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Q2.14(b):
A book with many printing errors contains four different formulas for the displacement y of a particle undergoing a certain periodic motion : (b) $y = a \sin vt$ (a = maximum displacement of the particle, v = speed of the particle. T = time-period of motion). Rule out the wrong formulas on dimensional grounds.

Solution :

Step 1: Dimensional Analysis of the Given Equation

To determine the validity of the formula $y = a \sin(vt)$, we must perform a dimensional consistency check. According to the Principle of Homogeneity of Dimensions, any physical equation is dimensionally valid only if the dimensions of all terms on both sides of the equation are identical. Furthermore, the argument of a trigonometric function (in this case, $vt$) must be a dimensionless quantity [Per the Fundamental Principle of Dimensional Analysis].

Step 2: Defining Dimensions of Variables

We define the dimensions of the variables provided in the International System of Units (SI):

  • $[y]$ (Displacement) = $[L]$
  • $[a]$ (Maximum displacement/Amplitude) = $[L]$
  • $[v]$ (Speed) = $[L T^{-1}]$
  • $[t]$ (Time) = $[T]$

Step 3: Evaluating the Trigonometric Argument

The term inside the sine function is $(vt)$. We calculate its dimensions:

$[vt] = [L T^{-1}] \times [T]$

$[vt] = [L T^0]$

$[vt] = [L]$

Since $[L] \neq [1]$ (the dimension of a dimensionless quantity), the argument $(vt)$ is dimensionally inconsistent. A trigonometric function requires a dimensionless ratio (e.g., angle in radians), whereas the product of speed and time yields a dimension of length.

Step 4: Evaluating the Complete Equation

The equation is $y = a \sin(vt)$.

Dimensionally, this implies $[L] = [L] \times [\sin(L)]$.

Because the argument $(vt)$ is not dimensionless, the function $\sin(vt)$ is mathematically undefined in physical terms [Per the requirement that transcendental functions must accept dimensionless arguments].

Dimensional Inconsistency Check: LHS: [y] = [L] RHS: [a] * [sin(v*t)] = [L] * [sin(L)] Conclusion: [L] != [L] * [sin(L)]

Step 5: Final Logical Deduction

Based on the findings:

  1. The argument of the sine function, $vt$, is not dimensionless, as it possesses the dimension of length $[L]$.
  2. The equation violates the Principle of Homogeneity, rendering the formula physically meaningless.

Final Solution: The formula $y = a \sin(vt)$ is dimensionally incorrect and must be ruled out because the argument $(vt)$ is not dimensionless, and the equation fails to maintain dimensional homogeneity.


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