Question

State the uses of dimensional analysis.

Answer 1

Hint: Go through the basics of the term dimensional analysis. Give the definition of dimensional analysis. From the overall information of the dimensional analysis, state the uses of dimensional analysis. Use the homogeneity principle of dimensional analysis to determine the use of dimensional analysis.

Complete answer:
The term dimensional analysis is very important in measurement.
The dimensional analysis is also termed as Factor Label Analysis or Unit Factor Method.
In the dimensional analysis, the study of relation between two physical quantities is done with the help of units and dimensions of the physical quantities.
The uses of dimensional analysis are as follows:
1. According to the principle of homogeneity of dimensional analysis, the total dimensions of the physical quantities on the right hand side and left hand side of the equation must be the same for an equation to hold good. Hence, the dimensional analysis is used to determine the correctness of an equation.

2. The dimensional analysis can be used to determine the conversion factor between the units of a physical quantity in two different systems of units.

3. The nature of the physical quantity can be determined using dimensional analysis.

4. One can use the dimensional analysis to derive a formula which gives the relation between various physical quantities.

5. The dimensional analysis can also be used to determine the dimensions of a constant.

Note:
The students should keep in mind that though dimensional analysis enables us to derive relation between physical quantities, it does not give the relation between the trigonometric, logarithmic or algebraic functions. So, one should not attempt to derive a trigonometric, logarithmic or algebraic equation using dimensional analysis.