Measurement

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Physics Newtonian Mechanics Measurement

	Dimensional Analysis:
	Dimensions specify the physical nature of a quantity. The dimensions of a physical quantity can be defined as the numbers to which fundamental quantities (such as mass, length and time) are raised to the power. For example the dimensional formula for velocity is written as [v] = [M⁰L¹T^-1]. Thus, the dimensions of velocity are 0, 1 and -1 in terms of mass, length and time respectively. Similarly, the dimensions of acceleration are 0, 1, and -2 in terms of mass length and time so that its dimensional formula is given as [M⁰L¹T^-2]. While dealing with dimensions the following points must be remembered: 1. Any physical quantity can be expressed in terms of fundamental quantities as far as dimensions are concerned. 2. Quantities must have the same dimensions to be added or subtracted. 3. The dimensions of each term of a correct equation are same that is the dimensions of all the terms in the left side of an equation are same as that of the terms in the right.