Note on Some recent Papers on Physical quantities And their Dimensions

Examination of recent papers on dimensions and physical quantities suggests a need for more careful definition of these quantities. This matter was dealt with in an earlier paper, but is now expanded and treated in more detail. It is maintained that if definitions were more precise there would not be the same confusion about the dimensions of certain quantities. There may still be differences of opinion on the most appropriate definition of a particular quantity, but if the definition is adequate then there is no doubt about the dimensions of the quantity as deduced from the definition. In this connection there is discussed the use of quantities defined as ratios, such as specific gravity (or relative density), and their more fundamental equivalents, such as density. Further, a logical set of definitions leads to the conclusion that the introduction of certain universal constants is unnecessary - for example, the Newtonian constant N in the equation for force, F=Nmf. Finally, there is discussed briefly the definition of the intensive quantity, temperature, in terms of the extensive quantity, energy.