Is the Velocity Equation v^2 = v0^2 + 2ax Dimensionally Correct?

  • Thread starter Thread starter skippinrocks
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The equation v² = v0² + 2ax is dimensionally correct, as confirmed through dimensional analysis. Both sides of the equation simplify to the same dimensions of L²/T², where v and v0 represent velocities with dimensions of L/T, a represents acceleration with dimensions of L/T², and x represents distance with dimensions of L. The analysis shows that 2ax also results in L²/T², validating the equation's dimensional consistency.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as velocity, acceleration, and distance.
  • Familiarity with dimensional analysis in physics.
  • Knowledge of units of measurement, specifically length (L), time (T), and their relationships.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study dimensional analysis techniques in classical mechanics.
  • Explore the concepts of kinematics, focusing on equations of motion.
  • Learn about the significance of units in physics and how to convert between them.
  • Investigate other equations in physics to practice dimensional consistency checks.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of dimensional analysis and kinematics in classical mechanics.

skippinrocks
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Hello physicists!
I'm taking a physics class and I'm in need of some assistance. I'm just starting out, so bear with me. The question I'm confused about is probably quite simple and I'm just not getting it..


q. Show that the equation v^2 = v0^2 + 2ax is dimensionally correct, where v and v0 represent velocities, a is acceleration and x is distance.

a. i said:

v^2 = v0^2 = (L/T)^2
2ax = 2(L/T)^2

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks !
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to Physics Forums, Skippinrocks.

It says "show that", so you should probably show a little more detail in the second part:
2ax has dimensions (L/T²)(L) = L²/T² = (L/T)²
 

Similar threads

Irodov 1.23 confusion: Calculate distance traveled and time elapsed for this decelerating particle
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Finding Velocity of Car Slowing Down: v_0-c*(t-t_1)^2/2
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Upward and downward movement of a rocket with the equation of motion
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
How do I solve for acceleration using the equation v^2 = v0^2 + 2axΔx?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Finding Initial Velocity v0x for Particle with Non-Constant Acceleration
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Analyzing the Fall of a Chain: Problem 103 of 200 Puzzling Physics Problems
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Body attached to a block by a spring, shaped like an inclined plane
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Kinematic Equation Problem using Velocity & Distance
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Angular Momentum of a Ball at Half Height
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Finding Components of Velocity on a Ramp
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K