Physics roller coaster question

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
5 replies · 2K views
meso
Messages
9
Reaction score
2
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
 

Attachments

  • jmjm.png
    jmjm.png
    4 KB · Views: 217
  • 92891036_245432189931191_3730212021795291136_n.jpg
    92891036_245432189931191_3730212021795291136_n.jpg
    56.8 KB · Views: 215
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: meso
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:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: meso
Thanks. Also, that makes sense but I am doing physics grade 12, so they disregard some factors for the sake of this course.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Lnewqban