During free fall, when an object is released from rest, how does the gravitational force of the Earth affect its motion?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -1st)

Explanation

An object 'released from rest' has an initial velocity of zero.
In free fall, the Earth exerts a continuous downward gravitational force on the object.
According to Newton's Second Law of Motion (F=ma), this constant net force results in a constant downward acceleration (approximately 9.8 m/s²).
Because the acceleration is in the direction of motion (downwards), the object's velocity continuously increases as it falls.

Option A: Gravity is the force that initiates and accelerates motion during a fall; it does not stop it.
Option B: Maintaining velocity (zero acceleration) requires zero net force. Gravity is a constant, non-zero net force in free fall (ignoring air resistance).
Option D: Gravity acts in the same direction as the fall, which increases speed. A decreasing velocity would mean acceleration is opposite to the direction of motion.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration of an object in free fall. Show a constant downward arrow labeled 'Gravitational Force' and a series of downward velocity arrows that get progressively longer as the object falls, indicating increasing velocity.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Effects of Gravitational Force on Motion as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While a physics concept, understanding acceleration is fundamental in trauma care. The velocity of a fall directly impacts the force of injury.
A patient falling from a greater height experiences gravitational acceleration for a longer time, resulting in a higher impact velocity and a greater potential for severe injuries.
What if? If the object was falling through a thick fluid instead of air, the drag force would increase with velocity until it balanced gravity, at which point the object would stop accelerating and maintain a constant 'terminal' velocity.

How to Approach the Question

Step 1: Identify the initial condition of the object. The question states it is 'released from rest,' meaning its initial velocity is 0.
Step 2: Identify the primary force acting on the object. In 'free fall,' the dominant force is Earth's gravity, which pulls the object downwards.
Step 3: Relate force to motion. According to Newton's Second Law, a net force causes an object to accelerate in the direction of the force.
Step 4: Determine the effect on velocity. Since the object starts from rest and accelerates downwards, its downward velocity must increase over time.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -1st)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.