question_answer 18)

The potential energy of a freely falling object decreases progressively. Does this violate the law of conservation of energy? Why?

Answer:

As the potential energy of the freely falling object decreases, its kinetic energy increases on account of an increase in its velocity. The sum total of the potential energy and the kinetic energy of the object during its free fall remains the same, i.e., the total mechanical energy (potential energy + kinetic energy) remains constant. Thus, the law of conservation of energy is not violated.