Question

An object is falling from a terrace of height $20\text{m}$. At what point does it have the maximum kinetic energy?

• A. At the height of $20\text{m}$.
• B. At the height of $10\text{m}$.
• C. Just after hitting the ground.
• D. Just before hitting the ground.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Just before hitting the ground.

When the object is at a height of $20\text{m}$ above the ground, it has only potential energy.
Since the velocity of the object increases as it comes down, its kinetic energy will also increase. When the object is just about to touch the ground, its potential energy will become zero and the kinetic energy will be the maximum.