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The variables x, v, and a have the dimensions of [l], [l]/[t], and [l]/[t]2, respectively. these variables are related by an equation that has the form vn = 2ax, where n is an integer constant (1, 2, 3, etc.) without dimensions. what must be the value of n, so that both sides of the equation have the same dimensions?

User Jmartins
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1 Answer

5 votes

The value of n must be 2, so that both sides of the equation have the same dimensions.

Step-by-step explanation

The variables
x, v and
a have the dimensions of
[l], ([l])/([t]) and
([l])/([t]^2) respectively.

These variables are related by an equation that has the form
v^n= 2ax

So, the dimension of the left side ⇒
(v^n)
(([l])/([t]))^n

and the dimension of the right side ⇒
(2ax)
([l])/([t]^2) *[l]= ([l]^2)/([t]^2) = (([l])/([t]))^2

If both sides of the equation have the same dimensions, so...


(([l])/([t]))^n = (([l])/([t]))^2\\ \\ So.. n= 2

So, the value of
n must be 2.

User Anuj Sharma
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