UNITS, MEASUREMENTS & MOTION

These topics are taken from our Book:

ISBN : 9789386320018
Product Name : Units, Measurements & Motion for JEE Main
& Advanced (Study Package for Physics)
Product Description : Disha's Physics series by North India's popu-
lar faculty for IIT-JEE, Er. D. C. Gupta, have achieved a lot of ac-
claim by the IIT-JEE teachers and students for its quality and in-
depth coverage. To make it more accessible for the students Disha
now re-launches its complete series in 12 books based on chapters/
units/ themes. These books would provide opportunity to students to
pick a particular book in a particular topic.
Unit, Measurement & Motion for JEE Main & Advanced (Study Pack-
age for Physics) is the 1st book of the 12 book set.

The book provides basic concepts related to Mathematics useful in Physics.

The chapters provide detailed theory which is followed by Important Formulae, Strategy to solve problems
and Solved Examples.
Each chapter covers 5 categories of New Pattern practice exercises for JEE - MCQ 1 correct, MCQ more than
1 correct, Assertion & Reason, Passage and Matching based Questions.
The book provides Previous years questions of JEE (Main and Advanced). Past years KVPY questions are
also incorporated at their appropriate places.
The present format of the book would be useful for the students preparing for Boards and various competitive
exams.
 Contents
0. Mathematics Used in Physics 1-16
1. Units and Measurements 17-60
Definitions Explanations and Derivations 18
1.1 Fundamental quantities 18
1.2 Derived quantities 18
1.3 The SI system of units 18
1.4 Definitions of SI units 19
1.5 Advantages of SI system 20
1.6 Dimensions of a physical quantity 20
1.7 Order of magnitude 22
1.8 Rules of significant figures 22
1.9 Errors in measurement 26
1.10 Indirect methods of measuring
large distances 31
1.11 Indirect method of measuring
small distances 33
1.12 Vernier callipers and ccrew gauge 34
Exercise 1.1 Level 1 (Single correct option)
Exercise 1.1 Level 2 (Single correct option)
Exercise 1.2 (more than one correct options)
Exercise 1.3 (Assertion and Reasoning type questions)
Exercise 1.4 (Passage & Matrix)
Exercise 1.5 (Past years JEE-(Main and Advance)
Hints and Solutions (Solution of all exercises)
2. Vectors 61-92
Definitions Explanations and Derivations 62
2.1 Scalar quantity or scalar 62
2.2 Vector quantity or vector 62
2.3 Vectors operations 65
2.4 Addition or subtraction of two vectors 65
2.5 Addition or subtraction of more than
two vectors 68
2.6 Product of two vectors 73
2.7 Geometrical interpretation of scalar
triple product 77
Exercise 2.1 Level 1 (Single correct option)
Exercise 2.1 Level 2 (Single correct option)
Exercise 2.2 (more than one correct options)
Exercise 2.3 (Assertion and Reasoning type questions)
Exercise 2.4 (Passage & Matrix)
Exercise 2.5 (Past years JEE-(Main and Advance)
Hints and Solutions (Solution of all exercises)
Contents
3. Motion in a Straight Line 93-146
3.1 Concept of a point object 94
3.2 Rest and motion are relative terms 94
3.3 Motion 94
3.4 Motion parameters 94
3.5 Equations of motion 97
3.6 Study of motion by graphs 105
3.7 Relative velocity 112
3.8 Motion with variable acceleration 118
3.9 Problems based on maxima and minima 118
Exercise 3.1 Level 1 (Single correct option)
Exercise 3.1 Level 2 (Single correct option)
Exercise 3.2 (more than one correct options)
Exercise 3.3 (Assertion and Reasoning type questions)
Exercise 3.4 (Passage & Matrix)
Exercise 3.5 (Past years JEE-(Main and Advance)
Hints and Solutions (Solution of all exercises)
4. Motion in a Plane 147-202
4.1 Introduction 148
4.2 Position vector and displacement 148
4.3 Average velocity 148
4.4 Average acceleration 149
4.5 Motion in a plane with constant
acceleration 150
4.6 Relative velocity in two dimensions 151
4.7 Projectile motion 157
4.8 Projection up on an inclined plane 169
4.9 Projection down the inclined plane 170
4.10 Motion along a curved path 171
4.11 Constraint relations 179
Exercise 4.1 Level 1 (Single correct option)
Exercise 4.1 Level 2 (Single correct option)
Exercise 4.2 (more than one correct options)
Exercise 4.3 (Assertion and Reasoning type questions)
Exercise 4.4 (Passage & Matrix)
Exercise 4.5 (Past years JEE-(Main and Advance)
Hints and Solutions (Solution of all exercises)
 Chapter 1

Units and Measurements

1.9 ERRORS IN MEASUREMENT

Every measurement is limited by the reliability of the measuring instrument and skill of the person
making the measurement. If we repeat a particular measurement, we usually do not get the same result
every time. This imperfection in measurement can be expressed in two ways :
Accuracy and precision
Accuracy refers to the closeness of observed values to its true value of the quantity while precision
refers to closeness between the different observed values of the same quantity. High precision does
not mean high accuracy. The difference between accuracy and precision can be understand by the
following example : Suppose three students are asked to find the length of a rod whose length is known
to be 2.250 cm. The observations are given in the table.

Student Measurement-1 Measurement-2 Measurement-3 Average length

A. 2.25 cm 2.27 cm 2.26 cm 2.26 cm
B. 2.252 cm 2.250 cm 2.251 cm 2.251 cm
C. 2.250 cm 2.250 cm 2.251 cm 2.250 cm
It is clear from the above table, that the observations taken by student A are neither precise nor
accurate. The observations of student B are more precise. The observations of student C are precise as
well as accurate.
Error : Each instrument has its limitation of measurement. While taking the observation, some uncertainty
gets introduced in the observation. As a result, the observed value is somewhat different from true
value. Therefore,
Error = True value Observed value
Systematic errors : The errors which tend to occur of one sign, either positive or negative, are called
systematic errors. Systematic errors are due to some known cause which follow some specified rule.
We can eliminate such errors if we know their causes. Systematic errors may occur due to zero error of
an instrument, imperfection in experimental techniques, change in weather conditions like temperature,
pressure etc.
Random errors : The errors which occur randomly and irregularly in magnitude and sign are called
random errors. The cause of random errors are not known. If a person repeat the observations number
of times, he may get different readings every time. Random errors have almost equal chances for
positive and negative sign. Hence the arithmetic mean of large number of observations can be taken to
minimize the random error.
Mean value of a quantity : Since the probability of occurrence of positive and negative errors are same,
so the arithmetic mean of all observations can be taken as the true value of a observed quantity.
If a1, a2, ................an are the observed values of a quantity, then its true value a can be given by
a1 + a2 + ................ + an
a = amean =
n
n
1
= n ai
i =1
The absolute errors in individual observations are:
Da1 = a - a1
Da2 = a - a2
...........................
Dan = a - an
The mean absolute error is defined as
| Da1 | + | Da2 | +.................+ | Dan |
Da =
n
 Units and Measurements 27
n
1
= `
n i=
| Dai |
1
Thus the final result of the observed quantity can be expressed as a = a Da .
It is clear from above that any observed value can by (a - Da ) a (a + Da ) .
Relative or fractional error : The ratio of the mean absolute error to the true value of the quantity is called
relative error.
Da
Thus relative error =
a
Percentage error : If relative error is expressed in percentage is called percentage error.
Da
Thus percentage error = 100
a

Note: Absolute error has the unit of quantity. But relative error has no unit.

Combination of errors
4 3
Let we want to get the volume of sphere, V = pr . There involves multiplication of radius three times.
3
The measurement of radius has some error, then what will be error in calculating the volume of sphere?
The error in final result depends on the individual measurement as well as the mathematical operations
involved in calculating the result. Following rules are used to evaluate maximum possible error in any
computed quantity.
1. Error in addition
Let Z = X + Y. Suppose Dx be absolute errors in X and Dy be the absolute error in Y, then we
have
Z + Dz = (X Dx) + (Y Dy)
= (X + Y) (Dx + Dy)
\ Dz = (Z + Dz) Z
= (Dx + Dy)

Note: The maximum value of Dx or Dy can be least count of the instrument used.
Example : x = 2.20 cm, Dx will be 0.01 cm.

RULE : The maximum possible error in the addition of quantities is equal to the sum of their
absolute error.
Dz Dx + Dy
% error in Z, 100 = 100
Z X +Y

2. Error in subtraction
Let Z = XY
Z + Dz = (X Dx) (Y Dy)
= (X Y) (Dx m Dy)
\ Dz = (Z +Dz) Z
= Dx m Dy
For maximum possible error Dx and Dy must be of same sign.
\ Dz = (Dx + Dy)

RULE : The maximum possible error in subtraction of quantities is equal to the sum
of their absolute errors.
28 MECHANICS

Dz Dx + Dy
% error in Z, 100 = .
Z X -Y

3. Error in product
Let Z = XY
Z + Dz = (X Dx) (Y Dy)
= XY DxY XDy DxDy
\ Dz = (Z + Dz) Z
= (DxY + XDy) DxDy
If Dx and Dy are both small, their product be very small, therefore we can neglect it.
\ Dz = (DxY + XDy)
The maximum fractional error in Z,
Dz Dx Dy
= +
Z X Y
and maximum percentage error in Z,

Dz Dx Dy
100 = + 100
Z X Y

RULE : The maximum fractional error in the product is equal to the sum of the fractional
errors in the individual quantities.

Note: The product Dx Dy can not be neglected if the errors in x and y are order of 10% or more.
The product can be neglected, if the error in x and y are 1% or little more than this (say 2 to 3%).

4. Error in quotient or division

X
Let Z =
Y
X Dx
Then Z + Dz =
Y Dy

Dx
X 1
X
=
Dy
Y 1
Y

-1
X Dx Dy
= 1 1
Y X Y

X Dx Dy
=
Y 1 X 1 m Y

Dx Dy
Z + Dz = Z 1 1m
Y
or
X

Dz Dx Dy
= 1 1m
X Y
1+
Z

Dx Dy Dx Dy
= 1 m .
X Y X Y
 Units and Measurements 29
Dx Dy
As the term and are small, so their product can be neglected. The maximum fractional
X Y
error is given by

Dz Dx Dy
= +
Z X Y
And maximum possible percentage error in Z,

Dz Dx Dy
\ 100 = +
Y
100
Z X
RULE : The maximum fractional error in the quotient is equal to the sum of their individual
fractional errors.
5. Error in the power of a quantity
Let Z = Xn
Z + Dz = (X Dx)n
n
Dx
= Xn 1
X

Dx
; Z 1 n X

Z + Dz Dx
= 1 n
X
or
Z

Dz Dx
or 1+ = 1n
Z X
Dz Dx
\ = n
Z X
Maximum percentage error in Z

Dz Dx
100 = n 100
Z X

RULE : The fractional error in the quantity with n powers is n times the fractional
error in that quantity.

Note: Here n may have any value. It may be a whole number, fraction, positive or negative.

X aY b
General case : If Z = , the maximum possible fractional error in Z,
Wc

Dz Dx Dy Dw
= a X + b Y + c W
Z
The maximum possible percentage error
Dz Dx Dy Dw
100 = a +b +c 100
Z X Y W
The above used algebraic method in many operations become difficult to operate. In such situations
we can used differential method to find the error.

Differential method of calculation of errors

30 MECHANICS

X aY b
1. Let Z = k
Wc
where k is a constant.
Taking logarithms of both sides of equation, we get
ln Z = ln k + a ln X + b ln Y c ln W
Now differentiating partially the above expression, we have
dz dx dy dw
= a +b -c
Z X Y W
We can write above equation by writing D in place of d;
Dz Dx Dy Dw
= a +b -c
Z X Y W
Errors calculated by above equation, is known as mathematical error. But our interest is in
finding the maximum possible error.

Dz Dx Dy Dw
\ 100 = a +b +c 100
Z X Y W

W
2. Let Z =
(X +Y )
Taking logarithms of both sides of above equation, we have
ln Z = ln W ln (X + Y)
Differentiating partially, we get
dz dw d( x + y ) d w (d x + d y )
= - = -
Z W (X +Y ) W X +Y
(a) The maximum possible error in Z

Dz Dw Dx + Dy
= +
Z W (X +Y)

W
(b) For Z =
X -Y

Dz Dw Dx + Dy
= +
Z W X - Y

XY
3. Let Z =
U +V
Taking logarithms of both sides of above equation, we have
ln Z = ln X + ln Y ln (U + V)
Differentiating partially, we get
dz dx dy d (u + v )
= + -
Z X Y U +V

dx dy (du + dv )
= + -
X Y U +V
The maximum possible error in Z

Dz Dx Dy ( Du + Dv )
(a) = + +
Z X Y U + V
 Units and Measurements 31
XY Dz Dx Dy Du + Dv
(b) For Z = , = + +
U -V Z X Y U - V
4. Let Z = sinx
Differentiating partially, we get
dz = cos x dx
or Dz = cos x Dx

Dz cos x 1 - sin 2 x
and = Dx = Dx
Z sin x sin x

Dz 1 - z2
or = Dx
Z Z
 Chapter 4
Motion in a Plane

4.7 PROJECTILE MOTION

When a particle is projected obliquely near the earth surface, it moves simultaneously in horizontal and
vertical directions. Motion of such a particle is called projectile motion. Since there is no force acting
in horizontal direction, the velocity remains constant in this direction. In vertical direction gravitational
pull of earth produces the acceleration.
Assumptions used in projectile motion
(i) Neglecting the effect of air resistance on the projectile.
(ii) Assuming the acceleration due to gravity is constant at each point of projectile.
(iii) Neglecting the effect of curvature of earth.
We will discuss the following types of projections in details :

Type 1 : Projectile fired at some Type 2 : Horizontal projection Type 3 : Projectile fired from
angle with the horizontal. some height

Type 4 : Projection on an inclined plane Type 5 :Projection down the inclined plane
Figure. 4.21

ANALYSIS OF PROJECTILE OF TYPE 1

Let us consider a particle is projected with initial velocity u at an angle q with the horizontal (called angle of projection). The velocity
u has two rectangular components:
(i) The horizontal component ucosq, which remains constant throughout the motion of particle.
(ii) The vertical component usinq, which changes with time due to effect of gravity. Thus we have initial velocity
ur
u = u x i + u y j
ur
or u = ucosq i + usinq j

Figure. 4.22
158 MECHANICS
Velocity at any time t : Using first equation of motion in vertical direction, we have
vy = uy gt
= u sinq gt
ur
\ Velocity at any time t, v = v i + v j
x y
ur
or v = ucosqi + (usinq - gt )j.
Velocity at any height : At any height h
vx = ux = u cosq (i)
Figure. 4.23 and vy2 = uy2 2gh
= (u sinq)2 2gh (ii)
Squaring (i) and adding with equation (ii), we get
v = u 2 - 2 gh .
Position at any time t
Position of particle at any time t, is given by
ur
r = xi + yj
where
x = u cosq t (1)
1 2
and y = u sinq t gt
2

r 1 2
\ r = u cos q t i + (u sin q t - gt )j
2
2
1
or r = (u cos q t )2 + u sin q t - gt 2
2
Figure. 4.24
2
gt gt sin q
= ut 1+ -
2u u
y
and tanf =
x

1 2
u sin qt - 2 gt
or f = tan 1 ut cos q

2u sin q - gt
= tan1 .
2u cos q
The angle of elevation f of the highest point of the projectile;
u sin q
t =
g
u sin q
2u sin q - g
\ tanf = g
2u cos q
tan q
or tanf =
2
Equation of trajectory
We have, x = u cosq t
x
or t =
u cos q
 Motion in a Plane 159
1 2
and y = u sinq t gt
2
2
x 1 x
= u sinq g
u cos q 2 u cos q

gx 2
y = x tan q - .
2u 2 cos2 q
On comparing this equation with general equation of parabola, y = ax bx2, we find that path of
projectile is parabolic in nature.

Time of flight (T) : Total time of motion of particle in air is called time of flight.
The displacement in vertical direction (y-axis) becomes zero in whole time of motion. So we have
1 2
y = uy t at
2 y
1 2
or 0 = uyT gT
2

2u y 2u sin q
which gives T = = .
g g

Maximum height attained (H): The maximum vertical distance achieved by particle is Figure. 4.25
called maximum height.
At the highest point of projection vy = 0, so we have,
vy2 = uy2 2gh
or 0 = uy2 2gH

u y2 u 2 sin 2 q
which gives H = = .
2g 2g
Horizontal range (R) : The horizontal distance moved by particle in total time of flight is
called horizontal range.
2u y
Horizontal range, R = ux T = ux
g
2u x u y 2u cos q u sin q
= =
g g

u 2 sin 2q
or R = .
g
For maximum range, sin2q = 1 or 2q = 90 or q = 45.
u2
Thus Rmax = .
g

u2 sin2 45 u 2
Corresponding, H = = .
2g 4g

There are two angles of projection for same range:

Replacing q by (90 q) in the formula of range, we get
160 MECHANICS

u2 sin 2(90 -q)

R' =
g

u 2 sin(180 - 2q)
=
g

u 2 sin 2q
= = R.
g
Thus, for a given velocity of projection, a projectile has the same range for angle of projection q and
(90 q).
Time of flight for angle of projection q,
2u sin q
T1 =
g
and time of flight for angle of projection (90 q),
2u sin(90 - q)
T2 =
g
2u co s q
= .
Figure. 4.26 g
Multiplying T1 and T2, we get
2u sin q 2ucosq
\ T1T2 =
g g

2 u 2 sin 2 q
or T1T2 =
g g

2R
or T1T2 = .
g

More about projectile motion

1. If t1 is the time taken by projectile to reach a point P at height h and t2 is the time taken from point
P to ground level, then

2u sin q
t1 + t2 = T =
g

g (t1 + t 2 )
or u sinq = .
2
The height of point P,
1
h = u sinq t1 gt 2
2 1

g (t1 + t 2 ) 1
= t1 gt 2
2 2 1

1
or h = g t1 t2.
2
2. Change in momentum : Change in momentum between two positions of projectile is given by
uur uur uur ur ur
P = P f - Pi = m(v f - v i ) .
(a) Between point of projection and highest point
 Motion in a Plane 161
ur
vi = u cosq i + u sinq j
ur
and vf = u cosq i
uur
\ P = m [(u cosq i ) (u cosq i + u sinq j )]

or DP = mu sin q
(b) For the complete projectile motion
r
vi = u cosq i + u sinq j
Figure. 4.27
r
vf = u cosq i u sinq j
uur
\ P = m [(u cosq i u sinq j ) (u cosq i + u sinq j )]

or DP = 2 mu sin q

ANALYSIS OF PROJECTILE OF TYPE 2 : HORIZONTAL PROJECTION

Let a particle be projected horizontally with initial velocity u from height h.
Velocity at any time t
We have, vx = u
and vy = uy + gt
or = 0 + gt
r =
\ v u i - gt j

and v = u 2 + ( g t )2

gt
Also tana = .
u
Position at any time t Figure. 4.28
Taking point of projection as the origin, the position vector at any time t
ur
r = x i y j .
where x = ut
1 2
and y = gt
2

r 1 2
\ r = uti - gt j
2

2
1
Displacement s = r= (u t ) 2 + g t 2
2
Equation of trajectory
x
We have, x = ut or t =
u
1 2
and y = gt
2
2
1 x
= g
2 u
162 MECHANICS

1 x2
or y = - g 2
2 u
Time of flight (T)
1
We have, h = uyt + a t2
2 y
1
or h = 0+ g T2
2
2h
which gives T = .
g
Horizontal range (R)
R = ux T
2h
= u .
g
The average acceleration in total time of flight is g downward.

ANALYSIS OF PROJECTILE OF TYPE 3

Method - I :
Let us consider a particle is projected with initial velocity 100 m/s at an angle 30 with
the horizontal. The height of projection is 100 m.
Time of flight (T)
1 2
We have y = uy t + gt
2
1
or 100 = 100 sin 30 T + 10 T2
2
or T2 10 T 20 = 0
Figure. 4.29
10 (-10)2 - 4 1 (-20)
which gives T =
2
= 11.71 s
(consider only positive value)

The horizontal range (R)

R = ux T = 100 cos 30 11.71

3
= 100 11.71
2
= 1014 m.
Method - II :
Taking point of projection as the origin, the coordinates of point of strike are (R, 100 m).
We have,

gx 2
y = x tanq
2u 2 cos 2 q
Here y = 100 m and x=R

10 R 2
\ 100 = R tan 30
2(100)2 cos 2 30 Figure. 4.30
or R2 866 R 150000 = 0
 Motion in a Plane 163

866 (866)2 + 4 150000

which gives, R =
2
= 1014 m (consider only positive value)
R
Time of flight, T = = 11.71 s.
u cos q

FORMULAE USED
Projectile Type 1 y

1. ux = u cos q, uy = u sin q u
H
ax = 0, ay = g . q x
O R
2. Position after time t
1 2
x = u cos q t, y = u sin q t gt
2
3. Equation of trajectory

gx 2
y = x tan q .
2u 2 cos 2 q
2u sin q
4. Time of flight, T = .
g

u 2 sin 2 q
5. Maximum height, H = .
2g

u 2 sin 2q
6. Horizontal range, R = g

u2
7. Maximum range, Rmax = , for q = 45
g
u
Projectile Type 2
1. Position after time t
1 2 h
x = ut, y = gt
2

gx 2 x
2. Equation of trajectory, y = . R
2
2u

3. Velocity after time t, v = u 2 + (gt)2

2h
4. Time to hit the ground, T = g

2h
5. Horizontal range, R = uT = u g
.