When an object is in free fall, which force primarily affects its motion?

When an object is in free fall, the primary force affecting its motion is gravity. Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth (or any other celestial body) and is responsible for the acceleration experienced by the falling object. In the absence of significant air resistance, gravity is the dominant force acting on the object, causing it to accelerate downward at approximately 9.81 meters per second squared.

While other forces can be present, such as air resistance, which opposes the motion of the object, in a true free-fall scenario, the effects of these forces are minimal compared to the influence of gravity. This means that for an object in free fall, gravity dictates the motion and trajectory, leading to the understanding that gravity is the essential force in this context.