* Constant Acceleration: Gravity exerts a constant downward acceleration on all objects near the Earth's surface. This acceleration is approximately 9.8 m/s². It doesn't matter if the object is moving up, down, or stationary.
* Direction of Motion: The direction of an object's motion is independent of the force acting on it. When an object is thrown upwards, its initial velocity is upwards, but gravity continuously slows it down until it reaches its peak. Then, gravity pulls it back down, accelerating it downwards.
So, what's the difference then?
The difference lies in the object's initial velocity and the direction of motion:
* Falling Down: An object falling down starts with zero initial velocity, so gravity acts on it immediately, accelerating it downwards.
* Thrown Upwards: An object thrown upwards has an initial velocity upwards. Gravity acts against this velocity, slowing it down until it momentarily stops at its highest point. Then, gravity continues acting, accelerating the object back down to the ground.
In summary:
Gravity always acts downwards, accelerating objects towards the Earth's center at a constant rate. The direction of an object's motion (up or down) is determined by its initial velocity and how gravity affects it over time.
