High School

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]\text{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, we can use the formula for potential energy:

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

where:
- [tex]\(\text{PE}\)[/tex] is the potential energy, given as 235,200 joules.
- [tex]\(m\)[/tex] is the mass of the roller coaster, which we are trying to find.
- [tex]\(g\)[/tex] is the acceleration due to gravity, approximately [tex]\(9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2\)[/tex].
- [tex]\(h\)[/tex] is the height of the hill, given as 30 meters.

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

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

Substitute the given values into the formula:

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

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

[tex]\[ m = 800 \, \text{kg} \][/tex]

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