What is the role of gravity in the motion of a free-falling object?

Gravity plays a fundamental role in the motion of a free-falling object by exerting a constant force that results in a consistent acceleration towards the center of the Earth or other massive bodies. This acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.81 m/s² near the surface of the Earth. As the object falls, it accumulates speed over time, increasing its velocity at a steady rate.

This constant acceleration means that the object's speed will increase uniformly each second of its fall, leading to a quadratic increase in distance traveled. This relationship is described by the kinematic equations of motion, which indicate how distance, velocity, time, and acceleration are interconnected.

The motion of a free-falling object contrasts sharply with the concept of constant velocity or the effects of gravitational forces that do not act on the object. In the absence of other forces, like air resistance, gravity remains the sole influence acting on the object, driving it towards the Earth with increasing speed as it falls.