*14–76.

The roller coaster car having a mass m is released from rest A

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 B
the speed of the car when it reaches point C. Neglect 7.5 m
friction. h
20 m

SOLUTION

Equation of Motion: Since it is required that the roller coaster car is about to leave
vB 2 vB 2
the track at B, NB = 0. Here, an = = . By referring to the free-body
rB 7.5
diagram of the roller coaster car shown in Fig. a,

vB 2
©Fn = ma n; m(9.81) = m ¢ ≤ vB 2 = 73.575 m2>s2
7.5

Potential Energy: With reference to the datum set in Fig. b, the gravitational
potential energy of the rollercoaster car at positions A, B, and C are
A Vg B A = mghA = m(9.81)h = 9.81mh, A Vg B B = mghB = m(9.81)(20) = 196.2 m,

no orl sem eac ws

er id ati ng
ed e r
itt W o
t a
t p d W in hi
and A Vg B C = mghC = m(9.81)(0) = 0.

. b)
m e on
d e W Dis in t l
an th . rs gh
k n ng to yri
or o ni c p
Conservation of Energy: Using the result of vB 2 and considering the motio
motion
on of
o the
w g r tru o
e in lea s s c

car from position A to B,

th lud nt f in te
of inc de e o Sta

TA + VA = TB + VB
ity ( tu s d
gr rk s u te

is
te wo ing the Uni

1 1
mvA 2 + A Vg B A = mvB 2 + A Vg B B
e his s fo by

2 2
y of as lel ted
s r
o c
st pa nd s te
th t se y

1
de ny es a ided pro

0 + 9.81mh = m
m(73.575) + 196.2m
2
w of a urs rov k is
le co s p or
sa eir d i is w

h = 23.75 m Ans.
in
ro rt
th an Th

Also, considering the motion of the car from position

osition B to
m po t C,

TB + VB = TC + VC
ill

1 1
mvB 2 + A Vg B B = mvC 2 + A Vg B C
2 2

1 1
m(73.575) + 196.2m = mvC 2 + 0
2 2

vC = 21.6 m>s Ans.

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