Article
Article
Dimensional analysis
Article By:
Stewart, John W. Department of Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Last reviewed:June 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.196000
A technique that involves the study of dimensions of physical quantities. Dimensional analysis is used primarily as a tool for obtaining information about physical systems too complicated for full mathematical solutions to be feasible. It enables one to predict the behavior of large systems from a study of small-scale models. It affords a convenient means of checking mathematical equations. Finally, dimensional formulas provide a useful cataloging system for physical quantities.
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