MCQ Detailed View

The dyne is a unit of force in the centimeter-gram-second (CGS) system of units. In physics, force is defined as that which causes an object to accelerate according to Newton’s second law of motion. The dyne is a small unit of force and is widely used in scientific contexts where the CGS system is applied.

By definition, 1 dyne is the amount of force required to accelerate a mass of 1 gram by 1 centimeter per second squared. Mathematically, it is expressed as:

$$1\text{ dyne}=1\text{ gcdotpcm/s²}$$

For comparison, in the more commonly used SI system, the unit of force is the Newton (N). There is a relationship between dynes and Newtons:

1 N=105 dynes1 \text{ N} = 10^5 \text{ dynes}1 N=105 dynes

The other options are distinct physical quantities:

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  Pressure: Measured in pascals (Pa) in SI units, or barye in CGS.

  
  


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  Velocity: Measured in meters per second (m/s) in SI, not force.

  
  


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  Momentum: Product of mass and velocity, measured in g·cm/s in CGS, distinct from force.

  
  

Understanding the dyne as a unit of force is important in mechanics and classical physics, as it helps students relate different unit systems and perform conversions between CGS and SI systems. It also illustrates the fundamental concept of force, which underlies many physical phenomena, from motion to fluid dynamics.

Studying the dyne and its applications reinforces concepts of mass, acceleration, and Newtonian mechanics, which are crucial for solving problems in physics and engineering. This knowledge helps students understand how small forces are measured and quantified in laboratory and theoretical contexts.