How does gravitational force affect a mass on Earth?

Gravitational force plays a crucial role in determining how mass behaves on Earth. The force of gravity acting on an object is quantified by the equation F = m * g, where F represents the gravitational force, m is the mass of the object, and g is the acceleration due to gravity, which on Earth averages about 9.81 m/s². This equation highlights that the gravitational force acting on an object is directly proportional to its mass.

When we consider a specific mass, the gravitational force acting on it will always be computed using this relationship. Therefore, as an object's mass increases, the gravitational force acting upon it also increases proportionately, illustrating that gravity significantly influences the behavior of mass on Earth.

Regarding the other choices, the idea that gravitational force has no effect on mass is clearly inaccurate, as gravity is what gives weight to an object. The concept that gravitational force decreases with height is true but only to a minor degree within the distances relevant to everyday life; the force does not dramatically change with modest variations in height. The statement about gravitational force varying with speed is incorrect; gravitational force remains constant relative to mass and distance from the Earth's center, regardless of the speed of the mass.