Question

The speed, v, of an object moving along a straight line can be given in terms of time, t by v = at +b/(t-c)where a, b, c are constants. Assume, the expression is physically correct. If the dimensions of v are L/T, determine the dimensions of the terms a, b and c. Carefully layout your procedure.

Answer 1

Given

`v=at+(b)/(t-c)`

Procedure

Dimensions of v are L/T

The answer would be:

`LT^(-2),L\text{ and T}`

The letter a is multiplying to one dimension in time, so it must be a value of distance over two of time. LT^(-2)

The letter b is in the numerator so it must be a distance dimension. L

The letter c is being operated as a subtraction in the denominator so it must be time T