- Free fall is defined as motion under the influence of gravity only. - Potential energy (PE) due to gravity is given by mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height. As an object falls, its height (h) decreases, so its potential energy decreases. - Kinetic energy (KE) is given by 0.5mv², where m is mass and v is velocity. As an object falls under gravity, its speed (v) increases (due to acceleration 'g'), so its kinetic energy increases. - In ideal free fall (neglecting air resistance), the total mechanical energy (PE + KE) is conserved. The decrease in potential energy is equal to the increase in kinetic energy.
During free fall of an object :
Asked in UPSC CAPF 2010 · Topic: Motion under Gravity (Conservation of mechanical energy in motion under gravity)
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Answer: B. its potential energy decreases and its kinetic energy increases.
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