What type of force is gravitational force classified as?

Gravitational force is classified as an action-at-a-distance force because it does not require physical contact between objects to exert its influence. Instead, gravitational force acts over a distance, meaning that one object can exert a gravitational pull on another without touching it. For example, the Earth exerts gravitational force on objects at its surface, drawing them toward its center, regardless of the distance separating them. This characteristic distinguishes gravitational force from contact forces, which involve direct interaction between objects, such as frictional or elastic forces. Understanding gravitational force as an action-at-a-distance force is fundamental in physics, particularly in discussions about how mass and distance affect the strength of gravitational interactions.