At the top potential energy is maximum , at the bottom kinetic energy is maximum nd on hitting the ground the kinetic energy Changes to sound nd heat energy...............

What Happens to Kinetic Energy of a Freely Falling Object?

When a freely falling object eventually stops on reaching the ground, its kinetic energy undergoes a specific transformation. Let's explore this process in detail:

- Initial Kinetic Energy: As the object falls, its potential energy gets converted into kinetic energy. The object accelerates due to gravity, increasing its kinetic energy as it falls towards the ground.

- Maximum Kinetic Energy: At the moment just before impact with the ground, the object possesses its maximum kinetic energy. This energy is a result of the acceleration due to gravity acting on the object throughout its fall.

- Conversion of Kinetic Energy: When the object comes to a stop upon reaching the ground, its kinetic energy is fully converted into other forms of energy. This energy transformation occurs as the object comes to rest, and the kinetic energy is dissipated through various mechanisms like sound, heat, and deformation of the object itself.

- Final Kinetic Energy: After the object has stopped moving, its kinetic energy is effectively zero. The energy that was once in the form of kinetic energy is now dispersed into the surroundings in the form of other types of energy.

In conclusion, the kinetic energy of a freely falling object is gradually converted into different forms of energy as it comes to a stop on reaching the ground. This process illustrates the conservation of energy principle, where energy is transformed rather than created or destroyed.