Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The acceleration due to gravity refers to the rate at which an object falls towards the Earth under the influence of gravity. It is approximately 9.8 meters per second squared (m/s²) near the surface of the Earth.
Related terms
Free Fall: This term describes the motion of an object falling under the sole influence of gravity, without any other forces acting upon it.
Terminal Velocity: Terminal velocity is reached when an object falling through a fluid (like air) can no longer accelerate and falls at a constant speed.
Projectile Motion: Projectile motion refers to the curved path followed by an object launched into the air that experiences both horizontal and vertical motion simultaneously.