Energy Equation for a Roller Coaster on a Full Circular Loop

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The discussion centers on the energy dynamics of a roller coaster as it moves through a full circular loop. It questions whether the car retains kinetic energy at the top of the loop, emphasizing the need for calculations to determine this. The conservation of mechanical energy principle is highlighted, stating that the total energy at the starting point must equal the total energy at the top of the loop. Corrections are made regarding the expressions for gravitational potential energy and the overall energy equation. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurately analyzing the roller coaster's motion.
Np14
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Homework Statement


What is the energy equation for a roller coaster already in motion from the ground with to the top of a full circular loop = point B in the image. My question is would the car still have kinetic energy at the top of the loop?

Homework Equations


Kinetic Energy Equation 1/2m(v^2), Gravitational Potential Energy Equation Ug = 1/2(mgh)

The Attempt at a Solution


This is a yes or no question, I don't know what work I can really show.

The equation I figured out: K = Ug + K
Not sure if it is correct please help.
 

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To answer "yes" or "no" you need to show some work, namely a calculation of the kinetic energy at point B. For that you will need the kinetic energy at point A. Do you know (or have information) what it is? Also, the equation you figured is incorrect. Mechanical energy conservation means that the kinetic + potential at point A is the same aas kinetic + potential at point B.
KA + UA = KB + UB.
 
Last edited:
Np14 said:

Homework Statement


What is the energy equation for a roller coaster already in motion from the ground with to the top of a full circular loop = point B in the image. My question is would the car still have kinetic energy at the top of the loop?

Homework Equations


Kinetic Energy Equation 1/2m(v^2), Gravitational Potential Energy Equation Ug = 1/2(mgh)

The Attempt at a Solution


This is a yes or no question, I don't know what work I can really show.

The equation I figured out: K = Ug + K
Not sure if it is correct please help.
First of all: The opening sentence of the problem statement is garbled as if you left out some words in one or more places.

What is the energy equation for a roller coaster already in motion ?⋅?⋅?⋅?⋅? from the ground with ?⋅?⋅?⋅?⋅? to the top of a full circular loop = point B in the image.​

upload_2019-2-8_7-17-38.png


Above is the screen shot of a 2× enlargement of the image you uploaded . (The combination of enlargement and of using a screen shot makes it a little fuzzy.)

In addition to that, you have have an incorrect expression for Gravitational Potential Energy. The correct expression is: Ug = mgh .

Beyond that:
I entirely agree with (Dr.) @kuruman's comments.

.
 

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The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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