Calculating Speed of Falling Banana - "Just Before" it Hits Ground? 1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data "A monkey drops a banana. Its weight is 1N. It falls 3 metres to the ground. What is the speed of the falling banana just before it hits the ground?" 2. Relevant equations Not sure, but I'm guessing I need to calculate the kinetic energy the banana gains (which was 3J) and the change in GPE (which was also 3J). 3. The attempt at a solution My textbook says the answer is 7.8 m/s, but I have no idea why. As I've said above, I've worked out the change in GPE and kinetic energy the banana gains, but why is the answer 7.8 m/s and how are you supposed to arrive at this solution?