During the free fall of an object, as it falls, what happens to its potential energy and kinetic energy?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
- When an object falls downward in free fall, its position continuously changes.
- As its height decreases, its potential energy diminishes.
- Conversely, as the object's speed increases, its kinetic energy rises.
- This occurs in accordance with the principle of conservation of energy.
- The total mechanical energy remains approximately constant.
- Energy undergoes a transformation from potential energy to kinetic energy.
- Therefore, the correct answer is that potential energy decreases while kinetic energy increases.