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. 

CI

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain what is meant by specific latent heat of fusion


A basketball player throws his ball vertically upwards with an initial speed of v=40 m/s. Ignore air resistance. What is the speed of the ball at half of the maximum height?


Do heavier objects fall on the ground quicker?


A stationary particle explodes into 3: A (to the left), B and C (both to the right). B has mass m and speed 3v. C has mass 2m and speed v. A has speed 2v. What is the mass of A in terms of m?