Calculate the momentum and kinetic energy of the cart before and after an inelastic collision. In your calculations, be sure to explicitly state the equations you use and what values you will be substituting to calculate the final value.   Describe the energy transfers that occur as a cart inelastically collides with an object of equal mass at rest. This should be a narrative description of the energy transfers that occur as the cart inelastically collides with a cart of equal mass. In your descriptions, address the following: What was the kinetic energy of each cart before and after the collision? What happens to the total energy of the system, now including both carts, as a result of the inelastic collision? Describe how the principle of conservation of energy is applied in this situation.

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You have been asked by your supervisors at A&L Engineering to design a roller coaster for a new theme park. Because this design is in the initial stages, you have been asked to create a track for the ride. Your coaster should have at least two peaks and two valleys, and launch from an initial height of 75 meters. Each peak and valley should represent a vertical change of at least 20 meters. In your design, you should plan for a mass between 400 and 600 kilograms.
 
Unless otherwise stated, you can ignore the effects of friction. Following your calculations, you have been asked to describe the energy transfers detailed by these equations.
 
For these calculations, assume that the cart will inelastically collide with a cart of equal mass at rest on a flat surface.
 
Calculate the momentum and kinetic energy of the cart before and after an inelastic collision. In your calculations, be sure to explicitly state the equations you use and what values you will be substituting to calculate the final value.
 
Describe the energy transfers that occur as a cart inelastically collides with an object of equal mass at rest. This should be a narrative description of the energy transfers that occur as the cart inelastically collides with a cart of equal mass. In your descriptions, address the following:
  • What was the kinetic energy of each cart before and after the collision?
  • What happens to the total energy of the system, now including both carts, as a result of the inelastic collision?
  • Describe how the principle of conservation of energy is applied in this situation.
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