Very Very simple question on dimensions of equation

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The discussion revolves around the dimensional analysis of equations involving physical constants such as electric charge, speed of light, and reduced Planck's constant. Participants are examining whether certain expressions can be equated to energy based on their dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the dimensional analysis of the expression e²cħ/R and question its equivalence to energy. They also discuss methods for checking dimensions of equations, including the use of mass, length, and time dimensions.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various interpretations of dimensional analysis, with some participants confirming the teacher's explanation while others express uncertainty about the implications of multiplying different dimensional quantities. Guidance has been offered regarding the handling of units as algebraic variables.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of potential confusion regarding unit conversions (e.g., seconds to hours, meters to centimeters) and the importance of maintaining consistency in dimensional analysis.

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My teacher said

e2 c x ħ/R

Where e is the electric charge, c is speed of light and h is reduced constant and R is radius.

My teacher said this has dimenions of energy, is this right?
 
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c ħ/R has dimensions of (distance/time)*(energy*time)/(distance), or energy.

Multiplying by the square of the electrical charge yields (charge)2*(energy), which does not have dimensions of energy.
 
D H said:
c ħ/R has dimensions of (distance/time)*(energy*time)/(distance), or energy.

Multiplying by the square of the electrical charge yields (charge)2*(energy), which does not have dimensions of energy.

Ok thank you. I have another question. My teacher was showing us a way to check the dimensions of equations. He showed us this

LMT

So if something has mass x t dimensions, it can be given as

LMT/L

it can also be written as L-1MT is this right?

If I wanted to multiply two values together, let us say MT times T this is just

MT2

right?

How do you calculate something like

LMT/M2

Thanks
 
What the teacher is telling you is fine so long as you don't mix up, say, seconds and hours or meters and centimeters, etc.

MT times T is MT^2

LMT/M^2 = L(M^-1) T

In my opinion the better way to do it is put the units into the expression and handle them just like the units are typical algebraic variables and see if the units remaining in the expression are what you seek.
 

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