LIMITATIONS OF DIMENSIONS

1. Using dimension analysis, we cannot obtain the value of dimensionless proportionality constant K
in the obtained formula. E.g. time period T of oscillatios of simple pendulum obtained
𝑙 𝑙
dimensionally is T = k √𝑔 , although actual formula is T = 2π√𝑔. Using dimensions we cannot
obtain k = 2π
2. Formula involving addition or subtraction cannot be obtained dimensionally e.g. we cannot
obtain dimensionally the equation of motion v = u + at.
3. Formulae involving trigonometric, exponential or logarithmic functions cannot be obtained
dimensionally e.g. formulae like h = 2 S cos θ / r ρ g
or N = N0 𝑒 −𝜆𝑡 or W = 2.303 RT log10 V2/ V1
cannot be obtained dimensionally.
4. If in a formula, given physical quantity depends upon more than three quantities, then we
cannot obtain it dimensionally.
In that case, formula can be obtained dimensionally only if we already know the relationship of
given physical quantity with other than three quantities.

Ex. Reynold’s Number N is dimensionless quantity which determines the type of flow of liquid
in the pipe. It is a function of density ρ of liquid, its average speed v and coefficient of viscosity
η. Also given that N is directly proportional to diameter D of pipe. Show from dimensional
considerations that N = ρ v D / η.
Sol. Here we need to obtain relation between N and ρ, v, η, whereas the relation between N and D
is already given. So, we can solve it like this
N ∝ ρa vb ηc and N ∝ D
N ∝ ρa vb ηc D
Since constant K =1, so N = ρa vb ηc D …………………………………….(1)
Taking dimensions on both sides
1 = [ ML-3]a [LT -1]b [ML-1 T -1]c L1
M0L0T0 = Ma L-3a Lb T -b Mc L-c T -c L1
M0L0T0 = Ma+c L-3a+b-c +1 T -b-c
Equating dimensions on both sides, we get
a + c = 0 or a = −𝑐 (Equating dimensions of M)
−𝑏 − 𝑐 = 0 or b = −𝑐 (Equating dimensions of T)
−3a+b−𝑐 +1 = 0
or −3(−𝑐) −𝑐 −𝑐 +1 = 0
or + 3c −2𝑐 = −1
or 𝑐 = −1 and hence a = 1, b = 1
Using them in equation (1), we get
N = ρ1 v1 η-1 D = ρ v D / η
Assignment
1. If the velocity of light ‘c’, Universal gravitational constant ‘G’ and Planck’s constant h be chosen
as fundamental quantities, find the dimensions of mass, length and time in terms of c, G and h.
2. The velocity of body which has fallen freely under gravity varies as gp hq, where ‘g’ is
acceleration due to gravity at the place and h is the height through which the body has fallen.
Determine the values of p and q.
3. If the force F, length L and time T be considered fundamental units, then the units of mass will
be (a) FLT -2 (b) FL-2T -1 (c) FL-1T2 (d) F2LT-2
4. If the energy E, velocity v and force F be taken as fundamental quantity, then the dimensions of
mass will be (a) Fv-2 (b) Fv-1 (c) Ev-2 (d) Ev2
5. Given that the displacement 𝑦 of an oscillating particle is given by 𝑦 = 𝐴 𝑆𝑖𝑛 (𝐵𝑥 + 𝐶𝑡 + 𝐷),
where 𝑥 is horizontal displacement and t is time. The dimensional formula for (ABCD) is
(a) M0L-1T0 (b) M0L0T -1 (c) M0L-1T -1 (d) M0L0T0
6. The time dependence of a physical quantity p is given by p = p0 exp(−𝛼𝑡2), where 𝛼 is a
constant and t is time. The constant 𝛼
(a) Is dimensionless (b) has dimensions T-2
(c) has dimensions T2 (d) has dimensions of p
7. The frequency of vibration ‘f’ of a mass m suspended from a spring of spring constant k is given
by the relation f = a mx ky, where a is dimensionless constant. The values of x and y are
(a) x = ½, y = ½ (b) x = −½, y = − ½ (c) x = ½, y =− ½ (d) x = −½, y = ½
8. P represent radiation pressure, c represent speed of light and S represent radiation energy
striking per unit area per second. The non zero integers x, y, z are such that Px Sy cz is
dimensionless, are
(a) x =1, y = 1, z =1 (b) x =−1, y = 1, z =1 (c) x =1, y = −1, z =1 (d) x =1, y = 1, z =−1
9. The dimensions of a physical quantity are MaLbTc, then the physical quantity will be
(a) Velocity if a = 1, b = 0, c = −1 (b) acceleration if a = 1, b = 1, c = −2
(b) (c) Force if a = 0, b = −1, c = −2 (d) Pressure if a = 1, b = −1, c = −2
10. The units of Planck’s constant are
(a) J/s (b) J-s (c) Js2 (d) Js-2