Why do objects experience acceleration due to gravity?

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SUMMARY

Objects experience acceleration due to gravity based on different physical theories. According to Newton's law, acceleration (a) is defined as the force (F) divided by mass (m), resulting in a constant acceleration of approximately 10 m/s2 near the Earth's surface. In the context of general relativity, objects accelerate because spacetime itself is moving past them, altering their trajectory. This duality in understanding gravity highlights the fundamental differences between classical mechanics and relativistic physics.

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Why do objects accelerate due to gravity?
 
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It depends on the context. If you are talking first semester physics or something like that, then the acceleration is due to the force of gravity according to Newton's law: a = F/m. If you are talking more sophisticated as in general relativity, then objects accelerate because spacetime moves past them. The surface of the Earth accelerates upwards at a rate of about 10 m/s<sup>2</sup> with respect to spacetime.
 

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