What are the dimensions of an integral in terms of energy and time?

In summary, when taking an integral with respect to time, dt appears as a dummy variable and does have dimensions of energy times time. This dimension is not insignificant, as it represents the concept of action in physics. Different types of actions may have different units, such as integrating over spatial dimensions instead of time.
  • #1
help1please
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Just a question on dimensional analysis here.

I believe that when an integral is taken with respect to time for instance, dt appears as a dummy variable yes? Imagine we had

[tex]\int E\ dt[/tex]

Does this have dimensions of energy times time? Or doesn't the dummy variable count?
 
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  • #2
energy times time isn't an insignificant dimension.
 
  • #3
Woopydalan said:
energy times time isn't an insignificant dimension.

I beg to differ, energy times time is action.

edit (isn't an insignificant dimension) I thought you said it was.
 
  • #4
Now can someone answer my question please?
 
  • #5
help1please said:
Just a question on dimensional analysis here.

I believe that when an integral is taken with respect to time for instance, dt appears as a dummy variable yes? Imagine we had

[tex]\int E\ dt[/tex]

Does this have dimensions of energy times time? Or doesn't the dummy variable count?

Yes, this have dimension of energy times time.
An obvious example is
[itex] v=\frac{dx}{dt} \Rightarrow x=\int v dt [/itex]
Speed is m/s and space is m.

Woopydalan said:
energy times time isn't an insignificant dimension.

This is the dimension of an action!
 
  • #6

Related to What are the dimensions of an integral in terms of energy and time?

1. What are the dimensions of an integral?

The dimensions of an integral are determined by the number of independent variables in the function being integrated. For example, a single-variable integral will have one dimension, while a double integral will have two dimensions.

2. How are the dimensions of an integral related to the number of integrals?

The dimensions of an integral are directly related to the number of integrals being evaluated. Each integral adds one dimension to the overall dimension of the integral.

3. Can an integral have more than three dimensions?

Yes, an integral can have any number of dimensions, depending on the function being integrated. However, it becomes increasingly difficult to visualize and calculate integrals with more than three dimensions.

4. What is the significance of the dimensions of an integral?

The dimensions of an integral are important because they determine the type of integral being evaluated and the methods used to solve it. Different dimensions require different techniques and approaches to integration.

5. How do the dimensions of an integral affect the limits of integration?

The dimensions of an integral determine the number of limits of integration needed. For example, a single-variable integral will have one limit, while a double integral will have two limits.

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