Question

i. Define acceleration due to gravity (g) and derive an expression for it. State and explain any two factors which affect the acceleration due to gravity.​

Answer 1

What is Acceleration due to Gravity?

Acceleration due to gravity is the acceleration gained by an object due to gravitational force. Its SI unit is m/s2. It has both magnitude and direction, hence, it’s a vector quantity. Acceleration due to gravity is represented by g. The standard value of g on the surface of the earth at sea level is 9.8 m/s2.

The acceleration produced in a freely falling body by the gravitational pull of the earth is called the acceleration due to gravitation.

We know that,

Force = Mass × Acceleration

F=m×a

a= F/m …..1

Where F is the force on the object of mass m dropped from a distance r from the centre of earth of mass M.

So, force exerted by the earth on the object is