When a body falls freely towards the earth, then its total energya) increases b) decreases c) remains constant d) first increases and then decreases

When a body falls freely towards the earth, its total energy can be analyzed step by step:

1. Initially, the body has gravitational potential energy due to its position above the ground. This potential energy is at its maximum when the body is at its highest point.

2. As the body starts to fall, its potential energy decreases because it is getting closer to the ground. At the same time, its kinetic energy increases because it is gaining speed.

3. As the body continues to fall, its potential energy decreases further, while its kinetic energy continues to increase. This is because the body is getting closer to the ground and its speed is increasing.

4. At the moment of impact with the ground, the body's potential energy is at its minimum (almost zero), and its kinetic energy is at its maximum.

Therefore, the total energy of the body decreases as it falls freely towards the earth. The correct answer is b) decreases.