Is the Velocity Equation v^2 = v0^2 + 2ax Dimensionally Correct?

  • Thread starter Thread starter skippinrocks
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around verifying the dimensional correctness of the equation v^2 = v0^2 + 2ax, where v and v0 are velocities, a is acceleration, and x is distance. The initial attempt to demonstrate this involved expressing the dimensions of v^2 and 2ax. It was clarified that the dimensions of 2ax can be calculated as (L/T²)(L), resulting in L²/T², which matches the dimensions of (L/T)² for v^2. This confirms that the equation is dimensionally correct. The conversation emphasizes the importance of detailed dimensional analysis in physics.
skippinrocks
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Hello physicists!
I'm taking a physics class and I'm in need of some assistance. I'm just starting out, so bear with me. The question I'm confused about is probably quite simple and I'm just not getting it..


q. Show that the equation v^2 = v0^2 + 2ax is dimensionally correct, where v and v0 represent velocities, a is acceleration and x is distance.

a. i said:

v^2 = v0^2 = (L/T)^2
2ax = 2(L/T)^2

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks !
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to Physics Forums, Skippinrocks.

It says "show that", so you should probably show a little more detail in the second part:
2ax has dimensions (L/T²)(L) = L²/T² = (L/T)²
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Irodov 1.23 confusion: Calculate distance traveled and time elapsed for this decelerating particle
Replies
2
Views
865
Finding Velocity of Car Slowing Down: v_0-c*(t-t_1)^2/2
Replies
3
Views
1K
Upward and downward movement of a rocket with the equation of motion
Replies
13
Views
2K
How do I solve for acceleration using the equation v^2 = v0^2 + 2axΔx?
Replies
2
Views
5K
Finding Initial Velocity v0x for Particle with Non-Constant Acceleration
Replies
2
Views
4K
Analyzing the Fall of a Chain: Problem 103 of 200 Puzzling Physics Problems
Replies
7
Views
2K
Body attached to a block by a spring, shaped like an inclined plane
Replies
1
Views
955
Kinematic Equation Problem using Velocity & Distance
Replies
2
Views
2K
Angular Momentum of a Ball at Half Height
Replies
9
Views
4K
Finding Components of Velocity on a Ramp
Replies
8
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top