1. What is Gravitational Acceleration?

Gravitational acceleration (g) is the acceleration of an object due to the force of gravity from another object. It describes how quickly an object's velocity changes when under the influence of gravitational force alone.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gravitational acceleration formula:

Where:

• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
• \( G \) — Gravitational constant (6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ m³/kg·s²)
• \( M \) — Mass of the celestial body (kg)
• \( r \) — Distance from center of mass (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the acceleration due to gravity at a specific distance from the center of a mass, following Newton's law of universal gravitation.

3. Importance of Gravitational Acceleration

Details: Gravitational acceleration is fundamental in physics and astronomy. It determines orbital mechanics, planetary motion, and is crucial for space missions, satellite deployment, and understanding celestial dynamics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass of the celestial body in kilograms and the radius (distance from center) in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Earth's gravitational acceleration?
A: Approximately 9.80665 m/s² at sea level, though it varies slightly with latitude and altitude.

Q2: How does gravity change with altitude?
A: Gravity decreases with the square of the distance from the center of mass, so it weakens as altitude increases.

Q3: What is the gravitational constant G?
A: G = 6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ m³/kg·s², a fundamental physical constant that measures the strength of gravity.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for any celestial body?
A: Yes, it works for any mass - planets, stars, moons, or artificial objects - as long as you know the mass and radius.

Q5: Why is gravitational acceleration important in space missions?
A: It determines orbital velocities, escape velocities, and is essential for trajectory calculations and satellite positioning.