What two criteria must be considered to evaluate the motion of a falling object accurately?

To accurately evaluate the motion of a falling object, the two key criteria to consider are the object's weight and its surface area. Weight is critical because it directly influences the gravitational force acting on the object, which affects how quickly it accelerates toward the ground. A heavier object experiences a stronger gravitational pull, which can lead to different falling dynamics compared to lighter objects.

Surface area also plays an important role, particularly in the context of air resistance. A larger surface area typically increases drag forces acting against the motion of the object, which can slow its descent. For example, a flat piece of paper with a large surface area will fall more slowly than a compact, heavy ball due to greater air resistance.

By analyzing both weight and surface area, one can gain insights into the behavior of the object as it falls, including factors like terminal velocity and the impact of varying shapes and materials on motion through a fluid, such as air.