Derivative Method for Error in Kinetic Energy formula

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the uncertainty in kinetic energy (KE) using the derivative method. The kinetic energy formula is defined as K = 1/2 m v², where m is mass and v is velocity. Participants detail the derivatives of K with respect to mass and velocity, leading to the expressions: ∂K/∂m = 1/2 v² and ∂K/∂v = mv. The final error in K is determined by taking the square root of the sum of the squares of these derivatives multiplied by their respective errors. A point of confusion arises regarding unit consistency in the derivative expressions.

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  • Understanding of kinetic energy formula K = 1/2 m v²
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically derivatives
  • Knowledge of error propagation techniques
  • Basic physics concepts related to mass and velocity
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  • Study error propagation in physical measurements
  • Learn about derivatives in the context of physics
  • Explore unit analysis in physics equations
  • Review examples of uncertainty calculations in experimental physics
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Students in physics, particularly those studying mechanics, as well as educators and anyone involved in experimental design and analysis of measurement uncertainties.

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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