Final answer:
The kinetic energy of the roller coaster is calculated using the formula KE = ½mv².
The closest answer to our calculation, based on the provided data, is 256,000 J, which the correct answer is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking for the kinetic energy (KE) of a roller coaster filled with people with a mass of 1200 kg that is traveling at a speed of 16 m/s down the first hill at Six Flags Over Texas.
To find the KE, we can use the kinetic energy formula KE = ½mv² where m is the mass and v is the velocity.
After plugging in the values, we get KE = ½ × 1200 kg × (16 m/s)² which equals 153,600 joules.
However, this exact value is not one of the provided options, indicating a potential discrepancy between the provided data and the answers.
Choices A and B are less than our calculated value, while C is more than double, making them incorrect based on the given data. Choice D is the closest to our calculated number, yet properly following the calculation should not produce any of the given options exactly.
Therefore, assuming the student must select from the provided options, answer choice D (256,000 J) would be the best approximation given the context.