Acceleration Due to Gravity Definition
In physics, gravity is the force that attracts any two objects in the universe. At the same time, acceleration due to gravity is defined as the change in velocity attained by an object due to the gravitational force operating upon it. The SI unit used with the value of acceleration due to gravity is m/s2. Whereas, the 6.674×10−11 Nm2/kg2 is the value of the universal gravitational constant.
Table of Contents
Formula of Acceleration Due to Gravity
If you want to calculate acceleration due to gravity, you can use the formula listed below or jump to our calculator to find your answer instantly.
g = GM/ r2
Where,
G = universal gravitational constant (6.674×10−11 Nm2/kg2)
M = Mass of earth
r = Radius of the earth
Note:
To know how to find out the acceleration due to gravity, you can use our Acceleration Due To Gravity Calculator.
Example
If the moon's mass is 7.35 x 1022 kg, and a radius of the moon 1.7 x 106 m , whereas the gravitational universal constant is 6.67 x 10-11 Nm2/kg2 ,then find out the acceleration due to gravity at the Moon’s surface.
Given data
r = radius of the moon = 1.7 x 106 m
M = moon's mass = 7.35 x 1022 k
G = gravitational universal constant = 6.67 x 10-11 Nm2/kg2
To Find
Acceleration due to gravity = ?
Solution
To find out the acceleration due to gravity on moon, we will use the formula listed below:
g = GM/r2
Putting values in the formula:
g = (6.67 x 10-11 * 7.35 x 1022) / (1.7 x 106)2 = 16.19 x 10-1 = 1.62 g
The acceleration due to gravity on moon = 1.62 g
