* Gravity is always acting: The Earth's gravity is constantly pulling on the object, whether it's on a table, in the air, or even in space.
* Net Force is Zero: However, when the object is resting on the table, the table itself pushes back on the object with an equal and opposite force. This force from the table is called the *normal force*. Because these forces are equal and opposite, they cancel each other out, resulting in a *net force of zero* on the object.
* No Acceleration: Since there's no net force, the object doesn't accelerate. This is why the object remains at rest on the table.
In summary:
* Gravity is *acting* on the object, but it's not the *only* force acting.
* The *net force* on the object is zero, so it doesn't accelerate.
* We often say that the *acceleration due to gravity is zero* in this case, but it's more accurate to say that the *net acceleration* is zero.
Let me know if you'd like me to explain anything further!
