Conservation of Energy - Roller Coaster

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum exit velocity (vD) of a roller coaster car with a mass of 800 kg, released from an unknown height at point A, to successfully navigate two circular loops (Loop B with a radius of 10 m and Loop C with a radius of 7 m). The key principle applied is the conservation of energy, where potential energy at height A is converted to kinetic energy at ground level. The minimum height required at point A must be determined to ensure the car maintains sufficient velocity to complete the 10 m loop without leaving the track.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of energy principles
  • Knowledge of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy equations
  • Familiarity with circular motion dynamics
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the minimum height at point A using energy conservation principles
  • Determine the kinetic energy at ground level using the height from step one
  • Explore the conditions for maintaining contact in circular motion at the top of Loop B
  • Review the effects of friction on roller coaster dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of roller coasters and energy conservation principles.

uradnky
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Homework Statement



A roller coaster car has a mass of 800kg. It is released from the top of the hill A and moves without friction down the track. Determine the minimum exit velocity vD at ground level so that the car travels around both the circular loops (Loop B - Radius= 10m, Loop C - Radius= 7m) without leaving the track.

Diagram here,
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll12/uradnky/rc.jpg"


The Attempt at a Solution



To do this I thought that I would just use basic conservation of energy and trace the velocity of the roller coaster through both of the loops until it exits. In this problem the height isn't given, and must be calculated in another part of the problem.

Without knowning the height that the coaster begins at, how would I begin?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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You don't know the height at A but you do know the heights at B and C.
 
Your main concern here is that it makes the 10m loop. (It's like New York - if it makes it there, it will make it everywhere.)
Figure the minimum height of A to do that.
Then use that height to plug back into figuring the KE at the bottom of the hill because that will determine the Exit V.
 

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