12. We use Eq.

8-17, representing the conservation of mechanical energy (which neglects friction and other
dissipative effects).

(a) In the solution to exercise 4, we found UA = mgh (with the reference position at C). Referring
again to Fig. 8-26, we see that this is the same as U0 which implies that KA = K0 and thus that
vA = v0 .
(b) In the solution to exercise 4, we also found UB = mgh/2. In this case, we have

K0 + U0 = KB + UB


1 1 h
mv 2 + mgh = 2
mvB + mg
2 0 2 2

which leads to vB = v02 + gh.

(c) Similarly, vC = v02 + 2gh.
(d) To find the “final” height, we set Kf = 0. In this case, we have

K0 + U0 = Kf + Uf
1
mv 2 + mgh = 0 + mghf
2 0
which leads to hf = h + v02 /2g.
(e) It is evident that the above results do not depend on mass. Thus, a different mass for the coaster
must lead to the same results.