As an object falls, how are kinetic and potential energy related?

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases. This is because potential energy is based on an object's height above the ground, and as the object falls, it loses height and thus potential energy. At the same time, the object gains speed and motion, leading to an increase in its kinetic energy. The sum of the object's potential and kinetic energy remains constant, however, in accordance with the law of conservation of energy.