Formula Bank & Dimensional Analysis
Every formula you need. Searchable. Copy-paste ready. With dimensions and units.
Coulomb's Law (Scalar)
F = k |q₁ q₂| / r²
Dimensions: [MLT⁻²]
Units: Newton (N)
Where: k = 9 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²
Coulomb's Law (Vector)
F⃗ = (k q₁ q₂ / r²) r̂
Dimensions: [MLT⁻²]
Direction: Along line joining charges
Electric Field
E = F/q = k Q/r²
Dimensions: [MLT⁻³A⁻¹]
Units: N/C or V/m
Electric Potential
V = k Q/r
Dimensions: [ML²T⁻³A⁻¹]
Units: Volt (V)
Potential Energy
U = k q₁q₂/r
Dimensions: [ML²T⁻²]
Units: Joule (J)
Work Done
W = q(V_B - V_A)
Dimensions: [ML²T⁻²]
Units: Joule (J)
Electric Dipole Moment
p = q × 2a
Dimensions: [LTA]
Units: C·m
Field on Axial Line (Dipole)
E = 2kp/r³
Valid for: r >> 2a
Field on Equatorial Line
E = kp/r³
Direction: Opposite to p⃗
Torque on Dipole
τ = p E sin θ
Vector form: τ⃗ = p⃗ × E⃗
Potential Energy (Dipole)
U = -p E cos θ = -p⃗·E⃗
Stable: θ = 0° (U = -pE)
Unstable: θ = 180° (U = +pE)
Linear Charge Density
λ = Q/L
Units: C/m
Surface Charge Density
σ = Q/A
Units: C/m²
Volume Charge Density
ρ = Q/V
Units: C/m³
Coulomb's Constant
k = 1/(4πε₀)
ε₀ = 8.85 × 10⁻¹² C²/(N·m²)
k = 9 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²
Charge Quantization
q = ±ne
e = 1.6 × 10⁻¹⁹ C
n = 1, 2, 3, ...
🎯 Formula Mastery Strategy
Don't memorize blindly. Understand:
1. Where the formula comes from (derivation)
2. When to use it (conditions/assumptions)
3. Common variations (vector vs scalar)
4. Units and dimensional checks
1. Where the formula comes from (derivation)
2. When to use it (conditions/assumptions)
3. Common variations (vector vs scalar)
4. Units and dimensional checks
Dimensional Analysis Table
| Quantity | Symbol | Dimensions | SI Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Charge | q, Q | [AT] | Coulomb (C) |
| Electric Force | F | [MLT⁻²] | Newton (N) |
| Electric Field | E | [MLT⁻³A⁻¹] | N/C or V/m |
| Electric Potential | V | [ML²T⁻³A⁻¹] | Volt (V) |
| Electric Energy | U, W | [ML²T⁻²] | Joule (J) |
| Permittivity | ε₀ | [M⁻¹L⁻³T⁴A²] | C²/(N·m²) |
| Dipole Moment | p | [LTA] | C·m |
| Torque | τ | [ML²T⁻²] | N·m |