Physics

Physics

Problem

Answer the following questions related to pure (dimensionless) physical quantities: a. (i) State what is meant by a dimensionless (pure) physical quantity and give two examples from mechanics. b. (ii) Show algebraically that the argument of the natural logarithm in the expression S=k ln⁡(VV0)S = k \,\ln\left(\dfrac{V}{V_{0}}\right) must be dimensionless, where SS is entropy, VV the volume of a gas and kk a constant. c. (iii) A student writes ln⁡(3 m)\ln(3\,\text{m}) while solving a thermodynamics problem. Explain clearly why this expression is unacceptable and describe the correct way of writing a logarithmic term that involves a length.

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