1. Gravity (Force of Attraction):

* Direction: Always downwards, towards the center of the Earth.

* Magnitude: Determined by the object's mass and the strength of the gravitational field. On Earth, this is approximately 9.8 m/s².

* Effect: Gravity pulls the object downwards, causing it to accelerate.

2. Air Resistance (Drag):

* Direction: Opposite to the direction of motion (upwards).

* Magnitude: Depends on the object's shape, size, speed, and the density of the air. Larger, less streamlined objects experience greater air resistance.

* Effect: Air resistance slows the object down, opposing the acceleration due to gravity.

3. Buoyancy:

* Direction: Upwards, opposite to gravity.

* Magnitude: Determined by the object's volume, the density of the air (or fluid if the object is in water), and the acceleration due to gravity.

* Effect: Buoyancy acts to reduce the effective weight of the object. However, for most falling objects, buoyancy is very small compared to gravity.

Understanding the Interaction:

* Free Fall: In a vacuum (no air resistance), the only force acting on the object is gravity. The object accelerates at a constant rate of 9.8 m/s².

* Terminal Velocity: As an object falls, air resistance increases with speed. Eventually, the upward force of air resistance equals the downward force of gravity. At this point, the object stops accelerating and falls at a constant speed called terminal velocity.

* Factors Affecting Terminal Velocity: A heavier object will have a higher terminal velocity than a lighter object. A more streamlined object will have a higher terminal velocity than a less streamlined object.

In summary, the forces acting on a falling object are gravity pulling it downwards and air resistance pushing it upwards. The interplay between these forces determines the object's speed and acceleration.