Motion Caused by Gravity Practice Test

A student releases a ball from rest (no initial speed) and observes that after each second it is moving faster downward than the second before. Which statement best connects the gravitational force to this observation?

Gravitational force: $F = mg$ downward

Acceleration: $a = g$ downward (constant near Earth)

A student drops a tennis ball from a balcony. As it falls, it moves downward faster and faster until it hits the ground. Which statement best explains why the ball speeds up as it falls?