What is the primary characteristic of gravitational force?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Physics Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The primary characteristic of gravitational force is that it attracts. This fundamental force is responsible for pulling objects toward one another. For instance, the Earth attracts objects towards its center, which is why we experience weight and why objects fall to the ground when dropped. This attractive nature of gravity is universal; it affects all objects with mass, regardless of their size or distance apart, although the force becomes weaker with increasing distance.

In contrast, the other concepts do not accurately describe gravitational force. The idea of repulsion implies a force that pushes objects away from each other, which is characteristic of certain electromagnetic forces but not gravity. Neutralization refers to balancing forces or charges, which does not apply to the inherent behavior of gravity. Amplification suggests increasing the strength of a force or effect, which is also not relevant to how gravity operates. Thus, attraction is the defining feature of gravitational interaction.

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