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An object is said to be in free fall when it moves under the influence of:
AGravity together with air resistance
BThe force of gravity alone
CA constant applied push from a hand
DThe buoyant force of the surrounding air
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. The force of gravity alone
1. When a stone is held, gravity is balanced by the hand's force, so it stays at rest.
2. Once released, the only force acting on it is the Earth's gravitational force.
3. Whenever an object moves under the influence of gravity alone, it is in free fall.
4. Air resistance and buoyancy exist in air, so true free fall is possible only in vacuum.
_Source: Balbharati (Maharashtra Board) Class 10 Science & Technology, Ch 1 "Gravitation", p.20_
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