During free fall of an object :

During the free fall of an object, its gravitational potential energy is gradually converted into kinetic energy [t1][t6]. Potential energy is defined by an object's height relative to a reference point, typically the ground; as the object falls, its height decreases, leading to a reduction in potential energy [t1][t8]. Simultaneously, the force of gravity causes the object to accelerate downwards, increasing its velocity [t1]. Since kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the velocity, the object's kinetic energy increases as it descends [t1][t5]. According to the law of conservation of energy, the total mechanical energy (the sum of potential and kinetic energy) remains constant in an isolated system, assuming air resistance is negligible [t1][t2]. Thus, the loss in potential energy is exactly balanced by the gain in kinetic energy during the fall [t2][t6].