Gravity & Falling Objects

Question 1

Which statement best supports the argument that the gravitational force Earth exerts on an object is directed down toward the ground?

Accepted Answer

When a ball is released from a height, it accelerates toward the ground even though no other force is pushing it, showing that Earth's gravity pulls the ball downward.

Answer

When a rock is thrown straight up, it continues moving upward because Earth's gravity pushes it upward.

Answer

When a helium balloon rises, it moves upward because Earth's gravity pulls it up.

Answer

When a book rests on a table, it does not move because the gravitational force on the book is zero.

Question 2

When a ball is released from a window, which direction does the gravitational force that Earth exerts on the ball act?

Accepted Answer

Straight down toward the center of the Earth

Answer

In a circular path around the Earth

Answer

Straight up away from the Earth

Answer

Horizontally toward the nearest building

Question 3

A small metal ball hangs from a string that is attached to the ceiling at an angle, so the ball rests to the side of the attachment point. Which statement best describes the direction of the gravitational force that Earth exerts on the ball?

Accepted Answer

Toward the center of the Earth.

Answer

Away from the Earth, toward the ceiling.

Answer

Along the string toward the ceiling.

Answer

In the direction the ball would move if it were swinging in a circle.

Try three questions

Which statement best supports the argument that the gravitational force Earth exerts on an object is directed down toward the ground?

When a ball is released from a window, which direction does the gravitational force that Earth exerts on the ball act?

A small metal ball hangs from a string that is attached to the ceiling at an angle, so the ball rests to the side of the attachment point. Which statement best describes the direction of the gravitational force that Earth exerts on the ball?

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