Question

Why are objects that fall near Earth’s surface rarely in free fall?

Gravity does not act on objects near Earth’s surface.
Air exerts forces on falling objects near Earth’s surface.
The objects do not reach terminal velocity.
The objects can be pushed upward by gravity.

Answer 1

Objects that fall near Earth’s surface are rarely in free fall.

"Free fall" is the situation where the ONLY force on an object is
the force of gravity, and nothing else.

Objects near Earth's surface are almost always surrounded by air.
If they are falling, then the air is exerting forces on them, and they
are not in "free fall".

Answer 2

it's B. Air exerts forces on falling objects near Earth’s surface.

air force, look it up! ;)