Conservation of Energy - Roller Coaster

In summary, the conversation discusses how to determine the minimum exit velocity for a roller coaster car at ground level in order for it to successfully travel through two circular loops without leaving the track. It is suggested to use conservation of energy and calculate the height at point A, as well as the kinetic energy at the bottom of the hill, in order to find the required exit velocity.
  • #1
uradnky
30
0

Homework Statement



A roller coaster car has a mass of 800kg. It is released from the top of the hill A and moves without friction down the track. Determine the minimum exit velocity vD at ground level so that the car travels around both the circular loops (Loop B - Radius= 10m, Loop C - Radius= 7m) without leaving the track.

Diagram here,
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll12/uradnky/rc.jpg"


The Attempt at a Solution



To do this I thought that I would just use basic conservation of energy and trace the velocity of the roller coaster through both of the loops until it exits. In this problem the height isn't given, and must be calculated in another part of the problem.

Without knowning the height that the coaster begins at, how would I begin?
 
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  • #2
You don't know the height at A but you do know the heights at B and C.
 
  • #3
Your main concern here is that it makes the 10m loop. (It's like New York - if it makes it there, it will make it everywhere.)
Figure the minimum height of A to do that.
Then use that height to plug back into figuring the KE at the bottom of the hill because that will determine the Exit V.
 

Related to Conservation of Energy - Roller Coaster

What is the conservation of energy?

The conservation of energy is a fundamental law of physics that states energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another.

How does the conservation of energy apply to roller coasters?

Roller coasters demonstrate the conservation of energy by converting potential energy (from the initial height) into kinetic energy (as the coaster moves down the track), and then back into potential energy (as the coaster climbs up another hill).

What factors affect the conservation of energy on a roller coaster?

The main factors that affect the conservation of energy on a roller coaster are the height of the initial drop, the mass of the coaster and its passengers, and the amount of friction and air resistance acting on the coaster.

Can the conservation of energy be violated on a roller coaster?

No, the conservation of energy is a fundamental law of physics and cannot be violated. However, some energy may be lost due to friction and air resistance, leading to a slightly lower total energy at the end of the ride compared to the beginning.

How does the conservation of energy impact the safety of roller coasters?

The conservation of energy is essential for the safe operation of roller coasters. The designers must carefully consider the height and shape of the track to ensure that enough energy is conserved to complete the ride safely. Additionally, safety features, such as brakes and restraints, are designed to control the transfer and conversion of energy throughout the ride.

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