Dimensional Analysis
If gravitational potential energy between two masses is U = - G m_1 m_2 / r, what are dimensions of G?
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Solution
M−1L3T−2
Rearranging the formula to solve for the Universal Gravitational Constant G: G=m1⋅m2U⋅r Now, substitute the dimensions of each quantity:
- [U] (Energy) = [ML2T−2]
- [r] (Distance) = [L]
- [m1,m2] (Mass) = [M] [G]=[M]⋅[M][ML2T−2]⋅[L]=[M2][ML3T−2]=[M−1L3T−2].
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About This Question
- Subject
- physics
- Chapter
- physics and measurement
- Topic
- dimensional analysis
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
M−1L3T−2
Rearranging the formula to solve for the Universal Gravitational Constant G: G=m1⋅m2U⋅r Now, substitute the dimensions of each quantity:
- [U] (Energy) = [ML2T−2]
- [r] (Distance) = [L]
- [m1,m2] (Mass) = [M] [G]=[M]⋅[M][ML2T−2]⋅[L]=[M2][ML3T−2]=[M−1L3T−2].
This easy difficulty physics question is from the chapter physics and measurement, covering the topic of dimensional analysis. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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