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In relativistic fluid dynamics the relativistic enthalpy in natural units is defined as: \begin{equation} h = \frac{e+p}{\rho}, \end{equation} Where $e$ is the total energy density and $p$ is the thermodynamic pressure. In contrast, the Newtonian enthalpy is defined as: \begin{equation} h_N = \epsilon+\frac{p}{\rho}, \end{equation} Where $\epsilon$ is the specific internal energy and $\rho$ is the rest mass density.

The question: What are the units of $e$ and $p$ so that I can add them in the definition of $h$ above?

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    $\begingroup$ As you said, they are in natural units where $c=1$. $\endgroup$
    – Ghoster
    Commented Jan 14, 2023 at 18:49
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    $\begingroup$ True, but it's still very confusing. For example, is it the energy that has units of pressure, or is it the pressure that has units of energy, or am I just missing $c$ or $\hbar$ factor somewhere? How come energy and pressure have the same units in the first place? They're completely different physical quantities (ok, this would be explained by the $c=\hbar=1$ factor). $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 14, 2023 at 19:23
  • $\begingroup$ There are missing powers of $c$ (as is common when doing Relativity). I don’t remember where they go, but it would be good practice for you to use dimensional analysis to figure this out. $\endgroup$
    – Ghoster
    Commented Jan 14, 2023 at 19:43
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    $\begingroup$ I’ve led you astray. Energy density and pressure have the same dimensions $ML^{-1}T^{-2}$ without taking $c=1$. $\endgroup$
    – Ghoster
    Commented Jan 14, 2023 at 19:59
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    $\begingroup$ The dimensions of torque and energy also match, even though they are conceptually different. $\endgroup$
    – Ghoster
    Commented Jan 14, 2023 at 23:14

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So, following @Ghoster's comments, $e$ and $p$ simply have the same dimensions in both systems of units: \begin{equation} e = \underbrace{(M\ L^2\ T^{-2})}_{energy} \cdot \underbrace{L^{-3}}_{per\ unit\ volume} = \left( \underbrace{(M \ L \ T^{-2})}_{force} \cdot \underbrace{L}_{times\ length} \right) \cdot \underbrace{L^{-3}}_{per\ unit\ volume} = M\ L^{-1}\ T^{-2} \\ p = \underbrace{(M \ L \ T^{-2})}_{force} \cdot \underbrace{L^{-2}}_{per\ unit\ area} = M\ L^{-1}\ T^{-2} = e \end{equation}

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