What Is the Correct Unit for a in the Equation P + av^2 = b?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation P + av² = b, where P represents pressure and v denotes velocity. Participants are exploring the dimensional consistency of the equation and the implications for the unit of 'a'.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the nature of 'b' and whether it can be assumed to be a constant. There is also inquiry into how 'b' can be determined to have units of pressure.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the dimensional analysis of the equation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the necessity for all terms to share the same units, but no consensus has been reached on the status of 'b'.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the definition of 'b' and its implications for the equation, as well as the lack of explicit information about its nature in the original problem statement.

Michael_Light
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Homework Statement



The equation P+av2=b is dimensionally correct. P and v represent pressure and velocity respectively. The unit of ''a'' is similar to...?

The answer provided is density...

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



In the question... it doesn't state that what is ''b'', so should i assume that it is a constant? or there's a proper solution? Please enlighten me...
 
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There is no telling if b is constant or not.
All you can say is that it has the units of pressure, so it is "similar" to pressure.
 
Delphi51 said:
There is no telling if b is constant or not.
All you can say is that it has the units of pressure, so it is "similar" to pressure.

How do you know that ''b'' has a unit of pressure in the first place? Thanks...
 
The formula P+av²=b has three terms. All of them must have the same units or dimensions because you can't add kg to meters. P is in units of pressure, so av² and b must also be in units of pressure.
 

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