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Introduction to Dimensional Analysis and its Applications
Dimensional Analysis
Principle of homogeneity
Applications of Dimensional Analysis
o Consistency of a Dimensional Equation
o Derive relations between physical quantities involved in physical phenomena
o To change units from one system to another
Dimensional Analysis
The study of relationships between physical quantities with the help of their dimensions and units of
measurements is called dimensional analysis. We use dimensional analysis in order to convert a unit
from one form to another. In science and mathematical problems, we have to keep the unit same so
that we can perform the mathematical operations easily.
Dimensional Analysis is also called Factor Label Method or Unit Factor Method as we use
conversion factor in order to get same units. As an example, if we want to know how many minutes
are in 3 hours, what do we do? We generally think as follows:
1 hour = 60 minutes
3 hour = 3 × 60 minutes = 180 minutes
(here the conversion factor 60 minutes)
We use conversion factors accordingly so that the answer comes in the desired unit and biased
results are avoided.
Image 2: We only unit which is asked in conversion question, that is, if
the answer is asked in kg, it has to be in kg.
Example 1:
To find out how many kilograms are there are 52 pounds (lbs.). In this, we have to convert pounds
into kilograms. Generally, 1 kg = 2.2046 lbs., we can use this figure as our conversion factor.
1 lbs. = 1/2.2046 kg
= 23.58 kg
Example 2:
To find out how many feet are in 140 centimeters (cm). In this, we have to convert centimeters into
feet. Since we can’t convert centimeters directly into feet, so we will convert it into inches, and then
convert inches to feet. This involves calculation of two conversion factors.
So 1 inch = 2.54 cm
1 cm = 1/2.54 inches
12 inches = 1 feet
12 × 2.54 cm = 1 feet
30.48 cm = 1 feet
1 cm = 1/30.48 feet
= 4.59 feet
Principle of homogeneity
Image 3: Concepts of Principle of Homogeneity
The principle of homogeneity states that dimensions of each term of dimension equations are
same on both sides.
Example:
Check consistency of dimensional equation of speed.
Speed = Distance/Time
[LT-1] = L/T
[LT-1] = [LT-1]
The equation is dimensionally correct, as the dimension of speed is same on both sides.
Dimensional Analysis is a basic test to find out the consistency of equation and doesn’t guarantee
the correctness of equation. One drawback of this method is that we can’t predict constants of many
physical quantities. Also, the logarithmic, trigonometric and exponential function is
dimensionless. For Example, take
Sine of angle = Length/Length is unitless; therefore it is a dimensionless quantity.
Example 1
Check the consistency of the equation
x = distance = [L]
Example 2
Check whether the given equation is dimensionally correct.
To check the above equation as dimensionally correct, we first write dimensions of all the physical
quantities mentioned in the equation.
W = Work done = Force × Displacement = [MLT-2] × [L] = [ML2T-2]
1/2 mv2 = Kinetic Energy = [M] × [L2T-2] = [ML2T-2]
mgh = Potential Energy = [M] × [LT-2] × [L] = [ML2T-2]
Since all the dimensions on left and right sides are equal it is a dimensionally correct equation.
Example
Suppose a bob is hanging from a ceiling and time period of oscillations depends on ‘length “l” of the
thread, mass “m” of the bob and gravity “g”. In order to find a relation between time and other
physical quantities, we proceed as follows:
Let’s time depends on powers x, y and z of length l, mass m and gravity g of the bob. Then the
equation becomes
[M0L0T] = k [L]x[M]y[LT-2]z
Arranging powers accordingly we get
[M0L0T] = k [MyLx+zT-2z]
Equating powers on both sides, we get three equations
y=0
x+z=0
-2z = 1
Substituting the values of x, y and z in the equation we have derived the following relation:
T = k L1/2M0g-1/2
X = NU
To convert a physical quantity from one unit to another we use below relation:
N1U1 = N2U2
where N1 and N2 are numerical parts and U1 and U2 are dimensions or units of both quantities.