SSC GD 2026 PYQ — Question 22

Correct Answer: Potential energy is minimum, kinetic energy is maximum

Explanation:

According to the Law of Conservation of Mechanical Energy, when an object falls freely under gravity, its height above the ground continuously decreases. Therefore, its potential energy decreases continuously.

At the same time, the velocity of the falling object increases, causing its kinetic energy to increase continuously.

Just before the object strikes the ground, its height becomes minimum (approximately zero). Hence, its potential energy is minimum, while its velocity is maximum, making its kinetic energy maximum.

Additional Points:

In the absence of air resistance, the total mechanical energy of the falling object, which is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy, remains constant (conserved) throughout its motion.

Important Questions and Answers:

Question: What happens to the total mechanical energy of an object during free fall?
Answer: Total mechanical energy remains conserved (constant).

Question: How does the kinetic energy of an object change as it falls towards the ground?
Answer: It continuously increases.