How Does Roller Coaster Physics Calculate Velocity?

[crtsmnn]

1. A diagram of a roller coaster is given. In the diagram, there are 3 humps in the track. At the top of the first hump(point A) the height is 60m from the ground. Point B is at the bottom of point A and is 5m below the ground. (height from point A to B is -65m). From point B to point C is 64m. From point C to D is -67m. From point D to E is 71m.
The coaster is at rest at point A.
V_y = final velocity
V_x = initial velocity
g = acceleration due to gravity (-9.8m/s)
h_xy = the difference in height from point x to point y



2. V_y² = V_x² + 2gh_xy



3. The first question is to find the velocity of the coaster at point B.
V_y² = 0 + 2(-9.8)(-65)_xy
V_y² = 1274
√V_y² = √1274
V_y = 35.69m/s


all i really need is a confirmation of my answer. I don't know why but i think i might be wrong.

 

[rock.freak667]

Yes that would be correct.

Also in your final equation, what you are essentially doing is equation KE and PE at the various points.