If the student uses a 700-gram car instead of a 500-gram car on the wooden racetrack, the most likely outcome will be that the 700-gram car will have different kinetic and potential energy characteristics compared to the 500-gram car.
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Increased Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE): If both cars are released from the same height, the 700-gram car will have more gravitational potential energy due to its greater mass. The formula for GPE is \( \text{GPE} = mgh \), where \( m \) is mass, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is height. Therefore, the 700-gram car will start with more energy before it begins to roll.
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Effect on Kinetic Energy (KE): When the car begins to move, this potential energy will be converted into kinetic energy. The formula for kinetic energy is \( \text{KE} = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \). While the mass is greater, if we assume the cars experience the same forces (friction, track conditions), the final speed of the heavier car may be less than that of the lighter car if both start from the same height. This is because, all else being equal, a heavier mass will require more force to achieve the same acceleration due to Newton's second law \( F = ma \).
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Frictional Forces: Since the 700-gram car is heavier, it will exert more force on the track, which might increase the frictional force acting against it. This could lead to the 700-gram car having less acceleration than the 500-gram car.
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Overall Performance: As a result, while the 700-gram car starts with more potential energy, it could end up moving slower or cover a different distance depending on the various forces acting on it (like friction).
In summary, using a 700-gram car could lead to it having more potential energy initially, but this might not necessarily result in a higher speed or greater distance traveled due to increased mass and potential frictional effects. The outcome will depend on multiple factors, including the shape and design of the car and the conditions of the racetrack.
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