Dimensions and Dimensional Analysis

1 What Are Dimensions?

Dimension refers to the physical nature of a quantity — the type of base quantities that
make it up. It tells us what kind of quantity something is, independent of the units used to
measure it.
In mechanics, the fundamental (base) dimensions are:

L (Length), M (Mass), T (Time)

Every physical quantity can be expressed in terms of these base dimensions.

2 Dimension vs. Units

It is important to distinguish between dimensions and units:

ˆ Dimensions describe the type of physical quantity.

ˆ Units describe how we measure that quantity.

For example:

ˆ The dimension of length is L.

ˆ The SI unit of length is meters (m).

ˆ The U.S. customary unit of length is feet (ft).

Even though meters and feet are different units, they represent the same dimension: L.

3 Derived Quantities
Many quantities are combinations of base dimensions.

Area
A = (length)(length) ⇒ [A] = L2

1
Volume
[V ] = L3

Speed
distance L
v= ⇒ [v] =
time T

Acceleration
speed L
a= ⇒ [a] = 2
time T
We use square brackets to denote dimensions:
L
[v] = , [A] = L2
T

4 Dimensional Analysis
Dimensional analysis is a method used to:

ˆ Check whether equations are physically meaningful.

ˆ Determine the form of relationships between quantities.

Principle: Both sides of a physical equation must have the same dimensions.

5 Example 1: Checking an Equation

Consider the equation:
1
x = at2
2
We check whether it is dimensionally consistent.

[x] = L
Since:
L
[a] = , [t] = T
T2
Then:
 
2 L
[at ] = (T 2 )
T2

=L

2
 Thus,

L=L
The equation is dimensionally correct.

6 Example 2: Determining the Form of a Relationship

Suppose displacement x depends on acceleration a and time t:

x ∝ an tm
We know:

[x] = L
Substitute dimensions:
 n
n m L
[a t ] = Tm
T2

= Ln T m−2n
For dimensional consistency:

Ln T m−2n = L1 T 0
Equating powers:

n=1

m − 2n = 0

m − 2(1) = 0

m=2
Therefore:

x ∝ at2

3
7 Example 3: Period of a Simple Pendulum
Suppose the period T of a pendulum depends on its length l and gravitational acceleration
g:

T ∝ la g b
Dimensions:

[T ] = T

[l] = L

L
[g] =
T2
Substitute:
 b
a L
T =L
T2

= La+b T −2b
Match dimensions:
For L:
a+b=0
For T :
−2b = 1

1
b=−
2
1
a=
2
Thus:
s
l
T ∝
g

4
8 Example 4: Drag Force Dependence
Suppose the drag force F on a sphere depends on density ρ, velocity v, and area A:

F ∝ ρa v b Ac
Dimensions:

[F ] = M LT −2

M
[ρ] =
L3
L
[v] =
T

[A] = L2
Substitute:
 a  b
−2 M L
M LT = (L2 )c
L3 T
Simplify:

= M a L−3a+b+2c T −b
Match powers:
Mass:
a=1
Time:
−b = −2 ⇒ b = 2
Length:
−3a + b + 2c = 1
Substitute a = 1, b = 2:

−3 + 2 + 2c = 1

2c = 2

c=1
Thus:

F ∝ ρv 2 A

5
9 Summary
ˆ Dimensions describe the physical nature of a quantity.

ˆ Units describe how we measure it.

ˆ Every valid physical equation must be dimensionally consistent.

ˆ Dimensional analysis helps determine the structure of physical relationships.