Consider the following statements about the force of gravity: 1. It acts only on objects that are in motion. 2. It acts on objects without being in contact with them. 3. It is an attractive force. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation Gravitation is a fundamental interaction in nature that exists between any two bodies possessing mass. It is a universal force governed by Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, which states that every particle of matter in the universe attracts every other particle. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The force of gravity acts on all objects that have mass, regardless of their state of motion. It acts on stationary objects (such as a book resting on a table) just as it acts on moving objects (such as a satellite orbiting the Earth). Motion is not a condition for the gravitational force to exist. - Statement 2 is Correct. Gravity is a non-contact force, often described as an "action-at-a-distance" force. It operates through a gravitational field and does not require physical contact between the interacting bodies. For instance, the Sun exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth despite the vacuum of space separating them. - Statement 3 is Correct. Gravity is exclusively an attractive force. Unlike electrostatic or magnetic forces, which can be either attractive or repulsive depending on polarity or charge, gravity always pulls masses toward one another and never repels them. Key Takeaway Gravity is a universal, non-contact, and inherently attractive force that acts on all matter possessing mass, independent of whether the object is at rest or in motion.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 1: Force and pressure

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements about the force of gravity:

It acts only on objects that are in motion.
It acts on objects without being in contact with them.
It is an attractive force.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Gravitation is a fundamental interaction in nature that exists between any two bodies possessing mass. It is a universal force governed by Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, which states that every particle of matter in the universe attracts every other particle.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect.
The force of gravity acts on all objects that have mass, regardless of their state of motion. It acts on stationary objects (such as a book resting on a table) just as it acts on moving objects (such as a satellite orbiting the Earth). Motion is not a condition for the gravitational force to exist.
Statement 2 is Correct.
Gravity is a non-contact force, often described as an "action-at-a-distance" force. It operates through a gravitational field and does not require physical contact between the interacting bodies. For instance, the Sun exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth despite the vacuum of space separating them.
Statement 3 is Correct.
Gravity is exclusively an attractive force. Unlike electrostatic or magnetic forces, which can be either attractive or repulsive depending on polarity or charge, gravity always pulls masses toward one another and never repels them.

Key Takeaway
Gravity is a universal, non-contact, and inherently attractive force that acts on all matter possessing mass, independent of whether the object is at rest or in motion.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Force and pressure

The phenomenon of an object falling towards the Earth's surface when released is caused by:

easy

Porters often place a round piece of cloth on their heads before carrying heavy loads. What is the scientific principle behind this practice?

medium

Which one of the following principles explains why a sharp knife cuts vegetables more effectively than a blunt one?

medium

School bags are typically designed with broad straps rather than thin ones. This design feature is intended to:

easy

If the surface area over which a constant force is applied is doubled, how will the pressure exerted on that surface change?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 1: Force and pressure

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 8 Science chapters

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect.
The force of gravity acts on all objects that have mass, regardless of their state of motion. It acts on stationary objects (such as a book resting on a table) just as it acts on moving objects (such as a satellite orbiting the Earth). Motion is not a condition for the gravitational force to exist.
Statement 2 is Correct.
Gravity is a non-contact force, often described as an "action-at-a-distance" force. It operates through a gravitational field and does not require physical contact between the interacting bodies. For instance, the Sun exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth despite the vacuum of space separating them.
Statement 3 is Correct.
Gravity is exclusively an attractive force. Unlike electrostatic or magnetic forces, which can be either attractive or repulsive depending on polarity or charge, gravity always pulls masses toward one another and never repels them.

Key Takeaway
Gravity is a universal, non-contact, and inherently attractive force that acts on all matter possessing mass, independent of whether the object is at rest or in motion.