Unit Analysis: Exponential & Logarithmic Formulas

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In discussions about unit analysis in exponential and logarithmic formulas, it is established that the quantities within these functions must be dimensionless for the equations to be valid. For example, while linear formulas like F = md²x/dt² yield units directly related to their components, nonlinear formulas such as F = exp(xy) require that the exponent itself be dimensionless. This means that any physical quantity used in an exponential or logarithmic function must be adjusted so that the overall expression remains dimensionless. However, constants can be included in these formulas to maintain dimensional consistency. Therefore, while the exponent must be dimensionless, the overall formula can still yield a quantity with dimensions when multiplied by an appropriate constant.
KFC
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Hi all,
I have a general question about the unit in formula or equation. In some formula like ##F=md^2x/dt^2## or thermal radiation law ##P \propto A\cdot T^4##, if we plug in the unit for each quantity, the resulting unit of the output is the resulting algebra of the units. For example

$$[F] = \text{kg}\cdot\text{m}^2/\text{s}^2$$

In this case, we can say the unit for the force if kg.m^2/s^2, but what happens if the formula is not linear, for example, if there is a formula ##F = \exp(xy)##. I know this formula might not exist in physical world but if it happens to have that and if x and y is not dimensionless, does it mean the unit for F will be exponential? If not, why is that? Why the linear formula will give resulting unit proportional to the individual unit but when the formula becomes nonlinear, they won't give the resulting unit the same way?

Ok, I know that it doesn't have unit like exp(m/t). So does it mean whenever I have formula in exponential or logarithm, the resulting quantity must be dimensionless?
 
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KFC said:
So does it mean whenever I have formula in exponential or logarithm, the resulting quantity must be dimensionless?

The quantity inside the exponential or the logarithm must be dimensionless, yes.
 
KFC said:
Ok, I know that it doesn't have unit like exp(m/t). So does it mean whenever I have formula in exponential or logarithm, the resulting quantity must be dimensionless?
Yes, the exponent must be dimensionless, but such formulae can be of the form Cexp(something) where C has got the appropriate dimension.
 
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