Fundamental Concepts in Science and Physics

Fundamental Concepts in Science and Physics
Asi Bunyajitradulya (abj)
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University
abj 1
Keywords / Key Phrases
1. Logic (Implication and IMPLICATION):
 Implication: p  q  q   p
Contrapositive of p  q
If ( p ), Then (q )  If (not q ), Then (not p )

 IMPLICATION: P  Q and Valid/Derivable Argument
( p  q)  p  q
P Q
2. System - Surrounding - Interactions

 Isolated System (IS) / Identified Mass (IM) / Identified Region (IR)
3. Physics: Physical Quantities (PQ) and Physical Relations (PR)
 Dimensions VS Units
 Primary Quantities/Dimensions VS Derived Quantities/Dimensions
 [Rule for PQ] Dimension of derived quantities is power-law monomial
 [Rule for PR] Principle of Dimensional Homogeneity (PDH)
 Dimensionless variables (  )
4. Functional Forms
 Explicit Functional Form q n  f (q1 , q 2 ,..., q n 1 )
 Implicit Functional Form F (q1 , q 2 ,..., q n 1 , q n )  0
5.
abj y  f ( x ; p ; c ) and the associated three-column objective // roles of variables 2
 Dependent variable / Independent variable / variable parameters / constant parameters

Outline
1. Logic (Implication: p  q and IMPLICATION: P  Q ):
 Implication: p  q
p  q  q   p
 IMPLICATION: P  Q and Valid/Derivable Argument

( p  q)  p  q
P Q
2. Science: System - Surrounding - Interactions
 Classification of systems (Mechanical viewpoint)
 Sneak preview of Chapter 4: Finite Control Volume Formulation of

Physical Laws
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Outline (Cont.)
3. Physics
3.1. Physical Quantities (PQ) and Physical Relations (PR)
 [PQ] Physical Quantities
 3 attributes for qualifying and quantifying physical quantities
 Dimensions VS Units
 [PR] Physical Relations
 [PQ and PR] Primary Quantities VS Derived Quantities
 Examples of standard systems of dimensions and units: SI
3.2. Four Fundamental Rules of Physics
1. RULE 1: [PASRM] Principle of Absolute Significant of Relative Magnitude
2. RULE 2: [Rule for PQ] Dimension of derived quantities is power-law monomial
3. RULE 3: [Rule for PR] Principle of Dimensional Homogeneity (PDH)
4. RULE 4: [Rule for PR] Buckingham’s PI Theorem (Sneak Preview to Chapter 7:

Buckingham’s PI Theorem, Similarity, and Model Testing)
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Outline (Cont.)
4. Functional Forms
 Explicit Functional Form y  f ( x1 , x2 ,...)

 Implicit Functional Form F ( y, x1 , x2 ,...)  0
F (q1 , q 2 ,...)  0
 How to read functional forms
 Semicolon ‘ ; ’ : To differentiate different sets and roles of variables
5. Physical Relations in Physics/Engineering Problems

y  f ( x ; p ; c)
 The Associated Three-Column Objective
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Logic
Implication: p  q
p  q  q   p
IMPLICATION: P  Q and Valid/Derivable Argument:
( p  q)  p  q Premise 1 : ( p  q)
P Q Premise 2 : p
Conclusion : q
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Logic: Implication: p q q ; Logical Relation
p  q  q   p
q x q
x
p p
If x is p, then x is also q. If x is not q, then x is also not p.

 p  q is equivalent to its Contrapositive: q  p
but not its Converse: q  p
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How we can learn more using logic
 How we can extract more information from known information using logic (deduction).
Example
Given that the following statement regarding a physical phenomena is true:
Implication: p  q
 If it rains, then the football field gets wet. Field gets wet.
We can deduce/conclude that:
Contrapositive: q  p It rains
 If the football field does not get wet, then it does not rain.
However, we cannot deduce/conclude that:
Converse: q  p
 If the football field gets wet, then it rains.
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Logic: Implication: p  q
Sufficient and Necessary Conditions
p  q  q   p
x
q q
x
p p
Sufficient Condition Necessary Condition

p is a sufficient condition for q . q is a necessary condition for p.
If something is p, then it is also q. If something is not q, then it is not p.
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Logic: IMPLICATION (Modus Ponens) and Valid/Derivable Argument
( p  q)  p  q
Premise 1 : ( p  q)
Premise 2 : p
Conclusion : q
 Explanations are based on Valid/Derivable Argument.

Fore more details regarding logic and valid/derivable argument, see
Chapter 1: Some Informal Symbolic Logic and Valid Argument
in ABJ’s 2103-390 ME Experimentation and Laboratory I: Some Aspects of Experimentation
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How to explain the physics.
= Physical Quantities + Physical Relations + Logic: Valid/Derivable Argument
Three important components in constructing an explanation

in science/physics. In your explanation,
 use Physical Quantities [PQ]
 use Physical Relations [PR]
 use Logic: Valid/Derivable Argument, e.g., ( p  q )  p  q
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Practice
Problem: How to explain the physics.
Explain how (the mechanism under which) a bird or an airplane can

fly using
 physical quantities, and
 physical relations (or models) that you know, and
 Logic: Valid/Derivable Argument.
Boeing 747-400
Cruising speed Mach Number = 0.85 (Compressible Flows).
(From http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/gallery/images/commercial/747400-06.html)
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Where do we use valid/derivable argument in this course?
 Observe that when we try  How well we can do it is another matter, and
 to explain, or  that requires recognition and practice.
 to solve a problem
in this course (and other ‘scientific’ courses for that matter), we actually attempt to
construct valid/derivable argument.
 Be it as a Statement or Mathematical Statement
( p  q)  p  q L1  L2  ...  A1  A2 ...  C
Premise 1 : ( p  q)  Physical Law 1 : L1

Premise 2 : p  Physical Law 2 : L2
Conclusion : q  ...

Premises  Assumption 1 : A1
Assumption 2 : A2
Also, as far as logic is concerned, there is 
no difference between Physical Laws and  ....

Assumptions. That is, we assume them to 
be premises – assume them to be true. Conclusion 1 C1
Conclusion 2 C2
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Science: System-Surrounding-Interactions
abj 14
Science: System-Surrounding-Interactions
Universe / Isolated System
Surrounding
Interactions (Different subjects investigate different interactions)

 Mechanics: Mechanical interaction (force  motion)
 Thermodynamics: Energy interaction (energy transfer  energy, state)
 Electrical, Chemical, etc.
(Physical) System
 The very first task in any one problem:

 Identify the system (clearly)
 Identify the surrounding
 Identify the interactions between the system and its surrounding, e.g.,
 Mechanics - Force (identify all the external forces on the system by its surroundings)
 Thermodynamics - Energy and Energy Transfer (identify all forms of

energy and energy transfer between the system and its surrounding)
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Example: Thermodynamics - Heating Water
 Water 1 liter in a container in atmosphere.
 Add heat of the amount Q. [Assume no heat loss elsewhere.]
QUESTION: How much is the temperature rise?
Q  mcT ?
Q
 T  ?
Q mc
abj 16
Thermal energy transfer (Q) into the two systems are not the same.
Two different systems have two different (energy) interactions with their own surrounding.
System 1: Water + Container

Q  mcT ?
 Q
Q  T   System 1 ?
 T  ?  mc 
mc
• How much is the thermal energy
being transferred (heat transfer) into
the System 1?
Q?
Obviously, at least the mass of the two systems are not the same.
System 2: Water only
Q  Q 
T  mc  System 2 ?
 
• How much is the thermal energy
being transferred (heat transfer) into
Q? the System 2?
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Key Point: Define your system clearly first before you apply an equation.
 Since the application of basic principles / equations is

always to a specific system,
 define your system clearly first before you apply an

equation.
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Classification of Systems (Mechanical Viewpoint)
RECALL Interaction between system and surroundings
Recall: Thermodynamics Exchange of Mass Exchange of Energy
(between system and surroundings) (between system and surroundings)
Isolated system (IS) No No
Closed system (CS) No Yes

[Identified Mass (IM), Control
Mass (CM), Material Volume – MV]
Open system (OS) Yes Yes

[Identified Region (IR),
Identified Volume (IV), Control
Volume (CV)]
 A clearer/more-direct-to-the-concept terminology for CS is an identified mass (IM).

 A clearer/more-direct-to-the-concept terminology for OS is an identified region (in space, IR).
Basically, an open system is a region in space of interest.
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Example: Various types of systems
Isolated system: Closed system Open system

Insulated hot water bottle (part of the mass is
evaporated out of the
(approximately isolated over a short
system)
period of time, no energy absorption
due to radiation, etc.)
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Logical relations between different types of systems
IR / CV / OS
IM / MV / CM / CS
RECALL IS
Recall p  q
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Sneak Preview of Chapter 4:
Motivation for Finite CV Formulation of Physical Laws
Particle A
F1 F2
IR / CV / OS
IM / MV / CM / CS
F (on A)  m A a A IS
Particle B F  ma is the form of Newton’s Second Law that

is valid only for IM/MV/CS, not outside.
 Many basic equations that you have studied so far are the Physical Laws (PL) in the
form that are applicable only to Identified Mass (IM) / Material Volume (MV) / Closed
Systems (CS): PL-MV.
 First, we identify the mass/particle of interest, say Particle A (and not B).
 Then, we apply the PL-MV to that identified mass (IM).
 Here, we are interested in
IM: what happens to the identified mass (IM) over time, the IM/MV/CS
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concept.
 However, from the viewpoint of fluid applications at least initially we are more
interested in
Air Conditioning:
When I take a fluid exam, it is too
cold there where I sit while it is too
warm there where my friend sits.
Image from http://www.conferences.ucsb.edu/classroom-rental
IR: what happens in the identified region (IR), or at a location, in space

over time, the IR/CV/OS concept
rather than
IM: what happens to the identified mass (IM) over time, the
abj
IM/MV/CM/CS concept. 23
 There is then the Problem and Motivation (for Chapter 4):
Finite CV Formulation of Physical Laws (Chapter 4): PL-CV
OS
CS
PL-MV is too limited and not effective for many
IS
fluid flow applications.
We need to re-formulate and extend the present formulation of the physical

laws for MV (PL-MV) to be in a new form such that it can also be applied to the IR/CV/OS
(PL-CV) so that we can apply it to our applications more conveniently and effectively.
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Physics:
Physical Quantities (PQ)
and Physical Relations (PR)
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Physical Phenomena:
Physical Quantities and Physical Relations
 Physical Phenomena
 [PQ] We observe certain characteristics of a physical world or object.
 We then conceptualize ( = to put simply, ‘put/model it in our head’) those

characteristics of an object and call them Physical Quantities (PQ).
 We further try to qualify (Dimensions) and quantify/measure (Numerical value

and Scale/Unit of measure) them.
 [PR] We observe that physical phenomena, under a certain condition, happen in a

certain way and with certain relation among relevant characteristics – Physical
Relations (PR).
Example:
 Drop a golf ball in a classroom and you will see it falls down, not goes up.
 Drop a golf ball and a feather at the same height (h) and at the same time (to) in a classroom, and you will see the golf
ball hits the floor sooner (t) than the feather.
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Physical Phenomena: How to explain the physics.
= Physical Quantities + Physical Relations + Logic: Valid/Derivable Argument
Problem: How to explain the physics.
Explain how (the mechanism under which) a bird or an airplane can fly using
 physical quantities, and
 physical relations (or models) that you know, and
 Logic: Valid/Derivable Argument.
 We try to construct a model explaining physical phenomena, i.e., what happen around us,
from presently accepted – or assumed to be true - models.
 If p, then q.
 Given that IF 1) p  q is true and 2) p is true, THEN it necessarily follows that q is true.
( p  q)  p  q
Boeing 747-400
Cruising speed Mach Number = 0.85 (Compressible Flows).
(From http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/gallery/images/commercial/747400-06.html)
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Physical Quantity
Describing A Physical Quantity: 3 Attributes of Physical Quantities
 Physical quantity is a concept.
 A quantifiable/measurable attribute we assign to a particular characteristic of nature that we

observe.
 We must find a way to (‘qualify’ and) ‘quantify’ it.
l 2 m , [l ]  L ( Length)
3. numerical value wrt unit Q 2. scale / unit of measure Q 1. Dimension
1. Describing a physical quantity q. We need 3 things:
1. Dimension
[q ]
2. Scale/Unit of measure Q
3. Numerical value with respect to the scale/unit of measure Q Q
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2. Q and Q must go together.
• Change the unit of measure Q, the numerical value Q must be changed

accordingly.
l  2 m , [l ]  L, Length
 1.34  10 11 au (astronomical unit )

 1.08  10 3 nautical mile
 1.24  10 3 mile
 2.19 yard
 6.56 ft
 7.87  101 in
In fact, we can change these
 2  10 2 cm
numerical values to any numerical
 2  10 3 mm value on the real line so long as we
choose the corresponding unit of
 2  1010 angstrom
measure Q accordingly.
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Key Point: Q and Q must go together.
 Always write the corresponding unit Q for the

corresponding numerical value Q of a physical quantity.
[Except when that quantity is dimensionless.]
m=5
5 what? 5 kg
5 lbm
5 ton?
m = 5 ton
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Fundamental Concept: Quantification and Measure(ment)
 (Any) Quantification is always based on scale/unit of measure,

measurement.
 There is a degree of arbitrariness in choosing a scale/unit of measure.
l  2 m , [l ]  L, Length
 1.34  10 11 au (astronomical unit )

 1.08  10 3 nautical mile
 1.24  10 3 mile
 2.19 yard
 6.56 ft
 7.87  101 in
In fact, we can change these
 2  10 2 cm
numerical values to any numerical
 2  10 3 mm value on the real line so long as we
choose the corresponding unit of
abj  2  1010 angstrom 31
measure Q accordingly.
Physical Quantities: Primary Quantities and Derived Quantities
1. Primary Quantities and Primary Dimensions
 Choose a set of primary quantities (and consider their dimensions to be

independent).
 Three systems of common use are MLtT, FLtT, FMLtT
 SI uses MLtT
2. Derived Quantities and Derived Dimensions
 Through physical relations, we then have derived quantities and their

dimensions
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Physical Quantities: Primary Quantities and Derived Quantities
Example:
1. Primary Quantities/Dimensions:
SI chooses MLtT to be primary quantities and primary dimensions
[Mass] = M, [Length] = L, [Time] = t, [Temperature] = T
NOTATION: Bracket: q  reads ' the dimension of q '
2. Derived Quantities/Dimensions:
Through physical relations, then we have derived quantities and their

dimensions
dr [r ]
Equal by definition V :  [V ]   Lt 1
dt [t ]
2
Equal by law F  ma  [ F ]  [ m ][ a ]  MLt
abj 33
Dimensions and Units are not the same
l 2 m , [l ]  L ( Length)
 The height (h) of a table has the dimension of length
[h] = L
But you can measure it with many different reference units (standard or not):
meter, inch, angstrom,
คืบ, ศอก, วา, (Thai units of length)
ความยาวนิ้วชี้มอ
ื ขวาของ Mr. X (Mr. X’s right-hand index finger length)
abj 34
Primary Quantities/Dimensions and Units and
Derived Quantities/Dimensions and Units in SI System
From Physics Laboratory, The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s web page:
http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/SIdiagram2.html
abj Note that there can be some characters missing from this diagram due to font and file related issues during the making 35
of the presentation slide. Go to the NIST’s web page given above for the original.
Equalities are not all quite equal
Notations for ‘equal by definition’ : and :

Initially, in order to emphasize that a relation is simply equality by
definition (we define them; and not by law), we use
dr dr
V : reads V is defined as ,
dt dt
Velocity is defined as the time rate of change
of position vector.
dr
or : V
dt
 We ‘define the quantity on the colon side’
by ‘the expression on the opposite side’.
abj 36
Key Point: Arbitrariness in choosing a set of primary
quantities/dimensions.
 For example, we can choose

ELtT Energy-Length-Time-Temp
as a set of primary quantities and primary dimensions in
place of
MLtT
abj 37
Key Point: Dimensions - A simple key to gain physical understanding of
fluid mechanics (or rather physics in general)
 The followings cannot be emphasized enough.
 To gain some physical understanding of fluid mechanics,

always pay attention to the dimensions of the physical
quantity/relation of interest.
 Choose any dimensions that you can physically relate to, not
necessarily – and often not - MLtT.
• Enthalpy h has the dimension of

• L2t-2 “What is this?”
• Energy/Mass O.k. This, I can relate.
abj 38
More Example:
Dimensions - A simple key to gain physical understanding of fluid mechanics (or rather physics in general)
 Specific heat C has the dimension of
• L2t-2T-1 “What is this?”
Energy
• Mass  Temp O.k. This, I can relate.
Energy
Note reads “Energy per unit mass per unit (change in) temp”
Mass  Temp
• I can guess that C should somehow be related to the amount of energy per
unit mass per unit (change in) temperature.
abj 39
Physics:
Four Fundamental Rules of Physics
abj 40
RULE 1: [PASRM] Principle of Absolute Significance of Relative Magnitude
RULE 1: PASRM
To have some physical sense, we require (of the chosen systems of units to be
used) that the ratio of magnitudes of any two concrete physical quantities
should not depend on the system of units used.
 A 2 in m 2   A 2 in ft 2 
A2       r
A1  A in m 2   A in ft 2 
 1   1 
The ratio A2/A1 should be the same regardless of whether the numerical values of A1 and A2 are
expressed in m2 or ft2.
Otherwise, if they are not equal, we say that it ‘does not make physical sense.’
 T2 in K   T2 in o C 
What about      ???
 o 
abj  T1 in K   T1 in C  41
RULE 2: [PQ] Dimension (function) is a power-law monomial
RULE 2: [PQ] The dimension (function) of any physical quantity q is a

power-law monomial:
[q ]  M a Lb t cT d
e.g., [V ]  L1t 1 , [ Energy]  ML2t 2
 It cannot be, e.g., [q ]  sin( M ), [q ]  e ( ML )
 Therefore, the argument of these exotic functions must be dimensionless, or PI
e ( ) ,
group:
sin( ), log( )
abj 42
Dimensionless Quantity, or  Group
Dimensionless quantity q has the dimension of
[q ]  M 0 L0 t 0T 0  1
Example
Work output
Efficiency  :  [ ]  M 0 L0 t 0T 0  1
Work Input
s
Angle (radian)  :  [ ]  M 0 L0t 0T 0  1
r
 We often use the symbol PI,  , to represent dimensionless quantities.
 So the arguments of these exotic functions must be a dimensionless

variable, or  group: sin( ), e ( ) , log( )
abj 43
Argument of Exotic Functions
Example (Assume no numerical value has been substituted yet.)
If V ( x, t )  Vo sin( ax  bt  c)
then [ax  bt  c]  M 0 L0t 0T 0  1 (Dimensionless)
hence  [ax]  1  [a]  1 / L

 [bt ]  1  [b]  1 / t
 [c ]  1
Example
(b 2t )
If V (t )  Vo e
then [b 2t ]  M 0 L0t 0T 0  1 (Dimensionless)
hence  [b 2t ]  1  [b]  1 / t
abj 44
Independent Dimensions
Independent Dimensions: A set of physical quantities q1,…, qr are said to have
independent dimensions
if none of these quantities has a dimension function that can be written in terms of a
power-law monomial of the dimensions of the remaining quantities. (Barenblatt, 1996)
dr [r ]
By definition V   [V ]   Lt 1
dt [t ]
2
By law F  ma  [ F ]  [ m ][ a ]  MLt
 In MLtT system, since the dimension of velocity V can be written as the power-law monomial of L and t,
V = L1t-1
the physical quantities (Velocity, Length, time) - or VLt - do not have independent dimension.
 Similarly, (Force, Mass, Length, Time) - or FMLt - do not have independent dimension since, according to Newton’s
Second law of motion,
F = MLt-2
abj 45
RULE 3: [PR] [PDH] Principle of Dimensional Homogeneity
Requirement/Premise: Any equation that describes a physical relation cannot be dependent upon
an arbitrary choice of units (within a given class of systems of units).
RULE 3: [PR] [PDH] Principle of Dimensional Homogeneity:
If Y  X1  X 2  is a valid physical relation,
then Y    X1    X 2  
i.e., all additive terms Y , X 1 , X 2 , must have the same dimension.
Useful for checking our derived result: [We shall deal only with physical equations.]
Physical Relation Dimensionally homogeneous
~ Dimensionally homogeneous ~ Physical Relation

(We derive something wrong somewhere.)
abj 46
Example: Use of the Principle of Dimensional Homogeneity in checking
our results
 We can use PDH to tell whether something is definitely wrong.
QUESTION: Someone solves for the expression for water velocity at the drain
hole, and het gets
h
V  2g  h ?
V
Without the knowledge of fluid mechanics, can you tell whether his result is wrong?
V  2g  h
[ V ]  Velocity 2 1 / 2
[ 2 g  h ]  ( Lt )  L  L 3 / 2 t 1  Velocity
The equation is not dimensionally homogeneous.
 Even without the knowledge of fluid mechanics, we know that it is obviously wrong.
 However, we cannot use PDH to tell whether something is definitely correct.

1 2 1
s  ut  gt ?, [ s ]  [ut ]  [ gt 2 ]
4 4
Even though our result is dimensionally homogeneous, we cannot tell whether it is correct by
abj
PDH alone. 47
Consequence of PDH 1: Dimension of A Valid Physical Relation
 Because of PDH, consequently for an equation representing a valid

physical relation
Y  X1  X 2 
we can speak of the equation having a dimension, e.g., [Y ]
Example:
Newton’s Second Law: F  ma has the dimension of [Force] or [Momentum/Time]

First Law Thermo: Q  W  E has the dimension of [Energy]
abj 48
Consequence of PDH 2: We can always make a Valid Physical
Relation Dimensionless.
 Because of PDH, consequently we can always make a valid physical

relation dimensionless simply by dividing the whole equation by any one of
the term
Dimensional Relation : Y  X1  X 2   Xn, Y 
[1] or Dimensionless 
Y X X
Dimensionless Relation :  1 2   n,
X1 X1 X1
 1, [1] or Dimensionless 
Y X X
:  1  2
Xn Xn Xn
1 2
Example: Dimensional Relation : s  ut  at , [ L]
2
 4 dimensional variables : s, u , t , a
s 1  at 
Dimensionless Relation :  ut   1    , [1] or Dimensionless 
  2u 
s a
s at
abj  only 2 dimensionless variables :  s : and  a : 49
ut u
Dimensionless Variables as ‘Measuring/Scaling’
 For Dimensional variable: q with dimension q

if we ‘scale/measure’ it by another quantity Sq with the same dimension as q
q  S q  , we have
 q
Dimensionless q (or PI group representing q ): q   
 Sq 
 
 q Scaling/Measuring:
q   
 Sq  q is q times/multiples of Sq.
 
Scaling:
 The above process is the measurement/scaling of the quantity q with the scale of
measure, or characteristic scale, Sq.
 In other words, we measure q as times/multiples of the scale of measure , or

characteristic scale Sq, or we measure q relative to Sq
abj S is called the scale of measure or the characteristic scale for q.
 50
q
Example: Dimensionless Variables and ‘Measuring/Scaling’
L
Scale of measure
D cm
(= 10 cm) D
 The pipe is L = 300 cm long
L  q   scale of measure Sq = cm
 300 ,    q
1 cm  Sq 
 
NOTE: ‘cm’ is a man-made scale, it has nothing to do with the system itself. As far as the
system is concerned, therefore it is extraneous and/or redundant.
 The pipe is L = 30 D long

L  q 
 30 ,    q  scale of measure Sq = D
D  Sq 
 
NOTE: ‘D’ is the characteristic scale that is inherent in the system itself.
abj 51
Key Idea: The Choice of Scales of Measure
L Scale/Unit of measure
cm
D
D
(= 10 cm)
L L
 300  30
1 cm D
 If you want to understand the physics, use the scales/units of measure

that are inherent in the system/problem itself, not the man-made
ones irrelevant to the system/problem.
abj 52
Key Point: The numerical value of dimensionless variable does not
depend on the (appropriate) system of units used.
 While the numerical values of power output in the units of Watt and hp are not the
same,
2,000 W VS 2,000 (W) / 746 (W/hp) = 2.68 hp
the numerical value of the dimensionless variables efficiency is the same regardless
of whether we use W or hp:
Work / Energy output

 :  [ ]  M 0 L0 t 0T 0  1
Work / Energy Input
2,000 W 2,000 / 746 hp
 
4,000 W 4,000 / 746 hp
 0.5
Other examples of dimensionless variables are

 Reynolds number Re
 Mach number M
abj 53
RULE 4: [PR] Buckingham’s PI Theorem
 Sneak Preview to Chapter 7: Underlying Principle for Model Testing
RULE 4: [PR] Buckingham’s PI Theorem
Any valid (dimensional) physical relation among n dimensional

variables q1 ,..., q n :
f (q1 ,..., qn )  0
can always be transformed into a dimensionless relation among (n-r)

dimensionless variables 1 ,...,  n r :
F (1 ,...,  n  r )  0
f (q1 ,..., q n )  0  F (1 ,...,  n  r )  0
where r is the rank of the matrix of dimensions.

Observation: In dimensionless form, we have less variables to deal with,
abj and that is a good thing. 54

Non-dimensionalise / Normalize:
Making an equation dimensionless
Example
1 2
Dimensional Relation : s  ut  at , [ L]
2
 F ( s, u , a, t )  0, 4 dimensional variables : s, u , t , a
s 1  at 
Dimensionless Relation :  ut   1    , [1]
  2u 
s a
s at s at
 F (  s : ,  a : )  0, only 2 dimensionless variables :  s : and  a :
ut u ut u
Dimensional Relation : v  u  at , [ L]
 F ( v, u , a, t )  0, 4 dimensional variables : v, u , t , a
v u
Dimensionless Relation :  at    at   1, [1]
   
v u
v u v u
 F (  v : ,  u : )  0, only 2 dimensionless variables :  v : and  u :
at at at at
abj 55
Functional Forms
 Explicit Functional Form y  f ( x1 , x2 ,...)
 Implicit Functional Form F ( y, x1 , x2 ,...)  0

F (q1 , q 2 ,...)  0
abj 56
Note on Functional Form y  f ( x1 , x2 ,...), F ( y, x1 , x2 ,...)  0
 (Explicit) Functional Form

We shall refer to the expression
y  f ( x1 , x2 ,...)
which indicates the relation between
 the dependent variable y and
 the independent variables x1 , x 2 ,...
as explicit functional form.
 (Implicit) Functional Form

We shall refer to the expression
F ( y, x1 , x2 ,...)  0
which
 indicates the relation between the variables y , x1 , x 2 ,... and
 in which the roles of each variable (dependent or independent) have not yet
been assigned
as implicit functional form.
Since the roles of each variable have not yet been assigned, sometimes we
prefer to use more neutral notations for the variables in the parentheses such as
abj
F (q1 , q 2 ,...)  0 57
Example on Functional Forms
 The equation
1 2
s (u , a, t )  ut  at
2
represents the displacement s as a function of u , a, t .
 Explicit Functional Form: However, sometimes we may not concern or know yet what the
explicit/actual relation is, we simply want to indicate that there is a relation, namely
s depends on u , a, t
we then simply write the explicit functional form for the relation
s  f (u , a, t ) or even s (u , a, t )
 Implicit Functional Form
On other occasion, we may even only want to indicate that there is a relation among these
4 variables: s, u , a, t , without assigning the role of each variable yet
s 1
{e.g., on some occasion, we may want to view this relation as u ( s, a, t )   at
t 2
where u is viewed as dependent variable and s, a, t are viewed as independent
variables instead}
abj we then simply write the implicit functional form for the relation 58
f ( s, u , a, t )  0
Example on Functional Forms
 The equation
1 2
s (u , a, t )  ut  at
2
represents the displacement s as a function of u , a, t .
 Explicit Functional Form: However, sometimes we may not concern or know yet what the
explicit/actual relation is, we simply want to indicate that there is a relation, namely
s depends on u , a, t
we then simply write the explicit functional form for the relation
s  f (u , a, t ) or even s (u , a, t )
On other occasion, we may even only want to indicate that there is a relation among these
4 variables: s, u , a, t , without assigning the role of each variable yet:
1
s  ut  at 2  0 (all variables s, u, a, and t are viewed with equal role, i.e., all no special role)
2
we then simply write the implicit functional form for the relation
abj f ( s, u , a, t )  0 59
How to read functional forms
 Explicit Functional Form
y  f ( x1 , x2 ,...)
reads y depends on x1 , x2 ,...
y is a function of x1 , x2 ,...
(whether we know the explicit/actual relation is not concerned us at this point.)
F (q1 , q 2 ,...)  0
reads There is a relation among the variables q1 , q 2 ,...
(whether we know the explicit/actual relation is not concerned us at this point.)
abj 60
Semicolon ‘ ; ’ To differentiate different sets and roles of variables
In a relation, y  f ( x1 , x2 ,...)
 Sometimes we may want to differentiate different sets of variables according to
different roles that we have assigned for each set.
 For example, we may want to consider the problem of free fall in which
 the initial velocity u and the acceleration a are kept fixed and not varied, while
 the time t is varied.
 We will then use semicolon ‘; ’ to differentiate different sets and roles of these
variables
1 2
PROBLEM 1: s  f ( t ; u, a) or s ( t ; u , a )  ut  at
2
 In another problem, we may want to consider the effect of varying initial velocity u as
well as time t also while still keeping a fixed, we then write
1 2
PROBLEM 2: s  f (t , u ; a ) or s ( t , u ; a )  ut  at
2
abj 61
Semicolon ‘ ; ’ To differentiate different sets and roles of variables
In a functional form,
y  f ( x1 , x2 ,...)
 we will use semicolon ‘ ; ’ to differentiate different sets of variables that we may want to
assign different roles, so we write, e.g.,
Example 1: y  f ( x1 , x2 ,... ; x7 , x8 ,... )

set 1 set 2
Example 2: y  f ( x1 , x2 ,... ; p1 , p 2 ,... ; c1 , c2 ,... )

set 1 set 2 set 3
 The question of how many sets and what each set’s role is will be defined in the context of
that problem.
 In order to indicate different sets of variables, we may use different symbols for each set as
in Example 2.
 Furthermore, sometimes we may simply want to indicate that we have divided the variables
abj into many sets without specifically indicating the role of each set yet, we will also use this 62
semicolon convention.
Physical Relations in Physics/Engineering Problems
y  f ( x ; p ; c)
IMPORTANT NOTE to the Students:
1. For further details in this topic, see ABJ’s
A systematic approach to overview, conduct, and design of an experiment: Three-column objective, experimental
condition and scope
2. This will be used regularly in my explanations of many things because it is conceptually direct to the
point/problem, clear and concise, and sound (for reasons explained in the above reference); hence, making it
effective both in
• explaining concepts/problems,
• answering your questions clearly and concisely, and
• effective communication
so that you can understand things more clearly and soundly.
So, I strongly suggest you to study the above reference as well as be familiar with – and fluent in - the
concept of the functional form y  f ( x ; p ; c ) and the associated three-column objective.
abj 63
Example of one aspect (among many others) of the use, see how to determine Streakline from Pathline.)
y  f ( x ; p ; c) as Typical Physical Relations in Physics/Engineering Problems
y  f( x ; p ; c )
y  f ( x1 , x2 ,... ; p1 , p 2 ,... ; c1 , c2 ,... )
dependent variable independent variable variable parameters constant parameters
Most (if not all) inquiries regarding physical relations in Physics/Engineering problems can be
1. Functional Form: put in functional form as
y  f ( x ; p ; c)
where
y is the dependent variable
x is the independent variable (can be many variables, e.g., x , x ,... )

1 2
p is the variable parameters (can be many variables, e.g., p1 , p 2 ,... )
c is the constant parameters (can be many variables, e.g., c , c ,... )
1 2
NOTE: The variables in the parentheses on the RHS are
 divided into 3 groups according to their assigned role in our problem (we are the
one who choose the role of each variables in our problem), and accordingly
abj 64
 put into 3 slots separated by semicolons - as stated and shown above.
y  f ( x ; p ; c)
y  f ( x1 , x2 ,... ; p1 , p 2 ,... ; c1 , c2 ,... )
2. Statement: stated as question and answer statements as
Question: 1) Whether, and, if so,
2) How
does the physical quantity y vary with x under the condition of

various/variable p and fix/constant c ?
Answer: The effects of x on y under the condition of various/variable p

and constant c are ….
abj 65
y  f ( x ; p ; c)
y  f ( x1 , x2 ,... ; p1 , p 2 ,... ; c1 , c2 ,... )
3. Graphical Representation of the Relation: put in the corresponding graphical

forms (or their extensions, e.g., into multiple dimensions)
y c  co
p  k1
p  k2 p
p  k3
abj x 66
y  f ( x ; p ; c) The Associated Three-Column Objective
y  f ( x ; p ; c)
y  f ( x1 , x2 ,... ; p1 , p 2 ,... ; c1 , c2 ,... )
Objective Statement Objective Functional Form Objective Graphical
(Question) Representation
The effect of x on y under

y c=co
the condition of y f( x ; p ; c ) p =p1
p=p2 p
various/variable p and
p=p3
constant c ….
x
 All three columns are basically equivalent. They are 3 representations of the same content.
 Students should practice recognizing this as well as recognizing other columns when see
abj 67
one of the columns, automatically.
y  f ( x ; p ; c) The Associated Three-Column Objective
y  f ( x ; p ; c)
y  f ( x1 , x2 ,... ; p1 , p 2 ,... ; c1 , c2 ,... )
Objective Statement Objective Functional Form Objective Graphical

(Question) Representation
y c=co
The effect of x on y under the p =p1
y f( x ; p ; c )
p=p2
condition of various/variable p and p=p3
p
constant c …. x
y c=co
The effect of x on y under the p =p1
condition of various/variable p and y f( x ; p ; c ) p=p2
p=p3
p
constant c …. x
….. ….. …..

 Each graph/table/etc., that you have seen can then be put in this form.
 1 graph/table/etc. per 1 question/row of this form, and vice versa.
abj 68
Practice y  f ( x ; p ; c)
From the following graphs, tables, etc.,
1. Identify
1. the dependent variable y
2. the independent variables x or x1 , x2 ,... (if there are more than one indendent variable)
3. the variable parameters p or p1 , p2 ,... (if there are more than one variable parameter)
4. the constant parameters c or c1 , c2 ,... (if there are more than one constant parameter)
2. Write the corresponding functional form y  f ( x ; p ; c)
3. State the corresponding question and/or statement
abj 69
NOTE 1:
y, x, p, c can be type, state, condition, e.g.,
 Type of fluids
 Type of beam supports
• simply support, cantilever, etc.
 State of flows
• laminar, turbulent
NOTE 2:
 y, x, and p are usually obvious from the graph.
 What often not shown are c.
 What are the ‘c variables’ for this graph?
 Note that most graphs do have ‘c variables’,
whether the author indicates them on the graph is
another story.
Figure from Fox, R. W., Pritchard, P. J., and McDonald, A. T.,

2008, Fluid Mechanics, Seventh Edition, Wiley, New York.
Water
Figure from http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/thermo/pvtexp.html

NOTE 3:
x, p, c slots can be empty
y f( x ;  ; c )
y f(  ;  ; c )
[but usually not all empty at

the same time.]
Table from http://depts.washington.edu/matseed/mse_resources/Webpage/Bicycle/Bicycle%20Materials%20Case%20Study.htm

Fundamental Concepts in Science and Physics

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Fundamental Concepts in Science and Physics

Asi Bunyajitradulya (abj)

Department of Mechanical Engineering

If ( p ), Then (q )  If (not q ), Then (not p )

2. System - Surrounding - Interactions

 Dependent variable / Independent variable / variable parameters / constant parameters

If ( p ), Then (q )  If (not q ), Then (not p )

 IMPLICATION: P  Q and Valid/Derivable Argument

2. Science: System - Surrounding - Interactions

 Classification of systems (Mechanical viewpoint)

 Sneak preview of Chapter 4: Finite Control Volume Formulation of

3.1. Physical Quantities (PQ) and Physical Relations (PR)

 [PQ] Physical Quantities

 3 attributes for qualifying and quantifying physical quantities

 [PR] Physical Relations

 [PQ and PR] Primary Quantities VS Derived Quantities

 Examples of standard systems of dimensions and units: SI

3.2. Four Fundamental Rules of Physics

1. RULE 1: [PASRM] Principle of Absolute Significant of Relative Magnitude

2. RULE 2: [Rule for PQ] Dimension of derived quantities is power-law monomial

3. RULE 3: [Rule for PR] Principle of Dimensional Homogeneity (PDH)

4. RULE 4: [Rule for PR] Buckingham’s PI Theorem (Sneak Preview to Chapter 7:

 Explicit Functional Form y  f ( x1 , x2 ,...)

 Semicolon ‘ ; ’ : To differentiate different sets and roles of variables

5. Physical Relations in Physics/Engineering Problems

If ( p ), Then (q )  If (not q ), Then (not p )

IMPLICATION: P  Q and Valid/Derivable Argument:

If ( p ), Then (q )  If (not q ), Then (not p )

If x is p, then x is also q. If x is not q, then x is also not p.

If ( p ), Then (q )  If (not q ), Then (not p )

Sufficient Condition Necessary Condition

 Explanations are based on Valid/Derivable Argument.

Three important components in constructing an explanation

 use Physical Quantities [PQ]

 use Physical Relations [PR]

 use Logic: Valid/Derivable Argument, e.g., ( p  q )  p  q

Explain how (the mechanism under which) a bird or an airplane can

 physical quantities, and

 physical relations (or models) that you know, and

 Logic: Valid/Derivable Argument.

Cruising speed Mach Number = 0.85 (Compressible Flows).

Interactions (Different subjects investigate different interactions)

 The very first task in any one problem:

 Thermodynamics - Energy and Energy Transfer (identify all forms of

 Add heat of the amount Q. [Assume no heat loss elsewhere.]

QUESTION: How much is the temperature rise?

System 1: Water + Container

System 2: Water only

 Since the application of basic principles / equations is

 define your system clearly first before you apply an

Isolated system (IS) No No

Closed system (CS) No Yes

Open system (OS) Yes Yes

 A clearer/more-direct-to-the-concept terminology for CS is an identified mass (IM).

Isolated system: Closed system Open system

Particle B F  ma is the form of Newton’s Second Law that

 Then, we apply the PL-MV to that identified mass (IM).

 Here, we are interested in

Image from http://www.conferences.ucsb.edu/classroom-rental

IR: what happens in the identified region (IR), or at a location, in space

Finite CV Formulation of Physical Laws (Chapter 4): PL-CV

We need to re-formulate and extend the present formulation of the physical

 [PQ] We observe certain characteristics of a physical world or object.

 We then conceptualize ( = to put simply, ‘put/model it in our head’) those