Laws of conservation of mass (roller coaster) work and mechanical energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the potential energy and kinetic energy of a 4.0 x 104 kg roller coaster at various heights (54m at point A, 15m at point B, 47m at point C, and 35m at point D) using the law of conservation of energy. The potential energy is calculated using the formula Eg = mgh. The kinetic energy can be derived from the change in potential energy, utilizing the equation ΔEk + ΔEg = 0. This approach allows for the determination of kinetic energy at different points without needing the velocity directly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy (Eg = mgh)
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy concepts
  • Familiarity with the law of conservation of energy
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the law of conservation of energy in mechanical systems
  • Learn how to derive kinetic energy from potential energy changes
  • Explore the effects of friction on energy calculations in roller coasters
  • Investigate the principles of energy transformations in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and energy conservation, as well as educators seeking to explain these concepts in practical scenarios.

anna sung
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Homework Statement


A 4.0 x 10^4kg roller coaster starts from rest at point A. Neglecting Friction, calculate its potential eneregy relative to the ground, its kinetic energy, and it's speed at points, B, C, and D.
at point A : 54m
B: 15m
c:47m
d:35m

Homework Equations



i got potential eneregy by using Eg=mgh
but how do you get the kinetic eneregy when you don't have velocity.
also when writing down equations what do you write after
L.C.E. is it due to L.C.E. Ek=Eg?
 
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anna sung said:

Homework Statement


A 4.0 x 10^4kg roller coaster starts from rest at point A. Neglecting Friction, calculate its potential eneregy relative to the ground, its kinetic energy, and it's speed at points, B, C, and D.
at point A : 54m
B: 15m
c:47m
d:35m


Homework Equations



i got potential eneregy by using Eg=mgh
but how do you get the kinetic eneregy when you don't have velocity.
also when writing down equations what do you write after
L.C.E. is it due to L.C.E. Ek=Eg?
The law of conservation of energy when only conservative forces like gravity are doing work states that the change in Ek plus the change in Eg = 0, that is \Delta E_k + \Delta E_g = 0, or putting it in another form,
E_k_{initial} + E_g_{initial} = E_k_{final} + E_g_{final}. Using either one of those equations should be very helpful in calculating the coaster's kinetic energy at a given point.
 

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