Q.Which of the following statements indicates that law of multiple proportion is being followed.
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Unit Conversion
Unit Conversion: Why 1 Metre and 100 Centimetres Are the Same Thing
Imagine you're measuring the length of your desk. You pull out a ruler marked in centimetres and find it's 120 cm long. Your friend, using a metre stick, says it's 1.2 m. You're both right — you've just used different units to describe the same physical length.
That's the core idea: unit conversion is the process of changing how you express a quantity without changing the quantity itself.
The Intuition: Same Quantity, Different Labels
Think of a pizza. Whether you call it "one pizza" or "8 slices," the amount of pizza hasn't changed. You've just used a different unit (pizza vs. slice) to describe it.
Similarly, 1 metre and 100 centimetres are the same length — just like 1 pizza and 8 slices are the same amount. The number changes (1 becomes 100, or 1 becomes 8), but the actual thing being measured stays identical.
This is the most important idea to hold onto: conversion changes the number, not the quantity. If you ever feel like the quantity has changed, you've made a mistake.
The Precise Statement
Unit conversion is the multiplication of a quantity by a conversion factor — a fraction equal to 1 — that cancels the old unit and introduces the new one.
A conversion factor looks like this:
old unitnew unit=1
For length: 100 cm1 m=1 and 1 m100 cm=1.
Why are these fractions equal to 1? Because 1 metre is 100 centimetres. The numerator and denominator describe the same physical length, so their ratio is exactly 1.
How to Convert: The Only Rule You Need
Multiply by a conversion factor that cancels the unit you have and leaves the unit you want.
Let's convert 120 cm to metres:
- Start with what you have: 120 cm
- Choose the conversion factor that has "cm" in the denominator (to cancel it) and "m" in the numerator: 100 cm1 m
- Multiply:
120 cm×100 cm1 m=100120 m=1.2 m
The "cm" units cancel just like numbers do: cmcm=1.
Always write the units explicitly. If the units don't cancel correctly, you've used the wrong conversion factor. This catches 90% of conversion mistakes.
The Reverse: Metres to Centimetres
Now convert 1.2 m to cm. This time, you want "cm" to remain and "m" to cancel. Use 1 m100 cm:
1.2 m×1 m100 cm=1.2×100 cm=120 cm
Notice: when going from a larger unit (m) to a smaller unit (cm), the number gets larger (1.2 → 120). When going from smaller to larger, the number gets smaller (120 → 1.2). This is a useful sanity check.
Common Conversion Factors You'll Use
| Quantity | Relationship | Conversion Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1 m = 100 cm | 100 cm1 m, 1 m100 cm |
| Mass | 1 kg = 1000 g | 1000 g1 kg, 1 kg1000 g |
| Time | 1 h = 60 min | 60 min1 h, 1 h60 min |
| Speed | 1 km/h = 36001000 m/s | 1 km1000 m×3600 s1 h |
Why this formula?
Dimensional Analysis: Why the Key Principles Hold
Dimensional Analysis is a powerful tool in physics and engineering that lets us check the consistency of equations, derive relationships, and convert units. But why does it work? Let's build the reasoning from the ground up.
1. The Core Idea: Physical Quantities Have Dimensions
Every physical quantity (like length, time, mass) can be expressed in terms of fundamental dimensions. The most common set in mechanics is:
- L = Length
- M = Mass
- T = Time
For example:
- Speed has dimensions [LT−1]
- Force has dimensions [MLT−2]
- Energy has dimensions [ML2T−2]
Why this matters: Two quantities can only be meaningfully compared or equated if they have the same dimensions. You cannot add apples to oranges — and you cannot add length to time.
2. The Principle of Dimensional Homogeneity
The key formula that underpins everything is:
Every valid physical equation must be dimensionally homogeneous.
This means: the dimensions on the left-hand side must equal the dimensions on the right-hand side.
Why must this hold?
Consider an equation like:
v=u+at
- Left side: [v]=LT−1
- Right side: [u]=LT−1, [at]=(LT−2)(T)=LT−1
Both sides have dimensions LT−1. If they didn't match, the equation would be physically meaningless — you'd be comparing quantities that cannot be equal in any real experiment.
Reasoning: Physical laws describe relationships between measurable quantities. If the dimensions don't match, the equation cannot represent a real physical relationship, because the numerical value would depend on the arbitrary choice of units.
3. The Buckingham Pi Theorem: Why We Can Derive Relationships
This is the deeper mathematical reason. The Buckingham Pi Theorem states:
If a physical problem involves n variables and k fundamental dimensions, then it can be reduced to n−k independent dimensionless groups (called π groups).
Why does this work?
Imagine you have a relationship:
f(Q1,Q2,…,Qn)=0
where each Qi has dimensions. Because the equation must be dimensionally homogeneous, we can rearrange it into a function of dimensionless products only:
F(π1,π2,…,πn−k)=0
The reasoning: Dimensions act as constraints. Each fundamental dimension (M, L, T) gives one constraint. So if you have n variables and k constraints, you only have n−k independent dimensionless combinations.
Example: For a simple pendulum, the period T depends on length L, mass m, and gravity g. That's 4 variables with 3 dimensions (M, L, T). So 4−3=1 dimensionless group: π=LT2g. This tells us T∝L/g without solving any differential equation.
4. Why We Can Convert Units Using Dimensional Analysis
The conversion factor formula:
Value in new unit=Value in old unit×(new unitold unit)dimension exponent
Why this works: …
The key idea is the law of multiple proportions: when two elements form more than one compound, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other are in a ratio of small whole numbers.
Step 1 – Identify the fixed element. In option (ii), carbon is fixed.
Step 2 – Find the masses of oxygen combining with that fixed mass. In CO, 16 g of oxygen combines with 12 g of carbon. In CO₂, 32 g of oxygen combines with 12 g of carbon. …
The law of multiple proportion applies when two elements form more than one compound, and the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other are in a simple whole-number ratio. Option (ii) is the correct statement.
The law of multiple proportion is one of the fundamental laws of chemical combination, proposed by John Dalton. It deals specifically with pairs of elements that form more than one compound. The key idea is this: if element A and element B form two different compounds, the mass of B that combines with a fixed mass of A in the first compound, compared to the mass of B that combines with the same fixed mass of A in the second compound, will be in a ratio of small whole numbers (like 2:1, 3:2, etc.).
Why does this happen? Because atoms combine in fixed, whole-number ratios. If carbon and oxygen can form both CO and CO₂, then for the same number of carbon atoms, the oxygen atoms are in a 1:2 ratio — exactly what the law predicts.
Now let’s examine each option carefully.
-
Option (i) talks about a sample of carbon dioxide always having carbon and oxygen in the ratio 1:2. This is actually the law of constant proportion (or definite proportion) — that a given compound always contains the same elements in the same proportion by mass. It does not involve two different compounds, so it cannot illustrate the law of multiple proportion.
-
Option (ii) explicitly states that carbon forms two oxides, CO₂ and CO, and that the masses of oxygen combining with a fixed mass of carbon are in the simple ratio 2:1. This is a textbook example of the law of multiple proportion. Let’s verify: in CO, 12 g of carbon combines with 16 g of oxygen. In CO₂, 12 g of carbon combines with 32 g of oxygen. The ratio of oxygen masses is 16:32 = 1:2 (or 2:1 depending on order). That’s a simple whole-number ratio — exactly what the law demands. …
Concept: Law of Multiple Proportions
The Law of Multiple Proportions states:
When two elements combine to form more than one compound, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element are in the ratio of small whole numbers.
Method: Fixed-Mass Comparison Method
Steps:
- Identify the two elements involved in the compounds.
- Fix the mass of one element (usually the first element) to a constant value across all compounds.
- Find the masses of the other element that combine with this fixed mass.
- Take the ratio of these masses.
- Check if the ratio is a simple whole number ratio (like 2:1, 3:2, etc.).
Applying to the options:
| Option | Analysis | Follows Law? |
|---|---|---|
| (i) | Talks about constant composition (same ratio from any source) — this is Law of Definite Proportions, not multiple proportions. | ✗ |
Here are the common mistakes students make with this question and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Confusing the Law of Multiple Proportions with the Law of Constant (Definite) Proportions
The Mistake:
Students often pick option (i) because it mentions a fixed ratio (1:2) of elements in a compound. They see "ratio" and assume it fits.
Why it is wrong:
Option (i) describes the Law of Constant Proportions (also called the Law of Definite Proportions). This law states that a given chemical compound always contains its component elements in a fixed ratio by mass, regardless of its source. The Law of Multiple Proportions, however, deals with two different compounds formed from the same two elements.
How to Avoid:
- Use a keyword filter: When you see "fixed ratio" or "same ratio from any source," think Constant Proportions.
- Look for two compounds: The Law of Multiple Proportions always requires comparing at least two distinct compounds (e.g., CO and CO₂, or H₂O and H₂O₂). Option (i) only talks about one compound (carbon dioxide).
Mistake 2: Misinterpreting the "Simple Ratio" Condition
The Mistake:
Students may understand that two compounds are needed, but they fail to check the fixed mass of one element condition. They might pick an option that shows a ratio of masses, but not for a fixed mass of the other element.
Why it is wrong:
The law states: "When two elements combine to form more than one compound, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other element are in a ratio of small whole numbers."
How to Avoid:
- Always identify the "fixed mass" element. In option (ii), the statement explicitly says "masses of oxygen which combine with fixed mass of carbon." This is the correct setup.
- Check the ratio: For CO (carbon monoxide), 12 g of carbon combines with 16 g of oxygen. For CO₂, 12 g of carbon combines with 32 g of oxygen. The masses of oxygen (16 and 32) are in the ratio 16:32=1:2, which is a simple whole number ratio. This is the perfect example.
Mistake 3: Confusing the Law of Multiple Proportions with the Law of Conservation of Mass
The Mistake:
Students pick option (iii) because it talks about the mass of magnesium before and after the reaction being equal.
Why it is wrong:
Option (iii) describes the Law of Conservation of Mass: mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. It has nothing to do with comparing ratios of elements in different compounds.
How to Avoid:
- Recognize the "before and after" pattern: If a statement talks about the mass of reactants equaling the mass of products, it is always the Law of Conservation of Mass.
- Remember the focus: Multiple proportions is about comparing the composition of different compounds formed by the same elements, not about mass balance in a single reaction.
Mistake 4: Confusing the Law of Multiple Proportions with the Law of Gaseous Volumes (Gay-Lussac's Law)
The Mistake:
Students pick option (iv) because it shows a simple volume ratio (2:1:2) of gases.
Why it is wrong: …
Showing the 12 most recent of 24 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.Match the physical quantities with their Dimensional formulae:
Physical Quantity Dimensional Formula a) Coefficient of Viscosity (η) (i) | M−1L3T4A2 | | b) | Young's Modulus (Y) |(ii) | ML−1T−1 | | c) | Permittivity (ε) |(iii) | ML−1T−2 | | d) | Universal Gravitational constant (G) |(iv) | M−1L3T−2 | (A) a-(ii), b-(iii), c-(iv), d-(i) (B) a-(ii), b-(iii), c-(i), d-(iv) (C) a-(iii), b-(ii), c-(i), d-(iv) (D) a-(iv), b-(ii), c-(i), d-(iii)›Reveal solutionSolution
Matching each quantity to its known SI dimensional formula: viscosity-(ii), Young's modulus-(iii), permittivity-(i), gravitational constant-(iv).
Concept and Intuition
Each physical quantity has a fixed dimensional formula derivable from its defining equation. Recognizing a couple of these outright (especially G, which has a very distinctive L3T−2 signature, and viscosity/Young's modulus, which are both mechanical but differ by one power of T) lets the rest fall into place by elimination.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Young's modulus Y: stress/strain = (Force/Area)/(dimensionless) = L2MLT−2=ML−1T−2 — matches (iii).
- Coefficient of viscosity η: from Newton's law of viscosity, F=ηAdxdv, so η=AF⋅vL=L2MLT−2⋅LT−1L=ML−1T−1 — matches (ii).
- Universal gravitational constant G: from F=r2Gm1m2, G=m1m2Fr2=M2MLT−2⋅L2=M−1L3T−2 — this matches (iv) exactly. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-20-AN1 markMCQQ.Match the physical quantities in List I with the corresponding SI units in List II List I | List II A. Torque | I. N m s−1 B. Stress | II. N m kg−1 C. Latent heat | III. N m D. Power | IV. N m−2 (A) A – III, B – II, C – I, D – IV (B) A – III, B – IV, C – II, D – I (C) A – IV, B – I, C – III, D – II (D) A – II, B – III, C – I, D - IV
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests whether you can derive the SI unit of each quantity from its defining formula, then read it off in the N,m,kg,s combination given in List II. Answer: (B).
Concept and Intuition
Every mechanical quantity's unit can be built from its defining equation. Torque is a force times a lever arm, so its unit is simply force × length. Stress is force per unit area, the inverse geometry of torque. Latent heat is energy delivered per unit mass (no time involved — it's not a rate). Power is energy delivered per unit time. Keeping the defining relation in mind (not memorising units) lets you rebuild any of these from N, m, kg, s.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Torque τ=F×r: unit =N⋅m → matches III.
- Stress =F/A: unit =N/m2=Nm−2 → matches IV.
- Latent heat L=Q/m (heat per unit mass): unit =J/kg=(Nm)/kg=Nmkg−1 → matches II. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-23-FN1 markMCQQ.Of the following, the pair of physical quantities not having the same dimensional formula is (A) work and torque (B) angular momentum and Planck's constant (C) stress and linear momentum (D) surface tension and force constant
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests recall/derivation of dimensional formulas for several physical-quantity pairs to find the one mismatch. Answer: (C).
Concept and Intuition
Many pairs of physical quantities share a dimensional formula even though they measure conceptually different things — that's exactly why "dimensional formula" problems are useful for unit-consistency checks but can't distinguish physically different quantities. Here we must actually compute each pair's dimensions.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Work and torque: Work =F⋅d, torque =F⋅d (force times a perpendicular distance) — both give [ML2T−2]. Same.
- Angular momentum and Planck's constant: Angular momentum L=mvr has dimensions [M][LT−1][L]=[ML2T−1]. Planck's constant from E=hν: h=E/ν, dimensions [ML2T−2]/[T−1]=[ML2T−1]. Same.
- Stress and linear momentum: Stress = force/area =[MLT−2]/[L2]=[ML−1T−2]. Linear momentum =mv=[M][LT−1]=[MLT−1]. These are not the same (different powers of L and T). …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-20-AN1 markMCQQ.The electron gain enthalpy (ΔegH) of chlorine is −3.7eVmol−1. How much of energy (in k cal mol−1) is released when 7.1 g of chlorine atoms are completely converted into Cl− ions in gaseous state ? (1 eV = 23 k cal) (A) 1.072 (B) 10.72 (C) 17.02 (D) 1.702
›Reveal solutionSolution
Converting the given electron gain enthalpy to kcal/mol and scaling by the moles of chlorine atoms present gives 17.02 kcal released.
Concept and Intuition
Electron gain enthalpy is the energy change when a gaseous atom gains an electron. Since it's negative (energy released) for chlorine, converting to a consistent energy unit and multiplying by the number of moles gives the total heat released.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Moles of Cl atoms: n=35.5 g/mol7.1 g=0.2 mol.
- Convert ΔegH to kcal/mol: 3.7 eV×23 kcal/eV=85.1 kcal/mol (magnitude; the process releases this energy). …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-05-20-FN1 markMCQQ.If σ denotes Stefan constant and S denotes heat capacity, then the dimensional formula of σS is (A) [M0L2T−1K3] (B) [M0L2TK3] (C) [ML2T−1K−4] (D) [M0L2T−1K−3]
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using σ=[MT−3K−4] from Stefan's law and S=[ML2T−2K−1] for heat capacity, dividing gives S/σ=[M0L2TK3]. Answer: (B).
Concept and Intuition
Dimensional analysis lets us find the units of a derived physical constant purely from the physical law that defines it, without needing to remember the units by rote. The Stefan-Boltzmann law E=σT4 (power radiated per unit area by a black body, proportional to the fourth power of absolute temperature) directly gives us σ's dimensions once we know the dimensions of power and area. Heat capacity, defined as S=Q/ΔT (heat energy needed per unit rise in temperature), similarly follows directly from the dimensions of energy and temperature.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write Stefan's law: E=σT4, where E is the power emitted per unit surface area, so E has dimensions of AreaPower=[L2][ML2T−3]=[MT−3].
- So σ=T4E=[K4][MT−3]=[ML0T−3K−4].
- Write the definition of heat capacity: S=ΔTQ, where Q (heat energy) has dimensions of energy, [ML2T−2], and ΔT has dimensions [K].
- So S=[K][ML2T−2]=[ML2T−2K−1]. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-26-AN1 markMCQQ.If force =density+β3α, then the dimensional formulae of α and β are respectively (A) [ML2T−2],[ML−1/3T0] (B) [M2L4T−2],[M1/3L−1T0] (C) [M2L−2T−2],[M1/3L−1T0] (D) [M2L−2T−2],[ML−3T0]
›Reveal solutionSolution
Tests the principle of dimensional homogeneity — only like quantities can be added. The answer is (C).
Concept and Intuition
In any physically valid equation, terms being added or subtracted must have identical dimensions — you cannot add mass to length. Here β3 is added to density inside the denominator, so β3 must itself carry the dimensions of density.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Density has dimensions [ML−3].
- Since β3 is added to density, [β3]=[ML−3], so [β]=[M1/3L−1T0].
- Because β3 matches density's dimensions, the whole denominator (density+β3) also has dimensions [ML−3]. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-18-FN1 markMCQQ.Match the followinga) Thermal conductivity i) MLT−3K−1b) Boltzman constant ii) M0L2T−2K−1c) Latent heat iii) ML2T−2K−1d) Specific heat iv) M0L2T−2 (A) a-i, b-iii, c-iv, d-ii (B) a-i, b-ii, c-iv, d-iii (C) a-iii, b-ii, c-i, d-iv (D) a-ii, b-i, c-iii, d-iv
›Reveal solutionSolution
Matching each thermal quantity's SI unit to its dimensional formula gives a-i, b-iii, c-iv, d-ii.
Concept and Intuition
Each thermal quantity's dimensional formula follows directly from its defining equation and SI unit; recognizing whether mass and temperature appear (and with what power) quickly distinguishes the four formulas given.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Thermal conductivity k: defined via Q=dkAΔTt, with SI unit Wm−1K−1=kgms−3K−1 → dimension MLT−3K−1, matching (i).
- Boltzmann constant kB: appears in E=kBT (energy = kB× temperature), so its unit is J/K=kgm2s−2K−1 → dimension ML2T−2K−1, matching (iii).
- Latent heat L: defined via Q=mL, so unit is J/kg=m2s−2 → dimension M0L2T−2 (mass cancels out), matching (iv). …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-20-FN1 markMCQQ.E, m, L, G represent energy, mass, angular momentum and gravitational constant respectively. The dimensions of m5G2EL2 will be that of (A) Angle (B) Length (C) Mass (D) Time
›Reveal solutionSolution
A dimensional-analysis question: substitute the known dimensional formulas for energy, angular momentum, mass and G, and simplify.
Concept and Intuition
Quantities like plane angle, solid angle, strain and refractive index are dimensionless — recognizing that an expression's dimensions cancel completely to [M0L0T0] is the signal that it represents an angle (or another dimensionless ratio), never a physical quantity like length or time.
Step-by-Step Solution
- E (energy) =[ML2T−2]; L (angular momentum) =[ML2T−1]; m=[M]; G (from F=Gm1m2/r2) =[M−1L3T−2].
- Numerator: EL2=[ML2T−2]⋅[ML2T−1]2=[ML2T−2]⋅[M2L4T−2]=[M3L6T−4].
- Denominator: m5G2=[M5]⋅[M−1L3T−2]2=[M5]⋅[M−2L6T−4]=[M3L6T−4]. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-23-FN1 markMCQQ.Which of the following is not a unit of permeability (A) Henry meter−1 (B) Weber ampere−1 meter−1 (C) Ohm second meter−1 (D) Volt second meter−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Permeability is measured in Henry/meter; check each option by converting it to Henry/meter using 1H=1Ω⋅s=1Wb/A=1V⋅s/A — the option missing the per-ampere factor is not valid.
Concept and Intuition
Permeability μ (as in μ0) is defined via B=μH or via inductance formulas, and its SI unit is the Henry per metre (H/m). Since the Henry itself has several equivalent unit expressions (Wb/A, Ω⋅s, T⋅m/A), several of the listed options are just disguised forms of H/m. The trick is to convert every option back to base SI units and see which one is actually dimensionally inequivalent.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Standard unit: μ0 is in Henry per metre, H/m.
- (A) Henry meter−1 = H/m — this IS the standard unit.
- (B) Weber ampere−1 meter−1 = Wb/(A⋅m). Since 1H=1Wb/A, this is H/m — valid.
- (C) Ohm second meter−1 = Ω⋅s/m. Since Ω=V/A, this is (V⋅s/A)/m=H/m (because H=V⋅s/A from V=LdI/dt) — valid. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set ap-2023-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.If Young's modules of elasticity is Y=5bt3e2mglx, where 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity, 'm' is the mass, 'l' is the length, 'b' is the breadth, 't' is the thickness and 'e' is the elongation, then the value of x is (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
›Reveal solutionSolution
A dimensional-analysis question: matching the powers of length on both sides fixes x=3. Answer: (C) 3.
Concept and Intuition
Young's modulus is stress divided by strain, i.e. dimensionless strainForce/Area, giving dimensions [ML−1T−2] (same as pressure). Any correct physical formula for Y must reduce to exactly this dimension regardless of what the individual symbols mean — this lets us solve for an unknown exponent purely from dimensional consistency, without needing to know the physical derivation of the formula (which in this case is the standard bending-of-a-beam Young's modulus experiment, where l is the length between supports, b the breadth, t the thickness, and e the elongation/depression).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write the dimension of each quantity: [m]=M, [g]=LT−2, [l]=L, [b]=L, [t]=L, [e]=L (the numeric factors 2,5 are dimensionless).
- Numerator dimension: [m][g][lx]=M⋅LT−2⋅Lx=ML1+xT−2. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set ap-2023-05-23-AN1 markMCQQ.The energy consumed by a 1000 W electric bulb when it is used for 1 hour is (A) 3.6×105W (B) 3.6×106J (C) 3.6×106W (D) 3.6×105J
›Reveal solutionSolution
Energy consumed equals power times time: 1000 W×1 hour=3.6×106 J.
Concept and Intuition
Electrical energy consumed by an appliance is the product of its power rating and the duration of use: E=Pt. Power (watts) is energy per unit time, so multiplying by time (in seconds) recovers energy in joules. This is also the basis for the commercial unit 'kWh' (1 kWh = 1000 W × 3600 s = 3.6×106 J).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Given: P=1000 W, t=1 hour =3600 s.
- E=Pt=1000×3600=3.6×106 J.
- Options (A) and (C) are expressed in watts (a unit of power, not energy) — dimensionally wrong for 'energy consumed,' so they can be eliminated on units alone. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.Among the following, the unit of permeability is NOT represented by (A) henry/metre (B) weber/ampere (C) ohm-second/metre (D) volt-second/metre2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Permeability's SI unit is H/m, equally expressible as Wb/(A⋅m),
T⋅m/A, or Ω⋅s/m. "Volt-second per square metre" is dimensionally
just Wb/m2= tesla — the unit of magnetic flux density, not permeability — so it
is the one option that does NOT represent permeability.
Concept and Intuition
Permeability μ appears in B=μH, relating flux density B (tesla) to the
magnetising field H (ampere/metre). So dimensionally,
[μ]=[H][B]=A/mtesla=tesla⋅m⋅A−1.
Every correct unit of permeability must carry this exact combination: one length
in the numerator, one ampere in the denominator (along with whatever combination of
kg, m, s reproduces tesla). Recognising which listed unit is "one ampere short" (or
has an extra/misplaced length power) is the key skill being tested.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Recall the standard equivalent forms of permeability's unit, all equal to
kg⋅m⋅s−2⋅A−2:
- Henry/metre (H/m)
- Weber/(Ampere·metre) (WbA−1m−1)
- Ohm·second/metre (Ωsm−1)
- Tesla·metre/Ampere (TmA−1)
- Check (A) Henry/metre: this is the textbook SI unit itself — correct.
- Check (C) Ohm-second/metre: Ω=V/A, so Ω⋅s/m=(V⋅s)/(A⋅m)=Wb/(A⋅m)=H/m — correct (uses 1 Wb=1 V⋅s).
- Check (D) Volt-second/metre²: 1 V⋅s=1 Wb, so this unit is Wb/m2, which is exactly the definition of the tesla — the unit of magnetic flux density B, not of permeability μ. It is missing the /ampere …
- Recall the standard equivalent forms of permeability's unit, all equal to
kg⋅m⋅s−2⋅A−2:
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