Dimensional Analysis and the mathematical steps throughout a process.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of dimensional analysis to derive the relationship between time, height, mass, and gravitational acceleration in the context of an object falling. Participants explore the mathematical steps involved in transitioning from a proportional relationship to an equation involving a constant of proportionality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that time taken for an object to fall can be expressed as a function of height, mass, and gravitational acceleration, leading to the relationship $$t \propto h^\frac{1}{2} g^\frac{-1}{2}$$.
  • The same participant seeks clarification on how to derive the equation $$t = C \surd\frac{h}{g}$$ from the proportionality statement, requesting detailed mathematical steps.
  • Another participant responds with a mathematical identity $$x^{-1/2} = \sqrt{\frac{1}{x}}$$, which is met with confusion regarding its relevance to the original question.
  • A subsequent reply indicates the responder's age and lack of prior instruction on the topic, suggesting a gap in foundational knowledge.
  • Further, the original poster expresses frustration that the provided response does not address their request for detailed mathematical steps.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the mathematical steps required to derive the equation from the proportionality statement. There is a clear disagreement regarding the adequacy of the responses provided to the original question.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights a potential gap in understanding basic mathematical transformations and the expectations for detailed explanations in mathematical derivations. There are unresolved assumptions about the participants' prior knowledge and the clarity of the mathematical steps involved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students seeking to understand dimensional analysis, the derivation of equations from proportional relationships, and the communication of mathematical reasoning in a peer context.

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One would assume that:

$$t \propto h^\alpha m^\beta g^\gamma$$

Where t = time taken for object to fall, h = height dropped from, m = mass, g = acceleration due to gravity.

By doing some dimensional analysis one can find that:

$$t \propto h^\frac{1}{2} g^\frac{-1}{2}$$ and that t is independent of the objects mass.

From this, one can derive that:

$$t = C \surd\frac{h}{g}$$

Where C is some unknown constant of proportionality.

MY QUESTION:

How does one get from $$t \propto h^\frac{1}{2} g^\frac{-1}{2}$$ to $$t = C \surd\frac{h}{g}$$. I need to know all the mathematical processes and each step in detail.
 
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x-1/2=\sqrt{ \frac 1 x}

How can you not know this?
 
Integral said:
x-1/2=\sqrt{ \frac 1 x}

How can you not know this?

Probably cos I'm 14 and haven't been taught it...
 
Integral said:
x-1/2=\sqrt{ \frac 1 x}

Besides, that's not even an answer to my question!

I asked for each mathematical step and all you give me is $$x^-1/2=√\frac{1}{x}$$

So come on, what's each mathematical step?
 

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