Question

a roller coaster train with a mass of 500 kg stops at the top of a hill. if the hill is 110 m high, what is the potential energy of the train?
○ 4,900 j
○ 5,612 j
○ 55,000 j
○ 539,000 j

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for gravitational potential energy

The formula for gravitational potential energy (PE) is $PE = mgh$, where $m$ is the mass, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately $9.8\ m/s^2$), and $h$ is the height.

Step2: Identify the given values

We are given that the mass $m = 500\ kg$, the height $h = 110\ m$, and we use $g = 9.8\ m/s^2$.

Step3: Substitute the values into the formula

Substitute $m = 500$, $g = 9.8$, and $h = 110$ into the formula:
$$PE = 500\ kg\times9.8\ m/s^2\times110\ m$$
First, calculate $500\times9.8 = 4900$. Then, multiply that result by 110: $4900\times110 = 539000$.

Answer:

539,000 J (corresponding to the option 539,000 J)