Q.How many significant figures are present in the following?
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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 that significant figures follow specific rules: leading zeros are never counted, trailing zeros after a decimal are counted, and zeros between non-zero digits are always counted.
- 0.0025 — The leading zeros are not significant. Only the digits 2 and 5 count.
- 208 — The zero between 2 and 8 is significant.
- 5005 — Both zeros between 5 and 5 are significant.
- 126,000 — No decimal point is given, so the trailing zeros are not significant. Only 1, 2, and 6 count. …
Significant figures count all certain digits plus the first uncertain digit. The answers are: (i) 2,
(ii) 3,
(iii) 4,
(iv) 3,
(v) 4,
(vi) 5.
The Core Idea: What Are Significant Figures?
Significant figures (or significant digits) are the digits in a number that carry meaningful information about its precision. They include all digits that are known with certainty, plus one digit that is estimated (the first uncertain digit). The rules for counting them are designed to distinguish between digits that are truly measured and digits that are merely placeholders.
The trickiest part is handling zeros. Zeros can be significant or not, depending on where they appear. The key is to ask: Is this zero actually measured, or is it just holding a decimal place?
Step-by-Step Counting
Let’s go through each number one by one.
1. (i) 0.0025
Leading zeros (zeros to the left of the first non-zero digit) are never significant. They only locate the decimal point. Here, the first non-zero digit is 2. The zeros before it are placeholders. The digits 2 and 5 are both significant.
A quick trick: write the number in scientific notation. 0.0025=2.5×10−3. The coefficient 2.5 has two digits — that’s the number of significant figures.
So, 2 significant figures.
2. (ii) 208
All non-zero digits are always significant. The zero here is between two non-zero digits (2 and 8). Such “captive zeros” are always significant because they are part of the measured value — you wouldn’t write 208 if you only knew it was roughly 200.
So, 3 significant figures.
3. (iii) 5005
Again, the two zeros are captive between 5 and 5. They are significant. All four digits count.
So, 4 significant figures.
4. (iv) 126,000
This is a classic trap. The number has no decimal point. The trailing zeros (zeros at the end of a whole number) are ambiguous — they might be significant or just placeholders. By convention, without a decimal point, trailing zeros are not considered significant. Only the non-zero digits (1, 2, 6) count.
A common mistake is to count all zeros in a number like 126,000. Without a decimal, you cannot assume those zeros were measured. If the measurement was precise to the nearest thousand, the zeros are just placeholders. If it was precise to the nearest unit, the number would be written as 126,000. (with a decimal point) to show that all zeros are significant.
So, 3 significant figures.
5. (v) 500.0 …
Understanding Significant Figures
1. Concept First — The Idea Being Tested
Scientific Notation and significant figures are tools to express the precision of a measurement — not just its value. The core idea is:
Significant figures are the digits in a number that carry meaningful information about its precision.
Why does this matter?
In science and exams, a number like 500 could mean "exactly 500" or "roughly 500" depending on how it's written. Significant figures remove that ambiguity. The rules tell us which zeros count and which are just placeholders.
Intuition:
- Leading zeros (like in
0.0025) are never significant — they only locate the decimal point. - Trailing zeros after a decimal point (like in
500.0) are always significant — they show the measurement was precise to that decimal place. - Trailing zeros without a decimal point (like in
126,000) are ambiguous — they may or may not be significant. - All non-zero digits are always significant.
- Zeros between non-zero digits (like in
5005) are always significant.
2. Step-by-Step — With Reasoning
We'll apply these rules to each number.
(i) 0.0025
- Digits: 0, 0, 0, 2, 5
- Leading zeros (the first three zeros) are not significant — they only position the decimal.
- Non-zero digits 2 and 5 are significant.
- Count: 2 significant figures.
Reasoning: If we write in scientific notation: 0.0025=2.5×10−3. The coefficient 2.5 has two digits — that's the precision.
(ii) 208
- Digits: 2, 0, 8
- Non-zero digits 2 and 8 are significant.
- Zero between non-zero digits (the 0) is significant — it's part of the measured value.
- Count: 3 significant figures.
Reasoning: The zero is "sandwiched" — removing it would change the number to 28, which is different. So it counts.
(iii) 5005
- Digits: 5, 0, 0, 5
- Non-zero digits (first and last) are significant.
- Zeros between non-zero digits (both zeros) are significant.
- Count: 4 significant figures.
Reasoning: Same logic as 208 — the zeros are trapped between 5s, so they are part of the measurement.
(iv) 126,000
- Digits: 1, 2, 6, 0, 0, 0
- Non-zero digits 1, 2, 6 are significant.
- Trailing zeros (the three zeros at the end) — no decimal point is shown.
- Without a decimal point, trailing zeros are ambiguous. By standard convention, they are not considered significant unless specified otherwise (e.g., by scientific notation).
- Count: 3 significant figures.
Reasoning: 126,000 could mean 1.26×105 (3 sig figs) or 1.26000×105 (6 sig figs). In the absence of a decimal point, we assume the simpler case: only the non-zero digits count.
(v) 500.0
- Digits: 5, 0, 0, 0
- Non-zero digit 5 is significant.
- Zeros after the decimal point — all three zeros are significant because the decimal point tells us the measurement was precise to the tenths place.
- Count: 4 significant figures.
Reasoning: Writing 500.0 instead of 500 is a deliberate choice — it says "I measured this to the nearest 0.1 unit." Every digit after the decimal is part of that precision.
(vi) 2.0034
- Digits: 2, 0, 0, 3, 4 …
Common Mistakes in Scientific Notation (and How to Avoid Them)
Scientific notation is a compact way to write very large or very small numbers as:
a×10n
where 1≤a<10 and n is an integer.
Here are the most frequent errors students make, with the exact examples you gave.
Mistake 1: Misplacing the Decimal Point (Wrong a)
Example with 0.0048:
- ✗ Wrong: 0.48×10−2 (here a=0.48, which is less than 1)
- ✓ Correct: 4.8×10−3
Why it happens: Students stop too early — they move the decimal but don't check that a is between 1 and 10.
How to avoid: After writing a×10n, always check: is 1≤a<10? If a is less than 1 or greater than or equal to 10, you're not done.
Mistake 2: Wrong Sign of the Exponent
Example with 0.0048:
- ✗ Wrong: 4.8×103 (positive exponent for a small number)
- ✓ Correct: 4.8×10−3
Why it happens: Confusing "number of places moved" with "direction." Moving the decimal to the right (for numbers < 1) gives a negative exponent.
How to avoid: Use this rule:
- Small number (less than 1) → negative exponent
- Large number (greater than 10) → positive exponent
Mistake 3: Counting Trailing Zeros Incorrectly
Example with 234,000:
- ✗ Wrong: 2.34×105 (counted 5 places, but it's actually 5)
- ✗ Wrong: 2.34×104 (counted only 4 places)
- ✓ Correct: 2.34×105
Why it happens: The comma in 234,000 confuses the count. The decimal is after the last zero: 234,000. → move to between 2 and 3 → that's 5 places left.
How to avoid: Write the number without commas first: 234000. Then count the jumps from the original decimal position to the new one.
Mistake 4: Forgetting That Trailing Zeros After a Decimal Matter
Example with 500.0:
- ✗ Wrong: 5×102 (loses the precision of the trailing zero)
- ✓ Correct: 5.000×102 (or 5.0×102)
Why it happens: Students think "500.0 is just 500" — but in scientific notation, the digits after the decimal show the precision of the measurement.
How to avoid: Keep all significant digits from the original number. If the original has 500.0 (4 significant figures), your a must have 4 digits: 5.000.
Mistake 5: Forgetting That 8008 Already Has a Decimal
Example with 8008:
- ✗ Wrong: 8.008×104 (moved 4 places instead of 3)
- ✓ Correct: 8.008×103 …
Showing the 12 most recent of 17 on this concept.
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-A1 markMCQQ.The dimensional formula for specific resistance is: (A) [ML3T3A2] (B) [ML3T−3A−2] (C) [ML−3T−2A−2] (D) [ML3T−3A2]
›Reveal solutionSolution
Specific resistance (resistivity) is derived from resistance using R=ρAL, so its dimensional formula is [ML3T−3A−2], which corresponds to option (B).
Concept & Intuition
Specific resistance, or resistivity (ρ), is a material property that quantifies how strongly it opposes current flow. The key is to start from something familiar: resistance R, which obeys Ohm’s law V=IR. We know the dimensions of voltage (V), current (I), and length (L), and the relation R=ρAL ties them together. By finding the dimensions of R first, then isolating ρ, we get the answer cleanly.
Step-by-step derivation
- Recall the formula linking resistance and resistivity For a uniform conductor of length L and cross-sectional area A,
R=ρAL.
So resistivity is
ρ=R⋅LA.
If we find the dimensions of R, A, and L, we can combine them.
- Find the dimensions of resistance R from Ohm’s law
Ohm’s law: V=IR, so R=V/I.
- Current I has dimension [A] (amperes).
- Voltage V is work per unit charge: V=W/Q. Work W has dimensions of energy: [ML2T−2]. Charge Q=I⋅t, so [Q]=[AT]. Hence [V]=[AT][ML2T−2]=[ML2T−3A−1].
- Therefore,
[R]=[I][V]=[A][ML2T−3A−1]=[ML2T−3A−2].
- Combine with area and length
From ρ=R⋅LA:
- Area A has dimension [L2]. …
- COMEDK 2026Set 2026-A1 markMCQQ.In the equation X=G−1/2h1/2c5/2, where G- universal gravitation constant, h - Planck's constant and c - velocity of light, the dimensions of X are that of (A) Stress (B) Energy (C) Upthrust (D) Momentum
›Reveal solutionSolution
Substituting the dimensions of G, h and c into X=G−1/2h1/2c5/2 and adding exponents gives [X]=ML2T−2, the dimension of energy — option (B).
Concept
Every physical constant carries a dimensional formula in terms of mass M, length L and time T. Raising each to its power in the expression and summing the exponents base by base gives the dimensions of X:
[G]=M−1L3T−2,[h]=ML2T−1,[c]=LT−1.
Solution
- Apply each exponent:
[G−1/2]=(M−1L3T−2)−1/2=M1/2L−3/2T1,
[h1/2]=(ML2T−1)1/2=M1/2L1T−1/2,
[c5/2]=(LT−1)5/2=L5/2T−5/2.
- Multiply and collect exponents:
- Mass: 21+21=1.
- Length: −23+1+25=2.
- Time: 1−21−25=−2.
[X]=M1L2T−2. …
- KCET 2025Set D-41 markMCQQ.Match the following types of nuclei with examples shown Column-I \hspace{1cm} Column-II \ A. Isotopes \hspace{1cm} i. LiX7, BeX7 \ B. Isobars \hspace{1cm} ii. OX18, FX19 \ C. Isotopes \hspace{1cm} iii. HX1, HX2 (A) A-ii, B-iii, C-i (B) A-i, B-iii, C-ii (C) A-iii, B-ii, C-i (D) A-iii, B-i, C-ii
›Reveal solutionSolution
Classify each nuclide pair by what it holds constant — proton number (isotopes), mass number (isobars), or neutron number (isotones) — and match.
Step 1 — The three definitions.
For a nuclide ZAX, with Z = proton number, A = mass number and N=A−Z = neutron number:
Family Same Different Isotopes Z (same element) A (and hence N) Isobars A Z and N Isotones N Z and A (Column-I lists "Isotopes" twice; the third entry, C, must be Isotones — otherwise two rows would be identical and only one Column-II pair could satisfy them. The three Column-II pairs are exactly one of each family, which confirms the reading.)
Step 2 — Analyse each Column-II pair.
(i) Li7 and Be7
- 37Li: Z=3, A=7, N=4
- 47Be: Z=4, A=7, N=3
Same mass number (A=7), different Z ⇒ ISOBARS.
(ii) O18 and F19
- 818O: Z=8, A=18, N=18−8=10
- 919F: Z=9, A=19, N=19−9=10
Different Z, different A, but the same neutron number (N=10) ⇒ ISOTONES.
(iii) H1 and H2 …
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-A1 markMCQQ.What is the dimensional formula for electric flux? (A) [M1 L3 T−2 A−1] (B) [M2 L3 T−3 A−1] (C) [M1 L2 T−3 A−1] (D) [M1 L3 T−3 A−1]
›Reveal solutionSolution
Electric flux is defined as ΦE=E⋅A, so its dimension is the product of electric field and area. The electric field has dimensions [M1L1T−3A−1], and area has [L2], giving electric flux dimensions [M1L3T−3A−1], which corresponds to option (D).
The key is to recall that electric flux measures the "flow" of electric field through a surface. Since it's the dot product of electric field E and area vector A, its dimension is simply the product of their dimensions.
-
Start with the definition
Electric flux ΦE=E⋅A. So [ΦE]=[E]⋅[A].
-
Find the dimension of electric field E
From Coulomb’s law: F=4πε01r2q1q2, so E=qF.
Force F has dimensions [MLT−2], and charge q has dimensions [AT] (since current I=q/t).
Thus [E]=[AT][MLT−2]=[M1L1T−3A−1].
-
Find the dimension of area A
Area is length squared: [A]=[L2].
-
Multiply them
[ΦE]=[M1L1T−3A−1]×[L2]=[M1L3T−3A−1]. …
-
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-A1 markMCQQ.In the expression P=El2 m−5G−2 where E,1, m and G represent Energy, Angular Momentum, Mass and Gravitational Constant, the dimensions of P are (A) [M1 L2 T−2] (B) [M0 L2 T−2] (C) [M0 L0 T0] (D) [M0 L0 T−2]
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to substitute the fundamental dimensions of energy, angular momentum, mass, and the gravitational constant into the given expression and simplify. The result shows that P is dimensionless, so the correct option is (C).
We are given:
P=El2m−5G−2
where E = energy, l = angular momentum, m = mass, and G = gravitational constant. We need the dimensions of P.
Why this approach works
Every physical quantity can be expressed in terms of the fundamental dimensions: mass [M], length [L], and time [T]. By writing each given quantity in these dimensions, we can combine them algebraically to find the dimensions of P. If all dimensions cancel, P is dimensionless.
Step-by-step reasoning
- Dimensions of energy (E) Energy = work = force × distance. Force = mass × acceleration, so:
[E]=[MLT−2]×[L]=[ML2T−2]
- Dimensions of angular momentum (l) Angular momentum = moment of inertia × angular velocity, or more directly:
l=mass×velocity×radius
Velocity has dimensions [LT−1], so:
[l]=[M]×[LT−1]×[L]=[ML2T−1]
- Dimensions of mass (m) Simply:
[m]=[M]
- Dimensions of gravitational constant (G) From Newton’s law: F=Gr2m1m2. Rearranging:
G=m1m2Fr2
Force has dimensions [MLT−2], so:
[G]=[M2][MLT−2][L2]=[M−1L3T−2]
- Combine into the expression for P
[P]=[E]×[l]2×[m]−5×[G]−2
Substitute each:
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.The unit of universal gravitational constant is : (A) Nm2 kg2 (B) Nm−2 kg−2 (C) Nm−2 kg2 (D) Nm2 kg−2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The universal gravitational constant G appears in Newton’s law F=Gr2m1m2. Solving for G gives units of Nm2kg−2, so the correct choice is (D).
The key is to remember that units must balance in any physical equation. Newton’s law of gravitation tells us the force between two masses depends on their product and the inverse square of the distance. The constant G is the proportionality factor that makes the numbers work — so its units are whatever is needed to turn the right‑hand side into newtons.
- Start with the defining equation Newton’s law:
F=Gr2m1m2
Here F is force (in newtons, N), m1 and m2 are masses (in kg), and r is distance (in m).
- Rearrange to isolate G
G=m1m2Fr2
-
Substitute the base SI units
- Force F has units of N (newton).
- Distance r has units of m.
- Masses have units of kg.
So:
Units of G=(kg)(kg)(N)(m2)=Nm2kg−2
- Match with the options
- (A) Nm2kg2 → mass squared in numerator, wrong.
- (B) Nm−2kg−2 → distance in denominator, wrong.
- (C) Nm−2kg2 → both distance and mass inverted, wrong. …
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-E1 markMCQQ.Two physical quantities having the same dimensional formula [M1 L−1 T−2] are (A) Thrust and Strain (B) Moment of force and Thrust (C) Stress and Pressure (D) Work and thrust
›Reveal solutionSolution
The dimensional formula [M1 L−1 T−2] corresponds to pressure or stress — force per unit area. Among the options, only stress and pressure share this formula, so the correct choice is (C).
The key idea is that dimensional analysis lets us match physical quantities by their fundamental units. Here, the given formula [M1 L−1 T−2] means: one power of mass, one inverse power of length, and two inverse powers of time. That’s exactly the combination you get when you take force (mass × acceleration, [MLT−2]) and divide it by area ([L2]). So any quantity that is “force per unit area” will have this formula. The classic examples are pressure and stress. Let’s check each option.
-
Option (A): Thrust and Strain
- Thrust is a force (e.g., from a rocket engine), so its dimension is [MLT−2].
- Strain is a ratio of lengths (change in length / original length), so it is dimensionless: [M0L0T0].
- They do not match the given formula. So (A) is wrong.
-
Option (B): Moment of force and Thrust
- Moment of force (torque) is force × distance, so its dimension is [ML2T−2].
- Thrust, as above, is [MLT−2].
- These are different from each other and from the target formula. So (B) is wrong.
-
Option (C): Stress and Pressure
- Stress = force / area, and pressure = force / area. Both have dimension [MLT−2]/[L2]=[ML−1T−2].
- This matches exactly. So (C) is correct.
-
Option (D): Work and Thrust …
-
- COMEDK 2025Set 2025-M1 markMCQQ.If R and L denote resistance and inductance of a material, then the dimension of LR will be: (A) M2L4T−5A−4 (B) MLTA−1 (C) M0L0T0A0 (D) M−1L4TA−3
›Reveal solutionSolution
Computing [L] and [R] from their defining relations and multiplying gives M2L4T−5A−4, matching option (A).
Concept & Intuition
Inductance appears in the energy stored by an inductor, U=21LI2; resistance appears in Ohm's law, V=IR. Using energy (ML2T−2), current (A), and voltage as energy per charge, both dimensions follow directly.
Step-by-step derivation
-
Dimension of L.
From U=21LI2: [L]=[I]2[U]=A2ML2T−2=ML2T−2A−2.
-
Dimension of R.
Voltage is energy per charge: [V]=ATML2T−2=ML2T−3A−1. From V=IR: [R]=[I][V]=ML2T−3A−2.
-
Multiply.
[LR]=(ML2T−2A−2)(ML2T−3A−2)=M2L4T−5A−4 …
-
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-A1 markMCQQ.If units of mass, length and gravitational constant are chosen to fundamental units, the dimensions of time would be (A) M1/2 L1/2G−1/2 (B) M1 L1/2G2 (C) M−1/2 L3/2G−1/2 (D) M−1 L3G−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
We treat mass (M), length (L), and the gravitational constant (G) as fundamental dimensions, then solve for the dimension of time (T) by expressing G in terms of M, L, T and inverting the relation. The result is that time has dimensions M−1/2L3/2G−1/2, which corresponds to option (C).
The key idea is that we are redefining the set of fundamental units. Normally, mass (M), length (L), and time (T) are fundamental, and the gravitational constant G has derived dimensions. Here, the problem says: choose M, L, and G as the fundamental units. That means we must express the dimension of time in terms of M, L, and G. So we need to find exponents a,b,c such that:
[T]=MaLbGc
We know the usual dimensions of G from Newton’s law of gravitation: F=Gr2m1m2. Force has dimensions MLT−2, so:
[G]=[m1][m2][F][r2]=M2(MLT−2)(L2)=M−1L3T−2
Now we treat this as an equation relating dimensions. We want to solve for [T] in terms of M,L,G.
- Write the dimensional equation. We have [T]=MaLbGc. Substitute the known dimensions of G:
[T]=MaLb(M−1L3T−2)c
Simplify:
[T]=Ma−cLb+3cT−2c
-
Match exponents on both sides.
The left side is T1, which in terms of M, L, T is M0L0T1. So we equate exponents:
- For M: a−c=0
- For L: b+3c=0
- For T: −2c=1
-
Solve the system.
From the T-equation: −2c=1⇒c=−21.
Then from M: a−(−21)=0⇒a=−21. …
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-E1 markMCQQ.The dimension [ML−1 T−2] is the physical quantity of (A) Pressure × Area (B) PressureForce (C) Power × Time (D) Energy density
›Reveal solutionSolution
The dimension [ML−1T−2] matches energy density (energy per unit volume). The correct option is (D).
We are given the dimensional formula [ML−1T−2] and asked which physical quantity it represents. The key is to recall the dimensions of common physical quantities and see which one matches exactly.
Concept and intuition:
Dimensions are like the "DNA" of a physical quantity — they tell us how it depends on mass (M), length (L), and time (T). If we know the dimensions of a quantity, we can identify it by comparing with known formulas. Here, [ML−1T−2] looks like pressure (force per area) but let's check each option carefully.
- Option (A): Pressure × Area Pressure has dimensions [ML−1T−2] (force per area). Multiplying by area ([L2]) gives:
[ML−1T−2]×[L2]=[ML1T−2]
That is the dimension of force, not [ML−1T−2]. So (A) is incorrect.
- Option (B): Force / Pressure Force has dimensions [MLT−2]. Dividing by pressure [ML−1T−2] gives:
[ML−1T−2][MLT−2]=[L2]
That is area, not the given dimension. So (B) is incorrect.
- Option (C): Power × Time Power has dimensions [ML2T−3] (energy per time). Multiplying by time [T] gives:
[ML2T−3]×[T]=[ML2T−2]
That is energy (or work), not [ML−1T−2]. So (C) is incorrect.
- Option (D): Energy density …
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-E1 markMCQQ.Joule second is the unit of (A) Energy (B) Power (C) Angular momentum (D) Linear momentum
›Reveal solutionSolution
Joule-second =kgm2s−1, the dimensions of angular momentum (and of Planck's constant).
Energy has units J=kgm2s−2, so
J⋅s=kgm2s−1
Angular momentum L=Iω has units (kgm2)(s−1)=kgm2s−1=J⋅s. …
- COMEDK 2024Set 2024-M1 markMCQQ.Find the value of 'n' in the given equation P=ρnv2 where 'P' is the pressure, 'ρ' density and 'v' velocity. (A) n=21 (B) n=1 (C) n=3 (D) n=2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The problem is solved by dimensional analysis: pressure has dimensions [ML−1T−2], density [ML−3], and velocity [LT−1]; equating exponents gives n=1, so the correct option is (B).
Concept & Intuition
When an equation relates physical quantities, the dimensions on both sides must match — this is the principle of dimensional homogeneity. Here we’re told P=ρnv2, but we don’t yet know n. By writing each quantity in terms of mass (M), length (L), and time (T), we can solve for the exponent n that makes the dimensions balance. This is a classic trick: instead of memorizing formulas, let the units guide you.
Step-by-step reasoning
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Write the dimensions of each quantity
- Pressure P is force per area. Force = mass × acceleration, so [P]=[L2][MLT−2]=ML−1T−2.
- Density ρ is mass per volume: [ρ]=ML−3.
- Velocity v is length per time: [v]=LT−1.
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Set up the dimensional equation
The given equation is P=ρnv2. Taking dimensions:
[P]=[ρ]n⋅[v]2
Substitute the dimensional forms:
M1L−1T−2=(M1L−3)n⋅(L1T−1)2
- Simplify the right-hand side
M1L−1T−2=MnL−3n⋅L2T−2
Combine the length terms:
M1L−1T−2=MnL−3n+2T−2
- Equate exponents for each base
- For mass M: 1=n → n=1.
- For length L: −1=−3n+2. Substitute n=1: −1=−3(1)+2=−1, which checks. …
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