Unit Analysis: Exponential & Logarithmic Formulas

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the dimensional analysis of formulas involving exponential and logarithmic functions, specifically addressing the formula F = exp(xy). It is established that for any expression involving exponential or logarithmic functions, the argument must be dimensionless to maintain consistency in units. The conversation clarifies that while linear formulas yield units directly proportional to their components, nonlinear formulas, such as those involving exponentials, require the exponent to be dimensionless, allowing for a prefactor with appropriate dimensions, such as C in Cexp(something).

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  • Understanding of dimensional analysis in physics
  • Familiarity with exponential and logarithmic functions
  • Knowledge of basic physical formulas, such as Newton's second law
  • Concept of dimensionless quantities in mathematical expressions
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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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