6.01c Dimensional analysis: error checking

1

1. Two light elastic strings, each having natural length 2.15 m and stiffness \(70 \mathrm {~N} \mathrm {~m} ^ { - 1 }\), are attached to a particle P of mass 4.8 kg . The other ends of the strings are attached to fixed points A and B , which are 1.4 m apart at the same horizontal level. The particle P is placed 2.4 m vertically below the midpoint of AB , as shown in Fig. 1. \begin{figure}[h]
   \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{c93aed95-f655-45cb-805f-7114a15acccf-2_677_474_482_877} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 1}
   \end{figure}
   1. Show that P is in equilibrium in this position.
   2. Find the energy stored in the string AP . Starting in this equilibrium position, P is set in motion with initial velocity \(3.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) vertically upwards. You are given that P first comes to instantaneous rest at a point C where the strings are slack.
   3. Find the vertical height of C above the initial position of P .
2. 1. Write down the dimensions of force and stiffness (of a spring). A particle of mass \(m\) is performing oscillations with amplitude \(a\) on the end of a spring with stiffness \(k\). The maximum speed \(v\) of the particle is given by \(v = c m ^ { \alpha } k ^ { \beta } a ^ { \gamma }\), where \(c\) is a dimensionless constant.
   2. Use dimensional analysis to find \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).

2 The surface tension of a liquid allows a metal needle to be at rest on the surface of the liquid.
The greatest mass \(m\) of a needle of length \(l\) which can be supported in this way by a liquid of surface tension \(S\) is given by the formula \(m = \frac { 2 S l } { g }\) where \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity.

1. Determine the dimensions of surface tension. Surface tension also allows liquids to rise up capillary tubes. Molly is experimenting with liquids in capillary tubes and she arrives at the formula \(h = \frac { 2 S } { \rho g r }\), where \(h\) is the height to which a liquid of surface tension \(S\) rises, \(\rho\) is the density of the liquid, and \(r\) is the radius of the capillary tube.
2. Show that the equation for \(h\) is dimensionally consistent. In SI units, the surface tension of mercury is \(0.475 \mathrm {~kg} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\) and its density is \(13500 \mathrm {~kg} \mathrm {~m} ^ { - 3 }\).
3. Find the diameter of a capillary tube in which mercury will rise to a height of 10 cm . In another experiment, Molly finds that when liquid of surface tension \(S\) is poured onto a horizontal surface, puddles of depth \(d\) are formed. For this experiment she finds that \(d = k S ^ { \alpha } \rho ^ { \beta } g ^ { \gamma }\) where \(k\) is a dimensionless constant.
4. Determine the values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).

3 The time period \(T\) of a satellite in circular orbit around a planet satisfies the equation \(G M T ^ { 2 } = 4 \pi ^ { 2 } R ^ { 3 }\),
where

• \(G\) is the universal gravitational constant,
• \(M\) is the mass of the planet,
• \(\quad R\) is the radius of the orbital circle.
  1. Find the dimensions of \(G\).

A student suggests the following formula to model the approach speed between two orbiting bodies. \(v = k G { } ^ { \alpha } { } ^ { \beta } { } _ { r } \gamma _ { m _ { 1 } } m _ { 2 } \left( m _ { 1 } + m _ { 2 } \right)\),
where

2

1. Find the dimensions of energy. The moment of inertia, \(I\), of a rigid body rotating about a fixed axis is measured in \(\mathrm { kg } \mathrm { m } ^ { 2 }\).
2. State the dimensions of \(I\). The kinetic energy, \(E\), of a rigid body rotating about a fixed axis is given by the formula \(\mathrm { E } = \frac { 1 } { 2 } \mathrm { I } \omega ^ { 2 }\),
   where \(\omega\) is the angular velocity (angle per unit time) of the rigid body.
3. Show that the formula for \(E\) is dimensionally consistent. When a rigid body is pivoted from one of its end points and allowed to swing freely, it forms a pendulum. The period, \(t\), of the pendulum is the time taken for it to complete one oscillation. A student conjectures the formula \(\mathrm { t } = \left. \mathrm { k } ( \mathrm { mg } ) ^ { \alpha } \mathrm { r } ^ { \beta } \right| ^ { \gamma }\),
   where
   The moment of inertia of a thin uniform rigid rod of mass 1.5 kg and length 0.8 m , rotating about one of its endpoints, is \(0.32 \mathrm {~kg} \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 }\). The student suspends such a rod from one of its endpoints and allows it to swing freely. The student measures the period of this pendulum and finds that it is 1.47 seconds.
4. Using the formula conjectured by the student, determine the value of \(k\).

2 George is investigating the time it takes for a ball to reach a certain height when projected vertically upwards. George believes that the time, \(t\), for the ball to reach a certain height, \(h\), depends on

• the ball's mass \(m\),
• the projection speed \(u\), and
• the height \(h\).

George suggests the following formula to model this situation \(t = k m ^ { \alpha } u ^ { \beta } h ^ { \gamma }\),
where \(k\) is a dimensionless constant.

1. Use dimensional analysis to show that \(t = \frac { k h } { u }\).
2. Hence explain why George's formula is unrealistic. Mandy argues that any model of this situation must consider the acceleration due to gravity, \(g\). She suggests the alternative formula \(t = \frac { u - \sqrt { u ^ { 2 } + g h } } { g }\).
3. Show that Mandy's formula is dimensionally consistent.
4. Explain why Mandy's formula is incorrect.

3 Solid toy aeroplane nose cones of various sizes are made in the shape shown in Fig. 3.1, where OA is its line of symmetry. \begin{figure}[h] \end{figure} The air resistance against the nose cone as the aeroplane flies through the air is initially modelled by \(R = k r v \eta\), where \(R\) is the air resistance, \(r\) is the radius of the circular flat end of the nose cone, \(v\) is the velocity of the nose cone, \(\eta\) is the viscosity of the air and \(k\) is a dimensionless constant.

1. Use dimensional analysis to show that the dimensions of \(\eta\) are \(\mathrm { ML } ^ { - 1 } \mathrm {~T} ^ { - 1 }\). In an experiment conducted on a particular nose cone, measurements of air resistance are taken for different velocities. The viscosity of the air does not vary during the experiment. The graph in Fig. 3.2 shows the results. Measurements are given using the appropriate S.I. units. \begin{figure}[h]
   \includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{be1851d6-af11-40e1-8a36-5938ee7864d4-3_794_1166_1411_427} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Fig. 3.2}
   \end{figure}
2. Comment on whether the results of this experiment are consistent with the initial model. It is now suggested that a better model for the air resistance is \(R = K r v \left( \frac { \rho r v } { \eta } \right) ^ { \alpha }\), where \(\rho\) is the density of the air, \(K\) is a dimensionless constant and \(R , r , v\) and \(\eta\) are as before.
3. (A) Find the dimensions of \(\frac { \rho r v } { \eta }\).
   (B) Explain why you cannot use dimensional analysis to find the value of \(\alpha\).

2

1. Write down the dimensions of pressure. The SI unit of pressure is the pascal (Pa). 15 Pa is equivalent to \(Q\) newtons per square centimetre.
2. Find the value of \(Q\). Simon thinks the speed, \(v\), of sound in a gas is given by the formula \(v = k P ^ { x } d ^ { y } V ^ { z }\),
   where \(P\) is the pressure of the gas, \(d\) is the density of the gas, \(V\) is the volume of the gas, \(k\) is a dimensionless constant.
3. Use dimensional analysis to

1 Newton's gravitational constant, \(G\), is approximately \(6.67 \times 10 ^ { - 11 } \mathrm {~N} \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 } \mathrm {~kg} ^ { - 2 }\).

1. Find the dimensions of \(G\). The escape velocity, \(v\), of a body from a planet's surface, is given by the formula \(\mathrm { v } = \mathrm { kG } ^ { \alpha } \mathrm { M } ^ { \beta } \mathrm { r } ^ { \gamma }\),
   where \(M\) is the planet's mass, \(r\) is the planet's radius and \(k\) is a dimensionless constant.
2. Use dimensional analysis to find \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).

1

1. State the dimensions of the following quantities.
   A student investigating the drag force \(F\) experienced by an object moving through air conjectures the formula \(\mathrm { F } = \mathrm { ku } ^ { 2 } \left( \rho \mathrm {~m} ^ { 2 } \right) ^ { \frac { 1 } { 3 } }\),
   where
   The student carries out experiments in an airflow tunnel. When the air density is doubled, the drag force is found to double as well, with all other conditions remaining the same.
2. Show that the student's formula is inconsistent with the experimental observation. The student's teacher suggests revising the formula as \(\mathrm { F } = \mathrm { k } \rho ^ { \alpha } \mathrm { u } ^ { \beta } \mathrm { A } ^ { \gamma }\) where \(m\) has been replaced by \(A\), the cross-sectional area of the object. The constant \(k\) is still dimensionless.
3. Use dimensional analysis to determine the values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).

2

1. State the dimensions of force. Use the following metric-imperial conversion factors for the rest of this question.
   A unit of force used in the imperial system is the pound-force (lbf). 1 lbf is defined as the gravitational force exerted on 1 lb on the surface of the Earth.
2. Show that 1 lbf is approximately equal to 4.45 N . The pascal (Pa) is a unit of pressure equivalent to 1 Newton per square metre. Pressure can also be measured in pound-force per square inch (psi). A diver, at a depth of 40 m , experiences a typical pressure of \(5 \times 10 ^ { 5 } \mathrm {~Pa}\).
3. Determine whether this is greater or less than the pressure in a bicycle tyre of 80 psi . In various physical contexts, energy density is the amount of energy stored in a given region of space per unit volume.
4. Show that energy density and pressure are dimensionally equivalent.

1

1. State the dimensions of force. The force \(F\) required to keep a car moving at constant speed on a circular track is given by the formula $$\mathrm { F } = \frac { \mathrm { mv } ^ { 2 } } { \mathrm { r } }$$ where
   It is proposed that a new unit of force, the trackforce (Tr), should be adopted in motor-racing. 1 Tr is defined as the amount of force required to accelerate a mass of 1 ton at a rate of 1 mile per hour per second. It is given that 1 ton \(= 1016 \mathrm {~kg}\) and 1 mile \(= 1609 \mathrm {~m}\).
2. Determine the number of newtons that are equivalent to 1 Tr .

6

1. Write down the dimensions of force. The force \(F\) of gravitational attraction between two objects with masses \(m _ { 1 }\) and \(m _ { 2 }\), at a distance \(d\) apart, is given by $$F = \frac { G m _ { 1 } m _ { 2 } } { d ^ { 2 } }$$ where \(G\) is the universal gravitational constant.
   In SI units the value of \(G\) is \(6.67 \times 10 ^ { - 11 } \mathrm {~kg} ^ { - 1 } \mathrm {~m} ^ { 3 } \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 2 }\).
2. Write down the dimensions of \(G\).
3. Determine the value of \(G\) in imperial units based on pounds, feet, and seconds. Use the facts that 1 pound \(= 0.454 \mathrm {~kg}\) and 1 foot \(= 0.305 \mathrm {~m}\). For a planet of mass \(M\) and radius \(r\), it is suggested that the velocity \(v\) needed for an object to escape the gravitational pull of the planet, the 'escape velocity', is given by the following formula. \(\mathrm { v } = \sqrt { \frac { \mathrm { kGM } } { \mathrm { r } } }\),
   where \(k\) is a dimensionless constant.
4. Show that this formula is dimensionally consistent. Information regarding the planets Earth and Mars can be found in the table below.

   	Earth	Mars
   Radius (m)	6371000	3389500
   Mass (kg)	\(5.97 \times 10 ^ { 24 }\)	\(6.39 \times 10 ^ { 23 }\)
   Escape velocity ( \(\mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) )	11186

5. Using the formula \(\mathrm { v } = \sqrt { \frac { \mathrm { kGM } } { \mathrm { r } } }\), determine the escape velocity for planet Mars.

2 The universal law of gravitation states that \(F = \frac { G m _ { 1 } m _ { 2 } } { r ^ { 2 } }\) where \(F\) is the magnitude of the force between two objects of masses \(m _ { 1 }\) and \(m _ { 2 }\) which are a distance \(r\) apart and \(G\) is a constant. Find the dimensions of \(G\).

5 A simple pendulum consists of a small sphere of mass \(m\) connected to one end of a light rod of length \(h\). The other end of the rod is freely hinged at a fixed point. When the sphere is pulled a short distance to one side and released from rest the pendulum performs oscillations. The time taken to perform one complete oscillation is called the period and is denoted by \(P\).

1. Assuming that \(P = k m ^ { \alpha } h ^ { \beta } g ^ { \gamma }\), where \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity and \(k\) is a dimensionless constant, find the values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\). A student conducts an experiment to investigate how \(P\) varies as \(h\) varies. She measures the value of \(P\) for various values of \(h\), ensuring that all other conditions remain constant. Her results are summarised in the table below.

   \(h ( \mathrm {~m} )\)	0.40	2.50	3.60
   \(P ( \mathrm {~s} )\)	1.27	2.17	3.81

2. Show that these results are not consistent with the answers to part (i).
3. The student later realises that she has recorded one of her values of \(P\) incorrectly.
   • Identify the incorrect value.
   • Estimate the correct value that she should have recorded.

6 This question is about modelling the relation between the pressure, \(P\), volume, \(V\), and temperature, \(\theta\), of a fixed amount of gas in a container whose volume can be varied. The amount of gas is measured in moles; 1 mole is a dimensionless constant representing a fixed number of molecules of gas. Gas temperatures are measured on the Kelvin scale; the unit for temperature is denoted by K . You may assume that temperature is a dimensionless quantity. A gas in a container will always exert an outwards force on the walls of the container. The pressure of the gas is defined to be the magnitude of this force per unit area of the walls, with \(P\) always positive. An initial model of the relation is given by \(P ^ { \alpha } V ^ { \beta } = n R \theta\), where \(n\) is the number of moles of gas present and \(R\) is a quantity called the Universal Gas Constant. The value of \(R\), correct to 3 significant figures, is \(8.31 \mathrm { JK } ^ { - 1 }\).

1. Show that \([ P ] = \mathrm { ML } ^ { - 1 } \mathrm {~T} ^ { - 2 }\) and \([ R ] = \mathrm { ML } ^ { 2 } \mathrm {~T} ^ { - 2 }\).
2. Hence show that \(\alpha = 1\) and \(\beta = 1\). 5 moles of gas are present in the container which initially has volume \(0.03 \mathrm {~m} ^ { 3 }\) and which is maintained at a temperature of 300 K .
3. Find the pressure of the gas, as predicted by the model. An improved model of the relation is given by \(\left( P + \frac { a n ^ { 2 } } { V ^ { 2 } } \right) ( V - n b ) = n R \theta\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants.
4. Determine the dimensions of \(b\) and \(a\). The values of \(a\) and \(b\) (in appropriate units) are measured as being 0.14 and \(3.2 \times 10 ^ { - 5 }\) respectively.
5. Find the pressure of the gas as predicted by the improved model. Suppose that the volume of the container is now reduced to \(1.5 \times 10 ^ { - 4 } \mathrm {~m} ^ { 3 }\) while keeping the temperature at 300 K .
6. By considering the value of the pressure of the gas as predicted by the improved model, comment on the validity of this model in this situation.

4 Wavelength is defined as the distance from the highest point on one wave to the highest point on the next wave. Surfers classify waves into one of several types related to their wavelengths.
Two of these classifications are deep water waves and shallow water waves.
4

1. The wavelength \(w\) of a deep water wave is given by $$w = \frac { g t ^ { 2 } } { k }$$ where \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity and \(t\) is the time period between consecutive waves. Given that the formula for a deep water wave is dimensionally consistent, show that \(k\) is a dimensionless constant. 4
2. The wavelength \(w\) of a shallow water wave is given by $$w = ( g d ) ^ { \alpha } t ^ { \beta }$$ where \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity, \(d\) is the depth of water and \(t\) is the time period between consecutive waves. Use dimensional analysis to find the values of \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\)

6 A ball is thrown with speed \(u\) at an angle of \(45 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal from a point \(O\) When the horizontal displacement of the ball is \(x\), the vertical displacement of the ball above \(O\) is \(y\) where $$y = x - \frac { k x ^ { 2 } } { u ^ { 2 } }$$ 6

1. Use dimensional analysis to find the dimensions of \(k\) 6
2. State what can be deduced about \(k\) from the dimensions that you found in part (a).

20 J 4 Reena is skating on an ice rink, which has a horizontal surface. She follows a circular path of radius 5 metres and centre \(O\) She completes 10 full revolutions in 1 minute, moving with a constant angular speed of \(\omega\) radians per second. The mass of Reena is 40 kg
4

1. Find the value of \(\omega\) 4
2. (i) Find the magnitude of the horizontal resultant force acting on Reena.
   4 (b) (ii) Show the direction of this horizontal resultant force on the diagram below. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{78120346-4a16-4545-925a-d6fab4b750e9-03_380_442_2017_861} 5 An impulse of \(\left[ \begin{array} { r } - 5 \\ 12 \end{array} \right] \mathrm { N } \mathrm { s }\) is applied to a particle of mass 5 kg which is moving with velocity \(\left[ \begin{array} { l } 6 \\ 2 \end{array} \right] \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) 5 (a) Calculate the magnitude of the impulse. 5 (b) Find the speed of the particle immediately after the impulse is applied.
   6 A ball is thrown with speed \(u\) at an angle of \(45 ^ { \circ }\) to the horizontal from a point \(O\) When the horizontal displacement of the ball is \(x\), the vertical displacement of the ball above \(O\) is \(y\) where $$y = x - \frac { k x ^ { 2 } } { u ^ { 2 } }$$ 6 (a) Use dimensional analysis to find the dimensions of \(k\) 6 (b) State what can be deduced about \(k\) from the dimensions that you found in part (a).
   7 Two smooth, equally sized spheres, \(A\) and \(B\), are moving in the same direction along a straight line on a smooth horizontal surface, as shown in the diagram below. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{78120346-4a16-4545-925a-d6fab4b750e9-06_314_465_420_849} The spheres subsequently collide.
   Immediately after the collision, \(A\) has speed \(2.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) and \(B\) has speed \(3.5 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(e\) 7 (a) (i) Show that \(A\) does not change its direction of motion as a result of the collision.
   7 (a) (ii) Find the value of \(e\) 7 (b) Given that the mass of \(B\) is 0.6 kg , find the mass of \(A\)

2 A solenoid is a device formed by winding a wire tightly around a hollow cylinder so that the wire forms (approximately) circular loops along the cylinder (see diagram). \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{91098ecb-fb4a-44aa-9e59-6c6fe3704966-02_164_697_1484_233} When the wire carries an electrical current a magnetic field is created inside the solenoid which can cause a particle which is moving inside the solenoid to accelerate. A student is carrying out experiments on particles moving inside solenoids. His professor suggests that, for a particle of mass \(m\) moving with speed \(v\) inside a solenoid of length \(h\), the acceleration \(a\) of the particle can be modelled by a relationship of the form \(a = k m ^ { \alpha } v ^ { \beta } h ^ { \gamma }\), where \(k\) is a constant. The professor tells the student that \([ k ] = \mathrm { MLT } ^ { - 1 }\).

1. Use dimensional analysis to find \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\).
2. The mass of an electron is \(9.11 \times 10 ^ { - 31 } \mathrm {~kg}\) and the mass of a proton is \(1.67 \times 10 ^ { - 27 } \mathrm {~kg}\). For an electron and a proton moving inside the same solenoid with the same speed, use the model to find the ratio of the acceleration of the electron to the acceleration of the proton.
3. The professor tells the student that \(a\) also depends on the number of turns or loops of wire, \(N\), that the solenoid has. Explain why dimensional analysis cannot be used to determine the dependence of \(a\) on \(N\).

3 The resistive force, \(F\), on a sphere falling through a viscous fluid is thought to depend on the radius of the sphere, \(r\), the velocity of the sphere, \(v\), and the viscosity of the fluid, \(\eta\). You are given that \(\eta\) is measured in \(\mathrm { Nm } ^ { - 2 } \mathrm {~s}\).

1. By considering its units, find the dimensions of viscosity. A model of the resistive force suggests the following relationship: \(F = 6 \pi \eta ^ { \alpha } r ^ { \beta } v ^ { \gamma }\).
2. Explain whether or not it is possible to use dimensional analysis to verify that the constant \(6 \pi\) is correct.
3. Use dimensional analysis to find the values of \(\alpha , \beta\) and \(\gamma\). A sphere of radius \(r\) and mass \(m\) falls vertically from rest through the fluid. After a time \(t\) its velocity is \(v\).
4. By setting up and solving a differential equation, show that \(\mathrm { e } ^ { - k t } = \frac { g - k v } { g }\) where \(k = \frac { 6 \pi \eta r } { m }\). As the time increases, the velocity of the sphere tends towards a limit called the terminal velocity.
5. Find, in terms of \(g\) and \(k\), the terminal velocity of the sphere. In a sequence of experiments the sphere is allowed to fall through fluids of different viscosity, ranging from small to very large, with all other conditions being constant. The terminal velocity of the sphere through each fluid is measured.
6. Describe how, according to the model, the terminal velocity of the sphere changes as the viscosity of the fluid through which it falls increases.

3 This question is about modelling the relation between the pressure, \(P\), volume, \(V\), and temperature, \(\theta\), of a fixed amount of gas in a container whose volume can be varied. The amount of gas is measured in moles; 1 mole is a dimensionless constant representing a fixed number of molecules of gas. Gas temperatures are measured on the Kelvin scale; the unit for temperature is denoted by K . You may assume that temperature is a dimensionless quantity. A gas in a container will always exert an outwards force on the walls of the container. The pressure of the gas is defined to be the magnitude of this force per unit area of the walls, with \(P\) always positive. An initial model of the relation is given by \(P ^ { \alpha } V ^ { \beta } = n R \theta\), where \(n\) is the number of moles of gas present and \(R\) is a quantity called the Universal Gas Constant. The value of \(R\), correct to 3 significant figures, is \(8.31 \mathrm { JK } ^ { - 1 }\).

1. Show that \([ P ] = \mathrm { ML } ^ { - 1 } \mathrm {~T} ^ { - 2 }\) and \([ R ] = \mathrm { ML } ^ { 2 } \mathrm {~T} ^ { - 2 }\).
2. Hence show that \(\alpha = 1\) and \(\beta = 1\). 5 moles of gas are present in the container which initially has volume \(0.03 \mathrm {~m} ^ { 3 }\) and which is maintained at a temperature of 300 K .
3. Find the pressure of the gas, as predicted by the model. An improved model of the relation is given by \(\left( P + \frac { a n ^ { 2 } } { V ^ { 2 } } \right) ( V - n b ) = n R \theta\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants.
4. Determine the dimensions of \(b\) and \(a\). The values of \(a\) and \(b\) (in appropriate units) are measured as being 0.14 and \(3.2 \times 10 ^ { - 5 }\) respectively.
5. Find the pressure of the gas as predicted by the improved model. Suppose that the volume of the container is now reduced to \(1.5 \times 10 ^ { - 4 } \mathrm {~m} ^ { 3 }\) while keeping the temperature at 300 K .
6. By considering the value of the pressure of the gas as predicted by the improved model, comment on the validity of this model in this situation.

A ball is thrown vertically upwards with speed \(u\) so that at time \(t\) its displacement \(s\) is given by the formula $$s = ut - \frac{gt^2}{2}$$ Use dimensional analysis to show that this formula is dimensionally consistent. Fully justify your answer. [4 marks]

Kepler's Third Law of planetary motion for the period of a circular orbit around the Earth is given by the formula, $$t = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{r^3}{Gm}}$$ where, \(t\) is the time taken for one orbit \(r\) is the radius of the circular orbit \(m\) is the mass of the Earth \(G\) is a gravitational constant. Use dimensional analysis to determine the dimensions of \(G\) [4 marks]

Materials have a measurable property known as the Young's Modulus, \(E\). If a force is applied to one face of a block of the material then the material is stretched by a distance called the extension. Young's modulus is defined as the ratio \(\frac{\text{Stress}}{\text{Strain}}\) where Stress is defined as the force per unit area and Strain is the ratio of the extension of the block to the length of the block.

1. Show that Strain is a dimensionless quantity. [1]
2. By considering the dimensions of both Stress and Strain determine the dimensions of \(E\). [2]

It is suggested that the speed of sound in a material, \(c\), depends only upon the value of Young's modulus for the material, \(E\), the volume of the material, \(V\), and the density (or mass per unit volume) of the material, \(\rho\).

1. Use dimensional analysis to suggest a formula for \(c\) in terms of \(E\), \(V\) and \(\rho\). [5]
2. The speed of sound in a certain material is \(500\) m s\(^{-1}\).
   1. Use your formula from part (c) to predict the speed of sound in the material if the value of Young's modulus is doubled but all other conditions are unchanged. [1]
   2. With reference to your formula from part (c), comment on the effect on the speed of sound in the material if the volume is doubled but all other conditions are unchanged. [1]
3. Suggest one possible limitation caused by using dimensional analysis to set up the model in part (c). [1]