A calorie is a unit of heat or energy and it equals about 4.2 J where 1J = 1 kg m2 s–2.Suppose we employ a system of units in which the unit of mass equals kg, the unit of length equals m, the unit of time is s. Show that a calorie has a magnitude 4.2 in terms of the new units.

In this question, we have to apply one of the uses of Dimensional analysis


i.e. Conversion of one system of units into another


Where, n2 = n1 × [M1M2 ]a × [L1/L2]b × [T1/T2]c ----------(1)


M1, L1, T1 = Fundamental units of one system


M2, L2, T2 = Fundamental units of another system


a,b,c are the dimensions of the quantity in mass, length, and time.


n1 = numerical value of quantity in one system


n2 = numerical value of quantity in the other system


The value of 1 calorie in S.I System of units is given. We have to express the value of calorie in another given arbitrary units.


1 calorie = 4.2 J


1 J = 1 kg m2 s–2



Substituting the above values in equation (1).


n2 = 4.2 []1 × []2 × []-2


= 4.2 -1 -2 2


1 calorie = 4.2 α-1 β-2 γ2 in new units.


7