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Q.The centripetal force F acting on a particle moving in circular orbit depends on its mass m, radius of the circle r and speed of particle v. Obtain the formula for the centripetal force, using dimension method.

Haryana BsehBoard of School Education Haryana (Senior Secondary Part-I / Class 11) 2026Subjective· 2mImportance★★★★★
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Dimensional analysis on F=k marbvcF=k\,m^a r^b v^c forces a=1, c=2, b=−1a=1,\ c=2,\ b=-1, giving the centripetal force formula F=mv2/rF=mv^2/r.

Assume the centripetal force depends on mass mm, radius rr, and speed vv as a power-law product:

F=k ma rb vcF = k\,m^a\,r^b\,v^c

where kk is a dimensionless constant. Writing the dimensions of each side:

[F]=MLT−2,[m]a[r]b[v]c=Ma Lb (LT−1)c=Ma Lb+c T−c[F] = MLT^{-2}, \qquad [m]^a[r]^b[v]^c = M^a\,L^b\,(LT^{-1})^c = M^a\,L^{b+c}\,T^{-c}

Equating powers of MM, LL, TT on both sides:

  • Mass: a=1a = 1
  • Time: −c=−2⇒c=2-c = -2 \Rightarrow c = 2
  • Length: b+c=1⇒b=1−2=−1b + c = 1 \Rightarrow b = 1 - 2 = -1

So: …

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