The scenario involves potential energy and kinetic energy. The potential energy (PE) of an object at a height is calculated using the formula:
\[ \text{PE} = mgh \]
where:
- \( m \) is the mass (in kilograms),
- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately \( 9.81 , \text{m/s}^2 \)),
- \( h \) is the height above the ground.
If the student uses a 700-gram car instead of a 500-gram car, the mass \( m \) increases. Assuming the height \( h \) remains unchanged at point X, the potential energy will be greater for the 700-gram car because it has more mass.
When this car descends the track and reaches the bottom, the potential energy will be converted into kinetic energy (KE). The total mechanical energy will remain constant (neglecting any friction or air resistance), so more initial potential energy means more kinetic energy at the bottom of the track.
Therefore, the most likely outcome if the student uses a 700-gram car instead of a 500-gram car is:
A 700-gram car would have more potential energy at point X and more kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack.
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