Question

As a ball falls freely toward the ground, its total

mechanical energy
(1) decreases
(2) increases
(3) remains the same

Answer 1

(3) remains the same

Step-by-step explanation:

There is no loss or gain in mechanical energy, only a transformation of gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy as the ball falls toward the ground.

Answer 2

As a ball falls freely toward the ground, its total mechanical energy "remains the same" but it should be noted that its potential energy is decreases at this time.