1. What is Gravitational Acceleration?

Gravitational acceleration (g) is the acceleration of an object due to the force of gravity. It represents the rate at which an object's velocity changes when falling freely under gravity's influence, typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s²).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gravitational acceleration formula:

Where:

• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
• \( G \) — Gravitational constant (6.674 × 10⁻¹¹ m³ kg⁻¹ s⁻²)
• \( M \) — Mass of the celestial body (kg)
• \( r \) — Distance from the center of mass (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the acceleration due to gravity at a specific distance from a celestial body's center, based on Newton's law of universal gravitation.

3. Importance of Gravitational Acceleration

Details: Gravitational acceleration is fundamental in physics and astronomy for understanding planetary motion, satellite orbits, and the behavior of objects in gravitational fields. It's crucial for space missions, geophysical studies, and understanding celestial mechanics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the gravitational constant (typically 6.674e-11), the mass of the celestial body in kilograms, and the distance from the center in meters. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Earth's gravitational acceleration?
A: Approximately 9.8 m/s² at sea level, though it varies slightly with altitude and location.

Q2: Why does gravitational acceleration decrease with distance?
A: According to the inverse-square law, gravitational force weakens with the square of the distance from the mass center.

Q3: How does mass affect gravitational acceleration?
A: Greater mass results in stronger gravitational acceleration, as shown by the direct proportionality in the formula.

Q4: What is the gravitational constant value?
A: G = 6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ m³ kg⁻¹ s⁻², a fundamental physical constant.

Q5: Can this formula be used for any celestial body?
A: Yes, it applies to planets, stars, moons, and any massive object, provided you use the correct mass and distance values.