Question Details

Which of the following is a dimensionless quantity ?

Options

A

Strain

B

Stress

C

Specific heat

D

Quantity of heat

Correct Answer :

Strain

Solution :

The correct option is Strain.

To understand why strain is a dimensionless quantity, let us analyze the definition and dimensions of each option step-by-step:

1. Strain:
Strain is defined as the ratio of the change in dimension to the original dimension of an object when a deforming force is applied. For example, tensile strain is given by the formula:

Strain = Change in length ( ΔL ) Original length ( L )
Since both the numerator and the denominator represent length (measured in meters), their dimensions cancel out. Therefore, strain is a ratio of two similar quantities and has no units or dimensions.
Its dimensional formula is:

[ M 0 L 0 T 0 ]

2. Stress:
Stress is defined as the restoring force restoring per unit area of a body. Its dimensional formula is:

Stress = Force Area = [ M L T - 2 ] [ L 2 ] = [ M L - 1 T - 2 ]
Thus, stress has physical dimensions.

3. Specific heat:
Specific heat is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius (or Kelvin). Its formula is:

s = Q m ΔT
Its dimensional formula is:

[ M 0 L 2 T - 2 K - 1 ]
Thus, specific heat has physical dimensions.

4. Quantity of heat:
Heat is a form of energy. Therefore, its dimensional formula is the same as that of work or energy:

[ M L 2 T - 2 ]
Thus, quantity of heat has physical dimensions.

Consequently, only Strain is a dimensionless quantity.

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