Physics - Tower of Terror problem (1 Viewer)

Master Gopher

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Question on the physics involved with the Tower of Terror ride at Dreamworld (pics and some stats)

"By combining the equations for kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy, calculate the expected height that the car will reach. You will need to consider the conservation of energy."

Formula for gravitational potential energy:

Ep = -G (m1 x m2 / r)

where G = 6.67 x 10^-11
m1 and m2 = the masses of the two objects
r = distance between their centres

NB: The car is accelerated over a short distance at the start of the ride, after which it is carried up the tower by its own momentum.

Data:
mass of car = 6000kg
max velocity = 161km/h (44.72m/s)
acceleration time = 3 secs
hence a at end of acceleration zone = 14.9m/s/s
Ek = 134,166.7 joules

I have no idea how to work this out! I've tried various things at random but it's not getting anywhere, has anyone done a question like this before?


Edit:// Cross posted to HSC science
Edit:// solution explained to me by DAAVE in HSC>Science>Physics>Space... thanks dude!
 
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