The total mechanical energy of an object is the sum of its kinetic energy and potential energy.

The total energy of the object, which is the sum of its potential and kinetic energies, remains constant throughout its fall. Despite the changes in potential and kinetic energies, their sum remains constant at all points during the fall.

The kinetic energy of the object is proportional to the square of its velocity, given by the formula ½mv^2.

As the object falls, its kinetic energy increases because its velocity increases due to the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy.

As the object falls, its potential energy decreases because it loses height relative to the reference point.