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
- The standard value of acceleration due to gravity on Earth is $9.8 \text{ m/s}^2$.
- It is denoted by the symbol $g$.
- Acceleration due to gravity is independent of the mass of the falling object.
- In a vacuum, all objects fall at the same rate regardless of their masses if only gravity acts on them.
- 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.
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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.
