Which force acts on falling objects to oppose gravity?
A. Pull
B. Air resistance
C. Acceleration
D. Terminal velocity
B. Air resistance
The force that acts on falling objects to oppose gravity is B. Air resistance.
The correct answer is B. Air resistance. Air resistance, also known as drag, is the force that opposes the motion of objects as they move through the air. When an object falls, it experiences the force of gravity pulling it downward, but it also encounters air resistance pushing against it in the opposite direction. This force increases as the object accelerates due to gravity.
To understand and determine which force acts on falling objects to oppose gravity, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify the forces at play: In this case, the main force acting on the object is gravity, which pulls it downward toward the Earth.
2. Consider other factors: In the scenario of falling objects, air resistance is a significant factor to consider. As the object moves through the air, it encounters resistance that opposes its motion.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: From the given answer choices, we can eliminate options A, C, and D. "Pull" is too vague and does not specifically relate to the situation. "Acceleration" is a result of the gravitational force, rather than opposing it. "Terminal velocity" refers to the maximum speed a falling object can reach and does not directly counteract gravity.
4. Identify the correct answer: By process of elimination, the remaining option, B, "Air resistance," is the force that opposes gravity and acts on falling objects.
In conclusion, air resistance is the force that acts on falling objects to oppose gravity.