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Dimensional Formula of Joule

This article discusses the dimensional formula as well as the importance of joule and how it is related to energy. Using the relation between energy and joule, the dimensional formula of a joule is derived.

In electronics and broad scientific applications, the joule is the standard unit of energy. A joule is the amount of energy expended when a force of one newton is applied across a one-meter displacement. One joule is equal to one watt of power wasted or emitted for one second. The heat was researched and its link to mechanical work was identified by James Prescott Joule. He established the notion of energy conservation, which eventually impacted the First Law of Thermodynamics. He also developed Joule’s law, which governs energy transmission. The following dimensional equations are used to ensure that an equation is accurate, to calculate the relationship between several physical quantities, and to change from one system of units to another. A joule is the unit of energy, so their dimensional formulae are also the same.

The dimension formula is a collection of fundamental quantities derived from physical quantity units. Square brackets are used to symbolise it. Dimensional equations for fundamental quantities such as mass, time, and length are [M], [T], and [L], respectively.

Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional analysis is the process of determining the dimensions of physical quantities to verify their relationships. These dimensions are unrelated to numerical multiples and constants, and any quantity in the world can be expressed as a function of these 7 fundamental dimensions.

Dimensional analysis studies the relationship between physical quantities using dimensions and units of measurement. Dimensional analysis is critical because it maintains the same units, enabling us to perform mathematical calculations efficiently.

Derivation of the dimensional formula of Joule: 

The formula for energy can be written as,

Energy = Force x Distance

Force is written as,

Force = Mass x Acceleration

Acceleration is formulated as,

Acceleration = velocitytime = m/ss

The fundamental dimensional formula of mass is [M], that of length is [L] and for time is [T].

So, Acceleration= [L1][T1][T1] = [L1][T1+1] = [L1][T2] = [L1T-2]

Substituting this in the formula for force,

Force = [M1].[L1T-2]=[M1L1T-2]

Substitute this in the energy formula, with [L] as the dimensional formula for distance,

Energy= [M1L1T-2].[L]

Multiply the two terms,

Energy= [M1L2T-2]

So, the dimensional formula of joule is [M1L2T-2].

Energy

Energy is defined as the capacity to do work. In other words, energy is the ability to do work. It is a scalar quantity, as it only has magnitude and direction. The SI Unit of energy is Joule. Energy can be found in everything in the universe, whether it is a living thing or a non-living thing. Energy can be divided into types i.e. Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy.

Kinetic energy: It is the form of energy of motion. The kinetic energy of an object is equal to half of its mass, times its velocity squared. 

K.E. = (½) m v²

Where m is mass, v is the velocity of the object.

Potential Energy: The energy due to rest is known as potential energy. It is the form of energy that could be used to do work. One of the most common types of potential energy is gravitational force. 

P.E. = mgh 

where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity and h is the height from the surface of the earth.

Conclusion

Joule is the unit of energy, which was coined by James Prescott Joule. As it is the unit of energy, its dimensional formula is the same as that of energy and can be obtained by replacing force and distance in the formula of energy with their dimensional formulae. So, the dimensional formula of joule so obtained would be [M1L2T-2].

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