Cauvery dispute: The importance of dimensional analysis

Abstract

Here is a simple question: If Karnataka releases 6,000 cusec of water to Tamil Nadu for 10 days, what is the flow rate of the water released?

a. 60,000 cusec,

b. 6,000 cusec,

c. 5.184 tmc,

d. None of the above

If you have not answered (b), read on, for we will explore a concept which is critical for science and everyday decision-making, including the ongoing Cauvery issue.

Most physics syllabi begin with a concept called dimensional analysis, which states that there are seven fundamental physical quantities, or dimensions—mass (M), length (L), time (T), temperature (K), electric current (I), luminous intensity (C) and amount of substance (mol), and two further stipulations:

1. Any physical quantity may be represented as a product of various powers of these seven basic quantities. Read more at: https://www.livemint.com/Opinion/21HYZtZ7s8CQZKJk0ac2vK/Cauvery-dispute-The-importance-of-dimensional-analysis.html