Gravity is a natural force that attracts objects toward the center of the Earth. The strength of this attraction is expressed as acceleration due to gravity (g), which determines how fast an object falls when dropped freely near the Earth's... Read More
Gravity is a natural force that attracts objects toward the center of the Earth. The strength of this attraction is expressed as acceleration due to gravity (g), which determines how fast an object falls when dropped freely near the Earth's surface. The standard value of Earth’s gravitational acceleration is approximately 9.80 m/s². This means that every second, the velocity of a freely falling object increases by 9.80 meters per second, assuming air resistance is negligible.
The value of 9.80 m/s² is an average because gravity slightly varies depending on altitude and location. For example, it is slightly less at the equator than at the poles due to Earth’s rotation and its equatorial bulge. Gravitational acceleration is calculated using Newton’s law of universal gravitation, which states that every mass attracts every other mass with a force proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
Other options are incorrect:
7.21 m/s² is too low and does not represent Earth; it is closer to the Moon's gravity.
1.62 m/s² is the Moon's gravitational acceleration, not Earth’s.
None of these is incorrect because 9.80 m/s² is the standard accepted value for Earth.
Understanding gravitational acceleration is fundamental in physics. It explains free fall, projectile motion, weight calculations, and satellite orbits. The concept also applies in engineering, astronomy, and everyday phenomena, such as why objects fall to the ground and how gravity affects motion. By knowing Earth's gravity, students can solve problems related to velocity, force, energy, and momentum, which are key in mechanics.
Gravitational acceleration is a core concept in Physics, connecting theory with practical observations in everyday life. It illustrates the universal law that every object with mass attracts every other object, with Earth’s gravity being the most familiar example.
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