The force that pulls objects downward toward Earth is called __________.

The force that pulls objects downward toward Earth is called __________.

• A. Gravity
• B. Friction
• C. Normal force
• D. Magnetism

Answer: (A)

Gravity is the pull between masses that draws objects toward each other. Near the Earth’s surface this attraction points toward the planet’s center, which we experience as downward. This force gives objects weight, W = m g, with g about 9.8 m/s². Friction opposes motion between surfaces, the normal force is the support from a surface pushing perpendicularly, and magnetism involves magnetic attraction or repulsion. So the downward pull you observe when something is released is gravity.

Gravity is the pull between masses that draws objects toward each other. Near the Earth’s surface this attraction points toward the planet’s center, which we experience as downward. This force gives objects weight, W = m g, with g about 9.8 m/s². Friction opposes motion between surfaces, the normal force is the support from a surface pushing perpendicularly, and magnetism involves magnetic attraction or repulsion. So the downward pull you observe when something is released is gravity.