Question

complete the sentences. move the correct answer to the box. a 600 kg roller coaster starts from rest at the top of a 40 - meter - high hill, then descends to ground level and travels along a flat section before traveling to the top of a 20 - meter - high hill. the roller coasters change in gravitational potential energy ($delta gpe$) from the top of the 40 - meter - high hill to the top of 20 - meter - high hill equals -353,160 j -117,720 j 0 j -235,440 j

Explanation:

Step1: Recall gravitational - potential - energy formula

The formula for gravitational potential energy is $GPE = mgh$, where $m$ is the mass, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity ($g = 9.8\ m/s^{2}$), and $h$ is the height. The change in gravitational potential energy $\Delta GPE=mg\Delta h$.

Step2: Calculate the change in height

The initial height $h_1 = 40\ m$ and the final height $h_2 = 20\ m$. So, $\Delta h=h_2 - h_1=20 - 40=- 20\ m$.

Step3: Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy

We know that $m = 600\ kg$, $g = 9.8\ m/s^{2}$, and $\Delta h=-20\ m$. Substitute these values into the $\Delta GPE = mg\Delta h$ formula: $\Delta GPE=600\times9.8\times(-20)=- 117600\ J\approx - 117720\ J$ (due to rounding differences in the options).

Answer:

• 117,720 J