1. What Is Gravitational Acceleration?

Gravitational acceleration is the acceleration of an object due to the force of gravity. On Earth, this value is approximately 9.81 m/s², though it varies slightly depending on location and altitude.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( F \) — Weight force (N)
• \( m \) — Mass (kg)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s² for Earth)

Explanation: This formula calculates the weight force acting on an object with given mass under Earth's gravity.

3. Importance Of Gravitational Acceleration

Details: Understanding gravitational acceleration is fundamental in physics and engineering, affecting everything from structural design to space travel.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms. The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will compute the corresponding weight force on Earth.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is g = 9.81 m/s²?
A: This is the average gravitational acceleration at Earth's surface, determined by Earth's mass and radius.

Q2: Does gravitational acceleration vary on Earth?
A: Yes, g varies from about 9.76 m/s² to 9.83 m/s² depending on altitude and latitude.

Q3: How is g different on other planets?
A: Gravitational acceleration depends on the planet's mass and radius. For example, g ≈ 1.62 m/s² on the Moon and ≈ 3.71 m/s² on Mars.

Q4: What's the difference between mass and weight?
A: Mass is the amount of matter (constant), while weight is the force of gravity acting on that mass (varies with location).

Q5: How was g first measured?
A: Galileo Galilei conducted early experiments with falling objects, but precise measurements came later with pendulum experiments and modern instrumentation.