Guess a relation among the quantities using the method of dimensions.

Question:

Theory of relativity reveals that mass can be converted into energy. The energy $E$ so obtained is proportional to certain powers of mass $m$ and the speed of light c. Guess a relation among the quantities using the method of dimensions.

Solution:

Let us assume energy $E \alpha m^{a} c^{b}$, or $E=k m^{a} c^{b}$, where $k$ is a constant Equating their dimensions

$\left[\mathrm{ML}^{2} \mathrm{~T}^{-2}\right]=\left[\mathrm{M}^{\mathrm{a}}\right]\left[\mathrm{L}^{\mathrm{b}} \mathrm{T}^{-\mathrm{b}}\right]$

From here, we see that $a=1$ and $b=2$

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