Derivative Method for Error in Kinetic Energy formula

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on using the derivative method to calculate uncertainty in kinetic energy (KE) due to errors in mass and velocity measurements. The kinetic energy formula, K = 1/2 mv², is differentiated with respect to mass and velocity to find the contributions to the uncertainty. Concerns are raised about unit consistency, particularly regarding the derivative of K with respect to velocity, which appears to yield incorrect units. Clarification is sought on the proper expression for the derivatives and how to ensure unit compatibility in the calculations. Understanding these concepts is essential for accurately determining the uncertainty in kinetic energy.
Shiz
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Homework Statement



Finding error in kinetic energy

Homework Equations



K = \frac{1}{2} 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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Shiz said:

Homework Statement



Finding error in kinetic energy


Homework Equations



K = \frac{1}{2} 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?
 
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