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 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
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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
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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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