GuideFoot - Learn Together, Grow Smarter. Logo

In Physics / High School | 2025-07-07

Why are objects that fall near Earth's surface rarely in free fall?
A. Gravity does not act on objects near Earth's surface.
B. Air exerts forces on falling objects near Earth's surface.
C. The objects do not reach terminal velocity.
D. The objects can be pushed upward by gravity.

Asked by 20275916

Answer (2)

Objects near Earth's surface are rarely in free fall because air resistance acts on them, opposing the force of gravity. This drag force means that they cannot accelerate solely due to gravity, as is the case in true free fall. Understanding the impact of air on falling objects is crucial to grasping the concept of free fall in physics. ;

Answered by GinnyAnswer | 2025-07-07

Objects near Earth's surface are rarely in free fall because air resistance acts against them, opposing the force of gravity. This drag force makes it so that they do not solely accelerate due to gravity. Therefore, the answer is B: Air exerts forces on falling objects near Earth's surface.
;

Answered by Anonymous | 2025-07-12