Question

(Look at the attachment below for the relevant diagram of slopes A, B and C) A trolley is pushed towards slope A and released at velocity v. Its midpoint ‘x’ comes to a halt 20 cm up the slope. a) How far up the slopes B and C will the trolley go if it is pushed to the same starting speed? b) Does the trolley stop most quickly in case A, B or C? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

a) The trolley will go farthest up slope C, followed by slope B, and then slope A.

b) The trolley stops most quickly on slope A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The distances the trolley travels on slopes A, B, and C are determined by the potential energy gained and lost. Slope C is the steepest, so the trolley will reach the greatest height there. Conversely, slope A is the least steep, resulting in the shortest ascent.

In terms of stopping quickly, the trolley stops fastest on slope A because it has the least potential energy to convert to kinetic energy. As slope A is less steep, the height gained is less, and thus, the energy available for the trolley's motion is lower compared to the other slopes.

Slope B falls between A and C in terms of steepness, so the trolley's stopping distance is intermediate. While it allows for more height gain than A, it is less than C. The crucial factor here is the balance between potential and kinetic energy conversion, and slope A's lower potential energy prevails in causing the trolley to stop most quickly.