Should the Units of a Constant Match the Integral Boundary Conditions?

In summary, the discussion addresses whether the units of a constant in mathematical equations should align with the boundary conditions of integrals. It emphasizes the importance of dimensional consistency for accurate physical modeling and problem-solving, suggesting that mismatched units can lead to incorrect conclusions or results. The article argues for the necessity of ensuring that constants are appropriately defined in accordance with the specified integral boundaries to maintain the integrity of the analysis.
  • #1
Another
104
5
Homework Statement
Integrate an exponential function with a constant (1/cm) from 0.8 um to 1.8 um.
Relevant Equations
int A exp(-(B/(x+x^2+x^3)))
I want to integrate this function

## \int_{0.8um}^{1.8um} A e^{B/E(x)} \, dx ##

But A has a unit as ## 1/cm ##. Should I change ##1/cm## to ##1/um## by multiplying ##1/10^{4}##

For this function, I decided to integrate using the online numerical integral, This side .

I am just curious that the unit of the constants must be the same as boundary condition for integration.
 
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  • #2
Another said:
Homework Statement: Integrate an exponential function with a constant (1/cm) from 0.8 um to 1.8 um.
Relevant Equations: int A exp(-(B/(x+x^2+x^3)))

I want to integrate this function

## \int_{0.8um}^{1.8um} A e^{B/E(x)} \, dx ##

But A has a unit as ## 1/cm ##. Should I change ##1/cm## to ##1/um## by multiplying ##1/10^{4}##

For this function, I decided to integrate using the online numerical integral, This side .

I am just curious that the unit of the constants must be the same as boundary condition for integration.
The integral can only have one value. And that must coincide with the calculation where the units match.
 
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  • #3
PeroK said:
The integral can only have one value. And that must coincide with the calculation where the units match.
So, Do I have to change the unit of a constant to be the same?
Thankyou very much.
 
  • #4
Another said:
Homework Statement: Integrate an exponential function with a constant (1/cm) from 0.8 um to 1.8 um.
Relevant Equations: int A exp(-(B/(x+x^2+x^3)))

I want to integrate this function

## \int_{0.8um}^{1.8um} A e^{B/E(x)} \, dx ##
If the function ##E(x)## is ##E(x) = x + x^2 + x^3##, you need to fix that first. You clearly can't add quantities with different dimensions and units, i.e., ##\rm{m, m^2, and\ m^3}##.

Another said:
But A has a unit as ## 1/cm ##. Should I change ##1/cm## to ##1/um## by multiplying ##1/10^{4}##
You don't technically have to change it, but at the very least you have to keep track of the units as you should always do.

On the one hand, you could have an answer that has units of ##\rm \mu m/cm## but most likely you're expected to give a unitless answer. It's kind of like answering the question "if you're traveling 5 m/s, what distance will you travel in 1 min?" by saying "5 m min/s" whereas the expected and useful answer is "300 m". On the other hand, I can imagine scenarios where the units ##\rm \mu m/cm## might make more sense semantically.
 
  • #5
vela said:
If the function ##E(x)## is ##E(x) = x + x^2 + x^3##, you need to fix that first. You clearly can't add quantities with different dimensions and units, i.e., ##\rm{m, m^2, and\ m^3}##.
In ##E(x) = x + x^2 + x^3## we are not told the unit for ##x##; this is missing critical information.

For illustration, suppose that ##E(x)## is potential energy in joules as a function of distance ##x## is metres. Then:
##E(x) = x + x^2 + x^3##
is valid and is in effect shorthand for
##E(x) = Ax + Bx^2 + Cx^3##
where the 3 constants are ##A = 1J/m, B = 1J/m^2 ## and ##C = 1J/m^3##.
The constants and their units are 'hidden' because the numerical value of each constant happens to be 1.

If we wish to change so that ##x## is in cm, the modified equation would simply be:
##E(x) = \frac x{100} + (\frac x{100})^2 + (\frac x{100})^3##

Ideally the units should be indicated in the function definition, e.g.
##E(x/m) = x + x^2 + x^3## and
##E(x/cm) = \frac x{100} + (\frac x{100})^2 + (\frac x{100})^3##
 
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  • #6
vela said:
If the function ##E(x)## is ##E(x) = x + x^2 + x^3##, you need to fix that first. You clearly can't add quantities with different dimensions and units, i.e., ##\rm{m, m^2, and\ m^3}##.You don't technically have to change it, but at the very least you have to keep track of the units as you should always do.

On the one hand, you could have an answer that has units of ##\rm \mu m/cm## but most likely you're expected to give a unitless answer. It's kind of like answering the question "if you're traveling 5 m/s, what distance will you travel in 1 min?" by saying "5 m min/s" whereas the expected and useful answer is "300 m". On the other hand, I can imagine scenarios where the units ##\rm \mu m/cm## might make more sense semantically.
Thank you for answering, I know that there are coefficients on the front of the polynomials but I just typed the very simple form of the equation by ignoring these coefficients (make it very easy to read and I'd like to focus on A and the unit of it) . Finally, the completely correct form of this equation will be calculated in the program by myself, and the unit of E(x) will be canceled by the unit of B.

Thank you very much for the wonderful advice.
 

FAQ: Should the Units of a Constant Match the Integral Boundary Conditions?

What is the importance of matching the units of a constant with the integral boundary conditions?

Matching the units of a constant with the integral boundary conditions is crucial to ensure dimensional consistency in mathematical and physical equations. This ensures that the results obtained are physically meaningful and correct, adhering to the principles of dimensional analysis.

How do you determine the units of a constant in an integral equation?

The units of a constant in an integral equation are determined by analyzing the dimensions of the integral's variables and the boundary conditions. By ensuring that both sides of the equation are dimensionally consistent, the appropriate units for the constant can be deduced.

What happens if the units of the constant do not match the integral boundary conditions?

If the units of the constant do not match the integral boundary conditions, the resulting equation will be dimensionally inconsistent. This can lead to incorrect or nonsensical results, making the solution invalid in a physical or mathematical context.

Can you provide an example where matching units in an integral is essential?

Consider the equation for the displacement \( s \) under constant acceleration \( a \): \( s = \int_0^t v \, dt \). Here, the units of \( v \) (velocity) must be consistent with the integral's time boundary conditions. If \( v \) is in meters per second and \( t \) in seconds, the resulting displacement \( s \) will be in meters, ensuring dimensional consistency.

Are there any tools or methods to help ensure units match in integral equations?

Dimensional analysis is a key method used to ensure units match in integral equations. By systematically checking the dimensions of each term in an equation, one can verify that the units are consistent. Additionally, software tools like symbolic computation programs can assist in verifying unit consistency.

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