1.

3 Dimension

LESSON 2

1.3 Dimension

1
 1.3 Dimension

Objectives

• Deduce the correct dimension for a certain derived

quantity and its equation of physics.

• Use dimensional analysis to check homogeneity and

construct equations.

2
 1.3 Dimension

Applications of dimension

• To determine the dimension of a physical quantity

• To check the homogeneity of an equation

• To construct an equation with given quantities

3
 1.3 Dimension
To determine the dimension of a physical quantity
The following procedure is recommended :

Step 1: Identify all the physical quantities

in the given equation.

Step 2: Write the dimension

of each known physical quantity

Step 3: Solve the equation to get the

dimension of the unknown
physical quantity.
4
 1.3 Dimension
Example 1 : To determine the dimension of a physical
quantity.
What are the dimensions of the constants a and b in the
gas equation below ?
Step 1
 a  p = pressure
2 
 p  V  b   RT V = volume
 V  R = gas constant
T=
Solution : temperature

 a 
 p    2  .........(i)
 V 
 V    b .......(ii)
From (ii) , [b] = [V]
From (i) , [a] = [p][V]2
Step 2
= L3
= (ML T )(L )
-1 -2 3 2

= ML5T-2 Step 3 5
 1.3 Dimension

To check the homogeneity of an equation

The following procedure is recommended :

Step 1: Identify all the physical Step 2: Write the dimension of

quantities in the each known physical
equation given quantity

An equation is homogeneous Step 3: Equate the dimensions

if the dimensions on both sides of the quantities on both
of the equation are equal sides of the equation

6
 1.3 Dimension

Example 1 : To check the homogeneity of an equation

Show that v2 = u2 + 2 as is homogeneous

Step 1
v,u = velocity
Solution : a=
acceleration s
= displacement
L.H.S : [v]2 = L2T-2
Step 2
R.H.S : [u]2 = L2T-2 , [ 2 as] = L2T-2
dimensionless

Step 3 [v]2 = [u]2 = [ 2 as] = L2T-2

Both sides of this equation have the same dimension

⇒ homogeneous
7
 1.3 Dimension

Example 2 : To check the homogeneity of an equation

Step 1
v2 = u + at v,u = velocity
a=
acceleration t
Solution : = time
L.H.S : [v]2 = L2T-2
Step 2
R.H.S : [u] = LT-1 , [at] = (LT-2)(T) = LT-1

[v]2 ≠ [u] and, [v]2 ≠ [at]

Step 3
L2T-2 ≠ LT-1 L2T-2 ≠ LT-1

Dimension of the L.H.S ≠ R.H.S ⇒ not homogeneous

8
 1.3 Dimension
Example 3 : To check the homogeneity of an equation
1 1 1
Show that = ( n −1)
 + 
 is dimensionally correct.
f  r1 r2 
Step 1
f = focal length
Solution : n = refractive index
r = radius
1
L.H.S :   = L−1
f
R.H.S : n is dimensionless quantity. Step 2
1 −1 1 −1
  = L and   = L
r
 1  r2 

Step 3  1   1  1 
 f        L-1

   r1   r2 
Both sides of this equation have the same dimension ⇒ homogeneous 9
 1.3 Dimension

To construct an equation with given quantities

The following procedure is recommended :

Step 1 : Write general equation that relates all the quantities.

Step 2 : Identify all the dimensionless quantities.

Step 3 : Write the dimension of all the quantities on both
sides of the equation.

Step 4 : Equate the indices of the dimensions on both sides of

the equation.
Step 5 : Determine the value of the indices.
Step 6 : Rewrite the equation with the correct value of indices
for each quantity.
10
 1.3 Dimension
Example 1 : To construct an equation with given quantities

Construct an expression for the period, t of a simple pendulum which shows

how t is related to the mass m of the pendulum bob, the length l of the string
and acceleration g due to gravity. Step 2
Solution : Step 1
Let t = k mx ly gz where k is a dimensionless constant ; x, y, z are unknowns.
Dimensions on both sides must be the same.

[t] = [k][m]x[l]y[g]z
Step 3
M0 LT0 T1 = Mxx Ly(y+z)
(LTT-2-2z)z
Equating the indices of M, L, T on both sides ;
M : x = 0, z = -½ ,
Step 4
L: y+z=0 y=½ , Step 5
T : -2z = 1 x =0
l
Period, t = k m0 l½g-½ or t=k Step 6
g 11
1
 1.3 Dimension
Example 2 : To construct an equation with given quantities
The air resistance F on a vehicle depends on the velocity v of the vehicle, the
density ρ of air and the cross-sectional area A of the vehicle. Derive an
expression which relates F to v, ρ and A.
Solution :

F ∝ vxρyAz dimensionless Equating the indices on both sides;

F = k vxρyAz M; y=1 x =2
[F] = [v]x [ρ]y [A]z L ; x-3y+2z = 1 y=1
y z =1
T ; -x = -2
 m
 ma    v     A
x z

 V Hence,
x  m
y

     y  
F = k v2ρ1A1
z
m a  v A
V  F = k v 2 ρA
y
M
MLT 2  ( LT 1 ) x 3 y ( L2 ) z
(L )
12
MLT 2  M y L( x 3 y  2 z )T  x
 1.3 Dimension

Conclusion

Applications of dimension :

• To determine the dimension of a physical quantity

• To check the homogeneity of an equation

• To construct an equation with given quantities

13
 1.3 Dimension
[a] = [p][V]2
 F
   V 
2

 A
 F
V 
2

 A
 ma 
V 
2

 A
 m  a 
V 
2

 A
MLT 2 3 2
 2
(L )
L
 ( ML1T 2 )( L6 ) = ML5T-2
14
 1.3 Dimension

LESSON 3

1.4 Scalar & Vector

15
 1.3 Dimension
Objectives

• Define scalar and vector quantities, unit vector in

Cartesian coordinate.

• Vector addition operation and their rules and

visualize resultant vector graphically by applying
a) commutative
b) associative
c) distributive and rules

16
 Scalar quantity 1.3 Dimension
• A quantity that has magnitude but no direction.
• Examples : mass, work, speed, energy, and density.

Vector quantity
• A quantity that has both magnitude and direction.
• Examples: velocity, acceleration, force, and momentum.
r
• Vector notation : A or A or a
%
• A vector can be represented by an arrow ;
r r
magnitude of A = A or A

vector direction
r
A
17
 1.3 Dimension
• Equality of two vectors
r
P Two vectors are equal if they have equal lengths
r and point in the same direction.
Q r r r r
P = Q  P  Q and point in the same direction

• Negative of a vector
r
P The negative of a vector is vector having the same
r length but opposite direction.
-P

• Multiplying a vector by a scalar

r r r
 positive scalar quantity : m  P = mP ; magnitude = mP
r
direction  same direction of P
 negative scalar quantity :
r r r
(-m)  P = -mP ; magnitude = mP
r 18
direction  opposite direction of P
Example : 1.3 Dimension

r
r r r r A
F=2A G= 2A=
1
2
r r r r
• parallel vectors : A ; E ; F ; G
r r r r r r r r
• anti parallel vectors : A and D ; A and H ; F and H ; D and E ;
r r r r r r r r
E and H ; F and D ; D and G ; G and H
r r
• equal vectors : A = E
r r r
• negative of a vector : D = -A = - E
19
 1.3 Dimension

Quiz :
1. Define scalar quantity
2. Define vector quantity

20
 1.3 Dimension
Vector Addition & Subtraction
Vector addition
• A resultant vector is a single vector which produces the same
effect ( in both magnitude and direction) as the vector sum of
two or more vectors.
• 2 methods of vector addition :
 graphical method - head to tail / tip to tail
- parallelogram
 calculation /algebraically (component method)
• Vector addition obeys commutative, associative and distributive
laws

21
 1.3 Dimension
 Additional graphical : head to tail

Example 1


C
 r  
B A B  C

A

22
 1.3 Dimension
 Additional graphical : head to tail

Example 2

D
Geometric construction for
     summing four vectors.
R =A+B+C+D 
C

R is the resultant vector

 B
A

23
 1.3 Dimension
 Additional graphical : parallelogram
- The resultant of two vectors acting at any angle may be represented
by the diagonal of a parallelogram.

Example

A

The resultant vector , C is the
  diagonal of the parallelogram.
C 
B B
  
C=A+B

A
24
 1.3 Dimension

Commutative law :
Example


    
A A+B = B+A =C

  Vector addition is commutative

C 
B B


A
25
 1.3 Dimension
Associative law :
Example

    
A + ( B + C) C    C
(A + B) + C
   
B+C A+B
 
B B
 
A A
     
A + ( B + C) = (A + B) + C

Vector addition is associative

26
 1.3 Dimension
Distributive law :
Example
   
A+B m(A + B)
 
B mB
 
A mA

   
m(A + B) = mA + mB
Vector addition is distributive

27
 1.3 Dimension
Vector subtraction :

 
A B

      
C -B A - B = A + (-B) = C

 
• The vector -B is equal in magnitude to vector B
and points in the opposite direction.
 
• To subtract B from A , applythe ruleof vector
addition to the combination of A and -B
28
 1.3 Dimension
Vector addition & subtraction

Example 1
 Draw the vectors :
 
A a) A + B
 
 b) A - B
B  
c) 2A + B

29
 1.3 Dimension
Vector addition & subtraction

Example 1
 Draw the vectors :
 
A a) A + B
 
 b) A - B
B  
c) 2A + B

Solution
  
a) B b)
A -B
 
  A-B
A+B 
A
30
 1.3 Dimension

 
c) 2A + B

 
B 2A

 
2A + B

31
 1.3 Dimension
Components of a vector & Unit Vectors
Components of a vector :
A vector A can be resolved into its components that are
perpendicular to each other.
i) In 2 – D 
Vector A is resolved into x-component and y -component
  
y A = Ax + A y
(vector components)
  
 A x = Ax = A cos  or A cos 
Ay A   (scalar
A y = Ay  A sin  or A sin  components)

)θ x
 Magnitude : Direction :
Ax  Ay
A  Ax2  Ay2   tan 1

Ax 32
 1.3 Dimension
ii) In 3 – D

Vector A can be resolved into 3 components : x, y and z components
    (vector
y A = Ax + A y + Az components)

Magnitudes :
  
Ay
 A x = Ax = A cos 
A
 Ay   (scalar
β A y = Ay  A cos  components)
 )α A x x
Az  
γ Az A z = Az  A cos 
Ax
z

33
1.3 Dimension

34
 1.3 Dimension
y

 
Ay A

 x
 Ax
Az

35
1.3 Dimension

36
 1.3 Dimension


REMEMBER !!! The signs of the components of a vector (eg: vector A )
depend on the quadrant in which the vector is located :

y
Ax negative Ax positive
Ay positive Ay positive
x
Ax negative Ax positive
Ay negative Ay negative

37
 1.3 Dimension
Addition of vectors using components (⇒ Cartesian coordinates)

y A = Ax + Ay = A cos   A sin 
 
B = Bx + By = B cos   B sin 
 β A 
B C = C x + C y = C cos   C sin 
α
 x
γ C Vectors x-component y-component

A A cos  A sin 

B B cos  B sin 

C C cos  C sin 

Let R is the resultant vector,
y
Rx  Ax  Bx  C x  A cos   B cos   C cos 
Ry  Ay  By  C y  A sin   B sin   C sin  
R
 Ry
Magnitude, R  Rx2  Ry2 θ x
Rx
Ry
Direction ,  = tan -1 38
Rx
 1.3 Dimension
Addition of vectors using components (⇒ Cartesan coordinates)
Example 1: Four coplanar forces act on a body at point O. Find their resultant.

y Solution :

Forces,F x-component y-component

110 N
80 N 80 cos 0o = 80 N 80 sin 0o = 0
100 N
30o 45o 100 N 100 cos 45o = 71 N 100 sin 45o = 71 N
x
20o O 80 N 110 N -110 cos 30o = -95 N 110 sin 30o = 55 N
160 N 160 N -160 cos 20o = -150 N -160 sin 20o = -55 N

 y
Let R is the resultant vector, 
R 71 N
Rx   Fx  (80  71  95  150)N = -94 N
37o 143o
Ry   Fy  (0  71  55  55)N = 71 N -94 N
x

Magnitude, R  F  (94) 2  (71) 2  118 N
-1 71
Direction ,  = tan  37 o (or, 143o from positive x-axis ) 39
94
 1.3 Dimension
Unit Vectors :
• A dimensionless vector
• Have magnitude of 1, with no units.
• Show direction
• Examples :
î : unit vector in the +ve x- direction

ĵ : unit vector in the +ve y-direction

k̂ : unit vector in the +ve z-direction

ĵ î

k̂
40
 1.3 Dimension
Components of a vector in the form of unit vector :
i) In 2 – D ii) In 3 – D
y
y
4
3 
 Ay ĵ A
A
Ay ˆj Ax î
x
Az k̂ 0 3
)θ x 2
0 2
Ax î
 z 
A  Ax ˆi  Ay ˆj A  Ax ˆi  Ay ˆj  Az kˆ
Example : Example :
 
A  2iˆ  3jˆ A  3iˆ  4ˆj + 2kˆ 41
1.3 Dimension

42
 1.3 Dimension
Addition of vectors using components (⇒ unit vectors)
Example 1:
 
Given two vectors A  (6i  3j  k) and B  (4iˆ  5jˆ  8k)
ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
  
Find C  A  B and its magnitude.
+2 
A B

Solution : F
   i
C =A+B
n
 (6iˆ  3jˆ  k)
ˆ  (4iˆ -5j+8k)
ˆ ˆ
d
  (6  4)iˆ + (3-5)jˆ + (-1+8)kˆ 
 
t
 10iˆ - 2jˆ + 7kˆ h
 e
Magnitude, C  102  (2) 2  7 2  12.4
m
43
a
 1.3 Dimension
Addition of vectors using components ( unit vectors)
Example 2:
 
Given two vectors P = (2i + 3j) and Q  (3iˆ - 2jˆ + 3k)
ˆ ˆ ˆ
  
Find R  2P  Q and its magnitude.
Solution :
  
R = 2P - Q
=2(2iˆ + 3jˆ + 0k)
ˆ - (3iˆ - 2jˆ + 3k)
ˆ

=  (4iˆ + 6jˆ + 0k)

ˆ - (3iˆ - 2jˆ + 3k)
ˆ 
 
=  (4 - 3)iˆ + (6 + 2)jˆ + (0 - 3)kˆ 
 
= ˆi + 8jˆ - 3kˆ

Magnitude, R  12  82  (3) 2  8.6
44
 1.3 Dimension
Addition of vectors using components ( unit vectors)
Example 3:
 
Given two vectors A  (6i  3j) and B  (4iˆ  5j)
ˆ ˆ ˆ
  
Find C  A  B and its magnitude.
+2 
A B

Solution : Direction ; F
   Cy i
C =A+B   tan 1

Cx n
 (6iˆ  3j)
ˆ  (4iˆ -5j)
ˆ
d
(2)
= tan 1
  (6  4)iˆ + (3-5)jˆ  10
 
= -11.30 t
 10iˆ - 2jˆ h
y
 10
x
e
Magnitude, C  102  (2) 2  10.2
-2
m
45
a
 1.3 Dimension
Conclusion
• Scalar quantity – has magnitude
• Vector quantity – has magnitude and direction

• Vector addition :
head to tail
- graphical
parallelogram
- by calculation ( component method)

• Unit vector – magnitude ‘1’ ; has no unit ; shows direction


• Component of a vector in 2-D : A = Ax ˆi + Ay ˆj

• Component of a vector in 3-D : A = Ax ˆi + Ay ˆj + Az kˆ

46
 1.3 Dimension

LESSON 4

1.4 Scalar & Vector

47
 1.3 Dimension

Objective:

• Understand the operation , use and properties of

dot (scalar) product and cross (vector) product of
two vectors

48
Scalar (Dot) Product 1.3 Dimension

• Scalar quantity B
 
• Definition : A  B  A B cos  θ
where ;

u A
A : magnitude of Au u
θ : angle between Au and B (ranges from 0o to 180
u )
o

B cos θ : component of B parallel to the direction of A

or

 

-1 A • B

θ = cos  

 AB 
49
 1.3 Dimension
Dot Product of unit vectors
Unit vectors iˆ, ˆj and kˆ are
perpendicular to each other
ĵ iˆ
  k̂
Using equation A  B  A B cos 

iˆ • iˆ = ˆj • ˆj = kˆ • kˆ = (1)(1) cos 0 o = 1

iˆ • ˆj = iˆ • ˆj = ˆj • kˆ = (1)(1) cos 90 o = 0

50
Dot Product of unit vectors 1.3 Dimension
 
Given A  Ax iˆ  Ay ˆj  Az kˆ and B  Bx iˆ  By ˆj  Bz kˆ
 
A  B  ( Ax iˆ  Ay ˆj  Az kˆ)  ( Bx iˆ  By ˆj  Bz kˆ)
 ( Ax iˆ  Bx iˆ  Ax iˆ  By ˆj  Ax iˆ  Bz kˆ 
Ay ˆj  Bx iˆ  Ay ˆj  By ˆj  Ay ˆj  Bz kˆ 
Az kˆ  Bx iˆ  Az kˆ  By ˆj  Az kˆ  Bz kˆ)
 Ax Bx (iˆ  iˆ)  Ax By (iˆ  ˆj )  Ax Bz (iˆ  kˆ) 
Ay Bx ( ˆj  iˆ)  Ay By ( ˆj  ˆj )  Ay Bz ( ˆj  kˆ) 
Az Bx (kˆ  iˆ)  Az By (kˆ  ˆj )  Az Bz (kˆ  kˆ)
 Ax Bx (1)  Ax By (0)  Ax Bz (0) 
Ay Bx (0)  Ay By (1)  Ay Bz (0) 
Az Bx (0)  Az By (0)  Az Bz (1)
51
 Ax Bx  Ay By  Az Bz
 1.3 Dimension
Example 1 : Dot product of unit vectors
 
Given, A = 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + kˆ and B = −4iˆ + 2 ˆj − kˆ
 
Find a) the magnitude of A and B
b) the scalar product A• B 
c) the angle between A and B
Solution :
 
a) Magnitude A = A = 2 2 + 3 2 + 12 = 14
 
Magnitude B = B = (−4) 2 + 2 2 + (−1) 2 = 21

b) A  (2iˆ  3 ˆj  kˆ)  (4iˆ  2 ˆj  kˆ)
 (2)(4)  (3)(2)  (1)(1)
 3
 −3 
c) θ = cos  -1
 = 100 o
 14 21 

52
 1.3 Dimension
Example 2 – Dot product of unit vectors

F = 2iˆ + 3 ˆj and x = 4iˆ + 2 ˆj are the force acting on an object and its displacement.
 
Find a) the magnitude of F and x
b) the magnitude of work
 done
c) the angle between F and x
Solution :
 
a) Magnitude F = F = 2 2 + 3 2 = 13
 
Magnitude x = x = 4 2 + 2 2 = 20
 
b) Work = F • x = (2iˆ + 3 ˆj ) • (4iˆ + 2 ˆj )
= (2)(4) + (3)(2)
= 14 J
 14 
c) θ = cos  -1
 = 29.7 o
 13 20 
53
 Vector (cross) Product 
1.3 Dimension

• Vector quantity B
• Magnitude :   θ
A  B  A B sin  
where ; A
u
A : magnitude of A
u u
B sin θ : component of Bu perpendicular
u to the direction of A
θ : angle between A and B

• Direction :
The
 direction
 of the new vector is perpendicular to both
A and B and can be determined by the right hand 54
 1.3 Dimension
Vector (cross) Product
- Right hand screw rule

• Put your forefingers parallel to A
• Sweep your fingers
  through
angle θ from A to B

• The thumb points in the

direction
  of the vector product
A× B θ

55
 1.3 Dimension

(Questions on determining the direction of the

vector product using the right hand rule)

56
 1.3 Dimension
Cross Product of unit vectors
 
From equation A  B  A B sin 

iˆ  iˆ  ˆj  ˆj  kˆ  kˆ  (1)(1) sin 0o  0

Hence ,
(Counter-
iˆ  ˆj  kˆ ; ˆj  iˆ  kˆ clockwise)

ˆj  kˆ  iˆ ; kˆ  ˆj  iˆ

kˆ  iˆ  ˆj ; iˆ  kˆ   ˆj

57
 Cross Product of unit vectors 1.3 Dimension
 
Given A  Ax iˆ  Ay ˆj  Az kˆ and B  Bx iˆ  By ˆj  Bz kˆ
 
A  B  ( Ax iˆ  Ay ˆj  Az kˆ)  ( Bx iˆ  By ˆj  Bz kˆ)
 ( A iˆ  B iˆ  A iˆ  B ˆj  A iˆ  B kˆ 
x x x y x z

Ay ˆj  Bx iˆ  Ay ˆj  By ˆj  Ay ˆj  Bz kˆ 
Az kˆ  Bx iˆ  Az kˆ  By ˆj  Az kˆ  Bz kˆ)
 Ax Bx (iˆ  iˆ)  Ax By (iˆ  ˆj )  Ax Bz (iˆ  kˆ) 
Ay Bx ( ˆj  iˆ)  Ay By ( ˆj  ˆj )  Ay Bz ( ˆj  kˆ) 
Az Bx (kˆ  iˆ)  Az By (kˆ  ˆj )  Az Bz (kˆ  kˆ)
 Ax Bx (0)  Ax By (kˆ)  Ax Bz ( ˆj ) 
A B (kˆ)  A B (0)  A B (iˆ) 
y x y y y z

Az Bx ( ˆj )  Az By (iˆ)  Az Bz (0)
58
ˆ
 ( Ay Bz  Az By )iˆ  ( Ax Bz  Az Bx ) ˆj  ( Ax By  Ay Bx )k
 1.3 Dimension
Cross Product of unit vectors

Given, A = Ax iˆ + Ay ˆj + Az kˆ

B = B x iˆ + B y ˆj + B z kˆ

iˆ ˆj kˆ
 
A  B  Ax A y Az
Bx B y Bz

A y Az Ax Az Ax Ay
  iˆ  ˆj  kˆ
B y Bz B x Bz Bx B y

  A y Bz  A z B y  iˆ -  A x Bz  A z Bx  ˆj  A B
x y  A y Bx  kˆ

   
The magnitude of A × B = A × B 59
 1.3 Dimension
Example 1 :
 
Given, A  2iˆ  ˆj  3kˆ and B  3iˆ  2 ˆj  2kˆ
   
Find the magnitude of A × B and the angle between A and B

Solution :
iˆ ˆj kˆ
 
A× B = 2 1 -3
3 2 2

= +[ (1)(2) − (−3)(2)] iˆ - [ (2)(2) − (−3)(3)] ˆj + [ (2)(2) − (1)(3)] kˆ

= 8iˆ − 13 ˆj + kˆ
 
Magnitude , A × B = 8 2 + (−13) 2 + 12 = 234

 
From A • B = A B cos θ
 2    
  cos  -1
  82.6 o
where A  B  2 and A  14
 14 17   60
B  17
Example 2 : 1.3 Dimension

Solution :

61
 1.3 Dimension

Conclusion
• Scalar (dot) product - scalar quantity
 
A  B  A B cos 

• Vector (cross) product - vector quantity

 
A  B  A B sin 

62
 1.3 Dimension
Significant Figures

The rules of significant figures:

1. Any figures that is non-zero, are considered as a
significant figure.
2. Zeros at the beginning of a number are not significant
Example: 0.254 ----------------- 3 s.f
3. Zeros within a number are significant.
Example: 104.6 m ------------- 4 s.f
4. Zeros at the end of a number after the decimal point
are significant.
Example: 27050.0 ------------- 6 s.f
63
 1.3 Dimension
Significant Figures

5. Zeros at the end of a whole number without a decimal point

may or may not be significant.
It depends on how that particular number was obtained, using
what kind of instrument, and the uncertainty involved.
Example: 500m ------------------- could be 1 or 3 sf.
Convert the unit:
500m = 0.5km (would you say it has 1 sf ? )
500m = 50 000cm (would you say it has 1 or 5 sf ? )
How to solve this problem ?
64
 1.3 Dimension

Significant figures – Addition and

Subtraction processes
The rule:
The final result of an addition and/or subtraction should have
the same number of significant figures as the quantity with the
least number of decimal places used in the calculation.
Example:
23.1 + 45 + 0.68 + 100 = 169

Example:
23.5 + 0.567 + 0.85 = 24.9
65
 1.3 Dimension
Significant figures – Multiplication and
division processes
The rule:
The final result of an multiplication and/or division should
have the same number of significant figures as the quantity
with the least number of significant figures used in the
calculation.
Example:
0.586 x 3.4 = 1.9924
= 2.0
Example:
13.90 / 0.580 = 23.9655 = 24.0
66