Question:

The dimensions of the area \( A \) of a black hole can be written in terms of the universal constant \( G \), its mass \( M \), and the speed of light \( c \) as \( A = G^\alpha M^\beta c^\gamma \). Here

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In dimensional analysis, always express each physical quantity in terms of fundamental dimensions and solve for unknowns by equating powers of \( M \), \( L \), and \( T \).
Updated On: Feb 3, 2026
  • \( \alpha = -2, \beta = -2, \gamma = 4 \)
  • \( \alpha = 2, \beta = 2, \gamma = -4 \)
  • \( \alpha = 3, \beta = 3, \gamma = -2 \)
  • \( \alpha = -3, \beta = -3, \gamma = 2 \)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Dimensional analysis.
In dimensional analysis, we express each physical quantity in terms of its fundamental dimensions: mass \( [M] \), length \( [L] \), and time \( [T] \). The dimensions of the variables are: - \( [G] = \frac{M^{-1}L^3}{T^2} \) (gravitational constant) - \( [M] = M \) (mass) - \( [c] = \frac{L}{T} \) (speed of light) We need to find the dimensions of \( A \). Let the dimensions of \( A \) be \( [A] = L^2 \) (since area is in terms of length squared).
Step 2: Set up the equation.
We are given the equation \( A = G^\alpha M^\beta c^\gamma \), and we need to equate the dimensions of both sides: \[ [L^2] = \left( \frac{M^{-1}L^3}{T^2} \right)^\alpha \times (M^\beta) \times \left( \frac{L}{T} \right)^\gamma \] Now, expanding and simplifying the dimensions: \[ [L^2] = M^{-\alpha} L^{3\alpha} T^{-2\alpha} \times M^\beta \times L^\gamma T^{-\gamma} \] Simplifying the powers of \( M \), \( L \), and \( T \): \[ [L^2] = M^{-\alpha + \beta} L^{3\alpha + \gamma} T^{-2\alpha - \gamma} \]
Step 3: Compare powers.
Equating the powers of \( M \), \( L \), and \( T \) on both sides: - For \( M \), \( -\alpha + \beta = 0 \) - For \( L \), \( 3\alpha + \gamma = 2 \) - For \( T \), \( -2\alpha - \gamma = 0 \)
Step 4: Solve the system of equations.
From the equations: - \( -\alpha + \beta = 0 \Rightarrow \beta = \alpha \) - \( -2\alpha - \gamma = 0 \Rightarrow \gamma = -2\alpha \) - \( 3\alpha + \gamma = 2 \Rightarrow 3\alpha - 2\alpha = 2 \Rightarrow \alpha = 2 \) Thus, \( \alpha = 2 \), \( \beta = 2 \), and \( \gamma = -4 \).
Step 5: Conclusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is (2) \( \alpha = 2, \beta = 2, \gamma = -4 \).
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