Will gravitational potential energy equal the same amount as kinetic energy?

Question

I'm doing a Physics report on a free-fall ride and the data I've recorded from it has given me a gravitational potential of 2099160 N and a kinetic of 44250 N. I know that by the time the object reaches the ground the kinetic will equal the gravitational, but do external forces have an affect or anything?  

Answer 1

Hello Gaby,

 

The very definition of the classic free-fall experiment is the absence of any other external forces except for the gravitational one, so your statement about kinetic energy equal to the gravitational potential is correct. In real life there might be some external factors i.e. air resistance significantly affecting the result.

 

Best regards,