So I got this little sheet called

Shoot the Chute

To be sure you understand the preceeding question and answer, consider this one: A roller coaster is pulled to the top of a "shoot the chute" and allowed to roll down. For a bigger thrill you might wish the car to be going twice as fast at the bottom of the run. To make your wish come true, the chute should be

a) twice as high
b) three times as high
c) four times as high
d) five times as high
e) six times as high

Ok I know the answer is c but I have no idea why... can someone please explain this one to me...

1 answer

Drop in potential energy = m g h
kinetic energy at bottom = (1/2) m v^2
m g h = (1/2) m v^2
v^2 = 2 g h
v = sqrt(2 g h)
if you multiply h by 4, you get twice v