How to find the dimensions of a particle moving in one dimension?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the dimensions of the constants alpha, beta, and gamma in the equation of motion for a particle moving in one dimension, expressed as x(t) = (alpha)t^2 + (beta)t + (gamma). The key insight is that the dimensions of beta can be derived from the relationship between the units of x and the time variable t. Specifically, the dimensions of beta must be consistent with the dimensions of x divided by time, leading to the conclusion that beta has dimensions of length per unit time (L/T).

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kratos
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So a particle of mass M is moving in one dimension given by:
x(t) = (alpha)t^2 + (beta)t + (gamma)

where alpha, beta, gamma are non zero constants.

What are the dimensions of the alpha, beta, gamma?

Either the answer is staring right at my face or my physics is rusty :/
 
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This looks like one of the equations of motion for a particle moving in the x direction.

x(t) = ut + \frac{at^2}{2}
 
kratos said:
So a particle of mass M is moving in one dimension given by:
x(t) = (alpha)t^2 + (beta)t + (gamma)

where alpha, beta, gamma are non zero constants.

What are the dimensions of the alpha, beta, gamma?

Either the answer is staring right at my face or my physics is rusty :/
Welcome to Physics Forums.

Okay, let's look at the beta term as an example:

The units of beta·t must agree with the units of x. So we can write
beta·t ~ x​
Where "~" means they have the same units, not that they are equal. But, we can solve this as if it were an equation. So, solving for beta, what do you get?
 

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