When an object is in contact with the ground, it experiences gravitational acceleration, but the net acceleration is zero due to the opposing force from the ground. This opposing force balances the weight of the object, preventing it from sinking further. While gravity continuously acts on the object, it does not result in downward movement when at rest on a solid surface. The concept of acceleration is clarified as being related to changes in motion, which do not occur when forces are balanced. Thus, while gravity is always present, the net effect on an object at rest is that it does not accelerate downward.