When an object falls freely to the earth , the force of gravity is

Options

A. opposite to the direction of motion
B. along the direction of motion
C. constant
D. zero

Answer

To solve the question, "When an object falls freely to the earth, the force of gravity is," we will analyze the options provided and determine the correct answer based on the principles of gravitation.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Free Fall**:
- When an object is said to be falling freely, it means that it is moving under the influence of gravity alone, with no other forces acting on it (like air resistance).

2. **Direction of Motion**:
- The object moves downward towards the Earth due to the gravitational pull. This downward motion is the direction of the object's movement.

3. **Force of Gravity**:
- The force of gravity acting on the object is given by the formula \( F = m \cdot g \), where \( m \) is the mass of the object and \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately \( 9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2 \) near the Earth's surface).

4. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1**: Opposite to the direction of motion - This is incorrect because the force of gravity acts downward, which is the same direction as the motion of the falling object.
- **Option 2**: Along the direction of motion - This is correct because the gravitational force pulls the object downwards, which is the same direction as its fall.
- **Option 3**: Constant - This is incorrect because while the force of gravity is relatively constant near the Earth's surface, it can change slightly with altitude. However, for practical purposes in this context, it can be considered constant.
- **Option 4**: Zero - This is incorrect because if the gravitational force were zero, the object would not fall at all.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is **Option 2**: The force of gravity is along the direction of motion.