Answer:
h = 27.17 m
Explanation:
First, we will calculate the total mechanical energy of the system at the bottom point of the third loop:
Mechanical Energy = Kinetic Energy + Potential Energy
[tex]E = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 + mgh[/tex]
where,
E = Total Mechanical Energy = ?
m = mass of the roller coaster = 1200 kg
v = velocity of the roller coaster = 22 m/s
g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.81 m/s²
h = height of roller coaster = 2.5 m
Therefore,
[tex]E = \frac{1}{2}(1200\ kg)(22\ m/s)^2+(1200\ kg)(9.81\ m/s^2)(2.5\ m)\\\\E = 290400 J +29430\ J\\\\E = 319830\ J = 319.83\ KJ[/tex]
Now, the total mechanical energy at the top position of the first hill must also be the same:
[tex]E = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 + mgh[/tex]
where,
v = 0 m/s
h = ?
Therefore,
[tex]319830\ J = \frac{1}{2}(1200\ kg)(0\ m/s)^2+(1200\ kg)(9.81\ m/s^2)(h)\\\\h = \frac{319830\ J}{11772\ N}\\\\[/tex]
h = 27.17 m