Question

10. Which one of the following accurately describes the force of gravity?

A. The gravity acceleration is in the same direction as the force of gravity, and thus toward the center of the earth.
B. The force of gravity is slightly lower at the bottom of a mountain than it is at the top.
C. The gravity acceleration has no effect on a body moving in directly the opposite direction of the force of gravity.
D. The gravity acceleration is in the same direction as the force of gravity, and thus away from the center of the earth.

Answer 1

Answer: A

Explanation: One can instantly eliminate answer choice D as we know that gravity pulls toward the Earth. One can also eliminate answer choice C as throwing a ball up will cause it to fall back down again. Defying the force of gravity on Earth requires a tremendous amount of force, as shown in rocket launches, and the object will not escape Earth’s gravitational pull until it exits the gravitational pull completely. Finally, one can eliminate answer choice B as the force of gravity weakens as you start to exit Earth’s gravitational pull, as demonstrated by rockets dropping thrusters as they exit Earth’s atmosphere. If anything, the force of gravity should be a tiny amount stronger at the bottom of the mountain instead of the top.