What is the Roller Coaster Problem Homework Statement?

[alexcc17]

Homework Statement

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/4316/capturerey.jpg

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I am completely stuck on this. I thought I would use W=F=ma, but that wouldn't take the height into account. Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Nessdude14]

To find the velocity at the second peak, you can use conservation of energy:

[itex]\displaystyle ΔU_g = mgΔh[/itex]
U_g is potential gravitational energy

[itex]\displaystyle K_E = -ΔU_g = \frac{1}{2} mv^2[/itex]And to find the apparent weight of the passenger, you can use the circular motion equation:

[itex]\displaystyle F_{net} = \frac{mv^2}{r}[/itex]

Hope that helps.

 

[PhanthomJay]

Yikes the heights are in meters but the weight is given in pounds. No wonder why they stopped teaching mixed units in the States. Watch your unit conversions, please.

 

[alexcc17]

Thank you!

 

[Nickie]

.

The Roller Coaster Problem Homework Statement is a physics problem that involves calculating the forces and motion of a roller coaster cart on a track. It is a common problem used in introductory physics courses to demonstrate the application of Newton's laws of motion and conservation of energy.

The problem typically involves determining the maximum speed of the roller coaster at different points on the track, taking into account the height of the track and the forces acting on the cart, such as gravity, normal force, and friction.

To solve this problem, one would need to apply the equations of motion and conservation of energy, such as F=ma and E=mgΔh, where m is the mass of the cart, a is the acceleration, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and Δh is the change in height.

It is also important to consider the different types of forces acting on the cart, such as the normal force from the track, which is what keeps the cart from falling off the track, and friction, which can affect the speed and motion of the cart.

In order to solve this problem, one would need to break it down into smaller parts, such as calculating the forces at different points on the track and determining the speed and acceleration at those points. This problem can also be solved using conservation of energy, by equating the potential energy at the top of the track with the kinetic energy at the bottom.

Overall, the Roller Coaster Problem Homework Statement is a great way to practice applying physics principles to a real-world scenario and to understand the forces and motion involved in a roller coaster ride.