College

A roller coaster with a potential energy of [tex]$235,200 \, \text{J}$[/tex] sits at the top of a 30 m high hill. What is the mass of the roller coaster?

(Formula: [tex]PE = mgh[/tex])

A. 800 kg
B. 7,840 kg
C. 8,000 kg
D. 78,400 kg

Answer :

To find the mass of the roller coaster at the top of the hill, you can use the formula for potential energy:

[tex]\[ \text{Potential Energy (PE)} = m \cdot g \cdot h \][/tex]

Where:
- [tex]\( \text{PE} \)[/tex] is the potential energy, given as 235,200 Joules.
- [tex]\( m \)[/tex] is the mass, which we need to find.
- [tex]\( g \)[/tex] is the acceleration due to gravity, approximately 9.8 m/s².
- [tex]\( h \)[/tex] is the height, given as 30 meters.

We need to solve for the mass [tex]\( m \)[/tex]. Rearrange the formula to get:

[tex]\[ m = \frac{\text{PE}}{g \cdot h} \][/tex]

Now, plug the given values into the equation:

[tex]\[ m = \frac{235,200}{9.8 \cdot 30} \][/tex]

First, calculate the denominator:

[tex]\[ 9.8 \cdot 30 = 294 \][/tex]

Now, divide the potential energy by the result:

[tex]\[ m = \frac{235,200}{294} \][/tex]

[tex]\[ m = 800 \][/tex]

Therefore, the mass of the roller coaster is 800 kg.

So, the correct answer is 800 kg.