Question Detail
Question
If a car travels at a speed of (20 ± 1) m/s for a time of (10 ± 0.5) s, what is the absolute uncertainty in the distance traveled, using the product rule? (Distance d = v t)
Correct Answer
Option D is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
First, calculate distance: d = v t = 20 m/s × 10 s = 200 m. Fractional uncertainties: Δv/v = 1/20 = 0.05, Δt/t = 0.5/10 = 0.05. Total fractional uncertainty in d is 0.05 + 0.05 = 0.10. Absolute uncertainty Δd = 0.10 × 200 m = 20 m.
Hint
Calculate the distance, then find the sum of the fractional uncertainties. Multiply this sum by the calculated distance.