Dimensional anaylsis problem involving trigonometry

  • Thread starter Thread starter mileena
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Trigonometry
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a dimensional analysis problem involving a displacement equation related to time through a trigonometric function. The equation presented is x = A sin(2∏ft), where A and f are constants, and the goal is to determine the dimensions of A.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the requirement for the argument of the sine function to be dimensionless and explore the implications of this on the dimensions of A. The original poster attempts to derive the dimensions of A based on the relationship between displacement, time, and frequency.

Discussion Status

Some participants affirm the original poster's conclusion regarding the dimensions of A, while others note a potential oversight in using base dimensions versus SI units. The discussion reflects a mix of validation and further exploration of dimensional analysis principles.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a hint regarding the necessity for the trigonometric function to be dimensionless, which is a key assumption in the analysis. Additionally, a reference to a previous thread indicates ongoing learning and clarification on dimensional analysis concepts.

mileena
Messages
129
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Dimensional Analysis:

A displacement is related to time as:

x = A sin (2∏ft), where A and f are constants.

Find the dimensions of A. (Hint: a trigonometric function appearing in an equation must be dimensionless.)

Homework Equations



t = seconds
The domain of a sine must be an angle.

The Attempt at a Solution



x = A sin (2∏ft), where A and f are constants.

m = A sin (2∏fs)

A = m/[sin (2∏fs)]

Therefore, f, a constant, must be in terms of s-1, in order to cancel out the s next to it, as the input of sine in an equation must be dimensionless.

Therefore, A = m

Thanks for any help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes that would be correct.
 
Correct
 
I am absolutely stunned that I got the question correct (other than failing to use base dimensions instead of units in the SI system, as Emilyjoint posted in my other thread here!).

Thank you!
 

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
4K