Question

Using the equation for acceleration due to gravity (g), compute the

approximate value of acceleration due to gravity with the given values: mass of Earth = 6.0 x 10^24

kg and radius of Earth = 6.37 x 10^6 m. Show your Solution. Compare the value you had with the

acceleration due to gravity we use which is 9.8 m/s^2

Guide Questions: 

1. What factors control the gravitational forces that the objects exert on each other? 

2. How can the Sun’s gravitational pull account for the orbital motion of planets?

Answer 1

Applying Newton's law of universal gravitation, we get

$$g=\dfrac{GM}{R^2}=9.87\text{ m/s}^2,$$

which is a bit higher than the accepted value of 9.8 m/s².