The roller-coaster car shown in fig. 6-41 (h1 = 30 m, h2 = 12 m, h3 = 20 m), is dragged up to point 1 where it is released from rest. assuming no friction, calculate the speed at points 2, 3, and 4.
Since there is no friction, conservation of energy gives change in energy is zero
Change in energy = 0
Change in KE + Change in PE = 0
1/2 x m x (vf^2 - vi^2) + m x g x (hf-hi) = 0
1/2 x (vf^2 - vi^2) + g x (hf-hi) = 0
(vf^2 - vi^2) = 2 x g x (hi - hf)
Since it starts from rest vi = 0
Vf = squareroot of (2 x g x (hi - hf))
For h1, no hf
Vf = squareroot of (2 x g x (hi - hf))
Vf = squareroot of (2 x 9.81 x 30)
Vf = squareroot of 588.6
Vf = 24.26
For h2
Vf = squareroot of (2 x 9.81 x (30 – 12))
Vf = squareroot of (9.81 x 36)
Vf = squareroot of 353.16
Vf = 18.79
For h3
Vf = squareroot of (2 x 9.81 x (30 – 20))
Vf = squareroot of (20 x 9.81)
Vf = 18.79
