Dimension Analysis Questions and Answers

Q1: Define the term ‘Dimension’.

The term ‘dimension’ is used to refer to the physical nature of a quantity and the type
of unit used to specify it. Mathematically dimensions of a physical quantity are the
powers to which the fundamental quantities must be raised.
e.g. = / = [ ]/[ ] = [ ][ ][ ]

Q2: What are dimensional constants?

Constants which possess dimensions are called dimensional constants. e.g. Planck’
Constant.

Q3: What are dimensional variables?

Those physical quantities which possess dimensions but do not have a fixed value are
called dimensional variables, e.g. Displacement, Force, velocity etc.

Q4: What are dimensionless quantities?

Physical quantities which do not possess dimensions are called dimensionless
quantities, e.g. angle, specific gravity, strain. In general, physical quantity which is a
ratio of two quantities of same dimension will be dimensionless.

Q5: Define the principle of homogeneity of dimensions. On What principle

is it based?
The principle of homogeneity of dimensions states that an equation is dimensionally
correct if the dimensions of the various terms on either side of the equation are the
same.
This principle is based on the fact that two quantities of the same dimension only can
be added up, and the resulting quantity also possesses the same dimension.
i.e. in equation X + Y = Z is valid if the dimensions of X, Y and Z are same.

Q6: Who introduced Dimension Analysis?

Fourier (Joseph Fourier – A French Mathematician)

Q7: List the basic dimensions.

 Length – L
 Time – T
 Mass – M
 Temperature – K or θ
 Current – A

Q8: What are the uses (applications) of dimensional analysis?

The applications of dimensional analysis are:

 1. To convert a physical quantity from one system of units to another.
2. To check the dimensional correctness of a given equation to establish a
relationship between different physical quantities in an equation.

Q9: A book with many printing errors contains four different formulas for
the displacement y of a particle undergoing a certain periodic motion:

(a) = ( )
(b) = ( )
(c) = ( )
(d) = ( + )

(a = maximum displacement of the particle, v = speed of the particle. T = time-period

of motion). Rule out the wrong formulas on dimensional grounds.
Given,
Dimension of a = displacement = [ ]
Dimension of v (speed) = distance/time = [ ]
Dimension of t or T (time period) = [ ]

Note: Trigonometric function sine is a ratio, hence it must be dimensionless.

(a) = ( ) (correct ✓ )
= [ ]sin ([ ][ ]) = [ ]= (equation is correct).

(b) = ( ) (wrong ✗)
= [ ]sin ([ ][ ]) = [ ]sin ([ ]) ≠

Since Trigonometric functions must be dimensionless.

(c) = ( ) (wrong ✗)
RHS = [L ] sin([T].[L-1] ) = [L1] sin([TL-1] ) = wrong, sine function must be
1

dimensionless.

(d) = ( + ) (correct ✓ )
= [ ](sin ([ ][ ]) + cos ([ ][ ])) = [ ](sin ( ) + cos ( )) = [ ]
=

Therefore equation is dimensionally correct.

Q10: A famous relation in physics relates ‘moving mass’ m to the ‘rest

mass’ of a particle in terms of its speed v and the speed of light, c. (This
relation first arose as a consequence of special relativity due to Albert
Einstein). A boy recalls the relation almost correctly but forgets where to
put the constant c. He writes = /( − ) =
( )
Dimension of m (mass) = [ ]
Dimension of m0 (mass) = [ ]
Dimension of v (velocity) = [ ]
Dimension of c (velocity) = [ ] and = [ ]=
∴ Dimension of =[ ]
Then (1 − ) / = (1 − [ ]) /
= ℎ ℎ

Applying principle of homogeneity of dimensions, [LHS] = [RHS] =[ ] iff

/
the equation (1 − ) must be dimensionless, which is possible if we have the

expressions as the equation (1 − ) is dimensionless after placing ‘c’

Q11: Check the following equation for calculating displacement is

dimensionally correct or not?
(a) = + +
where, is displacement at given time
=
=
represents the acceleration

(b) = ( )
where is the pressure,
ρ is the density
is gravitational acceleration
is the height.
(a) = + +
Applying principle of homogeneity, all the sub-expressions of the equation must have
the same dimension and be equal to [LHS]
Dimension of = [ ]
Dimensions of sub-expressions of [RHS] must be [ ]
⇒ Dimension of ( )=[ ] = [LHS]
Dimension of = =[ ][ ]=[ ] = [LHS]
Dimension of = acceleration x (time) = [ ][ ]= [ ] = [LHS]
∴ the equation is dimensionally correct.

(b) = ( )

Dimensions of LHS i.e. Pressure [ ] = [ ]

Dimensions of = mass/volume =[ ]
Dimensions of (acceleration) =[ ]
Dimensions of (height) =[ ]
 ( / /
ℎ) = ([ ][ ][ ]) = ([ ]) =
≠

Q.12: A man walking briskly in rain with speed v must slant his umbrella
forward making an angle θ with the vertical. A student derives the
following relation between θ and v as ∶ = and checks that the
relation has a correct limit: as → , → , as expected. (We are
assuming there is no strong wind and that the rain falls vertically for a
stationary man). Do you think this relation can be corrected? If not, guess
the correct relation.

Given, =
Dimensions of =[ ]=[ ]
Dimension of =[ ] = [ ] (Trigonometric ratios are dimensionless)

Since [ ]≠[ ] , therefore equation is dimensionally incorrect.

To make the equation dimensionally correct, LHS should also be dimensionless. It may
be possible if consider speed of rainfall ( ) and the equation will become:
=

Q.13: Hooke’s law states that the force, F, in a spring extended by a length x is given by
= − .
According to Newton’s second law = , where m is the mass and ’ ’ is the
acceleration.
Calculate the dimension of the spring constant k.

Given, = − ⇒ = – /

= , the dimensions of force is: [ ] = = [ ][ ] = [ ]

Therefore, dimension of spring constant (k) is:

[ ]
[ ]= = [ ][ ] = [ ] [ ]
[ ]

Q.14: Compute the dimensional formula of electrical resistance (R).

According to Ohm’s law = = /
Since Work Done = where Q is the charge
⇒ = / = / ( = / )
Dimensions of Work [ ] = [ ]
∴Dimension of = [ ] = [ ][ ] = [ ]

Q.15: A calorie is a unit of heat or energy and it equals about 4.2 J where
= . Suppose we employ a system of units in which the
unit of mass equals kg, the unit of length equals m, the unit of time is
sec. Show that a calorie has a magnitude . in terms of the
new units.

Considering the unit conversion formula,

= ⇒ = [ ]
Given here, 1 Cal = 4.2 J = 4.2 kg m2 sec–2.

= . , = , = , =
= ? , = , = , =

The dimensional formula of energy is = [ ]

⇒ a = 1, b =1 and c = -2. Putting these values in above equation,

= =

Putting values we get

= 4.2 = 4.2

Q.16: The kinetic energy K of a rotating body depends on its moment of

inertia I and its angular speed . Considering the relation to be =
where k is dimensionless constant.
Find and . Moment of Inertia of a sphere about its diameter is

Dimensions of Kinetic energy = [ ]

Dimensions of Moment of Inertia ( ) = [ ] = [ ]
Dimensions of angular speed = [ ] = [ ]
Applying principle of homogeneity in dimensions in the equation =

[ ] = ( [ ]) ([ ])
[ ] = [ ]
⇒ = and =
⇒ =

Q.17: What are the limitations of Dimensional Analysis?

Limitations of Dimensional Analysis are:
 1. It cannot determine value of dimensionless constants.
2. We cannot use this method to equations involving exponential and
trigonometric functions.
3. It cannot be applied to an equation involving more than three physical
quantities.
4. It is a too not a solution i.e. It can check only if the equation is dimensionally
correct or not. But cannot say the equation is absolutely correct.

Q.18: Convert 1 Newton into dyne using method of dimensions.

Dimensions of Force = [ ]

Considering dimensional unit conversion formula i.e. = [ ]

⇒ = 1, = 1 = −2, = 1 ;
, = 1 , = 1 = 1
, = 1 , = 1 = 1

Putting the values in the conversion formula,

= ( ) .( ) .( ) = 1. . . (1) =

Q.19: The centripetal force (F) acting on a particle (moving uniformly in a

circle) depends on the mass (m) of the particle, its velocity (v) and radius
(r) of the circle. Derive dimensionally formula for force (F).
Given, ∝

∴ = where k is constant

Putting dimensions of each quantity in the equation,

[ ]=[ ] [ ] [ ] =[ ]

⇒ = 1, + = 1, − = −2 ⇒ = 1, = 2, = −1

∴ = =

Q.20: If the velocity of light c, gravitational constant G and planks constant h be

chosen as fundamental units, find the value of a gram, a cm and a sec in term of
new unit of mass, length and time respectively.
(Take = 3 × 10 / , = 6.67 × 10 / and ℎ = 6.6 × 10 )

Given:
= 3 × 10 /
= 6.67 × 10 /
ℎ = 6.6 × 10
Putting respective dimensions,
Dimension formula for = [ ] = 3 × 10 / ….(I)
Dimensions of = [ ] = 6.67 × 10 / .…(II)
Dimensions of ℎ = [ ] = 6.6 × 10 .…(III)

(Note: Applying Newton’s Law of Gravitation, you can find dimensions of i.e.
=
Similarly, Planck’s constant (ℏ) = Energy / frequency)
To get M, multiply equation-I and III and divide by equation-II,
⇒[ ]. [ ]. [ ]
= ( 3 x 10 cm/sec). ( 6.6 x 10 erg sec)/ 6.67 x 10 dyne cm /gm
⇒[ ] = 2.968 × 10
⇒[ ] = 0. 5448 × 10
1 = [ ]/0.5448 × 10 = . ×

To obtain length [L], equation-II x equation-III / cube of equation-I i.e.

[ ]. [ ]/[ ]
= (6.67 × 108 / ). ( 6.6 × 10 )/(3 × 10 / )

⇒ [ ] = 1.6304 × 10
⇒ [ ] = . ×
1 = [ ]/ 0.4038 × 10 = . ×

In equation-I, [ ] = 3 × 10 /
⇒ [ ] = [ ] ÷ 3 × 10 / ec
⇒ [ ] = 0.4038 × 10 ÷ 3 × 10 / = 0.1345 × 10
1 = [ ]/0.1345 × 10 = . ×

Q 21: A student while doing an experiment finds that the velocity of an

object varies with time and it can be expressed as equation:
= + +
If units of v and t are expressed in terms of SI units, determine the units of
constants X, Y and Z in the given equation.

Given, = + +
Dimensions of velocity = [ ]
Applying Principle of Homogeneity in dimensions terms must have same dimension.
[ ] = [ ] + [ ] + [ ]
∴ [ ] = [ ]
[ ]
⇒ [ ] = [ ]
= [ ]
=[ ] ….(i)

Similarly, [ ] = [ ]

[ ]
⇒ [ ] = [ ] = [ ]
=[ ] …(ii)

Similarly, [ ] = [ ]
[ ] = [ ] …(iii)

⇒ Unit of X = m-sec-3
⇒ Unit of Y = m-sec-2
⇒ Unit of Z = m-sec-1

Q.22: Express Capacitance in terms of dimensions of fundamental

quantities i.e. Mass (M), Length(L), Time(T) and Ampere(A)

Capacitance(C) is defined as the ability of an electric body to store electric charge.

∴ Capacitance (C) = Total Charge(q) / potential difference between two plates (V)
= Coulomb/ Volt
∵ Volt = Work done (W)/ Charge(q) = Joule/Coulomb
⇒ Capacitance (C) = Charge(q)2/ Work(W)
∵ Charge (q) = Current (I) × Time(t)
Dimension of [q] = [AT] ————– (I)
Dimension of Work = Force × distance = [ ][ ] = [ ] ———— (II)

Putting values of I and II,

[ ] = ([ ]) / [ ] = [ ] = [ ]
Physical Quantities having the same dimensional formula: impulse and momentum.

i. Force, thrust.
ii. Work, energy, torque, moment of force, energy
iii. Angular momentum, Planck’s constant, rotational impulse
iv. Force constant, surface tension, surface energy.
v. Stress, pressure, modulus of elasticity.
vi. Angular velocity, frequency, velocity gradient
vii. Latent heat, gravitational potential.
viii. Thermal capacity, entropy, universal gas constant and Boltzmann’s constant.
ix. Power, luminous flux.

Q.23: If Force (F), velocity (V) and acceleration (A) are taken as the
fundamental units instead of mass, length and time, express pressure and
impulse in terms of F, V and A.
We know that Force = mass ✕ acceleration
⇒ =
and length = velocity ✕ time = velocity ✕ velocity ÷ acceleration =
and =

∵ = ÷ = ÷ ( ) =
= × =

Q.24: The speed of sound v in a gas might plausibly depend on the pressure
p, the density ρ, and the volume V of the gas. Use dimensional analysis to
determine the exponents x, y, and z in the formula

= , where C is a dimensionless constant. Incidentally, the mks units of

pressure are kilograms per meter per second squared.

Equating the dimensions of both sides of the above equation, we obtain

[ ] [ ] [ ]
= ([ ])
[ ] [ ][ ] [ ]

[ ] = [ ]
A comparison of the exponents of [L], [M], and [T] on either side of the above
expression yields, 1 = − – 3 + 3 , 0 = + , − 1 = −2 .
The third equation immediately gives = ; the second equation then yields = – ;
finally, the first equation gives z = 0. Hence,

Q.25: Milk is flowing through a full pipe whose diameter is known to be

1.8 cm. The only measure available is a tank calibrated in cubic feet, and it
is found that it takes 1 h to fill 12.4 ft3.What is the velocity of flow of the
liquid in the pipe?

Velocity is [ ]/[ ] and the units in the SI system for velocity are therefore :

= / where v is the velocity.

Now = where V is the volume of a length of pipe of cross-sectional area

i.e. = / .

Therefore = /

Checking this dimensionally

[ ][ ] = [ ] [ ] [ ] = [ ][ ] which is correct.

Since the required velocity is in , volume must be in , time in and area in

.
From the volume measurement / = 12.4 ℎ
We know that,
1 = 0.0283 ⇒ 1 = (0.0283 /1 )
1 ℎ = 60 × 60 ⇒ 1 = (1 ℎ/3600 )
Therefore
/ = 12.4 /ℎ × (0.0283 /1 ) × (1 ℎ/3600 ) = 9.75 × 10
(0.018)
ℎ ℎ = = = 2.54 × 10
4 4
1 9.75 × 10
= × = = 0.38
2.54 × 10

Q.26: Force of viscosity F acting on a spherical body moving through a fluid

depends upon its velocity( ), radius ( ) and co-efficient of viscosity ‘ ’ of
the fluid. Using method of dimensions obtain an expression for ‘ ’.

∝ , ∝ ∝ …... (1)

So combining we get, = where ‘k’ is a dimensional constant.

Dimensional formula of = [ ]
Dimensional formula of = [ ]
Dimensional formula of = [ ]
Dimensional formula of = [ ]

Substitute for the dimensional formulae in equation (1),

[ ]=[ ] [ ] [ ]
[ ]=[ ] …... (2)

In accordance to principle of homogeneity, the dimensions of the two sides of relation

(2) should be same.

Therefore, = 1 …... (3)

+ − = 1 …... (4)
− – = −2 …... (5)

Putting = 1 in (5), we get = 1, Putting = 1 and = 1 in (4), we get = 1

Substituting for , in (1), = , which is required relation.

Q.27: Planck’s Time can be expressed using the quantities ℏ, the

gravitational constant, G, and the speed of light, c.
ℏ can be expressed in SI units as
 can be expressed in SI units as
can be expressed in SI units as
Planck’s Time has units of sec.
We can now express Planck’s Time in terms of factors of these other 3 quantities.
=[ ] [ ] [ ]
( ) ( ) ( )
=
Comparing Powers we get,
2α + 3β +γ =0 (1)
α-β=0 (2)
-α - 2 β - γ = 1 (3)
α=β (4)
5α + γ = 0 (4) → (1)
-3α - γ = 1 (4) → (3)
1
2 = 1 ⇒ =
2
β=
∴ γ = -5( ) = − 52
/ − ℏ
Therefore Planck’s Time = ℏ
1/2 −5/2
or Planck’s Time = ℏ =

Q.28: Example: Derive the formula for centripetal force F acting on a

particle moving in a uniform circle.

As we know, the centripetal force acting on a particle moving in a uniform circle

depends on its mass m, velocity v and the radius r of the circle. Hence, we can write

Hence, =
Writing the dimensions of these quantities,

[ ] = [ ] [ ] ⇒[ ] =

As per the principle of homogeneity, we can write, = 1, + = 1 = 2

Solving the above three equations we get, a = 1, b = 2 and c = -1.

Hence, the centripetal force F can be represented as, = ⇒ =

Q.29: Derive the expression for the time period of a simple pendulum if
the period of oscillations depends on its length and acceleration due to
gravity. Hence, evaluating the time period of simple pendulum under given
conditions yields Formula for Time period of pendulum. =

Dimensional analysis has the following steps;

Step 1 − Write the relation with assumed powers and an arbitrary constant.

Step 2 − Writing dimensions of each quantity.

Step 3 − Compare similar dimensions.

Step 4 − Substitute the power of dimensions in the equation formed in step 1.

Time of oscillation of pendulum depends upon length of pendulum, mass of bob and
acceleration due to gravity.

To form a new formula we will use dimensional analysis.

Step 1 − Write the relation with assumed powers and an arbitrary constant.

∝
⇒ =

Where,
T = Time of oscillation
k = Arbitrary constant
m = Mass of bob
l = Length of pendulum and
g = Acceleration due to gravity

Step 2 − Writing dimensions of each quantity.

[ ][ ][ ] = [ ] [ ] [ ]

[ ][ ][ ] = [ ][ ][ ][ ]

[ ][ ][ ] = [ ][ ][ ]

Step 3 − Compare similar dimensions.

After comparing similar dimensions, we get;

= , + = ,− = , = , = / , = − /

Step 4 − Substitute the power of dimensions in the equation formed in step 1.

 / /
= ⇒ =

Uses of Dimensional Equations

The dimensional equations have got the following uses:

1. To check the correctness of a physical relation.

2. To derive the relation between various physical quantities.
3. To convert value of physical quantity from one system of unit to another system.
4. To find the dimension of constants in a given relation.

Limitation of Dimensional analysis

Following are the limitations of the dimensional analysis.

1. It does not give information about the dimensional constant.

2. If a quantity depends on more than three factors having dimension, the formula
cannot be derived.
3. We cannot derive the formulae containing trigonometric function, exponential
functions, logarithmic function, etc.
4. The exact form of relation cannot be developed when there are more than one
part in any relation.
5. It gives no information whether a physical quantity is scalar or vector.

Q.30: What do you mean by seven dimensions of the world?

All the derived physical quantities can be expressed in terms of some combination of
the seven fundamental or base quantities. We call these fundamental quantities as
the seven dimensions of the world, which are denoted with square brackets [].

1. Dimension of length = [L]

2. Dimension of mass =[M]
3. Dimension of time =[T]
4. Dimension of electric current =[A] (Ampere)
5. Dimension of thermodynamic temperature = [K] (Kelvin)
6. Dimension of luminous intensity = [cd] (candela)
7. Dimension of amount of substance = [mol] (Mole)

Q.31: What is mean by dimensional equation and dimensional

formula?

Dimensional Formula: the expression which shows how and which of the
fundamental quantities represent the dimensions of a physical quantity is called the
dimensional formula of the given physical quantity.
 Example: The dimensional formula of the volume is [ ] and that of

momentum is [ ].

Dimensional Equation: The equation obtained by equating a physical quantity

with its dimensional formula is called the dimensional equation of the given
physical quantity.

Example: The dimensional equation of force is;

[ ] = [ ]

The dimensional equation for pressure is;

[ ] = [ ]

Q.32: Name the physical quantities whose dimensional formulas are as

follows;

i. ii. iii. iv. v.

Solution:

i.
= . = × =
ii.
= = =
iii.
= = =
ℎ
iv.
= = ×
=
v.
= = =

Q.33: How can we classify variables and consonants on the basis of

dimensions? Give examples of each type.

We can classify quantities into four categories:

1. Dimensional variables: The physical quantities which possess dimensions and

have variable values are called dimensional variables.
Examples. Area, volume, velocity, force, etc.
 2. Dimensionless variables: the physical quantities which possess dimensions and
have constant values are called dimensionless variables.
Examples. Angle, specific gravity, strain, etc.
3. Dimensional Constants: the physical quantities which possess dimensions and
have constant values are called dimensional constants.
Examples. Gravitational constant, Planck’s constant, etc.
4. Dimensionless Constants: the constant quantities having no dimensions are
called dimensionless constants.
Examples. , , .

Q.34: How can we check the dimensional correctness of equation? Explain

it with a suitable example.

For this purpose we make use of the principle of homogeneity of dimensions. If the
dimensions of all the terms on the two sides of equations are same, then the equation is
dimensionally correct.
Example: Lets us check the dimensional accuracy of the equation of motion,

1
= +
2

Dimensions of different terms are;

[ ] = [ ]
[ ] = [ ][ ] = [ ]
1
[ ] = [ ][ ] = [ ]
2

As all the terms on both sides of the equations have the same dimensions, so the given
equation is dimensionally correct.

Q.35: Check whether the following equation in dimensionally

correct.

i. Energy Relation = ℎ

ii. Escape Velocity, =

Solution:
i. Energy Relation = ℎ
= [ ] = [ ][ ] = [ ] ………..(I)
=[ ℎ] = [ ][ ][ ] = [ ] ………..(II)
∴ =
Hence given equation is dimensionally correct.
ii. Escape Velocity, =
= =[ ]
2 [ ]. [ ]
= = =[ ] =[ ]
[ ]
∴ =
Hence given equation is dimensionally correct.

Q.36: The velocity of sound waves ‘v’ through a medium may be

assumed to depend on:
i. the density of the medium ‘d’ and
ii. the modulus of elasticity ‘E’.
Deduce by the method of dimensions the formula for the
velocity of sound. Take dimensional constant K = 1.
Solution:

Let the velocity of sound waves be given by,

∝


⇒ = …………..(i) where K = a dimensionless constant.

Dimensions of the various quantities are;

[ ] = [ ]
[ ] = [ ]
[ ] = = = =
× .

Substituting these dimensions in equation (i), we get

[ ]=[ ] [ ]
or =
Equating the dimensions of M, L and T we get
+ = ,− − = − = −
On solving we get, = − , = .

∴ =

⇒ = = (∵ = )
Q.37: How can a physical quantity be converted from one system
of units to another? Explain it with the help of a suitable
example.
The conversion of a physical quantity from one system to another system is based on
the fact that the magnitude of a physical quantity remains the same, whatever may be
the system of units. If u1 and u2 are the units of measurement of a physical quantity Q
and and are the corresponding numerical values, then
= =
Let , be the signs of fundamental units of mass, length and time in MKS
system, and , be corresponding units in another system. If the dimensional
formula of quantity , then
=
=
∴ =

∴ = ………..(a)

This equation (a) can be used to find the numerical value in the second or new system of
units.

Q.38: The value G in CGS system is . × .

Calculate the value in SI system.
We know that,
=
2
∴ =
1 2
. −1 3 −2
[ ] = =
∴ = −1, = 3 = −2

CGS System SI System

= 6.67 × 10 = ?
= 1 = 1 = 1000
= 1 = 1 = 100
= 1 = 1

∴ = 1

Putting values we get

1 1 1
= 6.67 × 10
1000 100 1
∴ = 6.67 × 10−11
Hence in SI units, = . ×

Q.39: If the unit of force is 1kN, unit of length is 1km and the
unit of time is 100sec, what will be the unit of mass?
From the equation, = we have,
=
.
[ ] = ⇒[ ]=

putting given values

1000 . 10
[ ] =
1000
1000 . . . 10 1 .
[ ] = = 10 ∵1 = =1 . .
1000
Hence mass is
=

Q.40: In the equation = ( − ), where t and x stand

for time and distance respectively. Obtain the dimensional
formula for and .

An angle is a dimensionless quantity,

1 1 −1
∴[ ] = 1 [ ] =
= =
[]
1 1 −1
[ ] = 1 [ ] = = =
[ ]
Q.41: An artificial satellite of mass m is revolving in a circular
orbit around a planet of mass M and radius R. If the radius of the
orbit of satellite be r.
Justify by the method of dimensions that the time period is given
3
by: = .
= = [ ]…………(1)
3
= = = [ ] = [ ] = [ ]……….(2)
[ ] [ ][ ] [ ] [ ]
As from (1) and (2) = . Hence the relation is correct.
Q.42: Derive by the method of dimensions, an expression for the
volume of a liquid flowing out per second through a narrow pipe.
Assume that the rate of flow of liquid depends on,
i. the coefficient of viscosity ‘ ’ of the liquid
ii. the radius ‘ ’ of the pipe and
iii. the pressure gradient ‘ ’ along the pip.
Take =

Let the volume flowing out per second through the pipe be given by

= ……….( )
here K = a dimensionless constant
Dimensions of the various quantities are,

[ ] = = =
[ ]=
[ ]=

= = = =
×
Substituting these dimensions in equation (i), we get

[ ]=[ ] [ ] [ ]
=
Equating the powers of M, L and T, we get
+ = 0, − + − 2 = 3, − − 2 = −1
On solving,
= −1, = 4, = 1

∴ =

= Poiseuille’s equation
Q.43: Derive by the method of dimensions, an expression for the
surface tension S of a liquid rising in a capillary tube. Assume
that the surface tension depends upon,
i. the mass ‘ ’ of the liquid
ii. the pressure ‘ ’ of the liquid and
iii. the radius ‘ ’ of the capillary tube.
Take =

Let the surface tension of the liquid is given by

= …………..(i)
here K = a dimensionless constant
Dimensions of the various quantities are,

= [ ] = = =
= [ ] =
=[ ]=
= [ ] = = =
Substituting these dimensions in equation (i), we get
[ ]=[ ] [ ] [ ]
=
Equating the powers of M, L and T, we get
+ = 1, − + = 0, −2 = −2
On solving,
= 0, = 1, = 1
∴ =
On putting values we get
∴ = =
Q.44: The depth to which a bullet penetrates a human body
depends upon,
i. coefficient of elasticity ‘ ’ and
ii. Kinetic energy ‘ ′
/
Show that ∝

According to the given conditions the depth is related as

∝
= ………….(i)
here K = a dimensionless constant
Dimensions of the various quantities are,
= [ ] =
= [ ] =
=[ ]=

Substituting these dimensions in equation (i), we get

[ ]=[ ] [ ]
=
Equating the powers of M, L and T, we get
+ = 0, 2 − = 1, −3 − 2 = 0
On solving,
1 1
= , = −
3 3
∴ = / − /

/
=

/
∴ ∝

Proved.