College Physics (4th Edition)

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073512141
ISBN 13: 978-0-07351-214-3

Chapter 1 - Problems - Page 21: 47

Answer

(a) The dimensions of $V$ are $[L^3]$ (b) The correct interpretation for $V$ would be volume.

Work Step by Step

(a) A force has the unit newtons which is $kg~m~s^{-2}$. In dimensional analysis, this would be expressed as $[M~L~T^{-2}]$. Let $u$ be the dimensions of $V$ in the equation $F_B = \rho~g~V$. We can find the dimensions of $V$. $[M~L^{-3}]~[L~T^{-2}]~u = [M~L~T^{-2}]$ $[M~L^{-2}~T^{-2}]~u = [M~L~T^{-2}]$ $[L^{-2}]~u = [L]$ $u = \frac{[L]}{[L^{-2}]}$ $u = [L^3]$ The dimensions of $V$ are $[L^3]$. (b) Since volume has the dimensions $[L^3]$, the correct interpretation for $V$ would be volume.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.