An apple falling to the ground does exert a gravitational pull on the Earth, theoretically shortening the distance it falls. However, this effect is negligible compared to the Earth's mass, making it impractical to consider in physics problems. The simplification of ignoring the Earth's movement helps students focus on fundamental concepts without overwhelming them with complex calculations. Nonetheless, it's important to acknowledge that both the apple and the Earth experience gravitational forces that affect each other. Understanding this interaction can enhance comprehension of gravitational principles.
