Dimensions - The dimensions of a physical quantity are the powers of the basic properties of the function; e.g. mass, length, time, electric charge and temperature. Dimensions are best explained by example. Consider the function acceleration. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with time. i.e. the units are centimeters per second squared, which is length to the power of +1 and time to the power of –2. Thus the dimensions of acceleration are length +1 and time –2. The unit of force is the dyne, which is mass times acceleration and thus is given gram centimeters per second squared. The dimensions are therefore mass +1, length +1 and time –2.

Further Information on this Topic can be found in the books of R.P.W. Scott by following the listed links