Acceleration due to Gravity
The acceleration g of a body near Earth's surface due to Earth's gravity; g ≈ 9.8 m/s² downward.
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Definition of g
The acceleration due to gravity g at a point is the acceleration experienced by a body in free fall at that point. Near Earth's surface, g ≈ 9.8 m/s² (downward). It varies slightly with latitude and altitude. g = GM/R² where M is Earth's mass and R is distance from centre.
✔ Key takeaway: g = GM/R²; near Earth g ≈ 9.8 m/s².
Link to simulator: The gravity simulator shows how g affects motion near a massive body.
💭 Think about this:
How would g change if you went to the Moon?