DEDUCING RELATION AMONG THE PHYSICAL QUANTITIES
1.Derive an expression for the centripetal force F acting on a particle of mass m
moving with velocity v in a circle of radius r.
2. Consider α simple pendulum, having a bob attached to a string, that oscillates
under the action of the force of gravity. Suppose that the period of oscillation of the
simple pendulum depends on (i) mass m of the bob (ii) length l of the pendidum and
(iii) acceleration due to gravity g at the place. Derive the expression for its time
period using method of dimensions.
3. The velocity ‘v’ of water waves depends on the wavelength 'λ', density of water 'ρ'
and the acceleration due to gravity 'g'. Deduce by the method of dimensions the
relationship between these quantities.
4. Assuming that the mass M of the largest stone that can be moved by a flowing river
depends upon 'v' the velocity, ‘ρ’ the density of water and on 'g', the acceleration due
to gravity. Show that M varies with the sixth power of the velocity of flow.
5. The velocity of sound waves 'v' through a medium may be assumed to depend on :
(i) the density of the medium'd' and
(ii) the modulus of elasticity 'E'.
Deduce by the method of dimensions the formula for the velocity of sound. Take
dimensional constant K = 1.
6. . The frequency ‘v’ of vibration of a stretched string depends upon :
(i) its length I, (ii) its mass per unit length 'm' and (iii) the tension T in the string.
Obtain dimensionally an expression for frequency v.
7. A planet moves around the sun in nearly circular orbit. Its period of revolution 'T'
depends upon :
(i) radius ‘r’ of orbit (ii) mass 'M' of the sun and
(iii) the gravitational constant G.
Show dimensionally that T2 ∝ r3.
8. Reynold number NR (a dimensionless quantity) determines the condition of laminar
flow of a viscous liquid through a pipe. NR is a function of the density of the liquid ‘ρ’,
its average speed 'v' and coefficient of viscosity ‘η’. Given that NR is also directly
proportional to 'D' (the diameter of the pipe), show from dimensional considerations
ρvD
that NR ∝ .
η
DEDUCING RELATION AMONG THE PHYSICAL QUANTITIES
9. Derive by the method of dimensions, an expression for the volume of a liquid flowing
out per second through a narrow pipe. Assume that the rate offlow of liquid depends
on
(i) the coefficient of viscosity ′η′ of the liquid
(il) the radius ′r′ of the pipe and
p π
(iii) the pressure gradient ( ) along the pipe. Take K = .
l 8
10. The period of vibration of a tuning fork depends on the length l of its prong, density
d and Young’s modulus y of its material. Deduce an expression for the period of
vibrafion on the basis of dimensions.
11. The frequency v of an oscillating drop may depend upon radius r of the drop,
density ρ of the liquid and surface tension S of fhe liquid. Establish an expression for
v dimensionally.
12. . The wavelength λ associated with a moving electron depends on its mass m, its
λ
velocity v and Planck's constant h. Prove dimensionally that λ ∝ .
mv
13. The orbital velocity v of a satellite may depend on its mass m, the distance r from
the centre of the earth and acceleration due to gravity g. Obtain an expression for its
orbital velocity. (Ans. v = K√rg)
14. A small spherical ball of radius r falls with velocity v through a liquid having
coefficient of viscosity η. Find the viscous drag F on the ball assuming it depends on
η, r and v. Take K = 6π.
(Ans. F = 6πηrv)
15. The velocity of a freely falling body is a function of the distance fallen through (h)
and acceleration due to gravity g. Show by the method of dimensions that v = K √gh.
16. . Using the method of dimensions, derive an expression for the energy of a body
executing SHM ; assuming this energy depends upon its mass m, frequency v and
amplitude of vibration r.
(Ans. E= Kmv2 r2)
17. A body of mass m hung at one end of the spring executes SHM. Prove that the
DEDUCING RELATION AMONG THE PHYSICAL QUANTITIES
relation T = 2πm / k is incorrect, where k is the force constant of the spring. Also derive
the correct relation. (Ans. T = K √m ⁄ k )
18. . Assuming that the critical velocity y. of a viscous liquid flowing through a capillary
tube depends only upon the radius r of the tube, density ρ and the coefficient of
kη
viscosity η of the liquid, find the expression for critical velocity. (Ans. vc = )
rρ
19. By the method of dimensions, obtain an expression for the surface tension S of a
liquid rising in a capillary tube. Assume that the surface tension depends upon (i) mass
m of the liquid (ii) pressure p of the liquid and (iii) radius r of the capillary tube. Take K
= 1/2 (Ans. S = pr / 2)
20. A body of mass m is moving in a circle of radius r with angular velocity ω. Find
expression for centripetal force acting on it by the method of dimensions.
