Finding the Dimensionally Consistent Powers for Acceleration Equation

  • Thread starter Thread starter swatmedic05
  • Start date Start date
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 3K views
swatmedic05
Messages
42
Reaction score
0
Acceleration is related to velocity and time by the following expression: A=V^p t^q

Find the powers p and q that make this equation dimensionally consistent.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You know that acceleration is L^1 T^-2, that velocity is L^1 T^-1 and t is of course T.

[tex]V^p t^q = (L^1 T^{-1})^p (T)^q = (L^1 T^{-2}) = A[/tex]

this is your very basic dimensionality problem. Try to look over some examples and post your work if you need further help.