Numford

MechanicsClass 11, Motion in a Straight Line

Dimensional formula of Jerk

[L T-3]

Symbolj SI unitmetre per second cubed (m/s³)

The rate of change of acceleration. It is not in the NCERT chapters but turns up in extension questions.

Derivation

How to get the dimensional formula of jerk

  1. Start from the definition: jerk = acceleration / time.
  2. velocity = length / time, so velocity is [L] / [T] = [L T-1].
  3. acceleration = velocity / time, so acceleration is [L T-1] / [T] = [L T-2].
  4. Put in the dimension of each part: [L T-2] / [T].
  5. Add the powers of each base quantity: [L T-3].
Practice

Three questions on jerk

1Which is the dimensional formula of jerk?

2What is the SI unit of jerk?

3Do jerk and volume have the same dimensions?

Questions

Jerk: quick answers

What is the dimensional formula of jerk?

The dimensional formula of jerk is [L T⁻³]. It comes from jerk = acceleration / time.

What is the SI unit of jerk?

The SI unit of jerk is the metre per second cubed (m/s³).

Is jerk dimensionless?

No. Jerk has the dimensions [L T⁻³].

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