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Gravitational Acceleration:
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Gravitational acceleration (g) is the acceleration on an object caused by the force of gravity. On Earth's surface, the standard value is approximately 9.81 m/s², which means objects accelerate at 9.81 meters per second squared when falling freely under gravity.
The calculator uses the gravitational acceleration formula:
Where:
Explanation: This calculation determines the weight force acting on an object due to Earth's gravity, using the standard gravitational constant.
Details: Understanding gravitational acceleration is fundamental in physics and engineering for calculating forces, designing structures, and analyzing motion under gravity. It's essential for everything from building construction to space mission planning.
Tips: Enter the mass of the object in kilograms. The calculator will compute the weight force using the standard gravitational acceleration of 9.81 m/s².
Q1: Why is gravitational acceleration 9.81 m/s²?
A: This value represents the average acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface, calculated from Earth's mass and radius.
Q2: Does gravitational acceleration vary by location?
A: Yes, g varies slightly depending on altitude and latitude, ranging from about 9.76 to 9.83 m/s² across Earth's surface.
Q3: How is gravitational acceleration measured?
A: It can be measured using pendulums, free-fall experiments, or gravimeters that detect tiny variations in gravitational force.
Q4: What's the difference between mass and weight?
A: Mass is the amount of matter (constant everywhere), while weight is the force of gravity acting on that mass (varies with gravitational field strength).
Q5: How does gravitational acceleration affect orbital mechanics?
A: Gravitational acceleration determines orbital velocities and trajectories for satellites and spacecraft around celestial bodies.