Multiple Choice
In introductory physics, the magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity near Earth’s surface is approximately which value?
1
views
8. Centripetal Forces & Gravitation
Acceleration Due to Gravity
Struggling with Physics?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How far would you have to be above Earth's surface for g to be ½ of its surface value?
A
8.55×108 m
B
2.64×106 m
C
9.01×106 m
D
8.13×106 m
Verified step by step guidance1
Start by understanding that the gravitational force decreases with distance from the Earth's center. The formula for gravitational acceleration at a distance r from the center of the Earth is given by: , where G is the gravitational constant and M is the mass of the Earth.
To find the distance where the gravitational acceleration is half of its surface value, set up the equation: . Here, is the gravitational acceleration at Earth's surface.
Rearrange the equation to solve for r: . Then, take the square root of both sides to find r.
Calculate the value of r using the known values: , , and .
Subtract the Earth's radius from the calculated r to find the height above Earth's surface: , where is the Earth's average radius.
5:20mWatch next
Master Acceleration Due to Gravity with a bite sized video explanation from Patrick
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Acceleration Due to Gravity practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations