Acceleration due to gravity

Definition

Acceleration due to gravity is the rate at which an object accelerates when falling freely towards a massive body, like Earth, due to gravitational pull. On Earth's surface, this value is approximately $9.8 \text{ m/s}^2$.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The standard value of acceleration due to gravity on Earth is $9.8 \text{ m/s}^2$.
2. It is denoted by the symbol $g$.
3. Acceleration due to gravity is independent of the mass of the falling object.
4. In a vacuum, all objects fall at the same rate regardless of their masses if only gravity acts on them.
5. The value of $g$ decreases with altitude and increases slightly with depth below Earth's surface.

Review Questions

• What is the standard numerical value and unit of acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface?
• Does acceleration due to gravity depend on the mass of an object? Explain.
• $\text{True or False:}$ In a vacuum, a feather and a hammer will fall at the same rate if dropped from the same height.

Related terms

Free Fall:

The motion of an object under the influence of gravitational force only.

Gravitational Force:

The force that attracts any two objects with mass towards each other.

$\text{Newton's Second Law}$: $F = ma$, where $F$ is force, $m$ is mass, and $a$ is acceleration.