Acceleration due to gravity

Definition

Acceleration due to gravity is the rate at which an object accelerates when falling freely under the influence of Earth's gravitational pull. Its standard value on Earth's surface is approximately $9.81 \text{ m/s}^2$.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The symbol for acceleration due to gravity is $g$.
2. Its approximate value is $9.81 \text{ m/s}^2$ on Earth.
3. Acceleration due to gravity is considered a constant in kinematic equations involving free fall near the Earth's surface.
4. It acts downward towards the center of the Earth, regardless of the object's motion direction.
5. In a vacuum, all objects fall with the same acceleration due to gravity, irrespective of their masses.

Review Questions

• What is the approximate value of acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface?
• How does acceleration due to gravity affect objects in free fall?
• Why do objects with different masses fall at the same rate in a vacuum?

Related terms

Free Fall:

The motion of an object where gravity is the only force acting upon it.

$g$:

The symbol representing acceleration due to gravity.

$v = u + gt$: A kinematic equation used to calculate final velocity ($v$) for an object in free fall, where $u$ is initial velocity and $t$ is time.