Problem:
A dimensionless quantity is constructed in terms of electronic charge , permittivity of free space
, Planck’s constant
, and speed of light
. If the dimensionless quantity is written as
and
is a non-zero integer, then
is given by:
(A) (B)
(C) (D)
Context:
A dimensionless quantity is expressed using the fundamental physical constants:
- Electronic charge
- Permittivity of free space
- Planck’s constant
- Speed of light
The given expression is in the form:
This is said to be dimensionless, meaning its overall dimensional formula must be . The task is to determine the correct combination
in terms of a non-zero integer
, based on the options provided.
Explanation:
To find the powers , the dimensions of each constant are substituted and the resulting expression is equated to zero in each base dimension (Mass –
, Length –
, Time –
, Ampere –
) to solve the system of equations:
Dimensional Formulas:
Substitute the dimensional formulas into the expression:
Combine and simplify powers of each base dimension:
Now equate exponents of to zero for dimensionlessness:
Solution:
From
1.
→
2.
→
3.
→
4.
Substitute known values:
→
→ (satisfied)
Hence, all variables in terms of :
Putting them in the form :
Let , then:
This matches with Option (A):
→ Hence, to match signs, multiply the above by :
Answer:
(A)
Final Answer:
(A)