A diagram of a roller-coaster track is shown below. Select the position on the track at which a roller-coaster car has the most gravitational potential energy.
Question
A diagram of a roller-coaster track is shown below. Select the position on the track at which a roller-coaster car has the most gravitational potential energy.
Solution
To determine the position on the roller-coaster track where the car has the most gravitational potential energy, we need to consider the following:
-
Understanding Gravitational Potential Energy: Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is given by the formula: where is the mass of the roller-coaster car, is the acceleration due to gravity, and is the height above a reference point.
-
Analyzing the Track Diagram: Typically, a roller-coaster's potential energy is highest at the highest point of the track. This is because the height is maximized.
Final Answer
The position on the track with the most gravitational potential energy is at the highest point of the roller-coaster track.
Similar Questions
Which object most likely has the greatest gravitational potential energy?A bicycle on the roadA book on a shelf A desk in an officeA spec of sand on the beach
As a roller coaster carriage speeds down a slope, it loses gravitational potential energy.Explain why this does not violate the law of conservation of energy.
Determine the kinetic energy of a 1000-kg roller coaster car that is moving with a speed of 20.0 m/s.
A roller coaster includes a circular vertical loop with radius 16.0 m. For what linear speed at the top of the loop will the passengers feel weightless?
A car (1,500 kg) is sitting at the top of a 20 m tall on ramp. What is the cars potential energy?
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.