For a rollercoaster, a hydraulic catapult propels the car to the top of the ride, at a height of 430 ft. If the car and occupants weigh 1208 lb, what would be the potential energy of the loaded car at the top in joules?
To calculate the potential energy of the loaded car at the top of the ride, we need to use the formula:
Potential Energy = mass * gravity * height
First, let's calculate the mass (m) of the car and occupants. The weight of the car and occupants is given as 1208 lb. However, we need the mass in kilograms (kg) to use in the formula.
1 lb = 0.4536 kg
So, the mass (m) in kilograms would be:
m = 1208 lb * 0.4536 kg/lb
Next, we need to determine the acceleration due to gravity (g). The standard value for gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s².
Finally, the height (h) is given as 430 ft. We need to convert it to meters (m) in order to use it in the formula.
1 ft = 0.3048 m
Now, let's plug in the values in the formula:
Potential Energy = m * g * h
Potential Energy = (m in kg) * (g in m/s²) * (h in m)
Once you have substituted the appropriate values into the formula, you can multiply and obtain the answer in joules.