Roller Coaster Physics Gizmo


With no friction, you can use the relationship between potential and kinetic energy to predict the speed of the car at the bottom of this hill from its starting height. To do this start by setting the kinetic and potential energy equations equal to one another. K= U

1/2mv^2 = mhm


a. Use algebra to solver for the speed. V=


b. With the no friction, does the final speed depend on the mass of the car?


c. With no friction, does the final speed depend on the steepness of the hill?


d. What is the final speed of the car if the height of the hill is 55 cm (. 55m)?