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A roller coaster is at the top of a hill and rolls to the top of a lower hill if mechanical energy is constant then on the top of which hill is the kinetic energy from the roller coasters motion greater

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Final answer:

The kinetic energy of the roller coaster is greater at the top of the lower hill, as the decrease in gravitational potential energy due to the lower height must be compensated by an increase in kinetic energy to conserve mechanical energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to the conservation of mechanical energy in the context of a roller coaster without considering losses due to friction. Mechanical energy is conserved in a closed system, which comprises both kinetic energy (KE) and gravitational potential energy (PEg). At the top of the first hill, the roller coaster has a maximum amount of PEg and a small amount of KE due to its slow speed.

As the coaster goes downhill, PEg is converted into KE, and the speed increases. When the roller coaster climbs to the top of a lower hill, some of this KE is reconverted into PEg, and the coaster slows down. Consequently, because the second hill is lower, it will have less PEg and therefore must have more KE to maintain mechanical energy conservation.

Comparing the kinetic energy at the tops of both hills, the KE at the top of the lower hill is greater than at the top of the first hill because there's less PEg due to the lower height and mechanical energy has to remain constant, thus KE is higher to compensate.

User Sootsnoot
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Answer:

⚠️ ⚠️ PLATO ANSWER⚠️⚠️DO NOT COPY & PASTE⚠️⚠️

The potential energy of the cars is at its maximum at the start and the end of the trip. Potential energy approaches zero when the cars are near the ground at the lowest point on the tracks. The kinetic energy of the cars is zero at the start and the end of the trip because the cars aren’t moving. Kinetic energy is at its maximum when the cars are at the lowest point on the track after racing down the hill.

Rewriten answer:

The expected energy of the vehicles is at its greatest toward the beginning and the finish of the excursion. Potential energy approaches zero when the vehicles are close to the ground at the absolute bottom on the tracks. The motor energy of the vehicles is zero toward the beginning and the finish of the excursion in light of the fact that the vehicles aren't moving. Active energy is at its greatest when the vehicles are at the absolute bottom on the track subsequent to dashing down the slope.

HOPE THIS HELPS :)

User Jvd
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