300+ [UPDATED] Dimensions Interview Questions

1. Define The Term ‘dimension’?

The term ‘dimension’ is used to refer to the physical nature of a quantity and the type of unit used to specify it. Mathematically dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers to which the fundamental quantities must be raised.

2. What Are Dimensional Constants?

Constants which possess dimensions are called dimensional constants.

Example:
Planck’ Constant.

3. What Are Dimensional Variables?

Those physical quantities which possess dimensions but do not have a fixed value are called dimensional variables.

Example:
Displacement, Force, velocity etc.

4. What Are Dimensionless Quantities?

Physical quantities which do not possess dimensions are called dimensionless quantities.

Example:
Angle, specific gravity, strain. In general, physical quantity which is a ratio of  two quantities of same dimension will be dimensionless.

5. Define The Principle Of Homogeneity Of Dimensions. On What Principle Is It Based?

The principle of homogeneity of dimensions states that an equation is dimensionally correct if the dimensions of the various terms on either side of the equation are the same.
This principle is based on the fact that two quantities of the same dimension only can be added up, and the resulting quantity also possess the the same dimension.

in equation X + Y = Z is valid if the dimensions of X, Y and Z are same.

6. List The Basic Dimensions?

• Length – L
• Time – T
• Mass – M
• Temperature – K or  θ
• Current – A

7. What Are The Uses (applications) Of Dimensional Analysis?

The applications of dimensional analysis are:

• To convert a physical quantity from one system of units to another.
• To check the dimensional correctness of a given equation.establish a relationship between different physical quantities in an equation.

8. What Are The Limitations Of Dimensional Analysis?

Limitations of Dimensional Analysis are:

• It cannot determine value of dimensionless constants.
• We cannot use this method to equations involving exponential and trigonometric functions.
• It cannot be applied to an equation involving more than three physical quantities.
• It is a too not a solution i.e.  It can check only if the equation is dimensionally correct or not. But cannot say the equation is absolutely correct.

9. What Do You Mean By “ Dimensions Of A Derived Unit ” ?

We know that that the units that depend upon the fundamental units of mass, length and time are called derived units. The unit of mass, length and time are denoted by M, I and T. ( The dimensions of a derived unit may be defined as the powers to which the fundamental units of mass, length and time must be raised so as to completely represent it.

10. What Id Dimensional Formula ?

It is an compound expression, showing how and which of the fundamental units enter into the unit of a physical quantity.

11. What Is Dimensional Equation?

It is an expression which expresses the physical quantity in terms of a fundamental units of mass, length and time.

12. What Are Non- Dimensional Variable?

Physical quantities which are variable but have no dimensions are called non – dimensional variable,

Example:
strain, specific gravity, angle etc.

13. What Is Dimensional Lumber?

It is a term used for lumber that is finished and cut to standerdized width and depth specified in inches.

14. What Is The Principle Of Homogeneity Of Dimensons ?

According to this principle, the dimensions of all the terms on the two sides of an equation must be same.Therefore in a given relation the terms on either side have same dimensions, If the relation is a correct one, but if it is not so, th erelation is not correct

15. What Is Random Error?

The error which creeps in during a measurement due to individual measuring person and the care taken by him in the measuring process is called random error. In order to minimise this error, measurements are repeated many times.

16. What Is Meant By Instrumental Error?

The error which creeps in during a measurement due to limit or resolution of the measuring instrument is called instrumental error. 

17. What Is Meant By Absolute Error In A Measurement?

The magnitude of the difference between the true value ( i.e. the mean )of the quantity and the individual measured value is called absolute error.

18. What Is Meant By Significant Figures ?

It indicates the extent to which the reading are reliable.

19. How Many Base Units Are There In The S.i System ?

There are only seven base units and two supplementary units.

20. What Is Kinematics?

The word kinematics is derived from the greek word “ Knemia ” which means motion. Thus kinematics is the study of motion. We study the position, velocity, acceleration etc. of a body without specifyng the nature of the body and the nature of the forces which cause motion. In this branch we study ways to describe motion of object independent of causes of motion and independent of the nature of the body.

21. What Is Dynamics?

It is dervied from the greek word “ dynamics ” which means power. It deals with the study of motion taking into consideration the forces which cause motion.

22. What Is Statics?

It is the study of objects at rest i.e. when a large number of forces acting on a body are in equilibrium.

23. What Is Mechanics?

This deals with all the subjects namely, kinematics, dynamics and statics.

24. What Is Motion?

It is the change of position of an object in the course of time.

The body in motion is treated as a particle.

The motion has been classfied as :-

1.  Motion in one dimension – i.e atrain running on a railway track.
2.  Motion in two dimensions – i.e motion of a stone which is thrown in the horizontal direction from the top of a tower.
3.  Motion in three dimensions – i.e the motion of the molecules of a gas. 

25. Which Type Of Motions Are The Following ?

1. Motion along a circle.
2. Motion along a curve

Both are motions in two dimensions

26. What Is Meant By Negative Time And Positive Time?

If we assign a negative time to an event, it means that it occured before the event to which positive time was assigned.

27. What Is Meant By Instanteous Position Of An Object?

The position co – ordinate in a moving body describes te definite and exact position of the body at any time. The position of a body at any instant is called instantaneous position.

28. What Is Uniform Motion?

A motion is said to be uniform if the body moves equal distances in equal intervals of time and always in the same direction. For such a motion, the actual distance covered in time t is the magnitude of the displacement.

29. What Is Uniform Velocity?

If the body moves equal distances in equal intervals of time and always in the same direction, then it is said to possess uniform velocity.

30. What Is Non – Uniform Motion?

When a body travels unequal distance in equal intervals of time, the motion is said to be non – uniform motion.

31. What Is Variable Velocity?

If a body covers unequal distances in equal intervals of time along a straight line or if the body changes the direction of motion ( though it may be covering equal intervals of time ) , it is said to process variable velocity.

32. What Is Average Velocity?

It is the ratio of the total distance travelled to the total time taken by the body.

33. What Is Instantaneous Velocity?

The velocity of a body in a non – uniform motion at any instant is called instantaneous velocity. It is different from the average velocity over an interval of time.

34. What Is Acceleration?

It is the rate of change of velocity with time.

35. What Is Uniform Acceleration?

A body is said to be moving with uniform acceleration, if its velocity changes by equal values in equal intervals of time.

36. What Is Instantaneous Acceleration?

If the motion changes of a body is such that its velocity changes by unequal values in equal intervals of time, then the value of the accleration at any instant is called instantaneous acceleration.

37. What Is Retardation?

If the velocity increases, the acceleration is positive and if the velocity decreases, the acceleration is negative. The negative acceleration is called retardation.

38. What Is The Direction Of The Velocity And Acceleration When It Is Thrown Upwards ?

Velocity is vertically upward and acceleration is vertically downwards.

39. What Is The Direction Of The Velocity And Acceleration When It Is Thrown Down Wards?

Velocity is vertically downward and acceleration is also vertically downwards.

40. How Is The Position Time Graph Helpful In Studying The Motion Of The Body?

With the help of this graph, we can determine, distance travelled during any interval of time and also the velocity of the body at any instant of time.

41. Why We Do Not Ever Consider Rate Of Change Of Acceleration?

It is found that the basic laws of motion involve only acceleration and not the rate of change of acceleration, so we never consider the rate of change of acceleration.

42. What Is Angle Of Departure Or Angle Of Projection?

The angle that the of projection makes with the horizontal is called angle of departure or angle of projection. Clearly angle of projection for a horizontal projectile is zero.

43. What Is Range Of Projectile?

The distance between the point of projection and the point where the trajectory meets the horizontal plane through the point of projection is called its range ( horizontal ).

44. What Is Horizontal Velocity Of Projectile ?

The horizontal component of the velocity of the body remains same throughout because there is no acceleration ( due to gravity ) in the horizontal direction.

The vertical component of the veocity initially ( i.e. at t = 0 ) is zero and the vertical component keeps on increasing till body touches the ground.

45. What Is Velocity?

Velocity is the rate of change of the position, equal to speed in a particular direction.

46. Which Indian Physcist Worked With Albert Einstein ?

Satyendranath Bose, who with Einstein developed a system of statical quantum mecahnics now known sa Bose Einstein Statistics.

47. What Is Escape Velocity?

The minimum speed that a space rocket must reach to escape the earth’s gravity.

48. Which Are The Basic Forces?

The basic forces are gravity, electricity, magnetism and two kinds of nuclear forces called weak and strong forces.

49. Which Scientist Proved The Electro Weak Force They?

Abdus Salam became the first person from pakistan who won a nobel prize for prove this theory.

50. Which Are Called Non – Contact Forces?

Some forces are only produced when the one object touches another. These force are called non – contact forces.

51. What Is Metastable State?

This is a state of a system in which it is apparently in a stable equilibrium, however if slightly distrubed the system changes to a new state of lower energy.

52. What Is Dimensional Analysis?

A method used to find a relation between various physical quantities. Also to calculate how a physical quantity will depend in terms of the powers of fundamental units on which it intuitively depends.

The method is based on the prinicple that the dimensions of the fudamental quantities ( M, L and T ) must be the same on both sides of an equation.

53. What Is Physical Quantity Of Dimesion?

These are the powers to which the fundamental units must be raised, when the quantity is expressed interms of these units.

54. What Are The Main Uses Of Dimensional Equations?

1.  To test of correctness of equations.
2.  To derive the equations
3.  To convert one system of units into another.
4.  To recapitulate important formulae.

55. (ncert): A Book With Many Printing Errors Contains Four Different Formulas For The Displacement Y Of A Particle Undergoing A Certain Periodic Motion:
(a) Y = A Sin 2π T/t
(b) Y = A Sin Vt
(c) Y = (a/t) Sin T/a
(d) Y = (a 2) (sin 2πt / T + Cos 2πt / T )
(a = Maximum Displacement Of The Particle, V = Speed Of The Particle. T = Time-period
Of Motion). Rule Out The Wrong Formulas On Dimensional Grounds.

Given,

Dimension  of a = displacement = [M⁰L¹T⁰]

Dimension of v (speed) =  distance/time = [M⁰L¹T^-1]

Dimension of  t or T (time period) = [M⁰L⁰T^1]

Trigonometric function sine is a ratio, hence it must be dimensionless.

(a)  y = a sin 2π t/T (correct ✓ )

Dimensions of RHS =  [L¹] sin([_^T].[T^-1] ) =  [M⁰L¹T⁰] = LHS  (eqation is correct).

(b) y = a sin vt  (wrong ✗)

RHS =  [L¹] sin([LT^-1] [T¹]) =  [L¹] sin([L]) = wrong, since trigonometric function must be dimension less.

(c) y = (a/T) sin t/a (wrong ✗)

RHS = [L¹] sin([T].[L^-1] ) = [L¹] sin([TL^-1] ) = wrong, sine function must be dimensionless.

(d)  y = (a 2) (sin 2πt / T + cos 2πt / T )  (correct ✓ )

RHS =  [L¹] ( sin([T].[T^-1] + cos([T].[T^-1] ) = [L¹] ( sin(M⁰L¹T⁰) + cos(M⁰L¹T⁰) )

= [L¹]  = RHS  = equation is dimensionally correct.

56. (ncert): A Famous Relation In Physics Relates ‘moving Mass’ M To The ‘rest Mass’ Mo Of A Particle In Terms Of Its Speed V And The Speed Of Light, C. (this Relation First Arose As A Consequence Of Special Relativity Due To Albert Einstein). A Boy Recalls The Relation Almost Correctly But Forgets Where To Put The Constant C. He Writes?

Dimension of m (mass) = [M¹L⁰T⁰]

Dimension of m0 (mass) = [M¹L⁰T⁰]

Dimension of v (velocity) = [M⁰L¹T^-1]

∴ Dimension of v²= [M⁰L²T^-2]

Dimension of c (velocity) = [M⁰L¹T^-1]

Applying principle of homogeneity of dimensions,  [LHS] = [RHS] = [M¹L⁰T⁰]

⇒ The equation (1- v²)½  must be dimension less, which is possible if we have the expressions as:

(1 –  v²/c²) The equation after placing ‘c’

57. Check The Following Equation For Calculating Displacement Is Dimensionally Correct Or Not
(a) X = X0 + Ut + (1/2) At2
Where, X Is Displacement At Given Time T
Xo Is The Displacement At T = 0
U Is The Velocity At T = 0
A Represents The Acceleration.
(b) P = (ρgh)½
Where P Is The Pressure,
ρ Is The Density
G Is Gravitational Acceleration
H Is The Height.

(a)  x = x0 + ut + (1/2) at2

Applying principle of homogeneity, all the sub-expressions  of the equation must have the same dimension and be equal to [LHS]

Dimension of  x = [M⁰L¹T⁰]

Dimensions of  sub-expressions of [RHS] must be [M⁰L¹T⁰]

⇒ Dimension of  x0 (displacement) = [M⁰L¹T⁰] = [LHS]

Dimension of ut  = velocity x time = [M⁰L¹T^-1][M⁰L⁰T¹] = [M⁰L¹T⁰] = [LHS]

Dimension of  at² = acceleration x (time)2  = [M⁰L¹T^-2][M⁰L⁰T^-2] = [M⁰L¹T⁰] = [LHS]

∴ The equation is dimensionally correct.

(b) P = (ρgh)½

Dimensions of LHS i.e. Pressure [P] = [M¹L^-1T^-2]

Dimensions of ρ = mass/volume =  [M¹L^-3T⁰]

Dimensions of g (acceleration) = [M⁰L¹T^-2]

Dimensions of h (height) = [M⁰L¹T⁰]

Dimensions of RHS = [(ρgh)½] = ([M¹L^-3T⁰]. [M⁰L¹T^-2].[M⁰L¹T⁰])½ = ([M¹L^-1T^-2])½

= [M^½L^-½T^-1]  ≠ [LHS]

58. Ncert): A Man Walking Briskly In Rain With Speed V Must Slant His Umbrella Forward Making An Angle θ With The Vertical. A Student Derives The Following Relation Between θ And V : Tan θ = V And Checks That The Relation Has A Correct Limit: As V → 0, θ →0, As Expected. (we Are Assuming There Is No Strong Wind And That The Rain Falls Vertically For A Stationary Man). Do You Think This Relation Can Be Correct ? If Not, Guess The Correct Relation?

Given, v = tanθ

Dimensions of  LHS = [v] = [M⁰L¹T^-1]

Dimension of  RHS = [tanθ] = [M⁰L⁰T⁰]      (trigonometric ratios are dimensionless)

Since [LHS] ≠ [RHS]. Equation is dimensionally incorrect.

To make the equation dimensionally correct, LHS should also be dimension less. It may be possible if consider speed of rainfall (Vr) and the equation will become:

tan θ = v/Vr

59. Hooke’s Law States That The Force, F, In A Spring Extended By A Length X Is Given By F = −kx.
According To Newton’s Second Law F = Ma, Where M Is The Mass And A Is The Acceleration.
Calculate The Dimension Of The Spring Constant K?

Given, F = -kx

⇒ k = – F/x

F = ma,

the dimensions of force is:

[F] = ma = [M¹L⁰T⁰].[M⁰L¹T^-2] = [M¹L¹T^-2]

Therefore, dimension of spring constant (k) is:

[k] = [F]/[x] = [M¹L¹T^-2].[M⁰L^-1T⁰] = [M¹L⁰T^-2] or [MT^-2] …..

60. Compute The Dimensional Formula Of Electrical Resistance (r)?

According to Ohm’s law

V = IR or R = V/I

Since Work done (W) = QV  where Q is the charge

⇒ R = W/QI = W/I²t         (I = Q/t)

Dimensions of Work [W] = [M¹L²T^-2]

∴Dimension of R =  [R] = [M¹L²T^-2][A^-2T^-1] = [M¹L²T^-3A^-2]

61. A Calorie Is A Unit Of Heat Or Energy And It Equals About 4.2 J Where 1j = 1 Kg M2 S–2. Suppose We Employ A System Of Units In Which The Unit Of Mass Equals α Kg, The Unit Of Length Equals β M, The Unit Of Time Is γ S. Show That A Calorie Has A Magnitude 4.2 α–1 β–2 γ2 In Terms Of The New Units?

Considering the unit conversion formula,

n1U1 = n1U2

n1[M1^aL1^bT1^c] = n2[M2^aL2^bT2^c]

Given here,  1 Cal = 4.2 J = 4.2  kg m² s^–2.

n1 = 4.2,  M1 = 1kg,  L1 = 1m,  T1 = 1 sec

and

n2 = ?,  M2 = α kg,  L2 = βm,  T2 = γ sec

The dimensional formula of energy is =  [M¹L²T^-2]

⇒ a = 1, b =1 and c = -2  Putting these values in above equation,

n2= n1[M1/M2]^a[L1/L2]^b[T1/T2]^c

    = n1[M1/M2]¹[L1/L2]²[T1/T2]^-2

    = 4.2[1Kg/α kg]¹[1m/βm]²[1sec/γ sec]^-2 = 4.2 α^–1 β^–2 γ²  

62. The Kinetic Energy K Of A Rotating Body Depends On Its Moment Of Inertia I And Its Angular Speed ω. Considering The Relation To Be K = Kiaωb Where K Is Dimensionless Constant.
Find A And B. Moment Of Inertia Of A Spehere About Its Diameter Is (2/5)mr2?

Dimensions of Kinetic energy K = [M¹L²T^-2]

Dimensions of Moment of Inertia (I) = [ (2/5)Mr²] = [ML²T⁰]

Dimensions of angular speed ω = [θ/t] = [M⁰L⁰T^-1]

Applying principle of homogeneity in dimensions in the equation K = kI^aω^b

[M¹L²T^-2] = k ( [ML²T⁰])a([M⁰L⁰T^-1])b

[M¹L²T^-2] = k [M^aL^2aT^-b]

⇒ a = 1 and b = 2

⇒ K = kIω²  

63. Convert 1 Newton Into Dyne Using Method Of Dimensions?

Dimensions of Force = [M¹L¹T^-2]

Considering dimensional unit conversion formula i.e.  n1[M1^aL1^bT1^c] = n2[M2^aL2^bT2^c]

⇒ a = 1, b = 1 and c = -2

In SI system,  M1 = 1kg,        L1 = 1m   and T1 = 1s

In cgs system, M2 = 1g,         L2 = 1cm  and T2 = 1s

Putting the values in the conversion formula,

n2 = n1(1Kg/1g)¹.(1m/1cm)¹(1s/1s)^-2= 1.(10³/1g)(10²cm) = 10⁵dyne

64. The Centripetal Force (f) Acting On A Particle (moving Uniformly In A Circle) Depends On The Mass (m) Of The Particle, Its Velocity (v) And Radius (r) Of The Circle. Derive Dimensionally Formula For Force (f)?

Given,   F ∝ m^a.v^b.r^c

∴ F = km^a.v^b.r^c     (where k is constant)

Putting dimensions of each quantity in the equation,

 [M¹L¹T^-2] = [M¹L⁰T⁰]^a.[M⁰L¹T^-1]^b. [M⁰L¹T⁰]^c = [M^aL^b+cT+cT^-b]

⇒  a =1, b +c = 1, -b = -2

⇒  a= 1, b = 2, c = -1

∴ F = km¹.v².r^-1= kmv²/r

65. If The Velocity Of Light C, Gravitational Constant G And Planks Constant H Be Chosen As Fundamental Units, Find The Value Of A Gram, A Cm And A Sec In Term Of New Unit Of Mass, Length And Time Respectively.
(take C = 3 X 1010 Cm/sec, G = 6.67 X 108 Dyn Cm2/gram2 And H = 6.6 X 10-27 Erg Sec)?

Given,

c = 3 x 10¹⁰ cm/sec

G = 6.67 x 10⁸ dyn cm²/gm²

h = 6.6 x 10^-27 erg sec

Putting respective dimensions,

Dimension formula for c = [M⁰L¹T^-1] = 3 x 10¹⁰ cm/sec                             …. (I)

Dimensions of G             =  [M^-1L³T^-2] = 6.67 x 10⁸dyn cm²/gm²                …(II)

Dimensions of h             = [M¹L²T^-1] =  6.6 x 10^-27erg sec                         …(III)

(Note: Applying newton’s law of gravitation, you can find dimensions of G i.e. G = Fr2/(mM)

Similarly, Planck’s Constant (h) = Energy / frequency)

To get M, multiply eqn-I and III and divide by eqn.-II,

⇒ [M⁰L¹T^-1].[M¹L²T^-1].[M¹L^-3T²]

= ( 3 x 10¹⁰ cm/sec).( 6.6 x 10^{-27 erg sec)/ 6.67 x 108 dyn cm2/gm2}

⇒[M2] = 2.968 x 10^-9

⇒[M] =  0.5448 x 10^-4 gm

or 1gm = [M]/0.5448 x 10^-4 = 1.835 x 10^-4 unit of mass

To obtain length [L],  eqn.-II x eqn-III / cube of eqn.-I i.e.

[M^-1L³T^-2].[M¹L²T^-1].[M0L-3T3]

= (6.67 x 10⁸ dyn cm²/gm² ).( 6.6 x 10^-27erg sec)/(3 x 10¹⁰ cm/sec)³

⇒ [L²] =  1.6304 x 10^-65cm²

⇒ [L]  =  0.4038 x 10^-32 cm

or  1cm = [L]/ 0.4038 x 10^-32 = 2.47 x 10^-32unit of length

In eqn-I,  [M⁰L¹T^-1] = 3 x 10¹⁰cm/sec

⇒  [T] = [L] ÷ 3 x 10¹⁰cm/s

⇒  [T] =  0.4038 x 10^-32 cm  ÷ 3 x 10¹⁰cm/s = 0.1345 x 10^-42 s

or 1s = [T]/0.1345 x 10^-42s = 7.42 x 10⁴²unit of time 

66. A Student While Doing An Experiment Finds That The Velocity Of An Object Varies With Time And It Can Be Expressed As Equation: V = Xt2 + Yt +z . If Units Of V And T Are Expressed In Terms Of Si Units, Determine The Units Of Constants X, Y And Z In The Given Equation?

Given,  v = Xt² + Yt +Z

Dimensions of velocity v =  [M⁰L¹T^-1]

Applying applying principle of homogeneity in dimensions, terms must have same dimension.

[v] = [Xt²] + [Yt] + [Z]

∴ [v] = [Xt²]

⇒ [X] = [v] /[t²]  =  [M⁰L¹T^-1] / [M⁰L⁰T²] = [M⁰L¹T^-3]              ….(i)

Similarly, [v] = [Yt]

⇒  [Y] = [v] / [t] = [M⁰L¹T^-1]/ [M⁰L⁰T^-1] = [M⁰L¹T^-2]             …(ii)

Similarly, [v]= [Z]

[Z] =  [M⁰L¹T^-1]      …(iii)

⇒ Unit of X = m-s^-3

⇒ Unit of Y = m-s^-2

⇒ Unit of Z = m-s^-1

67. Express Capacitance In Terms Of Dimensions Of Fundamental Quantities I.e. Mass (m), Length(l), Time(t) And Ampere(a)?

Capacitance(C) is defined as the ability of a electric body to store electric charge.

∴ Capacitance (C) = Total Charge(q) / potential difference between two plates (V)

= Coulomb/ Volt

∵  Volt = Work done (W)/ Charge(q) = Joule/Coulomb

⇒  Capacitance (C) = Charge(q)²/ Work(W)

∵ Charge (q) = Current (I) × Time(t)

Dimension of [q] = [AT]                                                 ———– (I)

Dimension of Work = Force × distance = [MLT^-2][L] = [ML²T^-2]            ——— (II)

Putting values of I and II,

[C] = ([AT])²/ [ML²T^-2] = [M^-1L^-2T²⁺²A²] = [M^-1L^-2T⁴A²]

Physical Quantities having the same dimensional formula:

a. impulse and momentum.

b. force, thrust.

c. work, energy, torque, moment of force, energy

d. angular momentum, Planck’s constant, rotational impulse

e. force constant, surface tension, surface energy.

f. stress, pressure, modulus of elasticity.

g. angular velocity, frequency, velocity gradient

h. latent heat, gravitational potential.

i. thermal capacity, entropy, universal gas constant and Boltzmann’s constant.

j. power, luminous flux.

68. If Force (f), Velocity (v) And Acceleration (a) Are Taken As The Fundamental Units Instead Of Mass, Length And Time, Express Pressure And Impulse In Terms Of F, V And A?

We know that Force = mass ✕ acceleration

⇒ mass = FA^-1

and  length = velocity ✕ time = velocity ✕  velocity ÷  acceleration = V2A-1

and time = VA^-1

∵ Pressure = Force  ÷ Area = F ÷ (V2A^-1)2 = FV-4A²

Impulse = Force ✕ time = FVA^-1