14–77.
The roller coaster car having a mass mis released from rest
at point A. If the track is to be designed so that the car does
not leave it at B, determine the required height h. Also, find
the speed of the car when it reaches point C. Neglect
friction.
SOLUTION
diagram of the roller coaster car shown in Fig. a,
Potential Energy: With reference to the datum set in Fig. b, the gravitational
potential energy of the rollercoaster car at positions A,B, and Care
,,
and .
Conservation of Energy: Using the result of and considering the motion of the
car from position Ato B,
Ans.
Also, considering the motion of the car from position Bto C,
Ans.vC=21.6 m>s
1
2m(73.575) +196.2m=1
2mvC2+0
1
2mvB2+
A
Vg
B
B=1
2mvC2+
A
Vg
B
C
TB+VB=TC+VC
h=23.75 m
0+9.81mh =1
2m(73.575) +196.2m
1
2mvA2+
A
Vg
B
A=1
2mvB2+
A
Vg
B
B
TA+VA=TB+VB
vB2
A
Vg
B
C=mghC=m(9.81)(0) =0
A
Vg
B
B=mghB=m(9.81)(20) =196.2 m
A
Vg
B
A=mghA=m(9.81)h=9.81mh
©Fn=ma n;m(9.81) =m
¢
vB2
7.5
≤
vB2=73.575 m2>s2
rB
7.5
C
A
B
20 m
7.5 m
h