Glossary
Acceleration due to gravity (g)
The acceleration experienced by an object solely due to the force of gravity, also representing the strength of the gravitational field at a given location.
Example:
On Earth, the acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s², meaning objects in free fall increase their speed by 9.8 m/s every second.
Free Fall
The motion of an object where the only force acting upon it is gravity. In this state, the object's acceleration is equal to the acceleration due to gravity.
Example:
A skydiver before deploying their parachute is in free fall, accelerating downwards until air resistance becomes significant.
Gravitational Field
The region around a massive object where other objects experience a force of attraction. Its strength depends on the mass of the object creating the field and the distance from it.
Example:
Imagine a black hole creating such a powerful gravitational field that even light can't escape its pull.
Gravitational Force (F = mg)
The force of attraction between objects due to their masses, specifically calculated as an object's mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity.
Example:
When you drop an apple, the gravitational force pulls it towards the Earth, causing it to accelerate downwards.
Kilogram (kg)
The SI unit of mass. It is a fundamental unit representing the amount of matter in an object.
Example:
A standard bag of sugar typically has a mass of one kilogram.
Mass
A measure of an object's inertia, indicating how much it resists changes in motion. It is an intrinsic property and does not change with location.
Example:
Even if you travel to Mars, your mass remains the same, though you'd feel lighter.
Newton (N)
The SI unit of force, including weight. One Newton is defined as the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram at a rate of one meter per second squared.
Example:
A small apple has a weight of approximately 1 Newton.
Weight
The force of gravity acting on an object, always directed towards the center of the gravitational field. It changes depending on the gravitational field strength.
Example:
An astronaut's weight on the Moon is significantly less than on Earth because the Moon's gravitational field is weaker.