* Gravity: Gravity is a force of attraction between any two objects with mass. The Earth has a large mass, so it exerts a strong gravitational pull on objects near its surface.
* Force: Gravity acts as a force pulling the object downwards.
* Acceleration: Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. When an object falls, its velocity (speed and direction) constantly increases as gravity pulls it down. This continuous increase in velocity is acceleration.
Key points:
* Constant Acceleration: The acceleration due to gravity near the Earth's surface is approximately 9.8 m/s². This means the object's velocity increases by 9.8 meters per second every second it falls.
* Air Resistance: In real-world scenarios, air resistance opposes the object's motion. As the object falls faster, air resistance increases. Eventually, the force of air resistance equals the force of gravity, and the object reaches a terminal velocity where it no longer accelerates.
In summary: An object falls towards the Earth because of gravity, and it accelerates because gravity is a constant force acting on the object, causing its velocity to increase over time.
