Question

why are objects that fall near earths surface rarely in free fall? gravity does not act on objects near earths surface. air exerts force on falling objects near earths surface. the objects do not reach terminal velocity. the objects can be pushed upward by gravity.

Explanation:

Free fall requires no air resistance. Near Earth's surface, falling objects encounter air, which exerts an upward force (air resistance) that opposes gravity, preventing true free fall. The other options are incorrect: gravity acts on all near-surface objects, terminal velocity is a later state, and gravity only pulls downward.

Answer:

B. Air exerts forces on falling objects near Earth's surface.