The car shown in the picture below (mass = 998 kg) has just run out of gas while moving at a speed of 15 m/s. Assuming that friction is negligible, will the car make it to the gas station if it coasts the whole way? Justify your answer.



Answer :

Answer:

Yes

Explanation:

The mechanical energy of the car is conserved, so the sum of its potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE) is constant. Assuming the picture is the one below, the car initially has an elevation of 1538 m and a speed of 15 m/s. When the car stops, its speed will be 0 m/s. The elevation at this point would be:

PE₀ + KE₀ = PE

mgh₀ + ½ mv₀² = mgh

gh₀ + ½ v₀² = gh

(9.8) (1538) + ½ (15)² = (9.8) h

h = 1549.5 m

The gas station is at an elevation of 1548 m. Therefore, the car will reach the gas station before it stops.

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