If x and t represent position and time, respectively, the A in x = A cos Bt) must A) have the dimensions ML/T ². B) have the dimensions M. C) have the dimensions L. D) have the dimensions L²/T ². E) be dimensionless.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the equation x = A cos Bt, x represents a position, which has dimensions of length (L). A represents the amplitude of the oscillation, which also has dimensions of length (L). Bt represents an angle since it is inside a trigonometric function, and angles are dimensionless. Therefore, the only dimension that is needed for A is L, making choice C the correct answer.

If X and T Represent Position and Time, Respectively, the a in X