UNITS AND DIMENSIONS

PHYSICS - I A

UNITS AND DIMENSIONS

CHAPTER

James Watt was born in Greenock in 1736, the son of a ships chandler (trader in canvas, etc). In his late teens he went to London to
learn to be a mathematical and philosophical instrument maker,
and when he returned to Glasgow he got a job making instruments
with Glasgow University, who gave him accomodation and a workshop. Watts engines were initially used for pumping water from
cornish tin and copper mines. In 1882, 63 years after Watts death, the
British Association gave his name to the unit of electrical power and today James Watts name is to be found written on almost every
lightbulb in the world.

James Watt
1736-1819

Fundamental and Derived physical quantities

Dimensions, Dimentional formulae

SI units

Dimentional analysis

INTRODUCTION

Der ived Physical Quantities :

Under st andi ng of di f f er ent physi cal

phenomenon r equir es the need t o measur e
r elevent physical quantities. Physical quantities
ar e those which can be defined and measur ed.
W i t hout measur ement t her e can be no
advancement i n physi cs. Exper i ment al
measur ements ar e essential to ver ify theor itical
laws. We use number of physical quantities (in
daily life) like length, time, ar ea, volume etc. to
descr i be an event or a phenomenon. For
measur ing a physical quantit y, a st andar d
reference is necessar y. This reference is known
as unit

The physical quantities which can be derived

from fundamental quantities are called derived
quantities.
Example : Area, Volume, Speed, Velocity etc.

1.1 PHYSI CAL QUANTI TI ES

All quantities in ter ms of which laws of
physics can be expr essed and which can be
measured directly or indir ectly are called physical
quantities
Physical quantities can be classified into two types
1) Fundamental Physical Quantities
2) Derived Physical Quantities
Fundamental Physical Quantity :
A physical quantity which is independent
of any other quantity is called fundamental
physical quantity.
Ex : Mass, length, time, electric current,
thermodynamic temperature, amount of substance
and luminous intensity are taken as fundamental
physical quantities
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Unit :
Unit of measur ement of a physical quantity
is the standar d r efer ence of the same physical
quantity which is used for compar ison of the
given physical quantity.
The meaning of the measurement of a physical
quantity is to find out the number of times its unit is
contained in that physical quantity. Therefore, the
process of measurement of a physical quantity
involves:
i) The selection of unit and
ii) to find out the number of times that unit is
contained in the physical qunatity.
For example, if we are asked to measure the
length of a table, the unit to be selected must be that
of length.
Suppose that we use metre as the unit. We place
a metre rod successively along the length of the table
and find out the number of times the metre rod is
contained in the length of the table.
Suppose that the length of the table is covered
by the metre rod in three successive placings.
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Then, 3 is called the numerical value of length

of the table and metre as the unit of length. We may
write:
Length of the table = 3 1m =3m
It may be pointed out that it is not sufficient to say
that the length of the table is 3. The unit of the physical
quantity has also to be stated along with the result of
the measurement. In general,
measure of a physical quantity = numerical value
of the physical qunatity x size of its unit
if u is the size of the unit and n is the numerical
value of the physical quantity X (the quantity to be
measured) for the selected unit, then measure of the
physical quantity X= n u
It follows that if the size of the chosen unit is
small, then the numerical value of the quantity will
be large and vice- versa. It is obvious that the measure
of the physical quantity is always the same i.e.
n u = constant
If n1 is the numerical value of the physical quantity
for a unit u1 and n2 for a unit u2, then
n1u1 = n2u2
1.2

SYSTEM OF UNI TS

There are four main systems of units, namely.

1. CGS (Centimeter, Gramme or Gram, Second)
2. FPS (Foot, Pound, Second)
3. M K S (Meter, Kilogram, Second)
4. SI (System International d' Units)
To measure the fundamental base quantities
length, mass and time, there are three systems
of units. These systems are called F.P.S. system
(British system), C.G.S system (Metric system) and
M.K.S. system. The basic units in these systems are
given in table.
Units

System
F.P.S
C.G.S
M.K.S

Length
foot
centimetre
metre

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Time
Mass
pound
second
gram
second
kilogram second

An international organization, the Confer ence

Gener al des Poids at M easur es, or CGPM is
internationally recognised as the authority on the
definition of units. In English, this body is known as
"General Conference on Weights and Measures".
The System I nter national de Units, or SI units,
was set up in 1960, by the CGPM.
Requir ements of a Standar d Unit :
A standard unit must have following features
to be accepted world wide.
(i) It should be of suitable size i.e. neither too large
nor too small in comparison to the quantity to
be measured.
(ii) It should be very well defined.
(iii) It should be independent of time and place.
(iv) It should be easily available so that all
laboratories can duplicate and use it as per
requirement.
(v) It should be independent of physical conditions
like temperature, pressure, humidity etc.
In SI, there are seven fundamental (base)
physical quantities, length, mass, time, electric
current, thermodynamic temperature, luminous
intensity and quantity of substance. In addition to
these, two more physical quantities, plane angle and
solid angle are introduced as supplementary
fundamental quantities. Fundamental (base)
quantities, their units and dimensional representation
are given in table.
Fundamental (base) Quantities in SI
Fundamental (base)
Quantity

Unit

Symbol

Length

metre

Mass

kilogram

kg

Time

second

Electric current

ampere

Thermodynamic
temperature

kelvin

Luminous Intensity

candela

cd

Quantity of
substance

mole

mol

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PHYSICS - I A

Supplementary Fundamental (base)

Quantities in SI
rad

Plane angle

radian

Solid angle

steradian sr

1.3 DEFI NI TI ONS OF EL EM ENTARY

(BASI C) UNI TS I N SI
1. kilogram(kg) : A kilogram is equal to the mass
of a cylinder (having diameter = height) of
platinum irridium alloy (90% platinum and 10%
irridium) kept in the International Bureau of
Weights and Measures at Sevres near Paris of
France.
2. metr e(m) : metre is defined as the length of
path travelled by light in vacuum in (1/299, 792,
458) part of a second.

3.

4.

5.

Note :

I n above case, standard of length is defined

in terms of unit of time. Hence fundamental
units are no more independent of each other.
second(s) : A second is equal to the duration of
9,192,631,770 periods of t he radiat ion
corresponding to the unperturbed transition
between the two hyperfine levels of ground
state of cesium (133) atom.
ampere(A) : An ampere is defined as that
constant current which when flowing in two
straight parallel conductors of infinite length and
of negligible area of cross-section and placed
one metre apart in vacuum would produce
between them a force of 2 10-7 newton per
metre of length.
kelvin(K ) : A kelvin is defined as the fraction
1
273.16

of the thermodynamic temperature of

the triple point of water. It may be noted that in

SI., the triple point of water is taken as a
fundamental fixed point having a temperature
of 273.16 kelvin by definition.
6.

candela(cd) : A candela is as the luminous

intensity, in a given direction, of a surface that
emits monochromatic radiation of frequency
540 1012Hz and that has the radiant intensity
in that direction of 1/683 watt per steradian.

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7.

mole(mol) : A mole is the amount of substance

of a system, which contains as many elementary
entities as there are atoms in 0.012 kg of carbon-12.
The number of atoms in 0.012 kg of C - 12
atom is 6.023 1023 and is called the Avogadro
number.

8.

r adian(r ad) : Radian is defined as the angle

subtended at the centre of a circle by an arc
whose length is equal to the radius of the circle.
360
0
0 | ||
2 radians = 360 , 1 radian = 2 = 57 17 45
9. Ster adian(sr ) : Ster adian is the solid angle
subtended at the centre of a sphere by its
surface, the area of which is equal to the square
of the radius. If d be the solid angle subtended
at the centre of a sphere of radius r by a part its
S
surface of area S , then d 2 steradians.
r
The solid angle subtended at the centre by the
entire surface area (S 4R 2 ) of a sphere will
4 R 2
4 sr.
be
R2
1.4 FUNDAM ENTAL UNI TS
The units of the fundamental physical quantities
are called fundamental units
Ex : metre, kilogram, second
1.5 DERI VED UNI TS
Derived units are the units of the derived
quantities.
Physical Quantity

Der ived unit

Symbol of Unit

force

newton

N=kg m/s2

Energy, Work, Heat

joule

J=Nm=kg m2/s2

Power

W=J/s=N m/s=kgm2/s3

Pressure, Stress

watt
pascal

Pa=N/m2=kg/ms2

Frequency

hertz

Hz = s-1

Electric charge

coulomb

C = As

electric potential

volt

V=J/C

Capacitance

farad

F=coulomb/volt=A2s2/Nm

Resistance

ohm

V / A J / A2s

Self inductance

henry

H=J/A2=Nm/A2

Magnetic flux

weber

Magnetic flux

tesla

Wb
T=Wb/m2

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1.6

M ULTI PL ES AND SUBM ULTI PL ES OF SI UNI TS

To measure very low or very high values of physical quantities, prefixes are used to represent them.
For example 103m is written as 1 milli metre, 109 second is written as nano second and 106 watt is written
as 1 Mega watt. The prefixes used to represent multiples and submultiples of SI units are given in table.
M ultiples and submultiples of SI units
Factor

Pr efix

Symbol

Factor

Pr efix

Symbol

1024

Yotta

10-1

deci

1021

Zetta

10-2

centi

1018

Exa

10-3

milli

1015

Peta

10-6

micro

1012

Tera

10-9

nano

109

Giga

10-12

pico

106

Mega

10-15

femto

103

Kilo

10-18

atto

102

Hecto

10-21

zepto

101

Deka

da

10-24

yocto

1.7 RUL ES FOR USI NG SYM BOL S FOR

SI UNI TS/PREFI XES
1.

Full names of units even if they are named after

scientists should not be written with initial
capital letter Ex : newton but not Newton
2. Symbols for a unit named after a scientist should
have a capital letter.
Ex : N for newton; W for watt; A for
ampere
3. Punctuation marks should not be used after
symbol of unit Ex : 100 kg but not 100 kg.
100 mm but not 100 mm. (or) 100 m.m.
4. Symbols for units should not take plural form
Ex : 100 newtons is 100 N but not 100 Ns 50
meters is 50 m but not 50ms and but not 50 mts.
1.8 DI M ENSI ONS
Def init ion : The demensions of a physical
quantity ar e the powers (exponents) to which the
fundamental (base) quantit ies ar e r aised to
represent that physical quantity.
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1.9 DI M ENSI ONAL FORM UL A

Definition : The expr ession showing the power s
to which the fundamental quantities must be
r aised to represent a physical quantity, is called
dimensional for mula.
The fundamental physical quantities; namely,
mass, length time, temperature, electric current are
indicated by the symbols [M], [L], [T], [K] or [ ],
[I] or [A] etc. respectively.
Examples:
5. Force = mass acceleration ; So dimensional
formula of force is [ MLT2 ] =[M1 L1 T2]
In the dimensional formula of force, dimension
of mass = 1, dimension of length = 1, dimension
of time = 2.
6. Work =F.S = m a S; So dimensional formula
of work = M LT2 L = [ M1L2T2]
In the dimensional formula of work, dimension
of mass = 1, dimension of length = 2, dimension
of time = 2.
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1.10 DI M ENSI ONAL EQUATI ON

Definition : I t is an equation, equating the physical quantity with its dimensional for mula.
Example : Force [F] = [MLT2] is dimensional equation of force.
Dimensional For mulae of Physical Quantities
SN Physical quantity

For mula

Dimensional
for mula

S.I unit

Natur e scalar
(or ) vector

1. Volume

lengthxbreadthxheight

ML3 T

m3

2. Density

mass / volume

ML3 T

kg m3

3. linear density

mass / length

ML1 T

kg m1

4. Relative density

density of substance
densityof water

MLT

----

5. a)

Energy density

Energy / volume

ML1T2

N m2

b)

Pressure

force/Area

ML1 T2

N m2

c)

Strees, youngs,

Stress / strain

ML1 T2

N m2

Velocity

displacement / time

MLT 1

m s1

b)

Speed

distance / time

MLT 1

m s1

c)

acceleraion

force / mass

MLT 2

m s2

7. Hubbless Constant (H)

Velocity / Distance

T-1

s-1

8. a) Areal velocity

Area / time

ML2T1

m2 s1

Coefficient of vis cosity

density

ML2T1

Momentum (linear)

mass velocity

ML1T1

kg m s1

Impulse

Force time

ML1T1

kg m s1

Moment of force

Force displacement

ML2T2

Nm

Force displacement

ML2T2

joule

ML2T2

joule

Rigidity, Bulk
modulie of elasticity
6. a)

b) Coefficient of Kinematic

viscosity
9. a)
b)
10. a)

or moment of
couple or torque
b)

work

c)

All energies

11. Power

Force velocity

ML2T3

watt

12. Moment of Inertia

I = MK2

ML2T

kg m2

Tensor

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UNITS AND DIMENSIONS

SN

Physical quantity

For mula

Dimensional
for mula

S.I unit

Natur e scalar
(or ) vector

13. Angular displacement

d/r

MLT

rad

14. a)

Angular velocity

= / t

MLT 1

rad/s

b)

Velocity gradient

dv/dx

MLT 1

s1

c)

Frequency

= c/

MLT 1

Hz

d)

decay constant

number of fissions/ time

MLT1

s1

15. Angular acceleration

d /dt

MLT 2

rad s2

16. a)

ML2T1

kg m2 s1

Angular
Momentum

b)

Planks constant

Energy
h = frequency

ML2T1

Js

c)

Angular
impulse

ML2T1

Js

17. Gravitational constant

Fd 2
m2

M1 L3 T2

N m2 kg-2

18. Gravitational field intesity

F
m

M 0 L1 T 2

N kg

19. a)

W
m

ML2T2

J kg1

Gravitational

b)

Potential
Latent heat

c)

Calorific value

Q
m
Q
m

-1

Q = Heat energy

S
S
S

F/L

M T2

N m1

S
S
S

21. Compressibility

1
Bluk mod ulus

M1 LT 2

Pa1

22. Coefficient of

A dv =
dx
Pressure Time

ML1 T1

Pa s

MLTK1

K1

20. a)
b)
c)

Force constant
Spring Constant
Surface Tension

Viscosity
23. a)

Coefficients of linear,

l 2 - l1
l 1 t 2 - t1

areal and volume expansion

Coefficient of real , apparant expansions
Volume coefficient, Pressure coefficient

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PHYSICS - I A

For mula

SN Physical quantity
24. a)
b)

b)

Natur e scalar
(or ) vector

Heat
Temperature

ML2T 2 K1

J K-1

Entropy

Heat
Temperature

ML2T 2 K1

J K-1

PV
NT

ML2T 2 K1

J K-1

Q
m

L2 T2 K1

J kg1 K-1

L2 T2 K1

J kg1K-1

Specific heat

b) Specific gas constant

26. a)

S.I unit

Thermal capacity

(c) Boltzman Constant

25. a)

Dimensional
for mula

Universal gas constant

Molar specific heat

p
dT

PV
nT
CPCV = R
R=

ML2T2K1mol1

J mol1 K1

ML2T2K1mol1

J mol1 K1

27. Stefan's constant

E
At4

MLT 3 K4

W m2 K4

28. Coefficient of Thermal

Qd
A 2 1 t

MLT3 K1

W m1 K1

L
KA

M-1 L2 T 3 K1

W1 K

L-1 K 1

K m-1

30. Thermal conductance

KA
L

ML2T 3 K1

WK1

31. Permeability

MLT2 I2

H m-1

32. Pole strength

m = IL

IL

Am

33. Magnetic moment

M = 2l m

I L2

A m2

34. Magnetic Induction

B=

M T2 I1

tesla

IL1

A m1

IL1

A m1

conductivity
29. a) Thermal resistance
b) Temperature gradient

35. a)

Intensity of

F
IL
B
H=

Magnetic field
b)

Intensity of
Magnetisation

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Fd2 F
=
m2 I2

I=

M
V

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UNITS AND DIMENSIONS

SN Physical quantity

For mula

36. Magnetic flux

BA =

37. a)

b)
c)

Intensity of sound

Dimensional
for mula

W
I

Power
Area

S.I unit

Natur e scalar
(or ) vector

ML2 T2 I1

weber

M T3

watt / meter2

Intensity of Heat
Emissive power

38. Spectral emissive power

Power
L3

ML1 T3

watt/meter 3

39. Pressure gradiant

Pr essure
Length = P/L

ML2T2

Pa m1

40. Electric current

MLTI1

ampere

41. Eelectric charge

Q=it

IT

coulomb

42. Intensity of electric field

E = F/Q

MLT3 I1

N C-1

43. a) Electric Potential

W
Q

ML2 T3 I1

volt

M1 L2 T 4I2

farad

ML2 T3 I2

ohm

M1 L2 T 3I2

mho or

b) Electro motive force (emf)

44. Electric Capacity

C=

45. Electric resistance

R=

46. Electric Conductance

Q Q2
=
V W

V Power
= 2
I
I
1
K=
R

siemen
47. Resistivity

RA
L

ML3 T3 I2

ohm meter

48. Conductivity

M1 L3 T 3I2

Sm-1

49. Permitivity

0 =

Q2
Fd 2

M1 L3 T 4I2

farad/metre

M L2T2I2

henry

50. a)
b)

Self Inductance
Mutual inductance =

e nerg y
cu rren t 2

em f
di / dt

51. Linear charge density

q
l

L-1 T I

C m-1

52. Surface charge density

q
A

L-2 T I

C m-2

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SN

Physical quantity

53. Volume charge density

54. Current density

For mula

q
V
I
A

Dimensional
for mula

S.I unit

Natur e scalar
(or ) vector

L-3 T I

C m-3

I L-2

A m-2

55. Electro chemical equivalent

m
it

MI 1 T 1

kg A1 s 1

56. Decay Constant

dN
dt

T-1

s-1

M-1L0T2I

A s2 kg-1

57. Mobility

vd
E

1.11 DI M ENSI ONAL CONSTANTS AND

DI M ENSI ONL ESS QUANTI TI ES.
DI M ENSI ONAL CONSTANT :
Constants having dimensional formula ar e called
dimensional constants.
Ex : Plancks constant, Universal gravitational
constant Universal gas constant, Boltz manns
constant, Stefans constant, Wiens constant, Velocity
of light, are Dimensional constants.
Dimension less quantities :
Physical quant it ies having no dimensional
for mula are called dimension less quantities.
Ex : Angle, Strain, Relative Density,coefficient
of friction, coefficient of restitution, poissons ratio
have zero dimensions and are Dimensionless
quantities. Numbers, Ratio of same quantities, ,

Problem : 1.1
Verify the correctnessof the equation v=u+at .
In the dimensional form
L1T 1 L1T 1 L1T 2 T1 L1 T 1

The dimension for L on both sides is 1

The dimension for T on both sides is 1

Hence from the principle of homogenity of dimensions
the given equation is correct.

1.13 APPL I CATI ONS OF DI M ENSI ONAL

ANALYSI S
1) Dimensional formulae can be used to
convert one system of units into another
system
2)

have no dimensional formula because they will not

depend on fundamental quantities

Dimensional formulae can be used to check

the correctness of an equation

3)

1.12 PRI NCI PL E OF HOM OGENI TY OF

DI M ENSI ONS

Dimensional formulae can be used to

derive relationship among different physical
quantities

4)

Dimensional formulae can be used to find

unit of a given physical quantity

5)

Dimensional formulae can be used to

design our own new system of units

Statement : Only physical quantities having same

dimensions can be added, subtr acted or can be
equated.

If x = y + z is dimensionally correct and if x

represents the physical quantity, the force, then y and
z also must represent the same physical quantity i.e.,
force. It means that the ter ms on both sides of a
di mensi onal equat i on shoul d have same
dimensions. This is called principle of homogeneity
of dimensions.
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1. To conver t one system of units into another

system
This is based on the fact that for a given
physical quantity, numerical value unit = constant.
i.e., N1U1= N2U2.
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So when units change, numerical value also

may change. To convert a physical quantity from one
system to the other, we write its units in terms of
mass, length and time and then convert into another
system.

Problem : 1.4
1 2
at
3
where S is the distance, u is velocity, a is acceleration
and t is time.

Check the correctness of the formula S = ut +

Sol. Dimensionally,

Problem : 1.2
Convert newton into dyne

LHS = [L]
RHS = [LT-1] [T] + [LT-2] [T]2 = [L] + [L] = [L]

Sol. [F] = [MLT2] ; 1 newton = 1 (kg) (m) (s)-2

Since, the dimension of each term on both sides are same,

the given equation is dimensionally cor r ect .

= 1 (103g) (102cm) (s)-2 = 105 (g) (cm) (s)-2

1newton = 105 dynes
Alter nate M ethod : Let the dimensional formula of a
physical quantity be [M a Lb T c ].
Let n1 be its numerical value in one system in which
units of fundamental quantities are M1,L1 and T1. Then
the numerical value n 2 in another system in which units
of fundamental quantities are M2,L2 and T2 is given by

However, we cannot say anything about the physical

correctness of the formula. We know that the correct
formula is
1 2
at
2
Hence, we conclude that dimensional correctness is no
guarantee for physical correctness of the formula.
However, dimensional incorrectness guarantees the
physical incorrectness of the formula. Inspite of the
above limitation, the method is still helpful to a great
extent.

S = ut +

n 2 M2a Lb2 T2c n1 M1a Lb1 T1c

a

M L T
n 2 n1 1 1 1
M2 L 2 T2

Problem : 1.3
Convert the unit of work done from MKS system to CGS
system

Note :

Problem : 1.5
Consider the equation T 2

Sol. Dimensional formula of energy is M L T .

1 2 2

it is cor rect or not.

and check whether

g

Let IJ n ergs n J / ergs

1

M L T
n 2 n1 1 1 1
M2 L 2 T2
2

1 kg 1m 1s
n

1g 1cm 1s

we know, dimensional formulae of T, and g are [T],

[L], [LT2] respectively.

Dimensional formula of

n2

n n
1

1000 g 100 cm 1s
n

1 g 1 cm 1s

T2 T
g
LT 2

Dimensional formula of left side is also [T]. As 2 is a

dimensionless quantity, the dimensional formula of left
hand side of the equation is equal to dimensional formula
of right hand side. Hence we conclude that the given

n [1000] [100]2 [1]2 = 107

equation is a correct one.

1 joule 10 ergs

2.

To check the correctness of a given equation :

This is based on the principle of homogeneity.

i.e., the dimensions of the terms on both sides of a
given equation must be same.
If the dimensions of each term on both sides are
same, the equations is dimensionally correct,
otherwise not correct.
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3.

To deduce r elation between the physical

quantities :

This is also based on t he principle of

homogeneity. If one knows the quantities on which
a particular physical quantity depends and if one
guesses that this dependence is of product type, the
method of dimensional analysis may be helpful in
the derivation of the relation.
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Problem : 1.6
Derive an expression for the time period (T) of a simple
pendulum which may depend upon the mass(m) of the
bob, length (l) of the pendulum and acceleration due to
gravity (g).
Sol. Let T = kma l b gc where k is a dimensionless constant.

Writing the equation in dimensional form, we have

[M0 L0 T1] = [M]a [L]b [LT-2]c = [Ma Lb+c T-2c]

Angular Momentum (L) = ML2T-1

Universal Gravitational constnat
(G) = M1L3T2
EL2
Substituting in
, we get
M 5G 2
1 2

ML T ML T
ML T M L T
2

0 5

1 3

2 2

M1 2 L2 4 T 2 2
M5 2 L0 6 T 0 4

= A dimensionless quantity.

Equating exponents of M, L and T on both sides, we get

a = 0, b + c = 0, 2c = 1.
Solving the eq., we get a = 0, b = 1/2, c = -1/2
Hence, T k

, where k is constant.
g

* Problem : 1.7
Derive an expression for the velocity of sound (V) which
may depend upon the modulus of elasticity (E) of the
medium, and density (d) of the medium.
Sol. Let V= kEa d b where k is the proportionality constant.

Dimensional formula of v, E and d are

V M 0 LT 1 ; E ML1 T 2 ; d ML3 T 0

As k has no dimensions
1 2 a

0 b

M0 LT 1 ML T
3

ML T
a b

M 0 LT 1 M

L a 3b T 2a

Equating dimensions of M, L and T on either side of the

equation
We get, a +b = 0; a3b = 1 and 2a =1
2a = 1 a = 1/2; a+b = 0 b = 1/2
E
d
Experimentally the value of k is found to be one.

V = k E1/2 d1/2;

V=k

E
d

* Problem : 1.8
I f E, M,L and G denote energy, mass, angular momentum and universal Gravitational constant respectively,
EL2
prove that
is a dimensionless quantity.
M 5 G2
Sol.
Taking dimensional formulae
energy (E) = ML2T2
mass (M) = ML0T0

AKASH MULTIMEDIA

Problem : 1.9
I f the equati on of state of a gas is expressed as
a

P 2 V b RT where P is the pressure, V is

V
the volume and T the absolute temperature and a, b, R
are constnats, then find the dimensions of aand b.

Sol. By principle of homogentiy of dimensions P can added

a
to P only. It means 2 also gives pressure.
V
Dimension formulae for pressure (P) = M1L1T2 and Volume (V) = M0L3T0.
a
Since 2 = pressure
V
a
a
0 6 0 M1L1T 2

M1L1 T2
2
M LT
M0 L3 T 0

a = M1L5T2

Similarly, b will have same dimensions as volume

b = M0L3T0
V b = volume
* Problem : 1.10
The dimensional formula of the product of two physical quantities P and Q is ML 2T2. The dimensional formula of P/Q is ML 0T2. Then which physical quantities
are represented by P and Q ?
Sol. Given P Q has dimensions ML2T2

P/Q has dimensions ML0T2

P
Hence, (PQ) ML2 T 2 ML0 T 2
Q

P2 = M2L2T4
P = ML1T2 = Force ......(1)

given
Q

P
ML1T 2
= M1L0T2 ;
ML0 T 2
Q
Q

ML1T 2
ML0 T 2

= L = Displacement ...............(2)

P and Q are respectively the force and the displacement

15

PHYSICS - I A

UNITS AND DIMENSIONS

* Problem : 1.11

* Problem : 1.14

I f pressure P, velocity v and time T are taken as the

fundamental (base) quantities, find the dimensional for-

The freguency n of a vibrating string depends up on

its length l , linear density m (mass per unit length)
and tension T in the string. Derive an expression for the
frequency of the string. (Solution is simlar to 1.12problem)
k T
.
Ans. n =
l m

mula of force.
Sol. Let force = F = PaVbTc

(F) = M1 L 1T 2 , (P) = M1 L1 T 2 , (V) = M0 L1 T 1 ,

(T) = M0L0T1
MLT
T2 = (ML1T2)a (M0L1T1)b(M0L0T1)c

MLT2 = MaLa+bT2a-b+c
Comparing powers of M, L, T on both sides
a = 1, a + b = 1 b = 2 and
2a b + c = 2; 2 2 + c = 2; c = 2

* Problem : 1.15
Derive an expression for the rate of flow of a liquid
through a capillary tube. Assume that the rate of flow
P
depends on (i) pressure gradient l , (ii) The radius,
r and (iii) the coefficient of viscosity, . The value of

Force (F) = PV2T2.

* Problem : 1.12
A gas bubble from an explosion under water, oscillates
with a period proportional to Pa bEc where p is the
static pressure, is the density of water and E is the
total energy of the explosion.Find the values of a, b,
and c.
Sol. Let, T Pa bEc

Dimensional formula of
p ML-1 T-2 ; ML-3 ; E ML2 T2
T1 (ML1 T 2 )a (ML3 ) b (ML2 T 2 )c

Comparing powers of M, L and T on both sides

-----(1)
a+b+c=0
-----(2)
-a - 3b + 2c = 0
----- (3)
1
1
From (3) and (1) : a + c = and b =
2
2
1
-a +2c = 3
1
2
a +c = - ;
2
3c = 1
1
1 1
5
c = and a = - - = 3
3 2
6
The values of a, b, c are respectively,,
5 1 1
, , .
6 2 3
-2a - 2c = 1

* Problem : 1.13
The period T0 of a planet above the sun of mass Min
a circular orbit of radius R depends on M, R and G
where G is the gravitational constant. Find expression
for time period by dimensional methods.
(Hint : The solution is similar to above problem)
Ans : T0 = K

R3
GM

AKASH MULTIMEDIA

the proportionatity constant k =

to 1.12problem)
Ans.

4.

p r 4 pr 4
V
=k

t
l 8 l

. (Solution is simlar
8

k 8

To find unit of a given physical quantity:

By using the formula of a physical quantity in

terms of basic quantities, we can find its dimensional
formula. So, in the dimensional formula, by replacing
M, L and T by the fundamental units, we get the
unit of physical quantity.
Example: Force = mass x acceleration
[F] = [M] [LT2] = [MLT2]
Hence, units of force will be kg ms2 which is
also called newton(N)
5.

To design our own new system of dimensions:

In place of M, L and T, we can take any other

three physical quantities as the fundamental physical
quantities with the condition that they should be
independent of each other and not derivable mutually.
Suppose in a new system, force(F), length (L), and
time (T) are taken as fundamental physical quantities
then dimensional formulae of other quantities like
mass, velocity, acceleration etc., can be derived in
terms of F, L and T.
16

UNITS AND DIMENSIONS

PHYSICS - I A
* Problem : 1.16
I f energy E, velocity v and time T are chosen as the
fundamental quantities. Find dimensional formula of
surface tension ?
Sol. S. T = MT-2, E = ML2T2, v = LT1, t = T1
S. T (E)a (v) b (t)c and MT -2 =

(ML2 T -2 )a (LT-1)b(T)c
Comparing power of M, L and T on either side
a = 1, 2a + b = 0 b = - 2
-2a - b + c = - 2
1

S. T = E (V)

c=-2
2

(T) 2

Problem : 1.17
Suppose you design your system of dimensions and
take vel oci ty (V), Pl anck constant (h) and
gravitati onal constant (G) as the f undamental
quantities. What will be the dimensions of length (L)
in this system ?
Sol. We know,[V] = [LT-1], [h] = [ML2T-1],

[G] = [M-1L3T-2]

Let L = VahbGc

M0L1T0 = (LT1)a(ML2T1)b(M1L3T2)c
comparing the powers of M, L, T both sides
b c = 0 .......... (1)
a + 2b + 3c = 1 ........... (2)
a b 2c = 0 ............. (3)
on solving (1), (2), (3) we get a = 3/2, b = 1/2, c = 1/2
L = V3/2 h1/2G1/2
* Problem : 1.18
I f unit of mass is taken as 1 kg, of time as 1 minute and
that acceleration due to gravity is taken as9.81 ms-2,
what is the unit of energy ?
Sol. New unit of energy = E1
New unit of mass M1 = 1kg
New unit of time T1 = 1 minute = 60 sec
New unit of length = L1
E1 = [M1 L1T1-2]
New unit of acceleration due gravity,
g1 = 9.81 ms2
g1 = L1T1-2; L1 = g1T1-2 = 9.81 (60)2 meter
E 1 = 1 kg (9.81 60 2 ) 2 m 2 (60) -2 S -2

E1 =

1 9.81 60 60 9.81 60 60
kg m2 s-2
60 60

E1 = 3.464 105 kg m2 sec-2

The new unit of energy E1 = 3.464 105 joule.

AKASH MULTIMEDIA

1.14 L I M I TATI ONS ON THE USES OF

DI M ENSI ONAL ANALYSI S
There is no limitation as far as the first use
(conversion of units) is concerned. As for the second
use (checking the dimensional accuracy of the given
relationship) is concerned, if both the LHS and RHS
are dimensionless, we cannot know whether the
quantities in the numerator and denominator are in
correct or reverse order. The rest of the uses have
following limitations.
(i) Proportionalit y co nst ants cannot be
determined by dimensional analysis.
(ii)Formulae containing non-algebraic functions
i.e., sin, cos, log, exponential etc. cannot be derived.
(iii)Formulae which contain two or more terms
in the RHS cannot be derived.
1
Example : S = ut + at2.
2
(iv)Formulae containg dimensional constants
cannot be derived.

Gm1m 2
d2
(v) Dimensional analysis does not differentiate
between a scalar and a vector quantity.
Example : F =

(vi) If we do not know the physical quantities

on which a physical quantitiy depends, we cannot
even proceed to derive a formula.
(vii) It is difficult to apply dimensional methods
if the physical quantity depends upon more than
three fundamental quantities the length, mass and
time.
Shor t Answer Questions
1.

What are fundamantal quantities ? State their

units in SI.

2.

Explain the uses of dimensional methods with

examples.

3.

Is there any limit for the number of fundemental

(base) quantities ? What are supplementary
fundamendal quantities? Define their units.
17

PHYSICS - I A

UNITS AND DIMENSIONS

4.

What are limitations of dimensional methods?

5.

Using dimensio nal methods,verify t he

correctness of the following relations
2
1) a=v / r

2) F= mr 2

3) S.T = rhdg/2. In the above formulae r stands

for radius, m for mass, for angular
velocity, v for linear velocity, h for height,
d for density and S.T for sur face tension.
6.

The velocity of an object varies with time as v=

At2 + Bt + C. If units of v and t are expressed in
S.I . find the units of constants A, B and C.

1.
2.

Ver y Shor t Answer Questions

What are fundamental and derived physical

quantities ? Give examples.

12. The air pressure in a tyre is 10Nm2, Express it

in dynes/sq.cm
13. Which physical quantity has same dimensional
formula as surface tension?
14. Find out the quantity gl using dimensional
formula where g is acceleration due to gravity
and l is wavelength of water waves.
15. Which physical quantities have units Jm1 and
Jm2
16. State two physical quantities having their units
as Pa.
17. If energy E and Volume V are the fundamental
quatnit ies which physical quant ity has
dimesnional formula EV1
18. S.T for water is 70dyne/cm. Express it in SI.

What is meant by dimensionof a physical

quantity ? What is meant by dimensional
formula ?

19. What is the convenience in using SI.

3.

Which physical quantit y has negative

dimensions in mass ?

1.

4.

State two constants, which have dimensions.

5.

What is the physical quantity represented

by gR

6.
7.

Assess Your self

Then the unit was defined in October 1983 in

terms of wavelength of Kr86 radiation.

What is the physical quantity represented by

PV?

Now the present unit is defined in terms of distance travelled by light.

If density of wood is 0.8gm/cc. Find its value

in SI

8.

If units of length and force are increased by four

times. How much increase will be there in unit
of pressure.

9.

If units of mass, length and time are double what

happends to unit of energy.

10. If force F, length L and time T are fundamental

quantities. Find the dimensional formula of
mass.
11. Prove that energy per unit volume is pressure.
AKASH MULTIMEDIA

The unit of length, metre was originally defined

as the distance between two fine lines engraved
on gold plugs near the ends of a bar of platinumiridium alloy that is kept at 00C.

In your opinion, which of the two essential

requirements for a standard unit(1) availability
invariability played the key role in this
modification ?
Ans.Invariability
2.

Originally the foot of human being is taken as

a unit of length. What condition prevents the
use of human foot as a standard scientific
fundamental (base) unit ?

Ans.Invariability
18

UNITS AND DIMENSIONS

PHYSICS - I A

3.

As far as mechanics is concerned all systems of

units are having the same dimensions for a given
physical quantity. But for thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism and electromagnetics this is
not the case. Why?

Ans.This is because in SI we have got dimensions

for temperaturre and current in addition to length,
mass and time.
4.

Two physical quantities are having the same

dimensions. Does it mean that they are the same?
Give an example supporting your answer.

Ans.No. Torque and work

5.

Two physical quantities are having the same

dimensions. Should their units be necessarily
the same ? Give an example supporting your
answer ?

Ans.No. Torque (Nm) and work (J)

6.

Why is the dimension of one fundamental (base)

quantity interms of any other fundamental (base)
quantity is always zero ?

Ans.Other wise, it will not be fundamental quantity

as per the definition.
7.

A dimensionally wrong equation in which principle of homogeneity of dimensions is violated

must be wrong. Can you say that, a dimensionally correct equation should always be right ?

Ans. Need not be

8.

State about the correctness or otherwise of the

following two statements.

AKASH MULTIMEDIA

i)

A physical quantity can have dimensions but

no units.

ii)

A physical quantity can have units but no

dimensions.

Ans.(i) Not correct

9.

(ii) Correct

Can we derive the kinematic relations v=u+at,

s = ut + 1/2at2 and v2 = u2 + 2as. Explain the
reason for your answer.

Ans.No. On left hand side there is only one term,

but on the right hand side there are more than
one terms.
10. Coulombs law is F k. q1q 2 . In C.G.S.
r2
system, unit of charge is so defined that the force
in air or vacuum will be 1 dyne when two
identical charges of unit magnitude are kept at
a distance of r = 1 cm. This makes K=1 in
CGS system.
But in SI the charges 1 C is defined as the amount
of charge flowing when 1A of current passes
for 1s. That is 1C=1A 1s. The unit of current,
ampere is defined through electromagnetics
(refer to unit of current in SI). Consequently
the value of F in air or vacuum comes out to be
9 109N when two identical charges of 1C
magnitude are placed in air or vacuum at 1 m
apart. What are the consequences of these
results?
Ans.The constant of proportionality K has got units
and dimensions.

19