Does Potential Energy Equal Kinetic Energy at the Bottom of a Hill?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that when only conservative forces, such as gravity, are considered, potential energy at the top of a hill (7,350 J) is entirely converted into kinetic energy at the bottom of the hill, resulting in 7,350 J of kinetic energy. However, if non-conservative forces like friction are present, some potential energy will be lost, preventing full conversion to kinetic energy. In this scenario, the assumption is made that friction is negligible, validating the initial claim of energy equivalence.

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Chuck Norris
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Homework Statement


Say your potential energy at the top of a hill is 7,350 J. At the bottom of the hill wouldn't the kinetic energy then be 7,350 J?


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Hi Chuck Norris,

Assuming only conservative forces (like gravity) act on the object, then yes, mechanical energy will be conserved, and all of the potential energy at the top of the hill will have been converted into kinetic energy at the bottom of the hill. However, if there are non-conservative forces, such as friction, then some of the potential energy will be wasted and not all of it will be converted into energy of motion.
 
Ok thanks that is what I thought. In the original question is says if friction can be ignored. So I believe that we are acting as if there is no friction involved. Thanks for your help.
 

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