According to a computational model, which statement describes the effect decreasing the initial height of an object in free fall will have on the object?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The total energy of the object will decrease.
The total energy of the object will decrease.

The total energy of the object will remain the same.
The total energy of the object will remain the same.

The final velocity of the object will remain the same.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The total energy of the object will decrease.

When the initial height of an object in free fall is decreased, the potential energy at the start is lower, leading to a decrease in the total mechanical energy of the system (which is the sum of potential and kinetic energy). The total energy remains constant only if the system is isolated and energy is conserved, but in this scenario, decreasing the height directly reduces the potential energy.