Mechanics: Work, Energy and Power

Work, Energy and Power: Audio Guided Solution

Problem 18:

Ima Scaarred (m=56.2 kg) is traveling at a speed of 12.8 m/s at the top of a 19.5-m high roller coaster loop.

a. Determine Ima's kinetic energy at the top of the loop.
b. Determine Ima's potential energy at the top of the loop.
c. Assuming negligible losses of energy due to friction and air resistance, determine Ima's total mechanical energy at the bottom of the loop (h=0 m).
d. Determine Ima's speed at the bottom of the loop.

Audio Guided Solution

Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

• Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
• Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., v_o = 0 m/s; a = 4.2 m/s/s; v_f = 22.9 m/s; d = ???.
• Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
• Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
• Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Work, Energy and Power at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

• Potential Energy
• Kinetic Energy
• Mechanical Energy
• Situations Involving Energy Conservation

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