A student makes a computational model that gives the maximum speed of a roller coaster car that starts. It’s ride in a given height, assuming that friction is negligible. Friction with the tracks, and due to air resistance, opposes motion. How does the maximum speed calculated by the capitation of model compare with the actual maximum speed for a real roller coaster car for which fraction is not negligible?
The maximum speed calculated by the computational model will be higher than the actual maximum speed for a real roller coaster car where friction is not negligible. This is because the model assumes that friction is negligible and does not account for the energy losses due to friction with the tracks and air resistance.
In reality, friction with the tracks and air resistance play a significant role in slowing down the roller coaster car. As the car moves along the track, it experiences drag from the air and friction between the wheels and the track. These factors result in energy losses, causing the car to slow down.
Therefore, the actual maximum speed of a real roller coaster car will be lower than the calculated maximum speed from the computational model. Taking into account the effects of friction and air resistance, the real roller coaster car will have a slower maximum speed.