Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy, Average Speed and Final Speed

The blue track will have a greater average speed and will reach the bottom sooner. This is because it transforms its potential energy into kinetic energy sooner than the red track.

The red track will have a slower average speed and will reach the bottom later.

Both tracks will have the same final velocity (V_f) because the total drop for both tracks is the same. Assuming that friction is not a factor, then the final velocity will be 2.3 m/s.

If the ball starts from rest you can calculate the final velocity by using this equation:

V_f =

The acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2) = g.

The drop measured in meters = d.

If a ball is moving, you must include kinetic energy and potential energy in your calculations.