How much total, KE and PE does a roller coaster have when it has a mass of 750 kg, and is 5m above the ground?
To calculate the total kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE) of a roller coaster, you need to consider the gravitational potential energy and the kinetic energy due to its motion. Let's break down the calculation step-by-step:
1. Calculate the potential energy (PE) of the roller coaster:
PE = m * g * h
where:
m = mass of the roller coaster (750 kg)
g = acceleration due to gravity (typically 9.8 m/s^2)
h = height above the ground (5 m)
PE = 750 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 * 5 m
PE = 36,750 J (joules)
2. Calculate the kinetic energy (KE) of the roller coaster:
KE = (1/2) * m * v^2
Since the roller coaster's velocity (v) is not provided, we cannot calculate the exact kinetic energy without that information. However, I can guide you on how to calculate it once you know the velocity.
Simply substitute the mass (m) of the roller coaster and the velocity (v) in meters per second (m/s) into the equation.
KE = (1/2) * 750 kg * v^2
Once you have the velocity, you can substitute it into the equation to find the kinetic energy. However, without the velocity value, it is not possible to determine the exact kinetic energy.