Which phrase best describes gravitational force?

Gravitational force is best characterized as the force of attraction between masses. This fundamental force acts at a distance and is inherently attractive; it pulls objects toward one another. For example, the gravitational force is what keeps planets in orbit around the sun and causes objects to fall towards the Earth when dropped.

Understanding gravitational force as an attractive interaction helps clarify its role in various physical phenomena, such as the orbits of celestial bodies, tides, and the structure of galaxies. The strength of this force depends on the masses of the objects involved and the square of the distance between them, as described by Isaac Newton’s law of universal gravitation.

This definition helps differentiate it from other types of forces, such as those that repel or are caused by friction, ensuring a clear understanding of gravitational interactions in the context of physics.