Units, Dimensions and Measurements MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Units, Dimensions and Measurements - Download Free PDF

Last updated on May 21, 2025

Units and Measurements MCQs comprise multiple choice questions related to the fundamental concepts of units and measurements in physics. Topics include systems of units, dimensions of physical quantities, significant figures, errors in measurements, and international standard units. A thorough understanding of these concepts will assist in accurately answering Units and Measurements MCQs. Knowing Units and Measurements will significantly help candidates with calculations when they appear for competitive exams. Give a quick boost to your exam preparation by solving Units and Measurements MCQs with answers right away.

Latest Units, Dimensions and Measurements MCQ Objective Questions

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 1:

Consider a Vernier callipers in which each 1 cm on the main scale is divided into 8 equal divisions and a screw gauge with 100 divisions on its circular scale. In the Vernier callipers, 5 divisions of the Vernier scale coincide with 4 divisions on the main scale and in the screw gauge, one complete rotation of the circular scale moves it by two divisions on the linear scale. Then,

  1. If the pitch of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the Vernier callipers, the least count of the screw gauge is 0.01 mm.
  2.  If the pitch of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the Vernier callipers, the least count of the screw gauge is 0.005 mm.
  3. If the least count of the linear scale of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the Vernier callipers, the least count of the screw gauge is 0.01 mm.
  4. If the least count of the linear scale of the screw gauge is twice the least count of the Vernier callipers, the least count of the screw gauge is 0.005 mm.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option :

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 1 Detailed Solution

Calculation:

In the given Vernier callipers, each 1 cm is equally divided into 8 main scale divisions (MSD). Thus,

1 MSD = 1 / 8 = 0.125 cm.

Further, 4 main scale divisions coincide with 5 Vernier scale divisions (VSD), i.e.,

4 MSD = 5 VSD → 1 VSD = (4 / 5) × 0.125 = 0.1 cm.

The least count of the Vernier callipers is given by:

LC = 1 MSD - 1 VSD = 0.125 - 0.1 = 0.025 cm.

In the screw gauge, let l be the distance between two adjacent divisions on the linear scale. The pitch p of the screw gauge is the distance travelled on the linear scale when it makes one complete rotation.

Since circular scale moves by two divisions on the linear scale when it makes one complete rotation, we get:

p = 2l

The least count (lc) of the screw gauge is defined as the ratio of the pitch to the number of divisions on the circular scale (n), i.e.,

lc = p / n = 2l / 100 = l / 50

If pitch p = 2 × LC = 2 × 0.025 = 0.05 cm, then l = p / 2 = 0.025 cm

Substitute l in the equation to get least count:

lc = 0.025 / 50 = 5 × 10⁻⁴ cm = 0.005 mm

If l = 2 × LC = 2 × 0.025 = 0.05 cm, then again from the equation:

lc = 0.05 / 50 = 1 × 10⁻³ cm = 0.01 mm

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 2:

A length scale (l) depends on the permittivity (ε) of a dielectric material, Boltzmann constant (kB), the absolute temperature (T), the number per unit volume (n) of certain charged particles, and the charge (q) carried by each of the particles. Which of the following expression(s) for l is(are) dimensionally correct?

  1. l = √(nq² / εkBT)
  2.  l = √(εkBT / nq²)
  3.  l = √(q² / εn2/3kBT)
  4.  l = √(q² / εn1/3kBT)

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option :

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 2 Detailed Solution

Calculation:

The dimensions of thermal energy kBT is ML²T⁻². From Coulomb’s law, F = q₁q₂ / (4πεr²), the dimensions of q² / ε is ML³T⁻². The dimensions of number per unit volume n is L⁻³.

Substitute these dimensions into the given expressions to get:

√(εkBT / nq²) has dimension of L

√(q² / εn1/3kBT) also has dimension of L

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 3:

A physical quantity L is related to four observables m, n, p, q as follows : 

where, m = (60 ± 3)Pa; n = (20 ± 0.1)m; p = (40 ± 0.2) Nsm–2 and q = (50 ± 0.1)m, then the percentage error in L is , where x = ______. 

Answer (Detailed Solution Below) 7

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 3 Detailed Solution

Calculation:

⇒ x = 7

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 4:

 A physical quantity P is related to four observations a, b, c and d as follows:
P = a³b² / c√d
The percentage errors of measurement in a, b, c and d are 1%, 3%, 2%, and 4% respectively. The percentage error in the quantity P is:

  1. 10% 
  2. 2% 
  3. 13% 
  4. 15% 

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : 13% 

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 4 Detailed Solution

Calculation:
Given: P = a³ × b² × c−1/2 × d−1

Taking logarithm on both sides:

ln P = 3 ln a + 2 ln b − (1/2) ln c − ln d

Now, taking error on both sides:

|ΔP / P| = 3 × |Δa / a| + 2 × |Δb / b| + (1/2) × |Δc / c| + |Δd / d|

⇒ Percentage error in P

= 3(1%) + 2(3%) + (1/2)(4%) + 2%

= (3 + 6 + 2 + 2)%

= 13%

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 5:

Consider the diameter of a spherical object being measured with the help of a Vernier callipers. Suppose its 10 Vernier Scale Divisions (V.S.D.) are equal to its 9 Main Scale Divisions (M.S.D.). The least division in the M.S. is 0.1 cm and the zero of V.S. is at x = 0.1 cm when the jaws of Vernier callipers are closed.
If the main scale reading for the diameter is M = 5 cm and the number of coinciding vernier division is 8, the measured diameter after zero error correction is:

  1. 5.18 cm
  2. 5.08 cm
  3. 4.98 cm
  4. 5.00 cm

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : 4.98 cm

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 5 Detailed Solution

Calculation:

Least count = 1 MSD − 1 VSD

1 MSD − (9 / 10) MSD

= (1 / 10) MSD

= (1 / 10) × 0.1 cm = 0.01 cm

Zero error = +0.1 cm

Main scale reading = 5 cm

Vernier scale reading = 8 × 0.01 = 0.08 cm

Final measurement of diameter

= 5 + 0.08 − 0.1 = 4.98 cm

Correct option is: (3) 4.98 cm

Top Units, Dimensions and Measurements MCQ Objective Questions

The SI unit of work function of a metal used in photoelectric effect is

  1. joule (J)
  2. newton (N)
  3. pascal (Pa)
  4. hertz (Hz)

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : joule (J)

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 6 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is option 1) i.e. joule (J)

CONCEPT:

  • Work function: It is the minimum amount of energy required to cause photo-emission of electrons from a metal surface when light is incident on it.
    • The work function is also known as the threshold energy.
    • The energy of the incident light is equal to the sum of the work function and the photoelectron kinetic energy.
    • Therefore, the total energy of photon = work function + maximum kinetic energy of the electron.

The energy of a photon is given by the equation:

 

Where ν is the frequency of incident light and h is the Planck's constant.

EXPLANATION:

  • The work function is a measure of energy. All forms of energy have the same SI unit i.e. joule (J).

What is the dimensional formula of strain?

  1. M0L0T0
  2. M1L-1T-2
  3. M0L0T-1
  4. None of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : M0L0T0

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 7 Detailed Solution

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CONCEPT:

  • Measurement of any physical quantity involves comparison with a certain basic, arbitrarily chosen, internationally accepted reference standard called unit, and a Dimension is a mathematical tool used for studying the nature of physical quantities
  • The basic concept of dimensions is that we can add or subtract only those quantities which have the same dimensions.
  • And the dimensional formula is defined as the expression of the physical quantity in terms of masslength, and time.

​EXPLANATION:

Strain:

  •    The ratio of change in configuration to the original configuration is called strain.

  • As the strain is the ratio of two like quantities, it has no units and no dimensions.
  •  and has no dimension.
  • Its dimension can be expressed as M0L0T0.

The correct answer is M0L0T0​.   

Quantities Dimension
Stress M1L-1T-2
Frequency M0L0T-1
Dynamic viscosity M1L-1T-1
Kinematic viscosity L2T−1
Magnetic Flux M1 L2 T-2 I-1
Magnetic field M1 T-2 I-1
Power ML2T-3
Torque M1L2T-2
Work ML2T-2
Pressure ML-1T-2
Force M1L1T-2
Surface Tension M1L0T-2

The force (F) acting on a body varies with displacement x as F = ax2 + bx + c. Find the dimensional formula of b. (a, b and c are constants).

  1. M L2 T3
  2. M L T-2
  3. M2 L0 T-2
  4. M L0 T-2

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : M L0 T-2

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 8 Detailed Solution

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CONCEPT:

  • 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.
    • This principle is based on the fact that only the physical quantities of the same kind can be addedsubtracted, or compared.
    • Thus, the velocity can be added to velocity but not to force.

EXPLANATION:

Given that:

F = ax2 + bx + c

  • From the principle of dimensional homogeneity, the left-hand side of the equation dimensionally equal to the right-hand side of the equation.

The dimensional formula of Force (F) = [M L T-2]

The dimensional formula of Displacement (x) = [L]

LHS = RHS

[M L T-2] = [b] ×  [L]

[b] = M L0 T-2

Hence option 4 is correct.

The temperature of a substance increases by 27°C. On the Kelvin scale this increase is -

  1. 2.46 K
  2. 7 K
  3. 27 K
  4. 300 K

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : 27 K

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 9 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is 27 K.

Concept:

Celsius scale

  • The Celsius temperature scale is also known as the Centigrade temperature scale because it divides the boiling and freezing points of water by 100 degrees.
  • The Celsius temperature scale is used to measure temperatures all over the world.
  • The temperatures on this scale are all in °C (degree celsius).

Kelvin scale

  • The Kelvin temperature scale is also known as the thermodynamic scale.
  • The Kelvin scale was designed in such a way that the zero point of the temperature scale is set at absolute zero. 
  • As a result, the absolute zero is 0 K. 
  • The Kelvin temperature scale is widely used in scientific calculations and equations because it has a direct relationship with absolute zero.
  • The temperatures on this scale are in K (Kelvin).

Calculation:

The relation between Kelvin and Celsius scale can be written as:

T (K)  = T (°C)  + 273
Let T1 = a1 °C = (a1 + 273) K
      T2 = a2 °C = (a2 + 273) K
Change in temperature:
T2 - T1 = (a2 - a1)°C = (a2 - a1) K
Temperature change in Celsius scale = Temperature change in Kelvin scale = 27 K

Candela is unit of _________.

  1. acoustic intensity
  2. electric intensity
  3. magnetic intensity
  4. luminous intensity

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : luminous intensity

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 10 Detailed Solution

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CONCEPT:

  • The standard units of measurement defined by the ISU for the seven base quantities are SI base units.
  • All other SI units are derived from them.
  • 7 Basic SI units with their quantities: 
Fundamental Quantities
Quantities S.I unit
Mass  Kilogram(kg)
Length Meter(m)
Time second(s)
Amount of Substance Mole(mol)
Temperature Kelvin(K)
Electric Current Ampere(A)
Luminous intensity Candela(cd)

EXPLANATION:

  • From the above table, it is clear that Candela is a unit of luminous intensity. Therefore option 4 is correct. 

Important Points

  • Supplementary units: The units that are used along with base units to form derived units in the International System are called supplementary units.
Supplementary Quantities
Plane angle  radian(rad)
Solid angle steradian(Sr)
Derived Quantities
Inductance Henry (H)
Magnetic Flux Weber (Wb)
Pressure Pascal(Pa)
Power Watt(W)

Which of the following is not a physical quantity?

  1. Length
  2. Time
  3. Electric current
  4. Kilogram (kg)

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Kilogram (kg)

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 11 Detailed Solution

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CONCEPT:

  • A physical quantity is a property of a material. It can be expressed in number by measurement.
  • A physical quantity is expressed by a numerical value and a unit. For example, the physical quantity length can be expressed as 4 meters, where 4 is the numerical value and meter is the unit.
  • The SI units are the standard units of measurement defined by the International System of Units (SI).

EXPLANATION:

  • Following are the SI units of the physical quantity:
     
Physical Quantity SI Units
Power watt
Inductance henry
Capacitance farad
Force newton
Mass kilogram
Resistance ohm
Energy, work joule

 

The kilogram represents the unit of a physical quantity and not the physical quantity. Therefore option 4 is correct.

  • The name and symbol of SI units are written in lowercase.
  • Except for the symbols of those SI units, named after a person, which are written with an initial capital letter.
  • For example, the second has the symbol s, but the kelvin has the symbol K because it is named after Lord Kelvin.

Density of a substance is 13 g/cm3. Its density in S.I. will be: 

  1. 13 × 102 kg/m3
  2. 13 × 103 kg/m3
  3. 13 × 109 kg/m3
  4. 13 × 106 kg/m3

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : 13 × 103 kg/m3

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 12 Detailed Solution

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Concept:

  • Density: The mass per unit volume is called density.

Density (ρ) = Mass (m)/Volume (m3)

  • The SI unit of density is kg/m3.

Calculation:

Given: Mass = 13 g = 13 × 10-3 Kg

Volume = 1 cm3 = (1 × 10-2)3 = 1 × 10-6 m3

In SI unit

Which of the following is the dimension of power?

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 :

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 13 Detailed Solution

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Concept-

The dimensional formula is defined as the expression of the physical quantity in terms of mass, length, time and ampere.

Explanation-

Power – It is defined as rate of doing work.

 

Where, P = power, W = work done and t = time.

Now,

Dimensional formula of work (W) = [ML2T-2]

Dimensional formula of time (t) = [T1]

∴ The dimensional formula of power P is [ML2T-3].

What is the dimensional formula of Power?

  1. ML2T-3
  2. ML2T-2
  3. ML2T2I
  4. None of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : ML2T-3

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 14 Detailed Solution

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Concept:

  • Measurement of any physical quantity involves comparison with a certain basic, arbitrarily chosen, internationally accepted reference standard called unit and Dimension is a mathematical tool used for studying the nature of physical quantities. 
  • The basic concept of dimensions is that we can add or subtract only those quantities which have the same dimensions.
  • And the dimensional formula is defined as the expression of the physical quantity in terms of mass, length, and time.

 

Explanation:

Power – It is defined as the rate of doing work.

Where, P = power, W = work done and t = time.

Now,

As Work done = Force × Distance

Force = mass × acceleration

∴ Dimensional formula of force (F) = [M] × [LT-2] = [MLT-2]

Dimensional formula of work (W) = [ML2T-2]

Dimensional formula of time (t) = [T1]

∴ The dimensional formula of power P is [ML2T-3].

Quantities Dimension
Dynamic viscosity M1L-1T-1
Kinematic viscosity L2T−1
Magnetic Flux M1 L2 T-2 I-1
Magnetic field M1 T-2 I-1
Power ML2T-3
Torque M1L2T-2
Work ML2T-2
Pressure ML-1T-2
Force M1L1T-2
Surface Tension M1L0T-2

'Farad' is the unit of 

  1. Resistance 
  2. Conductance 
  3. Capacitance 
  4. Inductance

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Capacitance 

Units, Dimensions and Measurements Question 15 Detailed Solution

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Concept:

Capacitance

  • Capacitance is a property of the electric conductor measured by the amount of separated electric charge that can be stored on it per unit change in electrical potential.
  • In capacitor, amount of charge, Q = CV, where, C = Capacitance, V = electrical potential
  • A capacitance in an electric circuit is introduced by a device called a capacitor.
  • The SI unit of the capacitance is Farad and is denoted by the F.

Explanation:

The SI unit of capacitance is Farad denoted by F.

Additional Information

  • Resistance
    • ​​Resistance in an electric circuit is introduced by a device called a resistor.
    • Formula, V = IR, where I = electric current flowing in the circuit, V =  supplied voltage, R = Resistance
    • The SI unit of resistance is Ohm denoted by Ω.
  • Conductance
    • ​The reciprocal of the resistance In a conductor is called conductance.
    • Relation, 
    • The SI unit of conductance is Ohm-1.
  • Inductance
    • The inductance in an electric circuit is introduced by a device called an inductor
    • The SI unit of the inductance is Henery denoted by H.

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