Difference Between Dimensional & Dimensionless Physical Constants

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Dimensional physical constants have specific units associated with them, such as mass or length, while dimensionless physical constants are pure numbers without units, often arising from ratios. In introductory physics, examples of dimensionless constants are rare, primarily limited to ratios. The discussion highlights the importance of context when distinguishing between these types of constants, as many constants in physics are dimensional. The conversation also suggests that some constants, like π or e, could be considered dimensionless. Understanding these differences is crucial for grasping fundamental physics concepts.
nishanth R
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Homework Statement


What is the difference between a dimensional physical constant and dimensionless physical constant?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Please fill all the templates.You will have to show some effort in order to get any help.In physics terms I would say
"The results you achieve is directly proportional to the effort you apply"
 
Maybe start out with examples of each type of constant?
 
What is the context of your question ? In introductory physics there are hardly any dimensionless physical constants, apart from ratios.
Are you sure you don't mean coefficients (e.g. for physical properties, friction coefficients and such) ?

If we leave out a whole lot of ratios (mostly dimensionless for obvious reasons),
when I look at a http://web.mit.edu/birge/Public/formulas/phys-const.pdf , all I see are physical constants with a dimension -- apart from a few very fancy ones such as ##\alpha## and g-2 .
 
I think they mean something like π or e
 
nR, what DO you mean ? I read physical constants.
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
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