Units and Measurements

First year competitive physics
Lesson -1 Units and measurements
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not business
Dear Students,
Physics is a science of measurement. In fundamental science Units and
measurement is the first lesson. In competitive examination Dimensional analysis is very
important and many questions will come from this concept. So in this concept we will
concentrate more on this model.
In dimensional analysis, I want to categorize the models so that we can able to understand
models better and remember well in competitive examinations.
The main important models in Units and measurements are
1. Deriving dimensions of a physical quantity
2. Pair of quantities having same dimensions or different dimensions
3. Deriving the relation between various physical quantities
4. Principle of homogeneity of equations.
Deriving dimensions of a physical quantity:

A physical quantity in physics can be regarded as a quantity in physics which is measurable. They
are two types of physical quantities (Fundamental and derived quantities) . In physics every
quantity can be expressed in terms of fundamental quantities (Mass, length, time, Electric
current, Temperature, Amount of substance, Luminous intensity).
Example : Derive the dimensional formula for Linear momentum ?
A) Linear momentum is defined as product of mass and velocity. It is denoted by a letter P.
P = Mass x Velocity
= Mass x (Distance/Time)
= M x (L/T)
=
(Mass , Length and time are all fundamental quantities)
M1L1T-1
Prepared by : Praveen kumar Reddy.A senior lecturer in physics

Email : physics.vision84@gmail.com
Website : www.praveenphysicspage.in
Education is
not business

In this way we have to make all derived quantities to be written in terms of their fundamental
quantities.
Some common examples (very important) to do on this model:
1. Angular momentum
2. Plancks constant
3. Universal Gravitational constant
4. Pressure
5. Density
6. Work
7. Power
8. Energy
9. Surface tension
10 . Coefficient of viscosity
11. Coefficient of thermal conductivity
12. Capacitance
13. Electric field intensity
14. Magnetic field intensity
15. Specific heat capacity
16. Frequency
In this way we can able to derive dimensions of various physical quantities.

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Model -2 :
In this model they may ask questions like
1. Pair of quantities having same dimensions
2. Pair of scalar quantities having same dimensions
3. Pair of vector quantities having same dimensions
4. Pair of scalar and vector quantities having same dimensions
The following are list of certain physical quantities having same dimensions
1. Pressure, stress , Youngs modulus have same dimensions
2. Work, energy, Heat, potential energy, kinetic energy, Torque has same dimensions
3. Plancks constant and angular momentum have same dimensions
4. Gas constant and Boltzmann constant have same dimensions
Model -3 : Deriving relations between various physical quantities.

In this model one parameter is directly proportional to various parameters. By using dimensional
analysis we have to identify the powers and then formula.
Example : In a simple pendulum experiment the time period of pendulum is identified to
depend on the length , acceleration due to gravity and mass of pendulum. Identity dimensions
and formula
Answer : From the question , we can write the relation as
Time period (Mass)a(length)b (Acceleration due to gravity)c
(M)a(L)b(LT-2)c
M0L0 T1 (M)a(L)b+c (T)-2c
Comparing powers on both sides we get


Education is
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a =0 ,
b+c =0 , -2c =1
a= 0 , c = -1/2 , b =
Substituting the power values in formula expression , we get
T M0 L1/2 g-1/2
In this way , we have to identify the dimensions of a relation and hence write dimensional
formula.
Some other examples based on this model :
1. The frequency of a body depends up on mass , radius and angular velocity
2. velocity of water waves depending up on acceleration due to gravity and wavelength of waves.
3. Frequency of vibrating string depends upon length , linear density , and tension T of string
There is another variation in the same model.

Example: If energy E. Velocity (v) and Time (T) are chosen as fundamental quantities find the
dimensional formula for surface tension.
Surface tension (Energy)a(velocity)b(Time)c
(F/L) (Mgh)a(LT-1)b(T)c
(MT-2) (ML2T-2)a(LT-1)b(T)c
(M)a (L)2a+b (T)-2a-b+c
comparing equal powers on both sides
a = 1 , 2a + b = 0 => b = -2
-2a-b+c =-2 c = -2
Substituting the powers in the formula equation we get
S.T = E1V-2T -2

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Model -4 : (Principle of homogenity of equations ) :

According to the principle of homogeneity of equations, the dimensions on left hand side must
and should equal to dimensions on right hand side.
Physical quantities can be added, subtracted only if they have same dimensions.
Example :
The velocity of an object varies with time as V = At2 + Bt + C . find the dimensions of A , B, C.
Answer :
Since the quantities can be added or subtracted only if they have same dimensions
So dimensions of C = dimensions of velocity (LT-1)
For dimensions of B
Bt = V B = LT-1/T B = LT-2
For dimensions of A
At2 = V A = LT-1/T2 A = LT-3
This is a very important model , You have to concentrate more on this model.
Some examples on this model :
1. V = Ax + B/(S+C) , where V is velocity and S is distance , find dimensions of A , B, C.
2. y= A sin 2ax , find dimensions of A
3. The dimensions of a/b in the equation P = a-t2/bx , where P is pressure , x is distance and t is
time are ?
These are basic models in this lesson.

--- All the best for your exams.
Education is
not business



Units and Measurements

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First year competitive physics

Lesson -1 Units and measurements

Deriving dimensions of a physical quantity:

(Mass , Length and time are all fundamental quantities)

Prepared by : Praveen kumar Reddy.A senior lecturer in physics

First year competitive physics

Prepared by : Praveen kumar Reddy.A senior lecturer in physics

First year competitive physics

Model -3 : Deriving relations between various physical quantities.

Prepared by : Praveen kumar Reddy.A senior lecturer in physics

First year competitive physics

There is another variation in the same model.

Prepared by : Praveen kumar Reddy.A senior lecturer in physics

First year competitive physics

Model -4 : (Principle of homogenity of equations ) :

These are basic models in this lesson.

First year competitive physics

Prepared by : Praveen kumar Reddy.A senior lecturer in physics

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