Potential Energy Q: 1000kg Cart on Hill, Kinetic/PE/Velocity?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a 1000kg cart rolling down an 80m hill and its energy transformations as it moves to a smaller hill and then to a flat surface. The subject area includes concepts of potential energy, kinetic energy, and conservation of energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate potential energy and height at different points, while also seeking clarification on kinetic energy and velocity at the flat surface. Some participants question the calculations and encourage showing work to facilitate understanding.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing calculations for potential and kinetic energy at various points. There is a suggestion to use conservation of energy principles to find the unknown height, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions include no energy losses due to friction and a gravitational acceleration of 10m/s². The height of the smaller hill remains unknown, which is a point of focus in the discussion.

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Question: There is a 1000kg cart on the top of 80m hill which it rolls down onto a smaller hill of unknown height with a velocity of 20m/s. What is potential energy and height of its current position? What is the kinetic energy, potential energy, and velocity when it reaches a flat surface? Assume no losses to friction and with a g of 10m/s. Thanks a lot
 
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So far I have the four answers for when they are at the top of the 80m hill before moving. K.E.=0 P.E.= 800000J, V=0, H=80m. I've calculated their kinetic energy to be 200000J at the smaller hill with the information provided(v=20m/s) I would appreciate it if someone could tell me how to go about doing this question.
 
energy is conserved So

(top) mgh1 = mgh2 + 1/2mv^2 (smaller hill)

you know everything but "h2", use algebra to find "h2"
 

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