AQA M3 2012 June — Question 2

Exam BoardAQA
ModuleM3 (Mechanics 3)
Year2012
SessionJune
TopicDimensional Analysis

2 A pile driver of mass \(m _ { 1 }\) falls from a height \(h\) onto a pile of mass \(m _ { 2 }\), driving the pile a distance \(s\) into the ground. The pile driver remains in contact with the pile after the impact. A resistance force \(R\) opposes the motion of the pile into the ground. Elizabeth finds an expression for \(R\) as $$R = \frac { g } { s } \left[ s \left( m _ { 1 } + m _ { 2 } \right) + \frac { h \left( m _ { 1 } \right) ^ { 2 } } { m _ { 1 } + m _ { 2 } } \right]$$ where \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity.
Determine whether the expression is dimensionally consistent.