Does Mass Affect Roller Coaster Speed?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between mass and speed in roller coasters, specifically addressing the principles of conservation of momentum and energy. It is established that while an increase in mass does not inherently change the speed of a roller coaster in a frictionless environment, it does affect the momentum, as momentum is the product of mass and velocity. The equation Ek=1/2mv² indicates that increased mass results in increased kinetic energy, but the speed remains constant unless a net force acts on the system. Therefore, in a closed system without external forces, the speed of the roller coaster remains unchanged despite variations in mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of kinetic energy and momentum
  • Basic knowledge of conservation of energy principles
  • Experience with physics simulations or modeling tools
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of momentum in closed systems
  • Explore kinetic energy calculations using the formula Ek=1/2mv²
  • Investigate the effects of net forces on roller coaster dynamics
  • Experiment with physics simulation software to visualize mass and speed relationships
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and enthusiasts interested in understanding the dynamics of roller coasters and the fundamental principles of motion and energy conservation.

shimmeringlight
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i know and think that the when the mass inreases, the speed of the coaster does not change... this is according to researching on some sites simulators... it hinkt that's right...

and because the speed esont change, the time doesn't change?

but when i think about it more, I am nto sure because i cannot prove it with the conservation of energy equation... or at least i don't think I am right, because if the i put it into the equation where you have the Ek=1/2mv^2, then when mass gets larger, then the energy will get larger...

i don't know what I am talking about, I am very confused.
 
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i know and think that the when the mass inreases, the speed of the coaster does not change
Unless there is a net force acting on it.
Normally, in a frame without any net force, the momentum of an object is conserved all the time.
momentum=mass times velocity
As you see, if the mass increase, the velocity decreases as they are inversely proportional.
 
http://www.funderstanding.com/k12/coaster/

i was looking at this site, and kind of based it on it... because when i move the mass thing it doesn't change the velocity... but i also know that you can adjust the speed.

... but in a roller coaster, if the mass increases or decreases in a roller coaster, isn't it suppose to go the same?
 

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