Help w/ simple dimensional analysis

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around dimensional analysis related to the gravitational force equation, specifically focusing on the gravitational constant G. Participants are examining the units involved in the equation F = G m_1 m_2 / r^2, where F represents gravitational force, m_1 and m_2 are masses, r is the distance, and G is the gravitational constant.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about how to begin the problem and whether the necessary dimensions for mass and force are provided. Some suggest plugging in the known units to solve for G, while others clarify that the dimensions are indeed given in the problem statement.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify the information provided and exploring how to apply dimensional analysis to the gravitational force equation. There is a mix of confusion and attempts to guide each other towards a solution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the original problem does not explicitly state the dimensions of mass and force, leading to confusion about how to approach the analysis.

CocoonOHorror
Messages
25
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



where F is the magnitude of the gravitational attraction on either body, m_1 and m_2 are the masses of the bodies, r is the distance between them, and G is the gravitational constant. In SI units, the units or force are kg* m/s^2, the units of mass are kg, and the units of distance are m. For this equation to have consistent units, the units of G must be which of the following?

Homework Equations



F=GM_1M_2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


i have no idea where to begin. it seems to me they should give me the dimensions of mass and force, but they dont.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Plug in the units and solve for the gravitational constant.
 
CocoonOHorror said:
...it seems to me they should give me the dimensions of mass and force, but they dont.

Actually they do give that information:
CocoonOHorror said:
In SI units, the units or force are kg*m/s^2, the units of mass are kg,...
 
Redbelly98 said:
Actually they do give that information:

those are the dimensions?
 
man, i reall don't understand the question then
 
physicsface said:
Plug in the units and solve for the gravitational constant.

Exactly. Plug in the units for F, M1, M2, and r in the equation,

CocoonOHorror said:
F=G M_1 M_2 / r^2
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K