Verifying the Velocity of a Roller Coaster Train

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the conservation of energy in the context of a roller coaster train's velocity as it ascends a vertical track. The original poster presents a scenario where the initial velocity and height are given, and they attempt to calculate the final velocity at the top of the track.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster uses energy conservation principles to derive a formula for the final velocity, while others apply kinematic equations to arrive at the same result. There is a discussion on the validity of the methods used and the correctness of the final answer.

Discussion Status

Several participants express agreement with the original poster's calculations, indicating that they arrived at the same final velocity using different approaches. However, there is no formal consensus or verification of the correctness of the methods used.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of provided answers for verification and the original poster's uncertainty due to inexperience with similar problems. The discussion reflects a mix of methods and reasoning without resolving the correctness of the final answer.

Luke1121
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I've got an answer to a question but I'm not sure if it's correct as i don't have the answers.

A roller coaster train is propelled at 57m/s and towards a vertical part of track which has a height of 139m, what is the velocity of the roller coaster train when it reaches the top of the tower?
I got that:
Ek=Ep so
1/2mv^2=mgh so m's cancel so 1/2v^2=gh
so in relation to the questiom
1/2(57)^2=1/2v^2 + gh (because energy is conserved so potential energy must be added)
Then
1624.5=1/2v^2 + 1363.6
290.9=1/2v^2
etc, etc and ended up with 22.84 m/s but I've no idea if this is correct as I've never come across a question like this before. does this seem right? Thanks
 
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It is correct.
 
I think it's right, I am getting the same answer. But, I did it using a different method:
v2=u2+2as

u=57 m/s
a=-g
s=139 m
(we have to find v)
 
I got the same answer as you.
 

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