When an object is falling freely under gravity, its total mechanical energy (the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy) remains constant, assuming no air resistance.
- Initially, as the object falls, its potential energy decreases because its height above the ground decreases.
- At the same time, its kinetic energy increases because its velocity increases as it falls.
Thus, the total energy (sum of potential and kinetic energies) remains constant throughout the fall, as energy is conserved.