The force by which one object attracts another.

The force by which one object attracts another.

• A. Gravity
• B. Attractive forces
• C. Magnetic forces
• D. Friction

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is that some forces pull two objects toward each other, which we call attractive forces. Saying “the force by which one object attracts another” refers to this broad idea, not any single mechanism. Gravity is one example of an attractive force, but magnets can attract as well (even though they can also repel), and electrical forces can attract or repel. Friction isn’t about attraction at all; it’s a force that resists motion between surfaces. So the best answer is the general term for forces that draw objects together—attractive forces.

The key idea here is that some forces pull two objects toward each other, which we call attractive forces. Saying “the force by which one object attracts another” refers to this broad idea, not any single mechanism. Gravity is one example of an attractive force, but magnets can attract as well (even though they can also repel), and electrical forces can attract or repel. Friction isn’t about attraction at all; it’s a force that resists motion between surfaces. So the best answer is the general term for forces that draw objects together—attractive forces.