Conservation of Energy of park ride Problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a roller coaster's energy conservation as it moves between different heights. The roller coaster starts at point A, 5.0m high, with a speed of 5.0m/s, and the problem asks for its speed at point B (0.0m) and whether it can reach point C (8.0m). The conservation of mechanical energy principle is applied, using kinetic energy (K) and potential energy (U) equations. Participants suggest setting up equations for energy at points A, B, and C to solve for the unknowns, emphasizing that mass cancels out in the calculations. The key takeaway is to equate the total energy at different points to find the required speeds.
Distance4life
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Homework Statement



A roller coaster travels on a frictionless track starting at point A, 5.0m off the ground. It then comes down to point B, 0.0m off the ground (it comes down to the ground), then it goes back up to point C, at 8.0m off the ground.

If the roller coaster is traveling at 5.0m/s at point A, what is the speed at point B?

Will it Reach Point C?

And lastly, What speed at point A is required for the roller coaster to reach point C?

Homework Equations



K=1/2mV2
U=mgh


The Attempt at a Solution


U1 +K1=K2
U2 +K3=U1 +K1

K=1/2mV2
2K=mV2
2K/25.0m/s=m

Thats all I have, I seem to have trouble getting mass. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

D4L
 
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Energy at A = energy at B

On each side of the equation write in a .1/2mv² if it has KE and an mgh if it has PE. You should be left with only one unknown that you can solve for.
 

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