Physics Units and Measurements

Units & Measurements Previous Year Questions (JEE Main 2026)

Solved JEE Main 2026 previous year questions on Units & Measurements with step-by-step KaTeX solutions covering dimensional analysis, error analysis, and physical constants.

7 min read Updated Jul 2026 #pyq#previous year questions#jee-main-2026

Fully solved JEE Main 2026 previous year questions from the Units & Measurements chapter, with concise step-by-step reasoning for every problem.

Solutions are AI-generated and pending review.

JEE Main 2026 · 6 Apr, Shift 1 Q6952782161
The density $\rho$ of a uniform cylinder is determined by measuring its mass $m$, length $l$ and diameter $d$. The measured values of $m$, $l$ and $d$ are $97.42 \pm 0.02$ g, $8.35 \pm 0.05$ mm and $20.20 \pm 0.02$ mm, respectively. Calculated percentage fractional error in $\rho$ is ________.
Solution

For a cylinder, $\rho = \dfrac{m}{V} = \dfrac{m}{\frac{\pi}{4} d^2 l} = \dfrac{4m}{\pi d^2 l}$.

The maximum fractional error adds contributions from each measured quantity:

$$\frac{\Delta \rho}{\rho} = \frac{\Delta m}{m} + 2\,\frac{\Delta d}{d} + \frac{\Delta l}{l}$$

Substituting the values:

$$\frac{\Delta \rho}{\rho} = \frac{0.02}{97.42} + 2\cdot\frac{0.02}{20.20} + \frac{0.05}{8.35}$$$$= 0.000205 + 0.001980 + 0.005988 = 0.008173$$$$\frac{\Delta \rho}{\rho} \times 100 = 0.817\% \approx 0.82\%$$

Answer: B ($0.82\%$)

  1. A 0.63%
  2. B 0.82%
  3. C 0.72%
  4. D 0.25%
JEE Main 2026 · 6 Apr, Shift 1
JEE Main 2026 · 6 Apr, Shift 1 Q6952782162
The potential energy of a particle changes with distance $x$ from a fixed origin as $V = \dfrac{A\sqrt{x}}{x + B}$, where $A$ and $B$ are constant with appropriate dimensions. The dimensions of $AB$ are ________.
Solution

Since $x$ and $B$ are added, $B$ must have the dimension of length:

$$[B] = [L]$$

$V$ is a potential energy, so $[V] = [M L^2 T^{-2}]$. From the expression:

$$[V] = \frac{[A]\,[L]^{1/2}}{[L]} = [A]\,[L]^{-1/2}$$$$[A] = [V]\,[L]^{1/2} = [M L^2 T^{-2}][L^{1/2}] = [M L^{5/2} T^{-2}]$$

Therefore:

$$[AB] = [M L^{5/2} T^{-2}]\,[L] = [M L^{7/2} T^{-2}]$$

Answer: D ($[M^1 L^{7/2} T^{-2}]$)

  1. A $[M^1 L^{5/2} T^{-2}]$
  2. B $[M^{3/2} L^{5/2} T^{-2}]$
  3. C $[M^1 L^2 T^{-2}]$
  4. D $[M^1 L^{7/2} T^{-2}]$
JEE Main 2026 · 6 Apr, Shift 1
JEE Main 2026 · 2 Apr, Shift 1 Q69112126
The dimensional formula of $\dfrac{1}{2}\epsilon_0 E^2$ ($\epsilon_0$ = permittivity of vacuum and $E$ = electric field) is $\mathrm{M}^a \mathrm{L}^b \mathrm{T}^c$. The value of $2a - b + c =$ __________.
Solution

The quantity $\dfrac{1}{2}\epsilon_0 E^2$ is the energy density of the electric field, i.e. energy per unit volume:

$$\left[\frac{1}{2}\epsilon_0 E^2\right] = \frac{[\text{Energy}]}{[\text{Volume}]} = \frac{[M L^2 T^{-2}]}{[L^3]} = [M^1 L^{-1} T^{-2}]$$

So $a = 1$, $b = -1$, $c = -2$. Then:

$$2a - b + c = 2(1) - (-1) + (-2) = 2 + 1 - 2 = 1$$

Answer: B ($1$)

  1. A 0
  2. B 1
  3. C $-1$
  4. D 2
JEE Main 2026 · 2 Apr, Shift 1
JEE Main 2026 · 2 Apr, Shift 2 Q691121176
Dimensions of universal gravitational constant ($G$) in terms of Planck's constant ($h$), distance ($L$), mass ($M$) and time ($T$) are __________.
Solution

The dimensions are $[G] = [M^{-1} L^3 T^{-2}]$ and $[h] = [M L^2 T^{-1}]$.

Write $G = h^a\, L^b\, M^c\, T^d$ and match powers using $[h] = [M L^2 T^{-1}]$:

  • Mass: $-1 = a + c$
  • Length: $3 = 2a + b$
  • Time: $-2 = -a + d$

Taking $a = 1$: $c = -2$, $b = 3 - 2 = 1$, and $d = -2 + 1 = -1$.

$$[G] = [h^1\, T^{-1}\, L^1\, M^{-2}] = [hT^{-1}LM^{-2}]$$

Answer: B ($[hT^{-1}LM^{-2}]$)

  1. A $[hTLM^{-2}]$
  2. B $[hT^{-1}LM^{-2}]$
  3. C $[hTL^2 M^{-2}]$
  4. D $[h^{-1}T^{-1}LM^{-2}]$
JEE Main 2026 · 2 Apr, Shift 2
JEE Main 2026 · 6 Apr, Shift 2 Q6911211226
The percentage error in the calculated volume of a sphere, if there is 2% error in its diameter measurement, is __________.
Solution

The volume of a sphere in terms of diameter $d$:

$$V = \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3 = \frac{4}{3}\pi \left(\frac{d}{2}\right)^3 = \frac{\pi}{6} d^3 \quad\Rightarrow\quad V \propto d^3$$

The fractional error propagates with the power:

$$\frac{\Delta V}{V} = 3\,\frac{\Delta d}{d}$$$$\frac{\Delta V}{V}\times 100 = 3 \times 2\% = 6\%$$

Answer: C ($6$)

  1. A $1$
  2. B $2$
  3. C $6$
  4. D $8$
JEE Main 2026 · 6 Apr, Shift 2
JEE Main 2026 · 6 Apr, Shift 2 Q6911211227
Match List - I with List - II. **List - I:** A. Boltzmann constant; B. Stefan's constant; C. Planck's constant; D. Gravitational constant. **List - II:** I. $[M^{-1}L^3T^{-2}]$; II. $[ML^2T^{-1}]$; III. $[ML^2T^{-2}K^{-1}]$; IV. $[ML^0T^{-3}K^{-4}]$. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Solution

Determine each dimensional formula:

A. Boltzmann constant — from $E = k_B T$: $[k_B] = \dfrac{[M L^2 T^{-2}]}{[K]} = [M L^2 T^{-2} K^{-1}]$ → III

B. Stefan’s constant — from $\dfrac{P}{A} = \sigma T^4$: $[\sigma] = \dfrac{[M T^{-3}]}{[K^4]} = [M L^0 T^{-3} K^{-4}]$ → IV

C. Planck’s constant — from $E = h\nu$: $[h] = \dfrac{[M L^2 T^{-2}]}{[T^{-1}]} = [M L^2 T^{-1}]$ → II

D. Gravitational constant — from $F = \dfrac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2}$: $[G] = \dfrac{[M L T^{-2}][L^2]}{[M^2]} = [M^{-1} L^3 T^{-2}]$ → I

So the mapping is A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I.

Answer: C (A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I)

  1. A A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
  2. B A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
  3. C A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
  4. D A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III
JEE Main 2026 · 6 Apr, Shift 2
JEE Main 2026 · 5 Apr, Shift 1 Q695278327
$L$, $C$ and $R$ represents physical quantities inductance, capacitance and resistance respectively. The dimensional formula $\mathrm{M\,L^2\,T^{-4}\,A^{-2}}$ corresponds to __________.
Solution

Base dimensions of the components:

$$[L] = [M L^2 T^{-2} A^{-2}], \quad [C] = [M^{-1} L^{-2} T^{4} A^{2}], \quad [R] = [M L^2 T^{-3} A^{-2}]$$

Test option A, $\dfrac{R}{\sqrt{LC}}$. First $LC$:

$$[LC] = [M L^2 T^{-2} A^{-2}][M^{-1} L^{-2} T^{4} A^{2}] = [T^{2}]$$$$[\sqrt{LC}] = [T]$$

Then:

$$\left[\frac{R}{\sqrt{LC}}\right] = \frac{[M L^2 T^{-3} A^{-2}]}{[T]} = [M L^2 T^{-4} A^{-2}]$$

This matches the target formula exactly.

(Note: $\sqrt{LC}$ is the time constant of an $LC$ oscillator, and $R/\sqrt{LC}$ therefore carries resistance-per-time dimensions.)

Answer: A ($\frac{R}{\sqrt{LC}}$)

  1. A $\frac{R}{\sqrt{LC}}$
  2. B $\frac{R}{LC}$
  3. C $\frac{C}{\sqrt{LR}}$
  4. D $\frac{1}{R}\sqrt{\frac{L}{C}}$
JEE Main 2026 · 5 Apr, Shift 1
JEE Main 2026 · 5 Apr, Shift 2 Q691121476
Match List - I with List - II. **List - I:** A. Meter (L); B. Second (S); C. Kilogram (M); D. Kelvin (K) **List - II:** I. $\sqrt{\dfrac{hc}{G}}$; II. $\sqrt{\dfrac{Gh}{c^5}}$; III. $\sqrt{\dfrac{K^2 L^2 c^3}{Gh}}$; IV. $\sqrt{\dfrac{Gh}{c^3}}$ where $h$ (Planck's constant), $G$ (gravitational constant) and $c$ (speed of light in vacuum) are fundamental units. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Solution

Use $[h] = [M L^2 T^{-1}]$, $[c] = [L T^{-1}]$, $[G] = [M^{-1} L^3 T^{-2}]$.

Planck length (A, Meter): $\sqrt{\dfrac{Gh}{c^3}}$

$$\left[\frac{Gh}{c^3}\right] = \frac{[M^{-1}L^3T^{-2}][ML^2T^{-1}]}{[L^3 T^{-3}]} = [L^2] \Rightarrow \sqrt{\cdot} = [L]$$

IV

Planck time (B, Second): $\sqrt{\dfrac{Gh}{c^5}}$

$$\left[\frac{Gh}{c^5}\right] = \frac{[L^5 T^{-3}]}{[L^5 T^{-5}]} = [T^2] \Rightarrow \sqrt{\cdot} = [T]$$

II

Planck mass (C, Kilogram): $\sqrt{\dfrac{hc}{G}}$

$$\left[\frac{hc}{G}\right] = \frac{[ML^2T^{-1}][LT^{-1}]}{[M^{-1}L^3T^{-2}]} = [M^2] \Rightarrow \sqrt{\cdot} = [M]$$

I

Kelvin (D): the only expression containing $K$ is III → III

Mapping: A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III.

Answer: B (A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III)

  1. A A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
  2. B A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
  3. C A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
  4. D A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
JEE Main 2026 · 5 Apr, Shift 2
JEE Main 2026 · 8 Apr, Shift 2 Q691121551
A new unit ($\alpha$) of length is chosen such that it is equal to the speed of light in vacuum. What is the distance between Venus and Earth in terms of $\alpha$ units if light takes 6 min. 40 s to cover this distance?
Solution

The unit of length is defined as $\alpha = c$ (numerically equal to the speed of light).

Total time taken by light:

$$t = 6\ \text{min}\ 40\ \text{s} = 6\times 60 + 40 = 400\ \text{s}$$

Distance travelled by light:

$$d = c \times t = c \times 400\ \text{s}$$

Expressing this in units of $\alpha = c$:

$$d = \frac{c \times 400}{c}\,\alpha = 400\,\alpha$$

Answer: B ($400\,\alpha$)

  1. A $200\,\alpha$
  2. B $400\,\alpha$
  3. C $300\,\alpha$
  4. D $500\,\alpha$
JEE Main 2026 · 8 Apr, Shift 2
JEE Main 2026 · 8 Apr, Shift 2 Q691121552
Consider the equation $H = \dfrac{x^p\, \epsilon^q\, E^r}{t^s}$, where $H$ = magnetic field; $E$ = electric field, $\epsilon$ = permittivity, $x$ = distance, $t$ = time. The values of $p$, $q$, $r$ and $s$ respectively are:
Solution

Use base dimensions with current $A$:

$$[H] = [L^{-1} A]\ (\text{A/m}), \quad [x] = [L], \quad [\epsilon] = [M^{-1}L^{-3}T^{4}A^{2}], \quad [E] = [MLT^{-3}A^{-1}], \quad [t] = [T]$$

Test option A, $(p,q,r,s) = (1,1,1,1)$, i.e. $\dfrac{x\,\epsilon\,E}{t}$:

$$[x][\epsilon][E] = [L]\,[M^{-1}L^{-3}T^{4}A^{2}]\,[MLT^{-3}A^{-1}]$$

Combine: $M$: $-1+1=0$; $L$: $1-3+1=-1$; $T$: $4-3=1$; $A$: $2-1=1$, giving $[L^{-1}T^{1}A^{1}]$.

Divide by $t$:

$$\frac{[L^{-1}T^{1}A^{1}]}{[T]} = [L^{-1}A]$$

This equals $[H]$, the dimension of the magnetic field strength ($\text{A/m}$).

Answer: A ($1, 1, 1, 1$)

  1. A $1, 1, 1, 1$
  2. B $-1, 1, 2, 1$
  3. C $1, -1, -2, 1$
  4. D $-1, -2, -2, 1$
JEE Main 2026 · 8 Apr, Shift 2