How to find the dimension formula for inductance and also the dimension for resistance ?

1 Answer
Sep 8, 2017

Dimensions of L, MT^(-2)L^2A^(-2)MT2L2A2

Dimensions of R,

ML^2T^(-3)A^(-2)ML2T3A2

Explanation:

Firstly consider resistance.

It's defining equation is, Ohm's law,

V = IRV=IR
implies R = V/IR=VI

Now VV has units of (electric field)*(distance).

But electric field has units (force)/(charge).

Also, charge has dimensions of (current)(time) and force has dimensions (mass)(length)/(time)^2.

Thus, dimensions of VV is,

[V] = (LMLT^(-2))/(AT)[V]=LMLT2AT
implies [V] = ML^2T^(-3)A^(-1)[V]=ML2T3A1

Current II has dimensions [I] =A[I]=A

Thus, dimensions of resistance,

[R] = [[V]]/[[I]] = ML^2T^(-3)A^(-2)[R]=[V][I]=ML2T3A2

For inductance, the defining equation is,

phi = LIϕ=LI

But phiϕ has units (magnetic field)*(length)^2

Magnetic field from Lorentz force law has units, (Force)(velocity)^(-1)(charge)^(-1)

Therefore, dimensions of magnetic field,

[B] = (MLT^(-2))/(LT^(-1)AT)[B]=MLT2LT1AT
implies [B] = (MLT^(-2))/(LA)[B]=MLT2LA
implies [B] = MT^(-2)A^(-1)[B]=MT2A1

Therefore dimensions of magnetic flux,

[phi] = [B]L^2[ϕ]=[B]L2
implies [phi] = MT^(-2)L^2A^(-1)[ϕ]=MT2L2A1

Thus finally, dimensions of inductance,

[L] = [[phi]]/[[I]][L]=[ϕ][I]
implies [L] = MT^(-2)L^2A^(-2)[L]=MT2L2A2