A trolley runs from point P to Q along a track, as shown in the figure. At point Q, its potential energy is 50 kJ less than at point P. At point P, the trolley has kinetic energy 5 kJ. Between P and Q, the work done against friction is 10 kJ. What is the kinetic energy at point Q?
Let gravitational PE at Q be 0.
Use conservation of energy:
(GPE + KE) at Q + Work done against friction = (GPE + KE) at P
0 + KE at Q + 10k = 50k + 5k
So, KE at Q = 45 kJ