What term describes the forces that pull objects toward each other?

• A. Magnetic forces
• B. Friction
• C. Attractive forces
• D. Normal forces

Answer: (C)

When objects pull toward each other, the general description is that they experience attractive forces. This captures the idea that the interaction draws objects closer, whether it's gravity pulling us toward Earth or electric/magnetic interactions between charges or magnets. Friction is a force that resists motion between surfaces, and a normal force acts perpendicular to a surface to support weight—neither of these describes pulling objects together. Magnetic forces can either attract or repel, depending on the poles involved, so they’re a specific type of force, not the broad category of forces that draw objects closer. So the term that best describes these pulling interactions is attractive forces.