Value of g

The acceleration felt by a free-falling object due to the gravitational force of the mass body is called gravitational acceleration. It is denoted by g and calculated using SI unit m/s². The value of g depends on the mass of the body and its size. Its value varies from body to body. In this article, we will learn about the value of g in physics in detail.

Acceleration due to gravity on Earth is a measure of how quickly objects fall towards the ground when dropped. It is a constant value, which is equal to 9.81 m/s² approximately. This means that any object falling freely under gravity’s influence accelerates downward at this rate every second.

• While 9.81 m/s² is the average, the exact value can vary slightly. This variation depends on altitude and the Earth’s shape.

• Gravity acts on all objects equally, regardless of their mass. This is why a feather and a hammer will hit the ground at the same time in a vacuum.

• Gravity is slightly stronger at the poles than at the equator. This is due to the Earth’s slight bulge at the equator.

• The force of gravity on an object determines its weight. More gravity means more weight.

• Gravity holds Earth’s atmosphere in place, protecting us from the vacuum of space.

The value of g varies across different planets and satellites due to differences in mass and radius. This variation is important for understanding the gravitational forces on different celestial bodies. It influences everything from the weight of objects to the behavior of their atmospheres.

Here is a list of values of g on various planets and satellites in the solar system :

From Newton’s law of universal gravitation,

Acceleration due to gravity, g = (G ×M​)/r²

Here, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the Earth, and r is the radius of the Earth.

We know,

G = 6.674×10^-11 m³/kg/s²

M = 5.972 × 10²⁴ kg

r = 6.371 × 10⁶m

Putting these values into the formula to calculate g, we have :

g = {(6.674 × 10^-11) × (5.972×10²⁴)}/ (6.371 × 10⁶)²

This calculation gives the value of g as approximately 9.81 m/s².

In conclusion, the value of g in physics changes based on location. It measures the acceleration due to gravity. On Earth, its value is about 9.8 m/s². However, g differs on other planets and moons. The value of g is very useful for scientific and engineering calculations. It influences everything from weight measurements to the orbits of satellites. Thus, g is fundamental in both theoretical and applied physics.

Also, Check

• What is the Value Of Gravitational Constant?
• Variation in Acceleration due to Gravity
• What Is the Acceleration of Free Fall?

What is the value of g on Earth?

The value of gravitational acceleration (g) on Earth is approximately 9.81 meters per second squared (m/s²).

How does g vary from planet to planet?

The value of g varies across different planets due to differences in their mass and radius. For example, g is 3.7 m/s² on Mercury and 24.79 m/s² on Jupiter.

What factors influence the value of g?

The value of g is influenced by the mass of the celestial body and its radius. A larger mass or a smaller radius results in a higher value of g.

Is the value of g constant?

The value of g is not constant and varies with altitude, depth, and geographical location due to Earth’s shape and density variations.

Why is the value of g important in physics?

The value of g is crucial for calculating forces in mechanics, understanding planetary motions, and designing structures and vehicles that operate under gravity.

What is the value of g on the Moon?

On the Moon, the value of g is about 1.62 m/s², much lower than Earth’s due to its smaller mass.

How is g measured?

The value of g can be measured using pendulums, gravimeters, and through orbital mechanics by observing the motions of satellites.