Kinetic Energy - use a log scale or not?

In summary, the homework question involves finding a similar kinetic energy between a series of balls and eggs with equal mass but different velocities. The question asks whether to use a linear or logarithmic interval of 1 standard deviation. The student suggests using a logarithmic scale as kinetic energy does not increase linearly with speed. However, there are some uncertainties in the problem such as the distribution of energies, velocities, and masses, as well as the inclusion of kinetic energy of rotation in the calculation.
  • #1
Luke_G
1
0

Homework Statement


Lets say we have a series of balls and an eggs. All items have equal mass but are traveling at different velocities.

Thus they have differing kinetic energies.

Now, for each 'ball' object we have, we want to find an egg object with a similar kinetic energy. Let's say, within +-1 standard deviation interval

Would it be correct to take the kinetic energy as it is and use the linear interval of 1SD, or convert to the kinetic energy to a logarithmic scale

Homework Equations



KE = 0.5*m*v²

The Attempt at a Solution


My guess is to use a log scale as Kinetic energy does not increase linearly with speed
 
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  • #2
I've never seen a physics problem like this. Is there any way you can be more specific in your description of the situation? Is this a textbook problem? Are you just trying to conduct an experiment? What exactly are the difficulties in finding the difference in kinetic energy of an egg and and that of a ball?
 
  • #3
Luke_G said:
we want to find an egg object with a similar kinetic energy
What does that mean? Do you want the probability that there exists an egg object in that KE range? Or the expected fraction of eggs in that range? Or...?
Is the distribution of energies known?
Do the balls and eggs have the same distribution of velocities? Of energies?
(Do the balls and eggs all have the same masses?)
Luke_G said:
My guess is to use a log scale
Use a log scale for what, exactly? Maybe you could illustrate with a sample calculation.
 
  • #4
Shouldn't you include the kinetic energy of the rotation of the objects?
 

Related to Kinetic Energy - use a log scale or not?

1. What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.

2. How is kinetic energy calculated?

Kinetic energy is calculated using the equation KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity.

3. Is kinetic energy affected by mass or velocity more?

Kinetic energy is affected by both mass and velocity, but velocity has a greater impact on the amount of kinetic energy an object possesses.

4. Can kinetic energy be negative?

Yes, kinetic energy can be negative if the object is slowing down or its velocity is decreasing.

5. How is kinetic energy related to potential energy?

Kinetic energy and potential energy are both forms of energy, and they can be converted into each other. For example, an object at the top of a hill has potential energy, but as it rolls down the hill, it gains kinetic energy while losing potential energy.

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