Conservation of mechanical energy (low difficulty)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a rollercoaster problem involving the conservation of mechanical energy. The original poster presents a scenario where a car descends from a height of 35m, and the participants explore the velocities at various points during the descent, specifically at ground level and at a height of 28m, as well as after descending an additional 13m.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the conservation of energy principle, with the original poster initially using the equation mgy = 1/2mv^2 to find the velocity at ground level. Questions arise regarding the calculation of velocity at the second height (28m) and the subsequent descent.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed calculations for the velocity at point B, noting a value of approximately 11.7 m/s. There is ongoing exploration of the relationships between potential and kinetic energy, with suggestions to consider changes in energy as the car moves between heights.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption of ignoring friction, which influences their calculations and reasoning. There is also a noted sense of uncertainty regarding the transition between different heights and the corresponding velocities.

Oscar Wilde
Messages
48
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



There is a rollercoaster. A car starts 35m "high" and descends to the ground. A.) What is the velocity at this point? The car continues an goes 28m above the ground. B.) calculate its velocity at this point. C.) If the car descends another 13m from this point, what is the velocity

Ignore Friction

Homework Equations



mgy=1/2mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution



using mgy= 1/2mv^2 i got the answer to a.), which is 26 m/s. But after this I became flustered and I do not know what to do to get its velocity if it goes 28m higher. I understand c. but I need the velocity at point B to get it!

Please help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm sorry I just figured it out for B.

I set 1/2mv^2=1/2mv^2+mgy and found my second velocity, which comes out to 11.7 roughly when using g=9.8

I would appreciate if someone would confirm my findings

I then set up the (square root of(1/2mv^2 + mgy-mgy)/.5)=v and came out with 20 m/s for C.
 
Oscar Wilde said:

Homework Statement



There is a rollercoaster. A car starts 35m "high" and descends to the ground. A.) What is the velocity at this point? The car continues an goes 28m above the ground. B.) calculate its velocity at this point. C.) If the car descends another 13m from this point, what is the velocity

Ignore Friction

Homework Equations



mgy=1/2mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution



using mgy= 1/2mv^2 i got the answer to a.), which is 26 m/s. But after this I became flustered and I do not know what to do to get its velocity if it goes 28m higher. I understand c. but I need the velocity at point B to get it!

Please help

You're on the right track, think about conservation of energy
[tex]\Delta U = m g \Delta y[/tex]
[tex]\Delta K = \frac{1}{2} m(v_f ^2-v_i^2)[/tex]
Thus [tex]\Delta K + \Delta U = 0[/tex]
Thus [tex]-m g \Delta y +\frac{1}{2} m v_i^2= \frac{1}{2} m v_f^2[/tex]
 
I also got 11.7 for part B.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K