The change in velocity during free fall is caused by the acceleration due to the gravitational force exerted by the Earth.

Yes, the magnitude of the velocity of falling objects changes during free fall due to the Earth’s gravitational attraction.

“Free fall” refers to the motion of objects falling towards the Earth under the influence of gravity alone, without any other external forces acting on them.

Objects fall towards the Earth due to the gravitational force exerted by the Earth on them.

Newton’s observations of celestial motions and his logical reasoning led to the recognition of gravitational force as a fundamental force in nature, governing the motion of objects on both terrestrial and cosmic scales.