Example 1.4 The SI unit of energy is
J = kg m2 s
–2; that of speed v is m s–1 and
of acceleration a is m s–2. Which of the
formulae for kinetic energy (K) given below
can you rule out on the basis of
dimensional arguments (m stands for the
mass of the body) :
(a) K = m2
v3
(b) K = (1/2)mv2
(c) K = ma
(d) K = (3/16)mv2
(e) K = (1/2)mv2 + ma