Question

The potential energy of a freely falling object decreases continuously. What happens to the loss of potential energy?

• A. It is continuously converted into sound energy
• B. It is continuously converted into kinetic energy
• C. It is continuously destroyed
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B

It is continuously converted into kinetic energy

Explanation for the correct answer:

1. Due to the acceleration due to gravity, the velocity of the freely falling object increases while falling.
2. Thus, the kinetic energy increases whereas the potential energy decrease with the decrease in the height of the object in the case of a freely falling body.
3. We know mechanical energy is the sum of potential and kinetic energy.
4. According to the law of conservation of energy, total mechanical energy remains constant.
5. In other words, the potential energy of a freely falling object is converted into its kinetic energy.

Thus, when the potential energy of a freely falling object decreases continuously, the loss of potential energy is converted into kinetic energy