Why are objects that fall near earths surface rarely in free fall?

Air exerts forces on falling objects near Earth's surface. The objects do not reach terminal velocity.

Explanation:

Gravity.

Explanation:

Gravity is equally distributed across the earth,so if a object,such as a meteor,falls near it,it will not only try to orbit the earth,but be pulled towards it,therefore it makes a loop around the earth and hits a certain spot,depending on its mass and velocity,not in a straight free fall.Now say it is heading directly at earth,and not at an angle,only one thing would happen.Since the object is aligned with the gravitational force,it would keep going straight,not try to orbit.Therefore,a direct impact would happen and a equally circular shock-wave will develop.

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