Classical Probability with a falling ball problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a classical probability problem involving a falling ball on two platforms with different velocities. The ball maintains a constant velocity on the first platform and doubles its velocity on the second. The user successfully calculated the probabilities of finding the ball on each platform but struggles with determining the probability of finding the ball within a specific range (x1 to x1+delta x) on the first platform. There is confusion regarding the relationship between velocity and probability, with some suggesting that the probability might be directly or inversely proportional to velocity. The user seeks clarification on how to plot these probabilities and the assumptions behind their relationships.
dweeegs
Messages
10
Reaction score
1
http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy215/dweeegs/probability_zps12a67dfb.png

The picture shows everything needed.

This is a worksheet on the similarity of classical probability to the probability of finding a particle in a box (Schrodinger stuff etc)

Basically there's a ball falling down; it has a constant velocity on one platform and gains velocity going to another platform (where it's also constant). So two platforms and a ball has a different velocity on each (specifically the velocity on the second platform was found to be twice that on the first).

I found the probability that the ball will be found on each platform (pictured). The next question is giving me some problems since I haven't really taken stat in a while:

Use the answer I found in the picture to find P(x1,delta x), the probability of finding a ball between x1 and x1+delta x, where x1 is between 0 and L1 (the first platform), and delta x is small.

I'm clueless on how to approach this :/

The probability of two independent events occurring is the multiplication of those two probabilities, but I don't know how that would involve x1 or delta x, and it says to plot the probability vs x. But on second thought it might make sense because since the velocities are constant, the probability is constant.

It then goes on to ask about finding the probability between x1 and x1+(delta x)/2 and plot that as well, but I'm not sure how that would differ from the first question.

Am I on the right track? Any help?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't understand what the relationship is assumed to be between the velocity at a location and the probability of being there at an instant. you seem to be taking them as directly proportional - is that right? (Why?) Inversely proportional would be more intuitive.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top