Verifying the Velocity of a Roller Coaster Train

[Luke1121]

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

 

[LawrenceC]

It is correct.

 

[AudioFlux]

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)

 

[dacruick]

I got the same answer as you.

 

[asteriatic]

Based on your calculations, it seems that the velocity of the roller coaster train when it reaches the top of the tower is approximately 22.84 m/s. This makes sense as the train would lose some of its initial velocity due to the force of gravity pulling it downwards. However, in order to verify this velocity, it would be important to consider other factors such as air resistance, friction, and the shape of the roller coaster track. These factors can affect the actual velocity of the train and may need to be taken into account for a more accurate calculation. Additionally, it would be helpful to have data or measurements from an actual roller coaster ride to compare with your calculated velocity. Overall, your approach to solving the problem using the conservation of energy principle is correct, but it may need to be refined and validated with additional information.