PhysicsChapter 1: Gravitation
Acceleration Due To Gravity At Earth's Surface
The acceleration due to gravity at Earth’s surface is the acceleration a freely falling object experiences due to Earth’s gravitational fiel
Definition
The acceleration due to gravity at Earth’s surface is the acceleration a freely falling object experiences due to Earth’s gravitational field.
Formula / Key Relation
For an object of mass `m` on Earth’s surface: F = GMₑmRₑ² From Newton’s second law: F = mg Therefore: mg = GMₑmRₑ² Cancel `m`: **g = GMₑ/Rₑ² This shows that, ignoring effects such as air resistance and Earth’s rotation, gravitational acceleration is independent of the falling object’s mass. Near Earth: g ≈ 9.8 m s⁻² g = GMₑ/Rₑ²**
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Review the key facts, formulas and checks before you move on.Acceleration Due To Gravity At Earth's Surface
Sticky Notes · Quick Revision
At surface:
- `g = GM/R²`
- ≈ 0
60-second revision
- Surface gravity depends on Earth’s mass and radius.
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