Question

A freely falling object eventually stops on reaching ground. What happens to its potential and kinetic energy while falling?

• A. Potential energy decreases and Kinetic energy increases
• B. Potential energy increases and Kinetic energy increases
• C. Potential energy increases and Kinetic energy decreases
• D. None

Answer 1

The correct option is A Potential energy decreases and Kinetic energy increases

When an object release from a certain height then it starts to move toward the earth. During its motion, work is done by gravity along the direction of motion. Hence kinetic energy of the object started to increase.

Also, Potential energy is a function of height, so when the height of an object decreases, its potential also decreases.

Hence Option A.