Login

Type your search

Physics Branches Of Physics Law

Physics > Units Of Measurement > Dimensional

Analysis

Dimensional Analysis

We quantify the size and shape of things

using Dimensional Analysis. It helps us study
the nature of objects mathematically. It
involves lengths and angles as well as
geometrical properties such as flatness and
straightness. The basic concept of dimension
is that we can add and subtract only
quantities with the same dimensions.
Similarly, two physical quantities can be equal
only if they have the same dimensions.

Table of Content

Dimensional Analysis Explained

Unit Conversion and Dimensional

Analysis

Using Dimensional Analysis to Check

the Correctness of Physical Equation

Homogeneity Principle of Dimensional

Analysis

Applications of Dimensional Analysis

Limitations of Dimensional Analysis

Additional Solved Problems

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Dimensional Analysis Explained

The study of the relationship between physical
quantities with the help of dimensions and
units of measurement is termed dimensional
analysis. Dimensional analysis is essential
because it keeps the units the same, helping
us perform mathematical calculations
smoothly.

Unit Conversion and Dimensional

Analysis
Dimensional analysis is also called Factor
Label Method or Unit Factor Method because
we use conversion factors to get the same
units. To help you understand the stated
better, let’s say you want to know how many
metres make 3 km?

We know that 1000 metres make 1 km,

Therefore,

3 km = 3 × 1000 metres = 3000 metres

Here, the conversion factor is 1000 metres.

Using Dimensional Analysis to

Check the Correctness of Physical
Equation
Let’s say that you don’t remember whether

1. time = speed/distance, or

2. time = distance/speed

We can check this by making sure the

dimensions on each side of the equations
match.

Reducing both the equations to its

fundamental units on each side of the
equation, we get
[L][T ]−1
1. [T ] = = [T ]−1 (W rong)
L
[L]
2. [T ] = = [T ] (Right)
[L][T ]−1

However, it should be kept in mind that

dimensional analysis cannot help you
determine any dimensionless constants in the
equation.

Read more like this:

Dimensions of Dimensions of
Electric Charge Potential Difference

Dimensions of Dimensions of
Resistance Kinematic Viscosity

Dimensions of Dimensions of
Joule Pressure Gradient

Homogeneity Principle of
Dimensional Analysis
Principle of Homogeneity states that
dimensions of each of the terms of a
dimensional equation on both sides should be
the same. This principle is helpful because it
helps us convert the units from one form to
another. To better understand the principle, let
us consider the following example:

Example 1: Check the correctness of physical

equation s = ut + ½ at2. In the equation, s is
the displacement, u is the initial velocity, v is
the final velocity, a is the acceleration and t is
the time in which change occurs.

Solution:

We know that L.H.S = s and R.H.S = ut + 1/2at2

The dimensional formula for the L.H.S can be

written as s = [L1M0T0] ………..(1)

We know that R.H.S is ut + ½ at2 , simplifying we

can write R.H.S as [u][t] + [a] [t]2

[L1M0T-1][L0M0T-1] +[L1M0T-2][L0M0T0]
=[L1M0T0]………..(2)

From (1) and (2), we have [L.H.S] = [R.H.S]

Hence, by the principle of homogeneity, the

given equation is dimensionally correct.

Applications of Dimensional
Analysis
Dimensional analysis is a fundamental aspect
of measurement and is applied in real-life
physics. We make use of dimensional analysis
for three prominent reasons:

To check the consistency of a

dimensional equation

To derive the relation between physical

quantities in physical phenomena

To change units from one system to

another

Limitations of Dimensional Analysis

Some limitations of dimensional analysis are:

It doesn’t give information about the

dimensional constant.

The formula containing trigonometric

function, exponential functions,
logarithmic function, etc. cannot be
derived.

It gives no information about whether a

physical quantity is a scalar or vector.

Additional Solved Problems

1. Check the correctness of the physical
equation v2 = u2 + 2as2.
Solution:

The computations made on the L.H.S and R.H.S

are as follows:

L.H.S: v2 = [v2] = [ L1M0T–1]2 = [ L1M0T–2] ……………

(1)

R.H.S: u2 + 2as2

Hence, [R.H.S] = [u]2 + 2[a][s]2

[R.H.S] = [L1M0T–1]2 + [L1M0T–2][L1M0T0]2

[R.H.S] = [L2M0T–2] + [L1M0T–2][L2M0T0]
[R.H.S] = [L2M0T–2] + [L1M0T–2][L2M0T0]
[R.H.S] = [L2M0T–2] + [L3M0T–2]…………………(2)
From (1) and (2), we have [L.H.S] ≠ [R.H.S]

Hence, by the principle of homogeneity, the

equation is not dimensionally correct.

2. Evaluate the homogeneity of the equation

when the rate flow of a liquid has a coefficient
of viscosity η through a capillary tube of
length ‘l’ and radius ‘a’ under pressure head
‘p’ given as
πpa4
dV
dt
= 8lη
Solution:

πp4
dV
dt
= 8lη

[dV ] [M 0L3T 0]
[L.H.S] = [dt] = [M 0T 0T 1] = [M 0L3T −1] ….

[p][a]4
[R.H.S] = [l][η]

[M 1L−1T −2][M 0L1T 0]4

∴ [R.H.S] = [M 0L1T 0][M 1L−1T −1]

[M 1L−1T −2][M 0L4T 0]

= [M 1L0T −1]

[M 1L3T 2]
= [M 1L0T −1] = [M 0L3T −1] …….(2)

From (1) and (2), we have [L.H.S] = [R.H.S]

Hence, by the principle of homogeneity, the

given equation is homogenous.

Frequently Asked Questions –

FAQs

Q1 What is dimensional analysis?

Dimensional analysis is the study of the

relationship between physical quantities
with the help of dimensions and units of
measurement.

Q2 State true or false: Dimensional analysis

can not be used to find dimensionless
constants.

TRUE

Q3 State the principle of homogeneity of

dimensions

The principle of homogeneity of

dimensions states that an equation is
dimensionally correct if the dimensions of
the various terms on either side of the
equation are the same.

Q4 Why do we use dimensional analysis?

We make use of dimensional analysis for

three prominent reasons:
To check the consistency of a
dimensional equation

To derive the relation between

physical quantities in physical
phenomena

To change units from one system to

another.

Q5 What are the limitations of dimensional

analysis?

Some limitations of dimensional analysis

are:
It doesn’t give information about
the dimensional constant.

The formula containing

trigonometric function, exponential
functions, logarithmic function, etc.
cannot be derived.

It gives no information about

whether a physical quantity is a
scalar or vector.

Stay tuned to BYJU’S to learn more physics

concepts with the help of interactive video
lessons.

Test your knowledge on

Dimensional analysis

Put your
understanding of this
concept to test by
answering a few
MCQs. Click ‘Start Quiz’
to begin!

Select the correct answer and click

on the “Finish” button
Check your score and answers at
the end of the quiz

Start Quiz

PHYSICS Related Links

Swipe left
Dimensio
What Is Quark
Angular M

Disadvantages Of Biogas How Are

Magnetic Effect Of Electric Velocity

Current Notes Maximum

Difference Between Concave

Mirror De
And Convex

Bernoulli Formula What Is O

Important Physics Topics

Thermodynamics

Laws Of Physics

Carnot Engine

Concave And Convex Mirrors

Centripetal And Centrifugal

Force

Physics Symbols

Poissons Ratio

Frictional Force

Projectile Motion

Electric Current

Electromagnetism

Rotation And Revolution

Uniform And Non-Uniform

Motion

SI Units List

Derivation Of Physics Formulas

Ohm's Law

Archimedes’ Principle

Kirchhoff's Law

Newton's Laws Of Motion

Laws Of Reflection

CBSE Sample Papers

CBSE Sample Papers Class 8

Science

CBSE Sample Papers Class 9

Science

CBSE Sample Papers Class 10

Science

CBSE Sample Papers Class 11

Physics

CBSE Sample Papers Class 11

Chemistry

CBSE Sample Papers Class 11

Biology

CBSE Sample Papers Class 12

Physics

CBSE Sample Papers Class 12

Chemistry

CBSE Sample Papers Class 12

Biology

CBSE Previous Year Question

Papers

CBSE Previous Year Question

Papers Class 10 Science

CBSE Previous Year Question

Papers Class 12 Physics

CBSE Previous Year Question

Papers Class 12 Chemistry

CBSE Previous Year Question

Papers Class 12 Biology

ICSE Sample Papers

ICSE Sample Papers Class 8

Physics

ICSE Sample Papers Class 8

Chemistry

ICSE Sample Papers Class 8

Biology

ICSE Sample Papers Class 9

Physics

ICSE Sample Papers Class 9

Chemistry

ICSE Sample Papers Class 9

Biology

ICSE Sample Papers Class 10

Physics

ICSE Sample Papers Class 10

Chemistry

ICSE Sample Papers Class 10

Biology

ISC Sample Papers Class 11

Physics

ISC Sample Papers Class 11

Chemistry

ISC Sample Papers Class 11

Biology

ISC Sample Papers Class 12

Physics

ISC Sample Papers Class 12

Chemistry

ISC Sample Papers Class 12

Biology

ICSE Previous Year Question

Papers

ICSE Previous Year Question

Papers Class 10 Physics

ICSE Previous Year Question

Papers Class 10 Chemistry

ICSE Previous Year Question

Papers Class 10 Maths

ISC Previous Year Question

Papers class 12

ISC Previous Year Question

Papers Class 12 Physics

ISC Previous Year Question

Papers Class 12 Chemistry

ISC Previous Year Question

Papers Class 12 Biology

BYJU'S Tuition Centre for Class 4

to 10

Class 10 Tuition Centre

Class 9 Tuition Centre

Class 8 Tuition Centre

Class 7 Tuition Centre

Class 6 Tuition Centre

Class 5 Tuition Centre

Class 4 Tuition Centre

Join BYJU'S Learning Program

Name

Mobile Number Send OTP

City

Grade/Exam

Email Address

Submit

Comments
Leave a Comment
Your Mobile number and Email id will not
be published. Required fields are marked *
*

Mobile Number Send OTP

Type your message or doubt here...

Post My Comment

Jasmine Aryal
October 20, 2020 at 11:51 pm

Can the SI unit of a physical quantity be

obtained knowing its dimensional
formula? Explain with an example.

Reply

Deepa
October 21, 2020 at 11:06 am

Yes! The unit of a physical quantity

can be obtained by its dimensional
formula.

As an example, let us consider force.

By Newton’s second of law of motion,

we know that force is given by the
Watch this video to know more
following equation:
on how we can help you!

F=ma
Watch Now