Help with simple dimensional analysis question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a dimensional analysis problem, specifically identifying which of several given quantities has dimensions of ML/T². The original poster presents a multiple-choice question involving various expressions related to mass, velocity, and distance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to analyze the dimensions of the expressions by breaking them down, but encounters difficulty in the process. Some participants suggest examining each option to see if it matches the required dimensions. Questions arise regarding the meaning of the variable 'r' in the context of the problem and the notation used for mass.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the dimensional analysis process. There is a productive exploration of the dimensions involved, particularly regarding the interpretation of 'r' as a length. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct answer yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is a multiple-choice format, which may influence the approach to analyzing each option. There is also a mention of customary notation in dimensional analysis, specifically the use of capital letters for mass, length, and time.

budd99
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Which one of the quantities below has dimensions equal to ML/T2

a) mv
b) mv2
c) mv2/r
d) mrv
e) mrv2/r2

I tried splitting it up in M*(L/T)*1/T
which would lead me to mv*T-1 and then I get stuck

Please help!
 
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Welcome to Physics Forums :smile:

Since it's multiple choice, how about examining each answer and seeing if it matches ML/T2

For example:

a) mv = M L/T (is not ML/T2)
etc.
 
Redbelly98 said:
Welcome to Physics Forums :smile:

Since it's multiple choice, how about examining each answer and seeing if it matches ML/T2

For example:

a) mv = M L/T (is not ML/T2)
etc.

I'm working on it, but what is the r in the answers? Also, why does the m become a capital M?
 
For dimensional analysis problems, it's customary to use capital letter M, L and T for Mass, Length, and Time.

r is a distance or length.
 
Ok, I think I figured it out...

I took mv2/r

(M(L/T)(L/T))/r

I assumed r = L since both are length measures so...

(M(LL/TT))/L

(M(LL/TTL)

M(L/TT)

M(L/T2)

I don't know if I should be equating r to L though...
 
That's correct. Yes, r has dimensions of Length, so use L for its dimension.
 

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