Conclusion:
As the body falls, potential energy decreases and kinetic energy increases, but their sum stays constant. Hence, mechanical energy is conserved.
For a freely falling body, the sum of kinetic energy (K) and potential energy (U) remains constant, i.e.,
K + U = constant
Let a body of mass m fall from a height h.
At position A (height = h):
K = 0, U = mghTotal energy = mgh
At position B (fallen through distance x):
K = mgx, U = mg(h − x)Total energy = mgx + mg(h − x) = mgh
At position C (on the ground):
K = mgh, U = 0Total energy = mgh