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In the following $$I$$ refers to current and other symbols have their usual meaning. Choose the option that corresponds to the dimensions of electrical conductivity:
We have to find the dimensional formula of electrical conductivity, usually denoted by $$\sigma$$. By definition electrical conductivity is the reciprocal of electrical resistivity $$\rho$$, so
$$\sigma=\dfrac{1}{\rho}.$$
Therefore, once we know the dimensions of $$\rho$$ we can simply invert them to obtain those of $$\sigma$$.
The resistivity $$\rho$$ is related to resistance $$R$$ through the well-known relation
$$\rho=\dfrac{RA}{l},$$
where $$A$$ is the cross-sectional area of the conductor and $$l$$ is its length. Next, resistance $$R$$ itself is connected to potential difference $$V$$ and current $$I$$ by Ohm’s law, which states first:
$$R=\dfrac{V}{I}.$$
So we must obtain the dimensions of $$V$$. Potential difference (voltage) is defined as work done per unit charge, i.e.
$$V=\dfrac{\text{Work}}{\text{Charge}}.$$
Work (or energy) has the mechanical dimensions $$ML^2T^{-2}$$, while charge is current $$I$$ multiplied by time $$T$$. Thus
$$[\!V\!]=\dfrac{ML^2T^{-2}}{IT}=ML^2T^{-3}I^{-1}.$$
Substituting this in Ohm’s law we get the dimensions of resistance:
$$[R]=\dfrac{[V]}{[I]}=\dfrac{ML^2T^{-3}I^{-1}}{I}=ML^2T^{-3}I^{-2}.$$
Now we insert this result in the expression for resistivity:
$$[\rho]=[R]\,[A]\,[l]^{-1}.$$
The area $$A$$ has the dimensions of length squared $$L^{2}$$, while length $$l$$ has dimensions $$L$$. Therefore,
$$[\rho]=\left(ML^2T^{-3}I^{-2}\right)\left(L^{2}\right)L^{-1}=ML^{3}T^{-3}I^{-2}.$$
Finally, conductivity is the reciprocal of resistivity, so we take the inverse of every exponent:
$$[\sigma]=[\rho]^{-1}=M^{-1}L^{-3}T^{3}I^{2}.$$
Looking back at the given options, this matches exactly with Option B.
Hence, the correct answer is Option B.
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