During an object's free fall, which of the following energies increases at one point in its path?

CONCEPT:

• Kinetic energy (KE): The energy possessed by a body by virtue of its motion is called kinetic energy.

\(KE = \frac{1}{2}m{v^2}\)

Where m = mass of the body and v = velocity of the body

• Potential energy (PE): The energy possessed by a body by virtue of its position or configuration is called potential energy.

\(PE = mgh\)

Where, m = mass of the body, g = acceleration due to gravity, and h = height of the body

• Conservation of energy: According to the conservation of energy, energy can’t be created or destroyed, it can only transform from one form to another.
• The total energy of the system remains constant i.e. the sum of kinetic energy + potential energy remains constant.

EXPLANATION:

• In a free fall, the total energy (T.E.) is constant that is T.E = kinetic energy + potential energy.
• When the objects fall down, their potential energy converted into kinetic energy. So the potential energy decreases and the kinetic energy increases.
• Since the total energy is constant so that the increase in kinetic energy brings down the potential energy value and vice versa.