Application of The Principle of Homogeneity of Dimensions

By Team Aakash Byju's | 23rd December 2022

In relation, F = a + bx,  where F is the force and x is the distance. Calculate the dimensions of a and b.

The answer is dimensions of  a = [MLT    ] and dimensions of  b = [MT    ].

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According to the Principle of Homogeneity of Dimensions, in a dimensionally correct equation, the dimensions of the terms on both sides are the same.

Given that, F = a + bx and F is the Force. Further, two quantities can be added to give the third only if they all have the same units.

=> [F] = [a] = [bx]

Since F stands for Force, we know that the dimensions of F are [MLT    ].

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Since [a] = [F] => [a] = [MLT    ]   and

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[bx] = [F] => [b] = [MLT    ] ÷ [x]

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=> [b] = [MLT    ] ÷ [L]

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∴ [b] = [MT    ]

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(∵ x is the length)