How to ensure an equation is dimensionless when it includes "Debye"

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on determining the dimensionality of an expression containing the term "Debye" squared. The expression analyzed is (Debye^2)(s^2)/(cm^5)g, which simplifies to a dimensionless quantity. The cgs unit for electric dipole moment, defined as Franklin times cm, confirms that Debye squared divided by the appropriate units results in a dimensionless outcome, specifically equating to 1. The calculations demonstrate that the units cancel correctly, affirming the expression's dimensionless nature.

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  • Familiarity with cgs units, specifically electric dipole moment
  • Knowledge of unit conversion, particularly involving Franklin and cm
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bumblebee77
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Can anyone please help me figure out how to break down "Debye" into base units so that I can check if an expression is dimensionless in the CGS system?
I am trying to check if an expression is dimensionless. If it is, then I have done things correctly. However, I am stuck on how to deal with a (Debye^2) term. How can I break it down to find out if it cancels out with the other units I have left? I know this is probably a trivial question, but just cannot figure it out.

I have this ("^2" means "squared"):

(Debye^2) (s^2) / (cm^5) g
 
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An expression is of course dimensionless in any system of units. It's the cgs-unit for the electric dipole moment having the dimension Franklin times cm. Now ##1 \text{Fr} =1 \text{statC}=1 \sqrt{\text{g} \; \text{cm}^3/\text{s}^2}##. So ##\text{Debye}^2 \text{s}^2/(\text{cm}^5 \text{g})=1 \text{g} \; \text{cm}^5/(\text{cm}^5 \; \text{g})=1## 👍
 
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vanhees71 said:
An expression is of course dimensionless in any system of units. It's the cgs-unit for the electric dipole moment having the dimension Franklin times cm. Now ##1 \text{Fr} =1 \text{statC}=1 \sqrt{\text{g} \; \text{cm}^3/\text{s}^2}##. So ##\text{Debye}^2 \text{s}^2/(\text{cm}^5 \text{g})=1 \text{g} \; \text{cm}^5/(\text{cm}^5 \; \text{g})=1## 👍
@vanhees71, thank you so much. I just could not get my head around this. Really appreciate it. I voted you up and if there's any other way I can give you credit, just let me know.
 
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