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Physics - Notes For Chapter Dimension

Chapter 2 discusses the concept of dimensions in physics, which helps express and compare physical quantities such as length, mass, and time. It explains fundamental quantities and their units, dimensional formulas, and the applications and limitations of dimensional analysis. The chapter emphasizes that dimensions represent the nature of physical quantities and are useful for checking equations and converting units, but have limitations with constants and complex functions.

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29 views2 pages

Physics - Notes For Chapter Dimension

Chapter 2 discusses the concept of dimensions in physics, which helps express and compare physical quantities such as length, mass, and time. It explains fundamental quantities and their units, dimensional formulas, and the applications and limitations of dimensional analysis. The chapter emphasizes that dimensions represent the nature of physical quantities and are useful for checking equations and converting units, but have limitations with constants and complex functions.

Uploaded by

mabdullah mabdullah
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Chapter 2: Dimensions

2.1 Introduction
In physics, we often deal with different physical quantities like length, mass, time, velocity,
and force. To express and compare these quantities correctly, we use dimensions. The
concept of dimensions allows us to understand the nature of physical quantities and check
the correctness of physical equations.

• Length → L
• Mass → M
• Time → T
• Electric Current → A
• Thermodynamic Temperature → K
• Amount of Substance → mol
• Luminous Intensity → cd
2.2 Fundamental Quantities and Units
All physical quantities can be expressed in terms of a few basic quantities called
fundamental quantities. The SI fundamental quantities are:

• Velocity = distance / time → [L T■¹]


• Acceleration = velocity / time → [L T■²]
• Force = mass × acceleration → [M L T■²]
• Work = Force × Distance = [M L² T■²]
• Pressure = Force / Area = [M L■¹ T■²]
2.3 Dimensions of Physical Quantities
The dimensions of a physical quantity show how it depends on fundamental quantities.
They are written as powers of M (mass), L (length), T (time), etc.

• To check the correctness of equations (Principle of Homogeneity).


• To find the relation between physical quantities.
• To convert units from one system to another.
• To derive formulas approximately (if constants are ignored).
2.4 Dimensional Formula
A dimensional formula is the expression which shows how and which fundamental
quantities are involved in a physical quantity. General form: Q = M^a L^b T^c where a, b, c
are the powers of fundamental quantities.

• Cannot give numerical constants (like ½, 2, π).


• Cannot be used if equation involves trigonometric, exponential, or logarithmic
functions.
• Only applicable to quantities that can be expressed in terms of M, L, T etc.
2.5 Uses of Dimensions
Applications of dimensions include:
2.6 Limitations of Dimensional Analysis
Limitations of the dimensional method are:

2.7 Summary
Dimensions represent the nature of a physical quantity in terms of fundamental units.
Dimensional formulas are written as [M^a L^b T^c]. Useful for checking equations, deriving
relations, and converting units. Limited when constants or complex functions are involved.

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