We often use "measurements" to understand the observable universe around us.

We use quantities to describe the results of our measurements.

All those require "units" and "dimensions"

We often use "measurements" to understand the observable universe around us.

We use quantities to describe the results of our measurements.

All those require "units" and "dimensions"

In classical physics, there are four fundamental dimensions:

1) Space (L), 2) Time (T), 3) Mass (M), 4) Charge (Q)

In SI (Systeme International) unit system: m (meter), k (kilo) s (second)

length (m), mass (kg), (time sec), charge (C)

Derived units such as Hz=1/s, Watt = kg.m^2/sec^3

Dimension -> Physical nature of a quantity
Area has dimensions of [A]=L^2

Units must be consistent in equations of physics

Dimensional analysis is useful

1) To check the consistency of equations
2) To workout which formula could be relevant

Any physical quantity has a dimension that can be expressed in

terms of [L, T, M, Q]
Dimension -> Physical nature of a quantity
Area has dimensions of [A]=L^2

Units must be consistent in equations of physics

Dimensional analysis is useful

1) To check the consistency of equations
2) To workout which formula could be relevant

Any physical quantity has a dimension that can be expressed in

terms of [L, T, M, Q]
If position x only depends on acceleration a and time t, find an
expression for x in terms of a and t from dimensional analysis.

Dimensionless
constant
In certain cases, an estimate of a physical quantity is sufficient.