Kinetic Energy - use a log scale or not?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of kinetic energy, specifically comparing the kinetic energies of balls and eggs with equal mass but different velocities. The original poster is exploring whether to use a linear or logarithmic scale when considering kinetic energy within a specified interval.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the original poster's assumptions about the relationship between kinetic energy and velocity, particularly regarding the use of a logarithmic scale. There are inquiries about the specifics of the problem, including the nature of the comparison and the distributions of velocities and energies for the objects involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the original poster's intent and the specifics of the kinetic energy comparison. Some have suggested that additional factors, such as rotational kinetic energy, may need to be considered. There is no clear consensus yet, as various interpretations and questions are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the distributions of velocities and energies of the balls and eggs, as well as the original poster's experimental context or theoretical framework. The original poster's mention of a standard deviation interval adds complexity to the discussion.

Luke_G
Messages
1
Reaction score
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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?
 
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.
 
Shouldn't you include the kinetic energy of the rotation of the objects?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
9K