A mass m = 88 kg slides on a frictionless track that has a drop, followed by a loop-the-loop with radius R = 15.4 m and finally a flat straight section at the same height as the center of the loop (15.4 m off the ground). The mass requires a velocity of 12.2912163759329 m/s at the top of the loop to clear it completely. (Assume the mass never leaves the smooth track at any point on its path.)

1) What height above the ground must the mass begin to make it around the loop-the-loop

Question

A mass m = 88 kg slides on a frictionless track that has a drop, followed by a loop-the-loop with radius R = 15.4 m and finally a flat straight section at the same height as the center of the loop (15.4 m off the ground).  The mass requires a velocity of 12.2912163759329 m/s at the top of the loop to clear it completely. (Assume the mass never leaves the smooth track at any point on its path.)

1) What height above the ground must the mass begin to make it around the loop-the-loop