The time dependence of a physical quantity (p) is given by \(p = p_0 \text{exp } (-\alpha t^2)\), where (alpha) is constant and (t) is the time. The constant \(\alpha\):
[1993]
For \(\text{exp }(-\alpha t^2)\) to be dimensionless, \(\alpha t^2\) must be dimensionless. \([\alpha][t^2] = [M^0L^0T^0]\). Since \([t] = [T]\), \([\alpha][T^2] = [1]\). Thus, \([\alpha] = [T^{-2}]\).
(P) represents radiation pressure, (c) represents speed of light and (S) represents radiation energy striking per unit area per sec. The non-zero integers (x, y, z) such that \(P^x S^y c^z\) is dimensionless are:
[1992]
Dimensions: \(P = [ML^{-1}T^{-2}]\), \(c = [LT^{-1}]\), \(S = [MT^{-3}]\). For \(P^x S^y c^z\) to be dimensionless, powers of M, L, T must be zero. \(M: x+y=0\). \(L: -x+z=0\). \(T: -2x-3y-z=0\). Solving gives \(y=-x\) and \(z=x\). Taking \(x=1\) yields \(y=-1\), \(z=1\).
The frequency of vibration (f) of a mass (m) suspended from a spring of spring constant (k) is given by a relation \(f = a.m^x k^y\), where (a) is a dimensionless constant. The values of (x) and (y) are:
[1990]
Frequency \(f = [T^{-1}]\). Mass (m = [M]). Spring constant \(k = [MT^{-2}]\). Comparing dimensions of \(f = m^x k^y\): \([T^{-1}] = [M]^x [MT^{-2}]^y = [M^{x+y} T^{-2y}]\). Solving (x+y=0) and (-2y=-1) gives (y = 1/2) and (x = -1/2).
Choose the quantities that are dimensionless among the following.
Torque, work, and energy all have the same dimensions \([ML^2T^{-2}]\). Hence, \(\frac{\text{Torque}}{\text{Work}}\) and \(\frac{\text{Work}}{\text{Energy}}\) are both dimensionless, while \(\frac{\text{Torque}}{\text{Force}}\) has the dimension of length.
Two physical quantities \(P\) and \(Q\) have different dimensions. The mathematical operation that is not possible among the following are
According to the principle of homogeneity of dimensions, only quantities with identical dimensions can be added or subtracted. Multiplication and division of different physical quantities are allowed.