To determine the integers x,y, and z, we first establish the dimensional formulae for each quantity as defined in the sources:
- Radiation Pressure (P): Pressure is defined as force per unit area . Force has dimensions [MLT−2] and area is [L2], so pressure is [MLT−2]/[L2]=[ML−1T−2] .
- Speed of light (c): Speed is distance divided by time . Its dimensions are [LT−1] .
- Radiation energy per unit area per second (Q): This quantity represents intensity. Its dimensions are Energy/(Area×Time). Since energy is [ML2T−2] , Q has dimensions [ML2T−2]/([L2][T])=[MT−3] .
The condition that PxQycz is dimensionless (M0L0T0) leads to the equation:
[ML−1T−2]x[MT−3]y[LT−1]z=M0L0T0
[Mx+yL−x+zT−2x−3y−z]=M0L0T0
Equating the powers for each base unit:
- For M:x+y=0⇒y=−x
- For L:−x+z=0⇒z=x
- For T:−2x−3y−z=0
Substituting y=−x and z=x into the time equation: −2x−3(−x)−x=−2x+3x−x=0, which is consistent. By testing the options, Option B (x=1,y=−1,z=1) is the only one that satisfies these relations (y=−1=−x and z=1=x).