Physics roller coaster question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to a roller coaster, specifically focusing on the forces involved in stopping a car of mass 12,000 kg over a distance of 7 meters. Participants are exploring concepts of work, energy, and deceleration in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of work-energy principles, questioning the assumptions about deceleration distance and the calculations of stopping force. Some express uncertainty about their results and the realism of the problem setup.

Discussion Status

There are multiple interpretations being explored regarding the stopping force and the assumptions made in the problem. Some participants have provided guidance on the calculations, while others express doubts about the realism of the scenario presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem does not specify the deceleration distance and that certain real-world factors, such as friction and aerodynamic drag, are disregarded for the sake of the course.

meso
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Homework Statement
Consider the frictionless roller coaster shown below.( the picture Is attached below)

If a 12 000 kg car starts at rest from Point A, calculate
a) the total energy of the system

b) the speed of the car at point B


c) the force that must be applied to bring it to a stop at point E


d) the work done to bring it to a stop at point E
Relevant Equations
Eg=mgh
Ek=1/2mv^2
W=Fcos0 x d
Etotal= Ek1 + Eg1
W= delta Ek ( Ek2 – Ek1)
I am stuck at C and D. I tried to solve D by applying W= delta E
W= Etotal
F x d= 11172000
F= 11172000/7
But I am not sure if it is right
 

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meso said:
I am stuck at C and D. I tried to solve D by applying W= delta E
W= Etotal
F x d= 11172000
F= 11172000/7
But I am not sure if it is right
Looks right.
 
The problem is not specific about the deceleration distance, but assuming the whole last 7 meters are used for stopping the 12 000 Kg car, then one needs to solve d) first in order to be able to solve c) in the way you have shown.
That is a huge stopping force.
 
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Lnewqban said:
The problem is not specific about the deceleration distance, but assuming the whole last 7 meters are used for stopping the 12 000 Kg car, then one needs to solve d) first in order to be able to solve c) in the way you have shown.
That is a huge stopping force.
I found the force required to stop the roller coaster to be 1596 000 N, but I am not sure neither confident about my solution.
 
meso said:
I found the force required to stop the roller coaster to be 1596 000 N, but I am not sure neither confident about my solution.
Your solution is correct. :smile:
It is only that the problem is not very complying with real life.
With no resisting friction or aerodynamic drag, the speed at ground level would be 155 km/h (43.17 m/s in free-fall).
The corresponding deceleration during those 7 meters would be ##-133~m/s^2##, which equals 13.6 G, which would be too much for comfort.
 
Last edited:
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Thanks. Also, that makes sense but I am doing physics grade 12, so they disregard some factors for the sake of this course.
 
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