System Of Unit

System Of Unit

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:34 PM IST

Think about the way that you measure ingredients to cook or the way you calculate distances and fuel efficiency in your car, or maybe even the way that you monitor your exercise. In each of these activities you use a system of units, that is a collection of units with which you quantify some aspect of the world. A system of units standardizes measurements so it is that the same measurements are the same everywhere, at all times and for everyone.

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  1. System Of Unit
  2. Solved Example Besed On System Of Unit
  3. Summary
System Of Unit
System Of Unit

In this article, we will cover the concept of the system of units. This concept we study in the chapter of physics and measurement which is a crucial chapter in Class 11 physics. It is not only essential for board exams but also for competitive exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main), National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), and other entrance exams such as SRMJEE, BITSAT, WBJEE, VITEEE and more. Over the last ten years of the JEE Main exam (from 2013 to 2023), a total of one question has been asked on this concept. But no direct question in NEET.

System Of Unit

A complete set of units, for all kinds of physical quantities (both fundamental and derived ), is known as a system of units.

Now discuss about the types of system of unit:

  • C.G.S. system- In this system, fundamental units are centimetres (cm), grams (g) and second (s).
  • M.K.S. System- In this system, fundamental units are meter(m), kilogram(kg) and second (s).
  • F.P.S. system- In this system foot(ft), pound(lb) and second(s) are used for measurement of length, mass and time respectively.
  • S.I. System- It is known as the International System of Units. There are seven fundamental quantities in this system. It is the modification of the m.k.s system
Fundamental QuantityFundamental UnitSymbol
Lengthmeterm
Masskilogramkg
Timeseconds
Electric currentampereA
TemperaturekelvinK
Amount of substancemolemol
Luminous intensitycandelacd
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Solved Example Besed On System Of Unit

Example 1: Choose the option which contains the correct pair of quantities with its fundamental unit in the SI system.

1) Mass- Gram

2) Mass- Kilogram

3) Time- Hour

4) Length- Centimeter

Solution:

The mass has a fundamental unit- a kilogram

Time has a fundamental unit- second

Length has fundamental unit- meter

Hence, the answer is option (2).

Example 2: In the SI system fundamental unit for temperature is :

1) Degree

2) Celsius

3) Kelvin

4) Radian

Solution:

The temperature has an SI unit of Kelvin.

which is represented by the symbol K.

Hence, the correct option is (3).

Example 3:Match List - I with List - II.

List-I List-II (a)RH( Rydberg constant )( i )kgm−1 s−1( b h( Planck's constant ) (ii kgm2 s−1 (c) μB( Magnetic field energy density )( iiii )m−1 (d) η( coefficient of viscocity )( iv )kgm−1 s−2

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

1) (a)−(iii),(b)−(ii),(c)−(iv),(d)−(i) 2) (a)−(ii),(b)−(iii),(c)−(iv),(d)−(i) 3) (a)−(iii),(b)−(ii),(c)−(i),(d)−(iv) 4) (a)−(iv),(b)−(ii),(c)−(i),(d)−(iii)

Solution:

SI unit of RH:m−1
SI unit of h:kgm2 s−1
SI unit of η:kgm−1 s−1

Hence, the answer is the option (1).

Example 4:Which of the following statements is true about the International System of Units (SI)?

1)The SI is a system of units based on the British imperial system.

2)The SI has only one set of units for all physical quantities.

3)The SI is defined by a set of seven base units from which all other units are derived.

4)The SI has no prefixes for multiples or submultiples of units.

Solution:

The International System of Units (SI) is defined by a set of seven base units, from which all other units are derived. The base units are the metre (length), kilogram (mass), second (time), ampere (electric current), kelvin (temperature), mole (amount of substance), and candela (luminous intensity).

Hence, the answer is the option (3).

Example 5: Which of the following is a derived SI unit?

1) Kelvin (K)

2) Meter (m)

3) Newton (N)

4) Ampere (A)

Solution:

The International System of Units (SI) includes both base units and derived units. Kelvin (K) is a base unit for temperature, Meter (m ) is a base unit for length, and Ampere (A) is a base unit for electric current. Newton ( N ), on the other hand, is a derived unit for force. It is derived from the base units: kilogram ( kg ), meter ( m ), and second ( s ), specifically N=kg⋅m⋅s−2 (kilogram meter per second squared). Therefore, Newton (N) is a derived SI unit, making option 3 the correct answer.

Hence, the answer is the option (3).

Summary

In short, a System of units is a set of units which are used to measure different physical quantities. Most countries use the SI system, which provides a group of fundamental units, such as the meter for length, the kilogram for mass, and the second for time. To these, they are added derived units, like the Newton for force and the joule for energy. Systems of units serve to make order in the measurements across many disciplines and applications. They enable unambiguous communication, comparison, and reproduction of scientific results. This is also what makes everyday activities such as shopping, cooking, or travelling possible because it provides one with a common standard to measure quantities.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a system of units and why is it important in physics?
A system of units is a standardized set of measurements used to quantify physical quantities. It's crucial in physics because it allows for consistent and accurate communication of measurements across the scientific community, enables comparison of experimental results, and facilitates calculations and problem-solving.
2. How does the SI system differ from other systems of units?
The SI (Système International) system is the most widely used modern system of units. It differs from others like the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) or Imperial system by using a coherent set of base units from which all other units are derived. The SI system is decimal-based, making conversions simpler, and it's internationally recognized, promoting global scientific collaboration.
3. What are the seven base units in the SI system?
The seven base units in the SI system are:
4. How are derived units formed in the SI system?
Derived units are formed by combining base units using mathematical operations. For example, velocity is derived from length (meters) divided by time (seconds), giving us meters per second (m/s). This approach allows for the creation of units for complex physical quantities while maintaining consistency within the system.
5. Why is the concept of dimensional analysis important in physics?
Dimensional analysis is important because it allows physicists to check the consistency of equations, convert between different units, and even derive relationships between physical quantities. By analyzing the dimensions of each term in an equation, we can verify if the equation is physically meaningful and identify potential errors in calculations or reasoning.
6. Why is it important to distinguish between vector and scalar quantities in physics?
Distinguishing between vector and scalar quantities is crucial because:
7. How does the choice of reference frame affect measurements in physics?
The choice of reference frame can significantly affect measurements because:
8. What is the role of uncertainty in physical measurements?
Uncertainty plays a crucial role in physical measurements:
9. How does the concept of physical constants relate to the fundamental nature of the universe?
Physical constants are fundamental to our understanding of the universe:
10. What is the significance of dimensionless numbers in physics?
Dimensionless numbers are significant in physics for several reasons:
11. What is the difference between fundamental and derived quantities?
Fundamental quantities are basic physical properties that cannot be broken down into simpler components. They are measured using the seven SI base units. Derived quantities, on the other hand, are combinations of fundamental quantities and are measured using derived units. For example, length is a fundamental quantity (measured in meters), while velocity is a derived quantity (measured in meters per second).
12. How does the use of prefixes in the SI system simplify measurements?
Prefixes in the SI system allow for easy expression of very large or very small quantities without changing the base unit. For example, instead of writing 1,000,000 meters, we can use the prefix "mega" and write 1 megameter (1 Mm). This simplifies calculations, reduces the likelihood of errors, and makes it easier to compare quantities of vastly different magnitudes.
13. Why is it important to use consistent units in physics calculations?
Using consistent units is crucial in physics calculations to avoid errors and ensure accurate results. Mixing units (like using meters in one part of an equation and feet in another) can lead to incorrect answers and misinterpretations of physical phenomena. Consistent units also make it easier to check the dimensional consistency of equations and to interpret the physical meaning of the results.
14. How does the concept of significant figures relate to measurement precision in physics?
Significant figures (or sig figs) indicate the precision of a measurement. They include all the digits known with certainty plus one estimated digit. In physics, using the correct number of significant figures in calculations and results is important because it reflects the accuracy of the original measurements and prevents overstating the precision of calculated values.
15. What is the difference between accuracy and precision in measurements?
Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision refers to the consistency or reproducibility of measurements. A measurement can be precise (consistent) without being accurate (close to the true value), or accurate without being precise. Understanding this distinction is crucial for evaluating experimental results and measurement techniques in physics.
16. How does the choice of a unit system affect problem-solving in physics?
The choice of unit system can significantly impact problem-solving in physics. While the underlying physical principles remain the same, different unit systems may require different conversion factors or constants. Using SI units often simplifies calculations due to its coherent nature, but in some fields (like astronomy or particle physics), other unit systems might be more convenient. The key is to use a consistent system throughout a problem to avoid errors.
17. What is the importance of standardization in measurement systems?
Standardization in measurement systems is crucial for several reasons:
18. How do dimensional constants like the speed of light (c) or Planck's constant (h) relate to the SI system?
Dimensional constants like c and h play a fundamental role in the SI system. They are physical constants with defined values that connect different base units. For example, the speed of light (c) relates time to distance, while Planck's constant (h) connects energy and frequency. These constants help define some SI base units (like the meter, which is now defined in terms of c) and ensure the internal consistency of the system.
19. Why are some quantities, like angle, considered dimensionless?
Quantities like angles are considered dimensionless because they can be expressed as ratios of lengths. For example, a radian is defined as the angle subtended at the center of a circle by an arc equal in length to the radius. This ratio of two lengths results in a pure number without units. Dimensionless quantities are important in physics because they often appear in fundamental equations and can be used to compare systems of different scales.
20. How does the concept of homogeneity apply to physical equations?
Homogeneity in physical equations means that all terms in an equation must have the same dimensions. This principle is a consequence of the fact that we can only add or equate quantities of the same type. Checking for homogeneity is a powerful tool for verifying the correctness of equations and can even help in deriving new relationships between physical quantities.
21. What is the role of conversion factors in physics calculations?
Conversion factors are crucial in physics calculations for several reasons:
22. How do base units in the SI system relate to fundamental physical constants?
In the modern SI system, base units are defined in terms of fundamental physical constants. For example:
23. Why is it important to understand the limitations of measurement in physics?
Understanding measurement limitations is crucial because:
24. How does the concept of orders of magnitude relate to the SI prefix system?
The concept of orders of magnitude aligns closely with the SI prefix system. Each SI prefix represents a power of 10, which corresponds to an order of magnitude. For example, "kilo-" represents 10³, "mega-" represents 10⁶, and so on. This system allows physicists to easily express and compare quantities that differ by orders of magnitude, simplifying calculations and enhancing understanding of scale in physical phenomena.
25. What is the significance of base units being independent of each other in the SI system?
The independence of base units in the SI system is significant because:
26. How does the concept of dimensional homogeneity help in deriving new physical relationships?
Dimensional homogeneity can be used to derive new physical relationships by:
27. How does the concept of significant figures relate to the precision of measuring instruments?
Significant figures are directly related to the precision of measuring instruments:
28. Why is it important to use consistent notation when dealing with units in physics?
Consistent notation in units is important because:
29. How does the principle of coherence in the SI system simplify physics calculations?
The principle of coherence in the SI system simplifies calculations by:
30. Why is it important to understand the historical development of measurement systems in physics?
Understanding the historical development of measurement systems is important because:
31. How does the concept of traceability ensure the reliability of measurements in physics?
Traceability ensures measurement reliability by:
32. What is the role of dimensional analysis in checking the validity of physical equations?
Dimensional analysis plays a crucial role in validating physical equations by:
33. How does the choice of units affect the form of physical laws?
The choice of units can affect the form of physical laws in several ways:
34. Why is it important to understand the concept of base quantities in physics?
Understanding base quantities is important because:
35. How does the redefinition of SI base units in terms of fundamental constants improve the measurement system?
The redefinition of SI base units improves the measurement system by:
36. What is the significance of the speed of light being exactly defined in the SI system?
The exact definition of the speed of light in the SI system is significant because:
37. How does the concept of measurement standards relate to the reproducibility of scientific experiments?
Measurement standards are crucial for reproducibility because:
38. Why is it important to understand the limitations of precision in physical measurements?
Understanding precision limitations is important because:

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