The value of g, also known as the acceleration due to gravity, is 9.81 meters per second squared (m/s²).
This value represents the rate at which objects accelerate towards the Earth due to its gravitational pull.
Here are some important points to remember about g:
- It's an approximation: The value of g varies slightly depending on factors like altitude and latitude. However, 9.81 m/s² is a widely accepted standard value.
- It's a constant: The value of g remains constant regardless of the mass of the object falling.
- It's a vector: g has both magnitude (9.81 m/s²) and direction (towards the center of the Earth).
Example:
If you drop a ball from a height, it will accelerate downwards at a rate of 9.81 m/s². This means that its velocity will increase by 9.81 meters per second every second it falls.