Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC

Academic Year 2022 – 2023

Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions

SYLLABUS
Measurement: Need for measurement; units of measurement; systems of units:
fundamental and derived units in SI; measurement of length, mass and time; accuracy and
precision of measuring instruments; errors in measurement; significant figures.Dimensional
formulae of physical quantities and constants, dimensional analysis and its applications.
(a) Importance of measurement in scientific studies; physics is a science of measurement.
Unit as a reference standard of measurement; essential properties. Systems of units;
CGS, FPS,MKS, MKSA, and SI; the seven base units of SI selected by the General
Conference of Weights and Measures in1971 and their definitions, list of fundamental,
supplementary and derived physical quantities; their units and symbols (strictly as per
rule); subunits and multiple units using prefixes for powers of 10 (from atto for 1012
to tera for 1012); other common units such as fermi, angstrom (now outdated), light
year, astronomical unit and parsec. Anew unit of mass used in atomic physics is
unified atomic mass unit with symbol u(not amu); rules for writing the names of units
and their symbols in SI (uppercase/lower case.) Derived units (with correct symbols);
special names wherever applicable; expression in terms of base units (e.g.: N= kg
m/s2).
(b) Accuracy of measurement, errors in measurement: precision of measuring instruments,
instrumental errors, systematic errors, random errors and gross errors. Least count of
an instrument and its implication on errors in measurements; absolute error, relative
error and percentage error; combination of errors in (a) sum and difference, (b)product
and quotient and (c) power of a measured quantity.
(c) Significant figures; their significance; rules for counting the number of significant
figures; rules for (a) addition and subtraction, (b) multiplication/division; ‘rounding off’
the uncertain digits; order of magnitude as statement of magnitudes in powers of 10;
examples from magnitudes of common physical quantities - size, mass, time, etc.
(d) Dimensions of physical quantities; dimensional formula; express derived units in terms
of base units(N = kg.m s-2); use symbol […] for dimensions of or base unit of; e.g.:
dimensional formula of force in terms of fundamental quantities written as [F] = [MLT –
2].Principle of homogeneity of dimensions. Expressions in terms of SI base units and

dimensional formula maybe obtained for all physical quantities as and when new
physical quantities are introduced.
(e) Use of dimensional analysis to (i) check the dimensional correctness of a formula/
equation; (ii) to obtain the dimensional formula of any derived physical quantity
including constants; (iii) to convert units from one system to another; limitations of
dimensional analysis.
 Dimensions of a physical quantity:
Definition:“The powers to which the fundamental units are raised in order to obtain
the unit of a physical quantity, are called the dimensions of that physical quantity.”
 Dimensions of seven fundamental quantities:
(i) Dimension of length = [L]
(ii) Dimension of mass = [M]
(iii) Dimension of time = [T]
(iv) Dimension of electric current = [A] or [I]
(v) Dimension of temperature = [K] or []
(vi) Dimension of luminous intensity = [Cd] or [C]
(vii) Dimension of amount of substance = [mol]
 Dimensions of a derived quantity:

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions

When a derived quantity is expressed in terms of fundamental quantities, it is written as a

product of different powers of the fundamental quantities. The powers to which fundamental
quantities must be raised in order to express the given physical quantity are called its
dimensions.
To make it more clear, consider the physical quantity force
mass  velocity
Force = mass  acceleration =
time
mass  length/time 2
= = mass  length  (time) … (i)
time
Thus, the dimensions of force are 1 in mass, 1 in length and 2 in time.
Such an expression for a physical quantity in terms of the fundamental quantities is called
the dimensional formula. Dimensional formula of a physical quantity is an expression
within a squared bracket in terms of fundamental units with the powers to that it
represents the unit of that physical quantity.
2
Thus, dimensional formula for force is [MLT ].
0 1 1
For example, [M L T ] is the dimensional formula of velocity.
0 3 0
[M L T ] is the dimensional formula of volume.
 Some more solved examples :
(i) Area = Length  Breadth [W] [M1L2 T 2 ]
[Area] = [L]  [L]  [Power] = =
[T] [ T1 ]
0 2 0
= [M L T ]
(ii) Volume = LengthBreadthHeight  [Power] = [M1L2 T 3 ]
[Volume] = [L] [L] [L] mass M
(ix) Density = =
0 3 0
= [M L T ] volume V
Distance [M] [M1]
(iii) Velocity (Speed) =  [Density] = = 3
Time [V] [L ]
[L]  [Density] = [M1L3 T 0 ]
 [velocity] =
[T] (x) Momentum = mass  velocity
 [velocity] = [M0L1T 1 ]  P = mv
Velocity  [P] = [m] [v]
(iv) Acceleration =
Time  [P] = [M1 ] [L1T 1 ]
[velocity]
 [acceleration] =  [P] = [M1L1T 1 ]
[time]
(xi) Impulse = Force  time
[M0 L1T 1 ]
 [acceleration] =  J = Ft
[ T]  [J] = [F] [t]
 [acceleration] = [M0L1T 2 ]  [J] = [M1L1T 2 ] [T1 ]
(v) Force = mass  acceleration  [J] = [M1L1T 1 ]
 F = ma
Force
 [F] = [m] [a] (xii) Pressure =
Area
 [F] = [M] [L1T 2 ] = [M1L1T 2 ] F
 P=
(vi) Work = Force  Displacement A
 W = FS [F]
 [P] =
 [W] = [F] [S] [A]
 [W] = [M1L1T 2 ] [L1 ] [M1L1T 2 ]
 [P] =
 [W] = [M1L2 T 2 ] [L2 ]
(vii) Energy = Work = W  [P] = [M1L1T 2 ]
 [Energy] = [M1L2 T 2 ] (xiii) Torque = couple = Force  distance
Work W  [Torque] = [F]  [distance]
(viii) Power = =
Time t = [M1L1T 2 ] [L1 ]

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions

 [Torque] = [M1L2 T 2 ]  [Angle] = [M0L0 T 0 ]

arc (Angle is dimensionless)
(xiv) Angle =
radius (xv) Electric charge = current  time
[L]  Q = It
 [Angle] =
[L]  [Q] = [I1] [T1]
 [Q] = [M0L0 T1I1 ]

Dimensional
Physical quantity Relationship with other formula Symbol of
No.
and its symbol physical quantities of physical SI unit
quantity
MECHANICS :
0 0
1. Length (l) [M LT ] m
0 0
2. Distance (S) [M LT ] m
0 0
3. Displacement (S) [M LT ] m
0 0
4. Mass (m) [ML T ] kg
0 0
5. Time (t) [M L T] s
Distance covered 0 1 1
6. Speed (v) [M LT ] ms
Time taken
Change in displacement 0 1 1
7. Velocity (v) [M LT ] ms
Time taken
Acceleration due to 0 2 2
8. [M LT ] ms
gravity (g)
2 2
9. Force (F) Mass  Acceleration [MLT ] kg ms

Mass acceleration due to 2 2

10. Weight (W) [MLT ] kg ms
gravity

2 2
11. Tension (T) [MLT ] kg ms

2
[MLT ] [L] 2 2
12. Work (W) Force  Distance kgm s
2 2
= [ML T ]
2
1 2 [MLT ] [L] 2 2
13. Kinetic energy  Mass  (Velocity) kgm s
2 2 2
= [ML T ]
2
Mass  Acceleration due to [MLT ] [L] 2 2
14. Potential energy 2 2 kgm s
gravity  Height = [ML T ]
2
[MLT ] [L] 2 2
15. Energy (all forms) 2 2 kgm s
= [ML T ]
2 2
[ML T ]
Work 2 3
16. Power (P) [T] kgm s
Time 2 3
= [ML T ]
m1m2
F=G 2
r
Gravitational constant 1 3 2 1 3 2
17. (Newton’s law of gravitation) [M L T ] kg m s
(G) 2
Fr
G=
m1m2

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions

T-ratio (sin , cos , Length 0 0 0

18. [M L T ] 
etc.) Length
0 0
19. Time period (T)  [M L T] s
1 0 0 1 1
20. Frequency () [M L T ] s
Time period
Distance between two nearest 0 0
21. Wavelength () [M LT ] m
points in the same phase
HEAT :
0 0 0
22. Temperature  [M L T K] K
2 2 2 2
23. Heat Energy [ML T ] kgm s
Mechanical equivalent Work done 0 0 0
24. [M L T ] 
of heat (J) Heat energy
2 2
[ML T ]
Q 2 2 1
25. Specific heat (S) Q = ms or S = [M] [K] m s K
m 0 2 2 1
= [M L T K ]
2 2
Latent heat of fusion or [ML T ]
Q(heat energy) 2 2
26. latent heat of Q = mL or L = [M] m s
m(mass)
vaporization (L) 0 2 2
= [M L T ]
LIGHT :
2 2
[ML T ]
Energy of photon = Planck’s 1 2 1
27. Planck’s constant [T ] kgm s
constant  Frequency 2 1
= [ML T ]
ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM :

0 0
28. Electric charge (q) Current  Time [M L TA] As
Charge 0 0 0
29. Electric current [M L T A] A
Time
Linear charge density Charge 0 1 1
30. [M L TA] m sA
() Length
Surface charge density Charge 0 3 1
31. [M L TA] m sA
() Area
Volume charge density Charge 0 3 3
32. [M L TA] m sA
९ Volume
Quantities having same dimensions:
S.No. Dimension Quantity
1 2 2 Work, internal energy, potential energy, kinetic energy, torque, moment of
1. [M L T ] force
1 1 1
2. [M L T ] Momentum, impulse
1 1 2
3. [M L T ] Tension, force, weight
 Four types of physical quantities: [On the basis of dimensions]
1. Dimensional variables: The physical quantities which possess dimensions and have
variable values are called dimensional variables.
Examples: Area, volume, velocity, force, etc.
2. Dimensionless variables: The physical quantities which have no dimensions but have
variable values are called dimensionless variables.

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions

Examples: Angle, refractive index, relative density.

3. Dimensional constants: The physical quantities which possess dimensions and have
constant values are called dimensional constants.
Examples: Gravitational constant, Planck's constant, etc.
4. Dimensionless constants: The constant quantities having no dimensions are called
dimensionless constants.
Examples:, e, 1, 2, 5, etc.
 Applications (Uses) of dimensional analysis:
(i) To check the correctness of a physical equation.
(ii) To convert unit of a physical quantity from one system into another system of units.
(iii) To derive relation between different physical quantities.
 Principle of homogeneity of dimensions:
According to this principle, a physical equation will be dimensionally correct if the dimensions
of all the terms occurring on both sides of the equation are the same.
For example, if v = u + at,
Then [v] = [u] = [at]
 To check the correctness of a given physical equation:
Dimensions can be used to test the correctness of a physical equation. Every physical
equation obeys the ‘principle of homogeneity of dimensions’. According to this principle,
physical equation is correct, only if the dimensions of all the terms on both sides of that
equation are the same.
EXERCISE
1. Check whether the following equation, v = u + at, is dimensionally correct.
Sol. Let us test the correctness of the equation, v = u + at
 [V] = [u] + [a][t] … (i)
Writing the dimensional equation of every term, we get
0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 1
[V] = [M L T ],[u] = [M L T ],[a] = [M L T ],[t] = [M L T ]
0 1 2 0 0 1 0 1 1
 [a][t] = [at] = [M L T ]  [M L T ] = [M L T ]
Substituting [V], [u] and [at] in eqn. (i), we get,
0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1
[M L T ] = [M L T ] + [M L T ]
Thus, each term has the same dimensions. Hence by principle of homogeneity, the equation
is dimensionally correct.
1 2
2. Check whether the following equation, S = ut + 2 at , is dimensionally correct.
Sol. Taking dimensions on both the sides,
2
[S] = [ut] + [at ]
0 1 0 1 2 2
[M L T ] = [LT  T] + [LT  T ]
0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0
[M L T ] = [M L T ] + [M L T ]
Thus, each term has the same dimensions. Hence by principle of homogeneity, the equation
is dimensionally correct.
1 2
3. Check whether the following equation, 2 mv = mgh, is dimensionally correct.

Sol. 1 mv2 = [M] [L1T1]2 = [M1L2T2]

2 
2 1 2 2
[mgh] = [M] [LT ] [L] = [M L T ]
 Dimensions of L.H.S. = Dimensions of R.H.S.
Hence by principle of homogeneity, the given equation is dimensionally correct.
l
4. Check the correctness of the relation, T = 2 g, where l is length, 'g' is acceleration
due to gravity, T is time period of a simple pendulum.
1
Sol. L.H.S. = T = [T ]

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions

1
l L
R.H.S. = 2 = 2 (∵ 2 has no dimensions)
g LT
2 1
R.H.S. = T = [T ]
∵ L.H.S. = R.H.S., dimensionally
Hence by principle of homogeneity, the equation is correct.
5. Check the dimensional consistency of the following equations:
h
(i) de-Broglie wavelength,  = mv
2GM
(ii) Escape velocity, v = R
h
Sol. (i) Given:  =
mv
As wavelength is a distance,
 [] = L
2 1
h Planck's constant ML T
Also,   =
mv Mass  Velocity = M  LT1 = L
∵ Dimensions of LHS = Dimensions of RHS
Hence by principle of homogeneity the given equation is dimensionally consistent.
2GM
(ii) Given: v =
R
1
[v] = LT
1/2
M1L T2M
1/2 3
2GM   2 2 1/2
= [L T ]
1
= LT
 R   L 
∵ Dimensions of LHS = Dimensions of RHS
Hence by principle of homogeneity the equation is dimensionally correct.
6. Check by the method of dimensions whether the following equations are correct:
2
(i) E = mc
P
(ii) v = , where v = velocity of sound, P = pressure and  = density of medium

1 T
(iii)  = 2l m , where  = frequency of vibration, l = length of the string, T = tension
in the string and m = mass per unit length
2 2
Sol. (i) [LHS] = [E] = Energy = ML T
2 1 2 2 2
[RHS] = [mc ] = M[LT ] = ML T
Hence by principle of homogeneity the relation is correct.
1/2
[l]  L 
(ii) [RHS] = =  2 =T
[g] LT  
[LHS] = [T] = T
Hence by principle of homogeneity the relation is correct.
1 2 1/2
[P] ML T  1
[]  ML3 
(iii) [RHS] = = = LT
 
1
[LHS] = [v] = LT
Hence by principle of homogeneity the relation is correct.
2
7. A force F is given by F = at + bt , where 't' is time. What are the dimensions of 'a' and
'b'?
Sol. From the principle of homogeneity of dimensions,

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions
2
[F] = [at] = [bt ]


F
[a] =   =
MLT2 = [M1L1T3]
t  T 
2
Similarly, [F] = [bt ]
F
[b] =  2 = 
MLT2
 
t   T2 
1 1 4
[b] = [M L T ]
2
8. Find the dimensions of a/b in the equation, F = a x + bt , where F is force, x is distance
and t is time.
Sol. From the principle of homogeneity of dimensions, [a x] = [F]
2
[F] MLT 1/2 2
 [a] = = 1/2 = ML T
[ x] L
2
[bt ] = [F]
2
[F] MLT 4
 [b] = 2 = 2 = MLT
[t ] T
1/2 2
ML T 1/2 2
[a/b] = 4 =L T
MLT
2
bx
9. Find the dimensions of a  b in the relation, P = , where P is power, x is distance
at
and t is time.
2 2
Sol. From the principle of homogeneity of dimensions, [b] = [x ] = L
2
L
 [P] =
[at]
2 2
L L 1 2
or [a] = = =M T
[P][t] ML2T3T
1 2 2
Hence, [a  b] = M L T .
10. When white light travels through glass, the refractive index of glass ( = velocity of light
B
in air/velocity of light in glass) is found to vary with wavelength as  = A + 2 . Using

the principle of homogeneity of dimensions, find the SI units in which the constants A
and B must be expressed.
Sol. From the principle of homogeneity of dimensions,
Velocity of light in air
Here,  = = a dimensionless number
Velocity of light in glass
 [A] = [] = a dimensionless number
As  B2 = []
 
 
2 2 2
 [B] = [] [ ] = 1L = L
2
Hence A, being dimensionless, has no units and SI unit of B is m .
b
11. v = at + t + c + v0 is a dimensionally valid equation. Obtain the dimensional formula for
a, b and c, (where v is velocity, 't' is time and v0 is initial velocity).
Sol. Since given equation is dimensionally valid, from the principle of homogeneity of dimensions,
b 
[v] = [at] = 
t + c = [v0]

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions
0 0 1
[c] = [t] = [M L T ]
Also [v] = [at]
1
[v] LT
 [a] = =
[t] T
0 1 2
 [a] = [M L T ]
b 
Also [v] = 
t + c
1
 [b] = [v] [t + c] = [LT ] [T]
0 1 0
 [b] = [M L T ]
 To convert unit of a physical quantity from one system into another
system:
It is based on the fact that the magnitude of a physical quantity remains the same, whatever
may be the system of units. If u1 and u2 are the units of measurement of a physical quantity
Q and n1 and n2 are the corresponding numerical values, then
Q = n1u1 = n2u2
Let M1, L1 and T1 be the sizes of fundamental units of mass, length and time in one system;
and M2, L2, T2 be corresponding units in another system. If the dimensional formula of
a b c
quantity Q be M L T , then
a b c a b c
u1 = M1 L1 T1 and u2 = M2L2 T2
a b c a b c
 n1 [M1L1 T1] = n2 [M2L2 T2]
a b c
M1 L1 T1
or n2 = n1      
M2 L2 T2
This equation can be used to find the numerical value in the second or new system of units.
EXERCISE
1. Using the dimensional analysis, obtain the relation between newton and dyne. [Prove
5
that, 1 N = 10 dyne]
Sol. Newton is SI unit of force and dyne is CGS unit of force.
Dimensional formula of force, [F] = [MLT2]
 a = 1, b = 1, c = 2
SI system CGS system
M1 = 1 kg M2 = 1 g
L1 = 1 m L2 = 1 cm
T1 = 1 s T2 = 1 s
n1 = 1 (newton) n2= ? (dyne)
n1u1 = n2u2
a b c 1 1 2
M1 L1 T1 1 kg  1 m  1 1000 g 100 cm
 n2 = 1       = 1   =1 1
M2 L2 T2  1 g   1 cm 1   g   cm 
3 2 5
n2 = 1  10  10 = 10
5
 1 N = 10 dyne
7
2. Using the dimensional analysis, show that 1 J = 10 erg.
Sol. Joule is SI unit of energy and erg is the CGS unit of energy. Dimensional formula of energy
is [ML T2].
2

 a = 1, b = 2, c = 2
SI CGS
M1 = 1 kg = 1000 g M2 = 1 g

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions

L1 = 1 m = 100 cm L2 = 1 cm
T1 = 1 s T2 = 1 s
n1 = 1 (joule) n2 = ? (erg)
a b c 1 2 2
M1 L1 T1 1000 100 1
n2 = n1       = 1 
3 4 7
= 1  10  10 = 10
M L T
 2   2  2   1   1  1
7
 1 joule = 10 erg
8 2 2
3. The value of G in CGS system is 6.67  10 dyne cm g . Calculate the value in SI
units.
m1m2
Sol. As F=G 2
r
2
Fr
 G=
m1m2
2 2
MLT L 1 3 2
[G] = =M L T
MM
 a = 1, b = 3, c = 2
CGS units SI units
8
n1 = 6.67  10 n 2= ?
M1 = 1 g M2 = 1 kg = 1000 g
L1 = 1 cm L2 = 1 m = 100 cm
T1 = 1 s T2 = 1 s
a b c
M1 L1 T1 8  1 
1

3
1  1
2
11
 n2 = n 1       = 6.67  10
 1000 100 1
= 6.67  10
 2   2  2
M L T
11 2 2
Hence in SI units, G = 6.67  10 Nm kg
4. In C.G.S. system the magnitude of the force is 100 dynes. In another system where the
fundamental physical quantities are kilogram, metre and minute, the magnitude of the
force is:
Sol. Dimensional formula of force, [F] = [MLT2]
n1 = 100, M1 = 1 g, L1 = 1 cm, T1 = 1 sec,
n2 = ? ,M2 = kg, L2 = metre, T2 = minute, x = 1, y = 1, z = 2
By substituting these values in the following conversion formula
x y z
M1 L1 T1
n 2 = n 1     
M2 L2 T2
1 1 2
gm cm   sec 
n2 = 100  
 kg  metre minute
1 1 2
gm   cm   sec 
n2 = 100 = 3.6 units
 3 gm 102 cm 60 sec
10
5. Conversion of 1 MW power on a new system having basic units of mass, length and time
as 10 kg, 1 dm and 1 minute respectively is
2 3
Sol. [P] = [ML T ]
x y z
= n 1
 M 1 L1 T1
Using the relation, n2  L  T 
M2  2  2
1 2 3
= 1  10
6  1 kg   1 m   1 s  [As 1 MW = 106 W]
10 kg 1 dm 1 min

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions
2 3
= 10
6  1 kg 10 dm  1 sec 
10 kg 1 dm  60 sec
10
= 2.16  10 units
6. Find the value of 60 J per min on a system that has 100 g, 100 cm and 1 min as the
base units.
joule 60 joule
Sol. P = 60 = = 1 watt which is the SI unit of power.
min 60 s
Now, [Power] = ML T3
2

 a = 1, b = 2, c = 3
SI system New system
n1 = 1 n2 = ?
M1 = 1 kg = 1000 g M2 = 100 g
L1 = 1 m = 100 cm L2 = 100 cm
T1 = 1 s T2 = 1 min = 60 s
a b c 1 2 3
M1 L1 T1 1000 100  1 
n2 = n1       = 1  
6
= 2.16  10
M L T
 2   2  2   100  100 60

60 J min1 = 2.16  10 new units of power

6

 To derive the relationship between different physical quantities:
If one knows the dependency of a physical quantity on other quantities and if the dependency
is of the product type, then using the method of dimensional analysis, relation between the
quantities can be derived.
EXERCISE
1. Consider a simple pendulum having a bob attached to a string, that oscillates under
the action of the force of gravity. Suppose that the period of oscillation of the simple
pendulum depends on (i) mass 'm' of the bob, (ii) length '' of the pendulum and (iii)
acceleration due to gravity 'g' at the place. Derive the expression for its time period
using method of dimensions.
Sol. Let time period of a simple pendulum is a function of mass of the bob (m), effective length (l),
acceleration due to gravity (g), then assuming the function to be product of power function of
m, l and g,
a b c
Let us assume that, T  m l g
a b c
or T = Km l g where K = dimensionless constant
2
The dimensions of various quantities are: [T] = T, [m] = M, [l] = L, [g] = LT
Then by substituting the dimensions of quantities,
a b 2 c 0 0 1 a b+c 2c
T = [M] [L] [LT ] or M L T = M L T
Equating the exponents of M, L and T on both sides, we get: a = 0, b + c = 0, 2c = 1
1 1
On solving, a = 0, b = , c = 
2 2
0 1/2 1/2 l
 T = Km l g =K
g
From experiments, K = 2
l
 T = 2
g
2. Using dimensional analysis, derive the formula for kinetic energy of a particle having
mass ‘m’ and velocity ‘v’.
Sol. Kinetic energy (EK) of the body depends upon : (i) mass (m) of the body, (ii) its velocity (V).
 EK mxVy
 EK = km x v y … (i) where k is a dimensionless constant.

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions
1 2 2
∵ EK= K.E.  [EK] = [Energy] = [M L T ]
1 0 0
m = mass  [m] = [M L T ]
0 1 1
V = velocity  [V] = [M L T ]
1 2 2 1 0 0 x 0 1 1 y
 Eqn. (i) becomes, [M L T ] = [M L T ] [M L T ]
1 2 2 x 0 0 0 y y
 [M L T ] = [M L T ][M L T ]
1 2 2 x y y
 [M L T ] = [M L T ]
Comparing the powers of M, L and T on both the sides, x = 1, y = 2
 Eqn.(i) becomes, EK = km1V2
 EK = kmV2
The value of the numerical constant k can not be obtained by dimensional analysis and it
must be found from experiments.
1
Here, k =
2
1
 Kinetic Energy = EK = mV2
2
3. An object is falling freely under the gravitational force. Its velocity after travelling a
distance ‘h’ is ‘v’. If ‘v’ depends upon gravitational acceleration ‘g’ and distance ‘h’,
prove with dimensional analysis that v = k gh, where ‘k’ is a dimensionless constant.
Sol. Let v  gahb
 v = kgahb … (1)
where k = dimensionless constant.
Taking dimensions on both the sides,
a b
[v] = [g] [h]
0 1 1 0 1 2 a 1 b
[M L T ] = [M l T ] [L ]
1 1 a+b 2a
[L T ] = [L T ]
Equating the powers of L and T on both the sides, a + b = 1 and 2a = 1.
1
 a=
2
Also b = 1  a = 1  1 = 1
2 2
1/2 1/2
 From eqn. (1), v = kg h
 v = k gh
4. The escape velocity 'v' of a body depends upon (i) the acceleration due to gravity of the
planet, and (ii) the radius of the planet R. Establish dimensionally the relationship
between 'v', 'g' and R.
a b
Sol. Let v = Kg R , where K = a dimensionless constant.
1 2 a b a+b 2a
Putting the dimensions, LT = [LT ] [L] = L T
Equating the powers of L and T, a + b = 1, 2a = 1
1 1
 a= , b=
2 2
1/2 1/2
Hence, v = Kg R = K gR
5. The frequency '' of vibration of a stretched string depends upon: (i) its length L, (ii) its
mass per unit length 'm', and (iii) the tension T in the string. Obtain dimensionally an
expression for frequency ''.
a b c
Sol. Let the frequency of vibration of the string be given by,  = Kl m T … (i)
where K = a dimensionless constant.
Dimensions of the various quantities are:

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions

1 2 mass M 1
[] = T , [l] = L, [T] = Force = MLT , [m] = = = ML
length L
Substituting these dimensions in equation (i), we get:
1 a 1 b 2 c 0 0 1 b+c ab+c 2c
[T ] = [L] [ML ] [MLT ] or M L T = M L T
Equating the dimensions of M, L and T, we get: b + c = 0, a – b + c = 0, 2c = 1
1 1
On solving, a = 1, b =  , c =
2 2
1 1/2 1/2 K T
  = kl m T or  =
l m
6. If v is the velocity of transverse waves on a string under a tension T and of linear density
T
m (mass per unit length), show that the equation, v = m is dimensionally correct.
T
Sol. v=
m
L.H.S. = v
 [v] = [M0L1T 1 ] … (i)
T
R.H.S. =
m
T = tension = [M1L1T 2 ]
… (∵ tension = force)
mass
m = mass per unit length =
length
 [m] = [M1L1T 0 ]

T [M1L1T 2 ]
  1 1 0
 [M0 L2 T  2  [M0 L1T 1 ] ... (ii)
m [M L T ]
From (i) and (ii), dimensions of L.H.S. = Dimensions of R.H.S.
Hence the given equation is dimensionally correct.
7. If the force F acting on a body in uniform circular motion depends upon the mass m of
body, its speed v and the radius of path r, using dimensional analysis, show that
mv2
F r .
Sol. (i) F m, (ii) F  v, (iii) F  r
 F  mx v y r z
 F  km x v y r z … (i)
where k is a dimensionless constant.
[F] = [M1L1T 2 ] , [m] = [M1], [V] = [M0L1T 1 ] , [r] = [L1]
 Eqn. (i) becomes, [M1L1T 2 ] = [M1L0 T 0 ]x [M0L1T 1 ]y [M0L1T 0 ]z
= [Mx L0 T 0 ] [M0Ly T  y ] [M0Lz T 0 ]
 [M1L1T 2 ]  [Mx Ly  z T  y ]
Comparing the powers of M, L and T on both sides, we get,
x = 1, y + z = 1, y = 2
 x = 1, y = 2, z = 1
Substituting these values in eqn. (i), we get,
1 2 1
F = km v r
2
mv
 F=k
r
2
mv
 F … (∵ k = constant)
r

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions

8. The pressure of a liquid column depends on its height h, the density of the liquid  and
the acceleration due to gravity g. Using the dimensional analysis, show that P = hg.
x y z
Sol. Let P  h  g
x y z
 P = kh  g … (i)
where k is a dimensionless constant.
F
[Pressure] = [P] = [M1L1T 2 ] … P = 
 A
[Height] = [h] = [M0L1T 0 ]
mass 
[Density] = [] = [M1L3 T 0 ] …  =
 volume
[Accn. due to gravity] = [g] = [M0L1T 2 ]
x y z
From eqn. (i), P = [h] [] [g]
 [M1L1T 2 ]  [M0L1T 0 ]x [M1L3 T 0 ]y [M0L1T 2 ]z
 [M1L1T 2 ]  [My Lx 3y  z T 2z ]
Comparing the powers of M, L and T on both the sides,
y = 1, x  3y + z = 1, 2z = 2
 y = 1, z = 1 and x = 1
1 1 1
 From eqn. (i), P = kh  g = khg
Assuming k = 1, we get P = hg
9. Assuming that the mass M of the largest stone that can be moved by a flowing river
depends upon 'v' the velocity, '' the density of water and on 'g', the acceleration due
to gravity. Show that M varies with the sixth power of the velocity of flow.
a b c
Sol. Let M = Kv  g … (i)
where K = a dimensionless constant.
1 3 2
Dimensions of the various quantities are: [M] = M, [v] = LT , [] = ML , [g] = LT
Substituting these dimensions in equation (i), we get
1 a 3 b 2 c
[M] = [LT ] [ML ] [LT ]
1 0 0 b a3b+c a2c
M L T =M L T
Equating the powers of M, L and T, we get: b = 1, a – 3b + c = 0, a  2c = 0
On solving, a = 6, b = 1, c = 3
6 1 3
 M = Kv  g
6
Hence, M  v .

HOMEWORK PROBLEMS
11 2 2
1. If the value of universal gravitational constant in SI is 6.6  10 Nm kg , then find its value
8 2 2
in CGS system. [Ans. 6.6  10 dyne cm g ]
3
2. The density of mercury is 13.6 g cm in CGS system. Find its value in SI units.
3 3
[Ans. 13.6  10 kg m ]
1 1
3. The surface tension of water is 72 dyne cm . Express it in SI units. [Ans. 0.072 Nm ]
9 1
4. An electric bulb has a power of 500 W. Express it in CGS units. [Ans. 5  10 erg s ]
5. Find the value of 100 J on a system which has 20 cm, 250 g and half minute as fundamental
units of length, mass and time.
2 2
Ans: [Work] = ML T
1 2 2 1 2 2
1 kg   1 m   1 s  1000 g 100 cm  1 s 
n2 = 100  = 100 
250 g 20 cm 0.5 min  250 g   20 cm  30 s
6
= 100  4  25  30  30 = 9  10 new units

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions
1
7. If the units of force, energy and velocity are 20 N, 200 J and 5 ms , find the units of length,
mass and time.
2
Ans: (i) MLT = 20 N
2 2
(ii) ML T = 200 J
1 1
(iii) LT = 5 ms
200
Dividing (ii) by (i), L = = 10 m
20
1
Putting the value of L in (iii), 10T = 5 or T = 2 s
2
From (i), M  10  (2) = 20 or M = 8 kg
8. When 1 m, 1 kg and 1 min are taken as the fundamental units, the magnitude of the force is
36 units. What will be the value of this force in CGS system?
1 1 2 1 2
1 kg  1 m  1 min 1000 g 100 cm 60 s
n2 = 36  = 36 
3
Ans.
 1 g  1 cm  1 s   1 g   1 cm   1 s  = 10 dynes
9. Suppose we employ a system in which the unit of mass equals 100 kg, the unit of length
equals 1 km and the unit of time 100 s and call the unit of energy joule, then
2 2
Sol. [E] = [ML T ]
2 2 6 2 4 2 4 2 2 4
1 joule=[100 kg][1 km] [100 sec] =100 kg10 m 10 s =10 kgm s =10 Joule
1 2
10. Test the dimensional consistency of the following equations: (i) v = u + at, (ii) s = ut + at ,
2
2 2
(iii) v  u = 2as [Ans. All relations are dimensionally correct)
2 3
11. The distance covered by a particle in time 't' is given by x = a + bt + ct + dt . Find the
1 2 3
dimensions of a, b, c and d. [Ans. L, LT , LT , LT ]
2
bx
12. Find the dimensions of (a  b) in the equation, E = , where E is energy, 'x' is distance
at
1 2
and 't' is time. [Ans. M L T]
2
at
13. Find the dimensions of (a/b) in the equation, P = where P is pressure, 'x' is distance
bx
2
and 't' is time. [Ans. MT ]
14. The velocity 'v' of water waves depends on the wavelength '', density of water '' and the
acceleration due to gravity 'g'. Deduce by the method of dimensions the relationship between
these quantities.
15. A planet moves around the sun in nearly circular orbit. Its period of revolution T depends
upon (i) radius 'r' of orbit, (ii) mass M of the sun, and (iii) the gravitational constant G. Show
2 3
dimensionally that, T  r .
16. The wavelength associated with a moving electron depends on its mass 'm', its velocity 'v' and
h
Planck's constant 'h'. Prove dimensionally that,  .
mv
17. Obtain an expression for the centripetal force F acting on a particle of mass 'm' moving with
2
 mv 
velocity 'v' in a circle of radius 'r'. Take dimensionless constant K = 1. Ans. F = 
 r 
18. The orbital velocity 'v' of a satellite may depend on its mass 'm', the distance 'r' from the center
of the earth and the acceleration due to gravity 'g'. Obtain an expression for its orbital velocity.
[Ans. v = K rg]
 Limitations of dimensional analysis:
In conversion of one system of units into another and in checking the accuracy of formulae,
there are no limitations of the method of dimensions. But in the derivation of formulae by the
method of dimensions, we come across the following limitations/problems:
1. This method gives us no information about the dimensionless constants in the formula,
e.g., 1, 2, 3, …… , e, etc.

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 Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC
Academic Year 2022 – 2023
Subject: physics Grade:11
Topic: dimensions

2. If a quantity depends on more than three factors, having dimensions, the formula
cannot be derived. This is because on equating the powers of M, L and T on either side
of the dimensional equation, we can obtain three equations, from which only three
unknown dimensions can be calculated.
3. We cannot derive the formulae containing trigonometrical functions, exponential
functions, log functions etc. which have no dimensions.
4. The method of dimensions cannot be used to derive an exact form of relation, when it
consists of more than one part on any side. For example, the exact form of the formula
s = ut + 1 a cannot be obtained.
2
2
5. It gives no information whether a physical quantity is a scalar or a vector.
 Justify: “A dimensionally correct equation may or may not be physically
correct.”
This can be explained as follows:
Part I:
2
mv
Consider the formula, F = 2 where F is force, ‘m’ is mass, ‘v’ is speed and ‘r’ is distance.
r
2 1 2 2
Dimensionally, [MLT ] = [M][LT ] /[L]
2 2
i.e., [MLT ] = [MT ]
As in the above equation dimensions of both sides are not same, this formula is not correct
dimensionally, so can never be correct physically.
Part II:
Consider the formula, s = ut  1 at , where ‘s’ is the displacement, ‘u’ is speed, ‘a’ is
2
3
acceleration and ‘t’ is time.
1 2 2
Dimensionally, [L] = [LT ][L]  [LT ][T ]
i.e., [L] = [L]  [L]
As in the above equation dimensions of each term on both the sides are same, so this equation
is dimensionally correct. However, from equations of motion we know that,
s = ut + 1 at
2
2
So the given equation is physically wrong though it is correct dimensionally.
Part III:
2 2
Consider the formula, v = u + 2as
1 2 1 2 2
 [LT ] = [LT ] + [LT ][L]
2 2 2 2 2 2
 [L T ] = [L T ] + [L T ]
So the given formula is both, dimensionally and physically correct.
Conclusion: From part (I), (II) and (III) given above, it is clear that the dimensionally correct
equation may or may not be physically correct.



15