AP Physics Homework 32
Conservation of Energy II
Instructions: Complete these problems on separate paper. On ALL questions (yes, even multiple
choice), you must: 1) Draw a picture or diagram to visualize the problem; 2) Show each step of your
calculations clearly; and 3). Write a few sentences explaining important steps and discussing the
reasonableness of your result. It is ok to collaborate with your peers, but the work must be your own.
You must take homework seriously to learn physics
1. The waterslide shown above ends at a height of 1.50 m above the pool. If the height of the water
slide is h = 3.2 m and the person’s initial speed at point A is 0.54 m/s, what horizontal distance
from the base of the slide does the swimmer splash down in the pool?
2. A ball is attached to a horizontal cord of length L whose other end is fixed. (a) If the ball is
released, what will be its speed at the lowest point of its path? (b) A peg is located a distance h
directly below the point of attachment of the cord. If h=0.80L what will be the speed of the ball
when it reaches the top of its circular path about the peg?
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer. ~Albert Einstein
3. The roller-coaster car shown above is dragged up to point 1 where it is released from rest.
Assuming no friction, calculate the speed at points 2, 3, and 4.
Answers
These answers are provided so that you receive immediate feedback. Use them to check
your work and to assess your own understanding. If you don’t 100% understand how to reach
these answers, come in for extra help.
2a:
2 gL
2b: 1.2 gL
3: 26m/s, 12m/s, 20m/s
It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer. ~Albert Einstein