Question:medium

A freely falling object eventually stops on reaching the ground. What happenes to its kinetic energy?

Updated On: Jan 19, 2026
Show Solution

Solution and Explanation

When a freely falling object stops on reaching the ground, its kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy.

Explanation:

The kinetic energy of the object is converted into:
1. Sound energy – the noise of the impact.
2. Heat energy – due to friction and deformation.
3. Potential energy of deformation – if the object or ground gets dented or compressed.

This illustrates the law of conservation of energy: energy is not lost, it only changes from one form to another.

Was this answer helpful?
1