A 1 tonne roller coaster car starts 25m above the ground, descends quickly and just manages to roll over the next hill at a level 20m above the ground. How much energy has been lost through friction?

Please show working out so I know how you found it. Thank you in advance.

Question

A 1 tonne roller coaster car starts 25m above the ground, descends quickly and just manages to roll over the next hill at a level 20m above the ground. How much energy has been lost through friction?

Please show working out so I know how you found it. Thank you in advance.

anonymous · Answer

No coefficient of friction has been given

rulnick · Answer

energy lost = potential energy change = m times g times change in h = (1 tonne in kg) (9.8 m/s^2) (5m)

anonymous · Answer

Thank you!

rulnick · Answer

... so I believe the answer would be 49000 J.

anonymous · Answer

Yes, thank you very much.