An object is released from a large height above the ground and takes a very long time to reach the ground. The only forces exerted on the object are the force of Earth's gravity and the force of friction exerted by Earth’s atmosphere as the object falls. A graph of the object’s speed v as a function of time t is shown above. Which of the following claims best describes the force of friction exerted on the object?It is initially zero and increases until it is equal to the force of gravity. Answer A: It is initially zero and increases until it is equal to the force of gravity.
Answer B: It is initially equal to the force of gravity and decreases until it is zero.
Answer C: It is always equal to the force of gravity.
Answer D:It is always greater than the force of gravity.