Dimensional Analysis And Its Applications
Chapter Name : Units And Measurements |
Sub Topic Code : 101_11_02_10_02 |
Topic Name : Dimensional Analysis And Its Applications |
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Sub Topic Name : Checking The Dimensional Consistency Of Equations |
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Introduction
Correctness of the
equation can be checked by checking dimensional consistency of equation.
Pre-Requisites:
Idea about dimensions of physical quantities.
Activity:
It is method of checking relations between physical quantities by
identifying their dimensions.
Real Life Question:
Can we add physical quantities with different dimensions?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| Principal of homogeneity | Both side of equation must have same dimensions. |
| Dimensional analysis | It is method of checking relations between physical quantities by identifying their dimensions. |
| Dimensions | They are the powers to which the base quantities are raised to represent that quantity. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| Dimensional analysis chart | To know about Dimensional analysis |
Real life uses :
It is used to verify
mathematical equations.
Places to visit :
Physics lab
Practical examples around us
| Examples | Explainations |
|---|---|
| Distance traveled by a car | Correctness of equation of distance travelled by car x = vt+(1/2)*at^2 can be verified by checking dimensional consistency. |
What you learn in Theory:
Only physical
quantities with the same dimensions can be added or subtracted.
What you learn in Practice:
•
If equation is dimensionally incorrect then it must be
wrong.
If equation is dimensionally correct then it
doesn’t guarantee whether it is correct or not.