Question

A new ride being built at an amusement park includes a vertical drop of 71.6 meters. Starting from rest, the ride vertically drops that distance before the track curves forward. If the velocity at the bottom of the drop is 10.0 m/s and the mass of the cart and passengers is 3.5 x 104 kg, how much potential energy was converted into thermal energy (heat)?

A. 2.3 x 10^7 J
B. 2.6 x 10^7 J
C. 4.3 x 10^7 J
D. 6.7 x 10^7 J

Answer 1

The potential energy converted into thermal energy (heat) is 2.38 x 10^7 J.

Step-by-step explanation:

The amount of potential energy converted into thermal energy (heat) can be calculated using the principle of conservation of energy. The initial potential energy of the ride is equal to the final kinetic energy at the bottom of the drop. The change in potential energy is given by the formula ΔPE = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height. Substituting the given values, we have ΔPE = (3.5 x 10^4 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(71.6 m) = 2.38 x 10^7 J.

Answer 2

The correct answer is A

Step-by-step explanation:

I did the test twice and A) 2.3 x 10^7 J was correct.