Conservation of Energy of park ride Problem

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around the conservation of energy principles applied to a roller coaster problem involving points A, B, and C. At point A, the roller coaster has a height of 5.0m and a speed of 5.0m/s, while point B is at ground level (0.0m). Using the equations for kinetic energy (K=1/2mV²) and potential energy (U=mgh), participants conclude that the speed at point B can be calculated directly from the energy conservation equation, confirming that the roller coaster will reach point C at 8.0m if it has sufficient initial speed. The discussion emphasizes solving for unknowns in energy equations without needing mass, as it cancels out in the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy and potential energy equations
  • Familiarity with the concept of conservation of mechanical energy
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
  • Knowledge of gravitational potential energy calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of conservation of energy in mechanical systems
  • Practice solving problems involving kinetic and potential energy
  • Learn how to derive speed from energy equations in different scenarios
  • Explore the effects of friction on energy conservation in roller coaster designs
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching energy concepts, and anyone interested in the mechanics of roller coasters and energy conservation principles.

Distance4life
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

What is considered the "System" here? (conservation of energy problem)
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
What is the energy conservation principle in a two masses and pulley problem?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
4K
Conservation of Energy for a roller coaster
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
Energy/Work Problem: Friction of sliding down pole
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Spring Problem Involving Variables and Constants Only
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Conservation of Momentum Problem - Mechanical and Kinetic Energies
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Solving the Platform and Object Kinetic Energy Equation
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Conservation of energy/Angular momentum for elastic collison
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Time period of SHM & Energy conservation in pulley-spring-block system
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Speed of a Roller Coaster, Conservation of Energy
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
10K