Dimension of angular displacement, velocity and acceleration

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the dimensions of angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the question and seeks clarification on what is meant by "dimensions" in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the concept of dimensional analysis and its relevance to angular motion. Some suggest looking at equations from the textbook to derive the dimensions, while others clarify the distinction between dimensions and units.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the definitions and relationships between angular quantities. Some participants provide insights into the dimensions of angular motion, while others express uncertainty about their own understanding. The discussion appears to be productive, with participants offering guidance and clarifications.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster may not have encountered dimensional analysis before, which could be contributing to the confusion. There is also mention of the importance of understanding these concepts for future tests.

grigabuoy
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I have a homework question that I do not understand. I have searched everwhere for the answer. I think I did not find the answer because I am do not understnad what the question is asking for. Some help would be greatly appreciated.

The question is: What are the dimensions of angular displacement, and angular velocity, and angular acceleration?

Can someone in simple terms explain what I am suppose to be looking for. The section in my textbook made no reference to dimension of anything.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I am pretty sure they are looking for the dimensional units for angular motion. Have you seen dimensional analysis before?
 
I agree with the above poster...look at your text, see the appropriate equation and solve for the units.

For example, E = Fd, so the units are N.m = J
 
Sorry Decan, I mean no disrespect at all but I think that they may be asking for something different.

For example, the dimensions of velocity are \frac{L}{T} where L represents the dimension of length and T represents the dimension of time (which should make sense). The dimensions of acceleration are \frac{L}{T^{2}} which should also make sense.

I have not studied angular motion grigabuoy so I am afraid that I will not be comfortable with giving you a definite answer to your question, hopefully someone else can fill in the gaps in this regard.

By the way, if you haven't learned about dimensional analysis yet, do so quickly. It is very useful for ensuring that your equations are correct on tests, as well as other things.

edit: removed my assumed dimensional units once Kurdt clarified, thanks.
 
Last edited:
Angle is considered one of the fundamental dimensions along with length, time and mass. Like the post above all you must do it seems is state the dimensions of the quantities based upon previous knowledge. Angular velocity and acceleration are analagous to normal velocity and acceleration.
 
I agree that the term 'dimension' is not the same as units. The dimensions for angular displacement would be angle; angular velocity would be angle per unit time; and angular velocity would be angle per unit time per unit time.

The working unit for angle is radians, which is unitless. The working unit for time is second.

The units for the above then would be radians, radians/s and radians/s^2.
 
Not a problem...I misunderstood the question :)
 
Thanks

I think I finally got what I needed. If there is anything else I will be sure to ask. This information gives me something to run with.

Thanks,
grigabuoy
 

Similar threads

Replies
54
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
Replies
67
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
4K