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Numerical · Q20

Q.An object is falling freely under the gravitational force. Its velocity after travelling a distance h is v. If v depends upon gravitational acceleration g and distance, prove with dimensional analysis that v=kghv = k\sqrt{gh} where k is a constant.

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Step 1. Assume v∝gahbv \propto g^a h^b, i.e. v=k gahbv = k\,g^a h^b where kk is a dimensionless constant.

Step 2. Dimensions: [v]=[L1T−1][v]=[L^1T^{-1}]; [g]=[L1T−2][g]=[L^1T^{-2}]; [h]=[L1][h]=[L^1]. So the right side has dimensions [L1T−2]a[L1]b=[La+bT−2a][L^1T^{-2}]^a[L^1]^b = [L^{a+b}T^{-2a}].

Step 3. Equating powers of L and T: a+b=1a+b=1 and −2a=−1⇒a=1/2-2a=-1 \Rightarrow a=1/2; substituting, b=1−1/2=1/2b = 1 - 1/2 = 1/2. …

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