The potential energy or stored energy possessed by an object relative to the earth's gravity is known as gravitational potential energy, GPE.
This energy depends on the position of the object from the earth's surface and its weight.
It is given by, GPE = mass × height × gravitational acceleration
Therefore, a heavier object has more gravitational potential compared to a lighter object at the same height.
Additionally, an object at a higher height from the surface of the earth will possess more gravitational potential energy compared to an object near the earth's surface.
In this case;
We would, therefore, conclude that when someone falls towards the earth his/her gravitational potential energy (GPE) decreases due to a decrease in height from the surface of the earth.
