A dimensional variable is a physical quantity that possesses dimensions and whose value can change.
Understanding Dimensional Variables
According to the reference, dimensional variables are:
- Physical quantities: These are properties of phenomena, bodies, or substances that can be quantified by measurement.
- Have dimensions: This means they can be expressed in terms of fundamental physical quantities like length, mass, time, electric current, temperature, etc. For instance, length has dimension [L], velocity has dimensions [LT⁻¹], and acceleration has dimensions [LT⁻²].
- Are variable: Their value is not fixed and can change depending on the specific situation or measurement.
Unlike dimensional variables, dimensional constants refer to physical quantities that have a fixed value and dimensions throughout the physical universe, as mentioned in the reference.
Examples of Dimensional Variables
The reference provides clear examples of quantities that fit the definition of a dimensional variable:
- Length: The distance between two points can vary.
- Velocity: The rate of change of position can vary in magnitude and direction.
- Acceleration: The rate of change of velocity can vary.
These quantities are fundamental in physics and engineering because they describe properties or states that are not fixed but can change over time or with position.
Understanding dimensional variables is crucial in physics and other sciences for analyzing relationships between different quantities and ensuring consistency in equations through dimensional analysis.
