Acceleration of Rollercoaster hill?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the acceleration of a rollercoaster train as it descends from the top of a hill. The problem includes specific time intervals and the height of the hill, but the original poster expresses uncertainty about how to utilize the given data to find acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply a kinematic equation but notes the challenge of having two unknowns: distance and acceleration. They question whether the height of the hill is relevant to the problem setup.
  • Some participants suggest considering the potential energy at the top of the hill and its conversion to kinetic energy at the bottom, indicating a possible relationship between height and velocity.
  • Others raise the need for more specificity and clarity in the problem setup, particularly regarding the absence of a diagram initially.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding energy considerations, and there is a suggestion that the original poster may have enough information to proceed. However, there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a diagram that was not initially visible to all participants, which may affect the clarity of the problem. The original poster also expresses confusion about the relevance of the hill's height in the context of the problem.

alliereid
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Homework Statement


Calculate the acceleration of the train during the trip down the first hill

Time for train to go from top of hill to bottom:3.5 s
Time for train to pass point at top of hill 1.5s
Time for train to go from bottom to top of first hill:7 s
Time for train to pass point of bottom of hill:1s
Height of hill: 16.155 m

Homework Equations



d=V(initial)(t)+.5(a)(t)^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried using that equation but there is two variables missing distance and acceleration. I can't use the height of the hill because isn't this a x problem (parallel problem)? I don't understand how I can find the acceleration of the rollercoaster train during the trip down the hill with only this data.
 
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With no diagram you need to be more specific.
 
Okay I attached a diagram. As you can see, the train is going up and I'm trying to find the accel from the top of the hill to the bottom.
 

Attachments

  • diagram.jpg
    diagram.jpg
    8.2 KB · Views: 576
Until approved no one can see the picture.

But consider the potential energy at the top and the velocity it will have at the bottom of the hill.

m*g*h = 1/2*m*v2

so ...

v2 = 2*g*h

Also you should know that

v = a*t

Looks like you may have enough info after all.
 

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