Derivative Method for Error in Kinetic Energy formula

In summary, to find the uncertainty in kinetic energy due to errors in measured mass and velocity, we can use the derivative method by taking the square root of the derivatives of kinetic energy with respect to mass and velocity, multiplied by the respective errors. However, there seems to be a discrepancy in the units in equation [2], where the units should be kg*m^2/s^2.
  • #1
Shiz
9
0

Homework Statement



Finding error in kinetic energy

Homework Equations



K = [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex] m v2

The Attempt at a Solution



Measured mass and velocities have errors in them. So we have to use derivative method to calculate uncertainty in KE which is to find the square root of the derivatives of K with respect to m and v and multiply by the errors of the variable you took the derivative of.

[1] derivative of K with respect to m = 1/2 v2 times error in the mass
[2] derivative of K with respect to v = m v times error in the velocity

to calculate the error in K we have to take the square root of the addition of the square of [1] and square of [2].

What I don't understand is why the units don't match with equation [2]. Units should be kg2m2/s2
 
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  • #2
Shiz said:

Homework Statement



Finding error in kinetic energy


Homework Equations



K = [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex] m v2


The Attempt at a Solution



Measured mass and velocities have errors in them. So we have to use derivative method to calculate uncertainty in KE which is to find the square root of the derivatives of K with respect to m and v and multiply by the errors of the variable you took the derivative of.

[1] derivative of K with respect to m = 1/2 v2 times error in the mass
[2] derivative of K with respect to v = m v times error in the velocity

to calculate the error in K we have to take the square root of the addition of the square of [1] and square of [2].

What I don't understand is why the units don't match with equation [2]. Units should be kg2m2/s2
[1] should be
$$\frac{\partial K}{\partial m} = \frac{1}{2}v^2$$ and
$$\Delta K = \frac{\partial K}{\partial m} \Delta m.$$ Perhaps that's what you meant, but what you wrote is
$$\frac{\partial K}{\partial m} = \frac{1}{2}v^2 \Delta m.$$ In any case, why do you think the units aren't working out?
 

Related to Derivative Method for Error in Kinetic Energy formula

1. What is the Derivative Method for Error in Kinetic Energy formula?

The Derivative Method for Error in Kinetic Energy formula is a mathematical technique used to calculate the uncertainty or error in the measurement of kinetic energy. It involves taking the derivative of the kinetic energy formula and multiplying it by the uncertainty in the variables involved.

2. Why is the Derivative Method used for calculating error in kinetic energy?

The Derivative Method is used because it takes into account the errors in the variables used in the kinetic energy formula, giving a more accurate estimation of the overall error in the measurement.

3. What are the variables involved in the Derivative Method for Error in Kinetic Energy formula?

The variables involved in the Derivative Method are the mass, velocity, and uncertainty in both the mass and velocity measurements. These variables are used in the kinetic energy formula, KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, and their uncertainties are taken into account through the derivative method.

4. How is the uncertainty in the kinetic energy calculated using the Derivative Method?

The uncertainty in kinetic energy is calculated by taking the derivative of the kinetic energy formula with respect to each variable (mass and velocity), multiplying it by the uncertainty in that variable, and then adding the two results together.

5. Can the Derivative Method be used for other formulas besides kinetic energy?

Yes, the Derivative Method can be used for any formula that involves multiple variables and their uncertainties. It is a general method for calculating error in any quantity that is dependent on multiple variables.

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