Uncertainty propagation in speed measurement · PhysicsBowl 2025 #7
Physics · mechanics
Problem
A researcher is measuring the average speed of a moving object over a known distance. The distance, d=5.0 m, is measured with an uncertainty of ±0.1 m, and the time t=1.00 s is measured with an uncertainty of ±0.02 s. All uncertainties are independent and random. What is the uncertainty in measured average speed?
a. ±0.04 m/s
b. ±0.08 m/s
c. ±0.12 m/s
d. ±0.14 m/s
e. ±0.18 m/s