−2]
2. Dimension of velocity gradient is
(a) [ M 0L0T−1 ] (b) [ ML−1T−1 ] (c) [ M 0LT−1 ] (d) [ ML0T−1 ]
3. Which of the following is the dimension of the coefficient of friction?
(a) [ M 2L2T ] (b) [ M 0L0T0 ] (c) [ ML2T−2 ] (d) [ M 2L2T−2]
4. Which of the following sets have different dimensions? (JEE 2005)
(a) Pressure, Young’s modulus, Stress
(b) Emf, Potential difference, Electric potential
(c) Heat, Work done, Energy
(d) Dipole moment, Electric flux, Electric field
5. The viscous force F on a sphere of radius a moving in a medium with velocity v is given by
F = 6π ηa v. The dimensions of η are
(a) [ ML−3 ] (b) [ MLT−2 ] (c) [ MT−1 ] (d) [ ML−1T−1 ]
6. A force is given by
F = at + bt 2
where, t is the time. The dimensions of a and b are
(a) [ MLT–4 ] and [ MLT ] (b) [ MLT–1 ] and [ MLT0 ]
(c) [ MLT–3 ] and [ MLT–4 ] (d) [ MLT–3 ] and [ MLT0 ]
92 — Mechanics - I

7. The physical quantity having the dimensions [ M−1L−3T3 A 2] is

(a) resistance (b) resistivity
(c) electrical conductivity (d) electromotive force
8. The dimensional formula for magnetic flux is
(a) [ ML2 T−2A −1] (b) [ML3 T−2A −2] (c) [M 0L−2T−2A −2] (d) [ML2T−1A 2]
9. Choose the wrong statement.
(a) All quantities may be represented dimensionally in terms of the base quantities
(b) A base quantity cannot be represented dimensionally in terms of the rest of the base
quantities
(c) The dimension of a base quantity in other base quantities is always zero
(d) The dimension of a derived quantity is never zero in any base quantity
10. If unit of length and time is doubled, the numerical value of g (acceleration due to gravity) will be
(a) doubled (b) halved (c) four times (d) same
11. Using mass ( M ), length ( L ), time (T ) and current ( A) as fundamental quantities, the dimension
of permeability is
(a) [M −1LT−2A ] (b) [ML−2T−2A −1 ] (c) [MLT−2A −2] (d) [MLT−1A −1 ]
12. The equation of a wave is given by
x 
y = a sin ω  − k
v 
where, ω is angular velocity and v is the linear velocity. The dimensions of k will be
(a) [ T2 ] (b) [ T−1 ] (c) [T] (d) [LT]
13. If the energy ( E ), velocity ( v ) and force ( F ) be taken as fundamental quantities, then the
dimensions of mass will be
(a) [Fv−2] (b) [Fv−1 ] (c) [Ev−2] (d) [Ev2]
14. If force F, length L and time T are taken as fundamental units, the dimensional formula for
mass will be
(a) [ FL−1T2] (b) [ FLT−2 ] (c) [ FL−1T−1 ] (d) [ FL5 T2]
15. The ratio of the dimensions of Planck’s constant and that of the moment of inertia is the
dimension of
(a) frequency (b) velocity (c) angular momentum (d) time
 2π 
16. Given that y = A sin  ( ct − x )  , where y and x are measured in metres. Which of the
 λ 
following statements is true ?
(a) The unit of λ is same as that of x and A (b) The unit of λ is same as that of x but not of A
2π 2π
(c) The unit of c is same as that of (d) The unit of (ct − x) is same as that of
λ λ
17. Which of the following sets cannot enter into the list of fundamental quantities in any system of
units?
(a) length, mass and density (b) length, time and velocity
(c) mass, time and velocity (d) length, time and mass
18. In the formula X = 3Y Z 2 , X and Z have dimensions of capacitance and magnetic induction
respectively. What are the dimensions of Y in MKSQ system? (JEE 1995)
(a) [M −3 L−1T3 Q4 ] (b) [M −3 L−2T4Q4 ] (c) [M −2L−2T4Q4 ] (d) [M −3 L−2T4Q]
 Chapter 4 Units and Dimensions — 93

∆V
19. A quantity X is given by ε 0 L , where ε 0 is the permittivity of free space, L is a length, ∆V is a
∆t
potential difference and ∆t is a time interval. The dimensional formula for X is the same as that
of (JEE 2001)
(a) resistance (b) charge
(c) voltage (d) current
αZ
α − kθ
20. In the relation p = e , p is pressure, Z is distance, k is Boltzmann constant and θ is the
β
temperature. The dimensional formula of β will be (JEE 2004)
(a) [M 0L2T0 ] (b) [ML2T]
(c) [ML0T−1 ] (d) [M 0L2T−1 ]

More than One Correct Options

1. The dimensions of the quantities in one (or more) of the following pairs are the same.
Identify the pair (s). (JEE 1986)
(a) Torque and work (b) Angular momentum and work
(c) Energy and Young’s modulus (d) Light year and wavelength
2. The pairs of physical quantities that have the same dimensions is (are ) (JEE 1995)
(a) Reynolds number and coefficient of friction
(b) Curie and frequency of a light wave
(c) Latent heat and gravitational potential
(d) Planck’s constant and torque
3. The SI unit of the inductance, the henry can by written as (JEE 1998)
(a) weber/ampere (b) volt-second/ampere
(c) joule/(ampere)2 (d) ohm-second
4. Let [ε 0 ] denote the dimensional formula of the permittivity of the vacuum and [ µ 0 ] that of the
permeability of the vacuum. If M = mass, L = length, T = time and I = electric current.
(JEE 1998)
(a) [ε 0 ] = [M −1L−3 T2 I ] (b) [ε 0 ] = [M −1L−3 T4 I2]
(c) [ µ 0 ] = [MLT−2 I−2] (d) [ µ 0 ] = [ML2 T−1 I ]
5. L, C and R represent the physical quantities inductance, capacitance and resistance
respectively. The combinations which have the dimensions of frequency are (JEE 1984)
1 R
(a) (b)
RC L
1 C
(c) (d)
LC L

Match the Columns

1. Match the two columns. (JEE 2003)

Column I Column II
(a) Boltzmann constant (p) [ML2 T−1 ]
(b) Coefficient of viscosity (q) [ML−1 T−1 ]
(c) Planck constant (r) [MLT−3 K −1 ]
2 −2 −1
(d) Thermal conductivity (s) [ML T K ]
94 — Mechanics - I

2. Match the physical quantities given in Column I with dimensions expressed in terms of mass
(M), length (L), time (T ), and charge (Q) given in Column II. (JEE 1993)

Column I Column II
(a) Angular momentum (p) [ML2T−2]
(b) Latent heat (q) [ML2Q−2]
(c) Torque (r) [ML2T−1 ]
3 −1 −2
(d) Capacitance (s) [ML T Q ]
(e) Inductance (t) [M −1L−2T2Q2]
(f) Resistivity (u) [L2T−2]

3. Column I gives three physical quantities. Select the appropriate units for the choices given in
Column II. Some of the physical quantities may have more than one choice. (JEE 1990)

Column I Column II
(a) Capacitance (p) ohm-second
(b) Inductance (q) coulomb2-joule–1
(r) coulomb (volt)–1,
(c) Magnetic induction (s) newton (ampere metre)–1,
(t) volt-second (ampere)–1

4. 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. (JEE 2007)

Column I Column II
(a) GM eM s
G — universal gravitational constant,
M e — mass of the earth, (p) (volt) (coulomb) (metre)
M s — mass of the sun.
(b) 3RT
M
R — universal gas constant, (q) (kilogram) (metre)3 (second) −2
T — absolute temperature,
M — molar mass.
(c) F2
q2B2
F — force, (r) (metre) 2 (second) −2
q — charge,
B — magnetic field.
(d) GM e G — universal gravitational
Re
constant, (s) (farad) (volt)2 (kg)−1
M e — mass of the earth,
Re — radius of the earth.
 Chapter 4 Units and Dimensions — 95

Subjective Questions
1. In the expression y = a sin (ωt + θ ), y is the displacement and t is the time. Write the dimensions
of a, ω and θ.
2. Young’s modulus of steel is 2.0 × 1011 N/ m 2. Express it in dyne/cm2.
3. Surface tension of water in the CGS system is 72 dyne/cm. What is its value in SI units?
4. The relation between the energy E and the frequency v of a photon is expressed by the equation
E = hv , where h is Planck’s constant. Write down the SI units of h and its dimensions.
a
5. Check the correctness of the relation st = u + ( 2t − 1), where u is initial velocity, a is
2
acceleration and st is the displacement of the body in t th second.
6. Give the MKS units for each of the following quantities: (JEE 1980)
(a) Young’s modulus (b) Magnetic induction (c) Power of a lens
7. A gas bubble, from an explosion under water, oscillates with a period T proportional to
pa d b E c, where p is the static pressure, d is the density of water and E is the total energy of
the explosion. Find the values of a , b and c.
MgL
8. Show dimensionally that the expression, Y = is dimensionally correct, where Y is Young’s
π r 2l
modulus of the material of wire, L is length of wire, Mg is the weight applied on the wire and l is
the increase in the length of the wire.
9. The energy E of an oscillating body in simple harmonic motion depends on its mass m,
frequency n and amplitude a. Using the method of dimensional analysis find the relation
between E , m , n and a. (JEE 1981)
α β
10. 2 = Fv + 2 . Find dimension formula for [α ] and [ β ] (here t = time, F = force, v = velocity,
t x
x = distance)
 a 
11. For n moles of gas, Van der Waals' equation is  p −  ( V − b) = nRT
 V 2
Find the dimensions of a and b, where p = pressure of gas, V = volume of gas and
T = temperature of gas.
a
nRT RTV
12. In the formula, p = e , find the dimensions of a and b, where p = pressure, n = number
V −b
of moles, T = temperature, V = volume and R = universal gas constant.
13. Write the dimensions of the following in terms of mass, time, length and charge (JEE 1982)
(a) Magnetic flux (b) Rigidity modulus.
dx 1 a
14. Let x and a stand for distance. Is ∫ = sin−1 dimensionally correct?
a −x2 2 a x

dx x 
∫
−1
15. In the equation = a n sin  − 1 . Find the value of n.
2ax − x 2 a 

16. Taking force F, length L and time T to be the fundamental quantities, find the dimensions of
(a) density (b) pressure (c) momentum and (d) energy.
 Answers
Assertion and Reason
1. (e) 2. (e)

Single Correct Option

1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (d) 6. (c) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (b)
11. (c) 12. (c) 13. (c) 14. (a) 15. (a) 16. (a) 17. (b) 18. (b) 19. (d) 20. (a)

More than One Correct Options

1. (a,d) 2. (a,b,c) 3. (all) 4. (b,c) 5. (a,b, c)

Match the Columns

1. (a) → s, (b) → q, (c) → p, (d) → r
2. (a) → r, (b) → u, (c) → p, (d) → t, (e) → q, (f) → s
3. (a) → q,r, (b) → p,t, (c) → s
4. (a) → p, q, (b) → r, s, (c) → r, s, (d) → r, s

Subjective Questions
1. [M0 L T 0 ], [M0 L0 T −1], [M0 L0 T 0 ] 2. 2.0 × 1012 dyne/cm2
3. 0.072 N/m 4. J-s, [ML2 T −1]
5. Given equation seems to be dimensionally incorrect but it is correct
−5 1 1
6. (a) N/m2 (b) Tesla (c) m−1 7. a = , b = ,c =
6 2 3
9. E = kmn2 a2 (k = a dimensionless constant) 10. [β ] = [ML4 T −3 ] , [α ] = [ML2 T −1]
11. [a] = [ML5 T −2 ] , [b] = [L3 ]
12. [a] = [ML5 T −2 ] , [b] = [L] 3 13. (a) [ML2 T −1Q −1] (b) [ML−1T −2 ]
14. No 15. zero
16. (a) [FL−4 T 2 ] (b) [FL−2 ] (c) [FT ] (d) [FL ]