Standard Gravity Formula:
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The acceleration due to gravity (g) is the acceleration experienced by an object due to the gravitational force of a massive body like Earth. On Earth's surface, the standard value is approximately 9.81 m/s², meaning objects accelerate at this rate when falling freely.
The calculator uses Newton's second law of motion:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates gravitational acceleration by dividing the weight force by the mass of the object.
Details: Understanding gravitational acceleration is crucial for physics calculations, engineering designs, space missions, and understanding planetary motion and celestial mechanics.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and weight in newtons. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: Why is g approximately 9.81 m/s² on Earth?
A: This value represents the average gravitational acceleration at Earth's surface, calculated from Earth's mass and radius using Newton's law of universal gravitation.
Q2: Does gravity vary on Earth?
A: Yes, gravity varies slightly due to altitude, latitude, and local geological features, ranging from about 9.76 to 9.83 m/s².
Q3: What is g on other planets?
A: Gravitational acceleration differs on other celestial bodies: Moon (1.62 m/s²), Mars (3.71 m/s²), Jupiter (24.79 m/s²).
Q4: How is g measured experimentally?
A: Common methods include free-fall experiments, pendulum measurements, and using precision instruments like gravimeters.
Q5: Why is mass used instead of weight?
A: Mass is an intrinsic property of matter, while weight depends on gravitational field strength. Using mass allows for consistent calculations across different gravitational environments.