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What is 'g' in physics?

Whenever an object falls towards the earth, an acceleration is involved. This acceleration is due to the earth's gravitational force. Hence it is called acceleration due to gravity. It is denoted by 'g'.

Acceleration due to gravity, g = GMc

                                                               R2

where Mc = Mass of earth

R = Radius of earth.

Thus 'g' does not depend uopon the mass of the falling object, i.e., the acceleration due to gravity is same for the freely falling bodies.

We know, g = GMc

                            R2

The SI unit of, G is Nm2/kg2 (= m3kg-1s-2)

Mc in kg and R in m.

Therefore,

Unit of g = m3kg-1s-2 x kg

                               m2

                 = m/s2

So, the S.I Unit of g is m/s2 or m/s-2.



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