AP EAMCET · PHYSICS · Units and Dimensions

The speed of ripples $(v)$ on water surface depends on surface tension $(σ)$ , density $(ρ)$ , and wavelength $(λ)$ . Then the square of speed $(v)$ is proportional to

A $\frac{σ}{ρ λ}$
B $\frac{ρ}{σ λ}$
C $\frac{λ}{σ ρ}$
D $\sqrt{\frac{ρ λ}{σ}}$

Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(A) $\frac{σ}{ρ λ}$

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Speed of ripples, v depends on σ,ρ,λ ⇒v∝σaρbλc ⇒M0LT-1∝MT-2aML-3bLc ⇒M0LT-1∝Ma+bL-3b+cT-2a By equating the powers, ⇒a+b=0, -3b+c=1, -2a=-1 ⇒a=12, b=-12, c=-12…

Apply the relevant identity from the chapter and substitute the values established in the previous step, keeping the original constraint in view.

Use the simplified expression to isolate the unknown, then plug the result back into the question setup to confirm the working is internally consistent.

Cross-check against a boundary or limiting case. Both the dimensional balance and the qualitative behaviour at the extreme should agree with the candidate answer.

Combine the steps above to identify the correct option. The remaining choices each fail at least one of the consistency, dimensional, or boundary checks.

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The speed of ripples (v) on water surface depends on surface tension (σ), density (ρ), and wavelength (λ). Then the square of speed (v) is proportional to

Step-by-step Solution

The speed of ripples $(v)$ on water surface depends on surface tension $(σ)$ , density $(ρ)$ , and wavelength $(λ)$ . Then the square of speed $(v)$ is proportional to