Physics
Physics: Forces, Gravity, and Object Fall
Quick fact
All objects, regardless of their size or weight, fall at the same rate in the absence of air resistance due to gravity.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever wondered why a dropped apple always lands on the ground? It’s not just luck—it’s the power of gravity pulling everything toward Earth.
Read the full explanation
Understanding Physics: Forces, Gravity, and Object Fall
When you drop an object, it falls because gravity is pulling it toward the center of the Earth. Gravity is a force that acts between any two masses, and on Earth, this force causes objects to accelerate downward at about 9.8 meters per second squared.
A deeper explanation
Gravity is one of the four fundamental forces in nature. It is always attractive and acts over large distances. When an object falls near the surface of the Earth, it accelerates because gravity constantly increases its speed. This acceleration is known as 'free fall' and is a result of the gravitational force pulling objects toward the center of the planet.