Final answer:
When an object falls toward Earth, its potential energy decreases as it is converted into kinetic energy according to the conservation of energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
As an object falls toward Earth, the potential energy of the object decreases. This phenomena is described by the principle of conservation of energy, where the gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the object accelerates due to gravity. Essentially, as the object descends without friction, its gravitational potential energy changes into kinetic energy, corresponding to increasing speed, indicating that the change in kinetic energy (AKE) is equal to the negative change in potential energy due to gravity (APEg).