What is dimensional analysis and how is it used?

When one is faced with a problem requiring derivation of an equation, they might be asked to use dimensional analysis. This is a concept that involves analyzing the units of known quantities (usually it is easy to work in SI, one could work out these base quantities like mass in kg, distance in m, time in s, etc. by using more basic known equations) using the fact that any physically meaningful equation has the same dimensions (units, factors) on the left and the right side. 

Answered by Christina I. Physics tutor

1767 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

a solar cell of area 2m^2 has maximum a power output per unit area of 20W/m^2 . if four solar cells are used together at once, how much energy is release in 2 mins at max power output?


Hydrogen has a single proton and a single electron. Find the electric potential at a distance of 0.50 * 10^(-10) (m) from the proton.


A student is measuring the acceleration due to gravity, g. They drop a piece of card from rest, from a vertical height of 0.75m above a light gate. The light gate measures the card's speed as it passes to be 3.84 m/s. Calculate an estimate for g.


By considering Newton's second law and his law of gravitation, derive an expression for gravitational field strength g in terms of its mass, m, the distance from its center of mass, r, and the gravitational constant, G.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences