* Direction: Gravity pulls objects towards the center of a larger mass (like Earth). This pull continuously changes the direction of an object's motion, causing it to follow a curved path (like a projectile or an orbiting satellite).
* Acceleration: Gravity causes objects to accelerate towards the center of a larger mass. This means gravity increases the object's speed in the direction of the pull. However, the object's overall speed can be influenced by other factors like air resistance or initial velocity.
Here are some examples:
* Throwing a ball: When you throw a ball, it initially moves in the direction you throw it. Gravity pulls the ball downwards, causing it to curve and eventually fall back to Earth.
* A satellite in orbit: A satellite in orbit is constantly falling towards Earth due to gravity. However, its sideways motion is fast enough that it constantly misses the Earth, resulting in a circular or elliptical orbit.
In summary:
* Gravity doesn't directly determine an object's speed, but it does cause it to accelerate towards the center of a larger mass.
* Gravity changes the direction of an object's motion, causing it to follow a curved path.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
