Value of g in Physics: Overview, Questions, Preparation

On earth, the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s². It is determined by the mass of the earth and the radius of the earth. It also means that the velocity of an object falling will increase the acceleration by 9.8 every second. This acceleration occurs because of gravity on the earth.

The gravity of the different objects varies due to the different masses and radiuses of the objects. Let us take a look at the gravity of the planets:

From the above chart, we can say that the gravitational accelerations of all the planets is different from each other because of the difference in their radius and mass.

The formula to calculate the acceleration due to gravity is g = GM / R²

Here, the gravitational constant is denoted as G,

The value of G is 6.674×10^-11m³kg^-1s^-2.

Mass is denoted as M,

Radius as R, and acceleration due to gravity as g.

Mass of the earth = 6 × 10²⁴

Radius = 6.4 × 10⁶

By putting these values in the formula, we get,

g= 6.67 × 10^-11 × 6 × 10²⁴ / (6.4 × 10⁶)²

So, the acceleration due to gravity on earth is 9.8 m/s^2.

Example 1) Write the value of acceleration due to gravity on earth.

Answer – By solving the equation g= 6.67 × 10^-11 × 6 × 10²⁴ / (6.4 × 10⁶)²

We will get the exact acceleration due to gravity, i.e., 9.8 m/s

Example 2) Write the formula to calculate the acceleration due to gravity.

Answer – The formula to calculate the acceleration due to gravity is g = GM / R²

Example 3) Write the acceleration due to the gravity of Jupiter and Saturn.

Answer – The acceleration due to the gravity of Jupiter and Saturn is 26.0 and 11.2, respectively.

Q: What do you mean by the acceleration due to gravity?

Q: What is the unit to measure the acceleration due to gravity?

Q: What is the value of G?

Q: What is the acceleration due to gravity-dependent on?

Q: What is the radius and the mass of the planet Neptune?