The following data are obtained when dinitrogen and dioxygen react together to form different compounds:
| Mass of dinitrogen | Mass of dioxygen | |
|---|---|---|
| (i) | 14 g | 16 g |
| (ii) | 14 g | 32 g |
| (iii) | 28 g | 32 g |
| (iv) | 28 g | 80 g |
(a) Which law of chemical combination is obeyed by the above experimental data? Give its statement. (b) Fill in the blanks in the following conversions: (i) 1 km = ............ mm = ............ pm (ii) 1 mg = ............ kg = ............ ng (iii) 1 mL = ............ L = ............ dm3
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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: …
Given data
| Mass of dinitrogen | Mass of dioxygen | |
|---|---|---|
| (i) | 14 g | 16 g |
| (ii) | 14 g | 32 g |
| (iii) | 28 g | 32 g |
| (iv) | 28 g | 80 g |
- The data shows that for a fixed mass of dinitrogen (14 g or 28 g), the masses of dioxygen that combine are in the ratio of small whole numbers. For 14 g of N₂, O₂ masses are 16 g and 32 g — ratio 1:2. For 28 g of N₂, O₂ masses are 32 g and 80 g — ratio 2:5. This obeys the Law of Multiple Proportions.
Note
Statement: When two elements combine to form more than one compound, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other are in the ratio of small whole numbers.
- Conversions:
| Given | Conversion | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 km | to mm | 1 km=106 mm |
| 1 km | to pm | 1 km=1015 pm |
| 1 mg | to kg | 1 mg=10−6 kg |
| 1 mg | to ng | 1 mg=106 ng |
The data obey 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 simple whole-number ratio. Here, fixing 14 g of nitrogen, the oxygen masses are 16 g, 32 g, 32 g, and 40 g — ratios 1 : 2 : 2 : 2.5 (or 2 : 4 : 4 : 5). The unit conversions are: (i) 1 km = 10⁶ mm = 10¹⁵ pm;
(ii) 1 mg = 10⁻⁶ kg = 10⁶ ng;
(iii) 1 mL = 10⁻³ L = 10⁻³ dm³.
Part (a) — The Law of Chemical Combination
1. What the data is telling us
We have four experiments where nitrogen and oxygen react. Look at the masses:
| Experiment | N₂ (g) | O₂ (g) |
|---|---|---|
| (i) | 14 | 16 |
| (ii) | 14 | 32 |
| (iii) | 28 | 32 |
| (iv) | 28 | 80 |
The key insight: the mass of nitrogen is not the same in all cases. To test the Law of Multiple Proportions, we must fix the mass of one element and see how the mass of the other varies.
2. Fix the mass of nitrogen
Take 14 g of nitrogen as the reference.
- In (i), oxygen is already 16 g.
- In (ii), oxygen is 32 g.
- In (iii), we have 28 g of nitrogen — that’s twice 14 g. So the oxygen that would combine with 14 g of nitrogen is half of 32 g = 16 g.
- In (iv), again 28 g of nitrogen → half of 80 g = 40 g of oxygen per 14 g N₂.
So, for a fixed 14 g of nitrogen, the masses of oxygen are:
16 g, 32 g, 16 g, 40 g
3. Find the ratios
Divide each by the smallest (16 g):
- 16 ÷ 16 = 1
- 32 ÷ 16 = 2
- 16 ÷ 16 = 1
- 40 ÷ 16 = 2.5
These are 1 : 2 : 1 : 2.5. Multiply through by 2 to clear the decimal: 2 : 4 : 2 : 5 — a simple whole-number ratio.
A common mistake is to compare the oxygen masses directly without first fixing the nitrogen mass. If you just look at the raw numbers, you might think the ratios are 16 : 32 : 32 : 80 = 1 : 2 : 2 : 5 — which is also a simple ratio, but that’s coincidental. The law requires fixing one element’s mass. Always do that step.
4. Which law is this?
This is the Law of Multiple Proportions (Dalton, 1803). It states:
Law of Multiple Proportions: 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.
Here, nitrogen and oxygen form several oxides (NO, NO₂, N₂O₃, N₂O₅, etc.). The data matches exactly.
You can also check by looking at the compounds formed:
- 14 g N + 16 g O → NO (molar mass 30 g, N:O = 14:16)
- 14 g N + 32 g O → NO₂ (N:O = 14:32)
- 28 g N + 32 g O → N₂O₂? Actually that’s 2 × NO, so same ratio as (i).
- 28 g N + 80 g O → N₂O₅ (since 2×14 g N + 5×16 g O = 28 g + 80 g). The oxygen masses per fixed nitrogen are 16, 32, 16, 40 — exactly the masses needed for NO, NO₂, NO, and N₂O₅.
Part (b) — Unit Conversions
1. 1 km = ? mm = ? pm
We go stepwise:
- 1 km = 1000 m = 10³ m …
Solution Method: Law of Multiple Proportions (with Unit Conversion)
Part (a) — Identifying the Law
Step 1: Fix the mass of one element (dinitrogen).
Take cases where mass of dinitrogen is the same — here, 14 g appears in (i) and (ii).
Step 2: Find the ratio of masses of dioxygen.
- Case (i): 16 g of dioxygen
- Case (ii): 32 g of dioxygen
Ratio = 16:32=1:2 (a simple whole number ratio)
Step 3: Check another fixed mass (28 g dinitrogen).
- Case (iii): 32 g of dioxygen
- Case (iv): 80 g of dioxygen
Ratio = 32:80=2:5 (again a simple whole number ratio)
Step 4: Conclude the law.
This obeys the Law of Multiple Proportions.
Statement: 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.
Part (b) — Unit Conversions
Method: Factor-Label Method (Dimensional Analysis)
Multiply by conversion factors equal to 1, cancelling unwanted units.
(i) 1 km = ? mm = ? pm
-
km → mm:
1 km=1×103 m=1×103×103 mm=106 mm
Answer: 106 mm
-
km → pm:
1 km=103 m=103×1012 pm=1015 pm
Answer: 1015 pm
(ii) 1 mg = ? kg = ? ng
-
mg → kg:
1 mg=10−3 g=10−3×10−3 kg=10−6 kg
Answer: 10−6 kg
-
mg → ng: …
Common Mistakes Students Make on This Question (Unit Conversion & Law of Multiple Proportions)
Part (a): Law of Multiple Proportions
Mistake 1: Confusing the law with Law of Definite Proportions
- What students do wrong: They think the fixed mass ratio of N:O in each compound proves the Law of Definite Proportions.
- Why it's wrong: The Law of Definite Proportions says a given compound always has the same ratio. Here, we have different compounds (different ratios), so it's the Law of Multiple Proportions.
- How to avoid: Ask yourself: Are we comparing different compounds or the same compound? If different ratios exist for the same elements, it's Multiple Proportions.
Mistake 2: Not calculating the ratio correctly
- What students do wrong: They compare masses directly without fixing one element's mass.
- Why it's wrong: The law requires comparing masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other.
- How to avoid:
- Fix the mass of nitrogen (say 14 g).
- Find the masses of oxygen that combine with it:
- (i) 14 g N + 16 g O → ratio = 16
- (ii) 14 g N + 32 g O → ratio = 32
- (iii) 28 g N + 32 g O → for 14 g N, O = 16 g → ratio = 16
- (iv) 28 g N + 80 g O → for 14 g N, O = 40 g → ratio = 40
- The oxygen masses (16, 32, 16, 40) are in simple whole-number ratios: 1:2:1:2.5 → but 2.5 = 5/2, so multiply by 2 → 2:4:2:5 → simple whole numbers.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the statement of the law
- What students do wrong: They write a vague or incomplete statement.
- How to avoid: Memorise the exact statement:
"If two elements combine to form more than one compound, the masses of one element that combine with a fixed mass of the other are in the ratio of small whole numbers."
Part (b): Unit Conversions
Mistake 4: Mixing up prefixes (kilo, milli, nano, pico)
- What students do wrong: They confuse the order or magnitude of prefixes.
- How to avoid: Memorise the prefix ladder:
- kilo (k) = 103
- milli (m) = 10−3
- nano (n) = 10−9
- pico (p) = 10−12
- deci (d) = 10−1
- centi (c) = 10−2
Mistake 5: Incorrect conversion factor for km → mm
- What students do wrong: They think 1 km = 103 m = 103×103 mm = 106 mm (wrong!).
- Why it's wrong: 1 m = 1000 mm = 103 mm, so 1 km = 103 m × 103 mm/m = 106 mm.
- How to avoid: Write step-by-step:
- 1 km=103 m
- 1 m=103 mm
- So 1 km=103×103=106 mm
Mistake 6: Confusing pm (picometer) with nm (nanometer)
- What students do wrong: They use 10−9 for pico instead of 10−12.
- How to avoid: Remember: pico = 10−12, nano = 10−9.
- 1 km=103 m=103×1012 pm=1015 pm
Mistake 7: mg → kg conversion error
- What students do wrong: They think 1 mg = 10−3 kg (wrong!).
- Why it's wrong: 1 mg = 10−3 g, and 1 g = 10−3 kg, so 1 mg = 10−3×10−3=10−6 kg.
- How to avoid: Use the chain:
- 1 mg=10−3 g
- 1 g=10−3 kg
- So 1 mg=10−3×10−3=10−6 kg …
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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