Standard Gravity Value:
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The acceleration of gravity (g) is the acceleration experienced by objects due to Earth's gravitational pull. The standard value is 9.81 m/s², meaning objects in free fall increase their velocity by 9.81 meters per second every second.
The calculator uses Newton's second law formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the gravitational force (weight) acting on an object based on its mass and the local gravitational acceleration.
Details: Understanding gravitational acceleration is fundamental in physics, engineering, and everyday applications. It's essential for calculating weight, designing structures, understanding planetary motion, and space exploration.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and gravitational acceleration in m/s². The standard Earth gravity is 9.81 m/s², but you can input different values for other planets or locations.
Q1: Why is g = 9.81 m/s² on Earth?
A: This value represents the average gravitational acceleration at Earth's surface, derived from the universal law of gravitation and Earth's mass and radius.
Q2: Does gravity vary on Earth?
A: Yes, gravity varies slightly due to altitude, latitude, and geological formations, ranging from about 9.76 to 9.83 m/s².
Q3: What is g on other planets?
A: Moon: 1.62 m/s², Mars: 3.71 m/s², Jupiter: 24.79 m/s². Each planet has different gravitational acceleration based on its mass and radius.
Q4: What's the difference between mass and weight?
A: Mass is the amount of matter (constant everywhere), while weight is the force of gravity on that mass (varies with location).
Q5: How was g first measured?
A: Galileo Galilei conducted early experiments with falling objects, but precise measurements came later with pendulums and free-fall experiments.