Question

A roller coaster cart with a mass of 200 kg is at rest on its track at a height of 5 m above the ground.

Later the same 200 kg cart reaches a lower part of the track and is traveling at a velocity of 6.0 m/s.
How much kinetic energy does the cart have?
A. 5,000 J
B. 4,500 J
C. 3,600 J
D. 2,400 J

Answer 1

The kinetic energy of a 200 kg roller coaster cart traveling at 6.0 m/s is calculated using the formula KE = 0.5 × mass × velocity squared, resulting in 3,600 J.

Step-by-step explanation:

Kinetic Energy Calculation

The question asks how much kinetic energy a 200 kg roller coaster cart has when it is traveling at a velocity of 6.0 m/s. The formula to calculate kinetic energy (KE) is KE = 0.5 × m × v2, where m is mass and v is velocity. Plugging in the values given, we have KE = 0.5 × 200 kg × (6.0 m/s)2 = 0.5 × 200 kg × 36 m2/s2 = 3600 J. Therefore, the correct answer is C. 3,600 J.