Dimensional Analysis Help: Understanding Correct Equations in MKS System

Click For Summary
A dimensionally correct equation has the same dimensional formula on both sides, meaning the dimensions of mass, length, and time must match. The user seeks clarification on whether two specific equations are dimensionally correct within the MKS system. They emphasize that when adding or subtracting terms, all must share the same dimensional formula. Examples illustrate how to break down physical quantities into fundamental dimensions, confirming correctness or incorrectness. Understanding these principles will help in analyzing the provided equations effectively.
hthrcru
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I'm having trouble understanding what exactly a dimensionally correct equation is..here's my problem-

In the following expressions:
V-volume
A-area
P-pressure
p(lowercase)-density
t-time
m-mass
v-velocity
g-acceleration due to gravity

I'm supposed to state whether the following equations are dimensionally correct or incorrect, using the above variables in terms [L,M,t], the MKS system..

1. m/t=(3/2)pV/t

2. PV=(1/2)mv2+mg(V/A)

Can ANYONE explain to me if these are dimensionally correct or not and why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
did I post this wrong or does no one know the answer? I'm new to this website so I am not sure how long it normally takes for a response!
 
All the physical quantities of interest can be derived from the base i.e. fundamental quantities [mass,length and 5 more].By dimension of a quantity[Q let] in a base quantity, we mean "the exponent of a base quantity that enters into the expression of that qunatity[Q]".
Eg:- Force = mass * acceleration = mass *(velocity/time) = mass * [(length/time)/time] =mass * length * (time)-2 => Dimensions of force are 1 in mass, 1 in length and -2 in time. It is denoted as [Force] = MLT-2 {M for mass, L for length, T for time}
And MLT-2 is called dimensional formula for Force.
->For any physical quantity, you can just go on breaking the formula to the base ones{like i did for Force}.
--->Now, for an equation to be dimensionally correct, Dimensional formula for LHS term must be same as Dimensional formula for RHS term.
>Also, if 2 terms on any side are adding or subracting, then the 2 terms must have same dimensional formula also.
>As nos [1,2,5,10.1 etc] are unitless, they don't contribute anything to dimensional formula of a term
Eg:- Let's take up one of the kinematic's equation :- S = ut - (1/2)at2
-- = L
-- [ut] = (LT-1)(T) = L
-- [(1/2)at2] = (LT-2)(T)2 = L
And hence this equation is dimensionally correct.
Eg:- Let i write :- velocity, v = aS [a for acceleration and S for displacement]
[v] = LT-1
[aS] = ((LT-2)(L) = L2T-2
clearly, both are not same and this equation i wrote is dimensionally incorrect.

Try out those You have asked, I think you will be able to do them now ^.^
Hope it help :)
 
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?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
795
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
12K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K