Question

A roller coaster is released from the top of a track that is 57 m high. Find the roller coaster speed when it reaches ground level.

Answer 1

Hi there!

Assuming the track is frictionless:

`E_i = E_f\\\\PE = KE\\\\mgh = (1)/(2)mv^2`

Cancel out the masses and rearrange to solve for velocity:

`gh = (1)/(2)v^(2)\\\\v = √(2gh)\\\\`

Plug in the given height and let g = 9.8 m/s²:

`v = √(2(9.8)(57)) = \boxed{33.42 m/s}`