An object does not need to be in free fall to lose potential energy (PE) at the same rate it gains kinetic energy (KE). For instance, a box sliding down a frictionless ramp experiences this energy transformation. The critical factor is the absence of dissipative forces such as friction or air resistance. Additionally, the resultant force acting on an object in free fall is not zero; it is equal to the object's weight when neglecting air resistance.
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No, the object need not be in free fall--a box sliding down a frictionless ramp will also gain KE at the same rate as it loses gravitational PE. All that matters is that there's no dissipative forces like friction or air resistance.anthroxy said:Hi i was just wondering if a object loses potential energy at the same rate as it gains kinetic engergy. Does the object have to be in free fall and are all the resulting forces equal to zero at this point?