Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Earth's gravity refers to the force of attraction that exists between any two objects with mass. It is responsible for keeping objects on the surface of the Earth and determining their weight.
Related terms
Gravitational field: The region around an object where its gravitational force can be felt.
Free fall: The motion of an object under the influence of only gravity, without any other forces acting upon it.
Weightlessness: A condition experienced by astronauts in space where they feel no apparent weight due to being in constant free fall around the Earth.