Question

A computational model predicts the maximum potential energy a roller coaster car can have given its mass and its speed at the lowest point of its journey. Its mass is 350 kg, and it speed at a height of 0 m is 25 m/s. What is the prediction for its maximum potential energy?

109,375 J

765,625 J

218,750 J

87,750 J

Answer 1

The prediction for its maximum potential energy is 109,375 J

Step-by-step explanation:

Given;

mass of the coaster car, m = 350 kg

speed of the coaster car at the lowest point, v = 25 m/s

The coaster car will have maximum kinetic energy at the lowest point and based on law of conservation of mechanical energy, the maximum kinetic energy of the coaster car at the lowest point will be equal to maximum potential energy at the highest point.

`K.E_(max) = P.E_(max)`

`K.E_(max) = (1)/(2) mv^2\\\\K.E_(max) = (1)/(2) (350)(25)^2\\\\K.E_(max) =109,375 \ J`

`Thus, P.E_(max) = 109,375 \ J`

Therefore, the prediction for its maximum potential energy is 109,375 J