Friday, February 12, 2010

If an equation is dimensionally correct, does this mean that the equation must be true?

If an equation is dimensionally correct, does this mean that the equation must be true?If an equation is dimensionally correct, does this mean that the equation must be true?
No. But if an equation is dimensionally incorrect, it must be false (or you need to invent some fudge factor to put in there).If an equation is dimensionally correct, does this mean that the equation must be true?
No. The equation for kinetic energy is K.E. = 1/2 m v^2, which is dimensionally correct. The equation K.E. = m v^2 is also dimensionally correct, but gives the wrong answer.
No...





Just because the units work out doesn't mean there is necessarily any physical truth to the relation.

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