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Physics relies on dimensionless numbers like the Reynolds number in fluid dynamics, [6] the fine-structure constant in quantum mechanics, [7] and the Lorentz factor in relativity. [8] In chemistry , state properties and ratios such as mole fractions concentration ratios are dimensionless.
This is a list of well-known dimensionless quantities illustrating their variety of forms and applications. The tables also include pure numbers, dimensionless ratios, or dimensionless physical constants; these topics are discussed in the article.
The dimension of a physical quantity is more fundamental than some scale or unit used to express the amount of that physical quantity. For example, mass is a dimension, while the kilogram is a particular reference quantity chosen to express a quantity of mass. The choice of unit is arbitrary, and its choice is often based on historical precedent.
In spectroscopy, oscillator strength is a dimensionless quantity that expresses the probability of absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation in transitions between energy levels of an atom or molecule. [1] [2] For example, if an emissive state has a small oscillator strength, nonradiative decay will outpace radiative decay.
For example, if x is a quantity, then x c is the characteristic unit used to scale it. As an illustrative example, consider a first order differential equation with constant coefficients: + = (). In this equation the independent variable here is t, and the dependent variable is x.
A meaningful test on the time-variation of G would require comparison with a non-gravitational force to obtain a dimensionless quantity, e.g. through the ratio of the gravitational force to the electrostatic force between two electrons, which in turn is related to the dimensionless fine-structure constant.
Although named for Edgar Buckingham, the π theorem was first proved by the French mathematician Joseph Bertrand in 1878. [1] Bertrand considered only special cases of problems from electrodynamics and heat conduction, but his article contains, in distinct terms, all the basic ideas of the modern proof of the theorem and clearly indicates the theorem's utility for modelling physical phenomena.
Flow through the pores in an oil reservoir has capillary number values in the order of 10 −6, whereas flow of oil through an oil well drill pipe has a capillary number in the order of unity. [ 4 ] The capillary number plays a role in the dynamics of capillary flow ; in particular, it governs the dynamic contact angle of a flowing droplet at ...